The Trash Economy
@did:plc:draejllizanvlritc6snz2ix
News & analysis of viable trends & new tech for sustainability. Regulations📄. Case studies📑. Sustainable finance 💵 & recycling ♻️ solutions analyzed.
From Germany to Finland, researchers are finding innovative ways to rewild damaged peatlands and turn them into carbon sinks. These overlooked ecosystems store twice as much carbon as global forests. 🌳🌐 #Rewilding #SustainableAgriculture
thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/14/u...
Unsung Climate Saviours – Peatlands & Paludiculture
Peatlands, often associated with mystery, hold potential in addressing climate crisis. European efforts in paludiculture and rewilding, along with research in the US, aim to restore and understand the...
thetrasheconomy.com
Mountaineers and scientists brave treacherous conditions to study the Patagonian glaciers, a frontline of the climate crisis. Their findings will inform policymakers on the urgent need for climate action. 🧭⛰️ #ClimateScience #Patagonia"
thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/15/c...
Climate Change Frontier: The Icefields of the Patagonia
In the Patagonian Andes, scientist Tobias Sauter leads an expedition to study the rapidly changing glaciers. The team faces harsh conditions as they gather crucial data to understand climate change's ...
thetrasheconomy.com
The dominant economic model is deeply flawed. Our latest editorial explores how narrow metrics like GDP & shareholder returns undermine true value creation & sustainability. 🌍🌳 #EconomicReform #AlternativeFrameworks"
thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/13/e...
Editorial: The untenability of ‘value’ metrics rouses crises of paradigms
In June, halfway through 2024, firms and governments assess bi-annual performance, GDP, and shareholder returns. The obsession with short-term profits and growth has led to environmental and social da...
thetrasheconomy.comThe aviation industry pushes back on EU regulations that would require tracking & disclosing non-CO2 emissions from flights. Airlines argue the methodology is immature, but environmentalists say this obscures aviation's full climate impact. thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/09/a...
Aviation Industry Fights Broader EU Emissions Monitoring Rules
Global airlines are resisting new EU rules to monitor non-carbon emissions from flights, arguing that the methodology is immature and the impacts are difficult to calculate accurately. The airline ind...
thetrasheconomy.comNew research suggests geoengineering through stratospheric aerosol injection could help save the rapidly melting Antarctic ice sheet - but only if deployed within the next 5-10 years alongside deep emissions cuts. Time is running out: thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/08/g...
Geoengineering offers the potential to save the Antarctic ice sheet
Two new studies investigate the potential of injecting stratospheric aerosols to delay the collapse of the West Antarctic ice sheet. Experts suggest a limited time window for effective geoengineering ...
thetrasheconomy.comThe key to powering sustainable energy transitions? Recycling e-waste. A new UN report shows vast reserves of critical metals like copper, aluminium and rare earths are discarded annually, yet barely a third get recycled. We must close this loop: thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/07/c...
Closing the Loop: How Prioritizing E-Waste Recycling Can Power Climate Action
The UN report uncovers massive untapped e-waste reserves, with over 7,000 metric tons of neodymium and millions of copper and aluminium discarded annually. The demand for these critical metals is set ...
thetrasheconomy.com
Like how nuclear weapons couldn't end conflict, decarbonization may not rebalance our relationship with nature, even at heavy costs for marginalized communities. Sustainability requires rethinking economic and political systems, not just engineering fixes.
thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/06/t...
The Tunnel-Vision Of Decarbonisation
Societies have historically relied on technology to solve challenges, from the wheel aiding agriculture to nuclear weapons during the Cold War. However, complex issues like environmental sustainabilit...
thetrasheconomy.comFood waste is a massive problem - 1.3 billion tons annually while over 122 million face hunger. But there's an opportunity in recycling food scraps through composting and anaerobic digestion. Read more: thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/08/e...
Editorial: If You Can’t Help It, Then Waste Food Responsibly
In 2023, 1.3 billion tons of food went to waste, while over 122 million faced hunger. This colossal food waste issue not only affects the environment but also represents a massive economic burden. Rec...
thetrasheconomy.com
Could providing a #UBI help build a more #SustainableWorld? This editorial explores how a guaranteed income could empower sustainable jobs, ease overconsumption, and enable a shift toward the #CircularEconomy by meeting people's basic needs.
thetrasheconomy.com/2024/04/17/e...
Editorial: Universal Basic Income for a Sustainable Future
Universal Basic Income has the potential to mitigate environmental harm by reducing economic pressures that lead to overconsumption and unsustainable practices, fostering a circular economy. Challenge...
thetrasheconomy.com
Ocean-bound #plasticwaste is overwhelming our seas. But embracing #circulareconomy solutions like @PlasticBank's collection model can capture this waste stream before it becomes pollution & turn it into economic opportunity.
thetrasheconomy.com/2024/04/16/e...
Editorial: Ocean-bound plastic poses a daunting but worthy challenge
The launch of Ocean Cleanup’s system 03 brings hope for ocean waste cleansing. The project aims to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. This ocean-bound plastic stems from inadequate waste management ...
thetrasheconomy.comResearchers confirm a Pacific grey whale in the Atlantic Ocean, likely migrating through an ice-free Arctic passage due to global warming. This remarkable observation illustrates the rapid pace of change in our oceans. #ClimateImpacts #MarineLife
Extinct Whale Returns to the Atlantic Battling Climate Shifts
Researchers from the New England Aquarium spotted a grey whale, believed extinct in the Atlantic for 200 years, off the coast of Massachusetts. Once on the brink of extinction due to whaling, the spec...
thetrasheconomy.com
Decades of fossil fuel industry lobbying reveals a disturbing pattern of undermining government support for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and other climate solutions. Their "free market" arguments were cover for entrenching dirty energy.
#ClimatePolicy #GreenTransition
Fossil Fuel Lobbyists Have Been Stifling Climate Action Since the 1960s
Research reveals decades of oil industry efforts to hinder government support for green technologies. Analysis of lobbying shows opposition to renewable energy subsidies, electric vehicles, and emissi...
thetrasheconomy.com
Upcoming SEC climate disclosure rules could be a game-changer for startups focused on carbon accounting and emissions data. Mandated transparency will spur demand for their innovative tools and services.
#ClimateStartups #CarbonData
How New Climate Laws Could Supercharge Climate Startups
The Securities and Exchange Commission will vote on a climate disclosure rule that could require large corporations to publicly report their greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related risks, a move ...
thetrasheconomy.com
Unprecedented winter wildfires raging across Texas and Alberta, Canada are a stark reminder that climate change is accelerating faster than our ability to respond. This is the "clima incognita" we must prepare for.
#ClimateDisruption #ClimateImpacts
Winter Wildfires in Texas Show Climate Warming
The Smokehouse Creek fire in Texas, among others, signifies the alarming impact of climate change. John Vaillant warns of unprecedented winter fires and a shift in seasonal patterns, with extreme cond...
thetrasheconomy.com
Groundbreaking study detects microplastics physically accumulating in human artery plaque, exacerbating inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk. This builds on growing evidence that plastic pollution threatens human health.
#Microplastics #PublicHealth
Study links microplastics to increased heart disease deaths
Research at IRCCS MultiMedica uncovered evidence linking microplastic and nanoplastic particles to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Analyzing artery plaque samples from 257 adults revealed micro...
thetrasheconomy.com
Nonprofit powerhouse, 5gyres, is tackling the global plastic pollution crisis head-on through scientific research, education, and advocacy. Their mission: "More ocean. Less plastic."
#PlasticPollution #OceanHealth
5 Gyres: Empowering Action Against Plastic Pollution
5 Gyres is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the global health crisis of plastic pollution. Their research focuses on understanding plastics' impact and accelerating science-based solu...
thetrasheconomy.com
With the EU's coming carbon border tax, German steelmakers are under pressure to clean up their act. Shift to hydrogen-based 'green steel' could cut emissions up to 95%, but high costs & infrastructure challenges remain.
#EUClimatePolicy #IndustrialTransition
German Steel Hopes Hydrogen can Help them Go Green
German steelmakers are investing billions to reduce emissions and transition to greener production methods. This involves using hydrogen as a fuel source to significantly cut carbon emissions. The mov...
thetrasheconomy.com
The EU Parliament wants to align pollution limits with WHO guidelines by 2035, but nations argue this is 'not realistic.' Governments must prioritize public health over short-term economic interests.
#GreenDeal #EnvironmentalJustice #EuropeanParliament
EU Demands 10 More Years for Stricter Air Pollution Laws
Several EU countries are seeking a 10-year postponement to comply with new air pollution standards, prompting a rift with the European Parliament. While acknowledging the necessity of stricter regulat...
thetrasheconomy.com
Overreliance on tech, risk of greenwashing, & lack of immediate action make the UN's 2050 sustainability goals seem increasingly fanciful. Systemic change, transparency & accountability are crucial.
#WasteManagement #ClimateEmergency #UN2050
Editorial: Why Do UN 2050 Goals Already Seem Fanciful?
The UN 2050 goal faces criticism from climate scientists and waste management experts for its lack of specificity, insufficient focus on circular economy principles, global inequalities, overreliance ...
thetrasheconomy.com
Capitalism perpetuates deprivation and environmental destruction. @jasonhickel.bsky.social makes a compelling case for democratic #ecosocialism to meet humanity's needs within planetary boundaries.
#CaptialismVsEcosocialism
A Case for Revolution: Capitalism vs Democratic Ecosocialism
In the 21st century, capitalism exacerbates social and environmental crises, failing to meet basic needs. Jason Hickel advocates for democratic control over finance and production to achieve well-bein...
thetrasheconomy.comStudy Antarctic ice shelves are losing their 'pinning points' that slow ice melt - at more than double the historical rate. This signals widespread surge in ice thinning and sea level rise. #ClimateEmergency #Antarctica #ClimateChange
Antarctic Ice Melting Twice As Fast Compared to 50 Years Ago
Analysis of 50 years of satellite imagery reveals that Antarctica's ice shelves are losing key anchors at a rapidly accelerating rate. This indicates widespread thinning and potential destabilization ...
thetrasheconomy.comA groundbreaking mission to address the growing #spacedebris challenge! Astroscale's ADRAS-J will be the first to safely approach and characterize a large debris object in orbit. #sustainability #spacetech
A Mission to Clean Up Space Debris: ADRAS-J
Astroscale's ADRAS-J mission is a pioneering effort to tackle space debris, a growing threat to space sustainability. By safely approaching and characterizing existing debris, it paves the way for eff...
thetrasheconomy.comA groundbreaking mission to address the growing #spacedebris challenge! @astroscale_HQ s ADRAS-J will be the first to safely approach and characterize a large debris object in orbit. #sustainability #spacetech
A Mission to Clean Up Space Debris: ADRAS-J
Astroscale's ADRAS-J mission is a pioneering effort to tackle space debris, a growing threat to space sustainability. By safely approaching and characterizing existing debris, it paves the way for eff...
thetrasheconomy.comA new report alleges the plastics industry's fraudulent recycling rhetoric violated laws around consumer fraud and public nuisance. #PlasticsAccountability #ClimateLitigation
Recycling’s Dirty Secret: A History of Plastics Lobbying Deceit
Recent report from the Center for Climate Integrity exposes decades of deceit by the plastics industry regarding the feasibility of recycling. Industry leaders allegedly knew for over 30 years that re...
thetrasheconomy.com"Currently, there are an estimated 8,300 satellites in #orbit, of which only about 52.5% are operational. The remaining 47.5% consists of defunct or abandoned #satellites, posing a significant risk for collisions. As per #N2yo, 28,529 objects are floating in #space right now."
The economic repercussions of the #KesslerSyndrome are obvious, and the chances of it happening increase with each #satellite launched into low-Earth orbit (#LEO). #Space #SpaceJunk #SpaceX #NASA #SpaceEconomy #GPS
Editorial: Space Junk is Earthling’s Not-So-Mutant Migraine
Space debris presents a growing threat to satellite operations and the global economy. The increasing number of satellites in orbit raises the risk of collisions, leading to further debris creation. L...
thetrasheconomy.com
"Wars can be profitable, even for those who detest them."
It's time we recognize The overlooked costs of conflict include long-term #EcologicalDamage. Our editorial sheds light on the "long-lasting implications for future generations."
Editorial: War is Ecocide!
Wars not only cause immediate devastation but also have severe environmental repercussions. From carbon emissions to soil contamination, conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza wars leave lo...
thetrasheconomy.comDebate continues on individual duties to address climate change, with complex factors around harm caused, constraints on choice, and reasonable sacrifice. Government action also key to facilitating lower-carbon options. #ClimateEthics #Sustainability #PolicyAction
The Extent of Individual Responsibility on Climate Change
Debates persist on individuals' moral obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. While emissions may not directly harm, their cumulative impact is scientifically linked...
thetrasheconomy.comClimate migration pressing with millions displaced so far. Solutions explored: refugee visas, planned relocations, community programs. Strong climate action needed to limit projections of over 200 million refugees by 2050. #ClimateChange #ClimateJustice #Adaptation
Climate Change Migration Displacing Millions With No Relief
Rising global temperatures are causing millions to relocate due to climate impacts. Solutions include funding planned relocations, creating refugee visas for climate-displaced people, and improving di...
thetrasheconomy.comSustainability accounting integrates with corporate governance as environmental and social risks shape strategic decisions. ESG metrics inform executive pay & board appointments. #ESG #CorporateGovernance #SustainableBusiness
Environmental & Social Risk Oversight Shape Governance
Corporate governance is evolving to integrate sustainability accounting and reporting, linking executive pay to ESG metrics. This shift reflects a move towards long-term value creation and is driven b...
thetrasheconomy.comPetrochemical glut shrinks recycled plastic costs amid virgin plastic boom, complicating circular goals. Lower input prices threaten recycling margins. #PlasticPollution #CircularEconomy #Sustainability
Petrochem Glut Drives Down New Plastic Production Costs
The oversupply of petrochemicals from oil and gas is driving down production costs of virgin plastics, making them cheaper than recycled alternatives. This is due to a glut in petrochemical markets, l...
thetrasheconomy.comStudy questions sustainability from evolutionary perspective, arguing true conservation requires less human-centric view and transition from growth-driven systems. #NatureProtection #ConservationScience #ClimateAction
Research: An Evolutionary Critique of Sustainability
Sustainable development aims to meet current needs while preserving resources for future generations. However, it falls short of true nature conservation due to capitalism's focus on unlimited growth....
thetrasheconomy.comCapitalism prioritizes short-term profits over sustainability. Editorial argues for balancing economic growth, social equality and environmental protection to develop sustainably. #ClimateAction #CircularEconomy #SteadyState
Editorial: Sustainability Battles the Capitalist Creed
The conflict between capitalism and sustainability arises from their divergent goals and priorities. While capitalism focuses on profit maximization and short-term gains, sustainability emphasizes lon...
thetrasheconomy.comACWA Power expands rapidly with Saudi backing, pursuing solar projects globally to aid the kingdom's renewables goal. Lower costs boost competitiveness. #RenewableEnergy #GreenGrowth #ClimateAction
ACWA Power’s ambitions scaled by Saudi backing
ACWA Power, backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, aims to achieve the country's plan of generating 50% of electricity from renewables by 2030. With 24GW of renewable projects globally, it be...
thetrasheconomy.comStudy finds bottled water contains far more microplastics than estimated, raising new concerns. Over 240,000 plastic fragments on average were found, 90% small enough to potentially enter bloodstream. #PlasticPollution #WaterQuality #Sustainability
More Microscopic Plastic in Bottled Water Than Estimated
A new study revealed that bottled water contains an average of 240,000 plastic fragments per one-liter bottle, many of which are "nanoplastics" less than one micrometre in size. Previous studies only ...
thetrasheconomy.comQuestions emerge over integrity of carbon offsets as prices plunge. Reforms seek to independently verify reductions and ensure offsets fund true additional projects. #CarbonMarkets #ClimateFinance #NetZero
Cracks Emerge in Voluntary Carbon Offset Market Amid Integrity Crisis
The voluntary carbon offset market allows companies to pay others to reduce emissions on their behalf, but transparency and additionality challenges persist. Criticisms include doubts about the effect...
thetrasheconomy.comMegacities take action on air pollution. Delhi reduces traffic, London charges dirty vehicles as strategies to slash emissions. Public transit saves urban mobility. #CleanAir #Sustainability #PublicHealth
Air Pollution Control in Megacities Around The Word
Many megacities face severe air pollution challenges due to rapid urbanization. Delhi tackles traffic congestion and pollution through an odd-even license plate scheme and public transport expansion. ...
thetrasheconomy.comMegacities take action on air pollution. Delhi reduces traffic, London charges dirty vehicles as strategies to slash emissions. Public transit saves urban mobility. #CleanAir #Sustainability #PublicHealth thetrasheconomy.com/2024/01/08/a...
Synthetic fuels show promise but have obstacles to mass adoption. New analysis explores the utility and feasibility of synthetic fuels versus electric vehicles. #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #SyntheticFuels
The Challenges and Limitations of Synthetic Fuels
Synthetic fuels, which are carbon-neutral alternatives to traditional fuels, are being considered as a potential solution for combustion engines. While they offer promise in certain applications, ther...
thetrasheconomy.comSolar panel recycling on the rise. New plant in Yuma can process 7,500 panels daily, recovering 60% for reuse as solar waste mounts by 2050. #RenewableEnergy #GoGreen #Sustainability
Solar Panel Recycling Tackles Future Wave of Renewable Waste
The first large-scale solar panel recycling plant in North America has opened in Yuma, Arizona, addressing the growing issue of end-of-life solar panel waste. The plant can process up to 7,500 panels ...
thetrasheconomy.comThe first large-scale #SolarPanel recycling facility opens in North America to tackle the future wave of renewable waste as old panels are replaced. Sustainably recovering 60% of materials will be crucial as volumes surge ensuring solar remains truly clean.
Solar Panel Recycling Tackles Future Wave of Renewable Waste
The first large-scale solar panel recycling plant in North America has opened in Yuma, Arizona, addressing the growing issue of end-of-life solar panel waste. The plant can process up to 7,500 panels ...
thetrasheconomy.comPlastic production has surged exponentially & is a growing source of emissions threatening climate goals. If trends continue, plastic production could more than double to 1.1 billion tons by 2050. Stronger global action urgently needed.
Plastic Emissions Set to Surge as Production & Waste Mount Globally
Plastic production has skyrocketed, reaching over 400 million metric tons annually and potentially hitting 1.1 billion by 2050. This surge contributes to significant greenhouse gas emissions, accounti...
thetrasheconomy.com"Transition finance" emerged from COP28 as a key concept to shift from fossil fuels. As details emerge in 2024, key questions remain on how it will work, what qualifies industries for funding & ensuring climate goals. Trillions potentially at stake.
Transition Finance: Details Emerging on New Climate Investment
Transition finance surfaced as a crucial concept post-COP28, aiming to shift from fossil fuels. Yet, its exact meaning remains unclear. Mark Carney emphasized the development of financing to aid low-c...
thetrasheconomy.comWhat will the future of green buildings and net-zero constructions look like? This article explores innovative materials, smart glass technologies, renewable energy use and more to reduce energy consumption in construction.
Green Construction – What The Future Could Be
Green buildings and net-zero constructions are becoming increasingly important in the effort to reduce energy consumption and combat climate change. These structures combine energy efficiency and rene...
thetrasheconomy.comBook review: "The Ethics of the Global Environment" explores philosophical theories like environmental ethics and frameworks to apply ethical considerations to waste management and recycling practices. Insights for incorporating values beyond economics.
Book Review: The Ethics of the Global Environment
The book discusses the relevance of environmental ethics to the Trash Economy and the value of recycling beyond economic factors. It highlights Robin Attfield's insights on ethical dimensions in waste...
thetrasheconomy.comIndonesia's $21.5B landmark climate deal to transition away from coal and cut emissions is facing major obstacles. Nearly a year after being announced, key details remain unfinished and political/financial hurdles are emerging.
Major Obstacles facing Indonesia Green Energy
Almost 10 months later, as Southeast Asian leaders gather in Jakarta, the hosts have little to show off. A much-anticipated investment blueprint has been postponed. Parties have yet to agree on govern...
thetrasheconomy.comEditorial: Should recycling be profit-driven? While profits incentivize investment, it risks neglecting reducing waste. A holistic approach is needed, focusing on less consumption and more reuse to truly tackle our waste crisis.
Editorial: Should Recycling Be Profit-Driven?
While recycling plays a vital role in diverting materials from landfills and conserving resources, it should not be the sole solution to our waste problem, instead as a last measure when other options...
thetrasheconomy.comThe rapid growth of #EVs is straining lithium supplies as #batteries demand more of the key metal. Chile is a major producer but aims to boost output and control over mining to feed the spike in need. Competing with major player China presents challenges.
EV Batteries Strain Lithium Producers
Electric cars from China are gaining traction in Europe, featuring a range of affordable and high-end models. Chile, a leading lithium producer, seeks to nationalize its lithium mining industry, spark...
thetrasheconomy.com