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Tabitha Kimani
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Cheaper solar panels could be on the way after a scientific breakthrough. Using enhanced halide perovskite – a man-made material with repeating crystals shaped like cubes – in place of silicon could produce less expensive devices that stand up better to light and heat, according to researchers led by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Solar power still accounts for a little less than 3% of electricity generated in the US in large part because of the high cost to produce solar cells. One way to lower the cost of production would be to develop solar cells that use less-expensive materials than today’s silicon-based models, the researchers claim. To achieve that, some engineers have zeroed in on halide perovskite, a type of human-made material with repeating crystals shaped like cubes. In theory, perovskite-based solar cells could be made with raw materials that cost less and are more readily available than silicon; they also could be produced using less energy and a simpler manufacturing process. “Renewable energy is critically important,” said UCLA Professor Yang Yang. “Perovskite will be a game changer because it can be mass produced in a way silicon cannot, and we’ve identified an additive that will make the material better.” A stumbling block has been that perovskite breaks down with exposure to light and heat — particularly problematic for devices meant to generate energy from the sun. But the UCLA team has developed a way to use perovskite in solar cells while protecting it from the conditions that cause it to deteriorate. In a study that was published recently in Nature Materials, the scientists added small quantities of ions — electrically charged atoms — of a metal called neodymium directly to perovskite. They found not only that the augmented perovskite was much more durable when exposed to light and heat, but also that it converted light to electricity more efficiently. “The ions tend to move through the perovskite like cars on the highway, and that causes the material to break down,” Zhao said. “With neodymium, we identified a roadblock to slow down the traffic and protect the material.” https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/solar-panel-renewable-energy-ucla-b2251930.html
Solar panel breakthrough could lead to cheaper renewable energy
Perovskite-based solar cells could be made with raw materials that cost less
https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/solar-panel-renewable-energy-ucla-b2251930.html
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Shared by John Major
Peter Kamau
105 w
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) announced today that Sir David Attenborough is the recipient of the Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to research, documentation, and advocacy for the protection of nature and its restoration. “Sir David Attenborough has devoted his life to documenting the love story between humans and nature, and broadcasting it to the world. If we stand a chance of averting climate and biodiversity breakdowns and cleaning up polluted ecosystems, it’s because millions of us fell in love with the planet that he showed us on television,” said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director. “Sir David’s work will continue to inspire people of all ages to care for nature and to become the restoration generation.” Attenborough’s career as a broadcaster, natural historian, author, and environmental advocate spans over seven decades. He is most famous for his work with the BBC’s Natural History Unit, including documentaries such as Life on Earth, the Living Planet, Our Planet and Our Blue Planet. In addition, his advocacy to preserve and restore biodiversity, transition to renewable energy, mitigate climate change and promote plant-rich diets contribute to the realization of many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “The world has to get together. These problems cannot be solved by one nation – no matter how big that single nation is. We know what the problems are and we know how to solve them. All we lack is unified action,” Attenborough said upon receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. “Fifty years ago, whales were on the very edge of extinction worldwide. Then people got together and now there are more whales in the sea than any living human being has ever seen. If we act together, we can solve these problems. Read more: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/david-attenborough-receives-uns-most-distinguished-environment-award
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He deserved
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Truly well deserved. Was a champion for the environment long before it was fashionable to be one. A true pioneer.
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A well-deserved award! I grew up with his documentaries, and I believe they have something to do with my environmental activism nowadays
Shared by John Major
Terran Industries
68 w
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If you want to be more sustainable, you must make a change. “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy The first thing you need to realise is that sustainability is easy. It’s really easy. It’s just a question of breaking it down into manageable steps. There are a number of great resources out there to help you make the changes that you need to make. We often talk about Sustainability as a journey. But where should you start? We like to say "Sustainability is like climbing a ladder, one step at a time." Why? Because reaching 100% Sustainability doesn't happen over night. The best way to start is to look at the small things first. What little actions you can take today that will make a significant impact. Small actions like: - Swapping to eco-friendly cleaning supplies - Switching to bamboo toilet paper, tissues & paper towels - Using an app to track your sustainability steps and set your targets - Sign up to a renewable energy provider - Use a reusable cup for your morning coffee It is often the small little steps like these which make the lasting impacts. Once you have started taking the easy steps, the larger projects don't seem as daunting. Larger changes should be implemented over achievable timelines. Setting too short a timeframe will hinder the project's success, rather it would be best to set a timeline of a few weeks per initiative. Implementing the larger projects one or two at a time will also allow for greater success. If you attempt to change everything all at once, nothing will get done. Instead pick one or two at a time, and focus on those until completion, before starting a new one. This is especially applicable in the workplace as focusing on only these initiatives at the one time, will give your workforce time to adapt to the new solution. This will also allow the relevant workers to be trained. One common objection we often hear is "the technology is not ready yet". Well, we have news for you, it is. The technology we need to fight the climate crisis has already been developed. Let me ask you something, do you have a mobile phone? Of course you do. The technology for efficient and effective mobile phones is in the palm of your hand right now. You wouldn't simply not use a mobile phone today because you know there's going to be another more effective model coming out the following year, would you? Of course not. You use the technology that exists today, and when more effective technology becomes available, you upgrade. It's the same principle as Sustainability technology. For example, the solar panels we have today are already extremely effective, yet scientists are still working on improving them for the future. And when those solar panels are significantly more effective than the ones you have currently installed, you will upgrade them. Simple. The same can be said for a multitude of other Sustainability and climate related technology. Experts are always inventing new solutions, but that doesn't mean we can't use what's available to us today. The important thing to remember when upgrading technology of any sort, is to effectively use the materials of the old device. To many this concept is known as 'recycling'. Recycling is just the start of the resource recovery process. All material assets will have a new life, whether it's being used in a similar device, or something completely different. This is what we call 'Circular Economy'. Every material asset will have a new life in some new product or solution. To learn more about Circular Economy, you can read our earlier article here. In conclusion, the most important thing to do is start your sustainability journey. By starting today, your task will be smaller by tomorrow. To reach the top of the sustainability ladder you need to start climbing. You can reach the top sooner than you think. "When people think about travelling to the past, they worry about accidentally changing the present, but no one in the present really thinks they can radically change the future" - Unknown By starting with those small steps, and working together to achieve them, everyone has the chance to make a difference in the global sustainable future.
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Nice article.
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Great tips thank you for sharing!
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The best way you could convince someone to start the sustainability journey is through this article
John Major
68 w
Healthy oceans will play a big part in slowing the effects of climate change. Sea Shepherd (not for profit) and its crews (mostly volunteers) work their absolute asses off to give our oceans a breather from illegal and over fishing and pollution. I think they deserve so much climate love!! Thank you Sea Shephard!
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Great work
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@Sea Shepherd Conservation Society; The world at large appreciates your work. Keep up!
John Major
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I take my hat off to Patagonia and their leadership team. No one is ever going to be perfect and yes Patagonia is still a mass-producing fashion outlet, and let's face it there will always be mass-producing fashion outlets so why not back one who is taking steps to reduce the harm of big corporations through using profits for a positive change. I know who I will go to when I need good quality outdoor kit.
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Patagonia really inspires so much hope by showing others that : we can do it
John Major
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Hey I'm new on here and trying to set up my profile and when I go to add a photo I get a message saying permissions denied.... has anyone else had this problem? Any help please 🙏
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Hey. Try again on a PC. And make sure the picture is in .jpeg or .png format.
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This is great!
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Such innovations should be embraced
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Solar energy is a sustainable energy source, has a low environmental impact, and promotes energy independence. This is the wat to go.