Towards a Greener Future

In a world where environmental concerns take centre stage, recent developments showcase a positive shift towards sustainable practices. From the UK's surprising reversal on deep-sea mining to the UN's ambitious plan to cut plastic pollution by 80% by 2040, and the Netherlands pioneering the world's first floating solar farm, these initiatives signal a collective effort to safeguard our planet. Let's delve into each transformative step that contributes to a greener and more sustainable future.

Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash

→ Shifting stance on deep-sea mining

The UK has reversed its previous support for commercial deep-sea mining. It now endorses a temporary suspension on sponsoring exploitation licenses until sufficient scientific evidence is available to assess the impact on ecosystems. This shift comes after criticism from scientists, MPs, and environmentalists. The UK joins over 20 countries, including Brazil, France, Germany, Sweden, and Canada, in calling for a pause on exploration licenses until the environmental effects are better understood.

Source: The Guardian

→ Cutting plastic pollution by 80% by 2040

A new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has found that refill stores and bottle deposit schemes could slash plastic pollution by 80% by 2040. The report calls on governments and businesses to invest in these solutions to help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans and landfills.

Source: UNEP

→ Building the world's first floating solar farm

The Netherlands is building the world's first solar farm at sea, set to operate by 2025. Developed by Oceans of Energy in collaboration with Shell-Eneco, the project will feature floating solar panels positioned between offshore wind turbines. This "high wave" solar farm aims to boost energy production on less windy days. The initiative also includes battery storage and hydrogen production, showcasing a new approach to offshore renewable energy. The project is seen as a pioneering example for future combined offshore wind and solar farms.

Source: Recharge News