Throughout the year, there has been an onslaught of bad news. However, as we approach the end of 2023, the recent UN climate talks in Dubai highlight the slow progress in addressing climate change despite the urgency of the issue.
Nevertheless, there have been significant strides made at the COP28 meeting. For the first time, countries have agreed to transition their energy systems away from fossil fuels. This acknowledgement of the main cause of climate change after nearly 30 years is a victory, albeit a small one. This is just one of several important advances taking place across the world.
hidden revolution
One such example is the technological revolution occurring in the UK as the country gradually shifts away from fossil fuels. In 2023, an estimated 17,000 households added solar panels to their properties each month. Solar energy is currently the cheapest source of electricity in history, according to the International Energy Agency. Additionally, battery factories are being constructed across the country to store the surplus electricity generated by solar panels.
While the transition is slower than anticipated, it is still underway. Innovative scientific discoveries and breakthroughs are constantly being made, which offer hope amid environmental anxieties and challenges.
A breakthrough worth celebrating
One such example of a breakthrough is the creation of a clever fuel source by researchers at the University of Cambridge. They have developed a “floating fuel factory” using artificial leaves to harness sunlight and convert water and carbon dioxide into fuel. This revolutionary technology aims to create new fuels that utilize atmospheric carbon dioxide as an ingredient, rather than relying on fossilized carbon sources.
Another promising development is the use of artificial intelligence to predict ingredients and properties for the creation of more efficient and safer batteries. This year, researchers developed an AI that can predict 2.2 million substances unknown to science, offering the potential for advancements in battery technology.
biodiversity crisis
Progress must also be made to make the world better for the other species with whom we share the planet. Biodiversity continues to deteriorate, with one in six species currently under threat in the UK. However, there have been some exciting signs of nature’s ability to recover when given the chance and space.
For instance, the Seychelles region of the Indian Ocean has seen the return of blue whales, which were previously thought to have been wiped out in the 1960s. Additionally, species thought to be extinct, such as De Winton’s golden mole, have been rediscovered, offering hope amidst the challenges of 2024.
While these breakthroughs and signs of success should not breed complacency, they serve as a beacon of hope as we continue to navigate the challenges ahead.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
