C16 Biosciences’ Post

Today is World Orangutan Day 🦧 On this World Orangutan Day, it's worth pausing to reflect on the profound connection between these creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit. Orangutans, our distant relatives who share 97% of their DNA with us, inhabit a world vastly different from ours, yet one that mirrors important aspects of our own. In the dense, rain-soaked forests of Borneo and Sumatra, orangutans navigate a delicate balance with nature. These forests are more than just their home; they are vital to our planet's ecological function. These forests moderate local temperatures, sequester vast amounts of carbon, and play a key role in regional water cycles. Like us, the survival of the orangutan is inextricably linked to the health of these forests, and, by extension, to the well-being of our planet. Yet the challenges are immense. Habitat destruction, driven by human activities, has sharply reduced the orangutan population over the last century. Their numbers have been further diminished by hunting and the relentless demands of the wildlife trade. Still, they endure. As we observe World Orangutan Day, it's important to consider the broader implications of their struggle. Orangutans remind us that conservation isn't just about saving a species; it's about understanding the intricate web of life, where every thread, no matter how small, plays a role in the survival of the whole. Imagine, for a moment, standing in a rainforest at dawn, the air thick with the scent of earth and the sound of life stirring all around. In the distance, you notice a flash of red—the unmistakable movement of an orangutan, deliberate and graceful, despite the daily struggles it faces. This image is more than a snapshot of wildlife; it is a symbol of resilience, of a fight for survival that mirrors our own. In the quiet persistence of the orangutan, we might glimpse our own ability to adapt and survive in a changing world. Their future, like ours, depends on the choices we make today. Mongabay's English-language reporting on orangutans https://lnkd.in/ejtF_iVS

🟢 Far-reaching and complex EU sustainability rules might still seem like a challenge for a future date, but they are starting to kick in now, and companies are adapting. The CSDDD and ESPR have now been adopted into the EU’s legal charter, and there are less than six months left before companies must comply with the CSRD and EUDR. Plus, US presidential candidate Kamala Harris is focusing on climate issues on the campaign trail, which is garnering some support while giving Republicans a talking point to paint Harris as too liberal. Science Based Targets initiative issues a mixed message on carbon offsets, saying they are ineffective but leaving the door open for their future use in meeting climate goals. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has released guidance on integrating climate risk reporting into financial reporting. The guidance is open to public consultation until November 28. The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) have released a mapping tool to ensure continued interoperability and reduce double reporting. #TNFD #GRI #CSDDD #EUGreenDeal #CSRD #EUDR #election24 #IASB #climaterisks #SBTi

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: it’s time to defend the #EU deforestation regulation by ensuring timely & full implementation. Forest destruction is increasing across the world, fuelling the climate crisis and collapsing ecosystems. The #EUDR a key part of efforts to halt #deforestation and tackle the #ClimateCrisis. It is already improving forest monitoring & forest law enforcement in key producer countries. Delaying the Regulation would be a disaster for global forests and for the EU’s reputation. Environmental policy must not be determined by self-interest. Global forest protection is the key to a cleaner, greener, more prosperous future for the next generations. President von der Leyen, it’s time to fully implement the EUDR! #DefendEUDR

Latest #ClimateRising podcast episode from Harvard Business School features Shara Ticku, Co-founder and CEO of C16 Biosciences, discussing how her #biotech #startup uses fermentation to develop #Palmless substitute for palm oil -- while avoiding the climate, biodiversity, and habitat destruction associated with tropical rainforest destruction associated with agricultural palm oil. Learn about her journey from concept to commercialization and the future of #SyntheticBiology in #ClimateTech. Key Takeaways: 1. Environmental Impact: Palm oil production emits 2% of global GHG emissions, more than global aviation. 2. Biotech Innovation: Using microorganisms as factories to produce a palm oil alternative. 3. Market Potential: Palm oil is found in 50% of supermarket packaged goods. 4. Sustainable Solution: C16's Palmless is a scalable and economically viable alternative. 5. Cosmetics then food: Navigating complex buying cycles, supply chains, and traceability issues requires careful product development sequencing. Shara’s Advice for New Entrepreneurs: 1. Explore Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engage with diverse groups to open your mind. 2. Take Action: Don’t overanalyze; make decisions and adapt. 3. Use Criticism as Fuel: Turn negative feedback into motivation. Listen at https://lnkd.in/e9j8xjQd #PalmOil #ClimateTech #SustainableInnovation #Biotech #SyntheticBiology #C16Biosciences #Palmless #Deforestation #C16Biosciences #HarvardBusinessSchool #Agricultural