Bye Bye CO2! Europe’s EVs Just Saved 20M Tonnes!

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

Today, March 20th is the United Nations International Day of Happiness, so it is fitting that I’m sending this edition of the newsletter out today, given it is mostly 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!

Is the Universe Hitting the Brakes? Dark Energy’s Power May Be Fading!
Hold onto your telescopes, folks! Groundbreaking observations from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) at Arizona’s Kitt Peak National Observatory suggest that dark energy - the enigmatic force accelerating our universe’s expansion - might be losing its oomph. This revelation challenges the long-standing cosmological model that has dominated our understanding for decades. The DESI team, after mapping a staggering 15 million galaxies spanning 11 billion years, proposes that dark energy peaked when the universe was about 70% of its current age and has since diminished by approximately 10%. This means the cosmic acceleration is still ongoing, but the pedal isn’t to the metal as it once was.

Now, here’s where it gets cosmic: if dark energy continues its decline and eventually becomes negative, we could be looking at a scenario where the universe’s expansion halts and reverses, culminating in a “big crunch” - a cosmic implosion bringing everything back to a singular point. This is a stark departure from the previously anticipated “big freeze,” where galaxies drift indefinitely into the cold abyss. While these findings haven’t yet reached the gold standard of five-sigma statistical certainty, many cosmologists are buzzing with excitement. Prof. Carlos Frenk of Durham University remarked, “We’re witnessing the overthrow of the old paradigm and the emergence of a new paradigm.” It’s a thrilling time to be pondering the universe’s fate, as we may be on the cusp of rewriting cosmic history. Link

Kismet: In a twist that could make science fiction writers giddy, this potential weakening of dark energy not only hints at a cosmic contraction but also opens the door to the concept of a cyclic universe - where a big crunch could be followed by another big bang, suggesting an eternal series of cosmic rebirths.

Nature’s Netflix: How Watching Green Scenes Can Soothe Your Pain!
Imagine this: you’re wincing from a stubbed toe, and instead of reaching for the paracetamol, you flip on a David Attenborough documentary. Sounds bonkers, right? But hold onto your remote - recent research from the University of Exeter and the University of Vienna suggests that immersing yourself in nature scenes can genuinely dial down pain perception. In this study, 49 brave souls endured mild electric shocks while watching videos ranging from serene natural landscapes to mundane urban settings. The results? Those who feasted their eyes on Mother Nature’s wonders reported less pain, with brain scans revealing decreased activity in pain-processing regions.

Now, let’s not toss out the ibuprofen just yet. The analgesic effect of these visual nature escapades was about half as potent as traditional painkillers. However, this discovery opens up fascinating avenues for non-drug pain management strategies. Lead researcher Max Steininger emphasized that this isn’t merely a placebo effect; the brain genuinely reacts differently when exposed to natural imagery. So, next time you’re feeling the sting of that paper cut, perhaps consider a virtual stroll through the Amazon before raiding the medicine cabinet. Link

Kismet: In a twist that might surprise you, this study also sheds light on a 40-year-old mystery. Back in the day, patients with views of green spaces reportedly required fewer painkillers and recovered faster than those staring at brick walls. This new research provides the first robust explanation for that phenomenon, highlighting the genuine pain-relieving power of nature.

AirPods to Break Language Barriers: Apple’s Plan for Real-Time Translation!
Apple is reportedly gearing up to transform its AirPods into real-time translation devices, according to Bloomberg. This upcoming feature, expected to debut with the iOS 19 update later this year, aims to enable users to engage in conversations across different languages seamlessly. The envisioned functionality would allow, for instance, a Spanish speaker’s words to be translated and played in English through the listener’s AirPods, with the iPhone’s speakers reciprocating the translation for the Spanish speaker.

While this development is exciting, it’s worth noting that Apple is playing catch-up in this arena. Google’s Pixel Buds have offered similar live translation capabilities since 2017, and other tech companies like Meta and Humane have also ventured into this space with their wearables, albeit with varying degrees of success. Additionally, Apple has announced delays in rolling out new AI-enhanced features for Siri, indicating that the integration of advanced AI functionalities remains a complex challenge. Link

Kismet: Interestingly, this move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to enhance accessibility features in its products. Last year, the company introduced the ability to use AirPods Pro 2 as personalized hearing aids through software updates, highlighting Apple’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved user experiences.

FireSat Ignites a New Era in Wildfire Detection: Google’s Satellite Spots Flames Before They Rage!
Ladies and gents, grab your fire extinguishers - Google’s just launched the first satellite in its FireSat constellation, aiming to revolutionize how we detect and combat wildfires. This isn’t just tech for tech’s sake; it’s a game-changer for environmental monitoring. The satellite, now orbiting Earth, is designed to detect wildfires as small as 5x5 meters - about the size of a classroom. This early detection capability means we can potentially snuff out fires before they become unmanageable infernos. The plan is to have over 50 of these satellites providing high-resolution imagery updated every 20 minutes, offering near real-time data to first responders.

This initiative is a collaboration between Google Research, Muon Space, and the Earth Fire Alliance, with a hefty $13 million in funding from Google.org. The first satellite hitched a ride aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission, marking a significant milestone in leveraging AI and satellite technology for environmental protection. Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, even gave a shoutout to Elon Musk’s SpaceX for the lift. With climate change exacerbating wildfire seasons globally, FireSat’s timely and precise data could be pivotal in mitigating the devastating impacts of these natural disasters. Link

Kismet: In a twist that underscores the urgency of this mission, the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles earlier this year caused more than $250 billion in damages, highlighting the critical need for advanced detection systems like FireSat.

AI’s Marathon Training: Models Now Tackling Longer Tasks with Growing Prowess!
In a fascinating development, researchers at Model Evaluation & Threat Research (METR) have unveiled a novel approach to gauging AI capabilities by measuring the length of tasks these systems can autonomously complete. Their findings indicate that over the past six years, the duration of tasks that AI models can handle with a 50% success rate has been doubling approximately every seven months. This exponential growth suggests that, within the next five years, AI agents could independently manage software tasks that currently require humans days or even weeks to accomplish.

The study highlights a significant correlation between task length and AI success rates: models exhibit nearly 100% success on tasks taking humans under four minutes, but this drops to less than 10% for tasks exceeding four hours. This metric offers a fresh perspective on AI’s evolving competencies, bridging the gap between impressive benchmark performances and real-world applicability. As AI systems continue to advance at this rapid pace, we stand on the brink of a transformative era where machines might soon shoulder complex, time-intensive tasks, reshaping industries and workflows alike. Link

Kismet: Interestingly, this trend mirrors Moore’s Law, where computing power doubled approximately every two years. Now, AI’s capability to handle longer tasks is accelerating even faster, potentially leading to unprecedented levels of automation and efficiency across various sectors.

Europe’s EV Surge: 20 Million Tonnes of CO₂ Saved and Counting!
Hold onto your charging cables, folks! Europe’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution is not just a buzzword - it’s delivering tangible environmental benefits. According to Transport & Environment’s latest State of European Transport report, the continent is poised to slash 20 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions this year, thanks to the burgeoning number of EVs on the road. This reduction is akin to shutting down seven coal-fired power plants. With nearly 9 million battery electric vehicles expected to be cruising European streets by year’s end, it’s clear that green policies are steering us in the right direction.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. While road transport emissions are declining, the aviation sector is throwing a spanner in the works. European airlines pumped out 143 million tonnes of CO₂ last year, marking a nearly 10% uptick from 2023. Shipping emissions remain stubbornly high at 195 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. Despite these challenges, the inclusion of shipping in the EU’s carbon market has generated €5 billion in revenues in 2024, offering a financial springboard to bridge the price gap between green e-fuels and traditional fossil fuels. Link

Kismet: In a twist that underscores the urgency of this transition, Europe’s transport sector emitted 1.05 billion tonnes of CO₂ in 2024, down from 1.1 billion tonnes in 2019 - a 5% drop. This decline is largely attributed to the rise in EV adoption, highlighting the critical role of sustainable transport in combating climate change.

Camden’s Streets Go Electric: 570 ‘Flat and Flush’ EV Chargers Coming Soon!
In a move set to electrify the Borough of Camden, London, the local council has partnered with Scottish charge point company Trojan Energy to install over 570 on-street Level 2 EV chargers by 2026. This initiative kicks off with an initial rollout of 70 chargers in July 2025, with the remainder to follow as suitable locations are identified. These innovative 22 kW chargers are designed to sit “flat and flush” with sidewalks, eliminating the clutter of bulky units and allowing residents without driveways to easily “plug and play” using personal adapters. The chargers are connected via underground cables to a nearby cabinet and are grouped in clusters, enhancing availability and convenience for drivers.

It’s important to note that this deployment is specific to Camden, not the entirety of London. While 570 chargers might seem modest across the vast expanse of the city, within Camden’s boundaries, this represents a significant boost to EV infrastructure. The project also supports car-sharing programs, aiming to reduce unnecessary car ownership and encourage more sustainable modes of transport like walking, cycling, or public transit. Funding for this initiative comes from the UK government’s On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS), underscoring a commitment to improving air quality and reducing emissions across the borough. Link

Kismet: These “flat and flush” chargers not only preserve the aesthetic appeal of Camden’s historic streets but also minimise tripping hazards for pedestrians - a thoughtful integration of technology and urban design.

BYD’s Lightning-Fast Charging: 300 Miles in 5 Minutes Leaves Tesla in the Dust!
In a move that could electrify the EV landscape, China’s BYD has unveiled a groundbreaking platform capable of recharging an electric vehicle to provide nearly 480km (300 miles) of driving range in just five minutes. This leap brings EV charging times tantalizingly close to the traditional petrol station pit stop, potentially dismantling one of the last significant barriers to widespread EV adoption. BYD’s chairman and founder, Wang Chuanfu, introduced the 1,000-Volt Super e-Platform, which will debut in upcoming models like the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV. To complement this innovation, BYD plans to roll out over 4,000 ultra-fast chargers across China, ensuring the infrastructure keeps pace with their technological advancements.

While specifics about the battery chemistry and sustained power levels remain under wraps, this development underscores China’s accelerating lead in EV technology. In contrast, Tesla’s vehicles currently operate on 400V systems, limiting their charging speeds even when using the latest 325kW Superchargers. Competitors like Hyundai, Kia, and Porsche have already adopted 800V architectures, but BYD’s 1,000V system sets a new benchmark. As Matt Teske, CEO of Chargeway, observes, “Tesla has definitely moved from leader to laggard in EV battery and charging technology at this point.” Link

Kismet: In a twist that could reshape the global EV market, BYD’s rapid charging breakthrough not only challenges Tesla’s dominance but also positions China at the forefront of next-gen automotive technology, potentially influencing global manufacturing standards and consumer expectations.

Solar Panels: Breathing Life into Deserts - China’s Unexpected Eco-Transformation!
In a twist that flips conventional wisdom on its head, China’s ambitious deployment of solar panels across its deserts is not just generating clean energy but also rejuvenating these arid landscapes. A study conducted by researchers from Xi’an University of Technology at the Gonghe Photovoltaic Park in Qinghai Province—a sprawling one-gigawatt solar farm - revealed that the installation of solar panels has led to significant ecological benefits. The panels provide shade, which reduces soil temperatures and evaporation rates, creating a more hospitable environment for vegetation to thrive. This unexpected greening effect suggests that renewable energy projects can harmoniously coexist with, and even enhance, fragile ecosystems.

This phenomenon isn’t isolated. China’s ‘Solar Great Wall’ project in the Kubuqi Desert exemplifies this synergy. The initiative aims to construct a 400-kilometer-long solar array capable of generating up to 100 gigawatts of power by 2030. Beyond energy production, the project seeks to combat desertification by stabilising sand dunes and reducing wind erosion. The shade from the panels lowers ground temperatures and preserves moisture, fostering conditions conducive to agriculture beneath the installations. Such integrative approaches highlight the multifaceted benefits of renewable energy infrastructure, transforming barren deserts into productive, green landscapes while addressing climate change. Link

Kismet: These solar installations not only generate clean energy but also create microhabitats that support biodiversity, leading to the resurgence of plant species previously unable to survive in harsh desert conditions.

Earth Overshoot Day: Highlighting the Urgency for Sustainable Solutions
Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources surpasses what Earth can regenerate in that year. In 2023, this sobering milestone fell on August 2nd, underscoring the pressing need for sustainable practices.

Individual countries reach their own “Overshoot Days” based on their specific consumption patterns. For instance, Luxembourg exhausted its annual ecological budget by February 17, 2025, highlighting significant disparities in resource use.

The recent advancements we’ve discussed above - such as Europe’s anticipated reduction of 20 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions through increased electric vehicle adoption, Camden’s initiative to install 570 ‘flat and flush’ EV chargers, and China’s innovative use of solar panels to rejuvenate desert ecosystems are pivotal in addressing this ecological deficit. These initiatives not only mitigate resource overconsumption but also exemplify proactive steps toward aligning our ecological footprint with the planet’s capacity to sustain it. Link

Kismet: If global consumption mirrored that of Luxembourg, we would require over seven Earths to meet our resource demands, starkly illustrating the critical need for widespread adoption of sustainable practices.

Blog

The Energy Revolution: How AI, EVs, & Batteries Are Changing the Game
In my latest blog post, I delve into the transformative shift from centralised power systems to decentralised, democratised energy solutions. I had the pleasure of discussing this evolution with Chris Doherty, CEO of Joulen, on a recent episode of the Climate Confident podcast. We explored how smart battery systems, artificial intelligence, and distributed energy resources are not only greening our grids but also empowering individuals and communities to take control of their energy consumption and production.

We also examined the pivotal role of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), which aggregate numerous small-scale energy producers like homes with solar panels and batteries into cohesive, flexible energy networks. This model enhances grid resilience and allows everyday consumers to actively participate in energy markets. However, for this decentralised approach to flourish, supportive government policies and accessible financial incentives are crucial. By implementing green loans and tax benefits, we can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and equitable energy future. Link

Kismet: Interestingly, the integration of AI in energy management not only optimises consumption but also predicts and mitigates potential grid failures, enhancing overall energy security.

Climate Confident

The Future of Energy: Virtual Power Plants, AI & Battery Storage
As I mentioned in my latest blog post (see above), in the latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I had an enlightening conversation with Chris Doherty, CEO of Joulen, where we delved into the transformative impact of data, artificial intelligence (AI), and battery storage on how homes and businesses engage with renewable energy. We explored the concept of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), which enable households and small enterprises to collectively function as large-scale power providers, thereby reducing costs and generating income. Chris highlighted the role of AI-driven algorithms in optimising energy usage, ensuring consumers can “buy low and sell high,” maximising both savings and revenue

Our discussion also addressed the regulatory challenges hindering the broader adoption of decentralised energy solutions and examined how various countries are navigating these obstacles. We touched upon Germany’s advancements in residential battery storage and the evolving energy market in the UK. Additionally, we considered the potential of electric vehicles equipped with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology to serve as alternatives to home batteries, the role of energy storage in stabilising the grid, and the financial incentives necessary to promote the widespread adoption of solar and battery technologies in both residential and commercial settings. Link

Kismet: Our conversation revealed that AI-driven energy management systems not only optimise individual consumption but also enhance overall grid resilience by predicting and mitigating potential failures, thereby contributing to a more stable and efficient energy infrastructure.

Sustainable Supply Chain

The Sustainability Thread: Connecting Data, Compliance & Action
In the latest episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast, I had an insightful conversation with Klaus Brettschneider, Director of Sustainability Products at Linx-AS. We delved into the transformative potential of digitalisation in sustainability management, introducing the concept of the “sustainability thread.” This approach connects sustainability data across an organisation, enabling businesses to move beyond mere compliance and integrate sustainability into product lifecycle management (PLM).

We tackled challenges such as fragmented data and complex supply chains, discussing how automation can streamline processes like carbon accounting and lifecycle assessments. Klaus shed light on regulatory pressures, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), emphasising the necessity for businesses to align their IT strategies with sustainability goals to maintain a competitive edge. Link

Kismet: Our discussion revealed that industries like steel and cement are making notable progress in sustainability through digitalisation, while sectors such as agriculture lag behind, highlighting the critical need for tailored digital strategies across different industries.

In upcoming episodes of the podcasts I will be talking to Kenny McGee, CEO of Component Sense, Andrew Hargest, Founder of SupplyClub, Sandhya Sabapathy, Head of Environment and Net Zero at Entain, and Faustine Delassale, Head of the Mission Possible Partnership.

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

Lithium ion battery prices continue to fall, reducing the price of EVs, and battery energy storage for energy grids - good news for all of us!

The Uk’s emissions have fallen significantly in the last two decades. Still a long way to go, but this is an excellent sign of progress being made.

Which countries have emitted the most CO2 to date?

Saw this and given the day that was in it, I felt I had to include it - happy International Day of Happiness!!!

If you are a woman who likes to travel solo, here’s a handy reference for your next travels in Europe.

How European countries view immigrants - it shouldn’t be a big surprise that Irish attitudes towards immigrants are so positive, since so many Irish have over the years themselves emigrated (myself included).

This one gave me a giggle!

I laughed at this one too - though you have to be a bit of a history and sci-fi buff, I suspect to get it!

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.

Is this the world’s worst license plate?

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! ***

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