Solar Energy Instead of Power Outages in Pakistan: How the Population is Driving the Countries Energy Transition

Publicerad denFörfattareKontrast.at

In a world increasingly impacted by climate change and rising energy costs, Pakistan emerges as a surprising example of an impressive energy transition. The use of solar energy is booming—not driven by large corporations, but by the people themselves. Motivated by rising electricity prices and the need for a stable energy supply, more and more households and small businesses are turning to solar power. Through initiative and ingenuity, Pakistanis are creating their own energy solutions.
Electricity prices in Pakistan have skyrocketed in recent years, placing an almost unbearable burden on many families. Since 2021, rates have increased by more than 155%. Simultaneously, the power supply remains unreliable. Frequent power outages, known as “load shedding,” are implemented to ease the grid’s burden and have become a daily reality for many. Especially during the scorching summer months, when temperatures soar above 40°C and fans and air conditioning are essential, this situation can become life-threatening for some.
Rising Electricity Prices Force Pakistanis to Act
The combination of rising prices and an unstable supply has triggered a solar energy boom among Pakistanis. Increasingly, people are installing solar panels on their rooftops to reduce their dependence on the national grid. In urban areas like Karachi and Lahore, solar panels are now a common sight. The hope for stable and long-term affordable energy drives this growing trend.
Pakistanis are taking responsibility for solar energy generation. Photo: Jamshaid Anwar / Pexels
Solar Energy Becomes Affordable in Pakistan
What fuels the solar boom is the decreasing cost of solar technology. Particularly, China’s overproduction of solar panels has led to significantly reduced costs. For many Pakistani families who previously had no choice but to endure high electricity bills, investing in solar installations has become feasible.
A basic system, consisting of solar panels and a battery, is often sufficient to supply a household with essential power. Lights, fans, and small appliances can operate independently of the public grid. The rapid spread of this technology has also created new economic opportunities: local businesses specializing in the installation and maintenance of solar systems are flourishing. In rural areas, the market for solar technology is generating numerous new jobs.
Solar Power generated energy has drastically increased in recent years in Pakistan. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Solar Energy for Agriculture in Pakistan
In Pakistan’s rural areas, solar energy has proven crucial for agriculture. Solar panels power water pumps needed for irrigating fields. In a country frequently plagued by droughts, this means not only higher yields but also greater security for farmers. Without solar power, many would still rely on expensive and environmentally harmful diesel generators for irrigation.
The long-term benefits are clear: In addition to reducing energy costs, the environmental footprint improves. Especially in an era when the climate crisis makes weather patterns increasingly unpredictable, solar energy offers a sustainable alternative.
The Downsides of Pakistan’s Solar Energy Boom
Despite all the progress, there are significant challenges. The rapid adoption of private solar installations is creating problems for the national power grid. It was never designed to handle decentralized energy production. As many households now generate their own electricity, demand for grid power is decreasing, pushing state-run utilities into financial distress. Simultaneously, the outdated grid cannot absorb surplus electricity produced by solar systems.
Another issue is the unregulated market. With the solar technology boom, many vendors have entered the market, not all offering high-quality products. Cheap solar panels and batteries often lose efficiency quickly, posing financial risks to users. Without clear standards or regulations, consumers are often stuck with substandard systems, which could harm trust in the technology over time.
What Is the Pakistani Government Doing for Solar Energy?
The Pakistani government has acknowledged that solar energy is a key to the country’s future. Initial initiatives aim to promote the expansion of renewable energy. The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Punjab, one of the largest in the world, exemplifies government support for large-scale projects. The government has also set a goal: By 2030, 30% of Pakistan’s energy should come from renewable sources.
However, these measures are insufficient to address current challenges. Critical investments in modernizing the power grid remain absent. Subsidies or low-interest loans to help low-income households access solar technology exist only sporadically. The government urgently needs to take action to establish the infrastructure necessary to sustain the solar boom.
This work is licensed under the Creative Common License. It can be republished for free, either translated or in the original language. In both cases, please cite Kontrast / Justus Hartmann as the original source/author and set a link to this article on TheBetter.news. https://thebetter.news/solar-energy-pakistan/

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Seawater Desalination in Agadir: A Beacon of Hope for Morocco’s Water Crisis

Publicerad denFörfattareKontrast.at

Amidst global water scarcity and the challenges posed by climate change, Morocco is turning to innovative solutions to secure water supplies for its population. A prominent example is the coastal city of Agadir, which is breaking new ground with one of the world’s most advanced seawater desalination plants. While the high energy demands of desalination are being met sustainably through renewable energy, a key question remains: Can seawater desalination be the answer to the global water crisis?
What is Seawater Desalination and Why is It Necessary?
Every child has wondered at some point why sailors can suffer from thirst while surrounded by water. The answer lies in the fact that not all water is drinkable: freshwater is essential for human survival, while drinking seawater, with its high salt content, dehydrates and harms the body. In a world where only about 3% of global water resources are freshwater—and much of that is locked in glaciers, groundwater, or hard-to-reach sources—ensuring an adequate freshwater supply is becoming increasingly challenging.
Seawater desalination offers a technical solution to convert saline water—primarily from the oceans—into potable freshwater. This process is particularly vital in regions with water scarcity or arid climates. According to a report by the International Desalination Association (IDA), the global capacity for seawater desalination has rapidly increased over the past few decades, with countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia leading the way.
The amount of desalination plants and their capacities are constantly on the rise. Source: University of Leeds
As the global population continues to grow and climate change further stresses natural freshwater resources, desalination is becoming increasingly important. It serves not only as an emergency measure in water-scarce regions, but also as a strategy to secure future water supplies. However, the process is energy-intensive and poses environmental challenges, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management solutions.
Agadir: From Fishing Village to Pioneer in Seawater Desalination
Agadir, once a tranquil fishing village on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, has transformed into a major economic hub in recent decades. However, like many parts of Morocco, the city faces significant water challenges. Periods of drought, increasing water demand driven by agriculture and tourism, and the effects of climate change have pushed traditional water resources to their limits.
The Seawater Desalination Plant in Agadir: A Technological Marvel
Photo: James Grellier, Reverse osmosis desalination plant, CC BY-SA 3.0
To address these challenges, Agadir has built a state-of-the-art seawater desalination plant. This facility uses reverse osmosis, a process in which seawater is forced under high pressure through specialized membranes that remove salt, producing potable water. With a daily production capacity of 275,000 cubic meters of water—split into 150,000 cubic meters for drinking water and 125,000 cubic meters for irrigation—it ranks among the largest of its kind globally. The plant’s capacity can be expanded to 400,000 cubic meters per day if needed.
The project was realized through a public-private partnership between Morocco’s National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests. In 2019, it was recognized by the IDA as the “Best Public-Private Partnership.”
Utilizing Renewable Energy: A Focus on Sustainability
A distinctive feature of the Agadir plant is the sole operation with renewable energy. Thanks to the intense sunlight and strong winds along Morocco’s coast, the facility is entirely powered by solar and wind energy. This not only reduces operational costs, but also significantly minimizes the plant’s environmental footprint, making it a model for sustainable water production.
Positive Impact of Seawater Desalination for the Region
The desalination plant in Agadir has already brought significant and sustainable change to the region. It has secured a reliable drinking water supply for over half a million people, providing a consistent source of clean water independent of climatic or seasonal fluctuations. Beyond residential needs, the agricultural lands in the Chtouka Plain surrounding Agadir also benefit. The daily supply of treated water for irrigation has boosted productivity and strengthened the economic foundation of local agriculture.
The construction and operation of the plant have also created numerous jobs, contributing to the regional economy. Moreover, the plant has significantly improved the quality of life for residents. With stable access to drinking water and a fortified agricultural base, the plant not only ensures supply but also enhances resilience against the challenges posed by climate change.
Not All That Glitters is Gold: Challenges of Seawater Desalination
Despite its advantages, seawater desalination faces some challenges. One major criticism is the high energy demand of desalination plants. The process consumes large amounts of electricity, making it expensive and potentially harmful to the environment when fossil fuels are used. Although modern plants like the one in Agadir increasingly rely on renewable energy, such projects remain the exception. The majority of desalination plants worldwide still depend on conventional energy sources. While reverse osmosis is more energy-efficient than older technologies, it still requires considerable power to operate.
Another issue is brine, a highly concentrated byproduct of desalination. Many plants discharge this brine back into the ocean, where it can harm local ecosystems. The increased salinity and chemicals used during water pretreatment can damage marine habitats and threaten biodiversity. Solutions for the safe disposal or reuse of brine are under development. However, they are currently only available on a limited scale.
Is Desalination a Model for Other Regions?
The successful implementation of Agadir’s desalination plant serves as a model for other water-scarce regions worldwide. The integration of desalination technology with renewable energy could be particularly applicable in coastal areas with similar climatic conditions. Morocco is already planning to expand its network of desalination plants to combat water scarcity nationwide.
This work is licensed under the Creative Common License. It can be republished for free, either translated or in the original language. In both cases, please cite Kontrast / Justus Hartmann as the original source/author and set a link to this article on TheBetter.news. https://thebetter.news/seawater-desalination-in-agadir/

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Former Coal City Becomes Climate Leader: Bottrop’s Energy Transition

Publicerad denFörfattareSophie Wenkel

The energy transition—shifting from coal, oil, and gas to renewable energy—only works if everyone can participate. Bottrop, a city in western Germany, shows how this can be done. Once a coal-mining hub, Bottrop has transformed by replacing heating systems, renovating buildings, and installing solar panels—all in just a few years.
The energy transition is crucial for addressing the climate crisis. As a result of the ongoing use of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, the planet continues to warm. Consequently, the effects are becoming clearer each year: longer, hotter summers, drying rivers, and heavy rains that cause floods.
In order to tackle the climate crisis, we must stop using fossil fuels. For instance, cars need to run on electricity from water, wind, and solar power. Oil and gas heating systems should be replaced by heat pumps. Furthermore, district heating systems must switch to renewable energy like geothermal power.
Bottrop: From Coal Stronghold to Energy Leader
Achieving this transition requires action from everyone. Cities around the world are involving their residents, and Bottrop is leading the way. Over the past few years, the city has replaced heating systems, upgraded buildings, and installed many solar panels. As a result, Bottrop leads Germany in heat pumps and has the highest number of solar installations in North Rhine-Westphalia.
So, what made this possible? The answer lies in a proactive energy policy that directly engages the community.
Unlike many cities where people need to find advice on their own, Bottrop’s approach is more hands-on. Energy advisors go door-to-door, speaking directly with residents about renovation options. The city also holds workshops and information sessions to encourage more people to get involved.
A Fair and Collaborative Approach
Research shows that climate policy success depends on how it affects people’s lives and how fair it is. Bottrop’s “One-Stop-Shop” model ensures residents get all the help they need in one place. This includes technical advice and financial support, thus making the energy transition easier for everyone.
Moreover, this model is becoming popular across Europe. It helps residents find the best deals for renovations and works with social housing to ensure that improvements benefit everyone, including those in affordable housing.
Public Support is Key to Success
Bottrop shows the real challenge isn’t the technology. The tools for the energy transition already exist and continue to improve. Instead, the challenge is getting people involved. Residents must be willing to replace heating systems, renovate homes, and support new wind turbines and power lines. They also need to support policies that create the legal framework for these changes.
Bottrop has proven that with support and involvement, the energy transition can succeed. This success offers a model for other cities working toward a sustainable and fair future.This work is licensed under the Creative Common License. It can be republished for free, either translated or in the original language. In both cases, please cite Kontrast / Kontrast Redaktion as the original source/author and set a link to this article on Scoop.me. https://thebetter.news/former-coal-city-climate-leader-bottrop-energy-transition/

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From coal to solar and wind power plants: Towards a renewable energy production in India, Pennsylvania, and the Philippines

Publicerad denFörfattareAnna Drujan

The transition to renewable energy production must be tackled globally. Three examples from India, the US state of Pennsylvania and the Philippines show that climate-friendly power generation can succeed. They are leaving coal behind them and are building large solar and wind power plants. This is because coal, oil and gas are fossil fuels that are extremely harmful to the climate. To combat the climate crisis, we need to be replace them with renewable energy sources.
Renewable energy in India: the world’s largest solar park
The world’s largest solar and wind power plant is being built in a barren salt desert in western India. Once completed in 5 years, it will supply around 16 million Indian households with electricity from renewable sources. The construction of this park will cost 20 billion dollars. The park will be one of the most important and largest clean energy sources in the world. The company behind the project is AGEL (Adani Green Energy Limited), which once made its fortune with coal and is now turning to renewable energy production.

“A region so large, a region that is so unencumbered, there’s no wildlife, there’s no vegetation, there’s no habitation. There is no better alternative use of that land,” said the managing director Adani about the site in the middle of a salt desert.

India spends 100 billion US dollars on the transition to renewable energy
With the huge solar and wind farm India wants to make its own energy policy fit for the future. The power plant is intended to reduce environmental pollution, achieve climate goals, and meet energy requirements at the same time. After all, India is not only one of the countries with the highest population in the world, but also one of the fastest growing economies. The demand for electricity is correspondingly high. Until now, 70% of India’s electricity has been generated by coal. But that is now set to change. The company is planning to invest 100 billion US dollars in the transition to renewable energy in India over the next decade, with 70% of the investment earmarked for clean energy.
After all, if India were to fall back on fossil fuels, the consequences the climate crisis would be catastrophic. Not only globally, but also for its own country. This is because India – like other South Asian countries – is repeatedly overwhelmed by extreme heatwaves. These heatwaves have led to power cuts, extreme air pollution and increased glacial melting in the north of the country. Since 1992, more than 24,000 people have died from heatwaves in India.
Pennsylvania replaces its largest coal-fired power station with a solar farm
Pennsylvania closed one of its largest coal-fired power stations in June 2023 and is now building a huge – 2,700-hectare – solar farm instead. The solar farm will be built in close proximity to the old power station to prevent further damaging of the environment. Once the plant is up and running, it will supply 75,000 households with green electricity. The costs amount to 90 million US dollars. The Mineral Basin Solar Project fills a critical gap in power generation and creates 750 new jobs. The plant is expected to be completed in 2026.
A gigantic solar park like this is being build in Pennsylvania. (Unsplash: Nuno Marques)
A huge photovoltaic park in the Philippines
Ambitions are also high in the Philippines when it comes to switching to solar and wind energy: With around 5 million solar panels on 3,500 hectares, the energy company SPNEC (Solar Philippines New Energy Corporation) planes to build one of the biggest solar parks in the world – probably even larger than the one in India. The park will go into operation in 2026. If the project succeeds a large proportion of the Philippines’ energy requirements will be covered by renewable energies.
Unlike in India or Pennsylvania, the solar park in the Philippines is being built on a large area of forest. This is of course problematic. It further destroys the habitat of animals and plants. Experience has shown that this has a negative impact on local biodiversity. However, this diversity is essential for maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Climate-friendly power generation: Away from coal and gas
Scientists have agreed for a long time that we can only stop the climate crisis if we replace environmentally harmful energy sources with renewables. This means moving away from gas and coal and towards wind, water and solar energy. Many countries and regions now have realized this: The global output of wind energy, for example, doubled between 2014 and 2020. India, Pennsylvania, and the Philippines are all taking a step towards renewable energy and are examples of how future energy needs can be met in a climate-friendly way.
This work is licensed under the Creative Common License. It can be republished for free, either translated or in the original language. In both cases, please cite Kontrast / Kontrast Redaktion as the original source/author and set a link to this article on Scoop.me. https://thebetter.news/renewable-energy-india-pennsylvania-and-the-philippines/

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Lula da Silva keeps his promise: Amazon deforestation reduced by 64%

Publicerad denFörfattareKontrast.at

The deforestation of the Amazon rainforest has been in action for years, risking the collapse of the unique ecosystem. But the election of Lula da Silva as president in early 2023 brought hope. He announced that he would put an end to the deforestation of the Amazon. He seems to be keeping his promise as, compared to November 2022, deforestation in the Amazon fell by 64% in November 2023.
The Amazon rainforest is one of the largest carbon reservoirs on earth. This makes it particularly important in the fight against climate change. Despite this, illegal deforestation persists. This was especially evident under the right-wing nationalist ex-president Jair Bolsonaro. During his time in office, rainforest deforestation increased by around 75%.
The current president, Lula da Silva, promised to stop deforestation when he took office – and it looks like Silva is keeping his promise. Compared to the previous year, deforestation fell by 64% in November 2023. According to the Brazilian Space Agency (INPE), around 200 square kilometres were destroyed. This is the smallest area since the evaluations began. It is also the first time since 2018 that less than 10,000 square kilometres have been deforested in one year.
“Brazil is ready to resume its role in the fight against the climate crisis and protect all ecosystems, especially the Amazon. Our government once managed to reduce forest destruction by 80 per cent. Now let’s all fight together for zero deforestation!”
FIRST SUCCESSES AFTER JUST 6 MONTHS: RAINFOREST DEFORESTATION DOWN BY 33.6 PER CENT
After six months in office, the BBC report initial successes in the fight against deforestation. Compared to the first half of the previous year, deforestation has been reduced by 33.6%. In June 2023, 41% less forest was destroyed than in the previous year. Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva attributes this to Lula’s successful environmental policy.
LULA’S POTENTIAL TO REDUCE DEFORESTATION BY 89%
Lula’s goal of ending deforestation by 2030 is a major challenge. This is because deforestation reached alarming proportions under his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro. The new conservation plan published by President Lula at the beginning of June 2023 aims to achieve this goal. Among other things, it provides for the confiscation of half of all illegally used land within protected areas, as well as higher penalties for illegal deforestation.
The Brazilian president also calls on other countries – especially the rich West – to contribute financially to saving the “green lungs of the Earth” in order to combat the global climate crisis.
A study attests that Lula’s plans have the potential to actually reduce deforestation in the Amazon by 89%. In any case, Lula will not have an easy time of it. The left-wing president still faces a conservative majority in parliament.
UNDER BOLSONARO, THE AMAZON SHRANK BY MORE THAN TWICE THE AREA OF VIENNA – PER MONTH
This is sorely needed, as the Amazon has been badly affected in recent years. When Lula first moved into the presidential palace in 2003, he launched an ambitious programme to save the rainforest. He and his successor Dilma Rousseff, who like Lula comes from Brazil’s left-wing Workers’ Party, succeeded in reducing deforestation by 80% to a historic low. But when Bolsonaro came to power in 2019, Brazil made a U-turn in its environmental policy.
Bolsonaro willingly granted concessions to allow corporations to clear the rainforest for soya and palm oil cultivation, cattle breeding and mining. Illegally cleared areas were legalised by Bolsonaro and forest fires were only half-heartedly combated. Deforestation increased sharply by 70 per cent under his government.
FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE AMAZON EMITS MORE CO₂ THAN IT CAN CAPTURE
Under Bolsonaro, the Amazon’s carbon footprint has turned around. For the first time, it is emitting more CO2 than it can bind. This was revealed in a study by researchers from the French National Institute for Agronomic Research. The scientists mainly analysed satellite data documenting the plant biomass in the rainforest and its deforestation. The result: the Amazon basin released around 16.6 billion tonnes of CO₂ into the environment, but only absorbed around 13.9 tonnes. This 2.7 billion tonne difference is roughly Austria’s consumption for 35 years.
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WITHOUT A WELL-PRESERVED AMAZON RAINFOREST, THE ENTIRE ECOSYSTEM COULD COLLAPSE
The Amazon currently has a perfectly functioning water cycle. Inland regions actually have too little rainfall for a tropical rainforest. But the trees suck the groundwater upwards, it evaporates and rains down again over the huge forest area. This cycle could be permanently disrupted by further deforestation. The rainforest would slowly die off, turn into a savannah and change the climate around the world.
This process would release as much CO2 as the entire world consumes in seven years. The unique ecosystem, which is home to 10% of all species, would be irretrievably lost and with it the CO2-binding effect of the rainforest. Scientists assume that this tipping point is reached at a deforestation rate of 20 to 25%. We are currently at 18%.
ANTI-DEFORESTATION RAIDS AFTER TAKING OFFICE
Just a few days after taking office, Lula’s government took action and carried out controls in the rainforest against illegal deforestation. As reported by Reuters, checks were carried out in areas that are all within the Cachoeira Seca indigenous reserve, where deforestation is strictly prohibited.
While deforestation is decreasing, the number of fires continues to rise, as satellite monitoring shows. Whether this is due to natural causes or arson cannot be determined.
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This work is licensed under the Creative Common License. It can be republished for free, either translated or in the original language. In both cases, please cite Kontrast / Marco Pühringer as the original source/author and set a link to this article on Scoop.me. https://thebetter.news/amazon-deforestation-reduced/

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Brazil: Deforestation of Amazon reduce by more than 30 Percent

Publicerad denFörfattareKontrast.at

For years, the Amazon rainforest was cut down. The concern: the unique ecosystem could collapse. The deforestation in Brazil is a huge environmental problem. But the election of Lula da Silva as president gave hope. He announced that he would end the deforestation of the Amazon. In fact, the first steps followed a few days after taking office. The encouraging result: in comparison to the previous year, deforestation was reduced by more than a third.
“Brazil is ready to resume its role i the fight against the climate crisis and protect all ecosystems, especially the Amazon. Our government once managed to reduce forest destruction by 80%. Now lets all fight together for zero deforestation!” says Lula da Silva, President of Brazil.
The BBC reports first successes in the fight against rainforest deforestation. Compared to the first half of the previous year, deforestation was reduced by 33.6%. In June 2023, as much as 41% less forest was destroyed than the previous year. Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva attributes this to Lula’s successful environmental policy.
Lulas potential to reduce deforestation by 89 percent
Lula’s goal of ending deforestation by 2030 is a major challenge. Under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, deforestation took on alarming dimensions. The new conservation plan, which President Lula published at the beginning of June 2023, aims to achieve this goal. Among other things, it provides for the confiscation of half of all illegally used land within protected areas, as well as higher penalties for illegal logging.
Furthermore, the Brazilian president calls on other countries, especially the rich West, to contribute financially to saving the “green lungs of the earth” in order to combat the climate crisis globally.
A study confirms that Lula’s plans actually have the potential to reduce deforestation in the Amazon by 89 percent. In any case, Lula will not have it easy: The left-wing president still faces a conservative majority in parliament.
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Under Bolsonaro, the Amazon shrank by more than twice the area of Vienna – per month
This is sorely needed, because the Amazon has been badly affected in recent years. When Lula first moved into the presidential palace in 2003, he launched an ambitious program to save the rainforest. He and his successor Dilma Rousseff, who like Lula comes from Brazil’s leftist Workers’ Party, succeeded in reducing deforestation by 80 percent to a historic low. But when Bolsonaro came to power in 2019, Brazil did an about-face on environmental policy.
Bolsonaro readily awarded concessions to allow corporations to clear rainforest for soy and palm oil farming, as well as cattle ranching and mining. Illegally cleared areas were legalized by Bolsonaro, and forest fires were fought only half-heartedly. Clearing jumped by 70 percent under his government.
For the first time, the Amazon emits more CO2 than it can absorb
Under Bolsonaro, the Amazon’s climate balance had turned around: For the first time, it emits more CO2 than it can absorb. This was shown in a study by researchers from the French National Institute for Agronomic Research. The scientists mainly analysed satellite data documenting the plant biomass in the rainforest and its deforestation. The result: the Amazon basin released about 16.6 billion tons of CO2 into the environment, but only absorbed about 13.9 tons. This 2.7 billion ton difference is roughly Austria’s consumption for 35 years.
Without well-maintained Amazon rainforest, the whole ecosystem could topple over
Currently, the Amazon has a perfectly functioning water cycle: regions inland actually have too little rainfall for a tropical rainforest. But the trees suck the groundwater upwards, it evaporates and rains down again over the huge forest area. This cycle could be permanently disrupted by further deforestation. The rainforest would slowly die, turning into savannah and changing the climate around the world.
This process would release as much CO2 as the entire world consumes in seven years. The unique ecosystem that is home to 10 percent of all species would be irretrievably lost, and with it the CO2-binding effect of the rainforest. Scientists assume that this tipping point is reached at a deforestation rate of 20 to 25 percent. Currently, we are at 18 percent.
[embedded content]
Deforestation in Brazil: Raids after taking office
Within days of taking office, Lula’s government took action, conducting checks in the rainforest against illegal logging. As reuters reports, controls were carried out in areas all within the Cachoeira Seca indigenous reserve, where deforestation is strictly prohibited.
While deforestation is decreasing, the number of fires continues to increase, satellite monitoring shows. Whether due to natural causes or arson cannot be determined.
This work is licensed under the Creative Common License. In case of new republication, please cite Kontrast.at /Marco Pühringer as the Source/Author and set a link to the article in English: https://scoop.me/deforestation-brazil/
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Startup uses 3D prints to build “Urban Reefs” for better Air Quality

Publicerad denFörfattareNoah Duker

The Dutch startup “Urban Reef” uses 3D printers with renewable materials to create sculptures that are planted with a variety of mosses, mushrooms, and other plants. These help clean the polluted air of big cities with their natural processes like photosynthesis. As of now the project is still in development but already shows promise as sustainable solutions for improving air quality are hard to come by. 
Amsterdam – Bio inclusivity is the word of the day. Cities have, ecologically speaking, come closer to deserts than any other biome they might have been built upon. Parking spaces, multilane highway systems and other concrete infrastructure have driven a large chunk of wildlife as far away from the city as possible. Despite the efforts of numerous city councils across the world, this model of car dependent cities and fossil fuelled economies has led to poor air quality reaching health endangering levels. 
Combating dangerous air pollution with “Urban Reefs” made of sustainable sculptures and plants
This is where urban reefs come in: the young studio based in the Netherlands has started up a variety of projects, promising improvements when it comes to air quality and biodiversity in cities. Similar to what reefs are for shallow ocean biomes, these urban reefs, are supposed to be an oasis for different species of plants and fungi. Sprinkling these reefs across cities would be a cheap and space efficient way of making cities more liveable. 
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“Urban reefs” is using 3D printers filled with biodegradable, “living” material, allowing plants to easily grow on the surface. The method allows for cheap and sustainable ways to produce all kinds of things. In their case, shell-like sculptures to house the plants. At this point, their team is focused on a variety of improvements, like improving the materials used and the shell designs, as well as bio receptivity research, looking at what conditions are favourable for growing communities of organisms in an urban environment. 
The step away from concrete is important considering that the sand used for concrete is getting rather scarce due to a boom in the construction industry around the globe. Concrete needs sand as a main ingredient, but not every kind of sand is usable, dessert and ocean sand is too smooth to be used for industrial purposes. 
Air pollution responsible for growing cancer rates in cities
When it comes to air pollution, it is important to distinguish between particular matter (pm) and coarse dust. Particular matter are particles up to 2.5 micrometres, coarse dust has a size up to 10 micrometres. The danger of air pollution lies with the particular matter, emitted by cars, tires, coal power plants and other methods of heating. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), being subject to large amounts of air pollution, especially pm, over time can lead to “increased risk of respiratory infections, heart disease and lung cancer”. 
But what causes air pollution? The obvious culprit is cars, not just in burning fuel, but also in not so obvious ways, like wearing down tires that emit small plastic particles into the air and further into our lungs. With results like this, it’s no wonder that projects to help filter these particles out of the air are in high demand. The plants, also subject to the same pollution, have better capabilities when it comes to filtering these harmful microscopic particles than humans.  Läs mer…

Swamps as a climate saver: Ireland stores tons of CO₂ through 33,000 hectares of new peatlands

Publicerad denFörfattareNoah Duker

Ireland is reforesting its swamps and bogs in a bid to fight climate change. Although marshlands cover only three percent of the earth, they store 25 percent of the world’s CO2. So far, around 8100 hectares on the “green island” have been flooded with water. The “watering” is intended to create optimum conditions for new peat land. Experts believe that the “renaturation” project will store enormous amounts of climate-damaging greenhouse gases.
Peatlands are considered to be the ecosystem with the greatest storage potential for CO₂. When a plant dies, the CO₂ stored in it is released into the water or into the marsh soil as it decays, rather than into the air. Bogs and marshlands are therefore true climate protectors!
Trees store CO₂ and release oxygen This process is called photosynthesis. When trees die and rot, they release the remaining CO₂ into the environment, especially into the air. However, if a tree falls into a swamp, the CO₂ is not released into the air but stored in the water and soil. If the swamp dries up, and thus also the CO₂-containing mixture, peat is formed. Over thousands of years, a well-known raw material is created from it: coal!
Ireland is reforesting swamps and peatlands to fight climate change
Until the industrial revolution, almost one fifth of Ireland was covered with peatlands. From the 1850s until today, people have destroyed large parts of Ireland’s nature – that is, besides marshlands, also countless forests. The partly state-owned company “Bord na Móna” wants to revive nature and make Ireland the green lung of Europe to fight climate change. For this reason, they are filling 33,000 hectares of alluvial land with water over the next few years. They also want to reintroduce native species of plants and animals that have been driven or wiped out over the years. Currently, just under a quarter, or 8125 hectares, has been “reforested.”
How Ireland’s marshlands were destroyed and rebuilt
The reason for the poor condition of Ireland’s peatlands is historical. The tradition of “peat cutting” has been preserved and carried on for generations. The peat, when dried, is a good fuel. For the economy, especially during the industrialization, the peat was in great demand because it could be found everywhere on the island and was therefore very cheap. Peat was also used to heat the houses in Ireland.
Another reason for the large-scale drainage of the Irish peatlands is agriculture. During the Industrial Revolution, Ireland developed not only railroads and cities, but also agriculture on a large scale. For the cultivation of food, large areas of marshland were destroyed.
Even at the beginning of industrialization, the destruction of the marshes was already underway: by the end of the 19th century, Ireland was more industrialized than the whole of Austro-Hungarian Empire or Spain, two countries that were significantly larger in terms of area and population. The partly state-owned Irish company “Bord na Móna” and others now wants to declare war on environmental destruction and make the “emerald isle” live up to its name again.
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Amsterdam Airport Schiphol bans Private Jets and Night Flights

Publicerad denFörfattareNoah Duker

The private jet ban is set to into effect at the end of 2025. This will lead to “more quiet, clean and better air travel” an airport official said in a statement. Other than that, larger and therefore louder aircraft like the Boeing 747 should no longer be commissioned to land at the Dutch airport. Local inhabitants and climate activists welcome Schiphol’s move towards better quality of live in the Amsterdam suburb. The wake of this decision now echoing through Europe as more cities want to push for similar policies in the future.
Speaking in numbers, this would mean about 10,000 fewer aircraft per year to land at Schiphol, their flights being cancelled with the ban. Recently the government also implemented directives for the airport to reduce the flights from 500 to 440 thousand flights, cutting an additional 40 thousand flights, starting November 2023. 
“For too long, we have only thought about growth and not enough about the associated costs. We need to be sustainable for our employees, the environment and the world.”, Says Ruud Sondag, CEO Royal Schiphol Group. 
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Lawsuit against guidelines – airlines fear reduced profits
Travel agencies and Airlines have complained about the changes. The Dutch Airline KLM, who’s main airport is Schiphol, was surprised, claiming that they had wished for coordinated action across the entire air travel industry. But the lack of actual plans stemming from big airlines might explain why Schiphol’s decision not to wait.
The shrinking of flight numbers at Schiphol was followed by a lawsuit by KLM and four other airlines in fear of having reduced profits. Early April 2023, a Dutch court now overruled the directive due to an issue regarding formalities in the law-making process. 
Climate activists are disappointed about the court’s ruling, setting back the efforts of CO2 reduction in the Netherlands drastically. Their hopes now lie with the airport’s lone push to at least save a fourth of the CO2 intended by the government.
Private jets as climate killer – Germany to consider ban in the future
German air travel expert Sussane Menge sees private jets as a “great climate injustice” and calls for airports in Germany to implement similar directives to Schiphol to combat rising CO2 emissions. 
“It is no longer plausible that many people are now combating global warming by insulating houses and replacing heating systems, while a small minority is pumping out jet fuel as if there were no tomorrow.” – German air travel expert Susanne Menge. 
Now the German Greens have announced that they are considering proposing a similar with support from opposition party “die Linke” (the Left) though the future of this legislation is unclear.
Most wealth – Most emissions
And the numbers add up, considering that in 2019, a year before the Private jet boom properly kicked off, private jets already accounted for 899,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). In comparison, in the same year, the CO2 emissions on a global average per person accounted for about 4.78 tons per year.
A person with average carbon emission would take more than 627 thousand years to produce the amount of CO2 a billionaire emits in a Year. (Foto: Nate / Unsplash)
Considering these facts, it gets even more baffling when one considers that these 899 thousand tons of carbon dioxide is emitted by just about 22 thousand jets. Meaning that these approximately 22,000 private aircraft owners emit equally to about 188,000 people. And that’s only with their jets, accounting for other luxuries, these numbers can rise up to a staggering 3 million tons per year for the top 1 percent.
A person with average carbon emission would take more than 627 thousand years to produce the amount of CO2 a billionaire emits in a Year. Considering the shrinking CO2 budget, the rising temperatures and growing wealth inequality, considering bans like this might be a necessity all over Europe in the future. Läs mer…

Leading lawyers take side of climate activists

Publicerad denFörfattareHarry Markham

As climate scientists offer final warnings on our planet’s future, climate activists are becoming more and more determined to force change – whatever the cost. Their protests are increasingly controversial and disruptive, as those looking to secure the planet’s future clamber for the attention of lawmakers, big businesses, and the public. As protests heat up, so does the risk of legal consequences, but legal professionals are starting to come out in support of climate activists as 140 top lawyers sign a “Declaration of Consciousness”.
On March 29, 2023, a collective of lawyers known as “Lawyers are Responsible” published a “Declaration of Consciousness” stating:
“as a matter of conscience, they will withdraw their legal services from (1) new fossil fuel projects and (2) criminal or civil action against peaceful climate protesters.”
The signatories to the Declaration include 140 prominent lawyers from the United Kingdom and around the world, including many from countries in the Global South who will face the worst impacts of the climate crisis, such as South Africa, Australia, Mexico, Guyana and the Philippines.
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Lawyers recognise complicity in climate destruction
The press release in which the group outlined their intentions highlighted the contribution of the legal sector towards climate destruction. They reference the $1.62 trillion worth of transactions within the fossil fuel industry that were made possible with the support of lawyers between 2017 and 2022.
They argue that not only should fellow legal professionals halt their support for the fossil fuel industry, they should also refuse to help prosecute peaceful climate change protesters – a practice that is becoming increasingly common.
Melinda Janki, Attorney-at-Law in Guyana and declaration signatory, said:
“I beg my legal colleagues to join me and other lawyers who are on the frontline fighting to uphold the rule of law and protect our countries and planet from the killing effects of fossil fuels. Please take a stand and do not be complicit in ecocide and the inevitable destruction of human lives.”
Peaceful climate protesters targeted by police and courts
As groups like Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil and Insulate Britain ramp up their efforts to garner support for better climate practice, they are often met by heavy handed police and disproportionate legal punishment. Four Just Stop Oil activists, arrested for blocking a London road, were convicted this year of causing a public nuisance. The group of men were sentenced to 260 hours of unpaid work in total, and made to pay a combined £7,500 in prosecution costs.
Earlier this year in Germany, protesters trying to save the village of Luetzerath from its imminent destruction in order to make way for a new coal field were reportedly beaten heavily by German police, with at least 20 ending up in hospital.
One week before the release of the declaration by Lawyers are Responsible, reports from Australia stated that two German students are set to be deported back to their native land for blocking access to Sydney’s seaport. Federal Immigration Minister Alex Hawke, seemingly missing the point, denounced the actions of the two Germans as “attention-seeking”.
As activists across the world attempt to stop humanity’s march towards catastrophe, it is clear that the support of legal professionals, such as those in Lawyers are Responsible, is vital.
Activists and lawyers score victory against climate change villains Shell
Dutch fossil fuel giant Shell, who place 7th in global rankings for greenhouse gas emissions by companies between 1965 and 2018, produced 32,498 million tons of CO2 equivalent during this period. While they claim to be aiming for carbon neutrality through a transition to green energy by 2050, they are accused of greenwashing and playing fast and loose with the truth surrounding their climate practices. While they claim to be working towards achieving net-zero, they contradict themselves through continual new investment in oil and gas projects. The International Energy Agency stated in 2021 that no new oil and gas projects were compatible with achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
While Shell claim to be working towards net-zero, they continue to invest heavily in oil and gas. (Photo: Jethro Carullo / Unsplash)
These contradicting practices form the basis of the argument put forward to the English High Court by ClientEarth, a group of environmental lawyers. The group, who are token stakeholders in Shell, argue that the company does not have a suitable strategy to meet climate targets as the rest of the world moves away from fossil fuels. They say that failure to properly transition to clean energy leaves the company at risk of being left behind as fossil fuels are made obsolete – a reasonable argument for an investor to make. The lawsuit, which is aimed at the companies 11 directors, is a landmark case in holding corporate directors liable for failing to properly prepare their company for the net zero transition.
This is an exemplary case of activism and the legal profession working hand-in-hand to tackle climate destruction as opposed to supporting it, and provides hope for further progress in this direction in the future with the help of groups like Lawyers are Responsible. Läs mer…