(BUG) ALL HAIL - LUIZ INACIO LULA DA SILVA

President-elect signals climate action and rainforest protection will be a top priority for new administration after he narrowly defeats far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro

Brazil's new president-elect Lula Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has promised to end deforestation and place climate action front and centre of his administration, after narrowly defeating far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in an election regarded worldwide as critical for the future of the Amazon rainforest.

The victory marks a remarkable comeback for the 77-year-old veteran politician, widely known as Lula, who previously served two terms as Brazil's president from 2003-2011 before serving two years in prison under corruption charges that were later quashed.

Under Lula's previous terms in office, Amazon deforestation rates plummeted 80 per cent, but the trend reversed under the tumultuous presidency of Bolsonaro, whose support for farming and logging interest saw illegal destruction of the rainforest soar to record levels.

Experts believe destruction of the biodiversity-rich Amazon rainforest - which has been nicknamed the 'lungs of the Earth' due to its vast natural carbon stores - has been nearing a tipping point, and Lula's victory yesterday is therefore viewed as a critical win for global action on preventing deforestation and ramping up climate action.

During his leadership bid, Lula signalled that under his presidency Brazil would play a more prominent role at global climate talks and draw up a more ambitious national decarbonisation plan in support of the Paris Agreement, promising an end to four years of obstruction and climate denial under Bolsonaro.

In his first comments following his victory last night, Lula placed environmental protection and climate action front and centre of his vision for Brazil under his leadership over the next four years.

"Brazil is ready to resume its leading role in the fight against the climate crisis, protecting all our biomes, especially the Amazon Forest," he wrote on Twitter. "In our [last] government, we were able to reduce deforestation in the Amazon by 80 per cent. Now, let's fight for zero deforestation."

In a speech after his victory, Lula reportedly said: "Brazil and the planet need a living Amazon. A standing tree is worth more than tons of wood illegally harvested by those who think only of easy profit… A river of clear water is worth more than gold extracted at the expense of mercury that kills fauna and risks human life."

Analysis by Carbon Brief has estimated that by simply enforcing existing rainforest protection laws that have been largely ignored under Bolsonaro, Lula could slash deforestation rates by almost 90 per cent.

Lula reportedly also stated that he would ramp up monitoring and surveillance of the Amazon, support indigenous people's rights, "and combat any and all illegal activity - whether mining, logging or improper agricultural occupation".

"At the same time, we will promote sustainable development of communities living in the Amazon region," he said. "Let's prove once again that it is possible to generate wealth without destroying the environment." Business Green - link - Michael Holder - link - nbc news - link - more like this (Brazil) - link - more like this (Amazon) - link - WordPress - link

(NAT) ZECTRON - 150 MILES OF PEDAL-ASSIST RIDING

The Zectron folding ebike can be optioned with dual batteries for up to 150 miles of Level 1 pedal assist, or 70 miles on throttle only - Zectron Bikes

With a mission to create a "dream electric bike that ensure good looks, functionality and safety," Hong Kong's Zectron Bikes has launched a funky looking folding ride that can be had with dual batteries for up to 150 miles of pedal-assist riding, or around half the range on throttle only, and folds down for between-ride transport in two quick steps.

Currently the subject of an Indiegogo funding campaign, the Zectron folding ebike is available with an IPX5-rated speed-sensing 350-W motor for up to 20 mph of pedal assist over five power levels plus throttle in the US, or a 250-W motor for 25 km/h in Europe.

Either way, there's a 7-speed Shimano gearset for ride flexibility, and a cruise control feature can also be engaged that will lock in the speed if the tech determines that the ebike has been moving at the same pace for five seconds.

With the integrated 417.6-Wh battery, riders could get up to 70 miles (120 km) of per-charge range with pedal assist at level one or 35 miles (60 km) using just the throttle. 

But a second (removable) battery wedged neatly under the frame in front of the pedals bumps the capacity up to 835 Wh for a per-charge ride of up to 150 miles (250 km) at the lowest power level or 70 miles (120 km) of throttling. This second battery also hosts a USB charge port for topping up a smartphone while out and about.

The Zectron measures 59 x 26 x 42 in (150 x 65 x 106 cm) unfolded, but collapses down in two easy steps to 33 x 25 x 31 in (85 x 65 x 80 cm) for between-ride transport. It weighs in at 55 lb (25 kg), and can handle a maximum load of 265 lb (120 kg).

The ebike is built around an "aerospace-grade" uni-body magnesium alloy frame with an adjustable seat post running through the rear, and there's swingarm oil suspension below for smoothing out some of the bumps along the way. It rolls on 20-inch six-spoke aluminum alloy rims wrapped in 2.125-inch-wide tires, stopping power is provided by hydraulic disc brakes, and there's built-in lighting front and back.

Rounding out the key specs is a 3.9-inch LCD display that's integrated into the handlebar and shows key ebike data and ride info, and the funky folder can be paired with a smartphone running a mobile app for more control and deeper data dives (plus optional GPS tracking is available).

The Indiegogo campaign has already past its modest funding goal with about a month left to run. Perk levels currently start at US$899, which shaves 55% off the expected retail price. The second battery pack is available as an optional extra for $279, as are accessories such as a fast charger, LED-packing smart helmet and front/rear fenders. If all goes to plan, shipping is estimated to start in April 2023. New Atlas - link - Paul Ridden - link - more like this (electric bicycles) - link - more like this (Hong Kong) - link - more like this (WordPress) - link

(ALJ) TIPPING POINTS - PAKISTAN

Pir Bhakkar, Sindh – Fishing is the centre of Muhammad Kasim’s life. His family has fished near the Indus River for generations. However, the recent floods in Pakistan have turned his village, Pir Bhakkar, into a swamp.

Now, his profession and his large family’s source of income are in jeopardy until the waters recede.

Unprecedented floods have affected the livelihoods of millions of people across Pakistan, destroying crops and livestock, including fish, two primary sources of income for rural households.

The fishing industry, which is worth $650m and is the key source of income for many in Pakistan’s southern province of Sindh, faces an uncertain future. The record rainfall that caused the floods may well be the new normal as climate change supercharges weather patterns.

Rural fishermen like Kasim do not have it easy. Lakes and ponds are often “owned” by landlords, who first demand a fee for locals to fish. Other landlords pay fishermen a daily wage to catch fish, which they keep and sell themselves.

Kasim lives within a 10km radius of a pond and three canals and is 20km (12.5 miles) away from the Indus. When the floods hit his village, locals eager to catch fish without paying landlords set up fishing nets in the inundated areas. Their efforts were in vain. Fish from ponds, lakes and rivers quickly spilled over the nets and disappeared in the floodwaters.

Income from fishing is heavily dependent on the season. The floods struck during peak fishing season, which means that fisherfolk will have to seek other options to put food on the table this year.

The monsoon season in rural Pakistan is typically welcomed with joy, but many now fear the next rains. They are suffering from what could best be described as “climate anxiety” – a term that has not been translated into Sindhi yet.

Kasim worries his son will be forced to abandon the family’s long tradition.

There are other problems too. Decades of overfishing in the Indus has depleted fish stocks, leading the Punjab government to introduce a 10-year ban earlier this year on commercial fishing in the river. Despite this, illegal fishing continues.

Last week, Pakistan’s government launched the “Living Indus” initiative to restore the river’s ecosystem, so the Indus basin can become resilient to climate change. Aljazeera - link - Maha Akbar - link - more like this (Pakistan) - link - more like this (Tipping Points) - link - more like this (Aljazeera) - link

(EUR) 2035 - END OF THE ICE CAR

EU lawmakers agreed to a deal late Thursday evening (27 October) that will end the sale of internal combustion engine cars from 2035, a momentous agreement that sets Europe on a trajectory to a largely electric automotive future.

The European Parliament, represented by Dutch centrist lawmaker Jan Huitema, and the Council of the EU, represented by the current presidency holder Czech Republic, struck a deal shortly before 9 pm Brussels time.

Although originally considered one of the most controversial of the EU’s Green Deal legislative proposals, the CO2 standards file progressed rapidly, becoming the first of the so-called “Fit for 55” files to be agreed upon by member states and the Parliament.

The legislation will require all new cars and vans sold in the EU to be zero-emission by 2035, a move which effectively prohibits the sale of combustion engine technology.

Lawmakers also agreed on an interim target of a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2021 levels for cars, and a 50% reduction for vans.

The EU’s climate chief Frans Timmermans said the agreement sends a strong signal to industry and consumers.

“Europe is embracing the shift to zero-emission mobility. European car makers are already proving they are ready to step up to the plate, with increasing and increasingly affordable electric cars coming to the market,” he said.

Czech minister of industry and trade Jozef Síkela said the agreement “will pave the way for the modern and competitive automotive industry in the EU”.

In addition to the phase-out of petrol and diesel cars, the agreement also introduces a new methodology for the reporting of life-cycle CO2 emissions of vehicles, which the Commission will present by 2025.

In line with member states’ wishes, the Commission will also publish a biannual report from 2025 on the progress towards zero-emission road mobility. This will cover the impact on automotive industry employees, as well as consumers.

The question of the so-called “Ferrari clause” was additionally settled, with lawmakers deciding that vehicle manufacturers that produce up to 10 thousand cars and 22 thousand vans per year will be granted an exemption from the interim target, though they must reach zero-emissions by the end of 2035.

Jan Huitema, chief negotiator for the European Parliament, praised the agreement, saying it would “create clarity for the car industry and stimulate innovation and investments for car manufacturers”.

“I am pleased that we reached an agreement with the Council on an ambitious revision of the targets for 2030 and supported a 100% emission reduction target in 2035. This is crucial to reach climate neutrality by 2050 and make clean driving more affordable for our citizens,” he said. Euractiv - link - Jonathan Packroff - link - Sean Goulding Carroll - link - more like this (EU legislation) - link - more like this (electric cars) - link

(ICN) 2023 - 600 MILE RANGE ELECTRIC CARS - SORTED

The batteries inside Zeekr's new electric vehicle models have a range of 621 miles. Photo Courtesy of Zeekr

CATL, one of the world’s leading makers of EV batteries, has announced that its next-generation battery has a range of 621 miles and will debut early next year.

The battery will be installed in two models made by Zeekr, a Chinese brand which is not yet available in the United States.

The ability to go 621 miles, or 1,000 kilometers, on a single charge is much more than the models that now lead the U.S. market in battery range: the Lucid Air, with 520 miles, and the Tesla Model S, with 405 miles.

It’s not much of a stretch to imagine a near future in which range anxiety is no longer a thing. For me, 621 miles is nearly enough to cover the longest haul I ever drive, which is from my home in Columbus, Ohio, to the town where I grew up in Iowa.

“If you can get a car with 500, 600 miles of range, boy that leaves a lot of room for comfort” in not having to worry about getting fuel, said Matt Degen, an editor and car reviewer for Kelley Blue Book.

“I personally like the idea of waking up every morning, if you’ve been able to charge overnight, to a full tank,” he said.

He said it’s too early to know how well the new CATL battery will work, but there’s no doubt that the EV ranges are increasing by leaps and bounds. He pointed to the announcement last month that Stellantis, parent company of Jeep and Chrysler, had purchased a plant in Massachusetts for manufacturing solid-state batteries, a technology that could lead to a big increase in range and a decrease in charging time.

As battery technology improves, ranges should increase across the price spectrum. For example, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, a compact SUV, will go on sale in about a year with a price of about $30,000 and a range of about 300 miles.

Zeekr is not alone in having announced a model with a range of more than 600 miles. Steve Man, a senior auto analyst for BloombergNEF, listed two others, both from Chinese brands:

The GAC Aion LX Plus, a compact SUV which went on sale in January in China, has a range of 625 miles. And carmaker Nio said an upcoming version of its ET7 sedan, sold in China, will have a range of about 620 miles. Inside Climate News - link - Dan Gearino - link - more like this (ev batteries) - link - more like this (China) - link

(IAN) READING 13

Caversham Bridge - link - more like this - link

(EUN) DIRTIEST MAN IN WORLD DIES

Not, as you were expecting, my colleague John Evans but Amou Haji, an Iranian man dubbed the "dirtiest man in the world", has died at the age of 94 in the village of Dejgah, in the southern province of Fars.

He was so called because he had not washed for almost 70 years and he believed that staying dirty kept him alive for so long.

Haji lived in isolation in an open brick hut and had faced some “emotional setbacks in his youth.”

In a 2014 interview given to the Tehran Times, he shared mainly ate dead animals and particularly liked porcupine meat. He drank 1.5 gallons of water a day, cut his hair by burning it over a fire, and smoked countless cigarettes gifted to him by villagers - as well as a pipe filled with dried animal faeces as tobacco.

Attempts to bathe him or provide him with clean water made him sad, but villagers did persuade Haji to take a bath a few months ago.

Having finally succumbed to pressure and washed, Haji became ill shortly afterwards and died at the age of 94. euronews - link - David Mouriquand - link - more like this (being dirty) - link 

(TDR) CADILLAC CELESTIQ - OVER THE TOP

The all-new 2024 Cadillac Celestiq is General Motors' definition of over the top. Just about everything stuffed into the ultra-premium EV has focused on being engineered in the name of luxury in order to make Cadillac's leap into the future as opulent and performance-oriented as possible.

From the outside, many will just see an electric car wrapped up in a pretty shell—but the tech underneath (including the structure of its battery packs) does all of the heavy lifting to help keep its design sleek and improve its handling.

GM designed its Ultium battery packs to be ultra-modular, meaning that they can be configured in myriad different ways for complex packaging requirements. In fact, that's one of the reasons why GM was able to sell its packs to the U.S. military recently The Celestiq takes full advantage of this modularity by quite literally flipping battery cells on their side in order to fit them in the Celestiq without compromising internal space, the external appearance, or the performance of its new flagship EV.

Along the bottom of the Celestiq sit 16 separate battery modules. Inside each module is a hoard of pouch-style cells that are stacked horizontally—a first for any Ultium-powered car—with the number of cells varying depending on where the pack is located. For example, higher-stacked cells are found under the front and rear seat of the vehicle, whereas fewer cells are stacked under the footwell. 

If the battery cells were arranged vertically (like they are with the Cadillac Lyriq, for example), the Celestiq wouldn't have the same flexibility to be so low-slung. For comparison, GM says that the Lyriq has 12 individual battery modules as opposed to the Celestiq's 16, however, the Celestiq's horizontal packaging enables its low roof configuration.

Cadillac says that this mounting solution also helped to keep the Celestiq's center of gravity low. While the brand doesn't give an exact figure, it does specifically call out the low-mounted batteries as being the key to the 6,000-pound behemoth's enhanced handling. It also credits the horizontal cells as being crucial to the vehicle's overall dimensions, as well as its spacious interior. The modularity also likely helped engineer the vehicle's low and lean proportions without altering any of its hardpoints or other physical engineering constraints.

In total, Cadillac was able to fit 111 kilowatt-hours of battery storage inside of the Celestiq thanks to its 130.2-inch wheelbase. In all, that accounts for around 300 miles of range on a full charge per GM's estimates. Comparatively, the similarly weighted Lyriq packs a 102-kWh battery pack and offers around 312 miles of range. 

Before you slam the Celestiq for getting less range, keep in mind that it also gets a 100 horsepower boost over the Lyriq, and likely, a more car-like driving experience thanks to its battery placement. thedrive.com - link - Rob Stumpf - link - more like this (electric cars) - link - more like this (General Motors) - link

(CHN) SOUTH AFRICA ATTRACTING LOANERS (NOT DONERS)

Cooling towers at disused coal-fired plant in Soweto, South Africa (Photo: Jay Galvin /Flickr)

Around 97% of the $8.5 billion package rich countries are offering South Africa to shift from coal to clean energy is set to be delivered as loans.

That can be seen in a summary of the financing provisions obtained by Climate Home News.

It shows that $4.6bn – 54% of the funding – is earmarked as concessional loans, with better borrowing terms than South Africa can access on the open market. Just under half of that money is provided by Germany and France.

The remaining $3.7bn, or 43%, include a mix of commercial loans and investment guarantees to de-risk projects so they attract private investors. These will come from the EU, US and the UK, which is contributing the largest share.

Only $230m will be delivered collectively by donor countries as grants – 2.7% of the total package.

South Africa’s cabinet approved an investment plan for the money on Wednesday, but has yet to publish it. A launch is expected at the Cop27 climate summit next month.

The South African government has been in negotiations with partner governments since striking an outline deal at the Cop26 climate summit in November 2021.

South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa has repeatedly said his government would only accept a deal that offered good terms. Most of the money should come as grants, he said shortly after Cop26, and any loans should be at concessional rates.

Ramaphosa's government has been trying to reduce the country's sovereign debt, which stands at around 70% of GDP.

A distinctive feature of the package was its focus on supporting workers in the transition to clean energy, with social protection measures and retraining.

But under the breakdown seen by Climate Home, less than 1% of the money is earmarked for direct social investments. In contrast, 5% is to develop a green hydrogen sector. Climate Home News - link - Chloe Farand - link - more like this (South Africa) - link - more like this (coal) - link

(PIN) MELODEA COATINGS TO MANUFACTURE IN US

Melodea, an Israeli tech start-up, will bring its barrier coatings to US markets and build a manufacturing plant to support increased production capacity. The bio-based formula is derived from cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) to steer the barrier industry away from single-use plastic.

The plant-based barrier coating is plastic-free and sourced from wood pulp for food, beverage, cosmetics and consumer goods packages. CNC can withstand high humidity and protects packed products from oxygen, water, oil and grease.

“Melodea recognized the rising demand from the US market for sustainable packaging and therefore for sustainable barrier coatings that will enable the packaging industry to make eco-friendly recyclable packaging" Shaul Lapidot, CEO and co-founder of Melodea tells PackagingInsights.

“The new plant, combined with our newly established ties in the US, can potentially triple our manufacturing capacity to meet amplified demands. It also will shorten the travel and subsequent carbon footprint by bringing production closer to our main markets in South America and the US.”

Plant-based over plastic

Cellulose is the primary building block of the cell walls of all plants, making it the most abundant biopolymer on the planet. The company reports that the global nanocellulose market is currently worth approximately US$346 million and is projected to grow to US$963 million by 2026.

“CNC from naturally abundant and renewable cellulose is emerging as one of the most promising green solutions to help replace environmentally harmful materials,” says Lapidot.

The company states, “of the millions of [metric] tons of plastic waste generated yearly, single-use plastic packaging is the worst culprit.” At the same time, their barriers offer an alternative to plastic and aluminum for maintaining the quality and integrity of packaged foods.

“Our coatings serve as an alternative to existing materials for packaging that are harmful to the environment such as plastic and aluminum. Therefore, the more Melodea’s coating products are on the market the less plastic and aluminum we will see on the shelves,” Lapidot continues.

“Our goal is to eliminate the generation of plastic waste that is polluting our environment both in the sea and land.” PackagingInsights - link - Sabine Waldeck - link - more like this (packaging) - link - more like this (Israel) - link

(CEA) CARBON OFFSETTING BULLSHIT

What are carbon offsets?

Carbon offsetting is a concept many companies use to say that they have counterbalanced their emissions or to claim that their products are ‘carbon neutral’. 

It normally involves making a small payment towards climate solutions projects – most commonly planting or protecting trees – in return for a notional ‘carbon credit’.

The premise seems simple: if you give money to projects that remove carbon from the atmosphere, it balances out the emissions created through consumption, and so the product is made ‘green’ or the company can get to net zero. Or so the story goes.

As customers, we are sold carbon offsetting more and more. Companies promote carbon offset products or advertising alongside airline flights, car petrol, home gas supply, red meat, and even plastic packaging. In effect, this tells us the solution is for us to choose to compensate for the climate impacts of such high-emitting products.

But this is marketing fiction. Small donations to climate projects do not actually counterbalance continuing emissions and, what’s worse, the ‘offset’ myth often interferes with urgent efforts to reduce emissions in the first place.

Underneath the advertising puff is a concept that is causing real problems for climate action.

Why is carbon 'offset' marketing a problem?

A carbon credit is calculated to remove or avoid 1 tonne of CO2, which is around the same as the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in a flight from Paris to New York. 

The purchase of these credits contributes to projects which aim to help mitigate climate instability through funding new technological or natural solutions.

These natural projects can be valuable in fighting climate change. Good examples support local communities and can help to protect critical natural ecosystems, such as forests, that act as ‘carbon sinks’ absorbing harmful greenhouse gases.

But ‘quality’ in the unregulated carbon credit market can be hard to come by, and harder still to verify. Often described as a ‘wild west’ industry, too many projects have been found to harm the interests of local communities and offer false claims of actually making a difference to the amount of CO2 absorbed and stored.

Another issue is there simply isn’t enough room on the planet to plant the number of trees needed to counterbalance the current level of global emissions without harming food supply. To put this into perspective, a single oil and gas company plans to use a tenth of the globally available unused land to ‘offset’ its emissions. Enhancing natural sinks will only get us so far, getting to net zero by 2050 is not possible without a hard and fast reduction in emissions.

Carbon credits are not offsets in the way that a profit offsets a loss. The accurate label for these credits is simply a donation towards climate-friendly projects and not, as marketing for high-carbon products often claims, as a means to ‘offset’ the harmful climate impacts of the things we buy. ClientEarth - link - more like this (greenwashing) - link

(OFD) HAPPY DIWALI TO MY ONE READER IN INDIA

more like this (transport) - link - more like this (Dates & Puja Timings) - link

(EUN) SEAWEED PACKAGING

Researchers have managed to extract a polymer from seaweed that could be used to construct seafood packaging. - Copyright Canva

Your fast food burger could soon come wrapped in seaweed. Burgers, fries, and nuggets can be a delicious treat. But the environmental impact of their packaging might leave a bad taste in your mouth.

These products often come wrapped in oil-proof plastic.

Not only does this packaging contribute to plastic pollution, but it is often coated with environmentally damaging chemicals like polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to stop your treat from sticking.

These industrially-produced chemicals can accumulate in the environment and in human bodies.

In the UK alone, consumers generate 11 billion items of packaging waste a year. Luckily a new breakthrough has brought scientists one step closer to a sustainable alternative - seaweed.

How would seaweed fast food packaging work?

Researchers from Flinders University in Australia have partnered with a German biomaterials developer to create a seaweed based biopolymer.

It is as recyclable as paper, explains Dr Zhongfan Jia, a lead researcher from the Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology.

“The seaweed extracts have a similar structure to the natural fibres from which paper is made,” says Dr Jia.

“Our novel specialist treatments boost the grease-resistance feature of the seaweed via simple modifications while not affecting biodegradability nor recyclability of the coated paper.” read full article in Euronews.green - link - the ever brilliant Charlotte Elton - link - more like this (packaging) - link - more like this (Australia) - link

(WEV) MERCEDES REVEAL THE ALL ELECTRIC EQE SUV

Mercedes Benz has revealed specifications of its new all-electric EQE SUV, with plans to start production at the company’s plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (USA) in December.

The EQE SUV is the multi-purpose variant of the EQE executive saloon. The SUV is more compact than the saloon variant with a 3,030 millimetres wheelbase that is nine centimetres shorter.

The vehicle is 4,863 mm long, 1,940 mm wide, and 1686 mm tall. It offers a drive output range from 215 to 300 kW (288 to 402hp) and has a torque ranging from 565 Nm to 858 Nm. Depending on the vehicle equipment and configuration, the European vehicles can achieve WLTP ranges of up to 590 kilometres (368 miles). Which EV - link - Tabassum Baloch - link - more like this (Mercedes) - link

(NAT) BEHOLD - LA BAGNOLE

Conceived with visions of the snowy Alps in mind, the La Bagnole can explore all types of terrain through all types of conditions - Kilow/KG Automotive

Leave it to the French to come up with a truly unique, adorable electric off-roader. The Kilow La Bagnole looks part mini pickup truck, part UTV and part shrunken Jeep CJ. 

It zips silently across rugged terrain via an exceptionally modest 16-kW powertrain that proves more than ample thanks to the skinny-wheeler's tiny size and sub-1,000-lb weight. The lil' La Bagnole carries two people and up to 650 L of gear or cargo on an off-road adventure of their choosing.

Measuring in at just under 111 in (2,812 mm) long, La Bagnole is more than 1.5 feet (46 cm) shorter than the original postwar-era Willys CJ, which eventually grew up into the modern-day Jeep Wrangler. The La Bagnole's 59-in (1,495-mm) width is also comparable to early CJs and to 58-in-wide Polaris Ranger gas or electric UTVs, promising to be plenty agile and maneuverable on even the tightest forest or canyon trail. Kilow's e-UTV stands at 57.5 inches (1,460 mm) to the top of its roof.

La Bagnole comes powered by a pair of rear-mounted brushless motors that team for up to 21 hp (16 kW). That doesn't exactly sound like the makings of a thrill ride, but given the vessel's sub-772-lb (350-kg) weight, it's able to achieve speeds of roughly 50 mph (80 km/h). 

Kilow lists acceleration time for 0 to 40 km/h (25 mph) at four seconds, though many drivers will be best-served laying off the accelerator in order to conserve range, which maxes out between 43 and 87 miles (70 and 140 km). New Atlas - link - C.C.Weiss - link - more like this (France) - link - more like this (electric cars) - link

(SKY) 1.5 MILLION UKRAINIANS WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN

Russia effectively already operates martial law in the regions it has stolen from Ukraine.

Censorship, detention, deportation, restricted rights of assembly, seizure of property, forced labour; you name it and it is happening in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

In fact it is doing a lot worse. Take deportation alone. The US government reckons between 900,000 and 1.5 million Ukrainians have disappeared through filtration camps and into Russia, their whereabouts unknown.

Ukraine latest news: War entering 'new phase' with 'something happening' in Kherson

Or detention. Ukraine claims thousands have been held, tortured or disappeared during Russia's illegal occupation. Sky news - link - Dominic Waghorn - link - more like this (Russian war) - link

(IAN) OXFORD 196

more like this - link - more like this (GUFF HOUSE - WordPress) - link 

(IAN) OXFORD 195

more like this - link

(IAN) OXFORD 194

more like this - link

(CNN) VICTORIA AND BOHDAN ZAMCHENKO

Victoria Zamchenko and her husband Bohdan, both 34, were killed in their Kyiv apartment by what Ukrainian officials said was a Russian-launched "kamikaze" drone.

A pregnant woman and her husband killed in Kyiv by what Ukrainian officials said was a Russian “kamikaze” drone strike were inseparable, like “yin and yang,” their close friend has told CNN.

“These people loved life,” Anna Petrukova said of Victoria Zamchenko and her husband Bohdan, both 34, who she described as a “wonderful couple.”

“They had a lot of plans – they dreamed of their own home, children, a full-fledged family, travel. They had very big plans for this life,” Petrukova said.

The Zamchenkos died at home in their apartment in Kyiv on Monday, following a barrage of strikes by Russian-launched, Iranian-made “kamikaze” drones, according to Ukrainian officials.

Victoria Zamchenko was six months pregnant with the couple’s first child. CNN - link - Olga Voitovych - link - Mick Krever - link - more like this (Russia) - link - more like this - link - more like this (GUFF HOUSE - WordPress) - link

(OFF) GOLDWIND'S GIANT

Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind and China Three Gorges (CTG) Corporation held a ceremony in the Fujian offshore wind industrial park on 13 October as Goldwind rolled out the nacelle for its first 13.6 MW turbine that will have a rotor diameter of 252 metres.

While Vestas’s and Siemens Gamesa’s currently largest offshore wind turbines have a capacity of 15 MW and 14 MW, respectively, more than Goldwind’s new giant, their rotors stand at “only” 236 metres.

According to the recent update from Siemens Gamesa, its SG 14-236 DD rotor has a 43,500 m2 swept area, which is approximately the size of 6.1 standard football pitches and, according to China Daily, Goldwind’s GWH 252-13.6MW has a swept area of about 50,000 m2 which is “equivalent to 7 standard football fields”.

Goldwind’s new model, besides having the world’s largest rotor diameter, is also the largest and most powerful offshore wind turbine in the Asia-Pacific region. offshorewind.biz - link - Adrijana Buljan - link - more like this (Goldwind) - link - more like this (China) - link

(BUG) OXSFG & CGFI PARTNERSHIP

Ground-breaking three year project aims to establish sector decarbonisation pathways and methodologies for measuring farm-level greenhouse gas emissions.

Barclays has today announced a major new three-year partnership with Oxford University's Sustainable Finance Group (OxSFG) and the UK Centre for Greening Finance and Investment (CGFI) designed to help reduce emissions across the British agricultural industry.

The first of its kind project aims to provide better emissions data from the farming industry and establish decarbonisation pathways that would allow financial institutions to better support the agriculture sectors transition towards lower emissions and more sustainable practices.

Methods developed under the partnership will underpin the setting of medium-term environmental targets by Barclays to reduce emissions resulting from financing activities to agriculture clients, which the bank described as key to meeting its commitment to align its financing with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

"The financial sector has a crucial role to play in unlocking the rapid decarbonisation of the agricultural sector," said Dr Ben Caldecott, director of the OxSFG and CGFI. "We are delighted to partner with Barclays on this project, creating open data and analytics that can drive better financial decisions. This project will support UK farmers and the UK agriculture sector to achieve net zero."

Adam White, Barclays' head of agriculture, said that bank was "very excited" to be working with the university to deliver better farm-level emissions data. "Farmers we talk to across the UK are keen to engage on the journey to net zero, however they are sometimes unsure of the actions to take or the impact of those actions," he said. "This work will enable us to support more customers on confidently taking the steps towards net zero in line with sector pathways and continue to support a vibrant UK agriculture sector."

The bank said that securing more accurate emissions data from farms and establishing credible decarbonisation pathways would make it easier for the financial sector to back projects that can curb agricultural emissions and enhance climate resilience, while also boosting yields and maintaining food security.

Barclays said it will incorporate the results of the research into BlueTrack, the bank's methodology for measuring financed emissions and tracking them at a portfolio-level against a benchmark aligned to the goals of the Paris Agreement.

However, it also stressed that the outputs from the project would be made publicly available, allowing other financial institutions to gain access to valuable data and methodologies to calculate their agriculture-related portfolio emissions and set emission reduction targets.

The launch of the project comes at a time of considerable uncertainty for the UK farming sector as the government continues to review its plans to radically reform the current farming subsidy regime. Environmental groups have urged the government to retain plans to switch to a new approach that would see landowners paid subsidies based on the delivery of a range of ecosystem services and the adoption of more sustainable farming practices - an approach where the development of more accurate methodologies for measuring emissions and environmental impacts will be critical.

However, some farmers have pushed back against the proposed reforms, arguing they could undermine productivity and urging the government to retain the current system of paying farmers based on how much land they own. Business Green - link - James Murray - link - more like this (UOX) - link

 

(TKI) RUSSIA ATTACKS KYIV WITH KAMIKAZE DRONES

A man falls on the ground following a drone attack in Kyiv on October 17, 2022. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP via Getty Images)

KYIV – Russia launched its first-ever attack on the Ukrainian capital using Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones early on Oct. 17, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported. Information on casualties is not yet available.

A fire broke out in a non-residential building in the central Shevchenkivskyi district while several residential buildings were damaged, according to the mayor.

As of 9 a.m. the regional military administration confirmed four strikes on Kyiv, adding that "the enemy continues to attack." According to the report, a residential building was hit.

The drone attack comes exactly a week after Russia’s massive barrage of missile strikes during Monday rush hour claimed at least 20 lives nationwide. Kyiv was among the cities hit, breaking the relative peace the capital’s residents had enjoyed since the last missile strike in late June.

Kamikaze drones struck Kyiv Oblast for the first time on Oct. 5, hitting an undisclosed building in Bila Tserkva, located some 75 kilometers south of the capital. Until today, Kyiv had remained untouched by the Iranian-made drones that Russia has increasingly used to strike targets across Ukraine. Kyiv Independent - link - Asami Terajima - link - more like this (Russians destroying Ukraine) - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 020

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 019

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 018

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 017

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 016

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 015

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 014

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 013

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 012

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 011

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 010

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 009

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 008

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 007

more like this - link

(IAN SAUSAGE BAKE 006

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 005

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 004

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 003

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 002

more like this - link

(IAN) SAUSAGE BAKE 001

(IAN) BLOGGER DOWN

When I started 'doing' my blog in 2019, it was merely a pasttime to enable me to disconnect with thinking about work. I've always been a worrier and find it hard to stop dwelling on work stuff.

As I got more and more into the subject of sustainability, green energy and environmental tipping points I started to look for more industry and topic based material to read which exposed me to some brilliant journalists; Nick Lavers and Loz Blain at New Atlas, Nick Blenkey at MarineLog, all of the fantastic writers at the Guardian, I could go on and on.

The more great writers I came across, the more I wanted others to read them, the more I posted and the more page views I got, taking 'Guff House' to 270-300 page views a day.

I even read a book about blogging and started back linking 'more like this' to try and make the experience of reading 'Guff House' more personal to the reader's subject preference.

Then came October 2022 - sixteen days ago and my page views went from up to 300 per day, to 50. My initial thoughts were that I'd somehow posted something so offensive I'd simultaneously offended the majority of readers, then reviewing the blog stats I realised that I'd effectively lost 'the world’s' viewers i.e. everyone outside of the UK in one go.

I can't find any reason for losing the world which is a tad annoying and ultimately deflating as it suggests that what I do is not the only influencer on how many people read this blog so in a nutshell - thanks for reading. more like this (Ian) - link