Happy Wednesday 👋

Our oceans connect ecosystems, help regulate the climate, and support the livelihoods of billions of people worldwide…

…but like most things, they have also been seriously affected by climate change.

Protecting our oceans is essential to maintaining Earth’s health for future generations.

Which is why a new, innovative method to reduce ocean acidification could become one of our most important global climate strategies moving forward!

Here are the impactful insights that I have for you today:

• Enhancing ocean alkalinity to prevent acidification 🌊
• How small forests can save our large cities 🌳
• Why Milan is banning outdoor smoking 🚬
• And more… 💚

🌊 The New Innovative Method to Reduce Ocean Acidification

1️⃣ The big picture: Scientists and companies are exploring an innovative technique called ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) to combat two significant environmental challenges: atmospheric carbon removal and ocean acidification. OAE is a method that involves dissolving acid-neutralizing minerals into the ocean. This process increases the water’s alkalinity, allowing it to absorb more carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and store it long-term as bicarbonate ions—without causing harmful ocean acidification. 

2️⃣ Why is this good news: CO₂ emissions are causing ocean acidification, which threatens marine life, especially organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to build shells and skeletons. The ocean naturally absorbs CO₂ through a chemical reaction between dissolved carbon and alkaline minerals. By increasing ocean alkalinity, the OAE method could reduce acidity and protect marine ecosystems. And by leveraging the ocean’s natural processes, OAE could become a cornerstone of global climate strategies—an “antacid” for the oceans and a potential solution for cooling the Earth.

3️⃣ What’s next: OAE is gaining momentum among climate ventures and philanthropic organizations. Several start-ups have already begun implementing OAE including Planetary, based in Nova Scotia, and Ebb Carbon, based in Washington. However, scaling the technology to remove billions of tons of CO₂ annually will require significant investment, technological refinement, and public acceptance. As research continues, scientists and innovators remain optimistic.

📢 More Good News…

🐟 How whiskey distilleries are helping to prevent overfishing:

• The Scottish company MiAlgae is playing a surprising role in tackling overfishing and climate change by repurposing waste from whisky production to grow microalgae rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. 
• MiAlgae’s process uses whisky distillery wastewater to grow microalgae in bioreactors. This algae is then dried and turned into a powder that can be used as aquafeed for farmed fish and even in pet food. The algae production not only provides a sustainable source of Omega-3 but also reduces carbon emissions.
• By transforming whisky waste into sustainable Omega-3 production, MiAlgae is not only supporting the growth of sustainable aquaculture but also helping to protect the oceans from overfishing.

🌳 How small forests can save our large cities:

• The Japanese “micro-forest” method, specifically the Miyawaki Forest Technique, is transforming urban landscapes by introducing small, dense forests in cities around the world.
• Micro-forests help combat urban pollution, mitigate the urban heat island effect, combat anxiety and depression, and increase urban biodiversity. They also grow up to 10 times faster than traditional monoculture forests, thriving in just 2-3 decades. 
• Micro-forests offer a nature-based solution to improve urban environments, reduce pollution, and enhance well-being. As more cities adopt this method, it could play a significant role in sustainable urban development, fostering healthier, greener cities.

🚬 Why Milan is banning outdoor smoking:

• As of January 1, 2025, Milan has implemented its most stringent ban on outdoor smoking, marking another step in its ongoing initiative to combat air pollution and protect public health. 
• Under the ban, smoking is prohibited in all public spaces, including streets and outdoor areas, with violators facing penalties ranging from €40 to €240.
• The new law builds on Milan’s 2020 air quality ordinance aimed at reducing air pollution, with the goal being to protect citizens—especially children—from the dangers of passive smoke. By addressing smoking-related pollution, the city aims to both reduce harmful emissions and encourage healthier lifestyles.

🤝 Important Awareness Events At a Glance

💔 January 6, World Day of War Orphans:

• The World Day of War Orphans was founded by the French organization SOS Enfants en Detresses, with the United Nations formally recognizing the awareness event in 2006. 
• Today, organizations around the world such as UNICEF and the Red Cross are actively involved in supporting war orphans on this day and beyond through advocacy, education, and on-the-ground assistance.

👮 January 9, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day: 

• Every day, law enforcement officers are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of public safety. 
• On this day, organizations encourage people to show their appreciation for law enforcement officers and their families.

🔌 January 10, National Cut Your Energy Costs Day: 

• This day is all about taking small steps to save money on energy while simultaneously reducing your carbon footprint. 
• Environmental organizations use this opportunity to share tips and tricks that people can easily implement to use less energy in their homes.

Related: You can discover all the 80 most important awareness events (for the month, days, weeks) in our awareness calendar for January 2025!

📜 These Days in History

📱 January 9, 2007: Steve Jobs debuted the iPhone at the MacWorld convention in San Francisco. By November 2007, more than 1.4 million iPhones were sold, and it was named the New York Times’ Invention of the Year.

🌐 January 10, 1946: The first General Assembly of the United Nations was held in London, England. Composed of 51 member-states, the UN was created to increase communication and cooperation between nations to avoid further conflict following World War II.

💭 Quote of the Day

“Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people.”

― Steve Jobs; American businessman, inventor, investor, and co-founder of Apple Inc.

Share the news with your friends to make a bigger positive impact on the world and society!

Stay impactful 💚