The Navigator, Saturday, March 15, 2025
Propping up population, tariffs rattling markets, AI in meetings, the case for using your brain—and more
We’re back from speaking at and covering an incredible SXSW 2025!
This year’s conference showcased transformative insights into technology, climate change, and politics, underscoring the urgent need for adaptability. Conversations focused on integrating artificial intelligence into creative industries, highlighting both its innovative potential and concerns about increased demands on content creators. Satellite data emerged as a legitimate tool for climate resilience, offering new perspectives on addressing environmental threats from space. Experts debated geopolitical implications, particularly climate-driven tensions in the Arctic and the growing importance of climate migration.
Political discussions at the festival explored significant challenges facing contemporary democracy, emphasizing the detrimental impacts of misinformation and political polarization. Panels focused on fostering truth, transparency, and civil discourse in education and governance. Additionally, social media’s influential role in shaping consumer behavior was prominent as brands and creators grappled with balancing visibility against production complexities. Women's representation, especially in sports and leadership, also gained significant attention, highlighting persistent economic inequalities and the broader push toward inclusive, sustainable futures.
We’ll share exclusive insights and our interviews with thought leaders in attendance in our reporting over the coming weeks.
As always, thank you for making us part of your week.
People often hear “climate change” and think it’s a distant threat— but it has already begun to force millions of people to change where they live. It's also re-setting real estate and insurance markets and disrupting local governments and the services they provide. New Rules Media co-founders Marcia Stepanek and Bradley Schurman convened guests Eric Vermeiren, Director of NASDAQ ESG Advisory and disaster relief and recovery expert Gregory Witkowski for their panel, “Fleeing to Safer Ground: Climate Change-Driven Migration” at this year’s SXSW. As a valued subscriber, you have exclusive first access to the recording of our session.
Immigration Props Up Big City Metro Areas, New Census Data Shows (The Wall Street Journal)
While a surge of immigrants has ended Covid-era losses, the effect might be fleeting
Trump Tariffs Are Rattling Markets. What Financial Advisors Are Telling Clients to Do Now (Barron’s)
Investors are worried about tariffs as well as all the flip-flopping over their implementation. Here’s how advisors are guiding clients forward.
What Happens When AI Joins Every Meeting? (New York Magazine)
AI-driven meeting tools, enabled by recent advances in transcription and analysis technology, offer convenient features like automatic summaries and performance metrics, but they also introduce a form of workplace surveillance by making meeting participation quantifiable, raising questions about whether they genuinely boost productivity or merely create the illusion of it.
The case for using your brain — even if AI can think for you (Vox)
Digital dependence is reshaping our brains. But we can fight it.
Does John Thune Have a Red Line When It Comes to Trump? (Politico)
The low-drama South Dakotan has arrived at the apex of power in the Senate just as Donald Trump is exerting his own executive authority. Will Thune draw a line?
COVID Changed the World But Not Restaurants (New York Magazine)
The industry was supposed to reopen with bold new mandates. It has returned to business as usual.
Teens Are Forgoing a Classic Rite of Passage (The Atlantic)
Fewer young people are getting into relationships.
American travelers are booking fewer domestic flights in another warning sign for the economy (MarketWatch)
Airlines point to softer travel demand, offering a hint at consumer mood — which is in a tough spot right now
The Silicon Valley Christians Who Want to Build ‘Heaven on Earth’ (WIRED)
Is work religion, or is religion work? Both.