💥 AI Could End Disease? And Other Wild (But True) Wins

Hey everyone, welcome to FutureProof - my Tech and Sustainability Digest.

Forgive me readers for I have hiked (!). It’s been three weeks since my last newsletter, as opposed to the normal two, but only because last week was Easter week, holidays here in Spain, so I went hiking in the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, in Malaga. It was a seven hour hike over tough terrain which my body didn’t thank me for, but it did wonders for my mental state!

As always this newsletter is dedicated to surfacing and sharing good news stories across tech and sustainability. If good news sounds like something you need, read on. And please share this newsletter with anyone else you feel could do with a little cheering up!

In the News:

Travel news

I tend to avoid too much political content in this newsletter, but in case you’ve missed it, and intend traveling to the US in the coming weeks or months, maybe think twice about it. Why? Well, with stories emerging of European holiday makers being detained for weeks in ICE detention facilities, America is no longer the safe welcoming place it used to be apparently.

European governments are advising travelers to use burner phones at US borders, and Wired has an article with tips on how to protect yourself from phone searches at the US border.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled CleanTech news!

Science

Forever Chemicals” Get the Boot: Scientists Craft Safer, Greener Alternatives

After a decade of relentless research, an international team of scientists has unveiled a non-toxic, fluorine-free alternative to PFAS - those notorious “forever chemicals” lurking in everything from non-stick pans to waterproof jackets. By mimicking the unique “bulkiness” of fluorine using benign carbon and hydrogen structures, they’ve achieved water-repellent properties without the environmental baggage. This breakthrough could revolutionise industries reliant on PFAS, offering a sustainable path forward.

Key Highlights:

• PFAS, known for their persistence and health risks, are prevalent in countless consumer products.

• The new alternative replicates PFAS’s water-repellent properties without using fluorine.

• Researchers utilised common chemical structures found in fats and fuels to achieve the desired effect.

• Collaborations are underway with companies in France and China to commercialise the innovation.

• This development promises a significant reduction in environmental and health hazards associated with PFAS.

Kismet: In a twist of chemical fate, the very “bulkiness” that made fluorine indispensable in PFAS has been successfully emulated using structures derived from everyday substances like fats and fuels. This unexpected mimicry not only sidesteps the need for toxic elements but also opens doors to sustainable applications previously deemed unattainable. 👉 Full story here

Artificial Intelligence

AI’s Bold Promise: Eradicating All Diseases Within a Decade?

In a recent interview, Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind and Nobel laureate, posited that artificial intelligence could potentially eliminate all diseases within the next ten years. He highlighted the rapid advancements in AI, particularly in healthcare, where AI models like AlphaFold have already mapped over 200 million protein structures, a feat that would have taken humans a billion years of PhD time. Hassabis believes that with AI’s accelerating capabilities, drug discovery processes could be reduced from years to mere weeks, revolutionising disease treatment and prevention.

Key Highlights:

• AI’s rapid progression could lead to the eradication of all diseases within a decade, according to Hassabis.

• DeepMind’s AlphaFold model has mapped over 200 million protein structures, aiding in understanding disease mechanisms.

• AI could significantly shorten drug discovery timelines, from years to weeks.

• Hassabis emphasises the importance of aligning AI systems with human values to prevent misuse.

• The potential of AI extends beyond healthcare, possibly solving energy crises and other global challenges.

Kismet: In a surprising twist, the very AI technologies poised to revolutionise healthcare are also being explored for applications in energy solutions, suggesting a future where AI could simultaneously tackle multiple global challenges. 👉 Full story here

Electromobility

My Daily Driver Just Bagged the 2025 World Car of the Year!

The Kia EV3 has clinched the 2025 World Car of the Year title, marking a significant milestone not just for Kia but for electric vehicles as a whole. This isn’t merely the World Electric Car of the Year—it’s the overall winner, outpacing traditional combustion engine vehicles and hybrids alike. As someone who purchased an EV3 last December, I can attest firsthand to its exceptional performance, design, and sustainability features that make it a standout choice in today’s automotive landscape.

Key Highlights:

• The Kia EV3 secured the 2025 World Car of the Year award, surpassing competitors like the BMW X3 and Hyundai Inster (another EV).

• Judged by a panel of 96 international automotive journalists from 30 countries.

• Features a segment-leading range of up to 605 km and rapid charging capabilities (10–80% in 31 minutes).

• Incorporates advanced technologies such as AI Assistant, ADAS, and OTA updates.

• This win marks Kia’s sixth World Car Award since 2020, highlighting its leadership in sustainable mobility solutions.

Kismet: In an unexpected twist, the Kia EV3, despite its global acclaim, isn’t yet available in the U.S. market. This underscores the shifting dynamics of automotive innovation, where groundbreaking vehicles are emerging from diverse markets, challenging traditional industry strongholds. 👉 Full story here

CATL’s Triple Threat: 1500km Range, 5-Minute Charge, and Sodium-Ion Breakthrough

CATL has unveiled three groundbreaking battery technologies that could redefine electric mobility. Their new dual-core battery system offers an unprecedented 1500 km range, while the second-generation Shenxing battery delivers 520 km of range in just five minutes of charging, even in freezing temperatures. Additionally, CATL’s sodium-ion battery, set for mass production in December 2025, promises a safer, more affordable alternative to lithium-based batteries, with impressive energy density and performance.

Key Highlights:

• Dual-Core Battery System: Combines two distinct battery technologies to achieve a 1500 km range, utilising a main energy area and a range extension area with different cell materials.

• Second-Generation Shenxing Battery: Offers 520 km of range from a five-minute charge, maintaining high performance even at -10°C, and achieves 80% charge in 15 minutes.

• Sodium-Ion Battery (Naxtra): Scheduled for mass production in December 2025, this battery boasts an energy density of 175 Wh/kg, comparable to lithium iron phosphate batteries, and performs well in extreme temperatures.

• Safety Innovations: The dual-core system includes advanced safety features akin to aircraft dual-engine redundancy, enhancing thermal management and protection.

• Market Impact: These advancements position CATL at the forefront of battery technology, potentially influencing global EV adoption and reducing reliance on lithium resources.

Kismet: In a surprising twist, CATL’s sodium-ion battery technology not only offers a cost-effective and safer alternative to lithium-based batteries but also performs exceptionally well in extreme temperatures, making it a promising solution for regions with harsh climates. This development could accelerate the global shift towards more sustainable and accessible electric mobility. 👉 Full story here

EU and China in Talks to Replace EV Tariffs with Minimum Pricing Agreements

The European Union and China have initiated discussions to potentially replace existing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) with minimum pricing agreements. This move comes after the EU imposed tariffs of up to 45.3% on Chinese EVs in response to alleged unfair subsidies. Both parties are exploring this alternative to foster fair competition and stabilize trade relations in the EV market.

Key Highlights:

• EU imposed tariffs up to 45.3% on Chinese EVs, citing unfair subsidies.

• Discussions are underway to replace tariffs with minimum pricing agreements for Chinese EVs.

• German automakers and industry associations support negotiated solutions over tariffs.

• Previous EU minimum price agreements have been limited to uniform commodities, raising concerns about applying similar mechanisms to complex products like cars.

• The move aims to ease tensions and stabilise trade between the EU and China while ensuring fair competition in the EV market.

Kismet: In a surprising twist, the EU’s consideration of minimum pricing agreements for Chinese EVs marks a departure from its traditional approach, as such mechanisms have historically been applied only to uniform commodities. This shift underscores the evolving dynamics of international trade negotiations in the rapidly growing EV sector. 👉 Full story here

EV Batteries: 40% Longer Lifespan Than Previously Thought

A recent study from Stanford University reveals that electric vehicle (EV) batteries may last nearly 40% longer than previously estimated, potentially adding an extra 300,000 kilometers to their lifespan. By simulating real-world driving conditions, such as acceleration, braking, and idling, the research found that batteries degrade more slowly than under traditional lab tests. Notably, short bursts of acceleration were linked to reduced battery degradation, challenging common assumptions.

Key Highlights:

• Stanford study indicates EV batteries could last 40% longer, equating to an additional 300,000 km.

• Real-world driving simulations show slower battery degradation compared to lab conditions.

• Short, sharp accelerations may actually reduce battery wear.

• Time-related degradation is more significant than usage-related wear for personal EVs.

• Findings may alleviate consumer concerns about EV battery longevity.

Kismet: Contrary to popular belief, the study found that brief, rapid accelerations, often thought to harm battery health, were associated with slower degradation, suggesting that spirited driving might not be as detrimental to EV batteries as once feared. 👉 Full story here

Clean Energy

Clean Power Surges Past 40% Globally in 2024

In 2024, clean energy sources, including renewables and nuclear, supplied 40.9% of the world’s electricity, surpassing the 40% mark for the first time since the 1940s. This milestone was driven by record additions in solar and wind power, with solar alone contributing 474 TWh, a 29% increase from the previous year. Despite a 1.4% rise in fossil fuel generation due to increased demand from heatwaves, clean energy growth outpaced demand increases, signaling a potential permanent decline in fossil fuel reliance.

Key Highlights:

• Clean energy (renewables + nuclear) reached 40.9% of global electricity generation in 2024.

• Solar power added 474 TWh, growing 29% year-over-year, and has doubled in capacity over the past three years.

• Wind power contributed 8.1% of global electricity, while hydro remained steady at 14%.

• Fossil fuel generation saw a modest 1.4% increase, primarily due to heatwave-induced cooling demands.

• Clean energy growth is projected to outpace electricity demand increases through 2030, potentially leading to a sustained decline in fossil fuel use.

Kismet: In a surprising twist, the surge in electricity demand from emerging technologies like AI, data centers, EVs, and heat pumps, accounting for a 0.7% increase in 2024, was comfortably met by the booming growth in solar and wind power, highlighting the resilience and scalability of clean energy sources. 👉 Full story here

From Coal Ash to Solar Flash: West Virginia’s Bright Transformation

In a remarkable turn of events, a 5.5-megawatt solar farm has been established atop a former coal ash landfill in Rivesville, West Virginia. This initiative, spearheaded by Mon Power and Potomac Edison, not only repurposes a previously unusable site but also brings clean energy to nearly 1,000 homes. It’s a shining example of how regions historically tied to coal are embracing renewable energy solutions.

Key Highlights:

• The solar farm is situated on a 27-acre coal ash disposal site, inactive since the Rivesville Power Station’s closure in 2012.

• Approximately 14,000 solar panels were installed, employing 63 local union workers during construction.

• This project is the second utility-scale solar farm by Mon Power and Potomac Edison in West Virginia, following the 18.9-MW Fort Martin solar farm.

• Three additional solar projects are in the pipeline, aiming to utilise other former ash landfill sites in the state.

• The initiative aligns with a 2020 West Virginia law permitting utilities to develop up to 200 MW of solar on brownfield sites.

Kismet: In a state once ranked 48th in solar capacity, West Virginia’s innovative approach to repurposing coal ash landfills for solar energy is propelling it towards a projected 42nd place in just five years, showcasing a significant shift in energy priorities.

Solar Waste? A Storm in a Teacup Compared to Fossil Fuel Filth

The next time someone frets about solar panel waste, remind them that coal and gas are the real culprits. While solar panels generate about 2 kg of solid waste per megawatt-hour (MWh) over their lifespan, coal plants produce a staggering 80–100 kg of toxic ash and nearly a tonne of CO₂ per MWh. Natural gas isn’t much better, emitting around 450 kg of CO₂ per MWh. Moreover, over 90% of solar panels discarded before 2030 are due to premature failures, not end-of-life retirements, and most of their materials are recyclable. It’s high time we stop exaggerating solar’s waste problem and focus on the real environmental offenders.

Key Highlights:

• Solar panels generate approximately 2 kg of solid waste per MWh over a 25-year lifespan.

• Coal plants produce 80–100 kg of toxic ash and about 950 kg of CO₂ per MWh.

• Natural gas plants emit around 450 kg of CO₂ per MWh.

• Over 90% of solar panels discarded before 2030 are due to premature failures, not end-of-life retirements.

• Solar panel materials are largely recyclable, with over 80% being inert and non-toxic.

Kismet: In a surprising twist, the majority of solar panel waste arises not from panels reaching their end-of-life but from early replacements due to factors like storm damage and manufacturing defects. This pattern mirrors early phases of many emerging technologies, where initial iterations often see higher failure rates, leading to accelerated replacement cycles. 👉 Full story here

Lego’s $1B Vietnam Factory: Building a Greener Future, Brick by Brick

Lego has unveiled its most sustainable facility yet, a $1 billion factory in Binh Duong, Vietnam, poised to operate entirely on clean energy by early 2026. Spanning an area equivalent to 62 soccer fields, the factory boasts 12,400 rooftop solar panels and an adjacent energy storage system, ensuring a steady supply of renewable power. This initiative not only aligns with Lego’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 but also sets a precedent for sustainable manufacturing in fast-industrialising nations like Vietnam.

Key Highlights:

• The factory is Lego’s sixth worldwide and its second in Asia, strategically located to serve the burgeoning Southeast Asian market.

• Incorporates advanced automation and robotics to produce plastic bricks with precision, aiming to employ thousands of skilled workers.

• Features LEED Platinum-certified buildings and replaces single-use plastic bags with paper alternatives.

• Lego has planted 50,000 trees, twice the number removed during construction, to offset environmental impact.

• Utilises a Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) to procure clean energy directly from local producers, a first for any company in Vietnam.

Kismet: In a groundbreaking move, Lego’s factory leverages Vietnam’s new DPPA policy, allowing foreign companies to buy clean energy directly, a significant step in the nation’s journey towards net-zero emissions by 2050. This collaboration not only benefits Lego’s sustainability goals but also propels Vietnam’s clean energy ambitions forward. 👉 Full story here

Latest Publications

Blog

Supply Chain Blind Spots: The Hidden Risks That Could Derail Your Business

In my latest blog post, I delve into the often-overlooked vulnerabilities lurking within supply chains. From forced labour in distant factories to suppliers situated in flood-prone regions, these hidden risks can have profound implications. With the advent of stringent regulations like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), it’s imperative for companies to gain comprehensive visibility into their supply networks. Neglecting these aspects isn’t just a compliance issue, it’s a threat to business continuity and reputation.

Key Highlights:

• Supply chain sustainability has transitioned from a peripheral concern to a central operational focus.

• Emerging regulations, such as the EU’s CSDDD, mandate thorough due diligence across entire supply chains.

• Risks include not only ethical concerns like forced labour but also environmental vulnerabilities like suppliers in flood zones.

• Companies must adopt integrated ESG strategies to ensure transparency and resilience.

• Proactive risk management is essential to safeguard against potential disruptions and reputational damage.

Kismet: In a surprising twist, the very technologies that have streamlined global supply chains, like just-in-time inventory systems, have also amplified their fragility. This paradox underscores the need for a balanced approach that marries efficiency with resilience. 👉 Read the full post here

Climate Confident Podcast

From Filing to Patent in 6 Months: The Untold Story of the USPTO’s Climate Program

In this episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I spoke with Ryan Schermerhorn, a US-based patent attorney who’s been helping clean tech innovators navigate the IP maze, until recently with the help of a now-suspended fast-track programme. We discussed the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) Climate Change Mitigation Pilot Program, which allowed inventors of emissions-reducing technologies to get patents approved in months rather than years, at no cost. Ryan explained how it worked, why it was a big deal for clean tech startups, and how it quietly disappeared earlier this year following the US’ seismic political shift.

Key Highlights:

• The USPTO’s Climate Change Mitigation Pilot Program expedited patent approvals for emissions-reducing technologies, reducing wait times from years to months.

• The program was suspended without notice following a change in the U.S. administration, impacting clean tech startups relying on rapid patent approvals.

• Alternative pathways for expedited patents include international programs in countries like Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, and South Korea.

• The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) allows innovators to leverage approved patents in one country to fast-track approvals in others.

• Balancing IP protection with open innovation is crucial; patents provide necessary protection and incentives for climate tech development.

Kismet: In a surprising twist, the USPTO’s Climate Change Mitigation Pilot Program, which significantly accelerated patent approvals for clean technologies, was suspended without public announcement, leaving many innovators unaware of its abrupt termination. 🎧 Listen to the full episode

Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast

Design Thinking Meets Supply Chain Ethics: Rhea Rakshit on Building Resilient Networks

In this episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rhea Rakshit, VP of Product Management at Sayari. We delved into the complexities of modern supply chains, discussing how traditional visibility tools fall short in addressing issues like forced labour, climate risks, and deforestation. Rhea shared insights on leveraging data and human-centred design to transform supply chain management from a compliance exercise into a proactive strategy for resilience and ethical responsibility.

Key Highlights:

• Traditional supply chain visibility tools are inadequate for addressing complex issues like forced labour and climate risks.

• Data-driven approaches and human-centred design can transform supply chain management into a proactive strategy.

• Consolidating sustainability ownership under risk or compliance functions can be a game-changer for organisations.

• Understanding the lived realities of suppliers, especially in the global South, is crucial for building resilient supply chains.

• The difference between visibility and insight is critical; true resilience comes from deep, actionable understanding.

Kismet: In a surprising twist, Rhea highlighted how consolidating sustainability efforts under risk or compliance functions, not marketing or CSR, can lead to more effective and ethical supply chain management, challenging traditional organisational structures. 🎧 Listen to the full episode

Coming Soon to the podcasts

In upcoming episodes of the podcasts I will be talking to Alexei Beltyukov, Co-Founder of United Fuel Technologies, Aviation Greenstein, CEO of Bamboozle, Jen Chew, Head of Solutions and Consulting at Bristlecone, and JF Gagne, Chief Strategy and product Officer at Pendulum.

Don’t forget to follow the podcasts in your podcast app of choice to ensure you don’t miss any episodes.

Featured Charts

Related to the issues I highlighted above for travelers to the US, the number of Europeans traveling to the US has fallen significantly, with consequent knock-on effects on tourism and business.

How cool things are at different times in your life - do I need to take up skateboarding?

Misc stuff

If you came across the trend of making boxed toys of yourself, or others online recently… here’s my contribution. Sorry!

I’d love to know the story behind this one!

This is very familiar to me, unfortunately - that and exams!!!

And lastly, did you know this? I didn’t. Every day’s a schoolday, as they say!

Engage

If you made it this far, well done! If you liked this newsletter, or learned something new, feel free to share this newsletter with family and friends. Encourage folks to sign up for it.

Finally, since being impacted by the tech layoffs, I'm currently in the market for a new role. If you know someone who could benefit from my tech savvy, sustainability, and strong social media expertise, I'd be grateful for a referral.

If you have any comments or suggestions for how I can improve this newsletter, don’t hesitate to let me know. Thanks.

*** Be aware that any typos you find in this newsletter are tests to see who is paying attention! ***

And Finally

Check out the most dangerous place in the solar system when it comes to bear attacks