#accelerate sustainability

[tarh-and-social-impact]

Blockchain & Ethical Philanthropy: My Personal Dive into a Future of Impactful Giving

In the digital age, where innovation meets intention, the fusion of blockchain technology with the principles of ethical philanthropy has opened up a new frontier for those of us passionate about making a real difference. My exploration into this promising intersection was deeply inspired by a thought-provoking article I found on Socious, which delves into how blockchain and AI are teaming up to push the boundaries of ethical philanthropy and sustainable impact projects. This journey has not only broadened my horizons but also reinforced my commitment to harnessing technology for social good.

The Revolutionary Role of Blockchain in Philanthropy

At its core, blockchain technology is reshaping the philanthropic landscape. Its principles of decentralization, transparency, and security introduce a novel paradigm for giving, where every contribution is traceable, impactful, and reaches its intended destination without unnecessary intermediaries. This shift promises to restore trust in philanthropic efforts and streamline the path from donor to beneficiary.

Accelerating Sustainability: The Blockchain Advantage

Blockchain's potential to fast-track sustainability efforts is unparalleled. By enabling direct and efficient support for social impact projects across the globe, it dismantles traditional barriers, fostering a decentralized network of change-makers. This innovative approach not only enhances the effectiveness of individual contributions but also propels us towards our shared goal of a sustainable future more rapidly.

My Personal Commitment to Making a Difference

Driven by a deep-seated desire to contribute to a better world, my engagement with blockchain technology has opened new avenues for impactful giving. The journey towards sustainability is fraught with challenges, necessitating a blend of innovation, collaboration, and persistence. Blockchain emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a platform where our efforts are transparent, direct, and most importantly, meaningful.

Envisioning a Future Powered by "Blockchain for Good"

The notion of "blockchain for good" encapsulates a hopeful vision for the future, where technology is not just a tool for advancement but a catalyst for positive change. It imagines a world where the challenges of today—be it environmental degradation, social inequality, or beyond—are addressed through the ethical application of blockchain technology, leading to a more equitable and sustainable world.

A Reflection and Invitation to Action

As I reflect on my journey through the realms of blockchain and ethical philanthropy, my belief in the transformative power of technology to foster positive change has only grown stronger. The insights from the Socious blog have been invaluable, shaping my understanding and approach to supporting social impact projects. We stand at the brink of a technological revolution with the power to redefine philanthropy and sustainability.

I invite you to join me in this exploration, as we leverage the potential of blockchain to enact lasting change. Together, let's navigate this exciting path towards a future where our collective efforts in ethical philanthropy and sustainability create a ripple effect of positive impact across the globe.

[xtruss]

Chinese Senior Diplomat Calls To Resist Cold War Mentality At BRICS Security Meetings

— Global Times Staff Reporters | July 25, 2023

Photo: BRICS. VCG

Cyber security as well as other threats in traditional and non-traditional security fields have taken the spotlight at the ongoing meetings of BRICS countries in Johannesburg, South Africa, as analysts said that amid growing global uncertainties, more developing countries are seeking to improve solidarity to jointly tackle challenges to their development under the auspices of the BRICS mechanism.

While attending the 13th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday, senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said that after more than 10 years of development, the BRICS has become an important platform for emerging market countries and developing countries to unite and self-development.

Under the new situation, we must grasp the future development direction of the BRICS countries, further strengthen political mutual trust and strategic coordination, continue to provide international public goods that meet the requirements of the times, and strive to translate the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation into practical actions, and polish the "golden brand" of BRICS cooperation, Wang said.

To deal with the current global security challenges and solve the security dilemma, Wang also called for countries to resist unilateralism, hegemony and oppose "decoupling" and "double standards" and oppose Cold War mentality and zero-sum game.

Analysts said that the ongoing meetings for security advisors and senior diplomats from BRICS countries and "Friends of BRICS" underscored the security concerns of developing countries and new emerging economies over the destructive activities, "color revolutions" and cyber attacks plotted by some countries who have posed great threats to the stable development of developing countries and global peace.

Aside from expressing their concerns over traditional and non-traditional security fields, BRICS countries and developing countries are seeking to improve solidarity to jointly tackle development challenges under the BRICS mechanism, which will also be part of the build-up to the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa to be held from August 22 to 24, they noted.

On Monday, a meeting, which was held under the theme of "Cyber security is increasingly becoming a challenge for developing countries," is also being attended by Minister in the Presidency of South Africa Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Chief Adviser of the Presidency of Brazil Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval of India and representatives of Belarus, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Burundi, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Cuba and other countries.

Security Concerns Under Spotlight

During the Tuesday meeting, Wang, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and also director of the Office of the CPC Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said that the "Global South" is a collection of emerging market countries and developing countries, reflecting our collective rise on the international stage. Countries in the "Global South" face the important mission of resisting the external intervention and maintaining political security and regime security.

Wang Yi said that unity is strength, action is direction, and openness is motivation. China is willing to work with BRICS partners to support each other's efforts to maintain national security and stability, and to carry out more practical cooperation in dealing with international security challenges, so that the world can hear more BRICS voices and witness a greater role of the BRICS.

Senior officials on security from BRICS countries also exchanged in-depth views on issues such as current security challenges, anti-terrorism and cyber security, food and water security, and energy security, and reached broad consensus, according to a release from Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The issue of cyber security has been discussed at length at the ongoing BRICS meeting as some Western countries have intensified using the internet to conduct destructive activities in other countries, including inciting domestic riots, fooling the public or organizing cyber attacks on governmental departments, which have posed threats to developing countries' stability and development, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

The meeting on security, together with other meetings in various fields, will lay the groundwork for the leaders' summit in August, as the BRICS mechanism is a cooperative mechanism beyond economic and security fields, and whether it is regarding traditional or non-traditional fields, it would safeguard development and cooperation in other areas, Song said.

This year's BRICS summit will focus on improving cooperation between BRICS members and African countries in technology, economy and other fields, and security would also be the basis for cooperation, said Song.

South Africa has invited the heads of state of all African countries to the summit, which is themed as "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism." The summit is anticipated to discuss how BRICS countries can better work with African countries, media reported.

Security is the core concern for the financial cooperation of BRICS countries and other developing countries. This is also why BRICS countries are studying the potential use of alternative currencies to the US dollar, analysts said.

For the past months, many media, especially those from the West and the US, have reported that BRICS countries are seeking to shift from the dollar in mutual trade to avoid becoming "victim" to sanctions. For example, in April, Bloomberg reported that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called on BRICS countries to come up with an alternative to the dollar in foreign trade.

South Africa, the BRICS chair, has put the stability of the global financial system as a priority for the BRICS meetings, as BRICS countries and developing countries have been put in an unfavorable position that would be affected by global financial hegemony, Wang Lei, director of the Center for BRICS Cooperation Studies at Beijing Normal University, told the Global Times.

However, de-dollarization is not the core mission of BRICS countries and what they want is to make the global financial system fairer and more inclusive, and to better reflect the major changes that have happened in the global governing system, Wang Lei said.

Against the backdrop of the continuous Russia-Ukraine conflict and drastic global changes unseen in a century, developing countries are seeking to inject more stable and secure impetus to the world and to promote the international governing system to be more inclusive and better reflect their interests. However, the US and some Western media have smeared their efforts, analysts said.

What BRICS countries are working toward is not to compete with the US for its hegemony, but to build a multipolar world in which each country's concerns on security, economy and developments can be respected by others - this may also be the reason for the US and West's increasing worries of the growing influence and attractiveness of BRICS, Song said.

[buysellram]

BuySellRam.com is expanding its focus on AI hardware to meet the growing demands of the industry. Specializing in high-performance GPUs, SSDs, and AI accelerators like Nvidia and AMD models, BuySellRam.com offers businesses reliable access to advanced technology while promoting sustainability through the recycling of IT equipment. Read more about how we're supporting AI innovation and reducing e-waste in our latest announcement:

[kazifatagar]

MRANTI Launches 2024 GAP to Accelerate Sustainable Tech Innovations

The Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI) has launched the 2024 cycle of its Global Accelerator Programme (GAP), focusing on innovative solutions aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals in food security, healthcare, and renewable energy. Read More Business News Malaysia’s manufacturing at three-month low amid renewed moderation in new orders The program…

[southsouthcooperationday]

Multi-stakeholder round table 9: Data, monitoring and follow-up.

8th Plenary meeting - Round table at the First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 22-26 July 2024. Data, including data on financing, is crucial for assessing progress and guiding actions towards achieving th...

Watch the Multi-stakeholder round table 9: Data, monitoring and follow-up!

[internationalwomenday]

NGO Briefing - United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, Sixty-eighth session (CSW68 Side Event).

NGO Briefing - United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), Sixty-eighth session (#CSW68 Side Event).

Ecosoc Chamber, United Nations Headquarters;

68th Session of the Commission of the Status on Women, UN Web TV

[procurement-insights]

When it comes to sustainability, is procurement ready to negotiate?

How can procurement negotiate beyond the lowest cost to achieve sustainability objectives?

We’re investing in sustainable innovation and partnerships to help meet our #WorldWithoutWaste goals. Through the 100+ Accelerator program, a collaboration with AB InBev, Unilever, and Colgate-Palmolive, we’re working with startups around the world to identify solutions that we can pilot and scale to support a circular economy, water, and climate. – Coca-Cola Company LinkedIn post (October…

[naijabullet]

Global Innovation Fund for Organizations | How to Apply

Here’s an opportunity to apply for the Global Innovation Fund (GIF) which is designed to help organizations like yours grow. This Global Innovation Fund programme is a social impact-first investment vehicle that collaborates with mission-aligned development agencies, philanthropy, and other funders to identify and fund evidence-based innovations that have the potential to improve the lives of…

[clemenchiang]

IBM Recognizes Spiking's Potential: Joins Hyper Protect Accelerator 

In recent years, the concept of sustainable investing has significantly influenced financial markets. This strategy, rooted in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and robust governance, is not just about doing good; it's a sophisticated approach to financial growth. As global consciousness shifts towards sustainability, this investment trend is rapidly gaining momentum, reshaping the way we think about profitability and ethical responsibility. 

The Essence of Sustainable Investing 

Sustainable investing involves selecting companies that prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. This method balances financial returns with the broader impact of investments on society and the environment. It's an approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of economic performance with global challenges like climate change, social justice, and corporate ethics. 

Economic Resilience and Ethical Growth 

Companies with strong ESG values have shown resilience and consistent growth. Historical data reveals that sustainable investments often outperform traditional ones, even in times of economic stress. This trend suggests that integrating ESG criteria into investment decisions can lead to more stable, long-term returns. 

The Power of Influence 

Investors hold a unique power to drive change. By channelling funds into sustainable ventures, they can incentivize companies to prioritize responsible practices. This shift in investment strategy can significantly influence corporate behaviour towards more sustainable and ethical operations. 

ESG Ratings and Reporting 

The lack of a standardized ESG reporting framework poses a challenge in assessing companies' true sustainability. Investors need to navigate these reports critically, understanding that they might be biased or incomplete. Rating systems like the MSCI USA ratings offer a comprehensive view but require careful interpretation. 

Diversification Strategies 

Sustainable investing is not without risks. It requires a thoughtful diversification strategy, balancing potential rewards with the unique challenges these investments might face. This approach ensures a robust portfolio capable of withstanding market fluctuations while supporting sustainable initiatives. 

Ethical and Impact Investing 

While sustainable investing focuses on ESG factors, ethical and impact investing take a slightly different approach. Ethical investing avoids sectors deemed harmful, like tobacco or oil, while impact investing targets companies making measurable, positive changes in specific areas like climate action or social justice. 

The Future of Sustainable Investing 

Sustainable investing is not just a passing trend; it's evolving into a fundamental aspect of financial decision-making. With increasing investor interest and the likelihood of new regulations, we can expect sustainable investing to play a more significant role in shaping the future of global finance. 

A Paradigm Shift 

The integration of sustainability in investing represents a paradigm shift. It's a move from viewing investments purely in financial terms to considering their broader impact on the world. This approach aligns financial success with progress in addressing global challenges. 

Preparing for a Sustainable Future 

Investors looking to adapt to this change must stay informed and flexible. They should be prepared to adjust their strategies as new information and regulations emerge, always keeping an eye on the long-term horizon of sustainable growth and impact. 

Beyond Just Profits: The Ethical Dimension 

Sustainable investing transcends the traditional boundaries of financial gains. It's a commitment to contribute positively to the world while securing financial returns. This ethical dimension adds a layer of responsibility and satisfaction to the investment process, aligning financial goals with personal values. 

A New Investing Standard 

As we embrace sustainable investing, we're not just choosing profitable ventures; we're actively participating in shaping a better world. This approach promises financial stability and growth while addressing critical global issues. It's an investment strategy that's not only financially sound but morally compelling, marking the dawn of a new era in financial forecasting and investment decision-making. 

Spiking: Pushing Boundaries  

As we consider the future of sustainable investing and its alignment with ethical principles, it’s pertinent to look at recent developments in the field of WealthTech. A notable example is the strategic partnership formed by a leading financial technology platform with the IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator. This collaboration marks a significant step in the platform's journey towards leveraging the power of AI in financial decision-making, enhancing its role in WealthTech. 

At the heart of this innovative thrust is the deployment of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI (GenAI). These advanced technologies are adept at sifting through vast amounts of transactional and content data, converting them into tailored, predictive insights that are easily understandable. This is vividly illustrated in the platform’s flagship offering, TradeGPT, which simplifies complex financial data into user-friendly content. This tool is instrumental in helping users, ranging from novice investors to seasoned professionals, refine and enhance their investment strategies. 

The platform’s selection for the prestigious IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator isn’t merely a nod to its technological prowess. It symbolizes a broader strategic vision that extends beyond mere stock trading. The platform is designed to cater to a diverse clientele that includes retail investors, institutional clients, publicly traded companies, and even Bloomberg subscribers. The core objective is to provide a holistic view of finances, enabling users to minimize risks, maximize returns, and successfully achieve their financial objectives. 

The backing by IBM serves as a testament to the platform’s burgeoning influence in the WealthTech sector. This alliance emphasizes the platform's commitment to offering secure, informed, and accessible wealth management solutions. The integration into IBM’s accelerator program is reflective of the platform’s ambition to spearhead a global shift towards more informed and astute financial decision-making, a goal that aligns seamlessly with the evolving landscape of sustainable investing.

[envirotechaccelerator]

Climate Education: Empowering The Next Generation of Environmental Stewards

by Envirotech Accelerator

In the face of escalating climate crises, the role of education in cultivating environmental stewardship becomes ever more critical. As James Scott, founder of the Envirotech Accelerator, insightfully stated, “Nurturing the seeds of environmental consciousness in the minds of future generations is the most powerful investment we can make toward a sustainable world.” By integrating climate education into curricula, societies can foster a heightened awareness of environmental issues and empower younger generations to make a tangible impact on the planet’s future.

One of the primary objectives of climate education is to cultivate environmental literacy among students (Kollmuss & Agyeman, 2002). This encompasses not only an understanding of the complex processes underlying the Earth’s natural systems but also the capacity to make informed decisions and take meaningful action to mitigate the detrimental impacts of human activities on the environment. By fostering such literacy, education can equip the next generation with the requisite knowledge and skills to confront the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change (Bangay & Blum, 2010).

Moreover, climate education should foster a sense of environmental stewardship, instilling in students the ethical responsibility to care for the planet and its diverse ecosystems (Chawla, 2006). Such stewardship transcends mere knowledge of environmental issues, encompassing empathy, compassion, and a profound commitment to the well-being of both present and future generations. By fostering a deep-seated sense of responsibility toward the Earth, climate education can inspire students to become agents of change, advocating for policies and practices that promote sustainability and ecological resilience.

Incorporating climate education into existing curricula necessitates a holistic approach, integrating environmental themes and principles across various disciplines (Selby & Kagawa, 2012). Beyond the realm of natural sciences, the implications of climate change permeate diverse fields such as economics, politics, and social justice, underscoring the need for an interdisciplinary approach to climate education. By fostering connections between seemingly disparate subjects, this approach can provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges posed by climate change and the myriad solutions required to address them.

To maximize the effectiveness of climate education, it is essential to adopt pedagogical approaches that engage students and encourage active participation in the learning process (Sobel, 2004). Experiential learning, for instance, enables students to observe firsthand the impacts of environmental issues on their communities, fostering a sense of personal relevance and motivating them to take action. Similarly, project-based learning encourages students to collaborate in developing and implementing solutions to real-world environmental problems, cultivating critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

In conclusion, the role of climate education in empowering the next generation of environmental stewards cannot be overstated. By cultivating environmental literacy, fostering a sense of stewardship, adopting interdisciplinary approaches, and employing engaging pedagogies, education can play an instrumental role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future. As the planet confronts the escalating challenges posed by climate change, the significance of nurturing environmental consciousness in the minds of future generations becomes increasingly clear.

References:

Bangay, C., & Blum, N. (2010). Education responses to climate change and quality: Two parts of the same agenda? International Journal of Educational Development, 30(4), 359–368.

Chawla, L. (2006). Learning to love the natural world enough to protect it. Barn nr. 2, 57–78.

Kollmuss, A., & Agyeman, J. (2002). Mind the gap: Why do people act environmentally and what are the barriers to pro-environmental behavior? Environmental Education Research, 8(3), 239–260.

Selby, D., & Kagawa, F. (2012). Editorial: The climate-friendly learning revolution. Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, 6(1), 5–10.

Sobel, D. (2004). Place-based education: Connecting classrooms & communities. Orion Society.

Read more at Envirotech Accelerator.

[agreads]

“Food is climate; Food is health”: AgFunder GROW Impact Accelerator reveals startups in fourth cohort

GROW, the agrifoodtech ecosystem catalyst, has unveiled the latest cohort for the fourth annual AgFunder GROW Impact Accelerator. The handpicked cohort reflects the increasingly crucial interconnections between food, planetary health, smallholder financial inclusion, and climate. These 10 selected startups, who were picked from a competitive applicant pool of over 600 applications hailing from…

[waterandenergyrelief]

Ramp up #internationalcooperation to address #waterissues and avoid a looming crisis.

On the first day of the #un2023WaterConference, the UN News led a conversation focused on building partnerships and enhancing cooperation, to accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal for Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), and realizing the human right to water and sanitation.

The guests were Kristin Meyer, a programme manager at the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Neil Dhot, the Executive Director of the International Federation of private water operators (Aquafed), and Richard Connor, the editor-in-chief of the UN World Water Development Report.

The session took place the day after the launch of the 2023 Report, which warns that, with up to three billion people experiencing water shortages, we are facing a global water crisis, unless international cooperation is significantly improved.

The following is an edited summary of the SDG Media Zone session.

Conor Lennon (UN News): How has the message of the UN World Water Development Report changed over the years?

Richard Connor: Statistically it has evolved. More people are covered by water and sanitation services, but we’re definitely not seeing enough progress.

There is more recognition of the importance of inclusivity, whether related to gender or poverty, and that we need to work together. This led to the theme of this year’s report, which is cooperation and partnerships.

Conor Lennon: Is it important that the UN is holding a devoted to water issues?

Richard Connor: It’s surprising that there hasn’t been a water conference for so long, considering that water is omnipresent. There is Conference of Parties (COP) for water, as there is for biodiversity or climate change.

Forty-seven years is a ridiculously long time to wait, and I hope we have a follow-up within a decade or so, to truly take stock of what we can accomplish, such as general worldwide agreement on water.

Conor Lennon: Kristin Meyer, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) says that, over the last decade, nine out of 10 of the disasters triggered by natural hazards were water related.

Kristin Meyer: We know that floods and droughts are increasing, from each new IPCC (Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change) report.

However, if we take appropriate action, natural hazards don’t have to turn into disasters. That’s why we’re promoting international cooperation. We also need to really look at the links between climate change, resilience building, and also the role of biodiversity and ecosystems to prevent disasters from happening.

We’re seeing a lot of progress in the international debate and in the international community and this is also where we can make the biggest impact, by bringing those different elements together and making a better impact for people on the ground.

On the sidelines of the historic Conference – held at UN Headquarters from 22 to 24 March – the SDG Media Zone is an informal setting for experts and senior officials to discuss a wide range of topics related to water.

UN Water Conference: ‘we need a renewed sense of action’

[writers-potion]

No character is going to live unscathed.

We writers seem to be an expert at getting our darlings bashed up, beaten and abused (sometimes to the point of insanity). That' great, and let's make sure we are doing it right.

Cuts and Scrapes

The area will immediately begin to swell up.

Blood rushes to accelerate the healing process, and that makes the skin around the wound look red and swollen, and it will feel warm (though not hot).

Most wounds wouldn't bleed too much, unless it's a head injury.

Try to give indications of how severe the wound is.

How wide is the injury? How far does it stretch across the character's body? Can bone be seen? Is blood seeping into their clothes or pooling underneath them?

Is it a clean slice, or is it torn open? Have parts of the flesh been pulled away?

How much does the wound frighten the injured character?

Bruises

When the injury is first sustained, it will look swollen and red.

Over time, the bruise will darken to a shade of blue, purple, or black.

After that, it will gradually turn yellow or green. Then it will turn brown and eventually fade away.

The word choice matters!

Describing a bruise as a "contusion" creates a violent connotation, while "blemish" doesn't sound so harsh.

Describing bruises as "discolored" or "shadows" comes with a more melancholy connotation.

How They Feel

An injury from blunt trauma, such as a bruise, is going to feel dull, and like it's throbbing.

It will feel stiff and firm from the swelling, and it may sting if touched.

As the bruise ages, it may feel tender and sore, but only when pressure is applied or the area is moved.

A wound from a sharp object, however, is likely to feel hot, tingly, or numb.

The pain may be delayed, but after the initial rush of adrenaline wears off, the pain from this type of injury will be fairly constant.

Scrapes tend to feel hot and itchy, and the scab from a nasty scrape can cover a wide area. It will also get itchier as it heals, motivating the character to pick at it and delay healing.

Healing Duration

The time it takes an injury to heal is going to depend on the severity of the injury.

As a general rule, however:

Bruises take about 2 weeks Scrapes take about 1 week

Minor cuts take about 2 weeks

Surgical incisions and sutured wounds take about 4-6 weeks

A bad wound that doesn't get stitches could take up to 3 months

If you like my blog, buy me a coffee! ☕

[theemiratestimesblog]

World Future Energy Summit Accelerating Sustainable Growth

World Future Energy Summit Accelerating Sustainable Growth

World Future Energy Summit Accelerating Sustainable Growth: The World Future Energy Summit 2023 will be held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from January 16-18. It is an ornament of the AbuDhabi Sustainable Week, a global endeavour championed by UAE and Masdar for speeding up sustainable development and advancing economic, social, and environmental progress. The exhibition has registered…

[maaarine]

Mystery of why Roman buildings have survived so long has been unraveled, scientists say (Katie Hunt, CNN, Jan 06 2023)

“Roman concrete, in many cases, has proven to be longer-lasting than its modern equivalent, which can deteriorate within decades.

Now, scientists behind a new study say they have uncovered the mystery ingredient that allowed the Romans to make their construction material so durable and build elaborate structures in challenging places such as docks, sewers and earthquake zones.

The study team, including researchers from the United States, Italy and Switzerland, analyzed 2,000-year-old concrete samples that were taken from a city wall at the archaeological site of Privernum, in central Italy, and are similar in composition to other concrete found throughout the Roman Empire.

They found that white chunks in the concrete, referred to as lime clasts, gave the concrete the ability to heal cracks that formed over time.

The white chunks previously had been overlooked as evidence of sloppy mixing or poor-quality raw material.

"For me, it was really difficult to believe that ancient Roman (engineers) would not do a good job because they really made careful effort when choosing and processing materials," said study author Admir Masic, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (…)

Additional analysis of the concrete showed that the lime clasts formed at extreme temperatures expected from the use of quicklime, and "hot mixing" was key to the concrete's durable nature.

"The benefits of hot mixing are twofold," Masic said in a news release.

"First, when the overall concrete is heated to high temperatures, it allows chemistries that are not possible if you only used slaked lime, producing high-temperature-associated compounds that would not otherwise form.

Second, this increased temperature significantly reduces curing and setting times since all the reactions are accelerated, allowing for much faster construction."

To investigate whether the lime clasts were responsible for Roman concrete's apparent ability to repair itself, the team conducted an experiment.

They made two samples of concrete, one following Roman formulations and the other made to modern standards, and deliberately cracked them.

After two weeks, water could not flow through the concrete made with a Roman recipe, whereas it passed right through the chunk of concrete made without quicklime.

Their findings suggest that the lime clasts can dissolve into cracks and recrystallize after exposure to water, healing cracks created by weathering before they spread.

The researchers said this self-healing potential could pave the way to producing more long-lasting, and thus more sustainable, modern concrete.

Such a move would reduce concrete's carbon footprint, which accounts for up to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the study.

For many years, researchers had thought that volcanic ash from the area of Pozzuoli, on the Bay of Naples, was what made Roman concrete so strong.

This kind of ash was transported across the vast Roman empire to be used in construction, and was described as a key ingredient for concrete in accounts by architects and historians at the time.

Masic said that both components are important, but lime was overlooked in the past.”