The week's developments in green tech & energy policy, explained | 10.02.24

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Despite covering just 1% of Earth's surface the Amazon rainforest is a biodiversity treasure trove, home to over 10% of all known wildlife species - including many yet to be discovered. But the largest rainforest on the planet faces severe threats. A recent study warned that by 2050 up to half of the Amazon could approach critical tipping points, as a result of water stress and deforestation. Are governments still dragging their feet in response?

On a brighter note, innovation in environmental sustainability is gaining momentum: Google has partnered with the Environmental Defense Fund's MethaneSAT project, leveraging AI to monitor methane emissions from orbit. Meanwhile, a UK startup is developing technology that captures up to 95% of CO2 emissions from cargo ships. 

We hope you enjoy these stories and more below.

CogX Must Reads

Top Stories

🌳 As much as half of the Amazon could reach a critical tipping point by 2050 due to water stress, land clearance, and climate disruption, a new study shows. Experts warn immediate action is needed to safeguard the vital rainforest ecosystem.

🤖 Google teams up with the EDF’s MethaneSAT project to use AI for tracking methane emissions from space. This collaboration aims to boost climate action by identifying reduction opportunities for governments and fossil fuel operators – many of which have committed to significant cuts by 2030.

🧾 The EU postpones new ESG reporting requirements until June 2026 amid industry concerns over regulatory burdens. While this move aims to alleviate the administrative load on companies – investors warn that relaxing the planned rules could risk creating loopholes for greenwashing.

The cost of global damage from natural disasters

Global CO2 emissions from electricity generation are poised to decrease at two times the pace seen prior to the pandemic. The European Union is forecast to see the fastest rate of progress in lowering the emissions intensity, with an average reduction of 13 per cent annually.

Climate Change

🌳 As much as half of the Amazon could reach a critical tipping point by 2050 due to water stress, land clearance, and climate disruption, a new study shows. Experts warn immediate action is needed to safeguard the vital rainforest ecosystem.

🤖 Google teams up with the EDF’s MethaneSAT project to use AI for tracking methane emissions from space. This collaboration aims to boost climate action by identifying reduction opportunities for governments and fossil fuel operators – many of which have committed to significant cuts by 2030.

🧾 The EU postpones new ESG reporting requirements until June 2026 amid industry concerns over regulatory burdens. While this move aims to alleviate the administrative load on companies – investors warn that relaxing the planned rules could risk creating loopholes for greenwashing.

Stat of the week 

The world needs to be capturing around

1 billion tonnes

of carbon dioxide per year by 2030 in order to be on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Green Tech

🛳️ UK Startup Seabound Aims to Revolutionise Shipping with novel Carbon Capture technology. Seabound, a London-based innovator, is tackling shipping emissions by developing a system capable of capturing CO2 and transforming it into limestone. Following the successful completion of its pilot project, the company plans to scale up its system to eliminate up to 95% of carbon emissions.

🌊 Harnessing the power of sunlight and seawater, a Seattle-based startup is setting out to revolutionise carbon removal. Their innovative approach promises to extract millions of tons of CO2 from the atmosphere, sidestepping the high energy costs of traditional carbon capture methods.

🪵 Plywood Turbines? Meet the startup reinventing this humble material for clean energy. Swedish startup Modvion is building 105m wind turbine towers made almost entirely of plywood. This building approach promises a cheaper, lighter, and more sustainable future for wind farms across Europe.

🍚 Introducing ‘Beef Rice’: A lab-grown delicacy aiming to reshape sustainable eating. Scientists have developed a novel protein source blending rice with lab-grown beef and cow fat cells. The creators behind the hybrid carbohydrate praise its unique taste and nutritional value.

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 In case you missed it

China's desert solar and wind mega-projects are set to revolutionise the global energy landscape, turning the world's biggest polluter into its greenest powerhouse. But while the country’s ambitions may be forward-thinking, the journey ahead may still prove to be fraught with hurdles.

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🪵 Plywood Turbines? Meet the startup reinventing this humble material for clean energy. Swedish startup Modvion is building 105m wind turbine towers made almost entirely of plywood. This building approach promises a cheaper, lighter, and more sustainable future for wind farms across Europe.