HYDRO TRAIN ADOPTION

The great hydrogen train rides the rails

The debut of the hydrogen fuel cell passenger train in the US sparked intense scrutiny, reports bimonthly magazine MIT Technology Review. As California pushes for decarbonisation in rail transport, questions arise over the best path forward: hydrogen, battery electric or overhead wires? While hydrogen gains traction due to range and refuelling advantages, critics argue it is a costly distraction from more efficient solutions such as electrification. Political battles loom as regulations mandate zero emission trains by 2030. Hurdles abound including opposition from freight rail giants, infrastructure challenges and scepticism about hydrogen’s environmental benefits. The future of rail decarbonisation remains uncertain.

SAY NO TO SINGLE-USE

Air New Zealand’s sustainable initiative

In a bid to tackle single-use waste, Air New Zealand (ANZ) undertook a trial of ‘single-use, cup-free flights,’ urging passengers to bring reusable cups or providing them on board. The initiative follows the removal of single-use cups from domestic lounges, saving a million cups annually, reports travel mag Business Traveller’s Asia-Pacific Edition. With around nine million hot beverage cups and millions of plastic water cups used yearly on board however, the shift poses logistical challenges. ANZ’s Chief Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin highlights the trial’s importance in assessing long-term viability, emphasising the airline’s commitment to sustainability amidst growing environmental concerns.

HEAT AS BUSY AS BEES

Bumblebees are under threat near to home

As temperatures soar globally, bumblebees face a new adversary: their own homes. A recent study by researchers at the University of Guelph reveals rising temperatures are rendering bumblebee nests inhospitable, jeopardising their survival. From the Arctic to the tropics, these vital pollinators are struggling to cope with heat stress, hindering their reproductive abilities and threatening bumblebee offspring. While innovative solutions such as robotic climate controlled hives offer a glimmer of hope for managed colonies, the plight of wild bumblebees underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to combat climate change alongside addressing other threats, reports science journal New Scientist International.

ECOSYSTEM SAFEGUARDS

Strategic method to preventing pandemics

In an issue of tech journal Science News, a report underscores critical links between habitat preservation and pandemic prevention. Highlighting alarming rises of zoonotic spillovers where viruses leap from animals to humans, a road map outlined in scientific journal Nature Communications offers concrete strategies. From protecting vital ecosystems to minimising human-wildlife interactions in urbanised areas, the focus is clear: safeguarding biodiversity is critical to halting future outbreaks. The article advocates for proactive measures, urging policy makers to prioritise ecological conservation alongside biomedical advancements. As the world grapples with ongoing health crises, the message resonates: by preserving nature, we protect ourselves.

A BAN ON GOLDEN RICE

Mixed feelings about embargo on GM foods

In a recent victory for environmentalists, the Philippines banned cultivation of genetically modified (GM) foods including the promising golden rice, reports weekly journal The Economist. Lauded as a win against ‘genetic erosion,’ the decision was hailed by some as a safeguard against potential risks. However, advocates argue it’s a devastating blow to combating malnutrition, particularly vitamin A deficiency. With tension rising between health benefits and environmental concerns, the ban could have far-reaching implications for food security across Asia. As debates intensify, the fate of golden rice hangs in the balance, highlighting the complex interplay between science, policy and public perception.

STAR WARS COMES HOME

Case for a modernised outer space treaty

As space technology edges ever closer to military applications, recent reports of a Russian nuclear space weapon have reignited concerns about the weaponisation of Earth’s orbit, reports astronomy magazine and website All About Space. Amidst calls for transparency and cooperation, experts are weighing the necessity of revisiting the multilateral Outer Space Treaty. This international agreement, born in the era of intercontinental ballistic missiles, faces new challenges as spacefaring nations develop capabilities to threaten satellites and even ground-based targets from orbit. Is it time for a new treaty to address the evolving landscape of space warfare?