The sustainability saga continues after the effects of climate change are leading to extreme droughts, storms and melting glaciers harming animals and destroying ecosystems. Species like the African elephant, the giant panda and the Monarch butterfly are some of the most affected by dangerous weather events. At the same time, the Amazon, Arctic and Coast East Africa are places where climate change impact is more extensive than anywhere else. As the climate crisis becomes worrying daily, people start experiencing severe climate anxiety, constantly distressed by how global warming will impact their lives.
Dealing with climate repercussions is not easy, so researchers are constantly looking for solutions to slow down the effects and try to adapt the current communities and wildlife to dangerous risks. Sustainability innovations are increasing in popularity and usage, so we’ll discuss some of those who bring real change into the world.
How the Smog Free Project aims to transform pollution into jewellery
According to the WHO, almost all global populations breathe air containing high levels of pollutants, while low- and middle-income countries are the most exposed. The leading cause of this situation includes sources of greenhouse gas emissions, such as the combustion of fossil fuels.
Considering the harmful effects of polluted air on human health, the Smog Free Project comes to clean the air by being the world’s first smog vacuum cleaner. The innovation is represented by a seven-metre tower that sucks in all the polluted air around, cleans it through ionisation, and releases it back. The building can clean up to 30,000 m3 of air/per hour.
What’s special about this design is that the compressed smog particles can be transformed into rings that can be bought. People can therefore contribute to over 1000 square metres of clean air by purchasing and wearing the Smog Free Ring. The tower is present around South Korea, the Netherlands, Mexico and Poland.
Why the Green Building Initiative needs more acclaim
The Green Building Initiative is an international project offering certification for commercial architectures approaching a shared environmentally-friendly vision. The final goal is to set a standard of practices for green constructions and offer proper tools for sustainability requirements.
The GBI project is a laudable initiative that should be promoted more to companies and corporations owning multiple buildings. Of course, this movement should be completed with proper recyclable methods and disposable materials, such as plastic, which is one of the most harmful to the environment.
How the Groasis Waterboxx plants trees in the desert
Desertification is one of the most worrying effects of climate change because experts predict the desert will be the most affected by human activities and small temperature changes. Oil and gas production is harming the soil. Still, nuclear waste dumped in the desert is also a threat. Above all, increasing temperatures lead to plants starving off soil erosion, enhancing dust storms and altering people’s lives.
Fortunately, a solution to help the soil and nature was found by the Groasis Waterboxx, a device that helps crops grow in the desert. The project leverages a smart recycled paper bucket through which seeds can germinate, requiring 90% less water than regular plant growing. This method helps plants grow in the most extreme climates on Earth and makes it possible for the air to get cleaner and the soil to be more fertile.
How the Zéphyr Solar brings aid in the midst of disasters
Destructive climate disasters have increased lately, with the Idai and Kenneth cyclones devastating regions around Southern Africa and the Australian wildfires affecting millions of animals and causing the loss of communities. Disasters can never be forecasted precisely, and there’s little to nothing people can do in the face of such dangers. But research is important, which is why Zéphyr Solar was created.
The photovoltaic generator takes the form of a helium balloon and operates as an aerial observation network that can fly up to 30 days through winds of 70 kph at great altitudes. This innovation aims to be included in missions of observing wildlife and measuring air quality, but that’s not all. The system can be adapted and utilised in multiple scientific cases.
How AirCarbon makes sustainable plastic
Plastic has become one of the most damaging things to nature. Despite being an affordable option for packaging, construction, sports equipment and more, at least 14 million tons of plastic are part of 80% of marine debris, leading to marine species ingesting it or getting injured. Currently, there aren’t many alternatives to plastic, but projects like AirCarbon will change that.
The creators planned on using carbon emissions to make a unique type of carbon-negative plastic that is a cost-effective solution above other synthetic materials. The product introduces the economy to circular recycling by using “biological digestion” to develop a biomaterial molecule that natural microorganisms can consume.
How Demetra mitigates food waste
It is estimated that 30% of worldwide food is wasted every year, and it comes from different sources, such as plate waste from restaurants or edible food that has not been eaten. Besides the problem of wasting food, its carbon footprint is also worrying, as it is estimated that an equivalent of 3,3 gigatons of CO2 is released every year.
Along with the multiple solutions, the Demetra project was created to improve food preservation. With the help of certain plant extracts, this treatment was designed to help fruits stay fresh for longer. At the same time, products with this substance wouldn’t have to be kept at certain temperatures during transport. The formulation prevents food waste by protecting fruits against pathogens, prevents loss of water and sugars and improves texture, colour and aroma. It successfully replaces chemically synthesised treatments that harm people and decrease product quality.
Final thoughts
The effects of climate change are getting more challenging day by day, affecting millions of communities and animals. Luckily, with the help of technology, innovation and science, we’re able to slow down climate issues and help people live a good life in a healthy ecosystem.