12th-25th September: Rechargeable roads, healing broken bones, reversing extinction & covid-19 hope

‘Hope’ is more than just wishful thinking – it’s a valuable tool that can produce meaningful action If we are to work towards a more positive future, we must first believe that a more positive future is possible. This belief in a better future is where hope lies and action starts. With so many negative messages around, it can be difficult to feel hopeful right now but there are many reasons we perhaps should be. (The Conversation).

Reversing ExtinctionThe efforts of conservationists have saved up to 48 species from becoming extinct since a global agreement to protect biodiversity over the last 30 years. Without these efforts, estimated extinction rates for birds and mammals would have been three to four times higher. These achievements show that progress is possible, even if not probable. There is no doubt that human activity is contributing to a loss in biodiversity but this shows how we can restore it if we channel human activity differently. (The Guardian)

Rechargeable Roads in Tel-Aviv This cutting edge technology will eliminate the need for charging stations as busses will get the power they need from the road beneath them. If this pilot is successful, it will extend to other countries and other vehicles. Given that fossil fuel-driven transport is considered to be the leading cause of climate change, this could be an important step in reversing it. (Times of Israel)

Seaweed Supplements Reduce Cows Methane Australian scientists have created a company that sells a seaweed additive to cattle feed. This additive inhibits a specific enzyme during digestion, reducing methane emissions by more than 80%. If the feed additive were to be used by just 10% of global cattle farmers, it would reduce gas emissions by the equivalent amount as removing 50 million cars from the world's roads. (The Cattle Site)

Flip Flops Made Of Algae Could Help Combat Climate Change  Flip-flops are the most popular shoe in the world with roughly 3 billion produced a year. They are also an enormous source of pollution as they don't biodegrade. Last year, scientists found 977,000 washed up shoes on the Cocos Islands - most of them flip flops. But flip flops made from algae could break down completely in just 18 weeks. (News for Kids)

Good news stories from Vietnam’s second wave Over the past seven months, we’ve been struck by the range and speed of innovations, and awestruck by the people and companies who are working for the greater good. This pandemic is harrowing for all of us, and it’s important to stay up to date on daily figures on infections and deaths. But each interview we have conducted in Vietnam has also reminded us of humanity’s virtues. These heartening examples of solidarity can help us all get through this crisis. (The Conversation)