?? Sustainability in a Nutshell by Rethink Global (Weekly Update 2023-07-20)

?? Sustainability in a Nutshell by Rethink Global (Weekly Update 2023-07-20)

? Climate Change?

We must stop climate solutions from killing biodiversity

?? Climate solutions risk harming biodiversity ??

  • Climate efforts might inadvertently destroy nature
  • Rush to solve climate change neglects #biodiversity loss

?? Wind and solar farms: A double-edged sword ??

  • Improper location may harm ecosystems, habitats
  • Biodiversity at risk due to renewable infrastructure

?? Balancing Act: Climate Change vs Biodiversity?

  • Need for better infrastructure planning, creative solutions

Harness nature to address #climatechange beneficially

?? Governance reform for climate and biodiversity efforts?

  • Address disjointed climate and biodiversity efforts
  • Use #cop28 to develop agenda that considers both


In a nutshell:?

The rush to address climate change could inadvertently accelerate biodiversity loss if renewable energy infrastructures, such as wind and solar farms, are not appropriately located. There's a need for improved infrastructure planning and governance reforms to ensure climate and biodiversity efforts are not disjointed. Balancing climate efforts and biodiversity protection is crucial for sustainable environmental health. ??


?? Video of the day


?? Sustainable Farming

How agroforestry is redefining cocoa farming in Central Africa

?? Agroforestry: Redefining Central African farming

  • Climate change impacts spark a shift to #sustainablefarming
  • Agroforestry: An innovative blend of agriculture & forestry

?? Transformation of cocoa farming?

  • #agroforestry techniques reshape traditional cocoa farming
  • Increases productivity, promotes forest restoration

?? Agroforestry's wider environmental benefits?

  • Sustainable farming diversified yield, improves soil quality
  • Facilitates carbon sequestration, pest control

?? Knowledge blend: Key to sustainability ??

  • Local community education fosters sustainability culture
  • Agroforestry practices help mitigate climate change


In a nutshell:?

Agroforestry, combining agriculture and forestry, is redefining farming in Central Africa, particularly cocoa farming, making it more sustainable and resilient. It offers environmental benefits such as improved soil quality and carbon sequestration. Education and blending traditional wisdom with scientific knowledge is crucial for this transformation. ??


?? Water Conservation?

Water Injustice Unleashed: Arizona Prioritizes Saudi Arabia's Cows over Its Own Residents, Leaving Thousands Thirsty

??? Arizona's water dilemma due to Saudi-owned firm

  • Arizona residents cut water use amid drought
  • Fondomonte freely uses water for Saudi cow crops

?? Water use enough to support a city of 50,000

  • Fondomonte uses water for Saudi's dairy cows' food
  • Company grows water-intensive alfalfa hay

?? State's policy questioned due to water exploitation

  • Fondomonte's lease gives unregulated water access
  • Company criticized for not sharing water data

?? Possible end to Fondomonte's lease in 2024

  • Arizona might not renew Fondomonte's lease
  • Residents suffer from water restrictions while company prospers


In a nutshell:?

Fondomonte, a Saudi-owned company, is exploiting Arizona's water resources to grow crops for Saudi dairy cows, amidst the state's severe drought conditions. This has caused significant concern and backlash, given the state's residents are experiencing water restrictions. The possibility of not renewing Fondomonte's lease in 2024 is being considered. ????


?? ???JOIN RETHINK GLOBAL COMMUNITY


No alt text provided for this image

?? Circularity

Circularity Report Reveals Apparel Industry Needs to Work Harder

?? Kearney's CFX 2023: Apparel industry lacks #circularity

  • Fashion brands underperform on sustainability goals
  • Only 19 of 200 brands score above 5 out of 10

?? Consumer education & long-term investment required

  • Brands need to look beyond short-term fiscal gains
  • Investments with 5-10 year outcomes needed for true change

?? Current recycling practices insufficient

  • Both pre- and post-consumer products not fully recycled
  • Recycling technology still underdeveloped and costly

?? Solutions: Improve CFX scores, promote circular options

  • Brands should assess and improve on seven CFX levers
  • Increasing consumer awareness on circularity essential


In a nutshell:?

The fashion industry needs to take major strides in increasing sustainability and achieving greater circularity. Brands must focus on long-term investments, improving recycling practices, and educating consumers about circular options. Shortfalls in these areas risk significant environmental impacts and missed sustainability targets. ????



?? ?? ?? Clean Energy?

The Defense Production Act’s Role in the Clean Energy Transition

?? Defense Production Act (DPA) in Clean Energy Transition

  • Biden uses DPA to reduce US dependence on critical mineral imports
  • Addresses battery supply chain issues amid global energy crisis

?? China Dominates Critical Mineral Supply

  • US aims to diversify supply chain due to national security risk
  • Greater domestic production and sourcing from allies pursued

?? DPA Promotes Domestic Production and Sourcing

  • Used to ensure supply of materials for clean energy transition
  • Focus on large-capacity batteries for EVs and stationary storage

?? Efforts to Increase Domestic and Allied Production

  • DPA aids expansion of manufacturing capacity
  • Specific attention to graphite due to increased demand from EVs


In a nutshell:?

The Biden administration is using the Defense Production Act (DPA) to mitigate US dependence on critical mineral imports, specifically for the clean #energytransition . The focus is on securing materials for large-capacity batteries used in electric vehicles and stationary storage. The DPA is being deployed to boost domestic and allied production, particularly graphite, due to rising demand. ????



?? Plastic Pollution?

Study finds plastic pollution in the world's lakes can be worse than in oceans

?? "Humanity's Signature" - World-first study on plastic in lakes

  • Higher plastic levels found in lakes than in oceans?
  • Plastics discovered even in remote locations?

??? The Plastics Problem - Lakes, a reflection of human activity

  • Plastics disrupt already strained ecosystems?
  • Microplastics harm aquatic life & contaminate human water supply?

?? What we did - Uncovered scope of plastic problem in lakes

  • Surface water sampled from 38 lakes globally?
  • Plastic debris found in all lakes, with varying concentrations?

?? Next Steps - Addressing plastic pollution urgently

  • Lakes play major role in global plastic cycle?
  • Management policies needed to prevent plastic from entering waterways?


In a nutshell:?

A world-first study found that the concentration of plastics in some lakes can exceed that of the most polluted oceanic regions. This highlights the extent of #plasticpollution even in remote areas and its potential implications on aquatic life and human water supply. Urgent measures are needed to manage and reduce plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems.



?? ?? Sustainable Business?

Report: Business Travelers Don’t Prioritize Sustainable Options

?? Only 16% of UK business travelers prioritize sustainable options?

  • Low commitment to eco-friendly travel amidst rising travel volumes
  • Blame game between employees and companies on sustainable practices

?? 38% of businesses report increased sustainability investment?

  • 71% have formal sustainability policies, but only 37% enforce them
  • Sustainability often takes backseat to cost and convenience

?? 71% of employees want companies to enable greener travel?

  • 76% would choose #sustainabletransport if incentivized
  • 19% rise in demand for sustainable travel incentives since 2021

?? Cost remains critical factor in business travel ??

  • Sustainability considered important by only 11% of employers in 2021
  • Gap exists between desire for #ecofriendlytravel and actual execution


In a nutshell:

Despite increased sustainability investment and policies in UK businesses, there is a significant gap between the intention for eco-friendly travel and the actual practice. Only 16% of business travelers prioritize sustainable options, with cost and convenience typically outweighing sustainability. Companies need to take more responsibility in promoting sustainable travel practices.?



?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? Biodiversity

Technology can boost farming in Africa, but it can also threaten biodiversity - how to balance the two

?? Farming advancements in Africa improve efficiency but affect biodiversity

  • Biodiversity loss as farming intensifies and expands
  • Technological aid like tractors and herbicides used by farmers

?? Dilemma between agricultural development and biodiversity preservation

  • Biodiversity crucial for food security and ecosystem services
  • Farm-level solutions often neglect biodiversity impact

?? Call for 'biodiversity-smart' agricultural strategies

  • Importance of balancing labor needs with biodiversity conservation
  • Technologies that provide low labor, high yield, and high biodiversity needed

?? Changes required at policy-making and research levels

  • Promotion of multiple goals beyond yields in agriculture
  • Scaling of technological and institutional innovations for biodiversity-smart agriculture


In a nutshell:

Technological advancements in African farming have improved efficiency but threaten biodiversity. The future of sustainable agriculture lies in 'biodiversity-smart' strategies that balance labor needs with conservation efforts, thus protecting both livelihoods and the environment. Policies and research must now align with these goals.?



?? ?? ??? Sustainable Lifestyle?

ECO-FEMINISM MOVEMENT: KERALA’S WOMEN LEADING THE CHARGE FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING

?? Eco-feminism on the rise in Kerala

  • Women lead the way in eco-consciousness and #sustainableliving ?
  • Gender equality linked to environmental sustainability?

?? Kudumbashree: Women's self-help organization

  • Promotes waste management, organic farming, and sustainable livelihoods?
  • Empowering women economically while nurturing the environment?

?? Sustainable fashion and organic farming

  • Fashion industry embracing eco-awareness with organic materials, natural dyes?
  • Women farmers lead in sustainable practices, ensuring global food security?

?? Coastal conservation and sustainable tourism

  • Women drive coastal conservation, community clean-ups, and education initiatives?
  • Eco-friendly tourism led by #womenentrepreneurs , promoting cultural preservation?


In a nutshell:

The women of Kerala, inspired by the eco-feminism movement, are paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable society. They are driving changes in areas like organic farming, fashion, coastal conservation, and tourism, setting a strong example of the link between gender equality and environmental sustainability.?



?? Research says…

Research Links Climate Change to Lazier Jet Stream, Leading to Extreme Weather

??? Jet Streams, Climate Change and Extreme Weather

  • Jet streams influence weather patterns?
  • Link between high latitude warming and jet stream stalls?
  • "Stuck" weather leads to longer storms and heatwaves?

?? New Study in Nature Communications

  • Increased "waviness" in jet stream tied to climate change?
  • Resulting "stuck" weather melts Greenland ice sheet rapidly ????
  • Global models underestimate the melting impact?

?? Real-world Implications

  • Persistent patterns contribute to annual Greenland melting?
  • Impact crucial for predicting sea level rise?
  • North American spring snow cover also decreasing?

? Unresolved Questions and Future Projections

  • Are these changes a climate change consequence??
  • Models predict less "blocked" patterns over Greenland?
  • Future of accelerated ice melt rate uncertain?


In a nutshell:

New research links climate change to changes in jet stream patterns, causing more extreme weather and faster melting of the Greenland ice sheet. This has significant implications for future sea level rise. If these changes persist, they could greatly exceed current global climate model predictions.?



?? ?? ?? ?? Green Jobs

  1. Spring 2024 Legal Externship - Sustainable Food & Farming Program, Remote, Home based
  2. We're hiring again! This time for a Senior Sustainability Strategist . Get in touch if you want to join the Ever Sustainable team.
  3. Looking to get into Sustainability? Our team is hiring !

We're hoping to find someone passionate about the environment with a solid background in data analysis who can help us use data to drive innovation, increase efficiency, and decrease emissions.

4. Sustainability Project Coordinator - Higher Education Programs

5. Sustainability & Environment Manager



?? Ai Tools

  1. ?? https://socratic.org/

Get unstuck. Learn better. Works for all subjects Socratic was built to support Science, Math, Literature, Social Studies, and more.


2. ?? https://consensus.app/

Ask a question, get conclusions from research papers.

Consensus uses AI to find answers in research papers. The best way to search is to ask a question.


3. ?? https://www.explainpaper.com/

?The Fastest Way to Read Research Papers



I genuinely appreciate your valuable comments and feedback. Please feel free to connect with me via private message on LinkedIn to share your thoughts. I am eager to hear from you and value your input. Thank you!

?? https://bio.rethink.global/together ?


要查看或添加评论,请登录

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了