🏢 Thousands of deaths avoided in Taiwan earthquake
Building codes and infrastructure have been strengthened to withstand seismic forces, reducing damage and saving lives. An advanced early warning system and education programs have helped prepare the population.
❌ Slovakia closes its last coal-fired power plant – six years ahead of schedule
Slovakia has now ceased production at its last coal-fired power plant. The country's electricity is now almost exclusively from nuclear and renewable sources. The goal has been to phase out all coal power by 2030. A goal that is now achieved six years ahead of schedule.
🌞 Scientists solve decade-long problem: Converting carbon dioxide to methanol (good for the climate)
The process occurs at room temperature and normal air pressure, simplifying the conversion. Achieving this at room temperature is something scientists have been trying to accomplish for several decades.
🏭 Terraform Industries converts electricity and air into synthetic natural gas for the first time
The company's process involves cost reductions, with the conversion of clean electricity to hydrogen for less than $2.50 per kilogram and CO2 capture for less than $250 per ton.
👩⚕️ Sharp decline in tuberculosis in Cambodia
The number of tuberculosis deaths has decreased by 45 percent during the 21st century. New cases of tuberculosis have also decreased by 45 percent during the same time period.
☣️ Toxic chemical emissions have decreased by 21% over ten years
Emissions of toxic chemicals in the USA decreased by 21 percent between 2013 and 2022. Over this ten-year period, emissions from manufacturing facilities decreased by 9 percent while the economic value that the manufacturing industry contributed to the American economy increased by 14 percent.
🍅 New CRISPR tomatoes require less water, but yield remains the same
Scientists have used CRISPR technology to create tomatoes that use water more efficiently. These tomatoes require less water to grow but still produce the same amount of tomatoes, with the same taste and quality.
🌽 The Food Price Index has dropped for the seventh consecutive month – the lowest in three years
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that the Food Price Index in February fell to its lowest level in three years. Prices for cereals, especially corn and wheat, decreased by 5 percent.
🌬️ Significantly improved air quality in Europe over the past two decades, study shows
A study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health demonstrates significant improvements in air quality across Europe. Levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide have decreased by 1.7-2.7 percent per year.