Sustt: Invasive species, coffee concrete, EV charging, India's groundwater, Arctic exploitation fears
Stat of the week ??
Invasive species pose a significant threat to biodiversity and global economies, costing at least $423bn annually, warns a UN assessment. These harmful species, spread through human travel and trade, disrupt ecosystems, sometimes leading to extinctions and habitat damage. Over 37,000 alien species have been introduced worldwide, with an increase of around 200 each year. The study emphasises the importance of prevention, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of measures such as biosecurity, border controls, and risk analysis. Although eradication programs have been successful, the focus should shift towards stopping introductions to protect ecosystems and economies. (The Guardian)
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Bite-sized insights
What else we're seeing this week ??
? Coffee concrete?- Scientists from RMIT University in Australia have developed a concrete that is 30% stronger when infused with spent coffee grounds (SCG), which are a significant waste product in the coffee industry. This innovation not only diverts SCG from landfills but also reduces the need for natural sand in concrete production, which can harm the environment when extracted. By replacing some of the sand with SCG biochar, the researchers achieved concrete with 29.3% higher compressive strength. This development has the potential to address waste issues and enhance construction materials sustainably. (Popular Mechanics)
? EV charging - Researchers in India have developed a universal battery charger
??? Indian groundwater depletion - A new study led by the University of Michigan reveals that Indian farmers are responding to rising temperatures by intensifying groundwater irrigation, potentially tripling groundwater depletion by 2080.?The research found that increased irrigation is not considered by existing projections of groundwater depletion in India, which already consumes more groundwater than any other country. Although climate models project increased monsoon rainfall, higher temperatures and decreased winter precipitation, would offset the benefits of greater monsoon recharge of groundwater. The study highlights the need for policies to conserve groundwater, ensuring food and water security in the face of climate change. (Phys.org)?
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In-depth insight ??
Physical climate loss
As the ice melts in the Arctic, concerns grow over its exploitation
?? Written by
Dillon Creedon
: “In 1961, 46 countries signed the Antarctic Treaty, representing a milestone for international relations. The treaty quashes any territorial sovereignty disputes, rules out the militarisation of the region including any nuclear testing and, promotes international scientific coordination
What’s happening? As the Arctic's drifting sea ice steadily diminishes, the area becomes more vulnerable to fishing, shipping, mining, and pollution. Initiatives aimed at safeguarding the delicate ecosystem of the Arctic Ocean involve the establishment of a marine protected area (MPA) in the central Arctic Ocean. The vanishing ice jeopardises both the ecosystems above and below the water surface, permitting vessels to exploit untouched fish stocks and seabed resources due to the absence of a natural barrier. While a collection of treaties provides some protection, international collaboration is of utmost importance. There is an ongoing debate regarding whether to create an MPA encompassing the entire Arctic Ocean or to concentrate on specific regions within national borders. (The Guardian)?
Why does this matter??The Arctic Ocean harbours a vast array of biodiversity and valuable resources. With minimal human interference, over 21,000 identified species have adapted to thrive in the challenging and inhospitable Arctic environment. Nevertheless, as the ice steadily retreats at a rate of 12% per decade, concerns are mounting about a potential "unprecedented free-for-all" in the open waters.
Regulation - The governance of the Arctic Ocean presents a intricate blend of regulatory frameworks. Among these is a 16-year moratorium on commercial fishing, which was established in 2018 through negotiations involving nine nations and the EU. The wording of this ban suggests a potential future allowance for commercial fishing, with a 16-year timeframe dedicated to research aimed at shaping a well-informed management strategy. More recently, the introduction of the UN High Seas Treaty represents a significant milestone as the first binding legal agreement governing international waters. Nevertheless, this treaty comes with notable shortcomings, such as allowing countries to veto MPAs while simultaneously engaging in fishing or drilling activities without facing penalties. Additionally, there is a forthcoming partial ban on ships transporting heavy fuel oil, scheduled to take effect in 2024, or 2029 for five Arctic nations, with the goal of preventing oil spills in the region.