Tech

Can turning CO2 into recyclable plastics help humans win climate war?

Published

4 months ago

Farwa

In a groundbreaking shift towards sustainability, industries worldwide are harnessing carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies to combat climate change.

From mattresses to clothing and beyond, innovative products are emerging due to repurposing carbon dioxide, offering a glimpse into a greener future.

As concerns about irreversible climate damage escalate, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscores the urgency for action. With annual global CO2 emissions projected to soar, CCU emerges as a formidable strategy, capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 billion metric tons by 2050.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) facilities worldwide are already operational, trapping CO2 from smokestacks or ambient air. However, a paradigm shift occurs with carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), acknowledged by the IPCC in 2022. CCU transforms captured CO2 into products like cement, jet fuel, and plastics, offering a multifaceted approach to climate mitigation.

The plastics industry, a notorious contributor to carbon emissions, is witnessing a transformative wave. Instead of relying on fossil fuels, companies are incorporating captured CO2 into plastics production.

Lux Research estimates the CCU market, valued at nearly $2 billion in 2020, could skyrocket to $550 billion by 2040, with a particular focus on enhancing cement and jet fuel properties.

Chemists and researchers are exploring catalysts to streamline the conversion of CO2 into plastics. Commercial successes include mattresses, car interiors, building insulation, and sports flooring from CO2-based materials. Additionally, efforts to create carbon-negative polyester demonstrate the potential to combat plastic pollution.

Microbial interventions, such as harnessing acetogenic bacteria, exemplify nature-inspired solutions. Companies like LanzaTech are collaborating with steel plants to convert industrial emissions into ethanol, which is subsequently used in fabric production. This symbiotic relationship aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 80%.

While challenges persist, including regulatory hurdles and fossil fuel subsidies, the trajectory is clear. Visionaries envision a circular carbon economy where products are designed for longevity and recyclability.

Researchers emphasise the need for legislative support, corporate alignment, technological advancements, and shifts in human behaviour to realise this transformative vision.

In a world grappling with environmental crises, the dawn of recyclable plastics from CO2 heralds a new era in sustainable innovation, offering hope for a cleaner, circular future.

Latest News

The green colour of WhatsApp ‘angers’ some users.

Published

3 days ago

Farwa

After changing its display colour from blue to green, WhatsApp, which was before well-known for its blue motif, caused its users to hold divergent views.

New upgrades to the Meta app always spark a lot of discussion, regardless of how big or small the changes are.

Still, Meta-owned WhatsApp hopes that these modifications would “make it more accessible as well as easier to use” and offer a “modern, new experience” with relation to the updated display color.

A statement from the firm claimed that they had altered WhatsApp’s “looks and feels, including spacing, colors, icons, and more.”

Both iOS and Android users can now view the new WhatsApp update; the green tint on the latter has changed from the previous version.

However, iPhone users will notice that every display element, including the chat-list window and status bar, has changed with the recent design update. WhatsApp used to have a blue color scheme on iPhones.

Furthermore, the formerly blue links shared within the app are now displayed in green.

In addition, WhatsApp has made other improvements to improve its user experience outside of the color shift.

Latest News

Punjab will provide fifty thousand solar kits.

Published

1 month ago

Farwa

On Tuesday,Tuesday, while presiding over a review meeting on solar household solutions, the CM gave the order to begin the installation of one kilowatt solar systems right away. She also gave the order to introduce the newest solar systems.

Phase-I solar systems would be balloted for by 50,000 protected users who use 100 units each month, at a cost of Rs 12.6 billion.

Home-based solar systems will eventually be made available to other Punjabi consumers. A solar system will consist of a battery, inverter, sophisticated solar plate, and more related accessories.

Attending the meeting were Provincial Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, MPA Sania Ashiq, Former Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning and Development, Secretaries of Energy, Finance, and Punjab Power Development Board (PPDB) Managing Director, in addition to other pertinent officers.

During his inaugural speech as Punjab’s chief minister, Maryam Nawaz outlined her five-year plan and promised to develop a strategy for customers who use fewer than 300 units of power.

According to Maryam Nawaz, the PML-N’s main goals for her term will be to provide jobs, healthcare, and education.

She said, “I am working on a plan to provide solar panels to consumers using up to 300 units of electricity or less in installments.”

Pakistan

There will be free WiFi in public parks.

Published

1 month ago

Farwa

The discussion on the province’s capital city’s beautification was chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

CM Gandapur gave the pertinent authorities instructions at the meeting to complete the arrangements and submit the free WiFi service plan for the province government’s approval.

In the following phase, he said, the service will be extended to more cities. In addition, the chief minister gave the Peshawar Development Authority instructions to create a beatification plan for the city.

The meeting voted to launch a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service on Nasir Bagh Road in the province capital with the goal of facilitating the easy mobility of the population.

CM Gandapur pushed for the installation of underpasses rather than overhead bridges and ordered the city’s street lights to be converted to solar power.

The chief minister gave the order to begin work on the road around the BRT Corridor at University Road as well as the building of the remaining section of Warsak-Nasir Bagh Road right away.

In order to promote KP’s culture, he also oversaw the installation of fake plants on all road walks and painted headbridges and walls with designs.

The chief minister of KP gave the order to approach business organizations for assistance in this respect.