Environment

EcoWatch -  Chinese scientists have developed a transpiration energy generator capable of creating electricity using lotus leaves. The generator could turn nearly all leaves on the planet into a continuous and sustainable source of energy. The researchers said their discovery of the leaf transpiration’s hydrovoltaic effect provided “fresh perspective for advancing green energy technologies,” as the South China Morning Post reported.

The research team said their lotus leaf transpiration generator had the ability to power small electronic devices. It could also be used to create electricity networks using plant power. Hydrovoltaic electricity is reliant on the movement of water and its interaction with solid surfaces. A steady supply of water is often required for current devices, which creates geographic limits, since the devices need to be close to bodies of water like rivers. 

EcoWatch - Scientists have found that Earth may soon pass another planetary boundary, meaning it could be operating outside of the safe limits for seven of the nine defined planetary boundaries. The Planetary Health Check report, prepared by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), is a new assessment that determines the state of the planetary boundaries. For its first edition, the report found that Earth is near the boundary for ocean acidification.

“Our updated diagnosis shows that vital organs of the Earth system are weakening, leading to a loss of resilience and rising risks of crossing tipping points,” said Levke Caesar, scientist at PIK and a lead author of the report.

EcoWatch -  The energy goals established last year at the United Nations’ COP28 climate conference held in Dubai of tripling renewable energy capacity worldwide by 2030 and slashing fossil fuel use are possible, according to a new International Energy Agency  report. The report, From Taking Stock to Taking Action: How to implement the COP28 energy goals, can be used by nations as a guidebook to turn their collective pledges into action, but it will require the removal of roadblocks like permitting and grid connections, reported Reuters.

“The goals set by nearly 200 countries at COP28 can be transformative for the global energy sector, putting it on a fast track towards a more secure, affordable and sustainable future. To ensure the world doesn’t miss this huge opportunity, the focus must shift rapidly to implementation,” said Fatih Birol, IEA’s executive director, in the press release.