In the ongoing battle against climate change, Kenya has emerged as a focal point for innovative solutions, particularly through a groundbreaking initiative known as the Great Carbon Valley. Launched in June of the previous year by the startup Octavia Carbon in Gilgil, south-central Kenya, this ambitious project aims to utilize geothermal energy to power machines designed for direct air capture (DAC) technology. This process is intended to efficiently and affordably extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a crucial step in combating global warming. However, despite its promise, DAC faces skepticism due to its high costs and unproven scalability, as well as historical distrust from local communities, particularly the Maasai people, towards energy companies operating in the region.
Meanwhile, the world of artificial intelligence has seen a meteoric rise in interest and terminology throughout 2025. The landscape has transformed dramatically since the start of the year, with major players like DeepSeek and Meta shifting their focus toward AI advancements rather than previous endeavors like the metaverse. This surge in AI relevance has led to a plethora of new terms and concepts that have permeated both casual conversations and professional discussions. As we reflect on the past year, it is clear that understanding these developments is essential for navigating the rapidly evolving tech environment. From groundbreaking AI applications in healthcare to ethical dilemmas surrounding data privacy, the conversation around AI continues to grow, shaping our future in profound ways.
Source: The Download: Kenya’s Great Carbon Valley, and the AI terms that were everywhere in 2025 via MIT Technology Review