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The global hunger specter: agriscience vs. grim forecasts

Duration: 0:35:12

Scientists say that by 2050 the world's population will grow to about 10 billion . This will lead to an increase in demand for agricultural products by about 50% compared to the current one . By 2030, if proper efforts are not made, more than 600 million people will go hungry . Science must become an aid to farming, says Baltic Agro Armands Brachs .

Language: Russian
Topics: ScienceAgriscience2050

Convention on Biological Diversity: Efforts to stop harming the environment

Duration: 0:11:42

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity Conference was held in Kunming, China on November 11th with representatives from over 100 countries attending. Prior to the conference, the Kunming Declaration was passed on October 13th, which aimed to stop the destruction of life in the next decade. The conference focused on the theme of "Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth," with an emphasis on ecological civilization. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was split into two phases and included an ecological forum with participation from international organizations, research institutions, social groups, and businesses. During the first phase of the conference, 98 ministers from 94 countries attended and passed the Kunming Declaration, which set four main goals for protecting global biodiversity until 2050, as well as ten targets for 2030 and 21 specific tasks. The declaration called for urgent coordinated action by all countries to transform all sectors of the global economy to achieve these goals.

Language: Chinese
Topics: COVID-19Biology

Climate summit pledges to end deforestation and cut methane by 2030

Duration: 0:11:59

More than 100 world leaders committed to investing nearly $200 billion to end deforestation by 2030 and reverse the loss and degradation of land. This announcement was made at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, where countries like Canada, Brazil, Russia, and Indonesia signed the agreement to stop deforestation by 2030, a move considered key to preventing the impacts of global warming. These countries have approximately 85% of the world's forests. Besides, 28 countries have committed to reducing deforestation in global trade of food and agricultural products such as palm oil, soy, and cocoa. The United Kingdom pledged to support the initiative with $200 million from public and private funds. The EU government also promised €103 billion by 2025 to tackle deforestation. The decision was considered crucial in controlling the Earth's warming to 1.5°C.

Language: Chinese
Topics: Climate changeDeforestation

European particulate air pollution death rate in 2019 lowest in 30 years

Duration: 0:11:17

A report released on November 15th, 2021, by the European Environment Agency revealed that air pollution caused more than 300,000 premature deaths in the 27 EU countries in 2019, the lowest number in 30 years. The report highlights that the number of deaths could be halved if EU countries comply with the World Health Organization's air quality standards. The reduction in deaths is attributed to better air quality resulting from government measures and improved weather conditions. Ozone, a gas that can protect human health by blocking ultraviolet radiation, but can also be harmful to health, contributed to a 10% decrease in death rates in the EU. However, many EU countries still have air pollution that exceeds the EU and WHO standards. The report also highlights that air pollution is a major cause of heart disease and stroke, followed by lung disease, and can also hinder children's lung development, exacerbate respiratory infections, and trigger asthma.

Language: Chinese
Topics: EnvironmentWorld Health Organization

Megatrends for the energy sector: #5 SAF and Biomass

Duration: 0:25:20.712000

In the latest episode of the "Energy Center ART Technology Review Brazil" podcast, hosted by Hudson Mendonça, the discussion focuses on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a vital application of biomass for energy transition, particularly in aviation. Partnering with journalist Thomaz Gomes, Hudson explores the significance of SAF, a promising solution for decarbonizing the aviation sector, which faces unique challenges due to its reliance on high energy-density fuels. Traditional jet fuel, kerosene, is currently used in most aircraft, but SAF can be produced from various biomass sources, including agricultural waste and organic urban refuse. SAF's production reached 300 million liters in 2022, a small fraction compared to the 400 billion liters needed globally. However, it is anticipated that production will grow exponentially to meet future targets set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for reduced carbon emissions by 2050. SAF can potentially reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, making it a key player in the sector's decarbonization efforts. The podcast outlines several important trends: the innovative biomass sources for SAF production, responses from airlines to promote its use, research aimed at decreasing production costs, and government policies that encourage SAF development. Brazil, with its agricultural prowess, is identified as a leader in SAF potential, highlighting the country’s ample biomass resources. The episode also discusses notable initiatives by airlines embracing SAF, underscoring its importance in international sustainability agreements and emissions reduction commitments.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Biomass in Aviation Decarbonization

Megatrends for the energy sector: #6 The new role of hydrogen in the energy transition.

Duration: 0:25:57.720000

The podcast presents a discussion about the rising significance of hydrogen in Brazil's energy transition. Host Amor Olá, alongside journalist Thomaz Gomes, explores hydrogen as a key player in the shift towards renewable energy. The conversation highlights hydrogen's high energy density—three to four times greater than liquid fuels like diesel and gasoline—and its versatility in transport and storage. Hydrogen is not a primary energy source; rather, it is produced from other energy forms, such as natural gas or renewables. The focus is on "green hydrogen," generated through renewable energy, which significantly reduces carbon emissions. The potential of hydrogen to store energy helps address the intermittency of solar and wind energy, particularly in Brazil, where solar and wind resources are abundant. Estimates suggest that hydrogen could contribute to a 20% reduction in global CO2 emissions and create millions of jobs within its production and distribution sectors. The growth of the hydrogen market is substantial, with forecasts projecting it to multiply from 90 million tons in 2026 to 530 million tons by 2050. Lastly, several key applications and technologies are emerging, particularly in hydrogen production, costs reduction, and its use in transportation and industrial processes. The podcast emphasizes that as production costs decrease—potentially reaching $1.50 per kilogram by 2030—Brazil, with its ample renewable resources, is well-positioned to lead in the hydrogen economy.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: EnergyHydrogen's Role in Brazil's Energy TransitionGreen Hydrogen: Potential, Challenges, and Future Prospects