More than 1.6 million tons of unexploded weapons litter the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Remote-controlled seabed crawlers and robots with “smart grabbers” are now cleaning up these toxic munitions. This summer, a pilot project backed by the German government will deploy these technologies in the Baltic Sea to test a fast, industrial-scale cleanup process.
This initiative is part of a £ 100m program aimed at safely removing and destroying munitions. The corroding weapons release carcinogenic and toxic substances, posing environmental and health risks. Immediate action is needed to mitigate further contamination while the munitions remain intact enough to be removed.
Ancient Terracotta Cooling Techniques Inspire Modern Solutions in India
In response to India’s scorching summer heat, traditional methods of cooling water in terracotta pots, known as “matkas”, inspire the latest trends in building cooling systems. Terracotta, known for its porous clay, naturally cools water by evaporation- a technique rooted in ancient Harappan civilisation. Today, as extreme heat becomes more common, this ancient method is being repurposed for contemporary needs.
Architect Monish Siripurapu from CoolAnt harnessed this principle to create terracotta cooling towers like the “Beehive.” These towers use recycled water to cool surrounding air through evaporation, providing sustainable cooling solutions in schools, public spaces, and commercial buildings across India.
This revival of terracotta showcases its potential for eco-friendly cooling in modern architecture and technology.
Octopus Energy and Tesla Powerwall Partnership Lowers Energy Bills
Octopus Energy has integrated Tesla Powerwall with its Kraken platform, allowing customers to reduce energy bills. This collaboration enables Powerwall owners to draw cheap, green energy when it is abundant and sell it back to the grid during peak times, all automated by Kraken.
Customers can save an average of £ 250 annually through smart tariffs like ‘Intelligent Octopus Flux’. Octopus Energy is also certified to install Powerwall in the UK and Spain, further promoting clean energy solutions.
The Global Market for Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Removal Credits
According to Oliver Wayman, the Global CO2 removal credits market could grow from $2.7 billion in 2013 to $100 billion annually by 2030-2035 if barriers are addressed. Increasing climate change and insufficient emissions reductions require billions of tons of CO2 removal annually to meet global targets. Demand is rising in sectors like technology and aviation, but it is not enough to scale necessary projects.
The report suggests integrating removals into Britain’s emissions trading system and creating a supportive financial framework. Critics warn that over-reliance on removals might deter companies from reducing emissions.
