Part 5/11:
A significant part of McCoy’s exploration revolves around Universal Basic Income, a concept with historical roots dating back to the 18th century but gaining renewed relevance today. She explains that UBI is an economic safety net where citizens receive a regular income regardless of employment status, intended to address the inevitable unemployment caused by AI automation.
Studies from countries like Finland, Kenya, and Brazil indicate that UBI can improve overall health, reduce stress, empower vulnerable populations—especially women and children—and facilitate the transition to better employment opportunities. McCoy advocates that in a world dominated by AI-driven productivity, UBI could be financed through taxes levied on corporations that benefit most from automation, not individuals.