Whispers of the Engineered Savannah by Amani Deng

An ancestral vessel echoes a modern warning.

What if progress became the source of our undoing?

Whispers of the Engineered Savannah: A speculative artifact reveals the hidden costs of unchecked technological advancement in a world grappling with ecological collapse and geopolitical fragmentation.

Deng_5532, South Sudan

Description

Explore the intersection of biotechnology and global instability, focusing on the unforeseen ecological impacts of synthetic organisms. This speculative design presents a tangible consequence of relying on AI-driven solutions for complex global issues. Drawing from narratives of resilience, the work weaves together seemingly disparate influences—modern biotechnology, cultural heritage, and digital interaction—to question our assumptions about technological progress. The sensory presentation is designed to be metaphorical but with an undercurrent of political awareness for a grounded experience.

Context

The world is fractured. Global institutions are relics, and nation-states struggle amidst resource scarcity and ecological disasters. South Sudan, once a beacon of resilience, now grapples with the unforeseen consequences of relying on external technological solutions. Traditional knowledge coexists uneasily with the remnants of failed advancements. The inhabitants, deeply connected to their cultural heritage, navigate a landscape scarred by both natural and artificial catastrophes, their daily lives a blend of ancient practices and the adaptation to the changing times.

Provocation

This project is a cautionary tale about unintended consequences. It's crucial to consider the systemic impacts of biotechnology. We must critically assess the current trajectory of relying solely on AI for solutions. The core question is: How can we balance technological progress with genuine ecological and social responsibility?

Deng_5532's process

Deng's process, rooted in social media analysis, gaming culture, and South Sudanese oral traditions, explores biotechnology's geopolitical future. Inspired by cultural motifs of resilience, Deng combines academic research with trend analysis, creating detailed scenarios that serve as tangible future reflections. The visual and metaphorical language in their work translates abstract concepts from biotechnology and international relations into a sensory narrative. It's a speculative exploration of the future shaped by both global changes and local cultural understandings.

More about Deng_5532

Events leading to ‘Whispers of the Engineered Savannah’

2024: AI algorithms begin designing synthetic organisms for enhanced biofuel production.

2027: Initial deployment of AI-designed biofuel organisms shows promising results in controlled environments.

2029: Growing distrust in international institutions hinders global monitoring of biofuel organism deployment.

2030: First reports of unintended ecological impacts emerge from areas with widespread biofuel organism use.

2031: Economic instability due to biofuel market volatility causes funding cuts for safety research.

2032: Rogue algae strain contaminates major water sources in South Sudan, causing ecological disruption.

Imagined Future Scenarios Considered

Deng_5532 considered the following imagined future scenarios while working on this project

Growing distrust of international institutions fuels the fragmentation of global governance and cooperation on issues like trade and climate change.

Extrapolated from Is South Africa ‘confiscating land’, targeting some groups as Trump claims? - Al Jazeera English

Artificial wombs become viable, gestating human fetuses outside the body, fundamentally altering reproductive norms and parental roles.

Extrapolated from A Trump Pivot Away From Europe? Not So Fast: The Plunder Is Too Lucrative for American Plutocrats - Nakedcapitalism.com

AI systems will design synthetic organisms with enhanced metabolic capabilities for biofuel production, addressing energy sustainability challenges.

Extrapolated from Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence - Vatican.va

Synthetic biology enables the creation of artificial organs tailored for individual patients, eliminating transplant waitlists.

Extrapolated from Wultra Secures €3M to Protect Financial Institutions from Quantum Threats - Next Big Future

AI algorithms will optimize CRISPR-based gene editing tools to target and correct genetic defects with unprecedented precision, revolutionizing disease treatment.

Extrapolated from Note on the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence - Vatican.va

A newly formed alliance of non-state actors uses advanced drone technology to disrupt oil production across the middle east region with precision strikes.

Extrapolated from Did Israel “win” the post-October 7 war? - Vox

Hypothetical Product Ideas Considered

Deng_5532 considered the following hypothetical product ideas while working on this project

Genetic Data Firewall

A blockchain-based platform that empowers individuals to control and protect their genomic data from misuse or exploitation. It provides secure storage, transparent data sharing agreements, and tools to monitor and audit the use of personal genetic information. This aims to address the widespread mistrust and privacy concerns following the collapse of AI-driven gene editing.

Emergency Energy Pods (EEP)

Self-contained, portable energy generation and storage units powered by solar and kinetic energy. Designed for rapid deployment to communities without power, providing essential electricity for lighting, communication, and medical devices during civil unrest.

Bio-Contamination Early Warning System (BC-EWS)

A distributed sensor network that monitors environmental conditions for escaped engineered biological materials from synthetic organ production and use. The system uses AI to analyze real-time data and provide early warnings of potential contamination, offering a rapid response mechanism to contain outbreaks and prevent ecological damage.

Womb Fail-Safe Data Vault

An offline, global, and secure data archive designed to protect critical developmental data for artificially gestated fetuses in the event of a systemic failure. Employs decentralized storage using blockchain technology and can be downloaded and replicated to new facilities. This can be accessed during critical womb failure or damage, allowing for the transfer of fetuses to save lives. The blockchain ensures that data is tamper-proof and verifiable.

Resilience Pod Network

Modular, self-sufficient living units designed for rapid deployment in disaster zones or areas experiencing societal breakdown. Equipped with renewable energy, water purification, food production capabilities, and communication tools, facilitating survival and community building. Available on a subscription or emergency deployment basis.

Autonomous Fetal Transport Drones

Drone-based system for rapidly transporting fetuses or supplies between artificial womb facilities in the event of localized infrastructure failures. Designed for off-grid operation and equipped with backup power, sensor packages, and navigation technology to rapidly transport fetal remains or even allow for fetal transplants.

Rapid Response Containment Teams (REACT)

Globally distributed, rapidly deployable teams equipped to contain and neutralize escaped or unstable synthetic organisms used in biofuel production. They would have specialized equipment, trained personnel, and pre-approved protocols for containment and remediation. A global early warning system constantly monitors organism spread.

Adaptive Bio-Defense Systems

Rapid-deployment, community-based diagnostic and response system that can quickly identify and neutralize emergent threats arising from unintended gene-editing consequences (e.g., engineered viruses, altered pathogens). Emphasizes decentralized, open-source solutions and local manufacturing to circumvent broken global supply chains and restore confidence in public health.

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