As the world shifts toward greener alternatives to fossil fuels and eco-friendly lifestyles, we begin to wonder just how far we are capable of going. Are there enough options and resources available to meet all our energy needs in environmentally-friendly ways? Is the vision of a green future with 100 per cent renewable energy feasible?… Continue Reading
Researchers studying the effects of global warming recently reported that four-fifths of countries and approximately 90 per cent of the global population could benefit from adherence to the Paris Climate Treaty, which calls for holding the rise in Earth’s surface temperature to well under 2 degrees Celsius and 1.5 degrees Celsius if possible. As reported… Continue Reading
A recent report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration revealed that emissions from the ozone-destroying chemical CFC-11 are on the rise. The suspected cause is new, unreported production from an unidentified source in Eastern Asia. The findings were published in the journal Nature. The study’s lead author, Stephen Montzka, discussed the findings and the… Continue Reading
Researchers from the Colorado School of Mines have discovered that protonic ceramic fuel cells exhibit long-term durability and fuel flexibility needed for a viable alternative fuel source. The study involved testing eleven different types of fuels: Hydrogen Methane Domestic natural gas with hydrogen sulfide Domestic natural gas without hydrogen sulfide Propane N-butane I-butane Iso-octane Methanol… Continue Reading
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory developed an enzyme by sheer accident while examining the structure of a natural enzyme found in a waste recycling center in Japan. The enzyme, Ideonella Sakaiensis 201-F6, degrades polyethylene terephthalate, a substance that was patented as a plastic in… Continue Reading
France-based venture capital firm Five Seasons Ventures recently set out to raise funds to invest in European Food and AgriTech. The funds will be utilized to provide early-stage firms with the backing they need to create innovative solutions to overcome challenges. The efforts paid off with a total of $60 million being raised. According to… Continue Reading
A team of Australian scientists recently demonstrated a graphene filter capable of purifying water from anywhere, including Sydney Harbour. The water filtration system was developed using a material called “Graphair.” Graphene is normally created through an energy-intensive process involving chemical vapor deposition onto metal substrates. Graphair, however, is made from soybean oil, which is both… Continue Reading
Ontario’s carbon pricing system, which went into effect last year, was designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions by putting caps on the amount of pollution companies in certain industries can emit. Any company exceeding those limits must purchase allowances, either during quarterly auctions or from other companies which are well under their limits. The… Continue Reading
A recent study explored the use of tree bark tannins as battery cathode materials. Researchers from Northeastern University in Boston set out to determine the ability of tannins to serve as an inexpensive and sustainable material, noting the abundance of tannins in nature as well as their high levels of phenol as main factors… Continue Reading
China recently built a solar highway in the city of Jinan. The Jinan South Ring Expressway, developed by the Qilu Transportation Development Group, is comprised of three layers: insulation, photovoltaic panels, and translucent concrete. “The top layer has good flexibility, which can both withstand the pressure of large vehicles and protect the fragile amorphous… Continue Reading
