Sawa Housing: Sustainable Wood Construction in Rotterdam
Image Credit: Hollandse Hoogte/Shutterstock
To combat global warming and maintain temperatures below 2°C, cities must drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from construction and infrastructure by over 90% within the next 20 to 40 years. This necessitates significant shifts in building design, material choices, or both.
“Canada aims to triple its housing construction rates amidst widespread housing shortages in the U.S., Australia, and many other countries,” explains Shoshanna Saxe from the University of Toronto. “How can we simultaneously meet these housing demands while significantly curbing pollution?”
Despite challenges, Saxe is optimistic. “We are already constructing buildings that meet sustainability goals; we just need to scale up our efforts,” she asserts. “Our expertise and knowledge are long-established; we need to utilize them effectively.”
Globally, the construction sector generates 10-20% of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from cement production. Thus, understanding current construction emissions is crucial for countries and cities to plan reductions aligned with international climate objectives.
However, Saxe’s research team discovered a surprising lack of studies estimating construction emissions at the city level in Toronto.
“We developed a method to estimate city-level construction emissions and forecast future emissions to adhere to climate limits,” says team member Keegan Rankin, also from the University of Toronto.
Rankin’s analysis covered 1,033 cities, integrating existing models used for assessing the environmental impact of construction. He utilized data on city population, construction investment, and employment from sources like ExioBase. “These datasets were readily available, but combining them innovatively was unprecedented,” Saxe notes.
The team concluded the rate at which each city must reduce construction emissions to meet global carbon budget limits for a 2°C increase. “Understanding these budgets is essential for effective planning,” says Saxe.
The findings indicated that focusing solely on single-family homes to address housing needs would exhaust these budgets; cities should prioritize developing more efficient apartment buildings.
Employing alternative materials like wood and recycled concrete can help lower emissions, but good design remains paramount, adds Saxe.
“It’s a common misconception that merely building with wood resolves emission issues,” she clarifies. “Wood also emits greenhouse gases, and overly optimistic assumptions about forests may only lead to minimal emissions reductions.”
“Thoughtful building design is vital to minimize wasted space and materials,” Saxe emphasizes.
Rankin asserts that cities are uniquely positioned to implement change. “Cities are actively pursuing climate action and hold significant sway over construction practices,” he remarks. “As we identified in Toronto, many cities lack the resources to make informed budgeting choices.”
“Achieving the Paris Agreement’s goals hinges on addressing construction sector emissions, irrespective of reductions in other emissions,” says Prajar Pradhan from the University of Groningen. “Viewing emissions from a city budget perspective is also pivotal.”
It’s crucial to design buildings for low emissions not only during construction but throughout their lifespan, states Susan Roaf from Heriot-Watt University in the UK. “We cannot populate our growing cities with inefficient, pollution-heavy ‘zombie buildings,'” she cautions. Natural ventilation solutions can be a key factor in sustainability.
To reduce construction emissions effectively, prioritization of projects is essential. Saxe points out, “Canada continues to invest heavily in oil and gas infrastructure. We could accommodate housing for 10 million people without increasing emissions simply by reallocating those resources.”
A Two Swedish automotive brands, Volvo and Polestar, are spearheading an initiative to urge Brussels to adhere to the established timeline, especially as tensions escalate with Germany increasing its calls on the European Commission to reconsider the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035.
They contend that such a decision is merely a temporary fix for the fractures within Germany’s automotive sector, arguing it would both delay the transition to electric vehicles and inadvertently grant an edge to China.
“Delaying the 2035 target is simply a terrible idea. There’s no other way to put it,” stated Michael Loescherer, the CEO of Polestar, Europe’s sole manufacturer of fully electric vehicles.
“Make no mistake, if Europe fails to spearhead this shift, other nations will take the lead.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to reconsider the 2035 deadline. He advocated for permitting the production of new hybrid and high-efficiency internal combustion engine vehicles beyond the cutoff, noting consumer reluctance towards EVs.
“We are sending the right message to the commission with this letter,” Merz asserted, claiming the German government aims to address climate issues in a “technology-neutral manner.”
From Polestar’s transparent office in Gothenburg, Sweden, Loescherer is astounded by the current situation.
His attempts to engage in the EU’s year-long “strategic dialogue” concerning the future of the automotive industry were ignored. “I sent two letters and I’m not even sure if there was a response to the second one,” he shared.
Nearby, viewing the expansive Volvo assembly facility in Gothenburg, Håkan Samuelsson, the 74-year-old CEO of Volvo Cars, reflects on the industry landscape.
“I don’t perceive any reason to slow our progress,” he remarked.
Samuelsson compares the opposition faced by the lucrative automotive sector today to the backlash that greeted catalytic converters and seat belts half a century ago.
“If not mandated, probably 30% of our vehicles wouldn’t come equipped with seat belts, and without a requirement, we likely wouldn’t have seen the adoption of catalytic converters either,” he explained.
Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson indicated that reversing the 2035 petrol car ban lacks rationale.
Photo: Josefin Stenersen/Guardian
Volkswagen and BMW can pursue their own paths, Samuelsson noted, but easing up on electrification will only widen the gap with China.
“China will establish factories in Hungary, Slovakia, Romania… countries with low labor costs. I doubt we can isolate China from the EU through tariffs. We need to compete directly with them,” he added.
Samuelsson suggested that von der Leyen need not make an immediate decision and could defer it until closer to the deadline. “We have time. Another 10 years is at our disposal.”
Michael Bross, the Green Party’s representative in the European Parliament, remarked that Merkel’s requests would “significantly dilute” contentious EU legislation and “essentially grant a free pass” to internal combustion engines.
The Greens and the Sweden Party argue that extending the lifespan of hybrid vehicles sends a signal to consumers that electric cars aren’t necessary, thus validating the automobile industry’s stance.
Loescherer shares similar thoughts. “China will not remain static. They will assert dominance. If Brussels opts to suspend this; [target] when they state, ‘We’ll grant you five extra years, stop,’ they are genuinely jeopardizing hundreds of thousands of jobs.”
Polestar CEO Michael Loescherer asserts that abolishing the 2035 deadline is misguided.
Photo: Josefin Stenersen/Guardian
The articulate, marathon-running executive finds it ludicrous to even contemplate abolishing the 2035 target established just three years prior.
Loescherer was involved in the initial discussions that led to the EU’s 2022 resolution to phase out the sale of new internal combustion engines by 2035, a move celebrated by then-Vice President Frans Timmermans as a crucial step toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
“During my tenure at Opel, I participated in these meetings and visited Brussels biannually. We debated this extensively,” said the Polestar president.
“I’m a marathon runner; I’ve completed 126 marathons throughout my life. Would I train and decide to run a half marathon because it’s difficult? No.”
Mr. Loescherer, with extensive experience as former CFO of VW and ex-CEO of Opel and Vietnamese car manufacturer Vinfast, states that Germany, amidst economic challenges, must learn to adapt quickly.
“It’s about mindset, it’s about attitude. Recently, I traveled to China and South Korea and have returned home to Germany.”
“In Germany, the sentiment is clear: everyone wants to safeguard the past, resisting change and striving to maintain the status quo. I’m German, so I can assert this with conviction. In China or the US, the focus is on, ‘What’s the next breakthrough? What’s the next initiative? What’s the next enterprise to launch?’ It’s a significant contrast. The mindsets are fundamentally different.”
Polestar, initially a racing car manufacturer in 1996, was acquired by Volvo in 2015, restructured in 2017, and relaunched as an independent EV manufacturer. Geely Automobile, Volvo’s Chinese stakeholder, now holds a majority stake.
When questioned if Chinese ownership might create unease in Brussels regarding Volvo’s stance, Mr. Samuelsson reiterated that Volvo remains a Swedish entity. “We’ve been part of Ford for 11 years, now we’re in our 14th or 15th year at Geely, and we’re experiencing significant growth. We’re listed on the Swedish stock exchange, adhering to European regulations. We’re Swedish. We are no more Chinese than we are American. We are as Swedish as Ava or IKEA.”
He emphasized that the EU must continue to expedite electrification, asserting its vital role in the future. Polestar has developed a vehicle capable of traveling 560 miles (900 km) on a single charge.
Samuelsson revealed that Volvo has five fully electric vehicles and is on the verge of introducing the EX60, an electric version of its top-selling XC60, already offering a range of 310 to 370 miles.
This approach addresses one of the three primary concerns consumers have when purchasing EVs, noted Samuelsson. The second concern pertains to charging time, which he believes should be reduced to 15 to 20 minutes—akin to the brief breaks drivers typically take for coffee, restroom, or stretching at a rest stop. “In the future, there will be no issue,” he asserted.
“The third obstacle hindering consumer adoption is price,” he continued.
“[If] we in the automotive sector can address these three necessities, the adoption rate for EVs will escalate. Therefore, I see no reason to question whether 2035 is too early. We’ve got time. Our goal should be to accelerate, not decelerate.”
Samuelsson also criticized the ongoing discourse surrounding net zero, arguing that it’s not reflective of real-world progress.
“As I follow the debates in Brazil concerning police issues, I can’t help but ponder whether all this discussion is genuinely advancing climate improvement?”
“I find myself increasingly inclined to believe that technological advancement and innovation are what we truly need to facilitate progress. Mere discussion won’t suffice.”
“Electrification is the effective solution. It benefits the environment, which is crucial. Moreover, it also appeals to customers. It’s one of the rare green innovations that consumers are enthusiastic about as well.”
OpenAI has reversed its decision regarding the transition to a for-profit model, with the nonprofit sector continuing to oversee the operations that produce ChatGPT and other AI products. Initially, the company sought greater autonomy for its for-profit entities.
“We listened to feedback from civic leaders and consulted with the California Attorney General and the Delaware office before the nonprofit opted to retain control,” said CEO Sam Altman in a letter to employees. Bret Taylor, chair of Altman and OpenAI’s nonprofit board, affirmed that the decision was made to ensure the nonprofit maintains oversight of OpenAI.
According to a company press release, the segment of OpenAI’s for-profit organization led by Altman, which secured billions in funding, will aim for profit but will transition to a public benefit corporation. This corporate framework is mission-driven, requiring a balance between shareholder profit and public benefit. The nonprofit will continue to hold significant control as a major shareholder of these public benefit corporations.
Initially founded by Altman and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, OpenAI started as a nonprofit research organization with the goal of safely developing artificial general intelligence (AGI) for the benefit of humanity. Nearly a decade later, OpenAI boasts a valuation of $300 million and an impressive 400 million weekly users of its flagship product, ChatGPT.
OpenAI has encountered several challenges in restructuring its governance. A significant hurdle has been a lawsuit from Musk, who criticized the company and Altman for betraying the ethical principles that motivated his initial investment. Following his departure, Musk established a rival AI firm called Xai, which recently acquired Twitter, now known as X. OpenAI ultimately prevailed in its conflict with Musk, who has struggled in the wake of OpenAI’s growing success.
aAnyone who saw the run that Tom Vickery uploaded to the sports-tracking app Strava on February 18th of last year might have been a little confused. The 30-minute sprint appeared to be taking place in the middle of the Channel, not far from Guernsey, toward the west coast of France. And, oddly enough, the run was in a straight line, as measured by a ruler, and was shown on Vickery’s public profile as a one-inch, unbending orange line within a blue swath of the app’s virtual ocean. Oh, and it was on world-record-breaking pace.
Of course, it probably came as no surprise to anyone who knows Vickery. The 38-year-old triathlon coach from Cambridge was on holiday to Bilbao for a two-day ferry trip, and this fairly fast jog was just one of almost four years of daily runs he had been recording on Strava at the time. Determined not to break the record on board, Vickery got up at 5am and spent his allotted 30 minutes sprinting up and down the deck. As the boat slid through the water, he appeared to be running faster than any long-distance runner in the world.
This is just one example of the lengths some people will go to to maintain a “streak.” A streak is something (actually anything) that continues uninterrupted over a period of time. It’s a form of gamification: the process of adding game-like elements to a task to make it more engaging. Perhaps the most famous “streak holder” is British runner Ron Hill, who ran every day for 52 years and 39 days (or 19,032 consecutive days), even going for a jog the day after breaking his sternum in a car accident in 1993.
Hill, a scientist, used to keep a diary of his runs, but more recently, advances in technology have made it possible to keep track of streaks in a more streamlined and user-friendly way. For example, on Snapchat, the word “streak” is part of the lexicon. A “snap streak” is the number of consecutive days that a user sends “snaps,” either photos or messages, to other users. To maintain a snap streak, a user must send a snap within a 24-hour period or the streak ends.
In the past, intermittent fasting was not a choice due to scarcity of food. People would go hours or days without eating. Today, we have access to food whenever we want. This shift in eating habits has led to questions about the benefits of fasting and its potential reintroduction.
Intermittent fasting usually involves limiting food intake to specific times or days, like eating only for eight hours out of 24 (16:8 diet) or restricting calories for two days out of seven (5:2 diet).
Strong Points
Intermittent fasting can help with weight loss, particularly fat loss, as it reduces overall caloric intake. It also provides structure to eating days and can be flexible and intuitive. Some benefits include decreased hunger, lower levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, reduced appetite, and improved fat burning.
Fasting may also lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve vascular health. Research shows that intermittent fasting is beneficial for cardiometabolic health and may have positive effects on long-term cardiovascular health.
There is evidence to suggest that fasting can protect against issues related to aging, improve autophagy, and potentially benefit brain health and cancer risk, but more research is needed to support these claims.
Cons
Concerns about fasting include potential muscle loss and the lack of long-term studies to support its safety. Some studies suggest that restricting eating to less than eight hours a day could increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, but data collection methods and sample sizes in these studies may be flawed.
There is also a risk of reduced protein intake with intermittent fasting, which could be problematic for some individuals, especially those with a history of eating disorders or health conditions that require regular meals.
Experts recommend ensuring adequate protein intake and incorporating strength training if trying intermittent fasting. It’s important to approach fasting like any other diet, not as a permanent solution, and to pay attention to food choices when breaking the fast.
About our experts
Dr. Jason Fung, Dr. Darryl Gioffre, Brady Holmer, and Drew Price are experts in their fields and have published work related to intermittent fasting, nutrition, and health.
On Monday, a federal judge ruled that Google violated antitrust laws while establishing its dominant position in the internet search industry. This ruling could have significant ramifications for how people engage with the internet.
Judge Amit Mehta determined that Google had breached Section 2 of the Sherman Act, a US antitrust law, by monopolizing search services and advertising.
The ruling declared Google a monopoly that had used its dominance to maintain its grip on the market. It is a major antitrust ruling that comes after a case involving the Justice Department and one of the world’s largest companies.
The trial, which started in September last year, concluded without a jury after an extensive period of deliberation by Judge Mehta. The ruling highlighted the importance of the case for both Google and the general public.
Google’s international operations president, Kent Walker, announced plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing aspects of the ruling that praised Google’s search engine while denouncing its accessibility to competitors.
Judge Mehta described the trial as “remarkable” and commended the quality of the legal teams on both sides. The ruling was hailed as a historic victory for the American people by US Attorney General Merrick Garland.
The ruling highlighted Google’s distribution agreements with companies like Apple and Samsung to make it the default search engine on their devices, giving Google an unfair advantage over competitors. The ruling did not specify the penalties Google might face for violating antitrust laws.
Google’s defense argued that the company serves consumers better than its rivals like Microsoft’s Bing. The trial also raised concerns about Google’s record-retention policies and the deletion of internal communications.
New York Attorney General Letitia James celebrated the ruling as a victory against unchecked corporate power. The tech giant still faces another antitrust lawsuit later this year focusing on its advertising practices.
Google has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the ruling.
Do you notice your muscles becoming more rigid and harder to manage as you age? A new ‘Atlas of Aging’ has been developed to explain why this happens and to provide potential treatments to prevent it. Additionally, it may lead to legal action.
Focusing on the effects of natural aging, this atlas delves into the intricate changes that occur in muscle tissue at the cellular and molecular levels as we grow older. It also highlights how our muscles actively combat the aging process, potentially aiding in the development of new treatments to enhance the aging body.
As we age, our muscles can weaken, making everyday activities like standing and walking more challenging. However, the underlying causes of this decline are not fully understood. Frailty can lead to an increased risk of falls, reduced mobility, and loss of independence.
Lead author, Dr. Sarah Teichman from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, states that these insights into healthy skeletal muscle aging are empowering researchers worldwide to explore various strategies to combat inflammation, promote muscle regeneration, maintain neural connections, and more.
Longevity expert Andrew Steele emphasizes the importance of understanding the cellular changes that contribute to the loss of physical strength as we age. He underscores the potential of this research to develop therapeutic interventions that support healthier aging in future generations.
The creation of the atlas of aging muscle involved utilizing advanced imaging and single-cell sequencing techniques to analyze skeletal muscle samples from 17 adult donors aged between 20 and 75. The findings shed light on gene activity related to protein production and revealed how muscle fibers age at different rates.
Age-related loss of primary fast-twitch muscle fibers is mitigated by the body’s ability to enhance the properties of remaining fibers and rebuild connections between weakened nerves and aging muscles. This understanding can potentially inform strategies to maintain strength and independence as we grow older.
To learn more about the experts involved in this research, Dr. Andrew Steele, a scientist, author, and presenter, has authored “Ageless: The new science of growing older without getting older.” Combining his background in physics with biology, Steele’s work focuses on deciphering human DNA at the Francis Crick Institute in London.
Read more:
What happens to my body as I get older?
9 simple science-backed changes to reverse your biological age
Groundbreaking discovery of anti-aging cells could help people stay young for longer
If you’ve ever felt like your cognitive abilities are not as sharp as they used to be, you might be struggling to recall names of actors or politicians in the news, for example. Perhaps mental arithmetic is not as easy for you anymore. This reflection may lead you to ponder the state of your brain and whether it’s on a downward trajectory.
It’s important to consider these aspects early on because brain development typically peaks in your 20s, and then cognitive functions gradually decline with age. Additionally, there is a growing risk of dementia, particularly associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s, in aging populations. However, both cognitive decline and dementia risk can be influenced by what experts call “modifiable risk factors,” offering a beacon of hope that there are lifestyle changes you can make to maintain mental acuity and lower the risk of dementia.
Be mentally active and boost your cognitive reserve
Psychologists and gerontologists often talk about cognitive reserve, which refers to the brain’s ability to adapt to aging and disease challenges. People with high cognitive reserve can perform well on cognitive tests despite exhibiting biological markers of Alzheimer’s disease, like protein build-up that impairs brain function. Engaging in activities such as reading, learning a new language, solving puzzles, and playing musical instruments can help boost cognitive reserve and maintain mental agility.
Interact with others
While brain-training games may not have broad benefits beyond the specific tasks they target, socializing with peers has been found to be a potent brain-training activity. Social isolation is considered a major risk factor for dementia, emphasizing the importance of engaging in lively conversations, joining clubs, or volunteering to keep your brain active and healthy.
Stay physically active
Physical activity not only benefits cardiovascular health but also contributes to better brain function and reduced cognitive decline. Incorporating exercises like running, swimming, or even gardening into your routine can help maintain cognitive abilities and lower the risk of dementia.
Eat a healthy diet
Avoiding excessive saturated fats and consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables can support brain health by eliminating harmful byproducts and providing essential nutrients. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, has been recommended for its brain-protective properties.
Stay curious
Personality traits like openness to experience are linked to better brain health and lower dementia risk. Activities that spark curiosity and awe can enhance cognitive abilities and mental flexibility. Incorporating habits like exploring new environments, trying new experiences, and enjoying cultural activities can promote brain health.
Think positively
Your mindset about aging can significantly impact your brain health. Maintaining a positive outlook, along with engaging in mentally stimulating activities and healthy habits, can contribute to long-lasting mental sharpness. Seeking out positive role models and adopting a proactive approach to brain health can help unlock your brain’s full potential.
Living a healthier life can be achieved in many ways. Simple activities like daily walks, healthy eating, and brain-boosting puzzles like Sudoku can keep your mind and body active. For a unique approach, consider trying neuromodulation, which involves sending electric shocks to the brain.
Neuromodulation is an innovative method that uses a stimulator placed on the head to deliver electrical shocks directly to the nervous system. This non-invasive technique offers numerous health benefits and has gained traction as a cutting-edge technology for enhancing well-being.
The concept of neuromodulation has been around for some time, but companies like Parasin and gamma core have reignited interest in recent years. These companies claim to improve mental performance and overall health with their devices that can be used conveniently at home.
Research from reputable institutions like UCL, Harvard University, and University College London supports the effectiveness of neuromodulation. Even tech entrepreneurs like Brian Johnson have shown interest in this technology.
What is neuromodulation and how does it work?
Neuromodulation is a technique that alters neural activity by delivering electrical signals to specific areas. Imagine it as a dimmer switch that can increase or decrease nerve or brain activity. This method can excite or inhibit nerves to alleviate pain and modify neural patterns associated with various conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.
Companies like Parasym use “auricular vagal neuromodulation therapy” to deliver electrical signals through the ear to target the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in connecting the brain, heart, and digestive system.
How technology can slow aging
Neuromodulation can help slow down the aging process by combating chronic inflammation, enhancing cognitive function, and improving cardiovascular health. Research shows promising results in addressing age-related issues like Alzheimer’s disease and heart conditions.
While neuromodulation offers benefits like improved heart rate variability and reduced fatigue and depression, it remains in the early stages of development. Safety concerns and experimental results underscore the need for further research and validation.
Is neuromodulation safe?
Neuromodulation has evolved since its inception in the 1960s, with modern devices providing safer options for users. Implantable devices offer more effective treatment but come with higher risks, including infections and other complications.
Non-invasive wearable devices like those from Parasym are considered safer, with minor side effects like skin irritation being the main concern. These devices require consistent use to deliver optimal results, making them a more accessible but less durable alternative to implantable devices.
While neuromodulation technology shows promise in improving health and well-being, users should weigh the benefits against the costs and potential risks before investing in these innovative devices.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
