7 OCTOBER | LONDON 2024
SEPTEMBER 12TH - 14TH
The O2, LONDON
Race to Net Zero
Your weekly CogX briefing on green tech and the future of energy
UK's super-charged heatwave, AI saves coral reefs, solar controversy
This week, the CDP warned that most G20 nations lack policies for disclosing nature-related information, despite commitments made at COP15. Meanwhile, a new report reveals that global banks are channelling trillions into the fossil fuel industry amid the ongoing climate crisis.
Unusually high September temperatures in the UK and Ireland were five times likelier due to human-led climate change, burning coal and fossil fuels exacerbating the issue. Plus, the University of Hawaii launched a new AI-powered tool that uses high-resolution satellite imagery for real-time coral reef monitoring.
Read on for more on these topics — as well as the latest on AI-powered agile energy grids and the UK’s controversial solar legislation — in the CogX Must Reads.
CogX Must Reads
G20 nations lag behind in biodiversity disclosure
Despite commitments made at COP15, most G20 nations lack policies for disclosing nature-related information. Among the top 20 global economies, only Brazil, the EU, and Indonesia have biodiversity disclosure rules. As climate change worsens around the world, can we afford delayed action?
Bank climate aid falls short
The world’s leading banks have poured close to £2.6 trillion into fossil fuel expansion across many developing countries. This funding has now exceeded global climate aid twenty-fold, a recent report finds. Notable banks like HSBC, Citigroup, and JP Morgan Chase are now under pressure to reevaluate their investment practices.
Climate Change
AI to aid in coral reef conservation
Researchers at the University of Hawaii have developed an AI tool that uses high-res satellite images to monitor coral reef health in real-time. This innovative technology provides a swift and dependable method of tracking coral health using reef halos: special sand formations that serve as vital indicators of coral size and overall well-being.
Climate change supercharges UK-Ireland heatwave
September’s scorching temperatures in the UK and Ireland were made five times more likely by human-induced climate change, a new report warns. Major UK cities, including London, are seeing temperatures soar 10°C above averages.
Green Tech
Ocean carbon capture breakthrough
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have achieved a breakthrough in carbon capture technology by using aqueous sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate to capture carbon dioxide from the ocean directly. Given that the oceans currently absorb a quarter of all carbon dioxide emissions, this pioneering technology holds immense promise for future carbon capture efforts.
AI to be at the centre of emerging agile grids
Blockchain, digital assets, and AI are revolutionising the energy sector with the emergence of new agile energy grids. These cutting-edge grids, driven by AI capabilities, present customers with three pioneering solutions: 1) precise tracking of carbon-free energy; 2) peer-to-peer energy trading; and 3) intelligent management of the grid.
Energy
UK solar law sparks controversy
Proposed UK solar legislation targeting large projects on productive farmland could cost UK households a staggering £5 billion annually. Energy experts are warning of potential energy price hikes if further barriers to solar are introduced.
UK ends onshore wind ban amid renewables push
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has revoked the ban on new onshore wind farms in England after facing internal pressure from his own party. Although this move is expected to boost onshore wind projects, experts argue that further measures are necessary to revitalise the sector after years of stagnation.
Top Stories
In case you missed it
Watch this special report exposing the hidden truths behind carbon offset markets and why they still aren’t delivering on their promises:
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