new ARK’s investment process initially examines from the top-down how the world is changing and where it is headed. ARK employs an open research strategy to gather information, both helping to define and refine its internal research process. Inputs include theme developers who are thought leaders in their fields, social media interactions, and crowd-sourced insights as people respond to ARK’s public research. Using this information in an iterative fashion, ARK’s research and investment team work to “size” and “re-size” the opportunities. As a result of extensive and iterative research steps, ARK anticipates and quantifies multi-year value-chain transformations and market opportunities. Through this process, specific companies percolate to the top as best positioned to benefit from the identified investment premise, at which point ARK begins its bottom-up process. ARK scores potential investments based on key metrics, inputting the values into a proprietary scoring system to quantify the companies in the context of the opportunity. Finally, as the CIO and Portfolio Manager, Catherine Wood has the final accountability for the selection of investments and approval for all investment decisions. — Ark Invest, 10h ago

new If the concept of a food supplement in capsule form does not satisfy you, know that you have another alternative that can be incorporated more naturally into your daily life: algae oil. Algae oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA and less EPA) which has many benefits. It is suitable for vegetarians and vegans who wish to avoid animal products. It is suitable for people allergic to fish or shellfish. The algae are grown in a controlled manner, reducing the impact on marine ecosystems. It does not require antibiotics, pesticides or other chemicals, minimizing water pollution. — Archyde, 14h ago

new The gigaprojects then, along with the arts and heritage programmes, are part of a process that brings cultural change, while enforcing the political status quo. They are also happening because Prince Mohammed likes them. If The Line looks like a pharaonic ego trip, Dr Azzam also reports the prince’s interest in the AlUla masterplan, and in such subtler things as the palette of pigments made in the Madrasat Addeera out of multicoloured local rocks. Like many works dictated from above these projects have an erratic relationship to reality and consistency: while The Line verges on the unhinged, it’s also questionable whether five major works of land art plus several museums are best located in AlUla, whose small population and remote location will struggle to handle large visitor numbers. The profligate construction of the gigaprojects, and in some cases the dependency on planes and cars to get to places, will – despite Vision 2030’s claims of sustainability – have a huge and destructive environmental impact. — the Guardian, 16h ago

new Plastics contain a mixture of chemical additives that can leach into the environment and potentially cause harmful effects on reproduction and the endocrine system. Two of these chemicals, N-butyl benzenesulfonamide (NBBS) and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), are among the top 30 organic chemicals detected in surface and groundwater and are currently placed on international watchlist for evaluation. Although bans have been placed on legacy pollutants such as diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), their persistence remains a concern. This study aimed to examine the impact of plastic additives, including NBBS, TPHP, DBP, and DEHP, on the reproductive behaviour and male fertility of the marine amphipod Echinogammarus marinus. Twenty precopulatory pairs of E. marinus were exposed to varying concentrations of the four test chemicals to assess their pairing behaviour. A high-throughput methodology was developed and optimised to record the contact time and re-pair time within 15 min and additional point observations for 96 h. The study found that low levels of NBBS, TPHP, and DEHP prolonged the contact and re-pairing time of amphipods and the proportion of pairs reduced drastically with re-pairing success ranging from 75% to 100% in the control group and 0%–85% in the exposed groups at 96 h. Sperm count declined by 40% and 60% in the 50 μg/l and 500 μg/l DBP groups, respectively, whereas TPHP resulted in significantly lower sperms in 50 μg/l exposed group. Animals exposed to NBBS and DEHP showed high interindividual variability in all exposed groups. Overall, this study provides evidence that plastic additives can disrupt the reproductive mechanisms and sperm counts of amphipods at environmentally relevant concentrations. Our research also demonstrated the usefulness of the precopulatory pairing mechanism as a sensitive endpoint in ecotoxicity assessments to proactively mitigate population-level effects in the aquatic environment. — interestingengineering.com, 19h ago

new Several findings in this report highlight land restoration, sustainable land management and nature positive agricultural practices as critical aspects of building global drought resilience. By adopting nature-positive farming techniques, such as drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation methods, no-till and other soil conservation practices, farmers can reduce the impact of drought on their crops and incomes. — Terra Daily, 20h ago

new Several findings in this report highlight land restoration, sustainable land management and nature positive agricultural practices as critical aspects of building global drought resilience. By adopting nature-positive farming techniques, such as drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation methods, no-till, and other soil conservation practices, farmers can reduce the impact of drought on their crops and incomes. — SciTechDaily, 1d ago

new ...: “Knowing that the technology can move the needle in decreasing two societal crises such as food waste and food-related environmental impact is the highest reward of all,” Marelli says. Credit: Jake Belcher... — SciTechDaily, 1d ago

new Initial studies will involve non-destructive methods like X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy to determine Bennu's mineral composition. Despite its small size, the sample is expected to yield significant insights into the solar system's formation, the origins of water on Earth, and potentially strategies for dealing with asteroids that threaten our planet. This research could lead to groundbreaking discoveries about the nature of life, Earth, and the universe. — interestingengineering.com, 1d ago

new When it comes to considering the environmental impact of using lighting towers, there are a few crucial factors to keep in mind. One of these factors is carbon emissions, as minimising carbon footprints is crucial for creating a sustainable future. Additionally, noise levels play a significant role in maintaining a harmonious work environment. By selecting lighting towers that emit minimal levels of carbon and have low decibel levels, you not only contribute to a cleaner and healthier work site but also demonstrate your commitment to environmental responsibility. — SME Business Daily Media, 1d ago

new People see a rise in menu prices and, if they have no context for the causes, may think that restaurants are raking in profits. But over the past three years, the cost of food, labour and fuel have exploded – well beyond the menu price increases or shrinkflation (i.e. smaller portions) aimed at mitigating theses jumps. Consider the “French fry index,” sales data recently released from restaurant point-of-sale system SpotOn. Between January, 2021, and August, 2023, across the United States, the menu price or French fries has risen an average of 17.5 per cent. Diners are likely to notice that, and possibly resent it. Perhaps even feel that they are owed some free fries. But they are unlikely to be aware that the increased price to them doesn’t come close to making up for higher input costs, in this case fryer oil jumping 36 per cent and russet potatoes a whopping 166 per cent over the same period. Whatever the reason, the restaurateurs I’ve spoken to have seen a rise in diners skipping out on their bills. — The Globe and Mail, 1d ago

new The International Energy Agency estimates that more than two-thirds of the methane released from fossil fuel operations can be eliminated. The requirements in the new EPA regulation will help achieve those reductions. They’re also expected to have profound effects on public health. Nearly 18 million people live within a mile of an oil and gas field in the U.S., breathing in a host of toxic chemicals that are released along with methane. Proximity to oil and gas sites has been linked to a host of health effects, including lower lung function, high-risk pregnancies, and preterm birth. — Grist, 1d ago

new David Atkin, CEO of the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment – the group’s secretariat – commented: “It’s never been more vital that we see the global architecture reorient itself in support of net zero. With each COP that passes, the need for meaningful action grows greater. Through the Taskforce on Net Zero Policy, we have an opportunity to ensure that the HLEG’s recommendations are practically implemented and fully supported. Such efforts are additive to positive outcomes for investors and other non-state actors, helping us move towards a future which safeguards the wellbeing of societies and the planet, while giving us the chance to realise a system of sustainable economic growth for generations to come.”... — PRI, 1d ago

new Focused primarily on social impacts, risks and opportunities arising from climate change, the recommendations from the report can also be applied to address other environmental challenges, such as biodiversity loss and pollution. The resource also recognizes that specific social and economic impacts of the transition are very context-dependent and should be carefully assessed. — unepfi.org, 1d ago

new That’s partly because the role of so-called carbon sinks — the parts of the land and the oceans that absorb more carbon than they emit — might be negatively impacted as the planet warms, diminishing the capacity of natural ecosystems to remove CO2. Scientific research shows that major sinks, such as the oceans and the Amazon, are already capturing less CO2 than they used to and warming could degrade their ability further. — calgaryherald, 1d ago

new Under the current international financial architecture, the exploitative dynamics that have plagued poor communities and the Global South during the colonial era persist to this day. Private creditors are taking advantage of low-income countries that rely heavily on external financing to address their development requirements. They argue against debt forgiveness, asserting that it would damage these countries’ reputation with investors and restrict their access to capital markets. However, the current financial system is predominantly configured to uphold the structural power of creditors, prioritizing their interests over those of borrowing nations in the Global South. Consequently, these nations are increasingly at risk of becoming debt colonies, trapped in a cycle of perpetual indebtedness. — Modern Diplomacy, 2d ago

new A major focus would be on the role of “fossil fuels” and countries’ commitment to phasing out coal, oil, and gas. There had been an agreement to phase down coal use, but not a complete fossil fuel phase-out. The UAE, hosting COP28, is pivotal in this discussion, given its oil interests . Roughly half of the world’s oil and gas comes from developing countries that depend on revenues from fossil fuels and face big obstacles to shifting away from them. In certain emerging economies, real or perceived investor risks increase the cost of capital for a solar farm up to three times more than in rich countries. — cnbctv18.com, 2d ago

new The sensor fusion market for automotive in Europe is anticipated to experience heightened demand, primarily driven by stringent safety regulations. The EU has set a targeted goal to reduce fatalities and injuries by 50% by the year 2030. As part of this strategic initiative, the EU has mandated the inclusion of major safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and drowsiness and attention detection, in new vehicles. These regulations came into effect in July 2022, reflecting a comprehensive approach to enhance automotive safety. Several European countries, including Germany, France, and the UK, have already granted approval for the utilization of automated vehicles on specific roadways. Notably, Germany took a pioneering step in July 2021 by enacting the Autonomous Driving Act, positioning itself as the first country globally to permit sensor fusion-based level 4 automated vehicles to operate on public roads without the requirement for a human driver as a backup control. In 2015, the French government declared its intention to mandate the installation of automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane departure warning (LDW) systems in all new heavy trucks, contributing to an increased demand for safety systems within the country. Furthermore, the support from OEMs and the burgeoning presence of numerous startups dedicated to the development of sensor fusion technology are expected to be pivotal factors propelling market growth in the European region. — marketsandmarkets.com, 2d ago

new Ravi Annavarapu, President, FMC India commented, “FMC India has always demonstrated a strong commitment to the well-being of India’s farming community. Through this safety awareness program, we want to improve farmers’ awareness and knowledge of using agrochemicals in a safe manner, while preventing accidental poisoning. Every year, FMC provides more than a million farmers in India with training on the responsible and safe use of pesticides. We believed it was appropriate to provide local physicians with the same training in order to assist them in detecting and treating any cases of pesticide exposure. We will steadily scale up the program to reach the wider farming community in the state”. — Chemical Industry Digest, 2d ago

new Explore the relationship between urban activities and deforestation, highlighting the bioeconomy as a crucial tool in mitigating this problem. In this panel, experts will discuss how cities, as major consumers of resources, can adopt more sustainable practices, promoting the transition to an economy based on renewable biological resources. Innovative strategies related to the responsible use of resources, the strengthening of socio-biodiversity initiatives as well as policies and regulations that incentivise forest conservation and the economic development of cities will be discussed. The panel highlights the importance of a balanced approach that harmonizes urban development with environmental preservation, pointing to the bioeconomy as a promising solution for reducing or solving the impact of cities on deforestation. — World Resources Institute, 2d ago

new Industries and businesses will also be affected. But they also play an important role in addressing the problem because, one, they have the money to invest in solutions that could achieve long-term impact and, two, because these carbon- and water-intensive sectors contribute to pollution and scarcity in specific watersheds and climate change on a planetary scale. It is critical that this sector gets involved and actively engages with other actors to solve the big environmental challenges we face. — Eco-Business, 2d ago

new The project has, so far, delivered promising results. “[Wadhwani AI] has helped smallholder farmers to reduce their use of expensive pesticides, safeguard their crops and improve their profit by over 20 per cent,” added Ralic. To further build on this positive impact, Wadhwani AI received an additional US$3.3 million grant from Google.org in 2022 as part of the AI for the Global Goals project, a US$25 million initiative specifically aimed at projects that use AI to accelerate progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).“This grant allows them to partner with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India, so they can scale [their pest control solution] for billions of people in India,” Ralic said. — Eco-Business, 2d ago

new The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) gave the world a surprise on its first day, Thursday. Delegates from more than 160 countries unanimously agreed to formally establish the Loss and Damage Fund, pledging more than $400 million to support the world's particularly vulnerable countries in their efforts to cope with the loss and damage caused by climate change. This groundbreaking progress has brought much-needed good news to the world, raising confidence and expectations for the outcomes of this conference.The issue of funding has been a focal point in recent UN climate conferences, with prolonged and intense debates surrounding the amount of aid and compensation developed countries should offer for their historical emissions, as well as the ways of raising and distributing the funds. However, the urgency of the severe climate change situation has led to significant achievements. Developed countries have committed to mobilizing $100 billion a year to support climate finance. The establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund was a decision made at COP27 in Egypt in 2022, but its implementation has not been easy. Nonetheless, this time, several developed countries have made pledges toward the fund. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), host country of COP28, committed $100 million, Germany, $100 million, the UK, 40 million pounds (about $50.6 million) and 20 million pounds for other arrangements, Japan, $10 million, and the US, known for its grandstanding on climate issues, only $17.5 million. When it comes to paying, some countries revealed their true face. The amount pledged by the US is meager in comparison with its status as the world's largest economy and the responsibility in addressing climate change it should bear given its highest historical cumulative carbon emissions, leading to criticism from attending delegates and experts who deemed it "disappointing," "shocking," and "embarrassing."However, amid this disappointment, there were heartening developments. When the US once again let the world down at the critical moment, other countries stepped up. On the second day of the climate conference, Friday, the UAE announced $30 billion for a new climate finance fund, aiming to mobilize $250 billion by the end of the decade. It also aims to improve the flow of money into projects to reduce emissions, especially in the Global South.Washington should really feel ashamed of this scene. The New York Times bluntly questioned in a September article: How Long Can America's Climate Hypocrisy Last? "It's nothing new for climate ambition and climate hypocrisy to flicker back and forth like the two faces of a lenticular hologram," said the article. Even the American media itself says so, showing how bad the US' performance is on climate issues.Another typical example is the deliberate effort by the US to woo Pacific island nations, establishing new embassies and claiming to help them maintain "maritime security." However, when it comes to the climate issues that these countries genuinely care about, Washington exhibits conspicuous stinginess and parsimony. The true focus of Washington in its diplomacy is becoming increasingly evident to people.At any rate, the US cannot be absent when addressing the issue of climate. Even if other countries are proactive, they cannot fill the irresponsible void left by the US. Conversely, if the US fails to set an example on climate issues, it completely loses its qualification to pursue global leadership. In any case, the US must shoulder its due obligations and responsibilities. The Democratic Party shows a more positive attitude toward climate issues than the Republican Party. The Biden administration should take advantage of its time in office to push for substantive progress on climate issues with greater determination and force.This current climate conference's crucial agenda is the "Global Stocktake," where each contracting party will review progress and gaps in implementing key provisions of the Paris Agreement. The focus will also be on "four paradigm shifts": fast-tracking energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030; transforming climate finance, by delivering on old promises and setting the framework for a new deal on finance; putting nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action; mobilizing for the most inclusive COP ever. These are ambitious goals indeed.In the realm of climate, every step forward is incredibly challenging. It is precisely because of this difficulty that each achievement is so valuable. Regardless, we observe that human society is moving forward step by step, even though the pace is still too slow and lags behind the rate of environmental degradation. How to ensure that this collective effort of all humanity involves less short-term selfish calculations and more long-term vision of shared future, and stronger climate actions, is crucial for the future and fate of humanity. No one can escape or evade this duty, especially for countries with significant responsibilities and obligations. — globaltimes.cn, 2d ago

new California’s report also usefully lays out the potential risks associated with using these new tools, making clear that while there are some new potential harms, in many cases many of the risks are common to the use of any technology. Governments need to be conscious of the fact that tools that enable the easy generation of high-quality content could be misused to dupe consumers and residents.Perhaps because 35 of the 50 leading AI businesses are in California, as the state's report points out at the outset, it is silent on the risks to governments and those they serve of relying excessively on technologies developed and governed by unaccountable companies, especially when those technologies are procured by public servants without a deep knowledge of the tech. — GovTech, 2d ago

new It’s surprising, observes Peter, how many massive businesses don’t have “a grip” on their plastic use. However, while he appreciates activism, he doesn’t encourage demonizing the business world for its role in the crisis. “If we think that business is doomed, then we are doomed,” he says. “Business is part and parcel of our society today. Working with these businesses on the inside, I see a lot of momentum and motivation to transform business into a force for good…There are very cutthroat elements of business as well. It’s about finding that balance to answer to the business incentive, while also trying to change the business incentive.”... — Wharton Global Youth Program, 2d ago

new The Caribbean, in particular, stands at the precipice of a climate crisis that threatens millions of lives. The region is grappling with massive challenges, including a unique vulnerability to hurricanes and rising sea levels. Coastal communities are particularly at risk due to increased storm severity. These changing weather patterns lead to other interconnected issues, such as economic disruptions from the loss of tourism—a vital source of income for many islands. If effective action is not taken, the impact of these environmental issues on the vibrant cultures and economies of the Caribbean islands will only intensify over the coming decades. — The National Interest, 2d ago

new This report underlines land restoration, sustainable land management and nature positive agricultural practices as critical aspects of building global drought resilience. By adopting nature-positive farming techniques, such as drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation methods, no-till and other soil conservation practices, farmers can reduce the impact of drought on their crops and incomes. — phys.org, 2d ago

new An important component of that program was a shift away from what Edinger called “suggestion box culture,” empowering staff to make process improvements on their own. The approach was successful in Denver, and while Edinger said it will not be identical for OIT, he wants to use employee expertise to hone government service delivery.After only a week in the job, he is still focused on learning as much as possible about his new agency. This involves asking questions about existing processes and goals so that his future work can help align the agency need with the goals of Gov. Jared Polis. Specifically, the governor’s top five statewide priorities include energy, health, crime prevention, land use and tax reform.“When I made the leap from a city like Denver, the capital city, to the actual capital, then you know that the challenges change a little bit,” he said, highlighting not just the difference in scale but also the unique needs of different parts of the state. For example, Denver is composed of 78 unique neighborhoods, but Edinger said the municipality makes up less than 1 percent of the state geographically. — GovTech, 2d ago