?? Sustainability in a Nutshell by Rethink Global (Weekly Update August 24, 2023)

? Climate Change?

This songbird’s genes may show how climate change has sped up evolution

?? Southwestern Willow Flycatcher's Rapid Evolution

• Adapting genetically to climate change
• Better equipped for wet, humid days in California
• Evolution can happen quickly with climate change

?? DNA Findings: Adapting to Heat Stress

• Birds now possess genes for handling heat stress
• Changes passed to offspring, unlike other organisms
• Study based on historic samples & modern DNA sequencing

?? Climate Change's Impact on Animals

• Animals can move, express traits, or genetically adapt
• Other animals like fruit flies showed similar adaptations
• Technological advances aid in studying complex genomes

?? Challenges & Hope

• Difficult to attribute all genetic changes to climate adaptation
• Need caution in interpreting findings
• Yet, results show potential for species adaptation

In a Nutshell:?

The southwestern willow flycatcher is genetically adapting to climate change, showcasing that rapid evolution in response to environmental pressures is possible. This offers hope for species' ability to cope with changing climates, but careful interpretation of genetic findings is crucial.?

?? Video of the week

?? Sustainable Farming

Preparing a fair food transition

?? Global food prices at historical highs

• Food inflation impacts vulnerable most
• Over 12,500 protests in 148 countries since 2022
• Western Europe & Africa most affected by price hikes

?? Food & agriculture sector's global impact

• Employs 25% of global workforce
• Agriculture pressures environment & biodiversity
• 50% of wheat & rice from at-risk areas

?? Private financing essential for food transition

• 1% agribusinesses control 70% agricultural land
• Smallholder farmers produce 70% of world's food
• Need impactful use of limited capital

?? Innovation & holistic approach for sustainability

• Technology accelerates food transition
• Encourage natural farming methods
• Align for sustainable food system & fair pay

In a nutshell:?

Global food prices are at an all-time high, causing widespread social unrest. The food and agriculture sector, which employs a significant portion of the global workforce, is under environmental pressure. A shift towards private financing and innovation is crucial for a sustainable food transition. A holistic approach, involving producers, consumers, and investors, is essential for a fair and sustainable future.

?? Water Conservation?

Fukushima nuclear power plant may release tons of treated radioactive wastewater, potentially impacting Alaska’s waters

?? Fukushima to release treated radioactive water

• Wastewater release greenlit by Japanese PM
• Alaska to monitor potential impact on its waters
• Disaster in 2011: earthquake & tsunami hit plant

?? 1.34 million tons of water stored in tanks

• Release of 31,200 tons planned by March 2024
• International Atomic Energy Agency: minimal environmental impact
• Water treated & diluted to exceed international safety standards

?? Concerns from Alaska scientists

• Prof. Rick Steiner: residual radioactive contaminants expected
• Radionuclides with half-lives in thousands of years
• Potential bioaccumulation in marine food webs

?? Alaska seafood industry & DEC response

• No concerns over seafood contamination
• DEC: No risk from this release, ongoing fish monitoring
• International partners (WHO, NOAA, FDA, EPA) to assist in monitoring

In a nutshell:?

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is set to release treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean. While international agencies believe the impact will be minimal, some scientists express concerns about long-term effects on marine ecosystems. Alaska will closely monitor the situation, especially concerning its seafood industry.?

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?? Circularity

Circularity: what are the consequences for the feed sector

?? Circular Food Production Systems Rise

• Netherlands adopts circularity in agriculture policy.
• Focus on 'low opportunity cost feed materials' (LCF).
• LCF diets differ in starch, energy, protein, and fiber content.

?? Nutritional Comparisons of Co-products

• Cereal co-products have less starch, more protein.
• By-products like rapeseed meal differ from soybean meal.
• LCF diets may require more fat, less starch for energy.

?? Impact on Animal Growth and Nutrition

• LCF diets can affect growth, but animals adapt.
• Feed conversion ratio (FCR) may become less relevant.
• New criteria needed for circular food systems.

?? Rethinking Efficiency in Circular Systems

• Shift from animal-level to system-level efficiency.
• Resources like phosphorus, water become key metrics.
• Circular approach is "high level thinking" for the future.

In a nutshell:?

Moving to a circular food production system will require feed strategies based on co-products, making traditional metrics like FCR less relevant. This shift emphasizes system-level efficiency and considers the broader food production ecosystem. It's a forward-thinking approach that will shape the future of animal nutrition and its role in global food systems.

?? ?? ?? Clean Energy?

Clean Energy: Morocco, Major Potential Supplier for Europe - Italian Media

?? Morocco: Europe's potential clean energy supplier

• Diverse geography positions Morocco as key player
• Proximity to EU makes it a strategic energy source
• Europe's insatiable demand for clean energy grows

?? Morocco's natural advantage: Wind and solar potential

• Vast landscapes and sunny climate favor renewables
• Unlike most European nations, Morocco has vast potential

?? Europe's green transition: Raising clean energy commitments

• Post-crisis, Europe reshapes its energy markets
• Achieving goals requires vast new clean energy sources

?? Morocco's global standing in renewable energy

• Ranked seventh worldwide in energy performance
• Recognized as a pioneer in renewable energies

In a nutshell:?

Morocco, with its diverse geography and proximity to Europe, is emerging as a significant potential supplier of clean energy to meet Europe's growing demand. The country stands out with its vast renewable energy potential and is globally recognized for its performance in this sector.?

?? Plastic Pollution?

Pollution Solution: New Device Can Capture 99.9% of Microplastics in Water Using Wood Dust

?? UBC's "bioCap" Tackles Microplastic Menace

• UBC BioProducts Institute's plant-based filter captures 99.9% of microplastics
• Tannins + wood dust = effective microplastic trap
• Promising scalability: from homes to municipal systems

?? The Microplastic Challenge

• Microplastics contaminate nearly all tap water
• Over 10 billion tons of plastic waste in environment by 2025
• Current solutions costly and hard to scale

?? "bioCap" Performance Insights

• Captured 95.2% - 99.9% of plastic particles, depending on type
• Prevents microplastic accumulation in organs
• Effective against diverse microplastic types: fibers, beads, foams

?? Collaborative Effort for Sustainability

• Developed with Sichuan University, China
• Dr. Tianyu Guo, Marina Mehling among key contributors
• Aims to address threats to ecosystems and human health

In a Nutshell:?

UBC's BioProducts Institute has developed a plant-based filter, "bioCap", that can capture up to 99.9% of microplastics in water. This scalable solution, made from tannins and wood dust, offers a sustainable approach to combat the growing microplastic pollution challenge.?

?? ?? Sustainable Business?

CSR for green business transitioning—the broader narrative

?? CSR & ESG: A Green Business Transition

• CSR benefits society, environment, and brand image?
• ESG focuses on environment, social responsibility, and governance?
• Climate change risks: US$ 24 trillion loss to assets?
• Aligning CSR with ESG can boost green transitions?

?? Multi-Stakeholder Approach for Effective CSR

• Collaboration essential for brand growth and risk mitigation?
• Google's CSR: energy-efficient supply chain and data centers?
• Chanel oversees supplier's green practices, promotes low carbon footprint?
• Indian companies invest heavily in CSR, promoting various SDGs ????

?? Building CSR+ESG Frameworks

• CSR self-regulated in EU, UK, US; legal in India?
• CSR+ESG aids transition to sustainable practices?
• Diversity & inclusion boost financial performance & innovation?
• ESG resilience shown during COVID-19; pharma companies built goodwill?

??? The Way Forward

• Regulatory mandates for ESG similar to CSR proposed?
• Economic reforms can stimulate ESG investments?
• Businesses should start CSR from supply chain's first link?
• ESG provides clarity on practices for consumers and investors?

In a nutshell:

Combining CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) with ESG (Environment-Social-Governance) can greatly aid businesses in transitioning to sustainable practices. This blend not only benefits the environment and society but also enhances brand image, investor relations, and overall business resilience.?

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

Can satellite data services tackle pollution and biodiversity threats?

??? Satellite AI to combat pollution & biodiversity threats

• UK Space Agency funds AI-backed satellite projects
• Targets: agriculture, energy, finance, and insurance sectors
• Green financing opportunities for sustainable growth

?? Tools to analyze environmental impacts

• Up to ￡55,000 funding per project
• Analyze methane, nitrous oxide emissions, water resilience
• EOLAS: Mapping effects of global temps on local watercourses

?? Innovative satellite projects spotlight

• Agreed Earth: Monitor nitrous oxide from farms
• Frontierra: Assess climate impacts on biodiversity
• Sparkgeo: Automated methane emission monitoring

?? UK's ambition in space & environment

• Dr. Paul Bate: UK's expertise in Earth Observation
• Satellite data for climate change & biodiversity insights
• Boosting economy & positioning UK as space leader

In a nutshell:

The UK Space Agency is funding projects that use AI-backed satellite data to address pollution and biodiversity threats. These initiatives span various sectors and aim to promote sustainable growth, understand environmental impacts, and position the UK as a leader in space and environmental innovation.?

?? ?? ??? Sustainable Lifestyle?

I said no to Shein, the devil of fast fashion’: Sustainable lifestyle influencer Yumika Hoskin

?? Yumika Hoskin: From Glamour to Green ??

• Transitioned from model to sustainability influencer?
• Launched Peco Bags: recycled polyester bags?
• Collaborated with brands like Bombay Sapphire & Mini Eurokars?
• Rejects "fast fashion" brands like Shein?

?? Sustainable Living & Brand Collaborations?

• Content: Green living, conscious products, sustainability tips?
• Values: Only works with ethically-produced brands?
• Transparency: Clearly indicates brand promotions and collaborations?
• Success metric: Value-driven post saves over likes?

?? Peco Bags: Eco-Friendly & Ethical ??

• Started as passion, now a profitable venture?
• Production partnerships in Nepal & China ????????
• Made from RPT (recycled plastic bottles)?
• Fair trade principles & high fabric standards upheld?

?? Sustainable Fashion vs. Consumption ???

• 60% of Yumika's wardrobe is vintage or secondhand?
• Advocates for reduced consumption and sustainable choices?
• Influences others to make eco-conscious decisions?
• Believes in making a change, one person at a time?

In a nutshell:

Yumika Hoskin, once a model, has transitioned into a sustainability influencer, advocating for green living and ethical brand collaborations. Through her brand Peco Bags, she promotes eco-friendly and ethically-produced products. Her influence has driven many towards sustainable fashion choices and reduced consumption.

?? Research says…

The strength and content of climate anger

?? Origins of Climate Anger

• Main anger trigger: human actions causing climate change.
• Politicians are often blamed for inaction.

?? Study Overview

• Examined climate anger among 2,046 Norwegians.
• Investigated anger's relation to climate engagement.

??? Climate Emotions Defined

• Emotions show people care about climate issues.
• Anger's role in climate engagement is less explored.

?? Types of Anger

• Moral anger: reaction to moral boundary violations.
• Empathetic anger: reaction to unfair treatment of loved ones.
• Personal anger: reaction to personal unfair treatment.

Norwegian Context

• Large oil and gas sector, but almost fossil-free electricity.
• CO2 emissions declined <5% since 1990.

?? Anger & Climate Engagement

• Anger linked to collective action against inequality.
• Moral anger may promote pro-climate behaviors.

?? Research Findings

• Anger is the strongest predictor of activism.
• Sadness/fear is more relevant for individual behaviors.
• Anger's effect varies based on specific outcomes.
• 10% of angry respondents are skeptical of climate change seriousness.

In a nutshell:

Climate anger, especially among Norwegians, is primarily driven by human actions causing climate change. While anger strongly predicts activism, its relationship with other forms of climate engagement varies. Notably, a portion of those expressing climate anger are skeptical of the severity of climate change or current mitigation measures.?

?? ?? ?? ?? Green Jobs

https://www.dhirubhai.net/groups/12845122/ ?

1. Product Marketing Manager, Sustainability @Cority · United States (Remote)

?? https://lnkd.in/eRu-CW6H ?

2. Sustainability Analyst @at RightShip (London)

?? https://lnkd.in/e-wzB7m6 ?

3. Senior colleagues with expertise in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and/or Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) @Gaia Consulting (Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland (Hybrid))

?? https://lnkd.in/eRHVhbTR ?

4. Circular Ecology are Hiring, we have 2 positions open:

Sustainability Analyst - Carbon Footprinting

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Business & Sustainability Coordinator

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5. Sustainability Analyst - Life Cycle Assessment & Carbon Services @WAP Sustainability. United States (Remote)

?? https://lnkd.in/eSh-sHvf ?

6. The City and County of Denver is hiring a Circular Economy Administrator in their Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency. The role focuses on policymaking, cultivating collaborative partnerships, and leading some of the most innovative reuse-focused initiatives in the country!

Apply by September 3: https://lnkd.in/g4EMUyem ?

7. Cushing Terrell is hiring! We are currently looking for Sustainability Manager. We also open positions in a variety of disciplines and locations. Take a look!?

?? https://lnkd.in/edVVWX22 ?

8. I am looking for a Community Engagement Program Manager to join the amazing community team here at Square! Reporting to me, this role will lead creative & scalable engagement programs to increase peer to peer connections and drive meaningful value for both Seller Community members and Square.

We are looking for someone with:

?? 3+ years of community experience

?? ♀? Experience managing sustainable, high-impact, online community engagement programs

?? A passion for all things program & project management

?? Willingness to move beyond the status quo — Building for scale regularly challenges all team members to find better ways to solve problems ??

This role is #remote and our team has a flexible work schedule that allows you to work a 4 day work week! ??

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9. We are hiring a regional coordinator for Africa to promote leadership on sustainability by financial institutions in the region and engage our members in UNEP FI’s extensive work programme. Apply by 20 September to join us!

?? https://lnkd.in/eRaRB_FQ ?

10. We’re hiring! Our office has an opening for a Climate Resiliency Senior Specialist. In this role, you will work with Denver communities to create solutions to the impacts of climate change. You will also be developing planning initiatives for adaptation and resiliency.

?? https://lnkd.in/gKQTVKBK ?

#greenjobs #sustainabilityjobs #climatejobs

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