Youth plaintiffs in the climate change lawsuit Held vs. Montana pose outside the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse on Monday in Helena, Mont. (Photo by Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP)
Sixteen kids in the United States are taking the state of Montana to court for environmental policies that they say promote fossil fuels and are in violation of their right to a ‘clean and healthful environment’.
It’s the first constitutional climate case in the country to make it to trial. And the Greta Thunbergs of the world are multiplying fast.
Expert witnesses connected to the case are likely to battle over the extent that specific climate events — such as extreme heat and wildfires — can be attributed to climate change. The judge in the case will not be able to order Montana to alter its energy or climate policies, but could declare the policies unconstitutional.
According to the New York Times, the origins of the case stretch back nearly a decade when some of these kids in the petition weren’t even born. It all started in 2011 through a nonprofit called Our Children’s Trust which back then petitioned the Montana Supreme Court to rule that the state has a duty to address climate change. The court declined to weigh in, effectively telling the group to start in the lower courts.
So the lawyers at Our Children’s Trust were slowly and steadily building their case and fast forward a dozen years worked with the environmental community to identify potential plaintiffs. They cataloged the ways in which the state was being impacted by climate change. (I mean look to Canada forest fires right if you need any more convincing). And the group documented the state’s extensive support for the fossil fuel industry, which includes permitting, subsidies and favorable regulations.
This is a case to watch and a model to follow if you want to mobilize change in your province, state or country.
The plaintiffs tell the Sierra Club that they reject any suggestion that the case represents a publicity stunt.
“As youth, we are exposed to a lot of knowledge about climate change. We can’t keep passing it on to the next generation when we’re being told about all the impacts that are already happening,” one of the lead plaintiffs said: “In some ways, our generation feels a lot of pressure, kind of a burden, to make something happen because it’s our lives that are at risk.”
The case started proceedings on June 12 in Lewis and Clark County District Court, where both sides will present evidence and testimony for the court to determine its legitimacy.
What does Ireland’s most famous thrice-baptized Jewish fictional hero have to do with beer, contrails and climate change? It’s complicated. James Joyce statue near Dublin GPO on O’Connell Street – by Brian Nitz
A Soft Day in a Moist Country? If there is a climate for writing, Ireland has that climate. “Soft day” (Lá bog in the Irish language) is a greeting and acknowledgment of the damp mist that drifts down from low clouds onto the fields and forests. On soft days this island’s climate avoids extremes. It is the weather of poetry such as Austin Clarke’s “The Lost Heifer”: “…And her voice coming softly over the meadow/ Was the mist becoming rain…”
Irish weather can also be brutal with monstrous waves and a howling wind that can push north Atlantic spray vertically 600 feet straight up the cliffs of Moher (watch me Wim Hoffing in the cold). The screech of Irish storms became the voice of the Banshee, the legendary faeries who would foretell of death or steal a child as in Yeats poem “The Stolen Child.”
Change is the most persistent feature of Irish weather. Stone-splitting sunshine alternates with wind-driven rain almost hourly on some days, leaving the rainbows and mossy-green this emerald isle is known for.
But then Covid-19 and its lockdowns brought an unfortunate irony. Day after day of sunshine and cloudless blue skies came when Irish people were limited to travelling no further than 3 miles from their homes. Dublin airport went from many tourist flights per day to only enough to carry medical supplies and other essentials. The buzz of the motorway and roar of jet aircraft disappeared into a Wadi Rum desert silence. The deep blue sky was unmarred by cloud or contrail.
Weather Before Contrails
Had such perfect weather ever before visited this damp island? I turned to an unlikely source. The author James Joyce wrote the novel Ulysses to commemorate June 16, 1904. This was the day he and his future-wife Nora Barnacle went on their first date. The book tells the fictional adventures of a thrice-baptized Irish-Jew named Leopold Bloom on his journey around Dublin on that single day. Joyce wrote with such detail that he claimed that if the city should ever be destroyed, it could be rebuilt from his book.
And here it is a perfectly sunny day in Dublin Ireland more than 100 years ago: ”Heavenly weather really. If life was always like that. Cricket weather. Sit around under sunshades. Over after over. Out. They can’t play it here. Duck for six wickets… Heatwave. Won’t last. Always passing, the stream of life, which in the stream of life we trace is dearer than them all.”
Later in the Oxen of the Sun episode of Ulysses, Joyce compares the February 1903 storm that uprooted 3,000 elm trees in Dublin’s Phoenix park to the drought that persisted on June 16, 1904: “Dignam laid in clay of an apoplexy and after hard drought, please God, rained, a bargeman coming in by water a fifty mile or thereabout with turf saying the seed won’t sprout, fields athirst, very sadcoloured and stunk mightily, the quags and tofts too.
“Hard to breathe and all the young quicks clean consumed without sprinkle this long while back as no man remembered to be without. The rosy buds all gone brown and spread out blobs and on the hills nought but dry flag and faggots that would catch at first fire. All the world saying, for aught they knew, the big wind of last February a year that did havoc the land so pitifully a small thing beside this barrenness.”
A 1984 Guinness ad played with the words drought and draught and suggested that young people don’t remember droughts. Ireland has had fewer droughts since the mid-1970s. Could it be that transatlantic travel has made Ireland wetter and that droughts were more common in Leopold Bloom’s Dublin, only 6 months after the Wright Brother’s first flight?
Do Contrails Affect the Weather?
The internet is full of wonderfully silly theories about chemtrails that any crop-duster could debunk after flying barely above corn-detasseling altitude. Contrails don’t contain brain-altering drugs or other subversive substances. They are composed of water ice mixed with carbon dioxide(CO2), soot, nitrogen oxides(NOx) and other pollutants. These pollutants and the jet’s pressure wake can produce the conditions for forming contrails which can become cirrus clouds.
According to scientists at Penn State and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the diurnal (night to day) temperature difference over the US increased by 1.1 degrees celsius during the three-day US flight ban after September 11, 2001. This is higher than had been in the previous 30 years. UW-Whitewater’s lead scientist David Travis told CNN, “I think what we’ve shown are that contrails are capable of affecting temperatures… Which direction, in terms of net heating or cooling, is still up in the air.”
Wouldn’t it be convenient if contrail-generated cirrus clouds reflected away exactly the right amount of sunlight to cool the earth and perfectly balance the heat-trapping effect of its CO2?
In 2011 Ulrike Burkhardt and Bernd Kärcher’s published Global radiative forcing from contrail-induced cloudiness in the international society for optics and photonics. They found the net heating effect from contrail-induced cloudiness and other emissions added to and exceeded the heating effect of CO2!
Eunice Newton Foote first discovered that CO2 and water vapor could trap heat in 1856. But unlike relatively inert CO2, the effects of water are difficult to predict. CO2 is transparent to incoming light and relatively opaque to outgoing longwave infrared energy.
The water vapor and ice in contrails blocks both incoming light and outgoing infrared energy but in different amounts depending on time of day, other cloud cover, season, local climate and other factors. The global reduction in air-traffic during Covid-19 provided opportunities to study these factors. Schumann, Pol, Teoh, Koelle et-al published Air traffic and contrail changes during COVID-19 over Europe: A model study in 2021.
Figure 8 from this study shows average optical thickness of contrails March-August 2019 (a) and the difference 2019-2020 (b). In (a) we see heavy contrail thickness over northwestern Europe. This makes sense because more contrails form where there are many flights and where the stratosphere is relatively cool. In (b) we see a drastic reduction in contrail thickness during the pandemic.
Figure 9 shows radiative forcing (RFnet) in watts per square meter from March-August 2019 and again in 2020. Colors from yellow to red mean there is a net heat input to earth and the blue end of the spectrum means there is a net loss of heat to the earth. Note that the areas of northwestern Europe which had high contrail thickness in 2019 also had a higher (redder) radiative forcing heat balance in 2019.
This and related studies are complex but fascinating to read or to pass along friends and family when they say things like, “Well I was cold when I was up to the lake last weekend so that whole climate change thing is B.S.” People devote their careers to studying climate science and the vast majority of these people are warning us to be careful about uncontrolled experiments with our atmosphere.
Bloomsday 2020
Bloomsday happening tomorrow is a commemoration and celebration of the life of Irish writer James Joyce, observed annually in Dublin and elsewhere on 16 June, the day his 1922 novel Ulysses takes place in 1904, the date of his first intimate encounter with his wife-to-be, Nora Barnacle, and named after its protabloomgonist Leopold Bloom.
In 2020, Covid-19 shortened the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations. Venice ended Carnival early, Pope Francis gave a blessing to an empty St Peter’s square. The pandemic impacted the Hajj and religious celebrations throughout the world. Ireland cancelled Saint Patrick’s day parades and most Bloomsday celebrations.
But Bloomsday 2020 had something in common with the day Nora Barnacle and James Joyce met in 1904. Ireland’s drought ended after sunset on June 16, 2020 just as described in Ulysses:
“…But by and by, as said, this evening after sundown, the wind sitting in the west, biggish swollen clouds to be seen as the night increased and the weatherwise poring up at them and some sheet lightnings at first and after, past ten of the clock, one great stroke with a long thunder and in a brace of shakes all scamper pellmell within door for the smoking shower, the men making shelter for their straws with a clout or kerchief, womenfolk skipping off with kirtles catched up soon as the pour came.”
Young american women with recycling bags. Via UMass Amherst MASSPIRG Chapter Instagram
Growing up in the state of New Jersey and attending university at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, I have picked up quite a bit about sustainable practices. I have been studying environmental science at my university and continue to learn and gather information about sustainability going into my third year at university.
Greetings from New Jersey postcard, vintage
Now that I am in Israel, I’ve noticed quite a difference in sustainability measures than what I am used to back home. I’d like to share some practices that I would like to see Israel adopt as we work together to create a greener community.
Recycling in Israel versus the United States
nepm.org “Great Food Comes With Great Waste At UMass”
As I explore Israel, something I’ve noticed is the lack of recycling bins. In America, recycling is a popular concept that many Americans follow. Especially at my university, we have designated bins that are easily identifiable to students to encourage sustainable disposal. For example, in our dining common, we have an easy system to dispose of waste and materials.
There are three bins: compost, trash, and recycling. In the compost bin (which is marked with what can and cannot be composted), students dispose of mainly food waste and some other materials that can be composted. In the trash, students dispose of plastic bags, paper items, and other materials that are not recyclable. In the recyclable bin, students dispose of clean and empty containers, including cardboard boxes, office paper, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans.
Although this is a short description of the system of disposal at my university, UMass Amherst strives to make substantial efforts to educate, inspire, and create a system that is easy and efficient to its students. Learn more about my university’s efforts toward sustainable disposal here.
nepm.org “Great Food Comes With Great Waste At UMass”
Cleanups at university
Trash clean up
Back at my university, I take a role in a club that makes numerous strives towards creating a greener campus. One of which we do is we conduct campus cleanups. Each week, our team gathers and walks across campus picking up trash. We also pick up recyclable garbage which we place into a separate bag.
These cleanups not only help make our campus a cleaner place but also inspires other students and campuses across the country to take part in cleanups. It also creates a sense of community as it brings us together to engage in an activity that makes us feel like we are creating good in the world. Overall, these activities promote sustainability and promote a close-knit community.
Reusable water bottles are more popular in America
A reusable water bottle being refilled
Although I am aware that reusable water bottles are being used in Israel today, I see Americans making greater use of them than the Israelis. When I asked one of my Israeli friends if she uses reusable water bottles, she told me that they are so expensive and it is easier and more efficient for her to buy a single-use plastic bottle instead. Since it is safe to drink the tap water in Israel, it is crucial that reusable water bottles are integrated more into Israeli society. However, it also needs to be economically available to everyone.
However, when you add up how much money you spend purchasing single-use plastic water bottles, you realize how much money you spend on them each day. Humans need to be drinking at least 6 bottles of water per day, especially in the hot Middle Eastern climate, even more than that. It will save you a significant amount of money to refill your reusable water bottle with the tap than continuously be spending money on plastic bottles.
In addition, most reusable bottles are made with insulating material, meaning your water will stay cold for much longer. For me, I have a hydro flask which keeps my water cold for up to 24 hours. Once I switched to reusable bottles a couple of years ago, I will never go back.
Reusable bags are not embraced by Israelis
Cari Luzzi packs her groceries into a reusable bag at a Stop & Shop in Clifton, NJ via Anne-Marie Caruso/NorthJersey.com
Lastly, something I’ve noticed in my time here in Israel is that shops and markets all give out plastic bags to their customers after each purchase. Every time I buy something, whether I am in the shuk or any shop, I am given a plastic bag for my items and have to tell the cashier I don’t need one. A new law in my home state of New Jersey requires all customers to bring their own bags and stores are not allowed to give out plastic bags to their customers.
Customers are allowed to purchase a reusable bag in the store, but the store itself cannot hand out nor have any single-use plastic bags. Although this law can be annoying for many, it has become a norm in New Jersey and you now always remember to bring in your reusable bags into the store. If Israelis can stop handing out free plastic bags to their customers, this will force everyone to remember their own bags and thus reduce plastic waste in the community.
Drive less in Tel Aviv
Dutch Prime Minister cycling on Rothschild Boulevard, Tel Aviv
Living in Tel Aviv, it is very easy to get places by simply walking. And that’s a good thing. Not only does it help reduce emissions, but it is also great for you! Walking is proven to help reduce stress, provide good exercise and is fun and easy. Even if walking somewhere is too far, you can rent an electric bike or scooter to get places quicker. There are scooter/bikes paths in many areas of Tel Aviv, so biking/scooters is a great alternative to driving and walking.
Bird Scooter for rent along the boardwalk in Tel Aviv. Be mindful that there are deaths and serious accidents from these machines.
Although there are so many ways that a whole community can reduce waste and become more sustainable, it is most important to start somewhere. Even just having this discussion helps bring our community together in figuring out how we can be better for the environment. Looking up to others and seeing what works and what doesn’t helps bring us all up, learn, and continue to bring change across the world.
Don’t have a narrow view of the world. Try to look at companies with sustainable futures. When you buy shares in a company you are owning a bit of their promise too.
In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, digital trading has become an increasingly popular avenue for individuals seeking to make financial gains. The rise of technology and the advent of online platforms have made it easier than ever to participate in the global financial markets. However, navigating this digital trading frontier requires more than just a basic understanding of trading principles.
Successful traders have honed their skills, developed robust strategies, and mastered the art of decision-making. In this blog post, we will delve into the secrets of successful traders, providing valuable insights and tips for those looking to thrive in the digital trading landscape. For example, trusted-broker-reviews play a crucial role in the success of traders, as finding a reliable and reputable broker is paramount.
It is essential to thoroughly research and read trusted-broker-reviews to ensure you choose a platform that offers competitive trading conditions, secure transactions, and excellent customer support.
Knowledge is Power: Continuous Learning and Research
You want to invest in renewable energy or a better future. When your portfolio contains clean tech companies, you are investing in a better planet.
Successful traders understand the importance of acquiring knowledge and staying up to date with market trends. They dedicate time to continuous learning, immersing themselves in financial news, economic indicators, and company-specific information. By staying informed, traders gain a competitive edge, enabling them to make well-informed trading decisions. Engaging in research and studying various strategies allows traders to identify patterns and uncover opportunities that others may overlook. The digital trading frontier rewards those who are knowledgeable and remain curious about the markets.
Building a Solid Foundation: Risk Management and Capital Preservation
Trading clean tech
One of the key secrets of successful traders is their emphasis on risk management and capital preservation. They understand that trading involves inherent risks and that preserving their capital is crucial for long-term success. Successful traders employ risk management techniques such as setting stop-loss orders, diversifying their portfolios, and avoiding over-leveraging. By implementing these strategies, they limit potential losses and protect themselves from significant financial setbacks. It is important to note that successful traders focus not only on maximizing profits but also on protecting their capital from unnecessary risks.
Embracing Discipline and Emotional Control
Discipline and emotional control are paramount to achieving success in digital trading. Successful traders adhere to their plans, follow predetermined strategies, and avoid impulsive decisions based on emotions. They understand that emotions such as fear and greed can cloud judgment and lead to poor trading outcomes. By maintaining discipline, traders can stick to their strategies and avoid falling into common pitfalls. Embracing an invest green discipline also involves setting realistic expectations and accepting that losses are part of the journey. Successful traders focus on long-term profitability rather than short-term fluctuations.
In conclusion, navigating the digital trading frontier requires more than just basic trading knowledge. Successful traders possess a combination of skills and traits that enable them to thrive in this ever-evolving landscape. By continuously learning and researching, managing risk, maintaining discipline, adapting to market dynamics, developing robust trading plans, leveraging technology, and embracing patience, traders can increase their chances of achieving success in the digital trading arena. Remember, becoming a successful trader is a journey, and each step taken with knowledge and wisdom brings you closer to your financial goals.
Following a rigorous multi-stage selection process, this year’s cohort brought forward innovative ideas across five key criteria: alignment to PepsiCo’s sustainability strategy – PepsiCo Positive (pep+) – strategic synergy with PepsiCo, scalability, relevance to MENA, and breakthrough potential.
Reigniting the partnership with the United Arab Emirate’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Food Tech Valley, PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator Program intends to unlock innovative and disruptive agricultural solutions in partnership with purpose-driven start-ups from the region that share PepsiCo’s vision for a more sustainable food system.
Dooda Solutions is a woman-led earthworm farm from Lebanon, specializes in raising worms and producing premium-grade vermicompost at a commercial scale.
NoorNation is a renewable energy start-up from Egypt which aims to provide sustainable decentralized energy and water infrastructure solutions.
RoboCare from Tunisia specializes in using technology to provide a digital monitoring system for preventing the late detection of plant disease, enabling fast propagation, and reducing pesticide use.
SmartWTI, an IoT/AI solutions provider from Jordan, specializes in designing and manufacturing water management solutions to enable the Internet of Things (IoT).
Smart Green, another Jordanian start-up, provides Agri-tech solutions to agribusinesses for Digital Transformation from traditional agriculture to modern agriculture.
YY ReGen, another Lebanese start-up, provides innovative solutions through the promotion of renewable energy, sustainable water management, and regenerative farming. These startups have the potential to disrupt the sustainable agriculture industry and make a positive, lasting impact on society.
Each will receive an initial grant of $20,000 to support their business and help scale up their innovation, along with guided mentorship from regional subject matter professionals, as well as PepsiCo and Food Tech Valley experts. At the end of the six-month program, one winning company will be awarded an additional $100,000 in funding to continue its expansion and have an opportunity to extend its collaboration with PepsiCo to further expedite its growth.
“The UAE places great importance on strengthening its food security and overcoming the significant obstacles that hinder increasing production. Considering that local production of agricultural products and food is an essential component of this strategy, we are working to harness agricultural innovations and modern technologies to overcome the challenges facing the development of this sector, increase and improve production, and promote and consolidate the concept of sustainable agriculture.
“With this in mind, the country is committed to utilizing modern agricultural technology that not only boosts productivity but also aids in conserving natural resources by preventing waste and limiting carbon emissions produced by the agriculture sector and the entire food supply chain,” said His Excellency Eng. Mohammed Mousa Alameeri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector – Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).
“In light of the UAE Year of Sustainability, the ‘Greenhouse Accelerator Program’ of this year is a significant enhancement and contribution to the nation’s initiatives towards implementing modern, sustainable agriculture and food systems. As we gear up for hosting the Conference of the Parties COP28, we aim to showcase the UAE’s achievements in sustainable farming practices, exemplified by the ‘Greenhouse Accelerator Program,’ in which we are proud to collaborate with PepsiCo and Food Technology Valley. Looking forward, we at the Ministry aspire to broaden our collaborative efforts with various relevant entities, both local and global, to propagate the use of modern, sustainable, and climate-smart agricultural technologies.” HE Alameeri added.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with MOCCAE and the Food Tech Valley in search of pioneering solutions that help us strengthen the resilience of our food system. This year, we have embarked on a search for transformative direct farming innovations that increase agricultural productivity while conserving our precious natural resources for the next generations. I was impressed with the caliber of the participants in the second cohort, and I am confident that together, we can blaze new trails in sustainable agriculture,” said Aamer Sheikh, CEO of Middle East – PepsiCo.
“The theme of this year’s PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator Program aligns with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 that aspires to position the country as a world-leading hub in innovation-driven food security. Our mandate at Food Tech Valley is to facilitate business growth in the food tech space, and we are pleased to support this worthwhile initiative that harnesses the power of innovation for a more sustainable future,” said Ahmed AlShaibani, Project Lead at Food Tech Valley.
Introduced regionally in 2021, the winner of last year’s inaugural program of the PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator Program: MENA Sustainability Edition, focused on sustainable packaging and recycling, was UAE-based start-up Nadeera, a social enterprise that leverages technology to promote waste sorting at source. Through its ‘Yalla Return’ product, the company applies a trash-for-cash model, providing cash rewards based on the quantity of recyclables consumers turn in.
Madeo eco chic shop in Jaffa for sustainable fashion
Madeo eco-chic is a sustainable shop in the Jaffa Flea Market with many different items from recycled and sustainable materials. Some of these include handbags, clothing, jewelry, cards, and much more. When I visited the shop, I spoke with Lotem, who has been helping her mother run the shop for the last 10 years. All of the items that Lotem sells in her family-run store are imported from countries all around the world which she selects based on sustainability. One fascinating item Lotem sells is a belt made from soda can tabs.
A soda can tab belt
Madeo eco-chic helps to encourage and inspire sustainable retail by selling items that make you feel like you are doing good for the environment. Each item in the shop has a tag attached that provides a description of the item, where it came from, and what it is made of. For example, the shop sells jewelry made from grass created by The Leakey Collection.
Tag from the company “The Leakey Collection” that is sold in Madeo eco-chic. This company creates jewerly made from glass that helps its consumers feel like they are doing good in the world. Not only does the company help create a more sustainable planet, but they also help create financial opportuntites to people in need.
Leakey Collection glass braceletsVintage style glasses made from upcycled plastic. Sunglasses sold in Madeo eco-chic with tags that show the glasses were made from recycled plastic.
I also tried on a pair of glasses from the shop and was shocked at how lightweight they were. Not only did they look good as new, but they were also stylish and came from recycled material. These glasses in specific, came from recycled plastic. If there was no way of telling where the material came from, you would never guess it came from recycled plastic. The shop had a wide variety of sunglasses in all colors and variety that anyone is sure to find something they like.
All of these cards are made from recycled paper.
Overall, I would suggest to any person, whether interested in protecting the environment or not to check out Madeo eco-chic. The store offers a wide variety of items of interest to all people for reasonable prices. I left the store with a top for 189 shekels and will definitely be making another trip to the shop.
Upcycled coins from Israel into laser-cut necklaces
My favorite item in the shop were these necklaces made from recycled coins. The paper underneath the jewelry box provides a picture of what the coin Jewish coins throughout history, from the old version to the new version of the coin. The artist who made these necklaces was able to cut through the coin, leaving only the symbol behind and turning it into a beautiful masterpiece. A lot of these necklaces come in gold or silver, so many people can enjoy it.
Think about a circular economy: where one product ends its life, another begins
In today’s world, where environmental concerns are growing exponentially, businesses have a crucial role to play in reducing their ecological footprint. One effective way to achieve this is by carefully selecting the materials used in manufacturing processes and product development, like those from Teak Isle.
By prioritizing sustainable sourcing, you can significantly minimize your environmental impact while contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.
Understanding the Environmental Impact
Think about it. Every single thing we buy, from that snazzy smartphone to those comfy jeans, has a story to tell. And that story includes the materials used to make it. Those materials have a big ol’ carbon footprint that can wreak havoc on the planet if we’re not careful.
Here’s the deal: when we extract materials from the Earth, it often involves energy-intensive processes that spew out greenhouse gases. Heat gets trapped in the atmosphere by these gases, leading to climate change and all its delightful consequences like extreme weather events and rising sea levels.
And that’s not all. Using certain materials contributes to deforestation, which means we’re cutting down forests left and right. And those forests are like the lungs of our planet, soaking up carbon dioxide and pumping out oxygen. So when we lose them, we’re losing a crucial defense against climate change.
Renewable and Recycled Materials
Renewable and recycled materials are key players in the realm of sustainability, offering significant benefits for the environment and our future.
When we talk about renewable materials, we refer to resources that can be replenished relatively quickly or are naturally regenerative. Examples of renewable materials include bamboo, organic cotton, and hemp.
These materials possess the remarkable ability to grow rapidly, often requiring fewer pesticides, fertilizers, and water compared to conventional options. By opting for products made from renewable materials, we support a more sustainable and responsible approach to resource utilization, reducing our dependence on finite resources.
Life Cycle Assessment
A building being printed with a 3D robot
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a valuable tool that helps us understand and evaluate the environmental impact of products throughout their entire life cycle. It’s like putting on a pair of eco-friendly glasses that allows us to see the big picture and make informed decisions.
LCA considers each stage of a product’s life cycle, from raw material extraction and production to distribution, use, and eventual disposal or recycling. By conducting a thorough analysis, LCA assesses the environmental inputs and outputs associated with each stage, such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, waste generation, and the potential for pollution.
The beauty of LCA lies in its ability to provide a holistic view of a product’s environmental footprint. It helps us identify and understand the hotspots or critical points in the life cycle where significant environmental impacts occur. This knowledge empowers businesses to prioritize areas for improvement and make strategic choices that minimize their environmental footprint.
Toxicity and Hazardous Substances
When selecting materials, considering their toxicity and the presence of hazardous substances is of utmost importance. We all want products that are safe for both human health and the environment.
The use of materials free from harmful chemicals and toxic substances is crucial for achieving this goal.
Certain substances, such as lead, mercury, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can pose significant risks to human health.
Additionally, these substances can have adverse effects on ecosystems and biodiversity when they enter the environment through manufacturing processes or end-of-life disposal.
By prioritizing materials that are certified free from toxic substances, businesses can take a proactive approach to protect human health and the environment. This involves rigorous testing and adherence to regulations and industry standards.
Collaboration and Supply Chain Transparency
Collaboration and supply chain transparency are essential pillars in the quest for sustainable materials and responsible production practices. No business operates in isolation, and understanding the impact of materials goes beyond just what happens within their own walls. It requires engaging with suppliers, manufacturers, and stakeholders to promote sustainability throughout the entire supply chain.
By fostering collaboration, businesses can work hand in hand with their partners to promote sustainable practices and drive positive change. This collaboration can take various forms, such as sharing knowledge, setting common goals, and jointly exploring innovative solutions. When companies align their sustainability objectives and work together towards a shared vision, the impact can be far-reaching and transformative.
Supply chain transparency is a vital aspect of responsible material sourcing and production. It involves having clear visibility into the origin and practices associated with the materials used.
It allows us to trace the journey of materials, ensuring responsible sourcing, ethical labor practices, and environmentally friendly processes.
Waste Generation
Waste generated during manufacturing can take different forms. It includes solid waste, such as scraps and leftover materials, as well as liquid and gaseous waste resulting from industrial processes.
Packaging waste, such as cardboard, plastics, and Styrofoam, is also a significant contributor. Businesses should assess the types of waste they generate and identify opportunities for reduction and responsible disposal.
Waste reduction strategies are crucial for minimizing waste generation. These strategies include process optimization to minimize material waste, inventory management to reduce excess stock and spoilage, and implementing lean manufacturing principles.
By promoting waste reduction at the source, businesses can decrease the volume of waste generated and improve overall resource efficiency. Additionally, collaborating with suppliers to minimize packaging waste and encouraging consumers to recycle or return packaging can further contribute to waste reduction efforts.
Conclusion
By opting for sustainable materials, we become catalysts for change, driving the transition to a more environmentally conscious society. We have the power to reduce deforestation, curb greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and divert waste from landfills. Our choices can inspire innovation and drive the demand for greener alternatives, pushing industries to adopt more sustainable practices.
But this isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s about creating a world where humans and nature can coexist harmoniously. By embracing renewable resources, we ensure a future where generations to come can thrive amidst abundant ecosystems.
Sustainability followers on Instagram can enhance the message of your eco-brand.
In today’s digital age, social media platforms like Instagram have become powerful tools for personal branding, business promotion, and influencer marketing. One of the key metrics for success on Instagram is the number of followers. While organic growth is crucial, it can be a slow process. This has led to the rise of websites that offer instant delivery of followers to help individuals and businesses gain an edge on Instagram. In this article, we will explore six of the best websites for buying followers with instant delivery: GoRead.io, FollowersLeader, SocialBoosting, MegaFamous, SocialAdmire, and SocialViral.
GoRead.io
GoRead.io is a reputable website that provides instant delivery of Instagram followers. It offers a range of packages tailored to different needs and budgets. The platform ensures high-quality followers, and the process is safe and secure. With GoRead.io, users can expect genuine engagement from real accounts, enhancing their Instagram presence and credibility. To boost your profile visibility on Instagram, buying followers through Goread.io is the smart choice. As the best website for purchasing Instagram followers, Goread.io provides a reliable solution to increase your follower count and enhance your profile’s visibility. By investing in their services, you can quickly gain a substantial number of followers, attracting more attention to your content and expanding your reach. Increased visibility leads to improved credibility, making it easier for potential followers and customers to discover your profile. With Goread.io’s expertise in delivering genuine and active followers, you can confidently buy Instagram followers and enjoy the benefits of enhanced profile visibility.
FollowersLeader
FollowersLeader is another reliable website that enables users to purchase Instagram followers with instant delivery. It focuses on delivering active followers who are genuinely interested in the user’s content. The website offers various packages to choose from, allowing users to customize their follower growth strategy. FollowersLeader also provides 24/7 customer support to address any concerns or inquiries.
SocialBoosting
SocialBoosting is a popular website that guarantees instant delivery of Instagram followers. The platform ensures a quick and efficient process, allowing users to boost their follower count within minutes. SocialBoosting takes pride in providing real and active followers who are likely to engage with the user’s content, helping to increase visibility and reach.
A sustainable social boost
MegaFamous
MegaFamous is an established website that specializes in providing high-quality Instagram followers with instant delivery. It offers flexible packages to accommodate different user requirements. MegaFamous followers are known for their authenticity and engagement, enabling users to enhance their Instagram presence and build a strong online reputation.
SocialAdmire
SocialAdmire is a trusted website that allows users to buy Instagram followers and receive them instantly. The platform offers a range of packages suitable for individuals, influencers, and businesses. SocialAdmire ensures that followers are genuine and actively interested in the user’s content. With a quick delivery system and reliable customer support, SocialAdmire simplifies the process of boosting Instagram followers.
SocialViral
SocialViral is a well-known website that offers instant delivery of Instagram followers. It aims to provide users with real and engaging followers to help increase their visibility and reach on the platform. SocialViral offers competitive pricing options and ensures a smooth and secure transaction process. The platform also offers other services such as likes and comments to further enhance the user’s Instagram profile.
Conclusion
As the popularity of Instagram and social media continues to soar, the competition to gain visibility and attract followers becomes increasingly challenging. While organic growth is vital, buying followers from reputable websites can provide a much-needed boost. In this article, we explored six of the best websites for buying followers with instant delivery: GoRead.io, FollowersLeader, SocialBoosting, MegaFamous, SocialAdmire, and SocialViral. Each of these platforms offers reliable services, providing users with real, engaging followers to enhance their Instagram presence. However, it is essential to exercise caution and choose reputable websites to ensure a safe and effective follower acquisition strategy.
There’s no doubt about it – with the world the way it is right now, we are in dire need of more lawyers! But, what are the key reasons that are causing this unprecedentedly high demand for legal professionals? Well, one of the reasons is that fewer students are choosing to pursue a higher education qualification in law. They are electing instead to complete more novel areas of study – such as cyber security, for example. Further, fewer law graduates are using their degrees to go into a career as legal professionals. But how to overturn this downturn in lawyers, and meet this increasingly high demand for legal professionals? Just keep reading as we explore this concept further.
Becoming A Lawyer: Higher Education Qualifications in Law
Do you have a strong sense for justice? Stand on the right side of the planet
If you’re interested in becoming a legal professional, you will, of course, be required to complete a tertiary qualification in law. Indeed, courses for lawyers are essential for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the legal field. As part of your law degree, you will learn and develop key skills, capabilities and attributes that are vital to becoming a lawyer. Some of these qualities include communication skills, problem-solving capabilities, time management and organisation skills, negotiation expertise, and attention to detail – just to name a few!
The best thing about this type of degree is that you can choose to complete it online. Importantly, off-campus study is a great way to save both time and money as a student. By completing your course online, you will not have to commute to your university campus – avoiding travel time, as well as transport costs. You will also save on course fees. This is because your university facility will experience reduced overheads if you choose to complete your qualification remotely. As such, they will not need to pass on-campus costs to you. So, your course fees will be lower than if you chose to attend in-person lectures, tutorials, prac labs, and other on-campus events.
More Lawyers: Why Do We Need Them
Fight against wildlife traffickers and those who can’t speak for themselves
There are many reasons why we need more lawyers now than ever before. Some of these reasons include the fact that legal students simply aren’t graduating and progressing their careers fast enough! This is essentially a classic case of supply not meeting demand.
Also, fewer people are choosing to pursue a career in law today. 20% less, in fact! This is because of a decrease in the number of students choosing to enrol in legal studies. This can be attributed to demographic factors, as well as a shift in the areas of study that students are choosing to pursue. A lucrative career in cyber security, for example, is in many ways more appealing to ambitious students aspiring to a high-level, well-paid career pathway.
As such, we need to make studying law and becoming a lawyer more appealing to upcoming students and graduates. We must also allow ourselves to grow our legal ranks by employing more ‘non-lawyer’ legal experts and paralegals.
Legal Career Paths: What Job Prospects are Available to Law Graduates?
Students who complete a law degree have many job options available to them in the legal field upon graduation from their course. Some of these career prospects include:
Lawyer
The role of a lawyer can be extremely varied! However, most of a lawyer’s daily tasks and responsibilities are made up of representing clients at court appearances, for example, or providing legal support. For this reason, being a lawyer can also be somewhat of a legal advisory role.
Barrister
A barrister’s role differs from that of a lawyer, in that rather than being employed by a legal firm, barristers are independent legal practitioners. As such, they will usually be tasked with providing specialised legal advice and guidance.
Solicitor
A solicitor is also a legal advisory or legal counsel role, albeit often less senior than that of a lawyer or barrister. This means that solicitors are usually responsible for the preparation of court documents, as well as negotiations outside of the courtroom.
Legal professionals – in particular, lawyers – are in higher demand than ever before. This increased need for lawyers can be attributed to the fact that fewer students are pursuing legal studies today. Even if they do choose to complete a legal qualification, once they graduate, many students are not choosing to utilise their law degree to become a lawyer. Instead, many are simply aspiring to attain this qualification for prestige!
That being said, we need to make the legal arena more appealing to law graduates. To do this, we need to offer more benefits. A higher salary, perhaps, or a greater work/life balance. Either way, we need to do something to meet our ever-growing demand for more lawyers – before we are left with minimal legal resources to call upon.
The Ionion islands and sustainable travel go hand-in-hand
The Ionian Islands, nestled in the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Those islands, which are a captivating blend of natural beauty, history, and culture, are an ideal destination for travellers. With stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, these islands provide a perfect setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. Rich in history, visitors can explore ancient ruins, Venetian architecture, and charming villages. In addition, the islands also offer delicious cuisine, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Whether seeking a beach getaway, or to get a taste of Greek island life or you are here simply for a historical exploration, Ionian & Aegean Island Holidays provide an unforgettable experience for all. As tourism continues to thrive in this picturesque region, it is vital for visitors to adopt sustainable travel practices that minimize their impact on the environment and support the local communities. Sustainable travel practices have become very essential for minimizing the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local communities. Travellers can make conscious and responsible decisions for the preservation of natural resources and support local economies.
Over tourism in Ionian Islands is creating challenges for both locals and visitors, particularly due to overcrowding during the summer season. The overdevelopment in the area, destruction of local nature and noise pollution is leaving a negative impact on the islands. Tourists and travellers need to be aware the destruction happening due to their represent and minimize their carbon footprint by practicing sustainable travel and following community-based tourism initiatives.
Mr. Panos from Nikoli village at Lefkada Island in the Ionian Sea of Greece. Meet some locals when you travel sustainably.
Let us have a look at some essential sustainable travel tips to ensure a memorable and eco-friendly experience while exploring the enchanting Ionian Islands
Choose Eco-friendly Accommodation
When selecting accommodation, opt for eco-friendly options such as eco-lodges, guesthouses, or hotels with green certifications. Look for accommodations that prioritize energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and use sustainable materials. Additionally, support locally owned establishments to contribute directly to the local economy and foster a sense of community.
Respect Nature and Wildlife The Ionian Islands boast diverse ecosystems, including lush forests, pristine beaches, and marine habitats teeming with wildlife. Preserve these natural wonders by following responsible practices. Avoid disturbing wildlife or removing natural souvenirs such as shells or coral. Stay on designated trails to prevent trampling sensitive vegetation and habitats. Refrain from feeding or touching wild animals, as it can disrupt their natural behaviour and lead to dependency on humans.
Minimize Plastic Waste Plastic pollution is a global concern, and the Ionian Islands are no exception. Reduce your plastic footprint by carrying a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and cutlery set. Say no to plastic straws and single-use items whenever possible. Choose accommodation providers and restaurants that actively minimize plastic waste by offering alternatives or promoting recycling initiatives. Participate in beach clean-up activities to help preserve the pristine shores of the Ionian Islands.
Save Water and Energy Being mindful of water and energy expenditure is crucial in promoting sustainability. Consider taking shorter showers and reuse the towels, and do not forget to turn off lights and air conditioning when not in use. Conserve water by opting for eco-friendly bathing and cleaning products. Consider staying in accommodations that have implemented water and energy-saving measures, such as low-flow showerheads and energy-efficient appliances.
Support Local Businesses Embrace the local culture and economy by supporting locally owned businesses, including restaurants, shops, and tour operators. Sample traditional Ionian cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients, purchase authentic handmade crafts, and engage in local activities that provide a genuine insight into the island’s traditions. By supporting local businesses, you contribute directly to the livelihoods of the island’s residents and help preserve their unique way of life.
Respect Cultural Heritage
The Ionian Islands have a rich cultural heritage, with ancient ruins, historic sites, and museums that tell captivating stories. Show respect for these cultural treasures by following designated paths, refraining from touching or removing artifacts, and adhering to any rules or guidelines provided by authorities. By appreciating and preserving the cultural heritage, you contribute to the sustainable development and pride of the local communities.
Choose Sustainable Transportation Opt for sustainable transportation options to explore the Ionian Islands. Consider using public transportation, cycling, or walking whenever feasible. If renting a vehicle is necessary, choose eco-friendly options or carpool with other travellers to reduce emissions. Explore the islands’ stunning landscapes through eco-friendly activities such as hiking, kayaking, or sailing, allowing you to experience nature first-hand while minimizing your carbon footprint.
Learn and Engage Take the time to learn about the local environment, culture, and customs of the Ionian Islands. Engage in educational tours, workshops, or volunteer opportunities that promote sustainable practices and conservation efforts. Participate in eco-tourism initiatives that support local conservation projects or marine research, allowing you to contribute directly to the preservation of the Ionian Islands’ natural heritage. It is a great way to support local businesses and artisans and learn more about the traditions.
Stay on proper paths and carry a reusable water bottle As a repsosible traveller, one must always stick to the designated route for hiking or traveling and carry your own reusable water bottle. Straying away from the specified path may damage the local plants and that may coast the local environment. As there are plenty of spots in Ionian islands where you can fill your water bottle for free, it doesn’t make sense to keep buying new water bottles.
Explore local experiences Ionian islands are well known for their hospitality and go to any length to make their guests feel at home. It would be a great idea to join a locally led tour to add to your eco-friendly experience. You can be assured of beeign treated like a special guest, enjoy a great experience as well as lower your carbon footprint. Some good examples are joining a traditional cooking class or taking part in an art class or simply interacting with the local.
As you embark on your journey to the captivating Ionian Islands, remember that sustainable travel is not only about preserving the environment but also about supporting local communities and preserving their cultural heritage. By following these sustainable travel tips, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience while minimizing your ecological impact and leaving a positive footprint on these cherished islands.
Let your visit to the Ionian Islands be a celebration of sustainability, where you connect with nature, immerse yourself in local culture, and contribute to the preservation of this remarkable destination for generations to come. As some parting words, you can learn a few Greek words and show your interest and respect for the local culture and can lead by example by acting sustainably.
After making its debut at Gitex Africa, the Neo car has officially hit the streets of the North African nation. Yes, the NEO Maroc is Morocco’s first 100% locally-designed recyclable car
It’s not electric, but it is recyclable and now part of the circular economy: As soon as July this year the assembly plant in Ain Aouda. Morocco will begin building these Neo Maroc jeeps at an affordable $15,000 and $20,000. Morocco’s king wants his nation to be among the top 10 car-producing countries in the world.
The Neo’s fiberglass body is a stylistic nod to American military jeeps of the 40s, does drink conventional fuel, but its carbon footprint is softened by the fact that it’s completely recyclable, according to the creators. Morocco does not have net-zero target for energy, but its national green initiatives focus on a renewable energy goal, with 52 per cent of its electricity mix coming from renewables by 2030.
From 1960, the sport model was produced under the Sabra brand, and the station wagon, sedan and pick-up models were produced under the Sussita brand name (Sussita (סוסיתא), Sussita 12 and Sussita 13/60 models). Following an agreement with the Greek automotive manufacturer Attica, a small number of Sussita 12 sedans (Carmel) were produced in Greece.nt will build 7,000 NEOs this year.
Another Moroccan car will be launched in 2025, the NamX Hydrogen Utility Vehicle (HUV). The NAM will carry six removable capsules, providing an impressive driving range and lightning-fast refuelling times. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles like the HUV significantly outpace traditional combustion engines in terms of efficiency, and only exhale warm air and water vapour, rendering them a lean, clean driving machine.
Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, has awarded the Order of Intellectual Merit to Faouzi Annajah, the founder of NamX, the young hydrogen car brand. His SUV prototype goes along with “made in Morocco.”
The NEO debuted at Gitex Africa, the region’s main technology showcase where investors and entrepreneurs meet face to face. The car then drive around the city of Rabat. While there are only a handful of prototypes manufactured, a $15 million car plant will build 7,000 NEOs this year.
“This car has been seven years in the making, with thinking, designing and creating a prototype,” said Nassim Belkhayat, chief executive of NEO Motors, who had no prior experience in the automotive industry before funding Morocco’s third car brand. “It is the first Moroccan car that will be mass produced, so it is a dream for us, and all Moroccan people.”
A hybrid model is slated for production.
Morocco: King Mohammed VI presents first model Moroccan car brand NEO
The Fairuz Festival Jaffa showed the world that in times of trouble, we always have dance
A rumor started on a Facebook group in Jaffa that the beloved Lebanese singer Fairuz would be performing. Fairuz is the Ella Fitzgerald of the Arab world and without doubt the biggest musical icon of the Arab world. She is popularly known as “the soul of Lebanon” and has achieved fame despite being a modern, secular woman in an ultra-conservative world lived in by most of her biggest fans.
The 87-year-old singer did not perform that day in May, but in her spirit a dozen girls, Jewish and Arabic, with origins from the Holy Land and as far and wide as Canada and Ireland shared a common dance floor for change –– and led a dance with Faizuz’s music at a new local dance festival that took place in the Old City of Jaffa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and Tel Aviv. They had been working on the piece since January.
The dance troupe, led by Dalia Chaimsky dance director of the Jewish Arab Center in Israel, embraced a crew of 100 other girls and boys from Arab-speaking schools in the Jaffa area. The idea was to create a safe space for meeting face-to-face in a city that is culturally and religiously divided between rich and poor, secular and traditional, or Jewish, Muslim and Christian.
A group of girls from Jaffa share the hope for peace by creating a dance troupe that brings together schools with the music of Fairuz.
The dance troupe of young women aged 12 to 14 elegantly embraced their role as dance mentors to the other children, as a Middle Eastern orchestra, The Jerusalem Orchestra East West played an entrancing piece made famous by Fairuz. Hand movements and pulses of dancers crowded the stage, but everyone, along with their families in the audience were excited about the moment that the cellphones were off and the children could express themselves. Having 113 children on stage was a bit chaotic but the excitement and deeper meaning palpable.
It’s been a trying time for bringing people with varying backgrounds together in Jaffa, an ancient port city of mixed Muslim, Jewish and Christian heritage that sits side-by-side with the ultra modern Tel Aviv to the north. There were rockets falling in the area a couple of months earlier and while Yulia a lazy seal stretched herself along a Jaffa shore uniting Jaffainians for a moment, the sense in the community was one of distrust, loss of hope and pain.
As a resident of Jaffa and a mother of 3 young boys there, Chaimsky had a personal and professional mission to unite people through culture and dance in her beloved city.
She tells Green Prophet: “After being part of the Jewish Arab Center for 6 years it was important for me to develop the dance culture for the kids in Jaffa, especially the ones in our center. But it’s also important that the dance culture would be developed in Jaffa so that people will see what we are doing and recognizing that art and dance is not only for fun but can connect communities.”
“Dance,” she adds, “can develop kids’ minds, their general knowledge, but also other aspects about their bodies, in music, and in choreography,” says the daughter of Lithuanian doctors who immigrated to Israel as a child. Chaimsky was a professional dancer before she took on the role of supervising the dance department at the Jewish Arab Center. Other disciplines found there include hip-hop, modern dance and ballet.
“The main thing we came out with the Fairuz Project was the 100-plus kids collaborating together from the Jaffa schools Kulna Yahad, Ajial and Al Alhua in Jaffa. We entered the schools with our dance teachers and did a dance project for kids who are non-dancers in their everyday life. It was important for me to choose music connected to the traditional Arabic culture in Jaffa and the Middle East,” Chaimsky explores.
The Fairuz Dance Troupe from the Jewish Arab Center, left is their dance instructor Stav
“The emphasis was on Arabic traditional music so the Arabic kids will be proud of their culture and sound and so that it will be heard in the public area for the Jewish kids to know and hear another culture and tradition that’s not from home.
“The main thing is that we are learning about this culture through movement and that everyone can connect. It was for three months in the school, one hour per week, and in the end we set everything together to one dance and the city worked hard so we’d have a great orchestra to play, the Jerusalem Orchestra East and West.”
Watch the Best of Fairuz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaBYV-9g63o
It isn’t easy for Chaimsky, as a modern secular Jewish woman, to see young Arab women hidden from the public eye once they start puberty: “It’s important to say that in Jaffa by the age of 12 the girls stop dancing because of their traditions so it was important for me to emphasize Dance as something much more meaningful for life and which can connect the community.
“The fact that it comes out of Jaffa is a political statement,” she notes. “We are Jewish and Arab kids dancing together. We have different things to connect us now, not just the troubles, and yes we also have the good things. And you can see it onstage and you can see it in a very big festival like the one we had.
“But the main goal was to develop dance in the culture of Jaffa, within the kids,” Chaimsky, once a dancer, always a dancer, concludes.
The Fairuz Festival was in cooperation with and supported by the City of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, the Jewish Arab Center, The Mandel Center, the Old City of Jaffa, and the Pisgah Theatre in the Old City of Jaffa.
A Google Map of Palm Jebel Ali islands. Work on Palm Jebel Ali was halted soon after Dubai’s property market crashed in 2008. The project is being revived after a huge surge in Dubai property prices.
Palm Jebel Ali (نخلة جبل علي) an artificial archipelago in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which began construction in October 2002 and which has been on hold since is supposed to be seeing some developments. You can see an updated satellite image that not much has happened and that there is a lot of sand sitting in the ocean waiting for villas, playgrounds, cafes and watersports.
The new master plan includes 80 hotels and resorts, and we hope they will follow the Estidama Pearl Rating System. The Pearl Rating System is a sustainable building code, like LEED, but which better suits the Middle East climate and culture. A project can receive One Pearl to Five Pearls depending on the total point-score a building project achieves. The scoring also gives a good overview of areas where improvements are needed and encourages sustainable management and operations.
The new master plan for the Palm Jebel Ali has been approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. The project, which is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, is said to be one of a series of visionary projects being undertaken by master developer Nakheel. Investors from the 2002 days up until the market crash in 2008 are reported to be in limbo.
Palm Jumeira are artificial islands that include housing, hotels, spas and restaurants. Via Google Maps
The new masterplan for the Palm Jebel Ali includes a number of new features, including a nature-inspired waterfront promenade, some fitness centers, various swimming pools, children’s play areas, indoor gardens, as well as leisure facilities within each residential building.
Palm Jebel Island model viewed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
The project is expected to be completed in 2027 and hopes to attract a wide range of residents, including families, professionals, and retirees. It is also expected to boost the local economy and create jobs. Some residents of the Palm Jumeira Islands report fetid water smells from lack of circulation around their private moat like island complex and wonder how these issues will be managed in the new iteration of the same concept.
A Google Map overview of the 3 main artificial islands projects in Dubai
In 2009 The Globe and Mail in Canada reported that “down by the docks, a noxious tide of toilet paper, raw sewage and chemical waste has turned the exclusive Jumeirah Beach – once a magnet for Westerners – into foul-smelling sludge. The pollution is bad enough to trigger typhoid and hepatitis in swimmers.”
In 2018 thousands of dead fished washed ashore along with a strange foam. Artificial islands like the ones being built in Dubai are indeed playgrounds of the wealthy as the gates and moats offer seclusion and security from riffraff. But these hugely expensive projects have a negative impact on the planet: dredging destroys marine life, and natural erosion patterns of beaches and sand. A concrete base for the beaches is a tragedy.
“They usually say they are preserving nature,” says author Alastair Bonnett, a professor of social geography at University of Newcastle who has written a book on islands. He said in a National Geographic interview: “They plant trees and plant coral. But there’s a greenwash going on. It’s one of the paradoxes of the industrial world that we destroy nature and then we want it back. We are hungry for the very thing we’ve ruined. It’s like killing the thing you love and then bringing back its ghost.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum described in a tweet how this new destination comes as part of an ambitious plan to make the emirate “the most beautiful city in the world”.
“We announced our goal to double Dubai’s economy by 2033 and every day we add a new brick in building the most beautiful city in the world,” he said.
The next time you open a container of carbonated water, sparkling wine or a soft drink you might wonder if the inventors of this green technology were inspired by the pssst fizz sound of carbon dioxide being released from the beverage into the atmosphere? What if this process could be reversed? Could this be used to sequester carbon dioxide?
Climate change is a product of too much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases such as methane in the atmosphere. See the forest fires raging in Canada? An effect of climate change.
In some ways nature is ahead of us. Carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in water even at normal atmospheric pressure. Captura believes it can take advantage of the natural ability of water to dissolve carbon dioxide.
Billions of tons of carbon dioxide have already dissolved into the water of the world’s rivers lakes and oceans. We can be thankful for this but even nature has a limit. The dissolved CO2 makes carbonic acid which makes these bodies of water more acidic and can impact aquatic life. Acidity is one of the factors affecting coral reef health in the world’s oceans.
Eventually the water loses its ability to absorb more carbon dioxide. When freshwater lake temperature drops to its point of maximum density of 39°F or 3.98°C, surface water sinks to the bottom, displacing CO2 saturated water which rises and releases some of this gas back into the atmosphere. This seasonal turning of lakes happens in temperate climates. It also removes methane and introduces oxygen to deep waters. Certain types of fish such as smelt become active when a lake turns.
In equatorial climates the water temperature never drops to its point of maximum density so many lakes remain stratified and never turn over. Carbon dioxide and other dissolved gases can build up to a point where it is released catastrophically. This happened at Lake Nyos in Cameroon West Africa in August of 1986. The released carbon dioxide killed at least 1700 people.
Captura, from the United States, plans to use renewable energy to gently extract CO2 from the ocean where it can be used for industrial processes. Founded in 2021 using technology developed at Caltech’s laboratories, Captura provides low-cost atmospheric carbon removal by leveraging the world’s largest natural CO2 absorber – the ocean.
They report minimal impacts on the environment and using only renewable electricity and ocean water as inputs, applying a patented electrodialysis process to generate a stream of pure CO2 that can then be sequestered or utilized to make other low-carbon products.
The intake and output are in relatively shallow water with no need for deepwater pipelines or drilling platforms. Most ocean water will not need pre-treatment for the electrodialysis process which separates more acetic carbon dioxide rich water from the alkali water which is released to allow more “breathing room” for shallow ocean waters to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and pass it down to be absorbed by deeper water.
The CO2 output can be used for industrial processes and provides a verifiable measurement for carbon credit accounting.
A pilot is running in the Pacific ocean off Newport Beach California. It’s one of those ideas that when you see it you wonder why you didn’t think of it the last time you opened a can of soda.
Coaching skills can help you go far. Find your new sustainable career choice. Solar? Energy? Green design?
Performance is essential for success in today’s cutthroat workplace. Outstanding performance not only helps with personal development and career success, but it also makes you eligible for a merit increaseand other types of prizes. This article offers 10 tried-and-true tactics that can help you succeed at work if you’re hoping to improve performance and receive a well-deserved bonus.
Strategy 2: Developing Time Management Skills
Setting definite objectives will help motivate performance. It is difficult to track progress and maintain concentration when there is no goal to work toward. Establish both short- and long term goals first, then divide them into manageable chunks. Make a thorough plan with milestones and due dates to help you stay on track. Keep a close eye on your development and adapt as required to stay on course.
Strategy 3: Enhancing Communication Skills
Success at work requires effective communication abilities. To grasp others’ viewpoints and promote good verbal communication, develop active listening abilities. Recognize nonverbal clues and exercise empathy. In order to communicate concepts simply and succinctly in writing, improve your writing abilities. Collaboration, conflict resolution, and improved performance are all facilitated by developing solid connections through good communication.
Strategy 4: Ongoing education and skill building
Continuous learning is essential for remaining relevant and increasing performance in the fast paced world of today. Keep abreast with developments and trends in the industry. Look for educational possibilities like webinars, seminars, or online courses. To improve your talents, embrace professional development courses and certifications. Develop a growth mentality, accept new difficulties, and actively look for chances to increase your knowledge and skill.
Strategy 5: Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Gardening can help you find the world-life balance.
The secret to continued performance is a balanced work-life balance. To prevent burnout, realize how important it is to take pauses and recharge. Set limits between your personal and professional lives. Give self-care pursuits like exercise, hobbies, and time with loved ones a priority. You’ll boost productivity, enhance general wellbeing, and continue to function at a high level over the long term if you maintain work-life balance.
Strategy 6: Developing a Positive Attitude
Your perspective has a big impact on how well you perform. Develop a positive outlook by emphasizing opportunities rather than constraints. Accept positivity even amid difficult circumstances. To change your attitude and embrace appreciation, practice thankfulness. Talk to yourself in a constructive manner and swap out limiting thoughts with ones that are empowering. You may improve your confidence, resiliency, and general performance by developing a positive mentality.
Strategy 7: Effective Stress Management
Performance and your capacity to realize your full potential can both be hampered by stress. Determine the sources of stress in your workplace and put sensible stress-reduction measures into place. To lower your stress levels, include relaxation exercises, meditation, or other practices in your daily routine. Ask for assistance from coworkers, mentors, or experts as needed. You may improve concentration, productivity, and performance by handling stress well.
Strategy 8: Embracing Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Feedback is an effective tool for both professional and personal development. Ask for input from mentors, coworkers, or bosses on a regular basis. Accept constructive criticism and seize the chance to get better. Assess your performance frequently, pinpoint your areas for growth, and make targets. You’ll increase your performance and go above and beyond expectations if you welcome criticism and dedicate yourself to constant growth.
Strategy 9: Establishing enduring business connections
Collaboration, support, and improved performance are all fostered through developing solid relationships in the workplace. Make connections with colleagues and look for chances to work on projects together. Create mentoring connections to receive insightful advice. In every engagement, show professionalism, respect, and honesty. By cultivating solid business ties, you’ll establish a positive work atmosphere that inspires initiative and boosts output.
Strategy 10: Extending Yourself
Go above and beyond your given obligations to make a statement and increase your chances of receiving a bonus. Take the initiative to suggest new initiatives or areas for improvement. Look for chances to demonstrate your abilities and accept new obligations. Show commitment, dependability, and a solid work ethic. Show people you care about them and the planet. You’ll put yourself in a position for success and raise your chances of receiving a well-deserved bonus by continuously providing great outcomes and leaving a lasting impression.
It takes a determined and focused effort to improve performance and receive a bonus. You may achieve success at work by putting these 10 tried-and-true tactics into practice: goal planning, time management, communication skills, continual learning, work-life balance, positive mentality, stress management, feedback, professional connections, and going above and beyond. Keep in mind that sustained performance needs persistent effort, attention, and a commitment to personal development; it is not an overnight success. Accept these tactics, put them into practice regularly, and watch your performance soar as you get the well-deserved bonus and accomplish your professional objectives.
Mr. Panos from Nikoli village at Lefkada Island in the Ionian Sea of Greece. Meet some locals when you travel sustainably.
