Winter Issue | January 2023 |
Better Living Through Well Being
*************************************** I am grateful to be in a collaborative business with many talented and skilled professionals. Your feedback is always welcome. - Mary Michele McLaughlin From the Front Page of TMIS News
United Nations Executive Secretary Talks with Protiviti: 'We Need Private Sector Engagement, Investment to Solve Environmental Crises'
In an interview with VISION by Protiviti, the United Nations' (UN) Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification calls on global business leaders to take an active role in helping to solve the planet's biggest problems. "Businesses need to shift from a linear economy — extracting resources, using them quickly and discarding them as waste — to a circular economy where used products are repurposed and re-injected in the economy," said Ibrahim Thiaw in an interview with global consulting firm Protiviti while he was at COP27, the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. "Business has a huge role to play in shaping the consumption patterns of the growing middle class, as it will demand more land, water and other resources. There is a dire need for investments that, at once, match this huge consumer demand for change, and ensure we adapt to the multiple disruptions exacerbated by climate change and land degradation," stated Thiaw. The interview, conducted by Protiviti's Baris Karapinar, ESG and Sustainability lead for the firm's operation in Switzerland, wrapped up Protiviti's six-month exploration of the business impact of sustainability in a content series titled "Future of ESG," the latest theme explored on the VISION by Protiviti online thought leadership platform. Thiaw calls on the private sector to help solve Earth's environmental challenges, including climate change, drought, water scarcity, land degradation and biodiversity loss. Doing so will give people a chance to generate 50 percent more wealth over the next three decades, Thiaw says. "The world has a choice: Either we continue with the current nature-destructive path and lose up to half of the global GDP by 2050, or we take a sustainable land management approach to combat the current environmental crises we're facing."
The interior design of our cells: Database of 200,000 cell images yields new mathematical framework to understand our cellular building blocks
Working with hundreds of thousands of high-resolution images, the team at the Allen Institute for Cell Science, a division of the Allen Institute, put numbers on the internal organization of human cells — a biological concept that has to date proven exceptionally difficult to quantify. Through that work, the scientists also captured details about the rich variation in cell shape even among genetically identical cells grown under identical conditions. The team described their work in a paper published in the journal Nature. "The way cells are organized tells us something about their behavior and identity," said Susanne Rafelski, Ph.D., Deputy Director of the Allen Institute for Cell Science, who led the study along with Senior Scientist Matheus Viana, Ph.D. "What's been missing from the field, as we all try to understand how cells change in health and disease, is a rigorous way to deal with this kind of organization. We haven't yet tapped into that information." This study provides a roadmap for biologists to understand organization of different kinds of cells in a measurable, quantitative way, Rafelski said. It also reveals some key organizational principles of the cells the Allen Institute team studies, which are known as human induced pluripotent stem cells. Understanding how cells organize themselves under healthy conditions — and the full range of variability contained within "normal" — can help scientists better understand what goes wrong in disease. The image dataset, genetically engineered stem cells, and code that went into this study are all publicly available for other scientists in the community to use.
98% of Global Companies Making Progress Toward Stated Decarbonization Targets
ENGI Impact, a leader in sustainability transformation solutions, has announced the release of its 2023 Net Zero Report. Titled "Six Actions to Accelerate DecarbonizationSix Actions to Accelerate Decarbonization," the third annual report delves into corporate transformation readiness, challenges to implementation and the major decarbonization roadblocks companies must overcome to reach Net Zero. Along with a summary of progress achieved, the report provides insights and strategies to accelerate decarbonization and increase return on investments by implementing an actionable roadmap. ENGIE Impact's study involved more than 500 senior executives from the world's largest companies, each employing more than 10,000 people. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of those surveyed this year said they have now made some form of public commitment or target to address carbon emissions reduction within their organization. While this rising percentage represents progress, only 12% rate their sustainability efforts as "extremely successful," and 75% say they have already achieved the "quick wins" in their decarbonization plan. Success will require more investment, strong leadership and sustained effort and commitment to reach decarbonization goals in time. "Our research reveals signs of progress from corporations around the world, but the process must accelerate, and we've learned there are challenges along the way that many leaders don't anticipate at the beginning of this journey," said Mathias Lelievre, CEO ENGIE Impact. "Our report identifies the most common barriers to overcome and strategic actions to clear those roadblocks and accelerate decarbonization."
Study Finds Global Business Leaders Anticipate Investment Cuts and Want Renewables As First Approach to Climate in Response to Europe's Energy Crisis, Economic Headwinds
As the world faces stiff economic headwinds and Europe grapples with a deepening energy crisis with global impacts, a recent survey conducted by FleishmanHillard found that business leaders around the world expect investment reductions in key areas while renewing desires for a balanced approach to climate and energy. They expect fossil fuels to be given a prolonged role given supply shortages in Europe and the UK. The energy crisis and inflation are affecting consumers' cost of living and industries globally, creating both challenges and opportunities for business. FleishmanHillard's TRUE Global Intelligence wanted to learn more and surveyed nearly 900 business leaders in nine countries: China, France, Germany, India, Italy, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States to understand their perspective related to the European energy crisis and expectations for the coming year. Sixty-one percent of the executives said they were "very concerned" about inflation, followed by tensions between the West and Russia (53%) and the European energy crisis (51%). Concern about climate change and extreme weather was fourth at 42%, which was ahead of the frosty China-U.S. relationship (33%). Some 61% of those surveyed also said inflation was having a large or very large impact on their business. Eight in 10 (79%) said they expected poverty to grow as a result of Europe's energy crisis and global increase in energy costs due to supply constraints, while nearly the same level expects the crisis to accelerate the growth of renewable energy production (76%).
Survey Reveals 90% of Americans Used Telehealth in The Past Year
Independa, an award-winning TV-based platform providing remote engagement, education and care, today announced the results of their latest commissioned survey examining behaviors and attitudes of smart TV users and their experiences surrounding telehealth. Results from the November 2022 study found that over 90% of Americans used telehealth services in the last year, and that 90% enjoyed their experience. Some of these services included doctors appointments, teledentistry, and vision appointments. Additionally, 71% of users accessed telehealth using their smartphones. Respondents said that the television is their preferred method of using telehealth. Last year, a survey of American adults over 70, also commissioned by Independa, revealed that older adults in particular prefer the ease of using the television for telehealth. "We are thrilled to be on the forefront of telehealth adoption with the Independa Health Hub built into LG TVs," said Kian Saneii, founder and CEO of Independa. "Our research shows that for the 97% of Americans who own a smart TV, there is a preference for using familiar technology like the television to provide more ease, comfort, and accessibility to valuable health resources."
Topsoe and Fidelis New Energy form Carbon Neutral Hydrogen Technology Alliance
Topsoe A/S ("Topsoe") and Fidelis New Energy, LLC ("Fidelis") have entered into a global alliance for technology used for producing carbon neutral hydrogen. The alliance pairs Topsoe's hydrogen process portfolio with FidelisH2™ technology for reduction of lifecycle carbon emissions in hydrogen production. Combined, the alliance solution enables the production of hydrogen from natural gas with a lifecycle carbon intensity of 0 kgCO2e / kgH2. Producing decarbonized products, materials, and fuels through proven technologies such as the Topsoe Blue Portfolio and FidelisH2 is a critical contribution to decarbonizing carbon intense sectors of society, including industry, digital infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and transportation. Topsoe and Fidelis are dedicated to continue to play their roles in this important endeavor to accelerate the energy transition and to join forces to provide an offering for life cycle carbon neutral hydrogen utilizing renewables and natural gas. US EPA Approves the SnifferDRONE for Monitoring Landfill Methane Emissions
Sniffer Robotics, a leading environmental technology enabled services company, announced the US EPA has broadly approved its SnifferDRONE method to monitor landfill methane emissions as an alternative to existing federal regulations. The EPA regulatory approval with complete details can be read here. New aerial technologies are entering the market to better account for landfill emissions. These technologies include satellites, manned aircraft, and other drone-based technologies. The SnifferDRONE's "hyper-local" solution is unique in collecting air samples directly at the ground surface, measuring methane concentrations within collected air samples in parts per million (ppm) and correlating measurements to discrete latitude/longitude coordinates during flight. This data is then transformed into specific leak locations consistent with US EPA regulations as actionable information. The data can also be transformed to estimate fugitive gas emissions and analyzed to understand site gas migration in conjunction with operational changes. Reducing methane emissions is necessary to limit climate change. In November 2022, the US EPA presented a Draft Report on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases estimating methane's social cost due to the future impacts of climate change at $1,600/metric ton. This cost translates to landfill methane emissions' overall societal cost of $136+ billion annually. Further, methane emissions that could be collected and converted to energy is lost revenue to the industry – estimated at $6 Billion annually based on a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) valuation. The opportunity to reduce landfill emissions offers direct benefits to firms' operations and society's quality of life. With today's realization that innovative tools and improved methods to detect methane are needed, the SnifferDRONE offers the industry the most effective method to address these emissions. Tech4Nature partners announce project to study impact of tourism on biodiversity in Spain
Huawei and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have selected Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park in Barcelona Province for a new Tech4Nature project to study how tourism impacts the park's ecosystem, notably the Bonelli's eagle. The park has seen a clear increase in visitors since the pandemic, reflecting a growing trend of leisure and tourism in periurban natural and protected spaces. As a result, park managers have observed changes in the behavioral patterns of the Bonelli's eagle, which nests in the park and is listed as vulnerable in the Spanish Red Book of Birds. Scheduled for launch in February 2023, the project will see Huawei and partners developing and deploying a tech-based solution comprising cameras, GPS receivers, and a cloud platform that will serve as the computing and storage infrastructure. Forming an alert-detection system, the solution will observe and monitor the mobility of the eagle and determine the factors that disturb its reproductive success – human disturbance to breeding areas has already been identified as a major threat to the eagle. For a New You in the New Year, Consider Removing Breast Implants for Healthier Life
It's the time of year where we over-indulge in our favorite foods and beverages, and pledge that the new year will bring a renewed effort to lose weight, exercise more, and commit to improving our overall health. A Michigan plastic surgeon says one way to eliminate multiple symptoms of poor health is to have aging breast implants removed. Most implants last about 10 years before those with them begin experiencing a multitude of physical ailments, many associated with leaking and deteriorating implants. "We have a thorough checklist on our website of symptoms that often turn out to be related to breast implant illnesses," says Dr. Shaher W. Khan, owner at Executive Plastic Surgery and an expert in en bloc capsulectomy—the gold standard for surgical removal of implants and the capsule of scar tissue surrounding them. "Women who are otherwise young and healthy complain of symptoms like fatigue, skin rashes or vertigo," Dr. Khan says. "They go to their primary care physicians who look at every possible reason for the symptoms other than their implants." iHerb Top Wellness Trends in 2023
iHerb, the largest eCommerce platform, dedicated to vitamins, minerals, and supplements has tapped Dr. Michael Murray, N.D. – one of the leading authorities in dietary supplements, and natural products – to share his insights for the top health and wellness trends likely to gain popularity in 2023. The full wellness prediction can be found on iHerb's blog, the go-to guide featuring advice from credentialed contributors on what's new and next for living well. Immune health has been a key focus since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but recent surveys indicate other priorities are rising as well. In one survey of over 5,000 consumers from seven countries, the top concerns were sleep quality and stress, as well as brain health and function. In the blog post, you will find Dr. Murray's recommendations for the top supplements for each of these health concerns. Market data shows that the protein powder and amino acids segment is the fastest-growing sector in the supplement category. It is not only the increasing number of sports enthusiasts and bodybuilders fueling this growth, but also consumers purchasing collagen protein products to help promote skin health and beauty from within. Dr. Murray notes that Collagen leads as the fastest-growing protein choice, with consumers also purchasing more and more vegan protein (pea, hemp, pumpkin, soy, rice, etc.) and whey, casein, and egg protein powders. Hidden Worlds Joins Forces with The Islands of The Bahamas to Debut New Immersive Pop-Up Experience, Bringing Awareness to Ocean Conservation
After a successful run in 2022, Miami's immersive underwater wonderland, Hidden Worlds Entertainment Inc. – an impactainment company creating attractions with a purpose – is teaming up with The Islands of The Bahamas to present, 'Our Ocean, Our Future', an educational and entertaining marine journey to promote planet stewardship and bring awareness to ocean conservation. After much anticipation, the riveting oceanic adventure will come to life from Wednesday, February 15 – Wednesday, March 4, 2023 at Ampersand Studios located in one of Miami's most iconic neighborhoods, Wynwood. Using the latest digital projection technology, 360-degree audio environments and immersive fine-dining, Hidden Worlds showcases the wonders of the world's at-risk ocean ecosystems. The "Our Ocean, Our World" experience will engage the senses (smell, sight, and sound) of guests through immersive art displays. "Everyone is drawn in by the outward beauty of The Bahamas and in this case, we're focusing on the 'inner beauty,' specifically their conservation efforts. The nation has been a leader in banning single use plastics and has always prioritized shark conservation," said Daniel Hettwer. "Our charity partner, Beneath the Waves, has discovered the world's largest seagrass meadow by studying tiger shark migration patterns. This area is estimated to be the world's largest blue carbon sink benefiting all of humanity. It is unlikely that this discovery would have been made without shark conservation by The Bahamas." Division of TMIS Greenman Microgreenswww.greenmanmicrogreens.com If you can be efficient, you can be effective! TM Information Services P.O. Box 1516; Orting, WA 98360 Copyright 2023© TM Information Services All Rights Reserved |
|