#The economic impact of investing in renewable energy

[dipnots]

The Power of Renewables: How Sustainable Energy is Shaping Our Future

Renewable energy is a term that refers to any type of energy that is generated from natural, renewable resources such as wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and biomass. Renewable energy is becoming increasingly popular due to its many benefits, including reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and increasing energy security. In this blog post, we will explore renewable energy in more…

[probablyasocialecologist]

As in a capitalist system, improved efficiency and productivity lead to a rebound in resource use. This rebound comes from the resource gains from productivity being invested into the economy to provide more growth, driving a growth-focused economy. With a society designed around pursuing growth, no country currently uses sustainable levels of energy and resource to meet human needs and well-being sufficiently.  Degrowth seeks to change society’s dependence on economic growth, especially downscaling destructive and excessive productions such as fossil fuels and fast fashion in wealthy nations to reduce energy and resource use. This downscaling will ensure a quicker decarbonisation timeline, stopping an ecological breakdown whilst improving social outcomes. A review of evidence on global consumption and ecological impacts shows that increasing consumption is a key driver of global environmental impact. Even a low-carbon economy with renewable energy, electrification and negative emissions technologies will all require resources such as concrete, metals, and land. Therefore, degrowth advocates argue that it is not enough to just “green” the economy. Wealthy countries must also address affluence and reduce its consumption and overall resource use. Overconsumption also highlights the issue of global inequality, as income is linked to consumption and consumption is the key driver of environmental impacts, suggesting that overconsumption also causes environmental inequality. With growth at the root of the problem, addressing overconsumption with degrowth could reduce energy, and resource use, environmental impacts, and global inequality.

[saddayfordemocracy]

August 2 is Earth overshoot day 2023 !

Earth Overshoot Day (EOD) marks when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate during that year. 

Today is Earth Overshoot Day 2023, the Earth Overshoot Day calculated every year by Global Footprint Network using data from National Footprint and Biocapacity Accountswhich indicates the official depletion of renewable resources that the planet is able to offer within a year.

This means that today, August 2, humanity has already “finished” all the resources that Nature produces in an entire year and is starting to go into debt. Humanity, with its over 8 billion inhabitants, consumes in excessive quantities, beyond the natural regeneration (and reabsorption) capacities of the planet.

In 1973 Overshoot Day fell on December 3: we were just a few days over our annual budget. In 2003, September 12, in 2013, August 3. The date has always been getting ahead and our ecological debt has grown.

Globally we are consuming the equivalent of 1.7 Planets a year, an ominous figure that is expected to rise to two planets by 2030, based on current trends. In the last 5 years the trend seems to have stabilized, but it is difficult to establish whether this is due to the slowdown of the economy or to decarbonisation efforts. However, the reduction of our “debt” to the planet is still too slow. To achieve the United Nations IPCC goal of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030 (compared to 2010) it would be necessary to move Earth Overshoot Day forward by 19 days per year for next seven years.

According to the WWF there are many solutions that can be adopted at the community level or individually to have a significant impact on the type of future we invest in: for example if we used energy from 75% renewable sources we could move the Overshhot day by 26 days ; halving food waste would save 13 days.

“If up until the 1960s humanity was more or less in balance, the date has moved from year to year up the calendar, to arrive today at the beginning of August. This means that humanity has been in ecological overshoot for over 50 years and the debt we have accumulated amounts to 19 years of planetary production, i.e. what Earth’s ecosystems can regenerate in 19 years. The burden of this debt, which is set to increase, is starting to reduce economic options. The loss of biodiversity, the growing unpredictability of the weather and the depletion of groundwater are just a few symptoms. But overcoming itself is not inevitable. Constantly living beyond the physical possibilities of our planet is a limited possibility in time, we risk an ecological disaster: the goods and services that are the basis of our societies and economies are all produced by functioning and healthy ecosystems. We now have many targeted solutions to reverse the overexploitation of resources and support the regeneration of the biosphere in which we live”.

[phoenixyfriend]

Ko-Fi Prompt from @apprendere:

Economics topic: ethical investing (what definitions are they using when companies like amazon are on lists of ethical/social/green stocks?)

This one took me a bit of research 😅

My first instinct is that those are frequently greenwashing, and that any individual company needs to be investigated for those claims, personally, before actually going ahead to invest. I'm generally hesitant to call most investment/stocks ethical, but there are ways and reasons for ethics in the given industry (as discussed here with @rhokitten and @dasnya).

Green-chip stocks are, by name, a play on blue-chip stocks (established, stable, reliable companies that are unlikely to waver overly much if the economy takes a bad turn). Green chip companies are those that claim to be environmentally sustainable, or to support the environment in some way. If the company in question is one that works directly in environmental sustainability, such as solar panels or wind farms or organic farming tools, that's probably not a lie.

However... you also get companies like Ford claiming to be green. Now, from what I can tell so far, they have been cutting down on carbon emissions for two decades now, but any large company that historically relies on gas or oil claiming to be green is... a bit questionable. The Climate Town video on Carbon Offsets is a good primer on understanding how large transportation and vehicle manufacturing companies can use 'green' language to claim progress while effectively not changing any of their practices. With Ford, we've seen minor cuts in manufacturing pollution, but as this Guardian article points out, they still advertise for massive cars with terrible mpg... which is a related issue, because said massive cars, the SUVs and 'extended cab' pickups are unregulated compared to sedans and other, smaller vehicles (see: Not Just Bikes video).

Ford spends a lot of money advertising a car that is the opposite of green, and doesn't actually provide a use for the vast majority of people buying it. Unless you work in an industry where you need to haul large, dirty equipment on the regular, like on a farm or in construction or landscaping, you don't need a pick-up truck. And if you do work in those industries, an extended cab is generally not helpful.

So Ford is talking good game, but... is it following through? That's up for debate.

You mentioned Amazon, so I went to look at their Climate Pledge Fund. They mention a "net-zero carbon goal," which already sends up red flags, as explained in the aforementioned Carbon Offsets video. They do seem to be investing in a lot of companies that will theoretically make their future work have less of an environmental impact; the companies include electric vehicles, renewable energy, and custom packaging to reduce waste. It all sounds good.

But what do the critics say?

In this Thomson Reuters Foundation article, Khalil Abdullah addresses how Amazon has historically hidden most of its information on environmental impacts, engaged in a number of greenwashing campaigns, and shoved numbers on its enormous pollution under the rug. Yet, despite this, it remains on the list of companies that the ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investors consider a viable choice, because it's... easy. It's a good investment financially, so they can just... look away from the complications, because the money and reputation is enough.

In my eyes, the concept of green stock is yet another form of greenwashing, one with no actual, specified definition, which means it's about as useful in understanding your investments as words like 'organic.' Unfortunately, it looks like this is going to continue being one of the ways companies lie to us, and any individual investment needs to be examined thoroughly before we can figure out what it is that we're actually supporting.

My suggestion would be to look into companies that are acting directly in support of environmentalism (solar and wind are probably safe), have a long and transparent history of environmentalism, from before it was trendy, or are small, local, and maybe new enough that they aren't killing the environment in the name of economies of scale.

Maybe if you get in early enough, you can grab enough shares to have a positive impact on future green initiatives!

(Prompt me on ko-fi!)

[kp777]

By Olivia Rosane

Common Dreams

Oct. 13, 2023

"As the scale of climate change impresses itself more and more on us, we are going to need bolder things," Stiglitz said at the IMF and World Bank's annual meeting in Morocco.

The International Monetary Fund, or IMF, should give poorer nations $300 billion a year to respond to the climate emergency, Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz said.

Stiglitz outlined his recommendation in an interview with The Guardian as he attended the fund's annual meeting with the World Bank in Marrakesh, Morocco, which runs from Monday, October 9 to Sunday, October 15.

"As the scale of climate change impresses itself more and more on us, we are going to need bolder things," Stiglitz said.

In his call, Stiglitz joined the push for the IMF to release more Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), a reserve asset that can be exchanged for cash. Wealthy nations also have the option of placing their SDRs in a fund for poorer countries.

"Basically, it is printing money," Stiglitz said. "It wouldn't be inflationary but it would be transformative."

Stiglitz' remarks came about a week after nearly 60 U.S. Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen asking them to support a new allocation of SDRs. The IMF issued $650 billion in SDRs in 2021 to help with the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, and the legislators wanted it to issue the same amount to help nations address the climate crisis, war, and future pandemics.

Stiglitz's call is even bolder at $300 billion a year, because the lawmakers limited themselves to an amount that the IMF could approve without a vote from Congress. While Stiglitz acknowledged his plan was ambitious and unlikely to pass through the current U.S. Congress, it was worth pushing for given the urgency of the moment.

"When the time comes and we are frying and somebody says: 'How do we get out of the frying pan?,' this [annual SDR allocations] is one way of doing so," he told The Guardian.

Stiglitz said the money should be used to help poorer nations fund their equivalent to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act—which invested $370 billion in renewable energy. But it's impossible for less wealthy countries to make that kind of investment on their own, Stiglitz said.

"Developing countries can't do it on any scale," he told The Guardian. "Unless developing countries and emerging markets reduce their emissions, no matter what pieties we do in the U.S. and Europe, we will get global warming. The rhetoric is about doing something about climate change and then rather than getting onboard [the people] you most need to get onboard, you alienate them."

In a report published Thursday, the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) agreed that many poorer nations are not in the financial position to take ambitious climate action, and proposed more SDRs as one potential remedy. What's holding them back, CEPR said, was a large debt burden: Almost 80 low-to-middle-income countries face debt distress, and three-fourths of these are especially vulnerable to climate impacts. This creates a "vicious cycle" in which countries struggle to both service debt and respond to extreme weather events, leaving them unable to either get out of debt or recover from disasters and invest in the future.

"Most of the world is going through what many have termed a 'polycrisis,' facing down high levels of external debt, combined with interlocking crises of food insecurity, fluctuating energy prices, impacts of war, and of course, the climate crisis," report coauthor Ivana Vasic Lalovic said in a statement. "Countries are limited in what they can do to respond to the climate crisis, though, when they are forced to divert so much of their resources toward servicing their debts."

The report, titled The Growing Debt Burdens of Global South Countries: Standing in the Way of Climate and Development Goals, called on major financial institutions to address the situation by updating debt resolution frameworks, providing debt relief, financing through grants instead of loans, and allocating more Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).

"The international finance community needs to accept that the current dynamic, which prioritizes debt service–no matter how burdensome–over human needs and the urgency of climate crisis preparedness and response is unsustainable," coauthor Lara Merling said in a statement. "They need to step forward with solutions. Millions of lives may depend on it."

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Curbside recycling can compensate for the greenhouse gas emissions from garbage destined for landfills, says a new study that encourages towns and cities to continue offering recycling services to meet their climate goals.

The study's authors took a deep dive into the economic and environmental value of community recycling efforts and compared it to the value of other climate change mitigation practices. They concluded that recycling provides a return on investment similar to or better than environmentally friendly strategies like transitioning to electric vehicles or purchasing green power, which is electricity from clean, renewable energy sources.

"Eliminating recycling squanders one of the easiest opportunities for communities and citizens to help lessen the impact of climate change and reduce our demands on natural resources," said Timothy Townsend, a professor of environmental engineering sciences at the University of Florida and one of the study's authors. "Recycling won't solve the problem alone, but it is part of the puzzle."

Read more.

[naturalrights-retard]

ESG has made significant inroads in the finance and investing community. Environmentalists have long used divestiture campaigns and impact investing to influence companies via finance. Their impact was relatively small and on the margins of financial markets. Today, they hope to make these activities central to finance.

Rather than simply trying to persuade individual asset managers to punish big polluters, ESG advocates want to rebuild the financial system around “sustainable finance” so that capital flows to firms advancing ESG goals and away from firms that don’t.

Their ideas have gained traction by arguing that ESG criteria can help companies assess and manage risk better, thereby improving profitability. But, in a classic bait and switch, companies tend to be scored not by their risk mitigation, but by whether they meet certain ESG parameters of emissions, renewable energy usage, diversity, stakeholder buy-in, and the like.

ESG “sustainability” finance falls into three buckets:

Sustainability Debt Markets

Sustainability Equity Markets

Sustainability International Transfer Payments

Sustainability Debt Markets

People use the label “sustainable” for bonds in the ESG debt market. But given the ESG movement’s penchant for acronyms, you may hear it described as the GSSSB (green, social, sustainable, and sustainability-linked bond) market. What counts and doesn’t count as a green bond, or a social bond, or a sustainable bond, can be a bit confusing, so our international finance overlords…I mean helpful, benevolent advisers…have given us some guidance.

Many organizations offer definitions and guidelines for whether certain activities qualify as “green” or “social” or “sustainable.” The most important is the “Taxonomy” created by the European Union:

The taxonomy provides a framework for assessing the degree to which an economic activity contributes to one or more of the EU’s six environmental objectives: climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources, transition to a circular economy, pollution prevention and control, and protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems.

For a business to be classified as environmentally sustainable according to the taxonomy, it should fundamentally contribute to one or more of the six determined sustainability and environmental objectives, and at the same time not cause significant damage to any of the remaining objectives.

[sovereignsugar]

The Power of Environment-friendly Power: A Sustainable Solution for a More Vibrant Future

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Paragraph 1: In an era where climate change and ecological degradation have become pushing worldwide worries, the requirement for lasting energy remedies has actually never ever been more apparent. This is where green energy steps in as a game-changer. Eco-friendly power describes the manufacturing and application of renewable resources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, to create electrical power and minimize greenhouse gas exhausts. While the change towards green energy may appear daunting, it provides a plethora of benefits that prolong beyond environmental preservation.Paragraph 2: One of the most considerable advantages of green power depends on its contribution to mitigating environment change. Unlike fossil gas that release unsafe carbon exhausts when shed, environment-friendly power resources generate little to no greenhouse gases during operation. By accepting eco-friendly energy, we can dramatically minimize our carbon impact, combat international warming, and secure the planet for future generations. Furthermore, eco-friendly power resources are often extra reliable and cost-efficient over time. While the first investment might seem higher, the operational costs of renewable resource technologies are significantly lower compared to standard source of power. Additionally, the abundance and accessibility of renewable energies ensure a continuous and lasting energy supply, lowering our dependence on finite nonrenewable fuel sources. By embracing eco-friendly energy, we not only secure a cleaner and much healthier atmosphere however additionally create work possibilities and foster economic development in the renewable resource industry.

Read more here pwht

[tapuwadangarembizi]

How can the implementation of sustainable energy help in the industrial sector, according to Tapuwa Dangarembizi

Firstly, Thanks to his extensive understanding of the most recent innovations and developments in the energy business, Tapuwa Dangarembizi has been instrumental in accelerating energy transformation and drawing attention to the issues of environmental sustainability. Furthermore, he has gained recognition as a significant leader and visionary in this area thanks to his expertise and dedication.

You can also read Tapuwa Dangarembizi Why is there a need to focus on using sustainable energy?

Businesses and industries contribute significantly to a nation's economy by generating sizable amounts of revenue, maintaining average incomes, and creating substantial employment opportunities for citizens from various social strata. Here is when it is also the responsibility of the industries to create such opportunities where they can save the environment and prevent it from a global crisis. Also deemed good Corporate Social Responsibility.

Understanding the implementation of sustainable energy in industries

The non-renewable energy sector typically uses mechanical processes to operate autonomously with the barest amount of human intervention. On the other hand, a green energy business needs much personnel to run and perform optimally, expanding job prospects and boosting a nation's entire economic structure.

By substituting or offsetting the demand for the emission of fossil fuels with net-zero power sources such as solar and wind, the industry's environmental impact immediately decreases if conventional sources utilized in sectors are replaced with renewable energy sources.

Unlike fossil fuels that deteriorate air quality and pose serious health risks due to their pollution of earth's resources, including soil, water, and air. Renewable energy produces far fewer greenhouse gas emissions, significantly improving the general health quality in the environment.

Get in touch with Energy Sustainable Solutions (ESS) today!

Our mission is to close the gap between development and sustainability. We have a group of forward-thinking individuals working constantly to create a variety of sustainable goods, services, and solutions for a peaceful and inclusive world. We are recognized as a sustainable business, and we provide clear sustainable strategies that monitor your sustainable ROI, invest in energy from renewable sources, and keep your market advantage. In addition, we also support Sustainable Development Goals by creating novel solutions that result in quick carbon reduction for a better future.

Another development, is the introduction of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, which enable users to split journeys with others while lowering the overall number of cars on the road. These ideas, plans, and contributions from Tapuwa Dangarembizi have an opportunity to lessen traffic jams and greenhouse gases while also promoting a healthier and more environmentally friendly way of living. Tapuwa is working diligently to develop the charging infrastructure that will support Uber and Lyft as they are forced to electrify their fleets to remain sustainable companies.

Saving the environment

The work of Dangarembizi is targeted at the most efficient use of  energy sustainably. His innovations are helping the world use more renewable energy sources and rely less on fossil fuels. This helps to protect the environment while simultaneously supplying clean, inexpensive electricity.

Industry leaders must make eco-friendly decisions to pave the road for a healthy future since doing so establishes a policy that can benefit society while additionally guaranteeing corporate excellence. To know more, you may like to read The Future is Green: How Tapuwa Dangarembizi is Paving the Way for Sustainable Energy

[dipnots]

The Devastating Impact of Fossil Fuels: Why We Need to Transition to Renewable Energy

Fossil fuels have been the primary source of energy for decades, but their use is causing significant harm to our planet. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, is a major contributor to climate change, air pollution, and environmental degradation. In this blog post, we will explore the damage that fossil fuels are causing to the world and why it is important to…

[gogreencabs]

Taxi in Bicester

Beyond Convenience: The Environmental Impact of Choosing Green Bicester Taxis

In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, choosing environmentally-friendly Bicester Taxi to explore the area goes beyond mere convenience—it becomes a conscious decision to reduce one's carbon footprint.

As concerns about climate change and sustainability take centre stage, individuals are increasingly seeking eco-friendly alternatives in every aspect of their lives, including transportation.

This blog explores the profound environmental impact of opting for green taxis in Bicester, shedding light on how such choices contribute to a more sustainable and eco-conscious future.

Reducing Carbon Emissions: A Breath of Fresh Air

Traditional modes of transportation, especially those relying on fossil fuels, contribute significantly to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Bicester Green taxis, on the other hand, often utilize environmentally friendly technologies such as hybrid or electric engines.

By choosing these eco-conscious Taxi Bicester options, commuters actively participate in the reduction of harmful emissions that degrade air quality and contribute to climate change. Each ride becomes a breath of fresh air for the town and its residents, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Preserving Bicester's Natural Beauty: A Collective Responsibility

Bicester boasts a rich tapestry of natural beauty, from the serene meadows to the historic architecture that surrounds the landscape. Choosing green taxis is a step towards preserving this aesthetic charm.

With reduced emissions and a commitment to sustainability, green taxis play a role in maintaining the integrity of Bicester's environment.

By collectively embracing environmentally conscious transportation, residents and visitors alike contribute to the preservation of the town's unique character for generations to come.

Supporting Local Initiatives: Nurturing a Greener Community

The choice to opt for green Taxi in Bicester is not just about personal transportation—it's a contribution to local initiatives aimed at creating a more sustainable community.

Many green taxi services actively engage in eco-friendly practices, such as offsetting carbon emissions, planting trees, or investing in renewable energy.

By supporting these initiatives through the choice of transportation, we become integral participants in nurturing a greener, more sustainable Bicester.

Economic Benefits: A Win-Win for Both Pocket and Planet

Contrary to the misconception that eco-friendly choices are always financially burdensome, opting for green Bicester taxis can be a win-win for both your pocket and the planet.

As technology advances and the demand for sustainable transportation grows, green taxi services become more competitive in pricing offering the best services at reasonable rates.

Setting an Example for Future Generations: Education Through Action

Choosing green Bicester taxis isn't just about the present—it's an investment in the future. By making environmentally conscious choices today, we set an example for future generations. The younger members of our community observe and internalize the importance of sustainability through our actions.

This ripple effect has the potential to shape a collective mindset that prioritizes eco-friendly practices in all aspects of life, ensuring a legacy of environmental responsibility for Bicester's future inhabitants.

In conclusion:

The decision to opt for green Bicester taxis transcends the realm of convenience, becoming a powerful statement in favour of environmental sustainability.

From reducing carbon emissions and preserving natural beauty, the impact of this choice resonates far beyond the individual commute.

If you want to take the initiative toward a greener, more sustainable Bicester, it starts with the choices we make today. Booking Go Green Taxis Bicester is not just a practical decision for your immediate commute; it is a conscious step towards creating a lasting impact on the environment and the community. By supporting green transportation options, you become a part of a greater movement working towards a more sustainable tomorrow.

So, the next time you plan your journey through the charming streets of Bicester, consider the lasting impact of your transportation choice. Choose the greener path, book Go Green Taxis, and be part of the positive change reshaping the way we travel!

Check out our website to get more information about Taxi in Reading!

[energy-5]

The Role of Battery Storage in Solar and Wind

Introduction to Renewable Energy and Storage Challenges

As the world pivots towards sustainable energy, solar and wind power have become pivotal in reducing our carbon footprint. However, the inherent intermittency of these sources – the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow – poses a significant challenge. Battery storage technologies have emerged as the linchpin in this dynamic, offering a way to harness and hold onto the power generated, making renewable energy more reliable and dispatchable.

The Evolution of Battery Storage Technologies

Battery storage has undergone a transformative evolution, from lead-acid batteries to modern lithium-ion and beyond. The advancements in storage capacity, longevity, and efficiency have propelled the use of batteries to new heights. These technologies now enable large amounts of renewable energy to be stored and released on demand, overcoming the unpredictability of wind and solar energy sources.

Balancing the Grid with Battery Storage

One of the most critical roles of battery storage in the context of renewable energy is grid balancing. Batteries can quickly respond to fluctuations in energy demand and generation, a task that is increasingly important as renewables constitute a larger portion of the energy mix. This rapid response capability supports the stability of the grid and prevents power outages, which are crucial for maintaining the flow of electricity to end users.

Enhancing the Efficiency of Renewable Energy Systems

In solar and wind energy systems, batteries act as a buffer, storing excess energy when production outstrips demand and providing energy when there is a shortfall. This not only maximizes the utilization of renewable installations but also significantly increases their efficiency. As a result, renewable energy projects become more financially viable and competitive against traditional fossil fuel sources.

Battery Storage in Residential and Commercial Applications

Beyond large-scale grid applications, battery storage is also revolutionizing how homes and businesses use renewable energy. Residential and commercial battery systems can store solar energy generated during the day for use at night or during peak demand times when electricity rates are higher. This enables energy independence and can lead to substantial cost savings over time.

The Economic and Environmental Impact of Battery Storage

The coupling of battery storage with renewable energy sources also has profound economic and environmental implications. By smoothing out the supply of renewable energy, storage technologies allow for a greater displacement of fossil-fuel-based generation, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Economically, this integration can lead to lower energy costs, create jobs in the renewable sector, and stimulate technological innovation.

Looking Towards a Sustainable Future with Battery Storage

The role of battery storage is not just transformative; it is foundational for a sustainable energy future. As we continue to innovate and invest in storage technologies, the full potential of solar and wind energy can be unleashed. This will be critical for meeting global energy demands while mitigating the impacts of climate change. The future of renewables is not just dependent on the energy we can harness today but on the energy we can store for tomorrow.

[poojascmi]

Global Thin film Solar Cell Market Is Estimated To Witness High Growth Owing To Increasing Adoption of Renewable Energy Sources

The global Thin film Solar Cell Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 33.01 Bn in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 19.4% over the forecast period 2023-2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. A) Market Overview: Thin film solar cells are made from semiconductor materials that convert sunlight into electrical energy. These solar cells offer various advantages such as flexibility, lightweight, and superior aesthetics compared to traditional solar panels. The need for clean and sustainable energy sources is driving the demand for thin film solar cells as they provide an efficient way to generate electricity from the sun. With the increasing focus on reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change, the demand for renewable energy sources like thin film solar cells is expected to witness significant growth. B) Market Key Trends: One key trend in the thin film solar cell market is the increasing investment in research and development activities to enhance the efficiency of these solar cells. Researchers and manufacturers are investing in developing new materials and technologies to improve the conversion efficiency of thin film solar cells. For example, Oxford Photovoltaics, one of the key players in the market, is developing perovskite-based solar cells that have shown promising results in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This trend is driving innovation in the market and is expected to lead to the commercialization of more efficient thin film solar cell products. C) PEST Analysis: Political: Governments around the world are implementing favorable policies and incentives to promote the adoption of renewable energy sources. This is creating a conducive environment for the growth of the thin film solar cell market. Economic: The declining cost of thin film solar cells, coupled with the increasing demand for clean energy, is driving the economic feasibility of these solar cells. This is attracting investments from both government and private entities. Social: The increasing awareness about the environmental impact of traditional energy sources is driving the social acceptance and demand for renewable energy solutions like thin film solar cells. Additionally, the aesthetics and design flexibility offered by these solar cells are appealing to consumers. Technological: Advances in thin film solar cell technologies are improving their efficiency and performance. New materials and manufacturing processes are being developed, leading to the commercialization of more efficient and cost-effective products. D) Key Takeaways: Paragraph 1: The Global Thin Film Solar Cell Market Demand is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting a CAGR of 19.4% over the forecast period, due to increasing adoption of renewable energy sources. The need for clean and sustainable energy solutions is driving the demand for thin film solar cells. Paragraph 2: The Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the thin film solar cell market, with countries like China, India, and Japan leading the way in terms of installation and production capacity. The region's favorable government policies, abundant solar resources, and growing energy demand are contributing to its fast-paced growth in the market. Paragraph 3: Key players operating in the global thin film solar cell market are Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc., FIRST SOLAR, Kaneka Corporation, MiaSolé Hi-Tech Corp., and Oxford Photovoltaics. These companies are investing in research and development activities to improve the efficiency and performance of their thin film solar cell products. They are also focusing on strategic collaborations, partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions to expand their market presence.

[beardedmrbean]

1. Belgian Foreign Minister expects 'some' citizens to be evacuated from Gaza

Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib has said that she expects "some" Belgian nationals to be evacuated from Gaza to Egypt on Thursday. Read more.

2. Storm Ciarán arrives: Trains and planes cancelled, three people found in Brussels canal

The expected Storm Ciarán has arrived in Belgium and while the largest impact is expected at the coast, it is also causing disruption elsewhere in the country. Read more.

3. 'Attack on the language': France wants to ban gender-inclusive writing

French senators will debate a controversial bill aimed at "protecting the French language from excessive so-called 'inclusive writing'" on Monday evening, with left-wing parties deeming the move "old-fashioned," Belga News Agency reports. Read more.

4. Belgian economy grows despite eurozone contraction

Belgium's GDP growth accelerated in the third quarter of 2023, as the country's economic outlook continues to brighten following the recent news that inflation fell close to zero in October. Read more.

5. What are 'titres-services' and why do we need them?

Domestic tasks are often a chore preferably left for someone else, and indeed, those lucky enough to have the means often seek cleaning and other help with the house. Read more.

6. Indexing rents and saving rates: What changes in Belgium on 1 November?

Wednesday 1 November not only marks All Saints' Day, recognised as an official public holiday in Belgium, but it is also the start of a new month, meaning changes to laws and new rules coming into place. Read more.

7. Hidden Belgium: The Birch Tree Circle

It’s not easy to find this monument. Deep in the forest outside Brussels, 32 young birch trees were planted in a circle in memory of the victims of two terrorist attacks in Brussels on 22 March 2016. Read more.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

A systematic framework to compare performance of plastics recycling approaches

With only a small percentage of plastics recycled, determining the best way to recycle and reuse these materials may enable higher adoption of plastics recycling and reduce plastic waste pollution. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) examined the benefits and trade-offs of current and emerging technologies for recycling certain types of plastics to determine the most appropriate options.

The researchers provided a comparison of various technologies for closed-loop recycling, which allow for the reuse of plastic through mechanical or chemical processing, eliminating the need for fossil-fuel-derived virgin materials. They considered technical metrics such as material quality and retention, as well as environmental metrics including energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

"We know cost is one of the primary—if not the primary—drivers for recycling for companies wanting to invest in it," said Taylor Uekert, lead author of "Technical, economic, and environmental comparison of closed-loop recycling technologies for common plastics," which appears in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. "But I think it's just so important to remember that there are other things that are equally important for our life on this planet, and we need to be considering those environmental impacts as well."

Read more.

[naturalrights-retard]

Leaders from so-called developing nations have a different take on global climate change policies. Many state that they are being forced to use green energy, which is expensive and produces less energy per invested capital. This will make it even harder for billions of people to escape poverty. The term being used for these kinds of policies which are now being forced upon developing nations by the World Bank, WEF, and the usual globalist actors has become known Green Colonialism.

International Public Policy Review, May 01, 2021 “Green colonialism… or the fight against climate change as an excuse for imperialism”

(Wealthy) countries now use the fight against climate change as a reason for pursuing imperialist activities. This has been designated as green colonialism.

Nonetheless, the term ‘green colonialism’, just as ‘colonialism’, has been used to put a name on various phenomena. Daniel Butt defines colonialism as the combination of domination, cultural imposition and exploitation of one people by another (2013). Rearranging this definition, we restrict green colonialism to the domination, the cultural imposition and the exploitation of peoples by other peoples using environmental excuses…

Green colonialism, whether exercised consciously or unconsciously, is causing serious harm to indigenous populations as well as populations from the least developed countries. This issue is almost absent from the media, which can be explained by the difficulty the impacted populations have to raise awareness about their situation. It is therefore the most important fight to lead: make sure that their voices are heard so that policymakers listen to them.

Financial institutions, multilateral development banks, UN/WEF, G 20 leaders, activists and wealthy nations are all putting political pressure to stop hydrocarbon projects in developing nations. They are only lending for “green energy solutions,” ergo: solar and wind energy sources. Despite the fact that hydrocarbon, and natural gas in particular, is significantly more economical, and can provide more energy services to more people than renewables alone.