Latest Stories from Jamie
Ethereum crypto moves to cut its CO2 output by 99%
Ethereum, the second largest cryptocurrency, has finally moved to a ‘proof of stake’ system. This means the carbon emissions associated with mining its coins could be cut by 99%. While environmentalists are staunchly anti-crypto at the moment, Ethereum has shown that the industry can shed its problematic link to fossil fuels. The second largest cryptocurrency globally has just completed a software upgrade it’s calling ‘the merge.’ This will drastically alter the...
The Samsung ‘Balance Mouse’ runs away if you overwork
Samsung has developed a one of a kind computer mouse that will scurry away if you begin to overwork. It’s a neat idea that reflects the modern desire for a more pronounced work/life balance. If you’re one of the remaining few who refuse to punch out when the working day is over, you could do with this quirky contraption. Samsung may be developing an office accessory that takes human agency completely...
The company transforming hot shower emissions into soap and shampoo
Hotels use a lot of hot water, and heating it releases a sizable amount of carbon dioxide. An innovative company called CleanO2 has now found a way of capturing these emissions and transforming them into sustainable soap and shampoo. I don’t know about you, but I reckon a hotel offering of sustainable soap and shampoo is worth at least an extra star on Trip Advisor. Both are currently being gifted as...
Could futuristic tech help to end China’s record droughts?
China, renowned for being first with technological advancements, is exploring cloud seeding, GM crops, and a multibillion-dollar water transfer project to address its severe drought problem. Following an unprecedented 2-month heatwave, China is being forced to show its mettle as a leading innovator to survive record water shortages. Between mid-June and August, the average temperature increase across provinces was reportedly around 1.2C higher than the seasonal norm. While this may not sound...
Organised crime is a hidden yet major contributor to deforestation
When someone mentions deforestation, you probably think of beef production or the wood industry as being most culpable. A key driver that often goes under the radar, however, is organised crime like drug trafficking and illegal logging. Almost a year on from COP26, there’s definitely work to be done to regenerate 30% of natural land by 2030. Every 12 months, the world loses an estimated 25 million acres of forest to...
AI-generated piece controversially wins art competition
This year at the Colorado State Fair, a piece of AI-generated art won an award for Emerging Digital Artists. In the days since, online debate about what constitutes ‘real art’ has ignited. If you keep up with Thred, you’ll already be completely in the loop regarding AI-generated ‘text-to-image’ programs and their recent emergence. Canny visual software like DALL-E, NightCafe, and – in this instance – Midjourney, are able to take our...
Greenpeace drops boulders in the ocean to prevent bottom trawling
In an effort to prevent the destructive industrial fishing method of bottom trawling, Greenpeace has planted 18 large boulders on a seabed off the UK coast. Plans to continue the act of ‘protest’ today, however, have been blocked. It’s safe to say that ocean conservationists are in the ‘last resort’ phase when it comes to dealing with perpetrators. If you haven’t heard of ocean trawling before, it refers to arguably the...
New UK prime minister renews concern over climate nihilism
Since the anointment of Liz Truss as the new Conservative prime minister, a renewed lack of clarity around the continuation of vital research funding and climate measures has experts worried. UK citizens are understandably preoccupied with policies impacting the immediate future. Eco experts, however, are looking to the long term and what a new change of leadership could mean for our efforts to mitigate climate change by the mid-century. Despite the...
100% hydrogen passenger trains are up and running in Germany
A regional train operator in Germany has become the first rail company to utilise 100% hydrogen fuel cells. Could Alstom quickly become trailblazers for a cleaner industry? While diesel locomotives continue to spew toxic nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, a regional train operator in Germany is releasing purely water vapour. That’s thanks to a new fleet of trains which run entirely on hydrogen. Situated between the lower Saxony towns of Cuxhaven...
Michigan researchers develop transparent solar powered windows
A team of researchers at Michigan State University have just developed the world’s first fully transparent solar window. Is this the beginning of a more self-sufficient future for modern cities? Imagine a future where the light shining in through our windows actively powers our bulbs when the sun goes down. That’s no longer an entirely unrealistic prospect. Now, we’re fully aware that windows have technically been integrated with solar technology before...
