Your Undivided Attention The Crisis That United Humanity—and Why It Matters for AI
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Sep 11, 2025 Susan Solomon, an esteemed MIT environmental scientist known for her pivotal research on the ozone hole and a Nobel laureate, shares her insights on global collaboration. She recounts the remarkable unification of nations during the 1985 crisis that led to the Montreal Protocol, emphasizing how collective action can effectively tackle dire problems. Solomon draws parallels between this historic achievement and the contemporary challenges posed by AI, advocating for transparent communication and proactive governance to safeguard our future.
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The Three Ps Of Problem Solving
- Solomon names three Ps that enabled action: personal, perceptible, and practical.
- Problems that feel personal, clearly observable, and have practical fixes get solved faster.
Start Small, Scale Through Trust
- The Montreal Protocol began as a modest, incremental agreement that froze production rather than demanding immediate phase-outs.
- Slow, steady negotiation created political space to escalate commitments later.
Pay For Equity To Get Global Buy-In
- Include financial and technical assistance to developing countries to secure universal participation.
- Ensure agreements promise to cover incremental costs so poorer nations won't be exploited.
