Upbeat Bulletin - October 2022
While the world might seem a bit grim, there are always a few feel-good flickers of light about if you know where to look. Luckily, you don't have to do much searching - we've pulled together three bits of positive news for our latest Upbeat Bulletin.
It’s a bit grim out there at the mo. Inflation is up, interest rates are up, and the cost of living is up, too. Only the pound and the public mood seem to be down. Thankfully, however, there are some feel-good flickers of light to punctuate the endless media cycle of doom. And we’re here to shine a light on these so you’re not left in the dark…
Electric planes are finally taking off
We begin with aviation news from the US. As you may know, air travel is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. In fact, aviation is responsible for 2.4% of global CO2 emissions and about 5% of global warming. Consequently, anything that makes flying more eco-friendly is extremely good news for the planet.
We’re pleased to tell you, therefore, that a prototype all-electric passenger plane that can carry up to nine passengers has just passed its very first test flight. And it did so with flying colours. The plane, which is called the Eviation Alice, is ideal for short-haul flights between cities. There’s still some work to do, so you won’t be able to hop on an electric plane anytime soon, but this is obviously a vital step.
In many ways, the challenges facing electric aircraft designers are similar to those that confronted electric car builders: it’s all about finding batteries that deliver sufficient power and range. The added problem with aircraft, of course, is that the end product needs to be aerodynamic and light enough to fly. This isn’t easy because lithium batteries are hippopotamus-heavy and occasionally known for catching fire.
The good news, however, is that scientists finally seem to be cracking the problem. Los Angeles-based company Wright Electric, for example, is currently developing a 100-seat electric plane that’s set to hit runways by 2027. Meanwhile, Air Canada has ordered 30 battery-powered passenger aircraft and United Airlines has ordered 100. A company called ‘Electra.aero’ is even developing a solar-battery research plane. We particularly like this idea. After all, it’s always guaranteed sunshine above the clouds.
The other good aviation news is that even if attempts to create safe, aerodynamic electric aircraft ultimately flop, hydrogen planes could be a goer instead. In fact, easyJet is already making preparations for its first hydrogen engine alongside Rolls Royce. What’s more, we shouldn’t forget that even hybrid engines (which would also use a traditional fuel-powered generator) could still cut emissions by approximately 50%.
Tokyo going gloriously green
Talking of hydrogen, do you remember a previous Upbeat Bulletin when we praised the Tokyo Olympics for being the greenest ever? The organisers created a full-scale hydrogen-powered infrastructure with the Olympic Stadium and Athlete Village all producing zero carbon. Well, the good news is that the Japanese are at it again…
This week, the Tokyo authorities announced that solar panels must be installed on all new buildings by April 2025. Only buildings with roof space smaller than 20 square metres will be exempt. The new regulations will help the city reduce emissions by 50% before the end of the decade. Developers will also need to meet new energy-saving standards, which include the use of efficient thermal insulation.
As a result of these measures, Tokyo will ultimately become one of the greenest cities in the Asia-Pacific region. It’s part of a conscious effort to future-proof the city by making it both carbon-neutral and able to withstand climate crises. Indeed, the Japanese want Tokyo to provide a blueprint for all global cities of tomorrow.
The local authorities also want to implement a new sharing economy that incorporates new ideas on ownership, consumption, materials, and waste management. They also plan to build an entirely new mini-city on reclaimed land, which will be powered purely by hydrogen, wind power, and floating solar farms. There will also be a zero-emission public transport system. Impressive.
P-P-Pick up a pair of orthopaedic shoes
Penguins are one of the world’s best-loved species. It’s as black and white as the birds themselves. They waddle cutely and swim like a torpedo when they spy a particularly scrumptious krill. Sadly, however, they’re not the most manoeuvrable birds on land. In fact, if a polar bear ever spotted a penguin (thankfully they live in opposing hemispheres), the large ursine predators would p-p-pick one up in no time.
It was sad to read, therefore, that Lucas the penguin, a 4-year old African penguin that lives in San Diego zoo, was diagnosed with a painful bacterial ailment called Bumblefoot a few months ago. This is a degenerative condition that inflames penguins’ footpads. It can also be fatal if left untreated.
Fortunately, however, the non-profit organisation Thera-Paw has created poor Lucas some custom-made orthopaedic shoes, which prevent sores from developing. Made from a combination of rubber and neoprene, they enable him to fully participate in colony activities such as climbing rocks, swimming, nesting, and generally being incredibly endearing. The special shoes even come in black so they blend seamlessly with his feet. Waddle way to warm the cockles.