EVs, NFTs, and the biggest trends to watch for in 2022

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View this email in your browser  |   Manage newsletter subscriptions By Jennifer Conrad | 12.27.21 Since I started working at WIRED in May, I've learned something new pretty much every day. For the final Fast Forward of 2021, I collected some of the most-read stories of the year that will reverberate in 2022.     Need to Know in 2022 Where Are Those Shoes You Ordered? Check the Ocean Floor One of the many threats to the supply chain: High waves and overcrowded sea lanes can send containers tumbling off freight ships.   NFTs Are Hot. So Is Their Effect on the Earth's Climate When an artist realized the sale of a piece of crypto art consumed as much energy as his studio uses in two years, he began campaigning to reduce the medium's carbon emissions.   He Thought He Could Outfox the Gig Economy. He Was Wrong Jeffrey Fang was a legend in ride-hailing circles, a top earner with relentless hustle. Then his minivan was carjacked—with his kids in the back seat. As regulators and activists debate the future of the gig economy, his story is a cautionary tale.   The Ford F-150 Lightning Is the Electric Vehicle of Dystopia The automaker says the pickup's battery can power a home for three days—useful in a world of ever-increasing fires, floods, and freezes.     The Hidden Dangers of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Apps Services such as Afterpay, Affirm, and Klarna are soaring in popularity and valuation. But consumer advocates say they make it easy to get overextended.   They Rage-Quit the School System—and They're Not Going Back More people, particularly Black families, began homeschooling their children during the pandemic. They could help shape what learning looks like for everyone.   Cars Are Going Electric. What Happens to the Used Batteries? Used electric vehicle batteries are expensive to recycle and reuse—but finding a new end-of-life process for them could be the key to a transportation revolution.   Palantir's God's-Eye View of Afghanistan During the 20-year war in Afghanistan, the US Defense Department set out to build the most powerful biometrics database in the world to tag, track, and locate suspected terrorists. Now the technology is being adapted for use outside of war zones. GET WIRED HOLIDAY SALE! Get WIRED for just $10 $5. Get the print edition and exclusive subscriber-only stories. Give yourself the gift of information. Subscribe now.     Until Next Year!   Are we living in a simulation? PS: I'll be back with the next edition of Fast Forward on January 6. In the meantime, have a healthy and happy new year!             Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe here. Have questions or comments? Reply to this email.   This e-mail was sent to you by WIRED. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, wired@newsletters.wired.com, to your address book.   View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe or manage your newsletter subscriptions   Copyright © Condé Nast 2021. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.