Hello Reddit, here's a wrap from Day 10 at COP29 that really ties into Bhumi’s core focus on biodiversity, climate action, pollution reduction, and conservation.

The discussions today highlighted an urgent need for recognizing Indigenous knowledge in conservation efforts. Traditional land rights and Indigenous-led conservation efforts were stressed as crucial for enhancing ecosystem resilience, especially as a mere 2.1% of climate finance reached these communities in 2022.

Central to today's talks was the critical finance gap in biodiversity—only 10% of climate funding is directed towards nature-based solutions despite their massive potential in mitigating up to one-third of required emission reductions. This underfunding underscores the broader theme of economic inequality in global climate finance.

The pressing issue reaffirmed today is the global trajectory towards a 2.6 to 3.1°C temperature increase this century. The takeaway was clear: immediate and transformative actions are essential to cap rising temperatures and avert severe climate impacts.

Day 10 also backlit the importance of ecosystem health in climate strategies. Ecosystem restoration was emphasised as not just beneficial but necessary for reducing risks like droughts and enhancing overall climate resilience.

Key dialogues today also pushed forward the integration of Indigenous leadership in global strategies to combat climate change, aiming to align with both the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

However, amidst the calls for unified action, the echo of alternative perspectives was also present. Concerns over the economic repercussions of rapid environmental policies were voiced, insisting on a judicious balance to mitigate potential negative impacts on economic growth and development.

For Bhumi, these discussions are pivotal. By turning agricultural waste into biodegradable packaging, we aim to tackle pollution and support sustainable practices within the frameworks discussed today at COP29.

So, what are your thoughts on balancing economic and environmental priorities in climate policy? How can we make climate action more inclusive and equitable for all, including Indigenous and local communities? Let’s discuss.

The lab I recently joined has a protocol to extract DNA from these Sterivex filters: image

We use a standard red cap for the luer lock end, but we don't have a good solution for the small end. We're amplifying 16S so we're really concerned with keeping everything sterile to reduce bacterial contamination. Currently, we are using 10 ul pipette tips that we melt the ends to close, then wrap in parafilm. But it takes a significant amount of time to prep the 10 ul tips and then wrap everything, and we work with a pretty high volume of samples.

Does anyone have a product cap that fits the small end of these filters?

Is there any way for converting plastic/other bad stuff to generate clean sources of energy?

I'm a refrigeration mechanic apprentice. I had this idea while doing a level of schooling and used chat gpt to refine it. I wanted to share it so if it is a feasible idea or could be used than it can be discussed refined further possibly implemented. The core idea is to use CO2 refrigerant to absorb heat from ocean water and then reject said heat into an isolated insulated pool to desalinate salt water so the heat removed has a place and a purpose to go too. I asked chat gpt about way to make it more efficient and environmentally symbiotic. Refined Thermosyphon System: Design and Operational Summary

The thermosyphon system is a cutting-edge, scalable solution designed to extract excess heat from ocean water, generate freshwater, and contribute to climate change mitigation. Through innovative integration of renewable energy, sustainable materials, and advanced technologies, the system provides a multifaceted approach to address critical global challenges, including water scarcity, ocean warming, and environmental protection. Core Components and Functions

Central Thermosyphon Cylinder

    Heat Extraction:
    The vertical thermosyphon leverages the temperature gradient between warm surface water and cooler deep water. A working fluid (CO₂ or ammonia) absorbs heat from the ocean surface, causing the fluid to evaporate and rise through the system.

    Heat Rejection:
    The heated refrigerant flows to a heat rejection chamber, where it condenses within an insulated pool, transferring the extracted heat to the desalination process. The cooled fluid returns to repeat the cycle.

Insulated Pool with Integrated Desalination

    Evaporation:
    The insulated pool captures the rejected heat, creating a warm environment that maximizes evaporation. The system is insulated to reduce energy loss.

    Condensation:
    A transparent cover traps evaporated water vapor, which is directed toward inclined condensation panels. These panels cool the vapor, causing it to condense into fresh water.

    Freshwater Collection:
    Condensed freshwater is funneled into gravity-driven drip channels leading to storage tanks. A separate outlet for brine ensures salinity is managed effectively.

Concentric Structural Design for Stability and Efficiency

    Stability and Efficiency:
    The central thermosyphon is supported by radial horizontal arms, ensuring stability. Solar panels and flotation devices are arranged concentrically to optimize space for both energy collection and heat rejection.

    Energy Optimization:
    Solar panels provide auxiliary power, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing reliance on external energy sources. They also serve as partial shading for the desalination pool, reducing evaporation losses.

Modular, Scalable, and Autonomous Operation

    Modular Pods:
    The system is designed with modular components, allowing for easy scalability to meet the needs of different regions. Pods can be connected or disconnected as required, offering flexibility for varying community sizes and environmental conditions.

    Autonomous Maintenance:
    Autonomous robots or drones can be deployed for cleaning, inspection, and maintenance, reducing human intervention and extending the system's lifespan.

Advanced Environmental Protection

    Double-Wall Heat Exchanger:
    The heat exchanger is designed with a double-wall construction, allowing any refrigerant leaks to safely vent to the atmosphere, preventing contamination of the water and the formation of carbonic acid.

    Eco-Friendly Coatings:
    Non-toxic, anti-fouling coatings are applied to all exposed surfaces to prevent biofouling and corrosion. These coatings are made from sustainable, bio-based materials that minimize environmental impact.

    Brine Management:
    Brine discharge is managed using advanced filtration or concentration techniques, reducing the environmental impact. In some cases, brine can be converted into valuable byproducts like salt or magnesium for industrial uses.

Energy Efficiency and Carbon Capture

Energy Storage and Hybrid Power Systems

    Battery Storage:
    Solar power is stored in batteries, ensuring continuous system operation during low sunlight or at night. This energy storage reduces the system's reliance on external power sources.

    Hybrid Power:
    Integration with wave energy converters or tidal turbines offers a consistent power supply, particularly in remote coastal areas, further increasing system efficiency.

Carbon Capture and Sequestration
    Carbon Capture Units:
    The system can be equipped with carbon capture technologies that extract CO₂ from the atmosphere or seawater, sequestering it in deep oceanic storage or in mineralized forms, contributing to climate change mitigation.

Phase Change Materials (PCMs):
    Thermal Energy Storage:
    The incorporation of PCMs within the system can store excess heat for later use, balancing fluctuations in energy demand and improving overall thermal efficiency.

Symbiosis with Marine Ecosystems

Artificial Reefs and Aquaculture Platforms

    Marine Habitat Creation:
    The flotation devices and structural components can function as artificial reefs, providing habitat for marine organisms. This promotes biodiversity and supports marine ecosystems.

    Aquaculture Integration:
    The system can be integrated with sustainable aquaculture practices, such as fish farming or seaweed cultivation, providing additional food sources while also helping maintain water quality.

Seaweed Farming for Carbon Sequestration
    Seaweed farms could be cultivated alongside the thermosyphon units, contributing to carbon sequestration while also supporting marine biodiversity and providing sustainable bio-products.

Eco-Friendly Designs for Marine Life
    The system employs acoustic dampeners and low-profile designs to reduce noise pollution and physical disturbance to marine species, ensuring the system operates harmoniously within its environment.

Outreach and Community Engagement

Public Awareness and Education
    An interactive dashboard can track system performance and environmental impact, offering transparency and educational opportunities for local communities, NGOs, and the general public.

Eco-Tourism Integration
    The system can incorporate eco-tourism elements, such as observation platforms or guided tours, generating additional revenue to support ongoing operations and increasing awareness of sustainable ocean technologies.

Collaborations with Governments and NGOs
    Partnerships with environmental organizations, local governments, and academic institutions can help further research, provide funding, and support system adoption in coastal regions.

Conclusion: A Scalable and Sustainable Solution

The refined thermosyphon system offers a self-sustaining, environmentally friendly solution for addressing global challenges such as water scarcity, ocean warming, and climate change. By integrating renewable energy, eco-friendly materials, modular design, and innovative cooling technologies, the system can be scaled to meet the specific needs of various regions while fostering symbiotic relationships with marine ecosystems. It represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable freshwater production, climate adaptation, and ocean conservation, with the potential for broad adoption by coastal communities, governments, and environmental organizations.

Hello, I hope everyone is doing well!

I am a freshman in environmental engineering. Somehow I was offered to be the only undergraduate research leader on a 3 three year project involving PFAS and I love it! My university is already preparing to send me to a research conference coming up next year to speak about this particular project. I am planning to get my masters in engineering because it only takes one extra year of schooling at my university. I was wondering if it is possible to continue research as a career without earning PHD. Would I need to get a masters in science instead of a masters in engineering? By the time I graduate with my masters I will have 5 years of research experience at a respected water research laboratory.

I hope this made sense, thank you in advance for any input or advice!

I hold a BSc in Ecology and Environmental Biology and an MSc in Water Services. For nearly five years, I’ve worked with an engineering company in Ireland in various scientific roles, including water quality testing and analysis, wastewater treatment plant operations, data analysis, report writing, and assessing/upgrading water and wastewater treatment facilities.

In the new year, I’ll be moving to Australia, aiming to transition into managing contaminated sites, mine remediation, and related projects. How is this sector in Australia, particularly in Perth? Happy to take advice!

Why low density polyethylene plastic is mostly unrecyclable?

Why plastic bottles are recyclable but plastic candy wrappers are unrecyclable when both of them are Polyethylene?

Thewaterwhale.com as an environmentalist, I created this product to address a problem in our environment. The use of plastic garbage bags to contain all elements of post packaging is destroying the earths environment and actively the most prolific human activity that causes climate change and global warming.

Hello everyone! 🌍 Day 8 of COP29 just wrapped up in Baku, Azerbaijan, spotlighting urgent environmental issues and calling for robust action. I've gathered some noteworthy updates and insights from today, especially around biodiversity, climate action, and inclusivity. Let's dive in!

🌱 Key Highlights from COP29 - Day 8

1. Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge: A significant push at the conference has been towards increasing global energy storage capacity to 1,500 gigawatts by 2030, aiming to secure and stabilize energy grids as we up the ante on renewable energy integration. The target is a six-fold increase compared to levels in 2022.

2. Empowering Indigenous Peoples: It’s highlighted that Indigenous Peoples, who preserve about 80% of the world's biodiversity, manage half of the world’s land but receive less than 1% of climate funding. The push is to steer at least 20% of public climate finance towards these guardian communities to bolster their efforts in preserving biodiversity.

3. Boosting Finance for Nature-Based Solutions: There’s an alarming funding gap for nature-based solutions, currently receiving only a third of the funding needed to meet our global climate and biodiversity goals by 2030. The conference voiced a need for a new collective finance goal, aiming to surpass $1 trillion per year, tripling the finance flow towards these crucial solutions.

4. Aligning Climate and Biodiversity Policies: An emphasis on synchronizing various international environmental agreements to ensure cohesive action. This involves integrating nature-based solutions into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and national biodiversity strategies to not just meet but exceed the 1.5°C climate goal.

5. Inclusive Climate Action: A recurring theme has been the necessity of inclusiveness in climate policy processes. Ensuring Indigenous Peoples and local communities are not just participants but collaborators in these discussions is crucial for both cultural and biological diversity.

🔍 Alternative Perspectives and Challenges

While progress seems promising, there are valid concerns and critiques:

• Economic Viability: The financial feasibility of these ambitious targets (like ramped-up renewable energy and nature-based solutions) can be daunting. Critics argue about the economic strains these initiatives could impose, especially on less economically robust nations.
• Policy Effectiveness: There's also a growing debate on whether current climate policies are robust enough to realistically meet the 1.5°C goal. Should we lean more on stringent regulations or bet on the evolution of market-driven technological innovations?

🤔 Your Thoughts?

With all these moving parts at COP29, from setting ambitious environmental targets to integrating indigenous wisdom in global climate dialogues, what are your thoughts on the balance between ambitious goals and practical implementation? How can we ensure that these policies are not just well-intended but actionable and effective?

Let's discuss the way forward and how global communities can contribute to these grand environmental goals. What role should technology, policy, and community engagement play in crafting a sustainable future? Your insights are invaluable! 🌿

Hi y'all, it would be super helpful if you could fill out my survey for my Bachelor thesis that I m writing in the field of environmental psychology. It really only takes 5 mins. Thanks so much in advance!

https://qualtricsxmz2n57gydk.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8IGgJ6wRSbsTczk

Hi everyone! While I already have a major, minor, and a concentration. I’m able to squeeze in a couple more classes to learn as much as I can while I’m here, and I’m stuck inbetween 2 choices. My question to you all is which is more useful/practical in the real world?

Applied math or GIS?

It’s up to my discretion, along with Econ (but I’ve already taken as many Econ classes as I want lol). And while I enjoy and am better at the maths, it is much harder then GIS.

In the contrary, I’m also enjoying my GIS class and doing really well, but I worry it may not be as useful as taking more math courses would be to my work ad an environmental scientist. (I would like to note I absolutely love love love math, and was considering a math degree for the longest time, but choose against it since I don’t see myself teaching, ever)

Courses left to take for each path include:

GIS PATH—> Advanced GIS class (500 level class)

Or

APPLIED MATH PATH—> Calc 3 & Dif EQ. [small note: while I’ve never taken a class, I’ve taken many classes that utilize a lot of math (inc. differential equations), and am not worried about the difficulty at all, but just the time I’d need to dedicate compared to GIS]

So, what would you recommend Environmental Scientists of Reddit? Study math or GIS?

I am thinking of doing a bachelor's in ES so that I can go to law school after and become an environmental lawyer. Is this a good idea or should I major in something else and still try to get hired as an enviornmental lawyer?

And why?

Hello r/environment! Day 6 of COP29 just wrapped up and there's plenty to discuss. From crucial climate finance shortfalls to the gender gap in climate action, the conversations have been both enlightening and urgent. Held in Baku, the focus was on addressing key environmental impacts and the need for accelerated action.

First up, climate finance: Currently, nature-based solutions are drastically underfunded, receiving only about one-third of the necessary finance to meet global climate and biodiversity goals by 2030. There’s a consensus that funding needs to be tripled to effectively tackle these challenges.

Meanwhile, Indigenous Peoples, managing about half of the world’s land, receive less than 1% of climate funding, despite recommendations for at least 20% of nature-based project finance to support their communities for equitable and effective climate action.

On the solutions side, the conference highlighted the adoption of international carbon market standards, promising a dynamic mechanism to update these standards, potentially saving up to $250 billion annually when implementing climate plans. Additionally, the emphasis on integrating nature-based solutions into National Adaptation Plans suggests a move towards more sustainable resilience strategies.

However, not all is smooth sailing. Discussions on gender-responsive climate policies faced gridlock due to disagreements over human rights language and finance. Economic and political impacts also simmer beneath the surface, with potential delays in major climate action plans due to political shifts, like the upcoming change of government in the US.

Critiques have emerged on how developed countries integrate these financial models. For instance, the Climate Action Network International criticized a UN-commissioned report for suggesting that only 30% of developing countries’ external climate finance needs should be met through public finance.

As we chug along to COP30, the call is clear: plans, policies, and budgets need alignment across various conventions to foster cohesive action on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification.

What are your thoughts on these developments? Specifically, how can we better support Indigenous communities and women who are disproportionately affected by climate issues? And what do you make of the financial strategies proposed—are they sufficient and fair? Let's discuss!

Hi guys!! I'm part of a student group working on this project about the climate and I'll really appreciate your response to the survey!.. it could be a bit long but I really hope you guys can answer it and share around with anyone that will answer it as well!

https://forms.gle/YjvSoQAoQGPSHdGD8