Environment Archives - True Activist https://trueactivist.com Exposing the truth one lie at a time Fri, 15 Sep 2023 06:00:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.3 https://trueactivist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/favicon.png Environment Archives - True Activist https://trueactivist.com 32 32 Green Methanol Cargo Ship Could Possibly Slash CO2 Emissions By Up To 70% https://trueactivist.com/green-methanol-cargo-ship-could-possibly-slash-co2-emissions-by-up-to-70-t1/ Fri, 15 Sep 2023 06:00:54 +0000 https://trueactivist.com/?p=232285 Leading global shipping company Maersk is set to launch a container ship powered by bio-methanol this week, marking a significant step in its accelerated decarbonization strategy. The merchant shipping industry,...

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Maersk

Leading global shipping company Maersk is set to launch a container ship powered by bio-methanol this week, marking a significant step in its accelerated decarbonization strategy. The merchant shipping industry, responsible for emissions on par with the airline sector, is actively exploring various approaches to reduce its carbon footprint, including the adoption of methanol gas, ammonia, and hydrogen.

Although these alternative fuels are notably 200% to 400% more costly than traditional fuels, the sheer cargo capacity of these vessels means that the cost increase for individual items, such as a pair of shoes, could amount to just five cents.


Speaking with an audience at the TED Countdown Summit recently, Morten Bo Christiansen, who leads decarbonization at Maersk, said,  “There’s this fear, I think, of making the wrong bet or getting it wrong somehow. And of course, in the ideal world, we would spend a decade figuring out all the pros and cons and what is best. But we need to address this problem now.”

Bio-methanol, derived from decomposing plant waste, is an environmentally friendly and combustible gas that can potentially slash CO2 emission and their equivalents by up to 70% on container ships.


Maersk initiated the order for this method-powered ship two years ago and has already committed to purchasing an additional 25 methanol-fueled vessels while retrofitting existing ships with methanol engines and turbines, as reported by Fast Company.

By the close of this decade, Maersk aims to have low-carbon fuels account for 25% of the total cargo capacity across its extensive fleet of 700 vessels. This commitment reflects a broader global trend, with shipping companies around the world currently having 120 vessels on order with low-carbon or carbon-neutral propulsion systems.

Furthermore, retrofitting existing diesel-powered ships with sails is being considered a swift and straightforward method to hasten the decarbonization of the shipping industry.

 

 

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Scientists And Wounded US Army Veterans Join Forces To Save Coral Reefs https://trueactivist.com/scientists-and-wounded-us-army-veterans-join-forces-to-save-coral-reefs-t1/ Thu, 14 Sep 2023 04:17:49 +0000 https://trueactivist.com/?p=232142 Wounded veterans of the US Army are finding a renewed sense of purpose as they engage in a remarkable endeavor: the restoration of coral reefs in the captivating expanse of...

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Straits Times

Wounded veterans of the US Army are finding a renewed sense of purpose as they engage in a remarkable endeavor: the restoration of coral reefs in the captivating expanse of the Florida Keys. This initiative not only offers these veterans a fresh mission but also aids them in overcoming the all-too-familiar feeling of purposelessness that often plagues individuals who have served in the military across various generations.

One of the prevalent challenges faced by veterans is grappling with a sense of aimlessness once they transition to civilian life. This profound struggle has echoed through the years, affecting veterans from different eras. However, beneath the waves of the Florida Keys, an innovative undertaking is making substantial strides in combatting this prevailing sentiment of listlessness. Moreover, the unique underwater environment serves as an equalizing force, diminishing the hindrances posed by physical disabilities such as lost limbs.


This inspiring initiative is a result of a collaborative effort between the Mote Marine Laboratory and the non-profit organization known as the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge (CWVC). Annually, a group of veterans converges for a week-long expedition, led by Michael Crosby. Their shared mission involves the meticulous restoration of coral reefs beneath the glistening waters that adorn the southern extremity of Florida.

At the heart of this endeavor lies Michael Crosby’s pioneering work in cultivating corals with specific phenotypes that showcase resilience against the challenges posed by escalating temperatures and increasingly acidic waters. These environmental conditions are anticipated to characterize the forthcoming half-century as our climate continues to evolve. Armed with nursery-raised corals, the veterans embark on their mission, this year witnessing the collective effort of 31 veterans who planted a remarkable 1,040 new coral specimens in a reef aptly named Higgs Head. As a testament to their dedication, the Mote Laboratory’s tally of planted corals has now surpassed an astounding count of 200,000.

The process entails a series of dives into the aquatic realm. The veterans first meticulously cleanse deceased or ailing corals of encroaching algae. Subsequently, using epoxy resin, they carefully adhere newly cultivated lab-grown coral fragments to the reef’s intricate matrix. This fusion of traditional craftsmanship and innovative techniques symbolizes a marriage of skills forged in military service with cutting-edge scientific knowledge.


In essence, this collaborative effort serves as a beacon of hope for veterans seeking renewed purpose. By reinvigorating the delicate underwater ecosystems that flank the Florida Keys, these veterans not only heal themselves but also contribute tangibly to the well-being of our planet. Their mission not only restores the vibrancy of the marine world but also rekindles the sense of duty and camaraderie that defined their military service.

“They have been instrumental in my recovery, helping me learn what I was going to be able to do after losing my leg,” a 41-year-old Army veteran Billy Costello shared. “It’s great for the heart and the soul, especially when you’re around a group of veterans that have gone through very similar situations and have beat the odds and recovered in such a positive way… It is such a blessing.”

“The coral planting gives the wounded, ill, or injured service member a new found sense of purpose, they get to help the environment and work as a team with other military members who have been what they have been through,” Lt. Col. (Ret) Andrew Lourake, CWVC Vice President of Operations, added. “The challenge, camaraderie, and knowing they are making a difference is the highlight of the year for almost all our participants.”

 

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Scientists Discover An Ecosystem In The Pacific Garbage Patch That’s Older Then Plastic https://trueactivist.com/scientists-discover-an-ecosystem-in-the-pacific-garbage-patch-thats-older-then-plastic-t1/ Thu, 14 Sep 2023 04:17:47 +0000 https://trueactivist.com/?p=232138 In the expansive realm of the northern Pacific Ocean, a formidable oceanic 'gyre' orchestrates the convergence of numerous ocean currents, coalescing them into a singular domain—an area renowned as the...

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Ecowatch

In the expansive realm of the northern Pacific Ocean, a formidable oceanic ‘gyre’ orchestrates the convergence of numerous ocean currents, coalescing them into a singular domain—an area renowned as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP).

Long before plastic waste had invaded these waters, and remarkably, even in the face of its presence, the Northern Pacific Ocean gyre hosts an array of specially adapted marine organisms that gracefully meander through the aquatic expanse.

Consider, for instance, the enchanting violet snail; this creature crafts buoyant bubble rafts by delicately dipping its form into the surrounding air, entrapping individual bubbles one at a time. Each captured bubble is then cocooned in a glistening veil of mucus, affixed to its floating vessel—a remarkable display of nature’s ingenuity.

In recent times, scientists have meticulously chronicled an assorted multitude of life forms densely concentrated at the heart of the GPGP. Within this extraordinary environmental phenomenon, birthed by a staggering assemblage of 1.8 trillion plastic fragments, a unique tapestry of existence unfolds—a spectacle unparalleled on our planet.


In the year 2019, an intrepid swimmer named Benoît Lecomte embarked on a remarkable journey, traversing a distance of 389 miles across the expanse of the GPGP. Recognizing the significance of this endeavor, Lecomte enlisted the participation of scientists from Georgetown University, tasking them with documenting the hidden world of marine life that inhabits these waters.

The fruits of their labor have now been unveiled through the pages of the esteemed journal PLOS One. Their findings reveal a paradoxical truth: amidst the seas awash with trillions of plastic fragments, the core of the GPGP pulsates with a heightened concentration of wildlife. This phenomenon is not a consequence of the plastic invasion, but rather a testimony to the resilience of these seaborne voyagers, who, over millennia, have evolved to harness the dynamic currents and gyres of the ocean for their journeys.

Within this mesmerizing realm, one encounters a vibrant assembly of beings. The violet snails, the blue button jellies, the by-the-wind sailor jellies, and the sea slugs known as blue sea dragons—all thrive in abundance. The blue sea dragons, in particular, exhibit a cunning strategy, preying upon the tentacles of formidable man o’ wars to fashion impromptu shields of protection.

Thus, the enigma of the GPGP unfolds—an extraordinary convergence of ecological tenacity and a testament to life’s adaptability, nestled within a realm defined by the inexorable forces of nature and the human footprint on the planet.


“We saw just massive amounts of life at the surface,” senior author Rebecca Helm, a marine biologist at Georgetown University, said when she spoke to National Geographic. “We’ve seen so many pictures of plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, but we’ve never seen any pictures of life there.”

“These places that we’ve been calling garbage patches are really important ecosystems that we know very little about.”

The scientific term encompassing all the drifting marine organisms is “neuston,” with a significant portion exhibiting a blue upper surface and a white underside, which Helm and her research group theorize serves as a form of camouflage.

The majority of our youth might never have the opportunity to witness the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) firsthand. This is due to the current projection that it will undergo a thorough cleaning, even at the microplastic scale, within the next two decades.

 

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Growing Popularity Of Lab-Grown Diamonds As A Cheaper And More Sustainable Option https://trueactivist.com/growing-popularity-of-lab-grown-diamonds-as-a-cheaper-and-more-sustainable-option-t1/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 06:02:48 +0000 https://trueactivist.com/?p=232120 Lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity among newlyweds who are seeking a more ecologically responsible alternative to traditionally mined gems. According to some jewelers, there has been an astounding surge of...

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Shopify

Lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity among newlyweds who are seeking a more ecologically responsible alternative to traditionally mined gems.

According to some jewelers, there has been an astounding surge of over 2,000 percent in interest over the course of five years, with individuals discovering the attractiveness of this more cost-effective choice.

In terms of physical and chemical attributes, lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from their naturally sourced counterparts, while being priced at a remarkable 85 percent lower.

A recent survey conducted among 1,500 engaged couples and spouses unveiled that 70 percent of them would be open to selecting a lab-grown option. Their rationale primarily revolves around value for money (55%) and sustainability (43%) as the pivotal factors driving this shift.


However, a notable 69 percent confessed that they would struggle to differentiate between the two gem varieties. This prompted the diamond retailer Queensmith to conduct an experiment with passers-by, who were both taken aback by the price differential and found it challenging to distinguish between the two types of gems.

Based in London’s historical Hatton Garden district, Queensmith revealed an astounding surge of 2,860 percent in the market for lab-grown diamonds within a mere five years. In 2019, lab-grown sales constituted just a solitary percent of total diamond sales; however, the ongoing year has witnessed a meteoric rise to 81 percent of the overall sales, and the jeweler is en route to achieving sales of 1,900 lab-grown diamonds in 2023.

A representative from the brand, which initiated the survey, disclosed that a significant 46 percent of individuals were not even cognizant of the existence of lab-grown diamonds.

“It’s no surprise to see people willing to move away from mined diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds provide a great alternative that is less impactful on the environment, which is a big concern for most people.”

Fifty-three percent of individuals intending to get married would opt for a more affordable engagement ring if it allowed them to allocate more funds towards their wedding day. The primary focuses include the venue (53 percent) and the wedding attire (34 percent), followed by the rings (31 percent) in third place.

For a portion of these individuals, this prospective scenario has already materialized. More than twenty-five percent of those surveyed by OnePoll revealed that they either possessed jewelry featuring a lab-grown diamond or were acquainted with someone who did.


The Creation Process

While not as uncommon as their natural diamond counterparts, these gems are perceived as equally stunning by individuals. They are available in various hues such as yellow, pink, green, orange, blue, and transparent. These man-made diamonds are produced using methods that replicate the natural creation process and are primarily generated through two techniques: chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or high pressure high temperature (HPHT).

In the HPHT process, pure carbon is compressed within a metal cube and subjected to intense heat and pressure via electric pulses. This leads to the breakdown of carbon, resulting in its crystallization into diamond form. Any minute traces of metals within an HPHT diamond are usually inconspicuous to the naked eye, and many experts consider HPHT diamonds to possess higher quality compared to CVD diamonds. These diamonds are reported to share the same atomic structure as mined diamonds, thereby maintaining optical, chemical, and physical identicalness.

“As people become more knowledgeable about lab diamonds, I’m sure we’ll see increased demand and clients looking to learn more for themselves.”

 

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Colombian Amazon Deforestation Issues Lowered Since Issues With Rebels Were Addressed https://trueactivist.com/colombian-amazon-deforestation-issues-lowered-since-issues-with-rebels-were-addressed-t1/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 06:02:45 +0000 https://trueactivist.com/?p=232117 In the wake of Colombia's historic shift toward a left-wing presidential administration, dedicated to securing a lasting peace agreement with the socialist FARC rebels, a remarkable transformation has taken root...

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We Forum

In the wake of Colombia’s historic shift toward a left-wing presidential administration, dedicated to securing a lasting peace agreement with the socialist FARC rebels, a remarkable transformation has taken root in the country’s forests. This transformation is vividly evident through a substantial 26% reduction in deforestation rates within the conflict-ridden regions.

These verdant expanses, which encompass both the Amazon rainforest and distinct, self-contained ecosystems, have borne the brunt of Colombia’s protracted civil strife. The ravages of war have inflicted severe harm upon these rich and biodiverse rainforests over time.

Nonetheless, under the leadership of President Gustavo Petro, an empathetic and ecologically conscious approach is guiding the peace negotiations. These deliberations engage with nearly 20 splinter factions that have emerged from the former FARC guerilla group. Astonishingly, the response from these factions has been one of receptivity and cooperation.


The region that has been a focal point of conflict and deforestation, the forested state of Gauviare, is experiencing an unprecedented shift in its de facto governance. Here, a self-imposed moratorium on deforestation has been established, a direct outcome of the evolving peace talks. This commitment has yielded astounding outcomes, resulting in the preservation of approximately 50,000 hectares of irreplaceable rainforest.

“This is really dramatic,” conservationist Rodrigo Botero said to The Guardian. “It’s the highest reduction in deforestation and forest fires that there has been in two decades.”

The peace negotiations were recently reported on by The Guardian, who highlighted the involvement of a Norwegian delegation, featuring Norway’s environment minister, Espen Barth Eide.

“What I’m hearing, seeing, and feeling in these meetings is that there is an enhanced understanding that you cannot build a new Colombia on the basis of the further deterioration of nature, so you have to find an economic, social, political, inclusive process that is more respectful towards nature than before,” Barth said to the English paper.


Frequently overlooked in comparison to its neighboring country Brazil, Colombia holds the distinction of being the second-most biodiverse nation globally and stands out as the leader in terms of bird diversity.

Ranked 25th globally for its Forest Integrity Index score (8.26), Colombia takes pride in its extensive expanse of largely undisturbed forests, which is twice the size of the less preserved forest areas. These remarkable forests are predominantly situated in regions marked by conflicts, namely Amazonia, Caquetá, and Putumayo.

Should the Petro administration effectively curb the transformation of forests into grazing lands for livestock, it would contribute significantly to the preservation of one of the planet’s most invaluable tropical forest ecosystems.

As for Colombia’s pursuit of peace, which is underpinned by a commitment to environmental integrity, this stands as a testament to the positive potential that harmonizing socio-political progress with ecological mindfulness can be achieved. The newfound trajectory of the nation’s forests showcases the power of diplomacy and strategic governance in safeguarding invaluable natural resources for generations to come.

 

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Indoor Farm Found In A Vacant Office Near D.C. https://trueactivist.com/indoor-farm-found-in-a-vacant-office-near-dc-t1/ Thu, 07 Sep 2023 04:19:16 +0000 https://trueactivist.com/?p=232114 Arlington, Virginia serves as a pivotal entrance to the bustling metropolis of Washington D.C. Although separated from the city by the Potomac River and part of the Metro transit system,...

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El Tiempo

Arlington, Virginia serves as a pivotal entrance to the bustling metropolis of Washington D.C. Although separated from the city by the Potomac River and part of the Metro transit system, Arlington maintains its own thriving atmosphere. Contrary to expectations, it’s not typically associated with the availability of freshly harvested produce mere minutes from its farmland origins.

However, the landscape is changing with the emergence of Area 2 Farms. This innovative endeavor has transformed vertical farming into a reality, cultivating a variety of greens, herbs, and root vegetables within an indoor setting. The catalyst for this transformation has been the significant vacancy rate in traditional office spaces. Even post-pandemic, high-rise office buildings remain unoccupied, prompting property owners to entertain novel concepts.


Jackie Potter and Tyler Baras, the visionaries behind Area 2 Farms, introduced the notion of an indoor farm, a concept that resonated powerfully given the circumstances. Their accomplishments have firmly established Area 2 Farms as a key player in Arlington, where they extend a subscription-based service delivering freshly harvested vegetables to urban dwellers. Weekly packages begin at an accessible rate of $40.

The operational prowess of Area 2 Farms is facilitated by the integration of a sophisticated conveyor belt system called Silo. This innovation significantly reduces the labor-intensive aspects of indoor farming. Unlike hydroponic systems, Area 2 Farms employs soil in its cultivation process, enabling the growth of root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and radishes.

Vertical farming, when executed with precision, demonstrates the potential to match the productivity of traditional farming methods. Notably, it achieves this output within a significantly smaller spatial footprint, devoid of concerns related to adverse weather conditions or crop-damaging pests. A particularly advantageous facet of vertical farming is its adaptability to urban centers, where available land is a premium resource.


Ciara O’Brien, in her comprehensive coverage of Area 2 Farms for Modern Farmer, delves into the broader implications of this innovative agricultural approach. Her research unveils a startling statistic: a staggering 20% of office spaces across the United States remain unoccupied. Furthermore, projections indicate that approximately 300 million square feet of office space in cities nationwide will inevitably become obsolete by 2030. This is primarily attributed to the fallout from businesses unable to weather the storm of government-mandated or voluntary closures stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The paradigm shift toward remote work arrangements, coupled with these closures, has spurred a transformative shift in the utilization of commercial real estate.

In essence, Area 2 Farms has seized upon the vacant urban landscape and reshaped it into a realm of agricultural productivity. Their innovative approach not only supplies fresh produce to urbanites but also underscores the potential for repurposing underutilized spaces in a manner that aligns with evolving societal and economic trends. The story of Area 2 Farms is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability, reflecting the capacity to harvest success from the most unexpected of circumstances.

“Cities are changing every day,” Potter said when she spoke to Modern Farmer. “There’s a really great economic opportunity as well. Our farms create new green jobs, they beautify spaces and provide fresh food to local communities. That’s something that’s really precious.”

 

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Water Cremation – The New Sustainable Way To Say Goodbye https://trueactivist.com/water-cremation-the-new-sustainable-way-to-say-goodbye-t1/ Thu, 07 Sep 2023 04:19:14 +0000 https://trueactivist.com/?p=232105 In the United Kingdom, the largest provider of end-of-life services is set to expand its offerings to include "resomation," also known as water cremation. Among environmentally conscious funeral procedures, resomation...

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365DM

In the United Kingdom, the largest provider of end-of-life services is set to expand its offerings to include “resomation,” also known as water cremation.

Among environmentally conscious funeral procedures, resomation stands out as a viable option beyond unconventional forest burials. However, there is a need to raise awareness about this method.

Resomation, scientifically termed alkaline hydrolysis, efficiently breaks down a human body into a skeletal state within just four hours, utilizing an alkaline solution. Following this process, the bones are further refined into powder form and then placed in an urn intended for the family’s possession.

This approach was chosen by the late anti-apartheid luminary Archbishop Desmond Tutu after his passing in 2021. Notably, resomation consumes five times less energy compared to traditional cremation by fire.

Co-op Funeralcare, the United Kingdom’s largest funeral services provider, has declared its intention to introduce resomation later this year, subsequent to gaining regulatory approval in the prior year.


“[We] will be providing people with another option for how they leave this world because this natural process uses water, not fire, making it gentler on the body and kinder on the environment,” Julian Atkinson, director of resomation company Kindly Earth, said when he spoke to Euro News.

For those interested, Euro News reported in their article about the new resomation service that a fire cremation releases approximately 245 kilograms of CO2 and equivalent emissions. They also referenced a survey indicating that 89% of adults in the UK were unfamiliar with water cremation before.

Many individuals have kept up to date with alternative end-of-life choices for several years, covering advancements in the green funeral industry as they emerge. The process of laying chemically treated bodies to rest in a coffin made from chemically treated wood within a concrete-lined burial vault is not particularly environmentally friendly. A Dutch entrepreneur is addressing at least the latter part of this process by introducing a coffin constructed from fungal mycelium.

The mushroom coffin can transform a deceased body into soil nutrients and contribute to the Earth’s ecosystem in as little as two to three years—a truly eco-conscious option for the end of life.


In the United States, where a family might spend more on a double grave plot in a cemetery than on their house, a company named Better Place Forests has established memorial forest preserves where trees are sold as living gravestones. The profits from this venture are dedicated to the perpetual protection of these forests. Legally, once land is designated as a cemetery in the US, it cannot be repurposed for any other use.

These preserves, located in Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, Arizona, Minnesota, and soon Illinois, boast remarkable features like heritage sugar maple stands, California redwoods, quaking aspen colonies, and stunning views of the Pacific or Twin Lakes. Each tree is treated as a sacred site, with exclusive ash-scattering ceremonies, providing families a place to pay their respects to their loved ones’ final resting spot.

In 2019, Washington state became the first in the nation to legalize human composting, while back in 2016, the “Green Reaper” emerged as one of the initial entrepreneurs in the country to offer environmentally friendly mortuary services through her company, Cornerstone Funeral Services.

All of these approaches are linked to the Earth, or in the case of traditional cremation, to fire. Yet, there have always been individuals who share a profound connection with water. Resomation caters to this connection, offering those individuals peace of mind that their loved ones’ passions continue to be honored even after their passing.

 

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Paris Gets Ready For The Olympics With Stadium Seats Made From Recycled Plastic https://trueactivist.com/paris-gets-ready-for-the-olympics-with-stadium-seats-made-from-recycled-plastic-t1/ Wed, 06 Sep 2023 04:00:58 +0000 https://trueactivist.com/?p=232098 Attendees of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will witness the aquatic events while seated on chairs crafted from plastic sourced from recycling bins throughout the vicinity. Remarkably, a substantial...

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Tell Me The Good News

Attendees of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will witness the aquatic events while seated on chairs crafted from plastic sourced from recycling bins throughout the vicinity.

Remarkably, a substantial 80% of the required 100 metric tons of plastic for these seats was derived from a sole neighborhood. This very locality is also where a company named Le Pavé is transforming the plastic into fresh material through their processing efforts.

“It’s collected in Seine-Saint-Denis, shredded in Seine-Saint-Denis, processed in Seine-Saint-Denis, all for a swimming pool that’s still in the area,” Augustin Jaclin said to Euro News. He is the co-founder of Lemon Tri, the company whose job is to collect the recycling.

Extensive examinations have been conducted on the chairs, encompassing a range of assessments such as UV resistance, fire resistance, toxicity, and even mechanical durability evaluations to assess their ability to remain securely affixed to the floor even in the face of persistent attempts to forcibly detach them—possibly instigated by an inebriated and irate onlooker.


Marius Hamelot, one of the co-founders of Le Pavé, divulged that as the Olympics drew near, manufacturers encountered challenges in sourcing new plastic materials. Consequently, they pivoted towards utilizing waste streams as an alternative solution. Notably, a particularly abundant resource emerged from the recycling of soda bottle tops, with various companies collectively shredding 5 million of these tops. These shredded components were then employed in the fabrication of essential infrastructure, including seating arrangements for the upcoming games.

“It’s a huge communication tool,” Augustin added. “When we tell children to come and put your bottles in the bins, tomorrow they’ll be in the seats of the Olympic swimming pool, it raises awareness [of waste recycling].”

Paris and the broader region of France have taken on ambitious sustainability objectives for the upcoming games. Their aim is to significantly curtail downstream emissions by a noteworthy fifty percent in comparison to the emissions generated during the 2012 and 2016 editions of the games.

However, their sustainability strategy isn’t exclusively focused on carbon reduction; it extends to combating various forms of environmental deterioration. A standout endeavor involves a concerted effort to restore the ecological health of the Seine River, an iconic waterway that winds through the heart of Paris. Remarkably, this initiative is aimed at rendering the Seine swimmable once again after many decades, with the goal of hosting the triathlon competition in its rejuvenated waters.


Reports from earlier this year by the Global News Network (GNN) shed light on the state of the Seine in recent history. In the mid-2010s, the river was teetering on the brink of ecological collapse, facing severe degradation. Despite being celebrated in literature, music, and art, the Seine had lost its allure due to its unattractive green-brown hue—a telltale sign of the pollution and waste it had been subjected to.

However, noteworthy strides have been achieved. Water quality tests conducted in August and July of the previous year revealed a remarkably positive transformation. The water quality was assessed as “overwhelmingly good,” heralding a realization among the people of Paris. For the first time in the memory of most, if not all, Parisians, the prospect of swimming in their beloved river is once again viable.

This resurgence of the Seine’s health serves as a symbol of the comprehensive efforts undertaken by Paris and France as they pursue a multifaceted sustainability agenda for the games. Beyond the reduction of carbon emissions, the resurrection of the Seine reflects their commitment to rejuvenating and preserving their environment, fostering a legacy of environmental awareness and action for generations to come.

 

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The Largest City Park In The US Started Out As A Military Base https://trueactivist.com/the-largest-city-park-in-the-us-started-out-as-a-military-base-t1/ Wed, 06 Sep 2023 04:00:57 +0000 https://trueactivist.com/?p=232083 After more than two decades in the planning stages, the grand vision of constructing an expansive municipal park in the heart of Irvine, California, is finally taking shape. This ambitious...

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Arch Paper

After more than two decades in the planning stages, the grand vision of constructing an expansive municipal park in the heart of Irvine, California, is finally taking shape. This ambitious endeavor, known as the “Great Park Project,” has broken ground on the grounds of the once-dormant El Toro Marine Corps Base, marking a significant milestone in the city’s journey towards creating a remarkable recreational haven.

California, often touted for its economic prowess, is a state that embraces bold aspirations. The forthcoming Great Park of Irvine is a testament to the state’s ceaseless pursuit of greatness. The magnitude of this project is set to surpass even the renowned Central Park by a staggering 500 acres, serving as a symbol of California’s unyielding ambition.

With the commencement of construction on May 23rd of this year, the Great Park Project is breathing life into the neglected El Toro Marine Corps Base, a location that had lain dormant for over two decades since voters sanctioned the creation of a park on this site. A testament to perseverance and determination, this project is slated to unfold over the course of another decade, culminating in the development of a sprawling 1,300-acre parkland.


Envisioned to be a multifaceted marvel, the Great Park will encompass a diverse array of attractions. Among these offerings will be several museums that celebrate art, history, and culture, an expansive amphitheater set to host an array of events, a veterans memorial garden paying homage to the nation’s defenders, a state-of-the-art aquatics center for aquatic enthusiasts, and a sports complex catering to a multitude of athletic pursuits. Adding to its allure, the park will feature not one, but two serene lakes, providing tranquil retreats amidst the bustling urban landscape.

“After many years of community input and after the last year of intensive planning and design, we are excited to be launching what is a $1 billion investment to establish the world’s next great metropolitan park,” said Irvine City Councilman Michael Carroll. He serves as Chairman of the Great Park Board.

The funding for this monumental undertaking was realized through the issuance of $455 million in 30-year municipal bonds. These financial instruments will ultimately repay a billion dollars to investors, marking a remarkable investment in the future of the park and the community it serves. This funding milestone stands as a triumphant contrast to past instances where governmental efforts fell short in securing both the necessary funds and the momentum to propel the project forward.

The transformation of this grand vision into reality is entrusted to the expertise of Irvine professionals from SWA Group and Kellenberg Studios. Their combined skills and creative ingenuity will be the driving force behind the metamorphosis of the park’s landscape, ensuring that every corner is imbued with artistic finesse and thoughtful design.


Embarking on this transformative journey, the inaugural task on the agenda involves the demolition and clearance of 77 disused military structures, signifying a fresh start and the relinquishment of the past. Amidst this transformation, the El Toro air traffic control tower will stand tall as a reminder of the site’s history, with plans for it to be leased by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

While the complete realization of the Irvine Great Park is slated to span a decade, a segment of the park is already welcoming visitors. This accessible area boasts a soccer pitch for sport enthusiasts to revel in, and a selection of other amenities aimed at enhancing the park experience. Among these attractions is a tethered balloon ride, providing adventurous souls with the opportunity to ascend into the sky, granting them a unique perspective of the evolving landscape below.

In essence, the Great Park Project represents a harmonious blend of vision, dedication, and innovation. It is poised to not only redefine Irvine’s urban landscape but also to stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of progress that characterizes the state of California. As construction unfolds and each phase is meticulously brought to life, the Great Park of Irvine is destined to become a living testament to human creativity and determination, a space where nature and community unite in harmonious splendor.

 

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New Study Finds That Moss Can Absorb 6 Times More CO2 Than Other Plants https://trueactivist.com/new-study-finds-that-moss-can-absorb-6-times-more-co2-than-other-plants-t1/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 06:03:49 +0000 https://trueactivist.com/?p=232173 When most people think of moss, the first thought that comes to mind is how green, spongey and well, annoying it can be. However, they don’t consider just how ecologically...

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When most people think of moss, the first thought that comes to mind is how green, spongey and well, annoying it can be. However, they don’t consider just how ecologically important it is to the environment.

Found in approximately 12,000 different species across diverse habitats, from frigid mountain peaks to scorching deserts, these unassuming greens are not only the oldest living relatives of all plants but also appear to hold the key to addressing numerous modern challenges.

However, a study recently published in May in the journal Nature uncovered a startling fact; Mossy soil contains six times more carbon than soils that don’t have moss, even the soils that are considered healthy and nutrient-rich.

David Eldridge, an ecologist at the University of New South Wales told Science Report, “We were gob smacked to find that mosses were doing all these amazing things.”


This revelation stems from an extensive survey involving moss samples collected from 100 locations worldwide. The primary aim of this research was to comprehend the profound impact of these unassuming green balls and mats.

One of the remarkable findings from this study is that moss blankets areas on the planet as big as China or Canada. This tiny sprigs have hundreds of tiny leaves, while others are just one cell thick. Regardless of what they look like, they are rather simple organisms that have managed to endure throughout the ages by extracting water from the atmosphere.

In fact, even in arid climates, they contract and seem to whither, however they are able to revive when moisture returns.

“We’ve taken mosses out of a packet after 100 years, squirted them with water and watched them come to life. Their cells don’t disintegrate like ordinary plants do,” said Eldridge.

Furthermore, the research team determined that moss excels at keeping nutrients, such as carbon. It’s estimated that a staggering 6.43 billion metric tons of carbon are stored in mossy soils worldwide.


Additionally, moss seems to act as natural protectors against plant pathogens. It was observed in soil samples with moss, the pathogenic load was much less compared to soils where there was no moss present.

The resilience of moss is nothing short of extraordinary. In 1980, Mount Saint Helens in Washington State erupted, causing the local plant life around the area to dies off. One of the first organisms to begin to grow back was moss, followed by cyanobacteria, such as algae.

Despite their reputation for being difficult to cultivate and work with, harnessing the power of moss may truly yield some substantial benefits. With its thick mat of roots that manage to keep the soil intact, it makes for an incredible lawn, while managing to improve the health of the earth and even suppressing the growth of unwanted weeds.

The next time you look at moss and assume that it’s just some annoying, slimy green stuff, rather, think about how this primitive life form actually plays an indispensable role in maintaining both the health and balance of ecosystems all across the planet.

 

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