The Impact Innovator | Issue 333
In this week's The Impact Innovator edition:
What is it: ?Brookfield Asset Management is spearheading the Catalytic Transition Fund (CTF), which aims to raise US$5 billion for clean energy and transition assets in emerging markets. So far, the fund has secured US$2.4 billion, supported by major investors like Singapore’s GIC Pte and Temasek Holdings.
Why it's important: ?The establishment of the Catalytic Transition Fund (CTF) by Brookfield Asset Management is a significant step towards mobilizing investment for clean energy initiatives in emerging markets, addressing the urgent need for increased funding to achieve global net-zero targets. Mark Carney, chair of Brookfield and head of its transition investing group, highlighted the fund's alignment with global climate priorities and the need for substantial investments to meet net-zero targets. Additionally, Carney's recent advisory role with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has drawn criticism from opposition leaders regarding potential conflicts of interest.
Key takeaways: ?The fund has garnered support from prominent investors, emphasizing the need for increased capital to meet global net-zero targets. Mark Carney, leading the initiative, has highlighted the fund's alignment with climate goals and the commercial opportunities it presents.
What is it: ?Sublime Systems is a startup focused on decarbonizing cement production through an innovative electrochemical method that significantly reduces CO2 emissions. Major cement producers Holcim AG and CRH PLC have invested $75 million in Sublime, committing to purchase green cement and collaborate on future plant sites.
Why it's important: ?Despite the promising technology, challenges remain, including high capital costs for retrofitting existing plants and the current price competitiveness of low-carbon cement. The investment reflects a growing confidence in sustainable cement solutions, with Sublime aiming to optimize costs and scale production over time. The investment by Holcim AG and CRH PLC in Sublime Systems underscores a significant shift in the cement industry towards sustainable practices, particularly given that cement production accounts for approximately 8% of global emissions.
Key takeaways: ?Holcim AG and CRH PLC are backing Sublime Systems with a $75 million investment aimed at revolutionizing cement production through a low-emission electrochemical process. This initiative seeks to tackle the cement industry's substantial carbon footprint, which contributes to roughly 8% of global emissions.
What is it: ?Pyka, a leader in electric aviation technology, has successfully raised $40 million in Series B funding to advance its autonomous electric aircraft initiatives. The company is focused on commercializing its aircraft for critical applications such as agricultural crop protection and cargo transport, with notable clients including Dole and the U.S. Air Force.
Why it's important: ?As a pioneer in autonomous electric aircraft, Pyka's advancements not only promise enhanced operational efficiency but also align with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions in aviation. This investment will enable the company to expand its production capabilities and further develop innovative solutions that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market.
Key takeaways: ?This funding will enhance production capabilities for its Pelican Spray and Pelican Cargo aircraft, which are designed for efficiency and safety in various operational environments. With a commitment to electrifying aviation, Pyka aims to contribute to sustainable practices in the industry.
What is it: ?Reflect Orbital envisions a future where satellites can control sunlight, allowing for adjustable diurnal cycles in certain regions. The startup plans to deploy large mirrors from a constellation of satellites to reflect sunlight onto specific ground areas, potentially increasing solar power output without the need for more solar farms.
Why it's important: ?The vision of Reflect Orbital represents a groundbreaking shift in how we harness solar energy, potentially allowing for the manipulation of natural light cycles to optimize energy production. By deploying satellites equipped with mirrors to reflect sunlight onto the Earth, this innovative approach could significantly enhance the efficiency of existing solar farms without the need for additional land or resources. As the world seeks sustainable energy solutions, the success of this venture could have profound implications for energy accessibility and environmental sustainability.
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Key takeaways: ?This concept aims to enhance the efficiency of existing solar farms without the need for additional land or infrastructure. Despite facing skepticism regarding its feasibility, the co-founders remain committed to their vision and have secured funding to advance their plans. If successful, this technology could revolutionize energy production and accessibility, contributing significantly to sustainable energy efforts.
What is it: ?California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) has initiated a lawsuit against ExxonMobil Corp., accusing the company of misleading the public for decades about the recyclability of plastics. Bonta claims ExxonMobil has perpetuated a false narrative that recycling could address the plastic waste crisis, despite knowing that current recycling capabilities are insufficient. The lawsuit seeks to hold the corporation accountable for its alleged deceptive practices and to secure penalties for the environmental harm caused. Environmental advocates have praised the lawsuit as a significant step in addressing the plastics industry's long-standing dishonesty regarding recycling.
Why it's important: ?This lawsuit represents a significant legal challenge against one of the largest contributors to plastic pollution, highlighting the ongoing struggle between environmental accountability and corporate practices. By alleging decades of deception regarding the recyclability of plastics, California's Attorney General aims to hold ExxonMobil accountable for its role in exacerbating the plastic waste crisis, while also seeking remedies to protect public health and the environment. The outcome could set a precedent for future legal actions against the plastics industry and influence public policy on waste management and environmental protection.
Key takeaways: ?California Attorney General Rob Bonta has initiated legal action against ExxonMobil, accusing the company of misleading the public about plastic recyclability for decades. The lawsuit asserts that ExxonMobil has promoted recycling as a solution to plastic waste while being aware of its inadequacy, contributing to the ongoing environmental crisis. Bonta seeks to hold the corporation accountable for its alleged deceptive practices and to secure penalties for the harm caused to communities. Environmental advocates support this legal move, emphasizing the need for accountability in the plastics industry and the urgent need to address plastic pollution.
What is it: ?Oncom, a traditional Indonesian food made from leftover soybean waste, has been found to contain a unique strain of the fungus Neurospora intermedia that researchers believe can help convert various types of food waste into nutritious food products. This fungus has adapted to thrive on industrial food byproducts, such as fruit pomace and rice husks, increasing protein levels without producing toxins.
Why it's important: ?Taste tests conducted with Danish participants yielded positive reviews for oncom's flavor and texture, leading to the development of new oncom-inspired foods. The study suggests that traditional foods like oncom may offer sustainable solutions to reduce food waste and its associated emissions. The unique strain of the fungus Neurospora intermedia found in oncom demonstrates a remarkable ability to convert various industrial food byproducts into nutritious alternatives, highlighting the intersection of cultural heritage and modern sustainability efforts. This research not only underscores the importance of traditional foods in contemporary food systems but also opens avenues for innovative food production that could mitigate environmental impacts.
Key takeaways: ?Positive taste tests indicate that oncom and its derivatives can be appealing to modern consumers. The study emphasizes the relevance of traditional foods in developing sustainable solutions to food waste, encouraging further exploration of similar practices in contemporary food systems.
What is it: ?Lastan, a new flame-retardant nonwoven fabric developed by Asahi Kasei, offers exceptional thermal protection for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, withstanding temperatures up to 1,300℃ while keeping the opposite side below 400℃. This innovative material features a limiting oxygen index of over 50 and a UL94 5VA rating, making it significantly more fire-resistant than traditional mineral-based materials. Its flexibility and ability to be processed into thin sheets enhance its usability in various battery applications, addressing safety concerns related to thermal runaway in EVs.
Why it's important: ?With its ability to withstand extreme temperatures while maintaining low thermal conductivity, Lastan not only enhances the safety of EVs but also meets the growing demand for innovative materials in an expanding market. This development is particularly timely, given the increasing consumer focus on safety in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.
Key takeaways: ?Asahi Kasei has developed Lastan, a flame-retardant fabric designed to enhance the safety of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This innovative material can endure temperatures up to 1,300℃ while keeping the opposite side below 400℃, significantly reducing the risk of thermal runaway, a major safety concern for EVs. With a high limiting oxygen index and a top UL94 rating, Lastan outperforms traditional materials, offering both flexibility and excellent electrical insulation. Its introduction comes at a critical time as the demand for safer EV technologies increases amid growing consumer safety concerns.
What is it: ?Interleukin-11 (IL11) has been found to significantly influence the aging process, promoting fat accumulation and muscle loss, which are critical indicators of aging. Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School demonstrated that inhibiting IL11 can counteract these effects, leading to improved metabolism, enhanced muscle function, and an increased lifespan of up to 25% in preclinical models. This discovery highlights the potential for anti-IL11 therapy to extend healthy living and mitigate the physical decline associated with aging, addressing the challenges posed by an aging population. The findings could transform approaches to aging-related health issues, particularly in rapidly aging societies like Singapore.
Why it's important: ?Given the projected rise in the aging population, this research could lead to innovative therapies that not only improve individual well-being but also alleviate significant societal and economic burdens associated with aging. By targeting IL11, scientists may pave the way for interventions that significantly extend healthy living years, transforming healthcare approaches for aging societies.
Key takeaways: ?Interleukin-11 (IL11) significantly influences the aging process by contributing to fat accumulation and muscle loss, which are common signs of aging. Research indicates that inhibiting IL11 can improve metabolic health and extend lifespan in preclinical models, shifting fat composition towards healthier brown fat and enhancing muscle function. This discovery offers potential pathways to mitigate the physical decline associated with aging, addressing the challenges posed by an increasingly aging population. The implications of this research could lead to significant societal benefits, including improved health outcomes and economic savings.
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