Global Society News

#latestactivities Passive building - Phius mission In the ever-evolving quest to mitigate the impacts of climate change, the built environment stands as a critical frontier. Buildings contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, but Phius, a non-profit organisation, is leading a transformative movement toward a more sustainable future. By championing passive building standards, Phius is making strides in decarbonising the construction industry, setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Understanding passive building Passive building is an innovative approach that emphasises the construction of energy-efficient, resilient, and comfortable structures. Central to this approach are five core principles, which together create buildings that require significantly less energy to heat and cool compared to conventional structures. These principles include the use of continuous insulation to eliminate thermal bridging, the construction of airtight building envelopes to prevent air leakage, and the installation of high-performance windows and doors that manage solar gain effectively. Additionally, passive buildings incorporate balanced heat and moisture recovery ventilation systems, which enhance indoor air quality while minimising the need for extensive space conditioning systems. Phius has become a leading authority in this domain, setting the standard for passive building in North America. With over 3,000 certified professionals, the organisation's influence extends across commercial, residential, and multifamily sectors, contributing to the growing recognition of passive building as a mainstream market standard. Phius Mary Rogero Dan Whitmore Katrin Klingenberg Gabriela Martin Walter Grondzik #globalsociety #globalgoals #civilcociety #SDG  #PassiveBuilding #SustainableConstruction #EnergyEfficiency #ClimateAction #GreenBuilding

#latestactivities Transforming textile waste: Goodwill Industries announces ambitious $2 million recycling initiative Goodwill Industries, a prominent non-profit organisation, has announced the launch of a two million dollar textile recycling project at its first-ever Sustainability Summit, held in Washington, DC from August 15 to 16. The summit, which brought together private and non-profit industry leaders, recyclers, and researchers, was aimed at addressing the growing need for regulated and sustainable practices within the textile industry. This initiative marks a significant step forward in Goodwill’s mission to advance textile circularity and contribute to global sustainability efforts. The summit provided a platform for Goodwill Industries International (GII) to share the outcomes of a two-year pilot project on textile circularity, funded by the Walmart Foundation. The 1.28 million dollar initiative was designed to develop the necessary skills, systems, and infrastructure to aggregate, sort, and prepare textiles for reuse and recycling across Goodwill’s extensive network. The project, which involved four regional textile hubs across the US and Canada, highlighted Goodwill’s role as a key player in the emerging textile recycling ecosystem. GII President and CEO, Steve Preston, emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling global textile waste, a challenge that requires the involvement of brands, retailers, policymakers, and technology innovators. "Global textile waste is a multi-stakeholder issue," Preston noted, underscoring the need for collective action to close the loop on textile circularity. Goodwill Industries International Steven C. Preston Walmart #globalsociety #globalgoals #civilcociety #SDG  #TextileRecycling #SustainableFashion #CircularEconomy #GoodwillIndustries #EnvironmentalStewardship

#latestactivities Today we dive deep into the pressing environmental issues that impact our world today. In this video, we’re shedding light on a hidden yet pervasive form of plastic pollution—cigarette butts. Did you know that cigarette butts are the most common form of plastic waste globally, with approximately 4.5 trillion of them contaminating our planet? Contrary to popular belief, these butts are not made of cotton or paper but of cellulose acetate, a harmful plastic that releases toxic chemicals like arsenic, lead, and nicotine into our environment. This pollution disproportionately affects low-income communities of colour and poses significant threats to both human health and wildlife. We’ll explore the broader environmental impact of cigarette butt pollution, the systemic inequities it exacerbates, and the innovative recycling programs, like TerraCycle, that are helping to turn this waste into useful products. Join us in understanding this critical issue and learning how we can all make a difference. #WelcomeToOurChannel #PlasticPollution #CigaretteButts #EnvironmentalImpact #MarineConservation #Recycling #Sustainability #TobaccoHarm #EnvironmentalJustice #PollutionSolutions #EcoFriendly

#latestactivities Environmental justice and sustainable development: WALHI´s comprehensive approach Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (WALHI), also known as the Indonesian Forum for the Environment, stands as the largest and oldest environmental advocacy non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Indonesia. Founded in 1980 and becoming a member of Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) in 1989, WALHI has been at the forefront of environmental protection and sustainable development across the Indonesian archipelago. With a robust network of over 479 NGOs and 156 individual members, WALHI operates through independent offices and grassroots constituencies in 27 of Indonesia's 31 provinces. This extensive reach enables WALHI to address diverse environmental challenges unique to different regions within the vast archipelago. Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia Friends of the Earth #globalsociety #globalgoals #civilcociety #SDG  #EnvironmentalJustice #SustainableDevelopment #IndigenousRights #ConservationAdvocacy #ClimateAction

#latestactivities Sustainable water and energy solutions: The IDS mission In recent years, the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) has been collaborating with partners in Ghana to address pressing sustainability challenges. This effort is part of two significant initiatives: a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Sussex (UoS) and the University of Ghana (UG), and the IDS Ghana Development Hub, a platform designed to bring together representatives from various sectors to tackle critical development issues. As part of this collaborative work, IDS and its partners have published two opinion articles focusing on the impact of deforestation regulations on farmers in Ghana and the challenges related to water and sanitation facilities in schools. These publications underscore the importance of engaged, transdisciplinary research that bridges policy and activism. Earlier this year, a panel discussion hosted by the University of Ghana and IDS further explored how partnerships can promote such research. The event, titled “Governing Transitions Towards Sustainable Water and Energy in Ghana: The Role of Research,” brought together speakers from civil society, local government, and research sectors. The discussions emphasised the interconnectedness of governance, equity, and evidence in addressing water and energy challenges. This event also strengthened partnerships between IDS, UoS, major Ghanaian research universities, and key development-oriented groups in Ghana. Source: Imogen Bellwood-Howard Institute of Development Studies University of Sussex University of Ghana Vida Duti INTAGRAD Yahaya Dr Albert Ahenkan Africa Centre for Energy Policy #globalsociety #globalgoals #civilcociety #SDG  #SustainableDevelopment #WaterAndEnergy #TransdisciplinaryResearch #GlobalPartnerships #GhanaDevelopmentHub

#latestactivities Geopolitics and women’s rights: A critical discourse In the complex landscape of geopolitics, gendered narratives often emerge as powerful tools that shape both the rationale for military interventions and the frameworks for peace negotiations. These narratives can either protect or violate women's rights, serving as persuasive devices for policymakers to justify actions on the international stage. This dichotomy is particularly evident in the case of Afghanistan, where the shifting geopolitical narratives have significantly impacted women's rights and their activism. An event hosted by the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) highlights this intricate relationship. PRIO Global Fellow Jacqui True provided an in-depth introduction to the topic, focusing on the geopolitical narratives surrounding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the subsequent rise of the Taliban. She underscored how these narratives, which once invoked the plight of "Afghan women" to justify US intervention, later facilitated the withdrawal, leading to drastic changes in the country’s socio-political fabric. Peace Research Institute Jacqui True Torunn Wimpelmann Kaja Borchgrevink #globalsociety #globalgoals #civilcociety #SDG  #Geopolitics #WomensRights #GenderAndConflict #PeaceNegotiations

#latestactivities Enabling a circular economy with the digital product passport The European Union's commitment to sustainability has taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of the Digital Product Passport (DPP). This initiative, now mandated by the recently approved Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), represents a groundbreaking step towards a more transparent and sustainable economy. As I reflect on this development, I find myself deeply engaged in understanding the potential impact of the DPP, both from the perspective of businesses and consumers. At the heart of the DPP is the concept of transparency. This digital interface is designed to provide comprehensive information about a product, including its ingredients, manufacturing process, certificates, and end-of-life options. As consumers, we often find ourselves in the dark about the true impact of the products we buy. We might know where they were made, but what about the environmental cost of their production? What happens to them when we’re done with them? The DPP aims to shed light on these questions, allowing us to make more informed choices. Narravero Thomas L. Rödding Marc Buckley 🌍 #globalsociety #globalgoals #civilcociety #SDG #CircularEconomy #DigitalProductPassport #SustainableInnovation #TransparencyInBusiness #EcodesignRegulation

#latestactivities Turning plastic waste into hydrogen Plastic waste is a growing environmental challenge, but recent research suggests it can be transformed into a valuable resource—hydrogen. The study examined the potential of converting plastic waste from Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam into hydrogen, highlighting a promising approach to tackling plastic pollution while contributing to clean energy production. The scope of plastic waste Annually, 189,953 tonnes of plastic waste are collected from these regions, predominantly composed of five types: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and Polystyrene (PS). This significant quantity of waste offers a substantial feedstock for hydrogen production through advanced chemical processes. Universiti Teknologi Brunei Qi Yi Chua Mubarak Mujawar Muhammad Na’im Bin Abd Razak #globalsociety #globalgoals #civilcociety #SDG #SustainableEnergy #HydrogenPower #PlasticWaste #CleanEnergy #CircularEconomy #EnvironmentalInnovation #PlasticRecycling #GreenTech #RenewableEnergy #EcoFriendlySolutions #SustainableFuture #ZeroWaste #EnergyInnovation #ClimateAction

#latestactivities The concept of synthetic biology Synthetic biology, commonly referred to as SynBio, stands at the forefront of a scientific revolution, integrating engineering principles with biological systems to create novel functionalities. This interdisciplinary field spans biotechnology, genetic engineering, molecular biology, and more, aiming to design new biological parts, devices, and systems or re-engineer existing ones. As the world faces unprecedented challenges, synthetic biology is poised to offer innovative solutions..   The promising future of synthetic biology   The future of synthetic biology holds immense promise across various sectors. As the technology advances, we can anticipate significant breakthroughs that will revolutionise medicine, agriculture, environmental management, and energy production.   1. Medicine and health: The next decade is likely to witness synthetic biology’s profound impact on healthcare. By engineering biological systems, researchers can develop targeted therapies and vaccines, providing personalised medicine options. Organisations like the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and the National Institute of Health (NIH) are leading efforts to create advanced therapeutic solutions, including cancer treatments and regenerative medicine.   2. Sustainable agriculture: Synthetic biology can transform agriculture by developing crops that are more resilient to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. Organisations such as the Joint BioEnergy Institute and the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Foundation are pioneering efforts to enhance food security through genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that increase crop yields and reduce the need for chemical inputs.   3. Environmental conservation: The potential for synthetic biology to address environmental challenges is immense. By engineering microorganisms that can degrade pollutants or recycle waste materials, SynBio can contribute to ecosystem restoration. The Centre for Synthetic Biology and Innovation (CSynBI) and the Synthetic Biology Leadership Council (SBLC) are at the forefront of developing biotechnological solutions for environmental conservation, including plastic degradation and soil revitalisation.   4. Renewable energy: Synthetic biology offers promising avenues for the development of biofuels, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to cleaner energy sources. Organisations such as the BioBricks Foundation and Synthetic Genomics are exploring the use of engineered microorganisms to convert biomass into biofuels efficiently. These efforts align with global goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable energy. Wyss Institute at Harvard University Joint BioEnergy Institute The BioBricks Foundation Centre for Synthetic Biology #globalsociety #globalgoals #civilcociety #SDG #SyntheticBiology #SynBio #Biotechnology #Innovation #SustainableFuture

#latestactivities Collaborative algae research: GSI Institute and partners pioneer biogas and biopesticide solutions Given the growing interest in utilizing the abundant biomass that washes up on the beaches across the Spanish coastline, the GSI Institute Tarifa, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Malaga and various companies such as Kimitec and Velezoil, has undertaken the collection of Rugulopteryx okamurae algae on Los Lances beach (Tarifa, Spain). Over 300 kg of this algae have been collected with the aim of evaluating its potential as biogas, biostimulants, and biopesticides, among other uses. Additionally, changes in the bacteriome present in the algae will be analyzed under different environmental conditions to which the algae are naturally exposed, in order to study the natural mechanisms of bacterial degradation. Rugulopteryx okamurae Rugulopteryx okamurae, an invasive brown algae, has recently become a significant concern along the coasts of southern Europe. Originally from the Pacific regions of Japan, Korea, and China, this algae species has spread rapidly, posing a severe threat to local marine ecosystems. Among the most affected by this proliferation are local fishermen, who rely heavily on the health and productivity of these ecosystems for their livelihoods, and coastal tourism, which is vital for local economies. Origins and spread Rugulopteryx okamurae was first detected in European waters in the early 2000s, likely introduced via ballast water from ships or aquaculture activities. It has since proliferated along the Mediterranean coast, especially impacting areas such as the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea. The rapid expansion of this algae is attributed to its high reproductive rate and its ability to outcompete native species for space and resources. Ecological risks and food chain disruption The dominance of Rugulopteryx okamurae in marine environments disrupts the intricate balance of local ecosystems. Native algae and seagrass species, which serve as essential food and habitat for a variety of marine organisms, are being displaced by this invasive species. This displacement has a cascading effect on the marine food web. Small herbivorous fish and invertebrates, which feed on native algae, find their food sources dwindling. As these primary consumers struggle to find food, their populations decline. This, in turn, affects the larger predatory species that rely on them for sustenance. The overall reduction in biodiversity and the alteration of the food web dynamics can lead to a decline in the populations of commercially important fish species. Ayuntamiento de Tarifa Universidad de Málaga Kimitec Junta de Andalucía Cámara de Comercio del Campo de Gibraltar FEDERACIÓN NACIONAL DE COFRADÍAS DE PESCADORES #globalsociety #globalgoals #civilcociety #SDG #AlgaeResearch #BiogasInnovation #Biopesticides #SustainableSolutions #MarineEcosystems