Climate Tech Highlights #2

Hello there!

Let me start by expressing my excitement for finally launching this newsletter and thank you for taking a bit of your time to read it!

I also want to invite you to follow us on our new Instagram account, where I'll be sharing sneak peeks of the latest stories in video format. And, of course, please feel free to drop your feedback and suggestions. They are greatly appreciated!

Now, enough chatting and let's dig into the Climate Tech highlights from last week!

Around the globe 🌎

• Artificial sun: Scientists in South Korea have set a new world record by sustaining plasma at 100 million degrees Celsius  — seven times hotter than the sun’s core —  for 48 seconds in a tokamak reactor, a key step in nuclear fusion research. This achievement at the Korean Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) is significant for the development of fusion energy, which aims to replicate the sun's energy production without emitting CO2. Read the full story

• Driving and charging: Researchers from Purdue University and the Indiana Department of Transportation are developing a highway section capable of wirelessly charging electric vehicles while driving at speeds of 65 mph. Set for testing in May 2025, this initiative aims to overcome the ‘inconvenience’ of EV charging stops and marks a significant step towards electrifying an Indiana interstate within the next few years. Read the full story

• Tackling food loss: Farm to Feed, a Kenyan agtech startup, is combating food insecurity by marketing produce from small-scale farmers, including those that don't meet cosmetic standards, to address the 20%-40% food loss in the country. The startup is collecting data to improve farming outcomes and exploring value addition and carbon credit opportunities as new revenue streams. Read the full story

A glance at Brazil 🇧🇷

• Shopify🫱🏽‍🫲🏼Pachamama: Pachama, a climate tech startup, secured a significant carbon removal credit purchase from Shopify, a major player in commerce. This collaboration marks a milestone for Pachama in advancing reforestation projects, particularly targeting Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. The partnership aims to reforest approximately 200 hectares of land, expected to remove 45,000 tons of carbon over 17 years.  Read the full story

• Methane-Reducing Cattle Feed: The Brazilian company Tanac is developing Tanfeed, a feed supplement for cattle based on black acacia tannins, aiming to increase livestock productivity and reduce methane emissions. Initially focused on producing tannins for leather treatment, Tanac is expanding its operations into animal nutrition, with studies indicating up to a 13% reduction in methane emissions and weight gain in cattle. Read the full story

Image of the week 📷

• The photograph above, titled "Rainy Release," captures the moment a giant anteater is released into the wild on a rainy night. Crafted by Brazilian photographer Fernando Faciole, this compelling image has been selected as one of the 36 finalists in the "Change Makers: Reasons for Hope" category of the International Environmental Photography Award 2024. Additionally, it competes in the "Popular Choice" category, with public voting available on the foundation's website until April 14. Click here to cast your vote!

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