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Environment and development AL-BIA WAL-TANMIA Leading Arabic Environment Magazine

314 - May 2024
Editorial
Forum
Mathis Wackernagel
MY OBSESSION WITH OVERSHOOT
Mathis Wackernagel
There is no other possible future than a regenerative one
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Najib Saab
After ‘Arab Spring Floods’: Do Not Use Climate Change as Excuse
Najib Saab
Will the spring floods that hit some Arab countries serve as a reminder of the power of nature and the inevitability of respecting its rules
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Philipp Pratt
Your 'Eco-Friendly' Travel App Could Be Hurting the Environment, Say Experts
Philipp Pratt
Sometimes, the road to sustainability is paved with good intentions but littered with unforeseen consequences
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Meet the
 Editor-in-Chief Najib Saab 		 
 
Selected articles News
New Study: The price tag of phasing-out coal 15/5/2024
Coal phase-out is necessary to solve climate change, but can have negative impacts on workers and local communities dependent on coal for their livelihoods. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and Central European University in Austria have studied government plans for coal phase-out around the world and discovered that more than half of such plans include monetary compensation to affected parties. This planned compensation globally amounts to USD 200 billion, but it excludes China and India, the two largest users of coal that currently do not have phase-out plans. The study shows that if China and India decide to phase out coal as fast as needed to reach the Paris climate targets and pay similar compensation, it would cost upwards of USD 2 trillion. ...more
 
Toxic chemicals can be detected with new AI method 2/5/2024
Swedish researchers at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg have developed an AI method that improves the identification of toxic chemicals – based solely on knowledge of the molecular structure. The method can contribute to better control and understanding of the ever-growing number of chemicals used in society, and can also help reduce the amount of animal tests. ...more
 
High-precision diaphragm metering pump makes the “Electrolysis Made in Baden-Württemberg” system demonstrator fit for industrial application 14/4/2024
Effective decarbonization of German industry – and with it, the achievement of the climate targets with a secure energy supply at the same time – is unthinkable without the expansion of hydrogen technologies. Since they are a carbon-free energy source, they do not release any emissions during combustion. Hydrogen is also suitable as a storage medium to compensate for fluctuations in renewable energy production, since it can be produced via electrolysis using any power source. As part of the "Electrolysis Made in Baden-Württemberg" project, which was completed in 2023, the Baden-Württemberg Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (ZSW) has now strengthened the region as a hydrogen location for the long term. With the participation of 40 companies, a scalable system demonstrator for alkaline pressure electrolysis with an output of 1 MWel was engineered. The pump specialist LEWA from Leonberg, Germany, also contributed to the success of the project: an ecoflow diaphragm metering pump with Ex motor feeds the water required for hydrogen production into the process. As of 2026, the system will continue to operate in the H2 GeNeSiS model region and feed hydrogen into the new pipeline along the Neckar River. ...more
 
Ammonia attracts the shipping industry, but researchers warn of its risks 5/2/2024
Switching to ammonia as a marine fuel, with the goal of decarbonisation, can instead create entirely new problems. This is shown in a study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, where researchers carried out life cycle analyses for batteries and for three electrofuels including ammonia. Eutrophication and acidification are some of the environmental problems that can be traced to the use of ammonia – as well as emissions of laughing gas, which is a very potent greenhouse gas. ...more
 
Resource-efficient and climate-friendly with sodium-ion batteries 13/12/2023
The transition to a society without fossil fuels means that the need for batteries is increasing at a rapid pace. At the same time, the increase will mean a shortage of the metals lithium and cobalt, which are key components in the most common battery types. One option is a sodium-ion battery, where table salt and biomass from the forest industry make up the main raw materials. Now, researchers from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, show that these sodium-ion batteries have an equivalent climate impact as their lithium-ion counterparts – without the risk of running out of raw materials. ...more
 
Benchmarks for Success for COP28 6/11/2023
Floods recently wreaked havoc in Libya, damaging critical infrastructure and killing more than 6,000 people. Wildfires in Canada burned 18.5 million hectares, an area the size of Syria. September 2023 set “gobsmackingly bananas” heat records that unsettled climate scientists. ...more
 
75 percent of exclusive hardwood may be illegally harvested 26/10/2023
The tropical wood type ipê is popular for building exclusive wooden decks, and in North America and Europe, the demand for the material has increased sharply. Now, a study from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, shows that more than three-quarters of all ipê from the top producing region in Brazil could have been harvested illegally. "The study reveals where in the chain the greatest risks lie. It can be a tool to counteract illegal logging," says Caroline S.S. Franca, PhD student at Chalmers. ...more
 
How mercury emissions from industry can be greatly reduced 4/7/2023
Sulphuric acid is the world’s most used chemical. It is an important reagent used in many industries and it is used in the manufacture of everything from paper, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to batteries, detergents and fertilisers. It is therefore a worldwide challenge that sulphuric acid often contains one of the most toxic substances – mercury. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have now developed a method that can reduce the levels of mercury in sulphuric acid by more than 90 per cent– even from low levels. ...more
 
Gentle method allows for eco-friendly recycling of solar cells 13/4/2023
By using a new method, precious metals can be efficiently recovered from thin-film solar cells. This is shown by new research from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. The method is also more environmentally friendly than previous methods of recycling and paves the way for more flexible and highly efficient solar cells. ...more
 
Stadium 974: What happens next to the first temporary World Cup stadium? 12/12/2022
The World Cup's first temporary stadium will soon be dismantled after hosting seven matches in two weeks at Qatar 2022. ...more
 
'Doomsday glacier,' which could raise sea level by several feet, is holding on 'by its fingernails,' scientists say 6/9/2022
Antarctica's so-called "doomsday glacier" -- nicknamed because of its high risk of collapse and threat to global sea level -- has the potential to rapidly retreat in the coming years, scientists say, amplifying concerns over the extreme sea level rise that would accompany its potential demise. ...more
 
The audacious PR plot that seeded doubt about climate change 27/7/2022
Thirty years ago, a bold plan was cooked up to spread doubt and persuade the public that climate change was not a problem. The little-known meeting - between some of America's biggest industrial players and a PR genius - forged a devastatingly successful strategy that endured for years, and the consequences of which are all around us. ...more
 
Bottling the sun 14/6/2022
From a small hill in the southern French region of Provence, you can see two suns. One has been blazing for four-and-a-half billion years and is setting. The other is being built by thousands of human minds and hands, and is — far more slowly — rising. The last of the real sun’s evening rays cast a magical glow over the other — an enormous construction site that could solve the biggest existential crisis in human history. ...more
 
Ukraine's natural environment is another casualty of war. The damage could be felt for decades 23/5/2022
The pine forests around Irpin are Oleh Bondarenko's happy place. He discovered them as a child, when his mom sent him to the area for summer camp, and he has been coming back ever since. ...more
 
UN demands action on extreme heat as world registers warmest day 26/7/2024
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres called on Thursday for countries to address the urgency of the extreme heat epidemic, fueled by climate change - days after the world registered its hottest day on record. ...more
 
Climate change causing more change in rainfall, fiercer typhoons, scientists say 26/7/2024
Climate change is driving changes in rainfall patterns across the world, scientists said in a paper published on Friday, which could also be intensifying typhoons and other tropical storms. ...more
 
UK getting more hot and more wet days – Met Office 26/7/2024
Climate change is dramatically increasing the frequency of extreme high temperatures in the UK, new Met Office analysis has confirmed. ...more
 
Nestle, Mars Wrigley, Ferrero back EU deforestation law, document shows 26/7/2024
Consumer goods giants including Nestle (NESN.S), Mars Wrigley and Ferrero have backed the European Union's upcoming ban on imported goods linked to deforestation, amid calls from some companies to delay it, a document seen by Reuters showed. ...more
 
Australia’s environment could be fixed and threatened species saved for just 0.3% of GDP, experts say 26/7/2024
Saving Australia’s threatened wildlife, repairing degraded land and restoring ailing river systems is possible and would cost just 0.3% of Australia’s GDP, according to a new blueprint produced by more than 60 experts. ...more
 
Recycle and reap rewards: Abu Dhabi installs 25 reverse vending machines 25/7/2024
Tadweer Group has set up 25 reverse vending machines (RVMs) in key spots across Abu Dhabi, such as Umm Al Emarat Park and Zayed International Airport, with plans for more soon. ...more
 
World breaks hottest day record for second day in a row 25/7/2024
Monday, July 22 was again the hottest day on record, according to preliminary data from a European Union monitoring agency, inching past Sunday, July 21 which had just taken the title. ...more
 
South Africa passes its first sweeping climate change law 25/7/2024
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law a broad climate change act that will set caps for large emitters and require every town and city to publish an adaptation plan. ...more
 
US targets nitrous oxide in new phase of climate fight 25/7/2024
The Biden administration on Tuesday announced it would seek to curb U.S. emissions of powerful industrial greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide as it enters a new phase in the national strategy to fight climate change under the Paris agreement. ...more
 
German government must do more to tackle air pollution, court rules 25/7/2024
Germany must improve its air pollution control programme and ensure it complies with EU requirements, the Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court said on Tuesday. ...more
 
Plant-based plastic: Dubai start-up brings the future to store shelves 24/7/2024
A Dubai start-up is aiming to help address plastic use affecting the UAE's water, wildlife and carbon footprint by making a greener version from plants. ...more
 
World registers hottest day ever recorded on July 21, monitor says 24/7/2024
Sunday, July 21 was the hottest day ever recorded globally, according to preliminary data from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service. ...more
 
Analysts forecast EU carbon price rise, but say supply could swell 24/7/2024
Analysts have increased their price forecasts for European Union carbon permits for 2024 to 2026, but said there was a downside risk from possible increases to supply if the European Commission needed to raise cash through permit sales. ...more
 
Britain's climate change plan challenged in landmark court case 24/7/2024
Britain failed to set proper objectives in its climate adaptation strategy, environmental campaigners argued on Tuesday in a case which relies on a landmark recent ruling by Europe's top human rights court. ...more
 
Coventry University leading collaborative efforts to empower fishing communities in Malaysian coastal region to protect the environment 24/7/2024
A visionary new initiative led by Coventry University is aiming to educate and empower coastal communities in Malaysia to protect and preserve their environment and livelihoods.   ...more
 
‘Massacred for TikTok likes’: is social media feeding the slaughter of 2.6m birds in Lebanon? 23/7/2024
Every year, 2.6 million birds are illegally killed as they fly over Lebanese territory, according to BirdLife International. They are shot as they migrate seasonally between Eurasia and Africa, a journey undertaken by about 2 billion birds. ...more
 
Solar and wind ‘will miss 2030 clean energy target without £48bn funding’ 23/7/2024
Solar and wind power generation will fall well below the target needed to decarbonise Great Britain’s electricity grid by 2030 without an injection of £48bn, according to a forecast from one of the UK’s leading energy analysis companies. ...more
 
Biden administration announces $4.3 billion in climate grants 23/7/2024
The Biden administration on Monday announced 25 projects pitched by 30 different state, local and tribal governments that applied for $4.3 billion in grants created by the president's signature climate law. ...more
 
Kew Gardens prepares for climate change tree loss 23/7/2024
More than half of Kew Gardens' 11,000 trees could be at risk before the end of the century due to the effects of climate change, its scientists have warned. ...more
 
Tasmanian 'Eco-Milk' tests shoppers' thirst for climate-friendly dairy 23/7/2024
A small dairy in Tasmania is stocking supermarket shelves with what it says is the world's first branded milk produced by cows fed with a seaweed that makes them emit lower levels of environmentally damaging methane gas. ...more
 
Saudi environment minister launches agriculture insurance scheme 22/7/2024
A new cooperative insurance initiative to prevent losses from plant pests and animal diseases was launched by Saudi Environment Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, the Saudi Press agency reported. ...more
 
Azerbaijan launches climate fund, seeks fossil-fuel producer support 22/7/2024
Azerbaijan, host of the U.N. COP29 climate summit, announced Friday it will launch a new climate fund that will aim to mobilize $1 billion to support developing countries' new national climate targets. ...more
 
US to phase out single-use plastic from federal operations 22/7/2024
The Biden administration on Friday announced it plans to phase out the use of single-use plastics from all federal operations by 2035, as part of its broader strategy to tackle plastic pollution. ...more
 
How Germany aims to get to net zero without breaking the bank 22/7/2024
Germany faces a tough time finding ways to pay for its efforts to become climate-neutral by 2045 given the country's current tight budget constraints. ...more
 
Could robot weedkillers replace the need for pesticides? 22/7/2024
On a sweltering summer day in central Kansas, farm fields shimmer in the heat as Clint Brauer watches a team of bright yellow robots churn up and down the rows, tirelessly slicing away any weeds that stand in their way while avoiding the growing crops. ...more
 
 
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