💚 Solving Nuclear Waste ☢️
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Stay impactful,
Happy Thursday 👋
Here are the impactful insights that I have for you today:
- Molecular crystals that could solve nuclear waste ☢️
- NZ greenhouse gas pollution falls by 9% 📉
- World day against trafficking in persons 🧑🤝🧑
- And more… 💚
Did you know that nuclear energy is considered clean energy? But it comes with one major issue… nuclear waste!
The half-life of nuclear waste (aka nuclear fuel rods) is extremely long, with some estimates at 24,000 years.
In my mind, I have always been thinking to let the power companies only work with already used fuel rods and money will flow to find a solution for getting more out of the already existing nuclear waste…
But, it looks like scientists have found a solution that could (hopefully) even help solve nuclear waste altogether!
☢️ Breakthrough: How Molecular Crystals Could Be the Key to Solving Nuclear Waste
1️⃣ The big picture: A team of researchers from the University of Houston has made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the way we handle nuclear waste. They’ve developed molecular crystals that can capture iodine, a common radioactive byproduct, in both aqueous and organic solutions, and even on the interface between the two.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: This is a significant leap in nuclear waste management! This crystal-based solution not only enhances the safety and integrity of nuclear reactors but also offers a new way to manage nuclear waste. The crystals can capture iodine at a place where it’s difficult to manage and then release it where it’s easy to manage. Plus, these crystals can be reused, reducing waste and economic loss. This means we’re looking at a future where nuclear waste management becomes more efficient and less harmful to the environment.
3️⃣ What’s next: The researchers are now looking at practical applications for these crystals. They’re not just for capturing iodine – they can also capture carbon dioxide, another step toward a cleaner, more sustainable world. Plus, they’re related to materials used in lithium-ion batteries, opening up even more possibilities. The team is now seeking a partner to help explore commercial aspects and is also planning to further study the crystals to improve their performance.
📢 More Good News…
🌳 California passes landmark conservation act for Western Joshua Trees: California lawmakers have recently passed the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act. This new law will prohibit unpermitted killing or removal of trees and create a fund to acquire and manage lands to protect the species.
📉 New Zealand’s greenhouse gas pollution falls 9% in the last three years: Eco-friendly energy, greener manufacturing processes and COVID-19 lockdowns have helped reduce New Zealand’s overall greenhouse gas emissions, according to some new data. This is excellent news, as the NZ government pledged to cut the country’s footprint in half by 2030. This goal will quickly be achieved if such progress is maintained.
🚢 Amsterdam bans cruise ships to limit visitors and curb pollution: Since the City of Amsterdam is aiming to become a completely emission-free city by 2030, the council has banned cruise ships from docking in the city port in an effort to combat over-tourism and pollution.
👩🏻🤝🧑🏾 Event of the Week: World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
👉 Did you know that the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is coming up on July 30?
1️⃣ The big picture: This coming Sunday, the UNODC aims to raise awareness for this heinous crime and call on governments and law enforcement to amplify their efforts in preventing human trafficking and identifying and supporting more victims. This year’s campaign is centered around the following theme: “Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind.”
2️⃣ Why is this important: Based on the latest statistics from 2021, 49.6 million people were living in modern slavery, of which 27.6 million were in forced labor and 22 million in forced marriage. 12% of all those in forced labor are children and more than half of these children are in commercial sexual exploitation.
3️⃣ How can you get involved: Check out the list of charities below that are especially relevant to the world day against trafficking in persons. And for the ones that resonate most with you, you’ll then find a dedicated section on how you could best contribute:
- 9 Best Charities That Fight to End Human Trafficking
- 9 Best Charities That Fight to End Sex Trafficking
- 9 Best Charities That Fight to End Child Trafficking
📜 This Week in History
⛸ July 27, 1948: Peggy Fleming is born in California, USA. She later wins an Olympic gold medal in 1968, wins the World Ladies Figure Skating Championship three times, and lives to successfully overcome breast cancer with radiation therapy.
☮ July 28, 2005: The Irish Republican Army declared an end to its violence and armed campaign. They announced they would pursue only peaceful means to achieve its objectives.
📜 July 29, 1833: William Wilberforce, British leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade, passes away a few days after delivering a public anti-slavery speech. His speech plays a role in the passing of a bill for the Abolition of Slavery in Britain.
💭 Quote of the Week
“Accustom yourself to look first to the dreadful consequences of failure; then fix your eye on the glorious prize which is before you; and when your strength begins to fail, and your spirits are well nigh exhausted, let the animating view rekindle your resolution, and call forth in renewed vigour the fainting energies of your soul.”
― William Wilberforce; British politician, philanthropist, and a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade
Share the news with your friends to make a bigger positive impact on the world and society!
Stay impactful 💚
Dennis
