Happy Thursday 👋

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

• Using hydropanels to extract drinking water from the air 💧
• The EU lays out a plan to cut greenhouse emissions by 90% by 2040 📉 
• New Zealand to ban PFAS in cosmetics by 2027 🚫💄 
• And more… 💚

Last year was yet again the warmest year on record…

And climate change is only further exacerbating water scarcity, where already two billion people worldwide don’t have access to safe drinking water today…

Now, wouldn’t it be ingenious to combine these two problems into one solution?

💧 How Hydropanels Extract Drinking Water from Thin Air

1️⃣ The big picture: Technology companies are revolutionizing the way we access drinking water by extracting it directly from the air. Just like the SOURCE Hydropanel, which is a pioneering technology that epitomizes the intersection of renewable energy and water sustainability. This solar hydropanel harnesses solar energy and clean drinking water directly from the air. Designed to operate in a variety of climates, from arid deserts to humid cities, it represents a significant leap forward in addressing global water scarcity.

2️⃣ Why is this good news: The ability to generate clean drinking water from the air could significantly alleviate water scarcity in drought-stricken areas. By leveraging the abundant resources of sunlight and atmospheric moisture, this technology offers a sustainable solution to one of the world’s most pressing challenges. And it also reduces dependence on traditional water supply systems, which are often unsustainable and environmentally damaging. The Hydropanel’s innovative approach to water production is a testament to the potential of combining renewable energy with water conservation efforts, offering a path toward a more sustainable and water-secure future.

3️⃣ What’s next: As these technologies continue to develop and become more efficient, they could play a crucial role in providing clean drinking water to communities worldwide, especially in areas without access to safe water sources. The challenge lies in scaling up these solutions and making them economically viable for widespread use. Continued innovation and investment in this area could lead to significant advancements in water sustainability and security.

Related: You can already help people in need to get access to clean water by supporting one of the 21 Best Charities That Fight for Clean Water.

📢 More Good News…

👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏻📺 Somalia to launch its first current affairs TV show led by women:

• Somalia has long been one of the world’s most gender unequal countries. But their new all-women debate show, titled Bilan, will be the first program on Somali television to have a panel of at least 50% women.
• Bilan will also be the first program in Somalia to tackle controversial topics such as a critical shortage of female teachers, as well as environmental issues. 
• The current affairs show will be launched on International Women’s Day on March 8.

📉 The EU lays out a plan to cut greenhouse emissions by 90% by 2040:

• As the EU hopes to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent, the EU has now announced one of its key objectives is to significantly reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040. 
• The 2040 target was announced on Tuesday in the European parliament alongside a new strategy to capture carbon.

🚫💄 New Zealand to ban PFAS in cosmetics by 2027:

• New Zealand may soon become one of the first countries to ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics, makeup and personal care products such as mascara, lipsticks, and shaving cream. 
• New Zealand has also updated its regulations on cosmetics. Besides banning PFAS in cosmetics, they have also revised the Cosmetic Products Group Standard to include more restricted ingredients and stricter rules on fragrance ingredients. 
• The ban of these “forever chemicals” could take effect starting December 31, 2026. New Zealand has also approved of a ban on PFAS in firefighting foam, which will take effect starting in December 2025.

🔬 Event of the Week: International Day of Women & Girls in Science

👉 Did you know that this Sunday (February 11) is International Day of Women & Girls in Science? This event was founded in 2015 to celebrate the role of women and girls in science and inspire others to take the same career path. 

1️⃣ The big picture: The International Day of Women & Girls in Science was founded by the United Nations during the World Women’s Health and Development Forum to promote gender equality in the science fields. After the sponsorship of 65 countries and the approval of all member states, the role of women in science was brought to the forefront, and gender parity in educational opportunity was recognized. Today, female scientists are celebrated around the world for their contributions to scientific breakthroughs. This event also encourages the private sector to align with the global goal of empowering women and girls in science. 

2️⃣ Why is this important: It wasn’t until 1920 that women were given the right to vote in the US, signifying a massive step towards gender equality. However, today, 42% of women still suffer some form of gender discrimination in the workplace. There has been a steady increase of females entering the science field in recent years, yet, today less than 30% of the world’s scientific researchers are women. This is despite the breakthrough achievements of historic female scientists such as Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, and Beatrice Shilling. 

3️⃣ How can you get involved: In 2024, the International Day of Women & Girls in Science will bring together member states, scientists, stakeholders, and students to represent the UNESCO call for action to close the gender gap in science. You can get involved in this event by signing up to be a participant either online or in-person. Alternatively, you can raise the profile of female scientists through your social media or by setting up an awareness event in your local community. 

You can also check out the organizations below that are fighting for gender equality around the world:

• 9 Best Charities for Women’s Empowerment
• 9 Best Charities for Women’s Rights
• 9 Best Charities for International Women’s Day
• 9 Best Charities for Women’s History Month
• 10 Best Charities for Female Education 

📜 This Week in History

🤵🏻🎶 February 8, 1932: Born this day in New York, John Williams became a renowned American composer and conductor, from the iconic fanfare of “Star Wars” to the haunting melodies of “Schindler’s List”. For his enriching music, he was nominated for more than 50 Academy Awards, received 3 Emmy Awards, and more than 20 Grammy Awards. In 2009 he was also awarded the National Medal of Arts, the highest award given to an artist by the US government.

👩🏾📘February 9, 1944: Alice Walker, acclaimed American author, poet, and activist was born. It was through her writing she shed light on the experiences of marginalized communities, and helped advocate for equality and empowerment. Her book The Color Purple vividly depicted the struggles and resilience of black women, and she became the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

💭 Quote of the Week

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”

― Alice Walker; American activist, author, poet, and first African-American woman to win a Pulitzer Prize

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

Stay impactful 💚