
Coastal wetlands, mangroves and seagrasses are unique coastal ecosystems. They defend coasts against sea level rise by buffering storm surges and floodwaters. Mangrove forests currently hold the equivalent of more than two years of global emissions. Agroforestry practices integrate diverse trees or shrubs with crops and livestock. Low-carbon technologies such as solar panels and batteries can provide reliable, clean energy to critical services, like hospitals in remote areas that are not already connected to the grid, or experience frequent power outages, they say. Authors: Communities have protected forests that hold that hold a quarter of all above-ground carbon in tropical forests. Yet these communities legally own less than one-fifth of this land. They say these communities should improve mass transit addresses both challenges and improve transportation options to protect indigenous peoples' rights to protect their land rights and protect their rights and livelihoods. Writers: We need to improve access to their land.
Read Full articleNew green tech generates electricity from atmospheric humidity
Scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have created a device that uses a natural protein to create electricity from moisture in the air. The Air-gen connects electrodes to the protein nanowires in such a way that electrical current is generated from the water.
Read Full articleUruguay, Latin America’s renewable champion
Uruguay now produces more than 97 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources. The country has undergone a remarkable change in its energy sector in recent years. Wind farms across the country had lowered these costs by more than 200 million US dollars annually.
Read Full articleChina is investing $13 trillion in construction. Will it pursue zero carbon buildings?
China has the largest buildings market in the world, making up 20% of all construction investment globally. China is expected to spend nearly $13 trillion on buildings by 2030. Building operations are responsible for 28% of global energy-related carbon emissions.
Read Full articleSome like it hot – Is Hydrogen the answer to those needing it a little warmer?
Hydrogen is a fuel that burns up to 2800 degrees Celsius (about 700C simply burned in air) It can also be compressed and stored so has potential for transport. We need to be more clear and honest about how we talk about Hydrogen.
Read Full articleInfluencing the European Green Deal and industrial strategy: Leaders and laggards among small EU states
Finland offers free online course in Artificial Intelligence to 500m citizens. The aim is to persuade 1% of the population or 5m to take the course by the end of 2021. Sweden and the Netherlands are following in their wake.
Read Full articlePlans are nothing, planning is everything
John F. Kennedy provided the leadership to get to the moon by setting the clear target. NASA drove the plan to overcome the many constraints that existed back in 1961. To achieve net zero definitely needs vision and leadership, but it also needs a realistic plan.
Read Full articleNew report says electrification of several European sectors could slash emissions by 60%
Electrification of the transport, buildings, and industrial sectors in Europe could slash greenhouse-gas emissions by 60% between 2020 and 2050. The report outlines a plausible pathway of electrification, taking account of current levels of policy ambition in countries like the UK .
Read Full articleIndia's electricity upgrade
As of December 2019, India had installed 86 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity. India has an ambitious target of 175GW of variable renewable energy by 2022, rising to 450GW by 2030. Renewable energy resources are abundant in India.
Read Full articleEurope's sustainable future depends on accessibility of raw materials for batteries
EESC singles out accessibility of raw materials as a pressing issue. Widespread e-mobility is the next key step towards making sustainable transport possible. Only by having ongoing access to raw materials for batteries will Europe be able to move away from fossil.
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