If we continue as we are today, greenhouse gas emissions will rise to 65 billion tonnes in 2030. Even if all Paris Agreement pledges are met, this still paves the way to climate catastrophe. However, doubling global circularity from its current 8.6% would drastically improve the situation. And this is possible by 2023.
Addressing climate change requires decarbonisation of both energy supply and demand. New analysis from IRENA finds that renewable energy, energy efficiency and electrification are at the centre of the global energy transition. Not just for emission reduction, but because of cost advantages and increasing demand.
Trawler fishing releases as much CO2 from the sea bed as is emitted through global aviation. A different approach to ocean management would reduce these emissions, while preserving marine biodiversity and our supply of seafood. This requires increasing protected ocean area from its current 7% to at least 30%.
Google’s latest feature, Timelapse, compiles 24 million satellite photos taken from 1984 to 2020 into a dynamic 4D experience which shows the impacts of climate change and human behaviour. Users can see melting ice caps, receding glaciers, massive urban growth and wildfire impact on agriculture.
Drones are a potential avenue for enabling essential healthcare supplies to reach even the most remote places. Africa leads the world in drone delivery. Pilot projects there have revealed 5 key issues that need to be resolved in order to scale up via financially sustainable business models.
The cooling effect of water beneath solar panels enables them to generate electricity up to 12.5% more efficiently than rooftop or ground-mounted installations. Meanwhile, the panels’ sheltering effect from sunlight and wind protects the water from climate change impact.
