Happy Tuesday 👋

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

• Novel chemical modification process expands eco-friendly bioproducts 🧪
• Slowing down arctic ice loss 🧊
• The world’s first marine reserve for sperm whales 🐋
• And more… 💚

Did you know that Azaarenes molecules are in nearly all everyday products? Or how they are normally produced?

To be honest, I can’t remember ever having heard about Azaarenes before… 

Nonetheless, I have been super excited to find out that there’s an innovation around these molecules as it significantly helps advance sustainable solutions in everyday products.

This is because this new way opens up new possibilities for eco-friendly productions and reduces our reliance on fossil fuels!

🧪 How Light-Powered Enzymes Can Revolutionize Green Chemical Production

1️⃣ The big picture: Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed an innovative way to modify Azaarenes molecules using light-powered enzymes. This has been hailed as a ground-breaking discovery that has revolutionary implications for sustainable chemical production and the development of green energy solutions. Azaarenes are used in everyday products, including essential medication and agrochemicals. But, the research team has now incorporated photoenzymatic systems to supercharge enzymes with a flashlight. This process has unearthed chemical reactions that were previously thought to be unachievable.

2️⃣ Why is this good news: Azaarenes molecules are the building blocks of a variety of essential compounds that are used in everyday life. They can even influence the DNA in human cells. However, our ability to manipulate them is limited. This new process will significantly expand the number of bioproducts that can be made efficiently and sustainably, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

3️⃣ What’s next: This discovery opens up new possibilities for eco-friendly chemical production and sustainable energy solutions. It could be a turning point for the bioenergy sector because and lay the foundation for a more sustainable future. With novel chemical reactions made possible by this study, more affordable energy sources, biomass feedstocks, and biofuels are suddenly much more achievable than previously thought. 

👉 You can already help to improve sustainability worldwide by contributing to the Best Charities That Promote Sustainability!

📢 More Good News…

🧊 Climate engineering using sunlight can slow Antarctic ice loss:

• Researchers at Indiana University are exploring how to reflect sunlight into space before it’s absorbed into the Earth’s climate, as a way to slow alarming ice loss in Antarctica.
• The study focuses on a form of climate engineering called stratospheric aerosol injection, whereby huge numbers of tiny sunlight-reflecting sulfur droplets are released into the stratosphere by airplanes to keep global warming under control.
• This process mimics the way that volcano eruptions spew a large number of particles into the atmosphere, triggering a cooling effect that can last for years.

🐋 Launch of the world’s first marine reserve for sperm whales:

• The small island of Dominica in the Eastern Caribbean Sea has announced that it will create a 788^sq km reserve to protect endangered sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus).
• The area is home to a 300-strong group of sperm whales that are continuously threatened by pollution, boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and tourism. 
• The aim of this new reserve is to restrict these unsustainable activities, expanding the nation’s total marine protection to 70%.

🪙 Using cryptocurrency technology to improve transparency in the gold mining industry:

• To reduce the prevalence of illegal gold mining, the gold industry is turning to an innovative source; blockchain, which is the technology behind cryptocurrency.
• The value of gold has increased by over 55% since 2008, causing a rise in illicit gold material appearing in popular products, including smartphones, jewelry, and electric cars. 
• By recording each transaction in ‘blocks’ that can be viewed but not altered, experts claim that consumers will find it much easier to track gold and ensure its authenticity, whilst making it harder for illegal traders to fake receipts. 

♀️ Event of the Week: White Ribbon Day

👉 Did you know that this Saturday (November 25) is White Ribbon Day? Also known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, this event was founded in 1991 to raise awareness and prevent violence against women and girls.

1️⃣ The big picture: White Ribbon Day was set up by a group of men in Canada to address the issue of violence against women. Today, the event is a global movement to remind us that violence against women is a societal issue, not just a woman’s issue. The white ribbon is a symbol of men’s commitment to ending violence against women and girls, pledging for them to be a solution to the problem. White Ribbon Day also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence that runs until International Human Rights Day (December 10). 

2️⃣ Why is this important: Globally, an estimated 736 million women have been subjected to sexual and physical violence. This equates to 1 in every 3 women aged 15 and over. Yet, less than 40% of these women seek help because of a lack of resources and education, as well as the fear of their feelings not being validated. Furthermore, school-related gender-based violence is a significant barrier to educational opportunities for girls. And, since the COVID-19 pandemic, 10 million additional girls around the world are at risk of child marriage over the next decade.

3️⃣ How can you get involved: The theme for White Ribbon Day 2023 is #ChangeTheStory, so women and girls can live their lives free from violence. You can get involved in this campaign by wearing a white ribbon to raise awareness of the issue of gender-based violence or by making the White Ribbon Promise. Alternatively, you can set up your own fundraising event or donate directly to the White Ribbon charity. 

Additionally, you can check out the organizations below that are dedicated to protecting the rights of women and girls around the world:

• 10 Best Charities for Female Education
• 9 Best Charities for Women’s Empowerment
• 9 Best Charities That Fight for Women’s Safety
• 9 Best Charities for Women’s Rights

📜 This Week in History

⛪ November 21, 1992: The Anglican Church of Australia voted to allow women to become priests.

📝 November 21, 1995: The Bosnian War finally came to an end after a peace agreement (called the Dayton Accords) was signed by the Presidents of Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia.  

🥊 November 22, 1986: 20-year-old Mike Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history, after he won against Trevor Berbick with a second-round knockout.   

💭 Quote of the Day

“As long as we persevere and endure, we can get anything we want.”

— Mike Tyson, former heavyweight boxing champion

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

Stay impactful 💚