Climate Change
🍲 Food begins to be produced from air and solar power
Finnish Solar Foods has started production of protein from carbon dioxide and electricity. The factory can produce 160 tons of food per year. The Solein protein can be used in meat alternatives, cheese, and milkshakes.
📉 C02 emissions from energy in advanced economies at lowest level since 1974
Emissions in advanced economies fell by 4.5% during 2023. At the same time, GDP in advanced economies grew by approximately 1.7%. Coal use in advanced economies is down to the same level as in 1900.
🏭 Has China’s CO2 emissions peaked? New stats suggest so
China’s CO2 emissions decreased by 3% in March. Solar and wind covered 90% of the growth in electricity consumption, reducing the share of fossil fuels in electricity production. With the rapid increase in EVs, structural changes are occurring, suggesting that emissions may have peaked in 2023.
🐮 Volta Greentech's new feed supplement reduces methane emissions from cows - secures $3 million investment
Volta Greentech secures $3.2 million to develop the second generation of the feed supplement Lome. The new supplement reduces greenhouse gas reduction costs by ten times. The company aims for a large-scale launch in 2026.
🏭 Record reduction in emissions within the EU emissions trading system
Emissions under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) decreased by 15.5 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. ETS emissions are now about 47 percent lower than 2005 levels, well on the way to the 2030 target of a 62 percent reduction.
📉 UK greenhouse gas emissions are at their lowest level since 1879
The country has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 53 percent since 1990, while its gross national product has increased by 82 percent. Coal usage fell to the lowest level since the 1730s.
🌎 Global Overshoot Day occurs later this year
According to the Global Footprint Network, ecological "overshoot" occurs when human demand exceeds the regenerative capacity of natural ecosystems. The later in the year this day occurs, the better. (But the model also has clear flaws.)
🚢 The world's largest electric ferry charges in six minutes - and reduces emissions
Electrification of a previously diesel-electric ferry reduces CO2 emissions annually by about 28,000 tons. The transition to fully electric operation is expected to be cost-effective within eight years, and the ferry is estimated to operate many more years than that.
❌ Slovakia closes its last coal-fired power plant – six years ahead of schedule
Slovakia has now ceased production at its last coal-fired power plant. The country's electricity is now almost exclusively from nuclear and renewable sources. The goal has been to phase out all coal power by 2030. A goal that is now achieved six years ahead of schedule.