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Ask HN: What are the biggest problems we should tackle, right now?

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Re: Ask HN: What are the biggest problems we should tackle, right now?

#2

Post by AnimalMuppet »

Define "we". We on HN? We, the human race?

For the human race: Safe water, war, climate change, and better access to space are probably on the list. The insane US political climate might be up there, too.

For us on HN: Anything that you can do to make a dent in any of the above problems. Also, internet security is completely broken and needs a total re-think and re-do. We need safe access to the world's information for the several billion people who are not yet online. (For that matter, we need safe access for everyone else, too.)

Re: Ask HN: What are the biggest problems we should tackle, right now?

#3

Post by _fabio »

AnimalMuppet wrote: post #2

Define "we". We on HN? We, the human race? For the human race: Safe water, war, climate change, and better access to space are probably on the list. The insane US political climate might be up there, too. For us on HN: Anything that you can do to make a dent in any of the above problems. Also, internet security is completely broken and needs a total re-think and re-do. We need safe access to the world's information f…

We as human race, but more specifically technology folks

Edit: also, reasons for why listed problems are in higher priority than others (in your opinion), and potential solutions would be very interesting to read.

Re: Ask HN: What are the biggest problems we should tackle, right now?

#4

Post by partisan »

The biggest problem: The overwhelming dearth of original ideas.

If you have the ability and time, I would focus on AI software and robotics to provide healthcare. I heard a quote on Bloomberg saying that we will be losing a million doctors by 2020. The cause? I didn't catch that part, but my guess is retirement or because the field is no longer viable between the high malpractice insurance premiums and low reimbursement rates. The coming generations will have less access to doctors at a time when they need them the most. That's an amazing opportunity for those who can deliver healthcare at scale and at an affordable price.

Re: Ask HN: What are the biggest problems we should tackle, right now?

#5

Post by mod »

The ability to create very affordable, but quality shelter/housing. Cheap & effective materials, a solid, reusable design, small footprint, easily replaced components, etc.

Off the top of my head, this might look like:

Cement block housing, very limited plumbing (with ability to have a pitcher pump at the sink), composting toilet, some kind of simple fold-out cot/bed/hammock, small furnace/woodstove?, etc.

Make housing so simple & affordable that every single person can have a safe place to stay, even if that place is without luxury.

Re: Ask HN: What are the biggest problems we should tackle, right now?

#7

Post by jpindar »

mod wrote: post #5

The ability to create very affordable, but quality shelter/housing. Cheap & effective materials, a solid, reusable design, small footprint, easily replaced components, etc. Off the top of my head, this might look like: Cement block housing, very limited plumbing (with ability to have a pitcher pump at the sink), composting toilet, some kind of simple fold-out cot/bed/hammock, small furnace/woodstove?, etc. Make housi…

Good luck getting the government to approve that. (If you're talking about the US, anyway).
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