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Tag: Climate change

AstraZeneca’s first AI-monitored tree-planting programme

Posted on by dishanth
AstraZeneca’s first AI-monitored tree-planting programme

The Republic of Kenya is focused on regenerative action as it builds towards a more sustainable future through tree-planting—rebuilding ecosystems to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. We saw this in November 2023 where authorities granted a national holiday for the purpose of planting 100 million trees across the country, which will play a major role in regenerating its land, but also encouraging its people to take ownership of climate change.

In fact, tree planting is perhaps one of the most selfless ways to reduce climate change, by taking accountability as a nation rather than pinpointing global warming on a specific group. Implementing ways in which the population can contribute is one of the most impactful steps that gets everyone moving.

The role of AI in regenerative projects

AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical research company, is also taking on such a challenge, only technology will be instrumental in its results. At this year’s COP28 in Dubai, the organisation uncovered its latest strategy for global impact—a tree planting project that will be monitored by artificial intelligence (AI).

It’s called the AZ Forest programme andis a project in collaboration with experts at Earthbanc and the Green Planet Initiative 2050 Foundation, to cover 3,500 hectares of land across six counties of Kenya adjacent to the Rift Valley.

“The link between planetary and human health is clear. Investing in our natural world through tree planting and conservation, and limiting deforestation, are some of the most effective preventative health steps we can take,” says Juliette White, Vice President Global Sustainability, AstraZeneca. “By expanding AZ Forest to Kenya, we are progressing our commitment to deliver reforestation at scale, with a science-led approach that benefits both the environment and local communities.”

AI will play a major role in assessing the health of the plants as they establish themselves as major, carbon-sequestering organisms, which will increase biodiversity across the country. This requires a feed of data in the form of drone footage and satellite imagery to paint a full picture of the plants’ life cycle.

Also showing appreciation for the efforts of the three organisations, Her Excellency Rachel Ruto First Lady of the Republic of Kenya says: “Climate change affects us all and tackling it requires concerted action from governments, individuals, and business.

“We welcome AstraZeneca’s approach to reforestation: working with local communities to ensure economic benefits for people that match the positive impact on the planet. This initiative will contribute towards Kenya’s goal to plant 15 billion trees over the next decade.”

Particularly in tree-planting, AI can play a major role in analysis and monitoring data as they grow. So, why is it important to monitor a natural process? Firstly, we imagine this is to encourage a successful growing period for the trees—reporting the success of AstraZeneca’s overall commitment to planting 200 million trees across six continents by 2030.

“This land regeneration project in Kenya is a very exciting opportunity that we are pleased to support in collaboration with our partners,” says Tom Duncan, CEO, Earthbanc.

“Earthbanc is committed to bringing private sector climate finance to accelerate and scale reforestation to meet the challenge of climate change. The AZ Forest initiative brings significant co-benefits with its focus on circular bioeconomy, sustainable communities, ecosystem health and sustainable markets. We are looking forward to this project launch and demonstrating that we can all play a part in the global effort towards planetary regeneration.”

AstraZeneca’s global portfolio of regenerative projects

This project builds upon AstraZeneca’s efforts in Ghana and Rwanda—to name its African projects—as well as Australia, Indonesia, France, the UK, and the US.

Australia: A collaboration with Greening Australia and One Tree Planted has resulted in over four million trees being planted, aiming for a total of 25 million. This includes 260 types of native trees, aiding in the protection of vulnerable and endangered wildlife.

Indonesia: Working with One Tree Planted and Trees4Trees, the initiative has led to the planting of over three million trees. Additionally, in 2022, over 13,000 farmers participated in agroforestry activities.

Ghana: Through the “Living Lab” project, in collaboration with CBA, over three million trees have been planted to enhance ecological and community resilience.

France: At the Palace of Versailles, 450 rare oak trees, lost in the storms of 1990 and 1999, have been replanted. These oaks create habitats for various wildlife like butterflies, birds, and mammals, increasing biodiversity and rejuvenating the famous Versailles gardens.

UK: In partnership with Forestry England and Borders Forest Trust Scotland, over 470,000 trees have been planted in Scotland and England. These efforts are focused on developing high-quality woodlands, contributing to physical and mental health through additional green spaces.

US: In a joint effort with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, over 100,000 trees have been planted, restoring more than 100 km of riverside woodland areas.

 

 

 

 

Source   Sustainability

The Importance of Whale Poop to Maintain Healthy Oceans

Posted on by dishanth
The Importance of Whale Poop to Maintain Healthy Oceans

The importance of whale poop to maintain healthy oceans

Here are some fun facts about whales that I bet you didn’t know. There are two main groups of whales: baleen whales (which include humpbacks and blue whales) and toothed whales (which include orcas, belugas and sperm whales). The difference? One has teeth, and the other has fibrous ‘baleen’ plates. Another fun fact is that the Antarctic blue whale is the largest animal on the planet, weighing up to 200 tons and reaching up to 30 metres in length. These big blue whales can consume about 3600 kg of krill daily.

What I bet you didn’t know is how important whales and their poop are in sustaining marine life and minimizing the impacts of climate change. The ocean is full of whale poop which floats on the uppermost layer of the ocean’s water. Although whales will feed in deeper waters, they will poop when they swim up to the surface to breathe. Whale poop can help with the growth of phytoplankton, the tiny plants that are the foundation of the aquatic food web. Small fish and invertebrates will eat the plant-like organisms, and then the smaller animals are eaten by bigger ones.

The phytoplankton not only contribute at least 50 percent of the world’s oxygen, but they do so by capturing more than 37 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide produced. When the phytoplankton die, the carbon they captured will sink into the deep ocean, where it won’t return to the surface for thousands of years. Unfortunately, with the rise in ocean temperatures, an increase in pollution and the rise of microplastics found in the ocean, phytoplankton levels are dropping in certain parts of the world.

How do whales contribute to nutrient recycling, help to maintain healthy oceans and even increase phytoplankton levels? The process is called the “whale pump”. Whale’s poop contains nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and iron, which phytoplankton need to grow. Whales benefit the entire ocean ecosystem by creating conditions encouraging fish populations to grow.

University of Alaska Southeast researchers are testing this relationship between whale poop and climate change. They are testing whale poop and comparing, in a lab, how well phytoplankton grows in different types of feces compared with plain seawater.

To date, they have tested whale poop samples from humpbacks, harbour porpoises and grey whales and found that there was more growth in some conditions that contained whale poop. With climate change intensifying and the physical and chemical characteristics of the ocean changing, the whale pump may become even more important for bringing nutrients up from the deep.

Unfortunately, many species of whales (including the blue whale, vaquitas, the grey whale, etc.) from around the world are at risk of disappearing. Some things impacting whale populations include ship strikes, bycatch (whales being trapped in fishing nets), habitat degradation and climate change. Conservation efforts, such as international agreements, marine protected areas, and efforts to reduce entanglement in fishing gear, are helping to protect and recover some whale species.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the impact animal poop can have on climate change. Elephant dung, which sometimes has seeds in it, is helping to grow trees and restore the forest’s role as climate sinks. Whale poop has a very similar impact. It not only helps feed the entire marine ecosystem but also significantly contributes to maintaining the ocean’s role as a carbon sink. Without whales pooping in our oceans, the health and balance of the ocean’s ecosystems will be compromised. We need the oceans, the whales, and the phytoplankton to help fight against the challenges of climate change.

 

 

 

 

Source   Happy Eco News

Harnessing Carbon Mineralization: A Powerful Tool to Combat Climate Change

Posted on by dishanth
Harnessing Carbon Mineralization: A Powerful Tool to Combat Climate Change

Carbon mineralization, the process that converts carbon dioxide into solid carbonate minerals, holds immense potential to combat climate change. While it occurs naturally, humans can accelerate this process through various methods.

By refining techniques such as biochar utilization, enhanced weathering, and ocean fertilization, we can unlock the power of carbon mineralization to effectively reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.

There are many ways in which we can accelerate the amount of carbon we sequester using the process. Biochar, a form of charcoal derived from biomass, offers a sustainable solution to enhance carbon mineralization. When integrated into the soil, biochar amends its composition, enhancing its capacity to sequester carbon. The porous structure of biochar acts as a long-term reservoir, promoting carbon retention while fostering beneficial microbial activity in the soil. This method bolsters soil fertility and carbon storage, contributing to climate change mitigation and sustainable agriculture.

Enhanced weathering harnesses the natural process of rock breakdown to expedite carbon mineralization. Techniques involve accelerating rock weathering by introducing acidic or basic substances or fragmenting rocks into smaller particles. Carbon dioxide reacts with the minerals, forming stable carbonate compounds that can endure for centuries. By leveraging enhanced weathering, we can significantly augment carbon sequestration rates, offering a tangible solution to counteract rising carbon dioxide levels.

Ocean fertilization presents a compelling avenue to store carbon on a large scale. By introducing essential nutrients, such as iron or phosphorus, to the ocean, the growth of algae is enhanced. These algae act as carbon sinks, absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Subsequently, when the algae die and sink to the ocean floor, they carry the sequestered carbon along, where it can remain locked away for centuries or even longer. Ocean fertilization holds promise in its ability to mitigate climate change while fostering marine ecosystems.

Carbon mineralization represents a powerful tool in the fight against climate change, offering several noteworthy advantages over other methods:

  1. Substantial Carbon Removal: By accelerating carbon mineralization, we can remove billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually. This significant reduction in greenhouse gas concentrations would directly curb global warming and its associated impacts.
  2. Leveraging Natural Processes: Carbon mineralization harnesses and enhances naturally occurring processes. By utilizing and accelerating these processes, we minimize the need for technologically complex and energy-intensive solutions, leading to a more sustainable approach to climate change mitigation.
  3. Restoration of Carbon Balance: Historically, human activities such as deforestation and fossil fuel combustion have disrupted the carbon balance by releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon mineralization offers an opportunity to restore this balance by actively sequestering carbon and reversing the damage caused by human-induced carbon emissions.

While carbon mineralization shows tremendous promise, these are early days. Implementing carbon mineralization techniques on a large scale requires substantial investment and infrastructure development. The costs associated with establishing and maintaining these methods may present challenges, necessitating collaborative efforts from governments, private sectors, and research institutions.

It is crucial to carefully assess the potential environmental impacts of carbon mineralization techniques. For instance, ocean fertilization may disrupt marine ecosystems if not executed responsibly. Thorough environmental impact assessments and regulatory frameworks are essential to ensure the sustainable deployment of carbon mineralization methods.

Carbon mineralization offers an innovative and promising approach to mitigating climate change by actively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Through methods like biochar utilization, enhanced weathering, and ocean fertilization, we have the potential to achieve substantial carbon sequestration, restore the carbon balance, and forge a more livable planet.

 

 

 

 

Source  Happy Eco News

 

AI Tree Health Monitor Technology

Posted on by dishanth
AI Tree Health Monitor Technology

ePlant Tree Tag is an AI tree health monitor technology that monitors the health and productivity of trees. It is a small, lightweight device that is attached to the trunk of a tree.

The device collects data on a tree’s environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. It also collects data on the tree’s health, such as its growth rate and leaf water potential.

It is a new application of AI to monitor and protect the health of our ever-diminishing wild places. In the case of forests, not only do they store huge amounts of carbon, but they also provide a habitat for a diverse range of plants and animals. They also regulate the temperature of the planet and change the soil structure below the canopy, increasing water availability.

Simple Technology, New Application

Beyond the commercialized product being sold by ePlant Tree Tag, other types of AI tree health monitors will soon be available. Using common technology that is already available, more advanced versions of AI tree health monitors are being developed. Some of the technologies that will be used are simple, and some more complex, but the key is to have them be durable and long-lasting to allow longevity in the field with little maintenance.

For example, temperature sensors will use a thermistor, a type of resistor that changes its resistance depending on its temperature. The thermistor is placed in the tree’s environment, and its resistance is measured. The resistance is then converted to a temperature reading.

The humidity sensor would be a capacitive sensor, which is a type of sensor that changes its capacitance depending on the humidity of its environment. The sensor is placed in the tree’s environment, and its capacitance is measured. The capacitance is then converted to a humidity reading.

The soil moisture sensor is also a capacitance sensor but is instead placed in the soil around the tree. The sensor’s capacitance changes depending on the moisture content of the soil. This change in capacitance is then converted to a soil moisture reading.

The leaf water potential sensor is a pressure sensor that is placed in the leaves of the tree. The sensor measures the pressure of the water inside the leaves. This pressure is then converted to a leaf water potential reading.

The growth sensor is a laser sensor that measures the distance between the sensor and the tree’s trunk. The sensor is placed on the tree’s trunk, and its distance from the trunk is measured over time. This change in distance is then converted to a growth rate reading.

The data collected by an AI tree health monitor is transmitted to the cloud, where it can be accessed by users such as scientists, foresters or other parties interested in the long-term health of the forest. They can use this data to track the health and productivity of the forest. They can also use the data to identify potential problems with their trees and to take corrective action.

When deployed on a large scale in forests that may be suffering from the effects of climate change, an AI tree health monitor system would be able to provide scientists with big data that could then be used in an ai model to help plan mitigation strategies to cope with drought, increased local temperatures or other conditions that may affect the health of the forest such as forest fires.

Fire Risk

An AI tree health monitor would detect changes in the environment that could indicate a fire risk. For example, the monitor can detect changes in temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. This information can be used to predict the likelihood of a fire and to take preventive measures.

Because the tag can detect changes in the temperature and humidity of the air around the tree, in case of a fire, the unit would show a sudden increase in local temperature and then cease to function, indicating the precise location of a fire and early detection. This information can be used to track the progress of the fire and to identify areas where it has spread, but most importantly, provide early detection of a fire allowing firefighters to move in and extinguish it before it grows.

It can be used to recommend fire suppression strategies because it can detect changes in the environment that could indicate the effectiveness of different fire suppression strategies. This information can be used to choose the most effective strategy for suppressing a fire in a specific location or weather conditions.

The ePlant Tree Tag could be used to reduce the risk of fire in the first place. In a forest with a history of wildfires, an AI tree health monitor could be used to monitor the health of trees in high-risk areas. If the tags detect changes in the tree’s environment that suggest that a fire is imminent, firefighters could be dispatched to the area to take preventive measures.

In a forest that is prone to lightning strikes, for example, AI tree health monitors could be used to monitor the weather in specific locations and to alert authorities if there is a risk of a lightning strike. This information could be used to evacuate people and clear the area of flammable materials.

In a forest located near a residential area, AI tree health monitors could be used to monitor the movement of people and vehicles. If the tags detect an increase in activity in a high-risk area, this could be a sign that a fire is starting. This information could alert authorities and evacuate people from the area.

The ePlant Tree Tag and other AI tree health monitors like it are valuable tools for scientists, arborists, farmers, and other individuals who are responsible for the care of trees. It can help them to ensure that their trees are healthy, productive and safe.

 

 

 

 

Source Happy Eco News

Masdar: Using technology to power a sustainable future

Posted on by dishanth
Masdar: Using technology to power a sustainable future
Renewable energy company Masdar has been making strides towards its sustainability goals by utilising the latest technology

As a global leader in renewable energy and green hydrogen, Masdar has pioneered commercially viable solutions in clean energy, sustainable real estate and clean technology in the UAE and around the world for over a decade.

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the business is currently developing large-scale renewable energy initiatives, in a bid to drive the progression of clean technologies and further grow technology in the renewable energy sector. In doing so, Masdar is focused on creating new long-term revenue streams for the UAE.

How is Masdar utilizing technology to boost sustainable energy?

Committed to advancing clean-tech innovation, Masdar utilises technology to enhance the renewable energy sector.

Masdar hosts a range of wind farms in its offshore project portfolio, including sites in London Array and the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm in the United Kingdom. The business has also partnered with Hywind Scotland, the world’s first floating offshore wind farm.

Additionally, Masdar deploys solar photovoltaic (PV) technology in utility-scale and off-grid solar power plants and rooftop systems, including monocrystalline silicon panels, polycrystalline silicon panels, and thin-film panels.

Depending on the solar potential, geographical location, and financial requirements of a specific solar PV project, a suitable PV system is implemented to meet the project’s needs.

Likewise, concentrated solar power (CSP) systems – which use mirrors to focus a large area of sunlight onto much smaller areas – are used to convert concentrated light into heat, to drive a heat engine connected to an electrical power generator. CSP systems have become known as a promising solar power technology for large-scale power generation.

When CSP and thermal energy storage (TES) are used together, it is capable of producing constant power for up to 24 hours a day.

Masdar’s sustainability commitments

With the aim of investing and actively supporting the development of young people, Masdar strives to help support the sustainability leaders of tomorrow through its Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S).

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi invested in the initiative, ensuring it aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to bolster the nation’s sustainability efforts.

By 2030, Y4S aims to reach up to one million youth, creating awareness of the skills needed for future jobs in sustainability.

 

 

 

 

Source Sustainability

Indigenous Seaweed Farming: Kwiakah First Nation

Posted on by dishanth
Indigenous Seaweed Farming: Kwiakah First Nation

Indigenous Seaweed Farming

There are several reasons why the Kwiakah are taking this approach. First, they want to ensure that kelp forests are available for future generations. Second, they want to protect the marine environment. Third, they want to create a sustainable economic future for their community.

The Kwiakah’s approach to indigenous seaweed farming is based on their traditional knowledge and values. The band has a long history of living off the land and sea. They know the importance of protecting the environment, and they are committed to creating a sustainable future for their community.

Kelp cultivation has a number of environmental benefits. Kelp forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps to mitigate climate change. Kelp also provides a habitat for a variety of marine life. In addition, kelp can be used to produce various products, including food, fertilizer, and biofuel.

Kelp forests are facing a number of challenges, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Climate change is causing the ocean to become warmer and more acidic, which is making it difficult for kelp to grow. Pollution from runoff from farms and cities is also harming kelp forests. Overfishing is another major threat to kelp forests.

But despite these challenges, growing and harvesting kelp is worth the struggle for the economic benefits it provides.

 

Jobs and Economic Opportunities

The Kwiakah are using their unique approach to indigenous seaweed farming to create a sustainable future for their community. The band is repurposing an old fish farm into a kelp farm. The farm will be used to grow kelp for food, fertilizer, and biofuel. The Kwiakah are also working to educate the public about the importance of kelp forests and the need to conserve them.

Kelp cultivation creates jobs and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities. Indigenous seaweed farming is a relatively new industry, but it is growing rapidly. As the demand for kelp products increases, more people will be needed to grow, harvest, and process kelp. This could provide much-needed jobs for Indigenous communities, many of which have high unemployment rates.

On Eastern Long Island in New York, Shinnecock First Nation kelp farmers began planting kelp in December of 2021. They started small, with a manageable 20 spools of kelp and a year later, they had harvested 100 pounds. Most of the first batch was dried and sold as a natural fertilizer. They then donated excess spores to be used to help start other kelp farms. They have now expanded their operations from 20 spools of kelp to 200.

Since beginning operations, Shinnecock First Nation members have noticed that the water appears clearer, and wildlife are now returning. The group plans on hiring additional farmers from the nation bringing economic prosperity and stability to people that have been marginalized for too long.

 

Additional Thoughts

In addition to the environmental benefits of kelp cultivation, the Kwiakah’s approach also has the potential to create jobs and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities. Indigenous seaweed farming is a relatively new industry, but it is growing rapidly. As the demand for kelp products increases, more people will be needed to grow, harvest, and process kelp. This could provide much-needed jobs for Indigenous communities, many of which have high unemployment rates.

The Kwiakah’s approach to indigenous seaweed farming is an example of how Indigenous communities can use their traditional knowledge and values to create a sustainable future. By taking a slow, intentional approach and focusing on conservation, the Kwiakah ensure that kelp forests will be available for future generations. This is an important lesson for other Indigenous communities who are considering entering the kelp cultivation industry.

 

 

 

 

Source  Happy Eco News

Atmosphere to Water Generators: Veggies in the Desert

Posted on by dishanth
Atmosphere to Water Generators: Veggies in the Desert

The world is facing a water crisis. Atmosphere to Water Generators (AWGs) can help alleviate this problem in hot, dry locations.

As the population grows and climate change intensifies, water resources have become increasingly unpredictable and erratic. In arid environments, such as deserts, water is especially scarce. This is a major challenge for agriculture, as water is essential for growing food.

There has been growing interest in developing new technologies to produce water from air in recent years. The idea is not new; throughout history, ancient cultures have used dew fences and other passive means to harvest moisture from the air – even the very dry air of deserts. A quick look online shows several free or near-to-free ways to generate water, such as Kumulus water generators; solar-powered machines capable of producing 20 to 30 liters of healthy drinking water daily.

A new study published in Cell Reports Physical Science has demonstrated the potential of Atmosphere to Water Generators to produce water in arid environments using waste heat from solar panels. With SolarAtmosphere to Water Generators, it may be possible to grow food in the desert without relying on scarce freshwater resources. This could address the global water crisis and provide food security for a growing population.

 

How Atmosphere to Water Generators Work

Atmosphere to Water Generators work by using the heat from sunlight to evaporate water from the air. The water vapor is then condensed into liquid water. The process of evaporation requires energy, and the heat from sunlight provides this energy. The water vapor is then condensed into liquid water by cooling it down. This can be done by passing the water vapor through a cold pipe or by using a fan to blow cold air over it.

Atmosphere to Water Generators are typically made up of two main components: a solar collector and a condenser. The solar collector is used to collect the heat from sunlight. The condenser is used to condense the water vapor into liquid water.

 

Solar First then Water

In the system explained by the Cell Reports Physical Science study, the system was first designed to enable solar panels to work more efficiently; water production was just a happy byproduct.

Solar panels have been getting better and cheaper in recent years, but overall they still are relatively inefficient. This inefficiency is made worse by heat – a big problem for systems located in very hot deserts. Further, just like any other piece of electronics, a solar panel lasts longer when kept cool, which is also a problem in a harsh desert environment.

The solution was to coat the back of the panels with hydrogel, a product that absorbs water from the air at night, then releases it through evaporation as it heats during the day. As the water evaporates, it cools the solar panels making them work more efficiently and last longer.

This evaporated water is then captured and saved for crop irrigation. Deserts are places of extreme heat – daytime temperatures are hot, but nighttimes are very cool, making them the perfect place to maximize the performance of a system like this.

The study found that Solar Atmosphere to Water Generators can produce up to 1.5 liters of water per day per square meter of solar cell area. This is enough water to support the growth of vegetables in a desert environment.

The study’s findings can potentially revolutionize agriculture in arid environments, said the authors.

 

Challenges and Opportunities

There are a number of challenges that need to be addressed before Atmosphere to Water Generators can be widely adopted. One challenge is the cost. They are still relatively expensive, but the cost is expected to come down as the technology is developed further and the costs may be negligible when included in the design and commissioning of a large solar farm. More so when combined with the benefits of increased solar panel efficiency and lifespan.

Another challenge is efficiency. Solar Atmosphere to Water Generators are not yet as efficient as other methods of water production, such as desalination. However, due to the fact is essentially a passive system with very little maintenance and low cost, the efficiency of Solar Atmosphere to Water Generators is not as important as other types, and of course, the cost is expected to improve as the technology is developed further.

Despite these challenges, Solar Atmosphere to Water Generators have the potential to make a significant contribution to solving the global water crisis. With continued research and development, they could become a major water source for agriculture in arid environments.

 

 

 

 

Source  Happy Eco News

Solar-Powered Honey: How Agrivoltaics Can Help Restore Pollinators

Posted on by dishanth
Solar-Powered Honey: How Agrivoltaics Can Help Restore Pollinators

The plight of pollinators.

Climate change and human development have greatly impacted large varieties of plants and animals. From big to small, no species has been entirely safe from the consequences of our actions.

Pollinators, in particular, have seen a large decline over the past twenty years. As habitat loss has accelerated, climate change has affected historical ranges, and pesticides have become more common.

While most pollinators are quite small, they greatly impact all of us as they help disperse pollen, allowing plants to reproduce.

As land use has contributed to habitat loss for these pollinators, there has been considerable opposition to introducing solar panels and arrays to areas with considerable numbers of these small creatures.

This brings agriculture proponents into an uneasy alliance with ecological activists, as agriculture proponents also don’t want their profits to decline as land is used for a different purpose.

However, a solution to both of these issues can be found in agrivoltaics, which is a promising alternative to single-use solar arrays.

Minnesota is showing an alternative.

Pollinators living alongside solar systems have found significant promise in Minnesota, USA. A 2016 law set up the Habitat Friendly Solar program, which incentives property developers and solar companies to build arrays with benefits for songbirds and pollinators.

This is in stark contrast to solar development in the 2000s. As a result of the high price at the time of solar panels, solar companies sought to cut costs anywhere they could. As a result, in their solar installations, they put in gravel instead of flowers or field grass due to the price being lower.

However, due to new research, solar developers have found that vegetation creates a cooling microclimate that benefits energy efficiency. They have since been putting in clover and other field grasses under and alongside their panels, but even now, they are putting in higher-rising flowers.

Connexus is a solar cooperative that has been operating in Minnesota, and have said that “It started with our headquarters solar array — initially designed to utilize class 5 gravel under and around the panels, we worked with Connexus member Prairie Restorations to design a low-growing, flowering meadow under and around the panels.”

These changes also have other ecological benefits, as some environmental advocates are promoting the planting of the native northern tallgrass prairie, which has declined to represent 1% of the land in the US since European settlement.

This could change the solar industry as a whole.

These changes to how solar arrays are installed represent a significant alliance between solar developers, natural conservation groups, and agriculture advocates.

These changes are a branch of agrivoltaics that advocates combining solar arrays and agriculture. These developments show that agriculture, pollinator habitat restoration, and solar energy are not mutually exclusive.

It is possible to have the best of these worlds combined, and it is, in fact, beneficial to all parties involved. The solar panels provide shade for specific species of plants and animals that are better suited to being out of the sun for part of the time, and the plants enhance solar panel efficiency.

In the transition to solar energy, it’s incredibly important that the development isn’t harmful to existing food production and ecology goals.

 

 

 

 

Source  Happy Eco News

According To New Study, Dust Absorbed By Phytoplankton Benefits Them

Posted on by dishanth
According To New Study, Dust Absorbed By Phytoplankton Benefits Them

Carbon prevention or carbon capture?

A significant amount of the conversation surrounding climate change concerns the release of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. While this is important, the priority is most concerned with reducing or eliminating fossil fuel emissions.

While achieving this goal is paramount in creating a clean, eco-friendly world, the topic of carbon sequestration has been under the radar until recently. When most think of carbon sequestration, they imagine carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology or think of trees.

Both are valuable and productive carbon sequesters; however, they are not the only areas or mechanisms useful for reducing carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Our world’s oceans are single-handedly the largest carbon sinks we have, and many marine organisms participate in this important process.

Phytoplankton makes up an important role in carbon deposition onto the ocean floor. In recent years, they have been thriving due to mass amounts of dust being created and deposited.

Carbon sinks and carbon eaters.

In the ocean, there are multitudes of different organisms sequestering carbon. Seagrass is one of the largest carbon sequesters and provides large habitats for other fish and marine animals to thrive in.

However, despite the outsize role that some marine organisms play in carbon sequestration, phytoplankton also makes up a key role.

Phytoplankton generally pulls up their nutrients from the ocean and use those nutrients to turn carbon dioxide into organic matter, which then gets deposited back onto the ocean floor.

Due to climate change-induced wildfires and natural disasters, phytoplankton have been thriving in recent years. According to a new study published in Science Magazine and led by Toby Westberry out of Oregon State University, there is a direct correlation between the amount of dust being brought into the ocean and the numbers and health of phytoplankton in the area.

They used satellite imaging to observe the differences in the coloration of the water before and after a major dust storm or wildfire occurred. They noticed that the water in the affected areas began to turn green, indicating larger numbers of phytoplankton.

The researchers also found that depending on the altitude of the marine environment, there is an observed difference in the health and numbers of phytoplankton. In lower altitude areas, there were fewer phytoplankton despite being healthy, and in higher altitude areas, there were more phytoplankton as well as being more healthy.

It all adds up.

Phytoplankton, while important, doesn’t make up as much of an impact on climate sequestration as one might hope. This is because dust-related phytoplankton growth only makes up 4.5% of the global yearly carbon dioxide absorbed by the ocean. Though, in some areas, the amount of carbon absorbed can reach highs of 40% of the total amount.

Nonetheless, It is important to be aware of the multitudes of different ways carbon sequestration can occur. These systems are large and complex and take up many different forms. To address the issue of storing carbon and removing it from our atmosphere, we must understand it won’t be a “one-size-fits-all” approach that is successful. It will take multiple different mechanisms working together and complementing each other to save our world. Phytoplankton, it seems, will be playing an important role in this.

 

 

 

 

Source Happy Eco News

Formula One Moves Towards Sustainable Fuel

Posted on by dishanth
Formula One Moves Towards Sustainable Fuel

Motorsport has been an object of fascination and admiration for fans worldwide for more than one hundred years. Since cars have taken to the streets, people have been keen on racing them. This has evolved over the years as automobile technology has developed and become more sophisticated, with the cars racing at the highest levels routinely clocking more than two hundred miles per hour.

Formula Races exemplifies the best of the best when it comes to motorsport, their races taking place around the world to tens of thousands of adoring fans. As we continue the green transition, however, motorsport has been subject to more and more scrutiny as an easily recognizable symbol of the idolization of fossil fuel burning.

The races incur massive environmental costs from the fuel the cars burn, the transportation of the racecars, drivers and support teams, and the fans who flock each year to each city the races take place in. A massive spectacle, yes, but a costly one for the ecosystem nonetheless. The Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA), Formula One’s governing body, recognizes this. Since 2019, the FIA has been taking steps to prove that there doesn’t need to be a contradiction between the joy of racing and watching races and the environment.

The FIA has been keeping a close eye on the changing attitudes towards racing and the costs it has for the environment. That is why, in November 2019, F1 and the FIA announced plans to become fully carbon-neutral by the end of 2030.

The plans for this transition are already underway, and the beginning of this transition will start with F2 and F3. Starting with the sprint race in Bahrain for the 2023 season, F2 and F3 cars will use a 45% blend of conventional fossil fuel and 55% “Advanced Sustainable Fuel.” By 2027, the feeder series will use a sustainable carbon-captured fuel called e-fuel. In regards to sustainable fuels, generally, there are two types. There is biofuel, created out of the waste materials of plants and other biomass, and e-fuel, created by carbon capture technology either from the atmosphere or directly from a smokestack.

Carbon capture fuel technology is in the very early stages of development, and the F2 and F3 races will be the first large-scale application of such a technology. The reason why this is important is because of the amount of clout the FIA has and the attention that their races get.

It is currently impractical for e-fuel to be used in conventional automobiles; however, e-fuel has incredibly promising potential in heavy transport, airline, and maritime industries. By successfully utilizing and drawing attention to this new option regarding fuel technology, proof will be established that it can be done and be economically viable for other companies as well. However, there are concerns to be had about the production of e-fuel regardless. Suppose the energy that is being used to power the carbon capture technology comes from fossil fuels. In that case, the environmental cost isn’t being reduced but moved further up the supply chain. As mentioned before, the main market for e-fuel is in commercial and industrial applications, not regular vehicles.

Despite the challenges presented by climate change, racing continues to be an exhilarating sport to participate in and watch. Proving that it is possible to go green and keep racing ensures the sport’s longevity for the next generation and those to follow. The massive amount of attention the Formula races garner shows that there is still considerable interest in the sport.

With the debut of Formula E, showcasing the racing of electric vehicles, perhaps that will become the mainstay for Formula as we continue to transition towards a green economy. For the time being, it is hope-inspiring to see that even in a sport almost entirely dedicated to the burning of fossil fuels, they are still attempting to make positive environmental changes.

 

 

 

 

Source Happy Eco News