Page 83 - Globalization News Today

Marta Moreno Ibáñez from Quebec University explains how scientists are improving the accuracy of forecasting polar lows - short-lived, but intense storms.

Technology and COVID-19 threaten to exacerbate existing social inequalities. Sharan Burrow of the International Trade Union Confederation explains why.

Mint Innovation uses biorefineries to salvage precious metals from scrap electronics. Image: Mint Innovation “Imagine the gold in your old laptop might end up as a ring on a person’s finger – or being reused in new devices,” says Mint Innovation chief executive Will Barker. Using naturally sourced microbes and inexpensive chemicals, the company recovers precious metals from crushed and powdered electronic waste. A mobile phone, for example, is made up of ...

“Opt-in is the fundamental approach in our smart city initiatives,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. “Most smart city data derives from citizens’ activities - energy usage, healthcare, etc - and the owner of the data is the citizen, even if it is held by companies or clinics. So it is critical that citizens have control over the degree to which their data is accessible,” he added. Other digital tools offered to residents of Aizuwakamatsu are in the areas of mobility, education,...

Coming from four main sectors (see chart 1), these professionals predominantly work in positions of decision-making authority over various aspects of technology. About a quarter of participants are utility or other energy sector executives, 23% work with cleantech in the public sector and about 19% approach this field from an investor’s perspective. Participants shared their view on funding priorities for three time periods using our interactive online survey: 2021-2025; 2026-2030; beyond 203...

Despite growing complexities and disruptions, these companies continue to show signs of sustained strength. A new report shows that despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s unprecedented disruption, 93% of Global Lighthouse Network factories achieved an increase in product output and found new revenue streams. They are achieving this by realizing productivity improvements, gaining market share, putting customers first and ushering in a cleaner future. These gains are being made with little to no capit...

Whilst many of us will be watching more TV during the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have shown these programmes may be good for our mental health. Whilst binge-watching is not recommended, TV shows that make us laugh or feel positive emotions can counteract negative feelings. Finding ways to stay positive and happy is vital write two psychologists. It’s easy to feel guilty when you’re lazing around in front of the TV in your pyjamas, eating ice cream straight out of the tub. But it’s not an ...

1. How COVID-19 is affecting the globe Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now passed 120.7 million globally, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The number of confirmed deaths stands at more than 2.67 million. More than 381.34 million vaccination doses have been administered globally, according to Our World in Data. Russias COVID-19 vaccines have proven effective against new variants of the coronavirus in trials, a scientist with Moscow’s consumer regulator said yesterda...

At least 12 EU states have suspended use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine due to concerns about a possible link between the vaccine and blood clots. The WHO, EMA, MHRA and AstraZeneca have said there is no evidence of a link between the vaccine and clots. The precautionary principle anticipatory action to avoid potential harm, even when the evidence around that harm is uncertain The arrival of effective vaccines against COVID-19 has been one of the few good news stories of the pandemic. Howe...

The LEGO Foundation has reviewed evidence of the power of learning through play to tackle inequality and improve the outcomes of children. Experts increasingly recognize the benefits of learning through play, especially for early brain development, and the role that adults can play in nurturing this. Many of the report’s conclusions about early childhood impacts are testable, which the LEGO Foundation sees as a roadmap for learning our way forward. The LEGO Foundation’s new report, Learning...