The Trash Economy
thetrasheconomy.bsky.social
The Trash Economy
@thetrasheconomy.bsky.social
News & analysis of viable trends & new tech for sustainability. Regulations📄. Case studies📑. Sustainable finance 💵 & recycling ♻️ solutions analyzed.
From Germany to Finland, researchers are finding innovative ways to rewild damaged peatlands and turn them into carbon sinks. These overlooked ecosystems store twice as much carbon as global forests. 🌳🌐 #Rewilding #SustainableAgriculture
thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/14/u...
Unsung Climate Saviours – Peatlands & Paludiculture
Peatlands, often associated with mystery, hold potential in addressing climate crisis. European efforts in paludiculture and rewilding, along with research in the US, aim to restore and understand the...
thetrasheconomy.com
May 19, 2024 at 9:50 AM
Mountaineers and scientists brave treacherous conditions to study the Patagonian glaciers, a frontline of the climate crisis. Their findings will inform policymakers on the urgent need for climate action. 🧭⛰️ #ClimateScience #Patagonia"
thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/15/c...
Climate Change Frontier: The Icefields of the Patagonia
In the Patagonian Andes, scientist Tobias Sauter leads an expedition to study the rapidly changing glaciers. The team faces harsh conditions as they gather crucial data to understand climate change's ...
thetrasheconomy.com
May 19, 2024 at 9:49 AM
The dominant economic model is deeply flawed. Our latest editorial explores how narrow metrics like GDP & shareholder returns undermine true value creation & sustainability. 🌍🌳 #EconomicReform #AlternativeFrameworks"
thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/13/e...
Editorial: The untenability of ‘value’ metrics rouses crises of paradigms
In June, halfway through 2024, firms and governments assess bi-annual performance, GDP, and shareholder returns. The obsession with short-term profits and growth has led to environmental and social da...
thetrasheconomy.com
May 19, 2024 at 9:48 AM
The aviation industry pushes back on EU regulations that would require tracking & disclosing non-CO2 emissions from flights. Airlines argue the methodology is immature, but environmentalists say this obscures aviation's full climate impact. thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/09/a...
Aviation Industry Fights Broader EU Emissions Monitoring Rules
Global airlines are resisting new EU rules to monitor non-carbon emissions from flights, arguing that the methodology is immature and the impacts are difficult to calculate accurately. The airline ind...
thetrasheconomy.com
May 9, 2024 at 9:23 AM
New research suggests geoengineering through stratospheric aerosol injection could help save the rapidly melting Antarctic ice sheet - but only if deployed within the next 5-10 years alongside deep emissions cuts. Time is running out: thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/08/g...
Geoengineering offers the potential to save the Antarctic ice sheet
Two new studies investigate the potential of injecting stratospheric aerosols to delay the collapse of the West Antarctic ice sheet. Experts suggest a limited time window for effective geoengineering ...
thetrasheconomy.com
May 9, 2024 at 9:21 AM
The key to powering sustainable energy transitions? Recycling e-waste. A new UN report shows vast reserves of critical metals like copper, aluminium and rare earths are discarded annually, yet barely a third get recycled. We must close this loop: thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/07/c...
Closing the Loop: How Prioritizing E-Waste Recycling Can Power Climate Action
The UN report uncovers massive untapped e-waste reserves, with over 7,000 metric tons of neodymium and millions of copper and aluminium discarded annually. The demand for these critical metals is set ...
thetrasheconomy.com
May 9, 2024 at 9:20 AM
Like how nuclear weapons couldn't end conflict, decarbonization may not rebalance our relationship with nature, even at heavy costs for marginalized communities. Sustainability requires rethinking economic and political systems, not just engineering fixes.
thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/06/t...
The Tunnel-Vision Of Decarbonisation
Societies have historically relied on technology to solve challenges, from the wheel aiding agriculture to nuclear weapons during the Cold War. However, complex issues like environmental sustainabilit...
thetrasheconomy.com
May 9, 2024 at 9:17 AM
Food waste is a massive problem - 1.3 billion tons annually while over 122 million face hunger. But there's an opportunity in recycling food scraps through composting and anaerobic digestion. Read more: thetrasheconomy.com/2024/05/08/e...
Editorial: If You Can’t Help It, Then Waste Food Responsibly
In 2023, 1.3 billion tons of food went to waste, while over 122 million faced hunger. This colossal food waste issue not only affects the environment but also represents a massive economic burden. Rec...
thetrasheconomy.com
May 9, 2024 at 9:16 AM
Could providing a #UBI help build a more #SustainableWorld? This editorial explores how a guaranteed income could empower sustainable jobs, ease overconsumption, and enable a shift toward the #CircularEconomy by meeting people's basic needs.
thetrasheconomy.com/2024/04/17/e...
Editorial: Universal Basic Income for a Sustainable Future
Universal Basic Income has the potential to mitigate environmental harm by reducing economic pressures that lead to overconsumption and unsustainable practices, fostering a circular economy. Challenge...
thetrasheconomy.com
May 5, 2024 at 5:51 AM
Ocean-bound #plasticwaste is overwhelming our seas. But embracing #circulareconomy solutions like @PlasticBank's collection model can capture this waste stream before it becomes pollution & turn it into economic opportunity.
thetrasheconomy.com/2024/04/16/e...
Editorial: Ocean-bound plastic poses a daunting but worthy challenge
The launch of Ocean Cleanup’s system 03 brings hope for ocean waste cleansing. The project aims to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. This ocean-bound plastic stems from inadequate waste management ...
thetrasheconomy.com
May 5, 2024 at 5:50 AM
Researchers confirm a Pacific grey whale in the Atlantic Ocean, likely migrating through an ice-free Arctic passage due to global warming. This remarkable observation illustrates the rapid pace of change in our oceans. #ClimateImpacts #MarineLife
Extinct Whale Returns to the Atlantic Battling Climate Shifts
Researchers from the New England Aquarium spotted a grey whale, believed extinct in the Atlantic for 200 years, off the coast of Massachusetts. Once on the brink of extinction due to whaling, the spec...
thetrasheconomy.com
March 14, 2024 at 9:58 AM
Decades of fossil fuel industry lobbying reveals a disturbing pattern of undermining government support for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and other climate solutions. Their "free market" arguments were cover for entrenching dirty energy.
#ClimatePolicy #GreenTransition
Fossil Fuel Lobbyists Have Been Stifling Climate Action Since the 1960s
Research reveals decades of oil industry efforts to hinder government support for green technologies. Analysis of lobbying shows opposition to renewable energy subsidies, electric vehicles, and emissi...
thetrasheconomy.com
March 14, 2024 at 9:23 AM
Upcoming SEC climate disclosure rules could be a game-changer for startups focused on carbon accounting and emissions data. Mandated transparency will spur demand for their innovative tools and services.
#ClimateStartups #CarbonData
How New Climate Laws Could Supercharge Climate Startups
The Securities and Exchange Commission will vote on a climate disclosure rule that could require large corporations to publicly report their greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related risks, a move ...
thetrasheconomy.com
March 14, 2024 at 9:16 AM
Unprecedented winter wildfires raging across Texas and Alberta, Canada are a stark reminder that climate change is accelerating faster than our ability to respond. This is the "clima incognita" we must prepare for.
#ClimateDisruption #ClimateImpacts
Winter Wildfires in Texas Show Climate Warming
The Smokehouse Creek fire in Texas, among others, signifies the alarming impact of climate change. John Vaillant warns of unprecedented winter fires and a shift in seasonal patterns, with extreme cond...
thetrasheconomy.com
March 14, 2024 at 9:07 AM
Groundbreaking study detects microplastics physically accumulating in human artery plaque, exacerbating inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk. This builds on growing evidence that plastic pollution threatens human health.
#Microplastics #PublicHealth
Study links microplastics to increased heart disease deaths
Research at IRCCS MultiMedica uncovered evidence linking microplastic and nanoplastic particles to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Analyzing artery plaque samples from 257 adults revealed micro...
thetrasheconomy.com
March 14, 2024 at 9:03 AM
Nonprofit powerhouse, 5gyres, is tackling the global plastic pollution crisis head-on through scientific research, education, and advocacy. Their mission: "More ocean. Less plastic."
#PlasticPollution #OceanHealth
5 Gyres: Empowering Action Against Plastic Pollution
5 Gyres is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the global health crisis of plastic pollution. Their research focuses on understanding plastics' impact and accelerating science-based solu...
thetrasheconomy.com
March 14, 2024 at 8:46 AM
With the EU's coming carbon border tax, German steelmakers are under pressure to clean up their act. Shift to hydrogen-based 'green steel' could cut emissions up to 95%, but high costs & infrastructure challenges remain.
#EUClimatePolicy #IndustrialTransition
German Steel Hopes Hydrogen can Help them Go Green
German steelmakers are investing billions to reduce emissions and transition to greener production methods. This involves using hydrogen as a fuel source to significantly cut carbon emissions. The mov...
thetrasheconomy.com
March 14, 2024 at 8:40 AM
The EU Parliament wants to align pollution limits with WHO guidelines by 2035, but nations argue this is 'not realistic.' Governments must prioritize public health over short-term economic interests.
#GreenDeal #EnvironmentalJustice #EuropeanParliament
EU Demands 10 More Years for Stricter Air Pollution Laws
Several EU countries are seeking a 10-year postponement to comply with new air pollution standards, prompting a rift with the European Parliament. While acknowledging the necessity of stricter regulat...
thetrasheconomy.com
March 14, 2024 at 8:37 AM
Overreliance on tech, risk of greenwashing, & lack of immediate action make the UN's 2050 sustainability goals seem increasingly fanciful. Systemic change, transparency & accountability are crucial.
#WasteManagement #ClimateEmergency #UN2050
Editorial: Why Do UN 2050 Goals Already Seem Fanciful?
The UN 2050 goal faces criticism from climate scientists and waste management experts for its lack of specificity, insufficient focus on circular economy principles, global inequalities, overreliance ...
thetrasheconomy.com
March 14, 2024 at 8:30 AM
Capitalism perpetuates deprivation and environmental destruction. @jasonhickel.bsky.social makes a compelling case for democratic #ecosocialism to meet humanity's needs within planetary boundaries.
#CaptialismVsEcosocialism
A Case for Revolution: Capitalism vs Democratic Ecosocialism
In the 21st century, capitalism exacerbates social and environmental crises, failing to meet basic needs. Jason Hickel advocates for democratic control over finance and production to achieve well-bein...
thetrasheconomy.com
March 14, 2024 at 7:32 AM
Study Antarctic ice shelves are losing their 'pinning points' that slow ice melt - at more than double the historical rate. This signals widespread surge in ice thinning and sea level rise. #ClimateEmergency #Antarctica #ClimateChange
Antarctic Ice Melting Twice As Fast Compared to 50 Years Ago
Analysis of 50 years of satellite imagery reveals that Antarctica's ice shelves are losing key anchors at a rapidly accelerating rate. This indicates widespread thinning and potential destabilization ...
thetrasheconomy.com
March 14, 2024 at 7:25 AM
A groundbreaking mission to address the growing #spacedebris challenge! Astroscale's ADRAS-J will be the first to safely approach and characterize a large debris object in orbit. #sustainability #spacetech
A Mission to Clean Up Space Debris: ADRAS-J
Astroscale's ADRAS-J mission is a pioneering effort to tackle space debris, a growing threat to space sustainability. By safely approaching and characterizing existing debris, it paves the way for eff...
thetrasheconomy.com
March 14, 2024 at 7:14 AM
A new report alleges the plastics industry's fraudulent recycling rhetoric violated laws around consumer fraud and public nuisance. #PlasticsAccountability #ClimateLitigation
Recycling’s Dirty Secret: A History of Plastics Lobbying Deceit
Recent report from the Center for Climate Integrity exposes decades of deceit by the plastics industry regarding the feasibility of recycling. Industry leaders allegedly knew for over 30 years that re...
thetrasheconomy.com
March 14, 2024 at 7:09 AM
The economic repercussions of the #KesslerSyndrome are obvious, and the chances of it happening increase with each #satellite launched into low-Earth orbit (#LEO). #Space #SpaceJunk #SpaceX #NASA #SpaceEconomy #GPS
Editorial: Space Junk is Earthling’s Not-So-Mutant Migraine
Space debris presents a growing threat to satellite operations and the global economy. The increasing number of satellites in orbit raises the risk of collisions, leading to further debris creation. L...
thetrasheconomy.com
February 29, 2024 at 8:46 PM
"Wars can be profitable, even for those who detest them."
It's time we recognize The overlooked costs of conflict include long-term #EcologicalDamage. Our editorial sheds light on the "long-lasting implications for future generations."
Editorial: War is Ecocide!
Wars not only cause immediate devastation but also have severe environmental repercussions. From carbon emissions to soil contamination, conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza wars leave lo...
thetrasheconomy.com
January 29, 2024 at 9:27 PM