Egyptian locust appears at English beach town signaling climate change

Animals

-

September 25, 2025

The trust said the species were thought to arrive on the strong winds from the south east, adding it was likely the locust arrived on the same wind "that's dumping Saharan dust on our cars overnight". — An Egyptian locust appears in Cornwall

Locust invasions once seemed like a relic of ancient or faraway crises — the stuff of Bible stories or news from Africa and the Middle East. Over the years, we’ve chronicled grim scenes in Yemen and Egypt, and even spotlighted creative survival strategies (like the recipes of chef Moshe Basson) turning locusts from scourge to sustenance. But what was once viewed as someone else’s problem may now creep into British backyards.

In August 2025, a gardener in Cornwall spotted an Egyptian locust (Anacridium aegyptium) in their garden — a rare find in the UK. The Cornwall Wildlife Trust confirmed the sighting, noting that such insects are typically native to the Mediterranean and North Africa according to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Fried grasshoppers by chef Moshe Basson –- get the recipe here

Experts believe this locust was carried north by the same meteorological system that deposited Saharan dust across Cornwall. While one or two migrant locusts reach Britain each year, climate shifts could make the UK more welcoming to non-native species in the years ahead and this worries ecologists and farmers. The trust said the species were thought to arrive on the strong winds from the south east, adding it was likely the locust arrived on the same wind “that’s dumping Saharan dust on our cars overnight”.

handful of locusts, grasshopper plague yemen, africa, ethiopia — A handful of locusts in Yemen

The Cornwall Trust urges residents to report unusual insect sightings, helping build a picture of new species’ movements and possible ecological impacts.

The idea of locusts sweeping across the region is not hyperbole — history bears it out:

Between 2019 and 2022, enormous swarms of desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) devastated parts of East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Middle East, threatening crops and food security across 23 countries.
In Yemen, conflict weakened agricultural monitoring systems, making the country a key breeding ground. Efforts supported by the FAO and other partners managed to control infestations over tens of thousands of hectares according to the World Bank.

These episodes show how quickly locusts can transform from scattered pests into regional plagues, especially when conditions align in their favor — heat, rainfall after drought, and weak surveillance systems.

chef moshe basson with locusts — Chef Moshe Basson makes meals from Egyptian locusts. They are the only insect that can be considered kosher to eat

What This Means for the UK and the world?

So why should a single locust in Cornwall matter? Because it might be a harbinger of climate change and shifting weather patterns. Warmer, drier extremes and stronger winds can help migratory insects push further north. A recent study links increased locust outbreaks to climate anomalies like heavier rainfall and wind patterns.

Locusts are known for their gregarious transformation: under crowded conditions and favorable environments, solitary locusts morph into swarming hordes, dramatically increasing their threat. If the UK becomes more hospitable—warmer summers, longer dry periods—such migrant insects may find it easier to survive and reproduce beyond occasional stragglers.

If locusts concern you, read about the devastating locust plague in Africa in 2020, and tips for getting rid of the plague.

This furniture isn’t built, it grows from mushrooms

Design

Julie Steinbeck

-

September 25, 2025

0

Anomalia transforms waste into furniture

In Mumbai, architects Bhakti Loonawat and Suyash Sawant are proving that furniture doesn’t always have to be cut, nailed, or welded together. Through their design practice Anomalia, the duo is coaxing mushrooms into consoles, blocks, and textiles—lightweight, durable, and fully biodegradable pieces that challenge the way we think about materials.

Step inside a sunlit Mumbai apartment and you’ll find a console table that appears sleek and conventional at first glance. Look closer, though, and its supporting columns are not wood, stone, or steel, but mycelium—the filamentous root network of fungi.

Interior architect Huzefa Rangwala, co-founder of the studio MuseLAB, was among the first to experiment with these pieces. “We bought two consoles for a client project,” he explains. “They’re light, easy to move, and strong enough to hold everyday use, but they don’t dominate the space. The combination of mushroom bases with a wooden top feels familiar yet innovative.”

For Rangwala, whose work frequently intersects with sustainability, the appeal lies in supporting material innovation. “Design has to move beyond surface aesthetics,” he adds. “If new materials reduce waste and emissions, we all benefit.”

Globally, mycelium has been explored as an alternative for packaging, textiles, and even fashion. In India, however, furniture applications remain rare. Anomalia’s “Grown Not Built” collection changes that by offering modular blocks made from agricultural waste bound with mycelium.

Each block weighs only 1.5 kilograms, yet can withstand compressive loads of up to 1.5 tons—a tenth the weight of concrete with comparable strength. From these building blocks, Bhakti and Suyash assemble stools, tables, shelves, or partitions. A second line, “MycoLiving”, extends their experiments into textiles, producing pliable sheets of mushroom material as vegan alternatives to leather for seating and upholstery.

“The beauty of mycelium is its circularity,” Bhakti says. “Conventional furniture ends up in landfills. Ours can return safely to the soil within six months.”

The couple first tested mycelium during the pandemic, growing fungi in cupcake trays in their apartment kitchen. Realising its structural potential, they scaled up experiments into bricks, partitions, and eventually furniture. By 2022, they had launched Anomalia.

Just three years later, their mushroom furniture was showcased at the Venice Biennale in 2025, and in Seoul they unveiled a 4-meter-wide mycelium façade—evidence that fungi could go beyond interiors into architecture itself.

Sustainability Rooted in Waste

India’s agricultural sector generates vast crop residues, much of which is burned, worsening air pollution. Anomalia diverts this waste stream, binding it with fungi to create new material value.

“It’s biodegradable, strong, and avoids landfill,” says Suyash. “We don’t want our work to look like ‘eco furniture.’ It should feel elegant and timeless while also being regenerative.”

Designing with fungi isn’t like working with cement or timber. Mycelium growth is vulnerable to contamination and moisture, requiring controlled airflow and drying. Untreated, it doesn’t hold up well outdoors. To extend its life, Anomalia uses natural coatings like beeswax or lime plaster and bakes blocks to deactivate growth while preserving strength.

Financially, too, the process is demanding. The pair initially relied on savings and small grants, while running their architectural practice in parallel. “It’s bootstrapped but intentional,” Bhakti notes. “We want to grow responsibly, not mass-produce.”

So far, Anomalia has sold around 100 mycelium blocks and a handful of furniture units in Mumbai and Surat, with plans to set up manufacturing in India while collaborating with larger suppliers abroad. But the ambition stretches further.

“We dream of growing an entire house—walls, partitions, even the roof—out of fungi,” Suyash says. “That would demonstrate its true structural potential.”

For Anomalia, mushroom furniture is not just about creating new products; it’s about re-imagining design as a circular system. Materials, they believe, should serve their purpose and then return gracefully to the earth.

Inca Hernández Brings Liwa Farm Village to Life in Abu Dhabi, Rooted in Desert Heritage

Architecture

Karin Kloosterman

-

September 20, 2025

0

In the far reaches of Abu Dhabi’s Western Region, where the Rub’ al Khali desert stretches endlessly into Saudi Arabia, a new architectural vision is rising. Mexican architect Inca Hernández has unveiled Liwa Farm Village, a 7,000-square-meter project that reimagines what it means to live, work, and grow in harmony with one of the world’s harshest landscapes.

The project is sited near the Liwa Oasis, long revered as a lifeline in the desert. For centuries, this oasis shaped the livelihoods, fortifications, and traditions of the Emirate. The new design draws directly from this legacy—acknowledging the deep cultural roots of aflaj irrigation systems, vernacular desert architecture, windcatchers, and rammed-earth construction, while weaving them into a future-facing community space.

Hernández’s studio emphasizes construction methods that are both ecological and ancestral. Rammed-earth walls, strengthened with desert sand and pigmented concrete, anchor the village against the elements, offering natural thermal insulation in a place where heat defines daily life. Raised platforms protect buildings from seasonal shifts, while clay latticework channels breezes and shades interiors—an echo of the ingenious wind towers of old Arabia.

The result is architecture that breathes with the desert rather than imposing upon it. But why does it take a Mexican to re-imagine the past of the Arab world? Foreign influence on design, culture and architecture is far too common in Middle East oil countries eager to be bold and speaking the common language of the built environment of the west. The Arabian horse arrives on cue.

A Community Shaped by Nature and Culture

The layout unfolds like a living museum of desert traditions:

Date palm groves and agricultural plots integrate with housing and community spaces (all about date palms and sustainability).
A veterinary center and horse paddocks safeguard animal welfare while serving as an educational hub.
The Majlis, topped with palm-frond roofing, offers a space for gathering, reflection, and storytelling
A restaurant and spa bring visitors into contact with the flavors, scents, and healing practices of the region

Each structure, from modest earthen houses for farmers to grand arches inspired by desert dunes, is designed to blur boundaries between built form and natural process.

Hernández describes the project as “reviving vernacular techniques to preserve the land’s bounty while renewing traditions that give life to the present—and future.” It is a philosophy visible in every detail, from clay lattice roofs that scatter desert light to ponds that reflect the memory of the oasis.

By rooting Liwa Farm Village in the Al Gharbia region’s heritage, the design does more than preserve memory, a memory that the UAE seems so quick to forget, taken a foreign architect to re-imagine it. Hernández creates a place for exchange between past and present, locals and visitors, humans and land. This is not just a farm or a cultural center. It is a vision of coexistence—a desert village that tells the story of resilience across generations.

Project facts

Project facts: Liwa Farm Village

Lead Architect: Inca Hernandez.

Location: Bateen Liwa, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Team: Evelin García, Luis Enrique Vargas, Jesús Navarro, Alfonso Castelló.

Construction area: 7,000m2

Land area: 30,000m2

Year: 2025

Dr. Stephan Schmidheiny: The Swiss Entrepreneur Who Coined ‘Eco-Efficiency’ Before It Was Mainstream

Business

Bhok Thompson

-

September 20, 2025

0

When Maurice Strong needed someone to represent business interests at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, he turned to Dr. Stephan Schmidheiny, a Swiss industrialist who had quietly built a reputation for addressing environmental challenges ahead of regulatory requirements. What emerged from that collaboration was the concept of “eco-efficiency,” a term that would reshape how companies think about environmental performance.

Stephan Schmidheiny’s approach to environmental issues was shaped by practical experience. As head of the Swiss Eternit Group, he made the decision to exit asbestos processing in 1981—years before regulatory pressure forced competitors to follow suit. This early experience in anticipating environmental challenges informed his later work on global sustainability frameworks.

The Road to Rio: Creating a Business Voice

The turning point came in 1990 when Maurice Strong, Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, appointed Schmidheiny as Principal Advisor for Business and Industry. Strong recognized that without meaningful business participation, the upcoming Earth Summit would lack the private sector engagement necessary for practical solutions.

Initially hesitant, Stephan Schmidheiny eventually accepted the role. “What I had seen from my own experience in how the debate on the environment was evolving in Switzerland was that our inability to engage constructively was becoming a fundamental challenge,” he later explained.

To address this challenge, Schmidheiny founded the Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD) in 1991. Within less than a year, he assembled 50 top executives from different industries and regions, including leaders from DuPont, Royal Dutch Shell, Dow Chemical, and other major corporations. By the first meeting in spring 1991 in The Hague, there were 48 members, though 35 attended the inaugural meeting. The council’s mission was to develop a business perspective on sustainable development for the Rio Summit.

The recruitment process required considerable effort. Schmidheiny famously flew from Zurich to New York via London on the Concorde to meet DuPont’s chairman Edgar Woolard, arriving within 24 hours of scheduling the meeting. This sense of urgency impressed Woolard, who agreed to participate and helped recruit other CEOs. “Every time he introduced me, he told that story of me dropping everything to get there the next day to meet him,” Schmidheiny later recalled. “I think he thought it was a funny story, but that it also demonstrated my commitment to the project and my respect for him.”

The Birth of Eco-Efficiency

The BCSD’s work culminated in the 1992 book “Changing Course: A Global Business Perspective on Development and the Environment,” which introduced the concept of eco-efficiency to the world. The book, translated into some 20 languages, presented a fundamental shift in thinking about environmental protection and economic growth.

Rather than viewing environmental protection as a cost center, Schmidheiny developed the concept of eco-efficiency, which demonstrated how enterprises could combine environmental protection with economic growth. The term “eco-efficiency” deliberately combined economics and ecology, with the prefix referring to both domains. This approach suggested that environmental improvements could drive economic benefits rather than hinder them, fundamentally challenging the traditional view that environmental protection was merely a cost of doing business.

On June 5, 1992, Dr. Stephan Schmidheiny presented these findings at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The presentation, made alongside about 28 council members, marked the formal introduction of eco-efficiency as a business concept, providing a framework that would influence corporate environmental strategies for decades.

Building Institutional Support

Following the Rio Summit, Schmidheiny continued developing the institutional framework for business engagement in sustainability. The BCSD evolved into the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in 1995, following a merger with the World Industry Council on the Environment. The organization established its secretariat in Geneva and grew to represent over 200 companies globally.

The WBCSD became a platform for developing practical approaches to sustainability. Under Schmidheiny’s leadership, it produced research, case studies, and methodologies that helped companies implement eco-efficiency principles. The organization’s work influenced policy discussions and provided a business voice in international environmental negotiations.

In 2000, Schmidheiny was named honorary president of the WBCSD, recognizing his foundational role in creating the organization. His continued involvement ensured that the principles of eco-efficiency remained central to the council’s work.

Policy Influence and Academic Recognition

Stephan Schmidheiny’s work extended beyond business organizations to policy development. From 1997 to 1998, he served as Co-Chair of the OECD High Level Advisory Group on the Environment, working alongside Jonathan Lash of the World Resources Institute. The group’s report recommended that sustainable development become a general principle for OECD countries.

The advisory group’s work contributed to the OECD’s recognition of sustainable development as a priority, demonstrating how business concepts like eco-efficiency could influence policy frameworks. The report served as a foundation for discussions at the 1998 OECD Ministerial Meeting.

Universities recognized Schmidheiny’s contributions with honorary doctorates from Yale University, INCAE Business School in Costa Rica, Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Venezuela, and Rollins College in Florida. These academic honors acknowledged his role in developing theoretical frameworks for sustainable business practices.

Continued Development of Ideas

Stephan Schmidheiny continued refining his ideas about sustainable business practices through subsequent publications. In 1996, he co-authored “Financing Change: The Financial Community, Eco-efficiency, and Sustainable Development” with Federico Zorraquín, examining how financial markets could evaluate environmental performance.

The 2002 book “Walking the Talk: The Business Case for Sustainable Development,” co-authored with Chad Holliday and Philip Watts, provided practical examples of how companies were implementing sustainable practices. The book demonstrated that eco-efficiency principles could be applied across industries and geographies.

Corporate Board Experience

Schmidheiny’s sustainability expertise was sought by major corporations. He served on the boards of UBS for 18 years, Nestlé for 15 years, and BBC Brown Boveri for 16 years. His board experience provided practical insights into how large corporations could integrate environmental considerations into business strategy.

At BBC Brown Boveri, he played a role in the merger with Sweden’s Asea to create ABB, demonstrating how environmental considerations could be integrated into major corporate transactions. His involvement with the Swiss watch industry through SMH (later Swatch Group) showed how traditional industries could adapt to changing environmental expectations.

Legacy and Current Relevance

Today, the concept of eco-efficiency developed by Dr. Stephan Schmidheiny remains relevant as companies face increasing pressure to address climate change and environmental degradation. The principle of creating economic value while reducing environmental impact has become standard practice in corporate sustainability.

The frameworks developed by the WBCSD continue to influence how companies measure and report environmental performance. The organization’s methodologies for calculating carbon footprints, water usage, and resource efficiency build on the theoretical foundations established by Schmidheiny’s early work.

Modern sustainability initiatives, from the UN Sustainable Development Goals to the Paris Climate Agreement, incorporate principles that trace back to the eco-efficiency concept. The idea that environmental protection and economic growth can be mutually reinforcing has become a cornerstone of sustainable development thinking.

Schmidheiny’s work demonstrated that business leaders could contribute to environmental solutions by developing practical frameworks for corporate action. His approach of combining economic and environmental considerations created a model that remains influential in contemporary sustainability efforts.

The evolution from a single concept introduced at the 1992 Rio Summit to a global framework for sustainable business practices illustrates the lasting impact of Schmidheiny’s contribution to environmental thinking. His work helped establish the foundation for how modern companies approach the relationship between business success and environmental responsibility.# Dr. Stephan Schmidheiny: The Swiss Entrepreneur Who Coined ‘Eco-Efficiency’ Before It Was Mainstream

In the annals of sustainability leadership, few figures have shaped the global conversation as fundamentally as Dr. Stephan Schmidheiny. Long before environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria became investment imperatives, and decades before “green business” entered the corporate lexicon, this Swiss industrialist was pioneering the theoretical framework that would define sustainable capitalism for generations.

The journey that led Schmidheiny to create the term “eco-efficiency” began with a profound realization in the late 1980s. As head of the Swiss Eternit Group, he made the prescient decision to exit asbestos processing in 1981—years before regulatory pressure would force competitors to follow suit. This early experience in anticipating environmental challenges would prove formative in his later work on global sustainability.

Dubai overfishing: 13 years after Tafline’s warning

Green Prophet

-

September 19, 2025

0

Dubai overfishing: 13 years after Tafline’s warning

Dubai fishermen

In 2012, Green Prophet sounded the alarm about depleted Gulf fish stocks and weak enforcement in Dubai. Revisit Tafline Laylin’s original piece here: Dubai Finally Gets Serious About Overfishing.

Thirteen years on, what’s changed—and what hasn’t? Regulatory frameworks are clearer. The UAE now requires licences for commercial and recreational fishing and sets rules on species, sizes, seasons, and gear. See the official portal: Regulating fishing practices (UAE).

Marine protection and monitoring have expanded. Authorities report more scientifically informed monitoring and new research capacity,including offshore survey capability and support vessels for fisheries and habitat assessment (overview at Life Below Water – UAE.)

overfishing, Gulf, sustainable fishing practices, Dubai — Dubai fish market

Measured progress in Abu Dhabi. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s Sustainable Fisheries Index rose from
8.9% (2018) to 97.4% (end-2024), indicating far tighter alignment with sustainable harvest targets: Abu Dhabi Media Office (2025).
Visible enforcement actions. In Feb 2025, a fisherman in Abu Dhabi was fined Dh50,000 for exceeding permitted catch limits: Gulf News: Dh50,000 fine (2025).

Where the Picture in Dubai Is Still Mixed

Catch and release fishing in Dubai

Hamour (grouper) remains severely overfished. Years of overexploitation have left adult populations
dramatically reduced and age structures truncated. Reporting highlights suggest catches far beyond sustainable thresholds and individuals rarely reaching natural lifespans: The National (2019): Overfishing is the single biggest threat

Enforcement is uneven by emirate and along the supply chain. Market controls on undersized fish have improved, but gaps persist in inspections, reporting, and sanctions.

Cultural and economic realities complicate reform. Traditional preferences (e.g., hamour),
livelihoods, and consumer demand continue to pull against tighter conservation rules.

Climate stressors add pressure. Warming seas and habitat loss make stock recovery harder even where rules are followed.

China’s Role in Global Overfishing—With Documentation

Local conservation can be undermined by global fleets operating across borders. Multiple analyses document the scale and governance challenges of distant-water fishing (DWF), especially from China: Global activity share: An Oceana analysis finds Chinese vessels account for roughly 44% of visible global fishing activity, appearing in more than 90 countries’ waters and logging millions of hours on the high seas: Oceana (2025).

IUU and governance concerns: The U.S. Congressional Research Service summarizes evidence of
illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) risks, subsidy issues, and transparency gaps in China’s DWF fleet, noting
implications for stock depletion and international disputes: CRS Report R47065 (China’s Role in the Exploitation of Global Fisheries).

Policy pledges vs. practice: Scholarship reviews policy reforms and continuing implementation gaps in China’s fisheries, indicating improvements on paper that remain uneven on the water: Marine Policy review (ScienceDirect).

Bottom line: Even if the UAE tightens local rules, transboundary pressure from large DWF fleets can undermine recovery, making international monitoring, port-state measures, and supply-chain traceability essential. We were told the same by Seychellois: even if they restrict fishing in nature reserves, China boats often overfish nearby without consequence.

What Dubai (and the UAE) Can Do Next

Harden market enforcement against undersized and out-of-season fish; expand surprise inspections and public reporting.
Accelerate species-specific recovery plans for hamour and other priority stocks with clear biomass targets and timelines.
Scale consumer campaigns to shift demand away from overfished species; promote certified alternatives.
Petition to global fishing groups to enforce fishing caps and limits, especially on Chinese fishing boats.
Deepen regional & international cooperation on IUU detection, electronic monitoring, and traceability
to address external fishing pressure.
Reform the press so that’s it’s free and so that locals and foreigners may criticize without serious consequences. There is no free press in the UAE. The UAE government prevents both local and foreign independent media outlets from thriving by tracking down and persecuting dissenting voices. Expatriate Emirati journalists risk being harassed, arrested or extradited according to Reporters Without Borders.

How to make mushroom paper

Art

Karin Kloosterman

-

September 19, 2025

0

Make paper with kids. Mushrooms are now welcome.

How to Make Mushroom Paper

If you’ve already experimented with making moss graffiti or traditional papermaking, here’s the next level of nature craft: mushroom paper. This activity is perfect for forest schools, Waldorf school families, or DIY crafters who love experimenting with natural materials. Making paper from fungi not only produces unique earthy textures and colors, but it also connects you with the forest in an entirely new way. With seeds or dried flowers added, your creations can even be planted—turning your art into living gifts.

Why Mushrooms?

mushroom hunting and identification — My daughter and friend Raven study and ID mushrooms that are edible.

Unlike plants (which are rich in cellulose), mushrooms are made of chitin, a strong structural polymer. This gives mushroom paper a distinct leathery texture—sometimes even resembling vegan leather, such as that used by iconic fashion designer Stella McCartney, the daughter of the Beatle’s Paul.

While we’ve heard from mycologists that say you can use poisonous mushrooms for paper as well as edible, we;d stay on the safe side and suggest using fungi confirmed by a local expert to be non-poisonous. And stick to woody, tough species you wouldn’t want to eat. Mushrooms like chaga could be curious to try, but the value of them might be better kept as a tea.

chopping chaga mushroom for tea — Karin chops up chaga found in her forest. Ut’s hard on the hands!

Best Mushrooms for Papermaking

A birch polypore makes clean, white paper via WildFood UK

Dry, woody bracket fungi (also called polypores) are the top choice. They are called bracket fungi because they sit on the side of a tree like a shelf or bracket. They are hard to pull off but are removed with a knife or a rock. Experts we’re spoken with from the group UK Wildfood Larder say it is okay to pull all parts of the mushroom out. There is no need to consider leaving the roots since the actual “roots” of the mushroom run deep in the forest as mycelium. Mushroom hunters typically cut the mushrooms clean to avoid dirt and bugs in their edible haul. Below is a list of some bracket fungi you can try as paper. Really any of them will do.

Reishi musrhooms can be used in papermaking, but they might be more valuable as a tea to promote longevity

Artist’s Conk (Ganoderma applanatum)
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Red-Belted Conk (Fomitopsis pinicola)
Birch Polypore (Fomitopsis betulina)
Reishi / Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) – though often too valuable as medicine

Mushrooms to Avoid

Soft fleshy caps (button, portobello, chanterelle, oyster) → too mushy.
Chicken of the Woods → better eaten than pulped.
Slimy caps → produce weak, sticky sheets.

Tip from Angela at Foraging with Angela: “It’s best to use a bracket fungus rather than a toadstool. Look for species with visible fibers, leathery feel, and flexibility.”

Materials You’ll Need

Foraged mushrooms (woody polypores work best) like birch polypores.
A large tub or tray that is big enough to fit your mould and deckle. (You can make one easily with an old picture frame)
Blender
Water (lots!)
Mould and deckle (or DIY with a picture frame + mesh)
Absorbent cloths, towels, newspapers, or rags
Sponge
Optional: recycled paper scraps, cotton fibers (up to 20%), seeds, dried flowers

Step-by-Step Process for making simple mushroom paper

1. Collect & Soak

Harvest mushrooms and cut up into chunks. Soak them overnight—or longer to soften the fibers. Change the water if you soak for more than a couple of days as it will ferment.

2. Make Pulp

Chop fungi into smaller pieces.
Blend with plenty of water until you have a smooth pulp. A good strong blender like a Vitamix can help. The more you blend and liquify, the finer your paper can be.
Mix in fibers like cotton or recycled paper for strength. Some papermakers suggest 20% paper.

3. Prepare Slurry

Pour pulp into a tray with extra water.
Stir so fibers float evenly.

4. Form Sheets

Submerge mould and deckle.
Lift smoothly, letting water drain while fibers settle into a sheet. Experiment with concentration of material on the deckle. More will create a thicker paper, less will create a finer, thinner paper. in the video above the maker is using a proper mould and deckle. A picture frame with an added screen instead of glass will do. Pull it up through the slurry and place another screen piece on top and press out water and flip and you will be fine.
Remove deckle.

5. Couching

Flip the wet sheet onto a towel or cloth.
Sponge away water.
Gently peel off the screen.

6. Drying

Layer sheets between newspapers/cloths.
Press under heavy books or iron through fabric.
Replace damp layers until fully dry.
Iron dry the sheets on a low setting to keep the sheets flat.

The process is flexible—part craft, part experiment—and every batch yields different textures and tones. We advise you to only use foraged mushrooms and fungus that are confirmed to be non-poisonous by a local mushroom expert. We also suggest you use mushrooms you prefer not to eat because why waste a tasty chicken of the woods when you can use an old dry bracket mushroom instead?

Creative Uses

Stella McCartney makes mushroom leather pants

Mushroom paper varies from pale cream to rich tans, often with an earthy scent. Each sheet is one-of-a-kind. Try it for:

Greeting cards and envelopes

Handmade notebooks

Plantable gift tags (with seeds inside)

Newspapers embedded with seeds in Japan — Make your paper with seeds that sprout? Like in Japan. This newspaper comes laden with seeds that sprout.

Mixed-media art and collage

ewelry (rolled paper beads)

Eco-sculpture or masks

Make it thicker and use the “leather” in alternative fashion or art projects. Like mushroom leather pants?

Making mushroom paper is as much experiment as craft. Every batch turns out a little different, carrying the spirit of the forest (and you) into your art. Whether you’re creating earthy stationery, exploring eco-leather alternatives, or just enjoying the process with kids, this project is a hands-on way to turn fungi into something extraordinary.

In our journey meeting mushroomers, we also heard it’s possible to take some sawdust and inoculate it with mushroom spores to grow a thin flat sheet of mushrooms which can be later dried for “leather”.

Nicola makes paper from chicken of the woods mushrooms

Nichola Jane Rodgers: This is my mushroom paper I use a mix of birch polypore and chicken of the woods.

Angela from Foraging with Angela tells Green Prophet: “I’ve made mushroom leather from a few species, but I’ve found that Oak Maizegill is the one I get the best results from. They grow in my area (Cape Town SA) as an alien. Any bracts that aren’t poisonous should do. You can usually tell the kind of paper/leather you’ll end up with by the feel of the fresh mushroom.

“I didn’t use any glues or binders for the Maizegill paper, their natural fibers are sufficient. It makes a flexible, foldable, leathery paper. I just blend it with lots of water to make the slurry.”

And the paper, she notes, can be “more of a leather. Depending on the species.” See her video below.

Mushroom paper typically ranges from pale cream to deep tan, often carrying a subtle earthy aroma. No two sheets are alike—each piece carries the spirit of the forest into your art.

Anomalia transforms waste into furniture using mushrooms

Inspired by making paper? Check out this Indian-based design firm Anomalia –– they design furniture using mycelium!

And we were suggested to watch this video, about a man who makes hats from mushrooms in the forests as they are. The hats are made from amadou, a material made from Fomes fomentarius mushrooms. This species grows mainly on beech and birch. And a part of the cap called trama can be extended with figers (when cleaned from the spore part and the top layer “skin”.

Primarily this material was used as tinder for fire making in many parts of Europe. Hat making was rarer. And survived only in one village in Transylvania (now a part of Romania) in a place inhabited by Szekler people speaking an ancient dialect of Hungarian.

Only a few families still make a hat, mainly the old people. The video was made with the youngest from the line of Mate hat makers, Karoly Mate. This is the vegen leather of the future and these people steward this knowledge. This process was popularized by the famous ethnomycologist Paul Stamets.

Sushi from the sky thanks to UberEats and Flytrex

Transportation

Karin Kloosterman

-

September 19, 2025

0

Sushi from the sky thanks to UberEats and Flytrex

Your burrito’s got wings — and a smaller carbon footprint

It was more than a decade ago when we reported on Amazon drone deliveries. It felt like the sky would be full of drones dropping packages and chocolate milkshakes form the sky. But it’s taken a while to rejig and the startup world might get it right this time. Picture this: you’re sitting on your porch, craving sushi. Instead of waiting for a car to weave through traffic –– inviting someone you don’t know into your private space a small drone hums overhead and gently lowers your order right into your backyard.

No idling engines, no delivery driver getting stuck at red lights — just your meal, fast and clean.

Amazon prime air drone — Amazon’s first drone, Prime Air

That’s the promise behind Uber Eats’ new partnership with Flytrex, a drone company that has already flown more than 200,000 orders to hungry customers. Together, they’ll start testing drone deliveries in select US neighborhoods later this year.

Why it’s a greener delivery than a car

The “last mile” of delivery — when your food leaves the restaurant and comes to your door — is one of the most polluting parts of the process. A car, scooter, or van often burns fuel just to deliver one single order.

Flytrex’s electric drones change that math:

No tailpipes: Drones are battery-powered, producing zero emissions while flying.
Straight lines, not traffic jams: They fly directly from a local hub as the crow flies, to your home, saving time and carbon.
Better with clean power: As more cities run on renewables, the footprint of charging those drones shrinks even further.

Why Flytrex Works When Others Struggle

The idea of drone delivery isn’t new. Amazon, Walmart, and others have tried, but most programs get bogged down by red tape, safety risks, or technology that just isn’t ready. Remember Elon Musk talking about SpaceX and regulatory hurdles he faced?

Flytrex has managed to stay ahead of the curve because of a few key advantages: Flytrex is one of the few companies with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights. That means a drone doesn’t need someone chasing after it with binoculars — instead, operators can oversee a fleet from a central hub. This is essential if drone delivery is ever going to scale beyond novelty.

Instead of flying across an entire city, Flytrex works in smaller “delivery zones.” Think suburban neighborhoods or communities with a local hub nearby. Drones take off from that hub, fly directly to your yard, and lower food with a tether. Shorter trips = more efficiency, fewer crashes, and lower emissions.

Flytrex drones don’t land in your driveway. They hover about 80 feet up, then lower your order on a secure wire. No blades near people, pets, or kids — and no need for a landing pad. The drone never actually touches down.

With more than 200,000 successful deliveries already completed, Flytrex has shown the system actually works in everyday life, not just in test labs. Customers order through a regular app, track the drone on a map, and then walk outside when it arrives. Just don’t get caught on the rope!

Green Prophet advocates for creating a more sustainable planet. We prefer that people return to cooking the good old fashioned way, and creating communities and “home” around people with similar values (jump into our recipes, developed by our in-house grandmother). But we also don’t suggest that everyone should do what we say! We believe a sustainable planet should include indulgences and they be fueled by clean, green energy.

We’re not talking about a sci-fi fantasy anymore. Drone delivery is here, and Uber’s return to the skies suggests it may soon be mainstream. Imagine a world where poke bowls, burritos, and even that late-night bubble tea come buzzing down from above, all with a lighter carbon footprint.

More on Flytrex business and investment

Flytrex, is a drone-delivery startup founded in 2013, established by Yariv Bash and Amit Regev. Bash, who also co-founded SpaceIL, serves as CEO, while Regev is the company’s Chief Product Officer. Together they set out to solve last-mile delivery challenges by building both drones and the control software that enables backyard-to-backyard service in suburban areas. Their vision has led Flytrex to become one of the most visible players in drone logistics, with pilot projects launched in Iceland and later in the United States, including North Carolina and Texas.

Early rounds between 2017 and 2019 brought in a mix of venture capital and angel investors such as Armada Investment AG, Daniel Gutenberg, Joey Low, b2venture, and TechAviv Founder Partners, raising a few million dollars to fund research and initial pilots. Momentum accelerated in 2021, when Flytrex announced a $40 million Series C round led by BRM Group, with participation from OurCrowd, Benhamou Global Ventures, BackBone Ventures, and prominent angel investor Lukasz Gadowski. By the end of that round, Flytrex’s cumulative funding had reached about $60 million, positioning it to expand US operations and navigate regulatory approvals.

::Flytrex

She Rebrands ACE as GoodPower to Accelerate the Energy Transition

Green Prophet

-

September 19, 2025

0

Climate research and advocacy organization Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE) has rebranded as GoodPower, a shift timed with Climate Week NYC. The move reflects the group’s ambition to confront rising energy costs and climate impacts while accelerating the global transition to renewable power.

Led by CEO Leah Qusba (pictured above), GoodPower combines grassroots organizing, empirical research, and digital communications to engage everyday people around the economic and social benefits of decarbonization. The organization’s work is rooted in the idea that renewable energy is not only vital for addressing the climate crisis but also essential for reducing household energy costs, creating jobs, and strengthening economic security.

The relaunch comes at a moment when energy costs are surging in the United States and globally. US electricity prices have risen more than 30 percent since 2020, driven in part by the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence and data centers. Families also face compounding financial pressures from extreme weather events, rising insurance premiums, and broader economic instability. This Green Prophet article here explores how AI can help improve grid stability.

GoodPower argues that solutions already exist. Renewable power is now the most affordable and fastest to deploy worldwide, while complementary technologies such as electric vehicles and regenerative agriculture offer additional benefits for communities and economies.

A Record of Impact

The organization has built its platform over 17 years of work as ACE. Among its achievements:

Delivering more than 3 billion ads, videos, and organic impressions to key audiences.
Building a network of 1.4 million climate advocates.
Helping secure local support for 6 GW of renewable energy projects now moving into construction.
Running more than 115 research trials through its Good Data Lab.
Registering over 350,000 under-represented voters since 2020.
Expanding international operations to Brazil, Canada, South Africa, and the UK.

This history, Qusba said, positions GoodPower to address both the climate crisis and the economic pressures facing households worldwide.

Strategic Vision

solar thermal brightsource ivanpah — Ivanpah, solar-thermal energy plant in California

GoodPower’s new identity is paired with its 2030 Strategic Plan, “Upward Spiral.” The plan calls for scaling proven programs, investing in breakthrough technologies, and deepening work in communications, research, and grassroots field organizing. A key emphasis will be the use of AI and other tools to reach broader audiences and accelerate adoption of clean energy solutions. (Related: The UN is building a coalition to explore how AI can save the planet).

GoodPower’s relaunch has drawn praise from funders and partners. Joel Clement of the Lemelson Foundation called the rebrand “deeply aligned with what this moment demands.” Funders including the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation highlighted GoodPower’s evidence-based methods and ability to reach new audiences with creative, research-backed strategies.

With a redefined mission and an expanded toolkit, GoodPower aims to build the cultural and political momentum needed to accelerate the renewable energy transition. The organization frames its work as unlocking a better economy — one with millions of new jobs, lower bills, healthier communities (why was Ivanpah shut down?), and a more secure energy system.

For more information, visit goodpower.org.

Soccer star Hakan Çalhanoğlu kicks off massive reforestation project in Turkey with gamers from My Lovely Planet

Act
Climate

Julie Steinbeck

-

September 18, 2025

0

Hakan Çalhanoğlu supporting reforestation with Hakan in Kuşadası

Football star Hakan Çalhanoğlu and his wife Sinem announced the creation of the Çalhanoğlu Forest, in partnership with My Lovely Planet (MLP), a Web3 mobile game that transforms gameplay into real-world tree planting.

Turkey is a natural paradise. Sailing along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts reveals miles of untouched beaches, wild mountains, and fragrant forests. It is hard to believe such beauty still exists in a world where development and fire threaten our last remaining carbon sinks.

And thanks to a new initiative hosted by a football star and an online game, Turkey is about to get a lot more trees.

Last year, Green Prophet highlighted the inspiring story of Şehmus Erginoglu, a man in his 70s who spent 30 years planting 11,000 trees on a wasteland in his hometown of Mardin. His devotion transformed barren land into a living forest (read that story here). Like the French allegory The Man Who Planted Trees, Erginoglu proved that one person’s commitment can heal landscapes for future generations.

Sehmus Erginoglu poses with photo of trees he helped restore. (All pictures by Murat Bayram/MEE)

Today, football legend Hakan Çalhanoğlu is expanding this tradition of ecological heroism—through gaming online and in the real world.

A Forest Born from Football and Gaming

On September 18, 2025, international football star Hakan Çalhanoğlu and his wife Sinem announced the creation of the Çalhanoğlu Forest, in partnership with My Lovely Planet (MLP), a Web3 mobile game that transforms gameplay into real-world tree planting.

“Football has given me so much, and now I want to give something back, not just to my country, but to the world,” said Çalhanoğlu. “With My Lovely Planet, fans can have fun and directly join me in bringing impact while enjoying the game. Together, we can make gaming meaningful.”

MLP has already planted 380,000 trees worldwide. Built by the gaming veterans behind Candy Crush, Royal Match, and Fortnite, and selected by Google’s #WeArePlay program, the game proves that the hours people spend swiping screens can translate into ecological recovery.

“We’re building more than a game. We’re building a movement where entertainment fuels real-world action,” said Clément Le Bras, Founder and CEO of My Lovely Planet. “The Kuşadası project is just the beginning – and partnering with Hakan allows us to inspire millions of fans to make a difference, one download at a time.”

Healing After the Fires

Land after the fires: My Lovely Planet play-to-restore app for ecological reforestation

The Çalhanoğlu Forest will take root in Kuşadası, Aydın Province, an area devastated by wildfires June, 2024. Like in Europe, Los Angeles, and Canada, Turkey has suffered massive losses from climate change–driven fires. Rebuilding these landscapes requires urgent cooperation and long-term monitoring.

The initiative’s first phase will plant 10,000 saplings, covering an area equivalent to 50 football fields. This reforestation effort is financed by Çalhanoğlu himself. Native species—Turkish pine (Pinus brutia), oak (Quercus spp.), and select fruit/value trees—will ensure resilience against future droughts and fires.

But Phase 1 is only the beginning. Because planting trees and taking care of them requires a village. Coldplay figured this out after they planted mango trees that later died.

In Phase 2, gamers worldwide can download My Lovely Planet, play, and directly contribute to planting more trees alongside Hakan and Sinem. Each in-game action unlocks a real-world tree, grown under the supervision of the Turkish Tohum Association (Tohum Eğitim Kültür ve Doğa Derneği).

This system of play-to-restore means ecological recovery is no longer limited to philanthropists or governments—it becomes a collective, gamified mission accessible to anyone with a smartphone.

MLP’s approach is simple but radical: entertainment should have an ecological consequence. Every swipe, match, or level passed results in tangible reforestation.

This concept mirrors earlier environmental movements where people were encouraged to plant a tree for every child born, or every wedding celebrated. I planted a fig tree when I got married and an olive tree when my daughter was born – but that’s just a few trees. MLP scales it for the digital generation: trees for every download, every victory, every hour of fun.

By embedding reforestation into daily play, the initiative bypasses the apathy often felt toward distant environmental problems. Climate action becomes seamless, enjoyable, and habitual.

Legacy, Literature, and Lessons

As a teenager in Canada, I remember reading The Man Who Planted Trees (L’homme qui plantait des arbres) by French author Jean Giono. It told the story of Elzéard Bouffier, a shepherd who spent decades reforesting a barren valley in Provence. Though fictional, the story inspired countless people to believe in the quiet power of persistence. There is also the story of Miss Rumphius, popular today as a children’s book about a woman who dedicated her life to planting lupine seeds.

Today, Çalhanoğlu’s project echoes that message—while updating it for the digital age. Instead of one shepherd or one man from Mardin planting alone, millions can now plant together with their thumbs. The symbolism is powerful: a footballer, known for precision and endurance, redirecting the energy of his fans toward something larger than sport.

The Çalhanoğlu Forest also demonstrates how global cooperation can emerge in unexpected forms. It links international sport, tech innovation, grassroots NGOs, and climate resilience into a single story of hope.

In a world increasingly defined by division, here is a chance to unite over something universal: the need for shade, clean air, and forests for our children. So, plant a tree. Play a game. And make Miss Rumphius proud.

::My Lovely Planet

Ursula’s EU at Climate Week with big speeches, quiet rollbacks—and a whiff of climate capture

Climate

Julie Steinbeck

-

September 18, 2025

0

Ursula’s EU at Climate Week with big speeches, quiet rollbacks—and a whiff of climate capture

President of EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen

Al Gore warned in An Inconvenient Truth: “We are witnessing a collision between our civilization and the Earth.” In Brussels, President Ursula von der Leyen often echoes that urgency. But behind the podium, a series of fresh EU moves points the other way—toward loosening rules, delaying targets, and giving industry more “breathing space.” It’s the kind of slow-turn that watchdogs call corporate or climate capture.

A new peer-reviewed paper in Environmental Science & Technology Letters synthesizes decades of evidence on how powerful sectors shape the institutions meant to regulate them. The authors—led by Prof. Alex Ford—warn that such influence will obstruct progress on the UN’s “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss, and chemical pollution. Their description of subtle, systemic steering reads like a checklist for Europe’s latest policy pivots.

In June, the Commission hit the brakes on the flagship anti-greenwashing law—the Green Claims Directive—saying the file had become too burdensome for small firms and signaling it could be shelved. That pause/withdrawal would weaken proof requirements for “carbon-neutral,” “biodegradable,” and similar claims—an own goal for consumer trust.

Through the summer, the executive also opened the door to further “simplifications” of environmental law after waves of industry criticism—reducing the scope of corporate sustainability reporting and easing due-diligence expectations in supply chains, while entertaining calls to soften other green files. The EU Ombudsman is reviewing whether these weakenings advanced without adequate public input.

Member states, for their part, are pressing to dilute or delay other pillars. A majority have pushed for more changes to the EU’s anti-deforestation law before its rollout, arguing producers can’t meet requirements—despite the law being a world-first attempt to curb imported forest loss. And as the New York Climate Week conversations ramp up, the bloc is struggling to agree the 2040 climate target—diplomats say a deal has slipped, risking credibility just as the world compares notes on ambition. Another failing of a mammoth EU organization not able to stand for anything in unity?

None of this proves intent to stall climate action. But the pattern—weakening consumer protections against greenwashing, trimming corporate accountability, softening land-use safeguards, and hesitating on the next-decade target—mirrors the “tactics of delay” described in the capture literature. As the new study notes, influence is often quiet and procedural, not headline-grabbing.

Climate Week exists to turn targets into timelines and timelines into budgets. If the EU wants to model leadership, the path is straightforward: restore a strong Green Claims law with independent verification; close loopholes in supply-chain due diligence instead of widening them; protect the integrity of the anti-deforestation regime; and lock in a science-based 2040 goal that keeps 1.5°C within reach.

Are you tangled up in climate conflict, because your job depends on it? New study

Act
Climate

Karin Kloosterman

-

September 18, 2025

0

The first property is tailor-made for active adventure. The deconstructed design ascends the walls of the wadi like a staircase, its structure effortlessly tracing the topography with minimal disturbance of the terrain's natural lines. Its unique location, folded into the cliff top and valley sides, lends itself to those seeking rock climbing and other high-octane experiences in the surrounding area. — Plenty of European and American architects are piling on to say that Neom, in Saudi Arabia is a sustainable idea. They make a fortune doing it.

Al Gore warned in An Inconvenient Truth: “We are witnessing a collision between our civilization and the Earth.” That collision is fueled not just by carbon but by entrenched interests that benefit from the status quo. A new study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters shows how corporate capture—the ability of industries to shape the very institutions meant to regulate them—remains one of the greatest obstacles to solving the climate crisis.

First studied in the 1940s, corporate capture has been documented across sectors from fossil fuels and chemicals to food, tobacco, and pharmaceuticals. The new research, led by Professor Alex Ford of the University of Portsmouth and the International Panel on Chemical Pollution, warns that without reform, capture will obstruct efforts to address what the UN calls the triple planetary crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, and chemical pollution.

Ford describes a subtle but systemic web of influence: those tasked with protecting people and the planet can become entangled—sometimes unknowingly—in a web where funding, data, and decision-making are steered by vested interests. These strategies do not always look like outright corruption; they are often subtle, systemic, and deeply embedded.

A new study led by the International Panel on Chemical Pollution (IPCP) has investigated how corporate industries influence individuals, organisations or governments to not act in the best interest of the environment and human health.

Examples range from “Frackademia,” where universities accept fossil fuel research dollars, to pesticide companies sponsoring scientific conferences, and museums criticized for partnering with oil companies. Adam Werbach, once the youngest-ever president of the Sierra Club, famously left mainstream activism to work with Walmart in the 2000s. His shift illustrated how corporate partnerships—even well-intentioned ones—can blur lines between advocacy and business interest.

In 2011, the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI) released The Future of Natural Gas, which stated that “natural gas provides a cost-effective bridge to a low-carbon future” and supported the exporting of liquified natural gas. A major sponsor of the report was the American Clean Skies Foundation, founded and chaired by Aubrey McClendon, CEO of the nation’s No. 2 gas producer Chesapeake Energy.

It is common for the New York Times, a prominently left-wing, liberal newspaper, to accept full page ads on how Saudi Arabia and Saudi Aramco are leading the renewable energy transition, while Aramco is the largest oil and gas producer in the world.

Jeanne Mortimer, the Dianne Fossey of sea turtles. She changed everything in the Seychelles.

And in the Seychelles, Green Prophet has reported how even conservation groups meant to safeguard biodiversity, such as those monitoring Assomption Island near Aldabra Atoll, were appointed by the government itself. This raises a structural conflict of interest: when the very institutions charged with protecting nature are chosen by political actors who also approve destructive resort developments, their independence is compromised.

The study catalogues the recurring tactics industries use: watering down environmental laws, suppressing or delaying critical research, funding NGOs or cultural institutions to soften messaging, and using media platforms to amplify denial or disinformation.

Not all ties to industry are damaging, the authors note. The private sector has played an important role in developing innovative technologies and supporting environmental initiatives. But involvement must be transparent, accountable, and free from conflicts of interest that undermine wellbeing.

The IPCP researchers recommend stronger conflict-of-interest policies, transparent disclosure of funding, and training for students in environmental sciences to spot disinformation and influence tactics.

“This isn’t about vilifying industry,” Ford emphasizes. “It’s about recognising that commercial interests don’t always align with public or planetary health.”

From ExxonMobil’s climate deception lawsuits to Big Oil’s deepening carbon capture investments, the evidence is clear: industries are still shaping the rules of the game. And as Gore reminded us nearly twenty years ago, the stakes could not be higher: “We are facing a planetary emergency—a threat to the survival of our civilization.”

Motived to change the world? Head to New York Climate Week in 3 days to get the ball rolling.

Why New York Climate Week Isn’t Boring — and 5 Fun Things You Can Do to Make It Yours

Karin Kloosterman

-

September 18, 2025

0

Tens of thousands of people from across the world will gather in New York City this month for Climate Week NYC, the largest annual climate event of its kind

Every September, New York City becomes the climate capital of the world. It’s like Davos for people who want to see a change in climate change. Climate Week NYC (September 22 to 28, 2025) brings together thousands of leaders, innovators, and citizens to talk about decarbonization, finance, and future technologies. On paper, it can sound like a policy nerd’s dream — or a regular person’s, yawn, snoozefest.

But here’s the truth: Climate Week doesn’t have to be boring. The official program is packed with hundreds of events — everything from the MIT Climate Innovation Showcase to sustainable food tastings and startup expos. And if the talks feel too heavy, you can make your own Climate Week fun by joining community events, exploring the city differently, or even organizing something yourself.

Here are five confirmed happenings and DIY ideas to help you enjoy Climate Week without obsessing about greenhouse gas numbers — while still making changes in your lifestyle and business.

Check Out a Startup Showcase (Confirmed)

Copper, battery induction oven — Copper is a new kind of stove that performs like a gas stovetop, but without the dangerous gas

Dozens of startups are opening their doors during Climate Week. The MIT Climate Innovation Showcase is one highlight, bringing together researchers and entrepreneurs with bold new ideas. From AI-powered recycling tools to solar paints, you’ll see where the future is heading — and maybe even find a business partner.

Taste the Future of Food (Confirmed + DIY)

rib eye steak aleph farms — A steak grown in the lab made by Aleph Farms. It is meat grown in a lab, without animal suffering.

Climate-friendly cuisine is big this year. Expect pop-ups and panels on regenerative agriculture, plant-based proteins, and sustainable supply chains. If you don’t make it to a scheduled tasting, create your own: cook a kelp-based recipe, try mushroom jerky, or host a potluck where everyone brings a low-carbon dish. Food is culture — and change can be delicious.

If you don’t find what you are looking for –– why not create your own pop-ups of “climate-friendly cuisine”?

Make It a Bike Week (DIY)

The ZUV Tricycle Is Quite Ugly, but It Still Puts Your e-Bike to Shame

While Climate Week’s official calendar doesn’t list big group rides, you can turn the week into your own climate-positive bike festival. Ride to events instead of taking cabs, invite colleagues for a “climate commute,” or join existing NYC cycling groups. It’s fun, healthy, and reminds you that personal choices add up. Visit the NY Cycle Club for events and ideas.

Join a Community Event

Beyond the corporate panels, dozens of community-led meetups are scheduled — from art shows to urban gardening talks. Check the Climate Week NYC events calendar for free or low-cost events across the boroughs. And if you don’t find one that excites you, create your own “block party” — invite neighbors, spin music, and share sustainable hacks and crafts on your street.

Reconnect With Nature (DIY)

Harlem Grown, a hydroponics garden in NY

Central Park walks, rooftop gardens, and urban farming tours pop up around Climate Week — though not always officially listed. Even if you can’t find an organized outing, make one yourself: bird-watch in Central Park, visit a community garden, or take a kayak out on the Hudson.

Sometimes the best climate inspiration comes from remembering what we’re fighting for.

Climate Week isn’t just for CEOs and policymakers. It’s a chance for anyone to plug in, whether you’re attending an official showcase or just biking to work with a few friends. Fun and climate action aren’t opposites — they feed each other. And when you connect with community, food, music, or nature, you realize: this is what the future can look like.

::Climate Week

How artificial intelligence can stop grid cyber-attacks and over-load

Energy

Karin Kloosterman

-

September 18, 2025

0

AI could be the key to protecting our solar-powered future — making grids smarter, safer, and resilient against blackouts and cyberattacks.

Elon Musk has been saying it for years and it’s something that solar power pioneers already know: the sun has enough energy to power all of our energy needs. The problem is limited not only by making sure that people get the technology to harvest the sun on solar panels, but in cities and urban centers one of the biggest issues is storage and what to do with a surplus of energy when the sun shines? Consumers and businesses, when they can, typically shoot back the energy to the grid where they earn money or credits for what they’ve contributed.

But electricity grids can’t always handle excessive or varying amounts of energy. It’s a complicated switchboard that can be overloaded during extreme heat waves when everyone turns on their air conditioners. Energy managers want to make the grids most efficient and mixed with the least carbon intensive energy sources, but how? And what about cyber attacks that can bring down an entire nation’s power like what happened in Spain and Portugal this year. A team of scientists say they can predict attacks and blackouts, making the grid more resilient –– and they are using AI.

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed brain-inspired AI algorithms that detect physical problems, cyberattacks and both at the same time within the grid. And this neural-network AI can run on inexpensive single-board computers or existing smart grid devices.

Sandia National Laboratories cybersecurity expert Adrian Chavez, left, and computer scientist Logan Blakely work to integrate a single-board computer with their neural-network AI into the Public Service Company of New Mexico’s test site. This code monitors the grid for cyberattacks and physical issues.

“As more disturbances occur, whether from extreme weather or from cyberattacks, the most important thing is that operators maintain the function and reliability of the grid,” said Shamina Hossain-McKenzie, a cybersecurity expert and leader of the project. “Our technology will allow the operators to detect any issues faster so that they can mitigate them faster with AI.”

The importance of cyber-physical protection

The Ivanpah Solar Power Facility, a $2.2 billion concentrated solar plant in California, was once hailed as a breakthrough in renewable energy. However, it underperformed, requiring natural gas backup and failing to meet energy production targets. Pacific Gas & Electric canceled its contract early, citing cost concerns, putting the plant on track for closure. Despite its financial struggles, Ivanpah provided valuable insights into large-scale solar thermal technology. — Solar energy installation in Californian desert

As the United States adds more smart controls and devices to the grid, it becomes more flexible and autonomous but also more vulnerable to cyberattacks and cyber-physical attacks. Cyber-physical attacks use communications networks or other cyber systems to disrupt or control a physical system such as the electric grid. Potentially vulnerable equipment includes smart inverters that turn the direct current produced by solar panels and wind turbines into the alternating current used by the grid, and network switches that provide secure communication for grid operators, said Adrian Chavez, a cybersecurity expert involved in the project.

Because the neural network can run on single-board computers, or existing smart grid devices, it can protect older equipment as well as the latest equipment that lack only cyber-physical coordination, Hossain-McKenzie said.

“To make the technology more accessible and feasible to deploy, we wanted to make sure our solution was scalable, portable and cost-efficient,” Chavez said.

The package of code works at the local, enclave and global levels. At the local level, the code monitors for abnormalities at the specific device where it is installed. At the enclave level, devices in the same network share data and alerts to provide the operator with better information on whether the issue is localized or happening in multiple places, Hossain-McKenzie said.

Several single-board computers with Sandia National Laboratories’ neural-network AI connected into the Public Service Company of New Mexico’s test site. The Sandia researchers are testing how well the code can detect cyberattacks and physical issues in the real world.

At the global level, only results and alerts are shared between systems owned by different operators. That way operators can get early alerts of cyberattacks or physical issues their neighbors are seeing but protect proprietary information.

The Sandia team collaborated with experts at Texas A&M University to create secure communication methods, particularly between grids owned by different companies, Hossain-McKenzie said.

The biggest challenge in detecting cyber-physical attacks, or if we go further to predicting major power outages from over-use, is combining the constant stream of physical data with intermittent packets of cyber data, said Logan Blakely, a computer science expert who led development of the AI components.

Physical data such as the frequency, voltage and current of the grid is reported 60 times a second, while cyber data such as other traffic on the network is more sporadic, Blakely said. The team used data fusion to extract the important signals in the two different kinds of data.

Then the team used an autoencoder neural network, which classifies the combined data to determine whether it fits with the pattern of normal behavior or if there are abnormalities with the cyber data, physical data or both, Hossain-McKenzie said. For example, an increase in network traffic could indicate a denial-of-service attack while a false-data-injection attack could include atypical physical and cyber data, Chavez said.

Unlike many other kinds of AI, autoencoder neural networks do not need to be trained on data labeled with every type of issue that may show up, Blakely said. Instead, the network only needs copious amounts of data from normal operations for training.

The use of an autoencoder neural network makes the package pretty much plug and play, Hossain-McKenzie added.

Once the team constructed the autoencoder neural network, they put it to the test in three different ways.

First, they tested the autoencoder in an emulation environment, which includes computer models of the communication-and-control system used to monitor the grid and a physics-based model of the grid itself, Hossain-McKenzie said. The team used this environment to model a variety of cyberattacks or physical disruptions, and to provide normal operational data for the AI to train on.

Then the team incorporated the autoencoder onto single-board computer prototypes that were tested in a hardware-in-the-loop environment, Hossain-McKenzie said. In hardware-in-the-loop testing, researchers connect a real piece of hardware to software that simulates various attack scenarios or disruptions. When the autoencoder is on a single-board computer, it can read the data and implement the algorithms faster than a virtual implementation of the autoencoder can in an emulation environment, Chavez said. Generally, hardware implementations are a hundred or thousand times faster than software implementations, he added.

The team is working with Sierra Nevada Corporation to test how Sandia’s autoencoder AI works on the company’s existing cybersecurity device called Binary Armor, Hossain-McKenzie said.

“This will give a really great proof-of-concept on how the technology can be flexibly implemented on an existing grid security ecosystem,” she said.

The team is testing both formats — single-board prototypes interfaced with the grid and the AI package on existing devices — in the real world at the Public Service Company of New Mexico’s Prosperity solar farm as part of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, Hossain-McKenzie said. These tests began last summer, Chavez said.

“There’s nothing like going to an actual field site,” Chavez said. “Having the ability to see realistic traffic is a really great way to get a ground-truth of how this technology performs in the real world.”

The team also worked with PNM early in the project, to learn what AI design might be most useful for grid operators. It was during conversations with PNM staff that the Sandia team identified the need to connect cyber-defenders with system operators rapidly and automatically.

Robert Redford, actor and environment activist dead at 89

Nature

Karin Kloosterman

-

September 16, 2025

0

Robert Redford, actor and environment activist dead at 89

Robert Redford, actor, director, and lifelong environmentalist, leaves behind a legacy of art in service of the Earth — Robert Redford, actor, director, and lifelong environmentalist, leaves behind a legacy of art in service of the Eart

Robert Redford — Oscar-winning director, founder of the Sundance Institute, and one of America’s most loved actors and influential environmental advocates — died on September 16, 2025, at his home in Utah. He was 89. News of his death was confirmed by multiple outlets. Redford leveraged his worldwide fame to protect wild lands, accelerate climate action, and fund storytelling that moves people to care about the planet. In short, a true Green Prophet.

Below are five of his biggest environmental causes and achievements—each documented by reliable sources.

Longtime NRDC trustee and voice for climate action

Redford served for decades as a trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), using that platform to press for clean energy, clean air, and conservation. He opened NRDC’s groundbreaking “green” headquarters in 2003 and addressed UN climate ministers in 2015, urging faster action. He received multiple conservation honors, including the Audubon Medal (1989). The film above was produced and screened for the UN event.

Co-founding The Redford Center to fund impact storytelling

In 2005, Redford and his son James co-founded The Redford Center, a nonprofit that produces and funds films and campaigns to drive environmental progress. The Center’s short “Robert Redford’s Environmental Legacy” premiered during the Paris COP21 events, highlighting his belief that art and nature together can change the world.

Good film has the power to change the world. See Woody Harrelson on regenerative agriculture.

Protecting Utah’s public lands and sacred places (Bears Ears)

Redford was a fierce defender of the American West, partnering with Tribes and local communities to safeguard Bears Ears and other landscapes. He publicly urged federal leaders to designate and then protect Bears Ears National Monument.

Early, effective opposition to a Utah coal plant

In the 1970s to 80s, Redford helped lead opposition to a coal-fired power plant proposal near his Sundance home and in the Kaiparowits region. The fight became a defining early win for conservationists—so prominent that some locals burned him in effigy.

Elevating independent voices through Sundance

By founding the Sundance Institute and Festival (1981), Redford created the world’s most influential incubator for independent film—amplifying environmental narratives and careers that changed culture. His broader public service was recognized with the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

Across five decades, Redford fused art, advocacy, and institution-building: NRDC trustee and national climate voice; co-founder of an environmental media nonprofit; steadfast defender of public lands; an early, successful opponent of local coal development; and creator of Sundance, which gave countless environmental stories a stage. These contributions sit alongside his film achievements (Ordinary People, A River Runs Through It, All the President’s Men) and national honors. May more people be inspired by legends like Redford and may his family be comforted in this difficult time.

Eat for your eyes and against cancer –– the power of zeaxanthin

Food

Julie Steinbeck

-

September 15, 2025

0

Scientists at the University of Chicago have found that zeaxanthin, a plant-derived carotenoid best known for keeping our eyes sharp, may also act as an immune-boosting compound that helps the body fight cancer. The new study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, shows that zeaxanthin strengthens cancer-fighting immune cells and may even improve the success of modern immunotherapies.

“We were surprised to find that zeaxanthin, already known for its role in eye health, has a completely new function in boosting anti-tumor immunity,” said Jing Chen, PhD, senior author of the study.

This discovery adds one more reason to eat your greens (and your oranges and reds too). Zeaxanthin is found in spinach, kale, and orange peppers—but the way we cook and combine these vegetables can make them even more delicious and bioavailable.

Foods Rich in Zeaxanthin

Orange peppers – one of the richest sources.
Kale and spinach – leafy greens with a high concentration.
Corn and egg yolks – also reliable sources.

When eaten regularly, these foods don’t just protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration; they may now also help prime your immune system against cancer.

Recipe Ideas for Daily Protection

Muhammara (Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

This classic Levantine dip uses roasted red peppers—packed with carotenoids like zeaxanthin—blended with walnuts, pomegranate molasses, and spices. It’s a vibrant, smoky spread you can enjoy with fresh bread or veggies.

? Try our Muhammara recipe on Green Prophet.

Stuffed Orange Peppers

Fill halved orange peppers with quinoa, lentils, herbs, and a touch of feta. Bake until tender. This dish is both eye-catching and immune-friendly.

? For ideas, see stuffed vegetable recipes on Green Prophet.

Make Turkish Red Pepper Paste

If you love Turkish food and crave its flavors at home, you’ll soon find yourself stirring up the Turkish pantry staple, spicy red pepper paste. It’s a basic flavoring ingredient for many dishes in southern Turkish cuisine. There are no tomatoes in the paste; its deep red color comes from slow-cooking red bell peppers and chilies. The ingredients are simple, but the finished paste gives your food spicy complexity. Get the recipe here.

Recipe: Turkish Red Pepper Paste

Zeaxanthin is already sold as an over-the-counter supplement, but getting it from food is safer and more enjoyable. Unlike synthetic pills, food provides a synergistic mix of vitamins, fibers, and bioactive compounds. As Chen explains, this discovery is still in the early stages, but it “opens a new field of nutritional immunology” where everyday food choices can directly influence the immune system. While clinical trials are still needed, the takeaway is simple: put more orange peppers, leafy greens, and corn on your plate.

Your eyes will thank you now, and your immune system may thank you later.

Hot topics

Finance

Marketing

Politics

Strategy

Hot topics

Finance

Marketing

Politics

Strategy

What This Means for the UK and the world?

Sustainability Rooted in Waste

A Community Shaped by Nature and Culture

The Road to Rio: Creating a Business Voice

The Birth of Eco-Efficiency

Building Institutional Support

Policy Influence and Academic Recognition

Continued Development of Ideas

Corporate Board Experience

Legacy and Current Relevance

Where the Picture in Dubai Is Still Mixed

China’s Role in Global Overfishing—With Documentation

What Dubai (and the UAE) Can Do Next

How to Make Mushroom Paper

Why Mushrooms?

Best Mushrooms for Papermaking

Mushrooms to Avoid

Materials You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Process for making simple mushroom paper

1. Collect & Soak

2. Make Pulp

3. Prepare Slurry

4. Form Sheets

5. Couching

6. Drying

Creative Uses

Your burrito’s got wings — and a smaller carbon footprint

Why it’s a greener delivery than a car

Why Flytrex Works When Others Struggle

More on Flytrex business and investment

A Record of Impact

Strategic Vision

Football star Hakan Çalhanoğlu and his wife Sinem announced the creation of the Çalhanoğlu Forest, in partnership with My Lovely Planet (MLP), a Web3 mobile game that transforms gameplay into real-world tree planting.

Healing After the Fires

Check Out a Startup Showcase (Confirmed)

Taste the Future of Food (Confirmed + DIY)

Make It a Bike Week (DIY)

Join a Community Event

Reconnect With Nature (DIY)

AI could be the key to protecting our solar-powered future — making grids smarter, safer, and resilient against blackouts and cyberattacks.

The importance of cyber-physical protection

Longtime NRDC trustee and voice for climate action

Co-founding The Redford Center to fund impact storytelling

Protecting Utah’s public lands and sacred places (Bears Ears)

Early, effective opposition to a Utah coal plant

Elevating independent voices through Sundance

Foods Rich in Zeaxanthin

Recipe Ideas for Daily Protection

Muhammara (Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

Stuffed Orange Peppers

Make Turkish Red Pepper Paste

Company

Headlines

Newsletter