PLASTICS - A DESTRUCTIVE CYCLE

Research has highlighted that liquid rubber, processed into plastics, only naturally decomposes after 4 centuries, that’s 400 years! Sadly, a huge chunk 0f the estimated 381 million tons of plastic wastes disposed every year, ends up in the ocean. The impact of plastic wastes on unsuspecting humans and ocean life is beyond estimations. This is a massive problem for our earth and for humankind

It is now estimated that in excess of 269,000 metric tons of macro and micro plastic wastes are found in the oceans, filling the lungs and bellies of fishes, turtles, destroying the eco-system of our oceans and rivers and eventually, making their way into our kitchens.

According to an article published on condorferries.co.uk, more than a million seabirds and other marine animals die from plastic pollution yearly. Research done by nationalgeographic.org, one of the world’s leading wildlife organizations, suggests that, over 91% of the world’s plastic wastes are not recycled. Plastic waste management is now of critical importance in our world.

Hormone-related cancers, infertility and neurodevelopment disorders like ADHD and autism are just a few of adverse health-related impact associated with plastic waste pollution as per research conducted by plastichealthcoalition.org.

CAN 198 NATIONS MEET THE MOST URGENT DEMANDS AT COP28?

COP28 in Dubai (Conference of the Parties) has kicked off with much anticipation and a plethora of hopeful, sustainable solutions to combat climate change. 2023 is most likely to go down in the books as the hottest year on record. World leaders from 197 countries and the European Union gathered to work together, striving to keep the global temperature increase no more than 1.5 Celsius above the pre-industrial level and pushing for net-zero emissions by 2050. Our World is currently at 1.2C above this level.

At this year’s COP28 Summit, each of these Nations' report cards will be assessed since the commitment of each at the 2015 Paris Agreement. To get even close to the 1.5C target, it means we must collectively cut emissions in half by 2030, that’s only seven years from today! As COP28 participants regroup, refocus, and reenergize their solutions, policies, financial commitments, and actions it is clear that heavy emphasis is on the following:

Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency can significantly reduce emissions in transportation, buildings, manufacturing, and other major industries. This involves adopting energy-saving technologies, better insulation, efficient appliances, and optimizing manufacturing processes. There is a new, showstopping, game-changing technology, which multiplies output by 7 times the input and significantly reduces the use and cost of energy. Governments and Agencies need to implement policies to accelerate and streamline the process of renewable energy permits, modernize grids, solve supply chain bottlenecks, and ensure secure integration of variable renewables.

Renewable Energy: Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power) significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and requires investment in renewable energy infrastructure. While there have been big innovative strides in this direction, we still have a long way to go. Demand for fossil fuels needs to be reduced by 25% minimum by 2030 and by some 80% by 2050 if we are to get close to net zero.

Transportation/Electrification: Transitioning from gasoline and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) and investing in charging infrastructure have the potential to reduce emissions by nearly 20% by 2030. Electrification not only reduces emissions but also quantifiable enhances air quality. Cost and affordability are also significant factors in this rollout.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Innovative methods & systems of developing and deploying carbon capture technologies can reduce CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. Captured carbon can be stored or utilized.

Nature-Based Solutions: Protection and restoration of forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems can work collectively in naturally absorbing carbon dioxide. Practices like afforestation, reforestation, and sustainable land management contribute to carbon sequestration.

Circular Economy and Sustainable Practices: Embracing a circular economy model and adopting sustainable practices in production and consumption is imperative in significantly minimizing emissions. By reducing waste and promoting recycling, we can make a significant impact in preserving the environment.

By continuously innovating, providing policy support, collaborating globally, and taking corporate and individual actions, we can collectively make significant progress toward achieving net-zero emissions. It is only by working together that we can ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. A successful COP28 hinges on major emitting nations agreeing to more ambitious emission reductions and moving with great speed of execution.

828,000,000 PEOPLE, 10% OF OUR POPULATION Goes To Bed Hungry Every Night...

This year 2022, the Russia-Ukraine war has inflicted economic pain across borders. Supply chain interruptions gave way to exponentially rising cost of production, causing massive hikes in prices of general goods and services globally. Many factors have collectively and adversely affected production and prices of food in major parts of the world. There are 3 major reasons why food insecurity is growing and requires immediate attention and grounded solutions:

1) Extreme Climate Change conditions – drought, floods & erratic, unpredictable weather

2) War and Conflict – have had crippling consequences on farming and food production

3) Poor Public and Economic policies – major failures of government, diplomacy and lack of consideration for the underdeveloped world