Gains around the globe
Hello, and welcome to another edition of Transform magazine.
As we enter the summer here in the northern hemisphere, many countries are experiencing the first warm months without COVID-19 restrictions for two years. While the threat of infection is still very much with us, the increasing warmth will hopefully benefit the millions who are struggling with the cost of living crisis. The race is on in many countries to decarbonise and find renewable solutions to our energy needs and, in this issue, Oliver Ingwall-King has been finding out about two game-changing projects in Sweden.
Another way to reduce industrial energy use, as well as save on raw materials and (of course) cash, is to adopt the principles of the circular economy. Jelmer Hoogzaad, Daniel McGahey and Chris Smithies tell us about metabolic analysis and how it is helping Laos move towards a more circular method of working.
Many commentators take the view that economic development cannot take place without some harm to the environment – but is there a model for trade that supports both growth and the planet? Hannah Getachew makes the case for work taking place in Africa that could deliver both benefits.
During the past few years, there has been intense media interest in the use and disposal of plastics. The material is seen by many environmental campaigners as carbon intensive, clogging up ecosystems for hundreds of years. Others argue that plastics can help produce low-cost, lightweight solutions for industry and reduce food waste by helping to keep produce fresh for longer. David Burrows considers the arguments in light of the UN Environment Assembly’s draft resolution on ending plastic pollution.
“The race is on in many countries to decarbonise and find renewable solutions to our energy needs”
Our digital journalist Tom Pashby speaks with IEMA members about the recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and also discusses the exciting new development of the new Natural History GCSE, which will be a crucial step forward for future generations.
I very much hope you enjoy this edition of Transform. As always, we welcome your comments and feedback, and ideas for articles that you may wish to see. Have a great couple of months!
Sarah Mukherjee MBE, CEO, IEMA