AI can be the game changer of the Waste Management Industry

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising waste management industry by enhancing efficiency, optimising recycling processes, and contributing to sustainable practices

Through the utilisation of machine learning,  algorithms, computer vision, and robotics, AI technologies can automate the waste materials industry, accurately identify and separate recyclables from non-recyclables, and detect specific types of waste materials for correct disposal or recycling. Artificial intelligence (AI) in smart city waste management systems radically improves the efficiency and sustainability of garbage collection and disposal

A state-of-the-art waste management system automates and streamlines the entire garbage collection ecosystem using  technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Artificial intelligence’s predictive abilities are crucial to reduce waste

Artificial intelligence (AI) based predictive analytics enhance the precision of demand projections, allowing businesses to plan production and inventory management better. An efficient waste sorting system is the bedrock of every good waste management system. Where the AI waste management system shines for recycling plants all around the globe is in this particular area. With the help of computer vision technology, the waste management system can detect and sort waste. Even more so, AI software guarantees cleaner recycled trash from recycling facilities to landfills.

CBAM drives decarbonization change in the European steel industry

Decarbonization is moving up the European steelmakers’ agenda, as the industry shifts towards greener means of production. Today, the steel industry is responsible for around 5% of CO2 emissions in the EU and 7% globally, according to the European Commission (the Commission) data. European Union needs to transform to become a net zero-emitter by 2050.

The European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a tool aimed at putting a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon-intensive goods that enter the EU. CBAM is a carbon tariff on carbon intensive products, such as steel, cement and some electricity, imported to the European Union. The transitional phase of CBAM, wherein EU authorities will test the mechanism without imposing any duties, will run from October 1, 2023, until the end of 2025.

The CBAM will be gradually phased in from 2026 to 2034, alongside the phasing-out of the free carbon allowances applicable under the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). According to industry sources’ estimates, a total of 94% of ETS carbon allowances are distributed and only 6% are paid for. But starting in 2026, the mills will start paying for carbon credits. The price of a carbon emissions permit in the EU was around €63-80 ($69-86) per tonne in January 2024, down from its all-time high of €105.73 per tonne in February 2023. it is estimated CO2 allowance prices would jump to €200-250 per tonne when the free allocations are phased out in 2034.

The Global Energy Transition

In 2021, only 0.5 GW of electrolysers were installed; cumulative installed capacity needs to grow to some 350 GW by 2030. Hydrogen commands a great deal of policy attention, so the coming years should bring concrete actions to develop the global market and reduce costs. In this regard, the development of standards and guarantees of origin, along with support schemes to cover the cost gap for green solutions, will ensure that hydrogen offers a meaningful contribution to climate efforts in the long term

Green hydrogen should move from niche to mainstream by 2050. 80% of the world population lives in countries that are net energy importers. With the abundance of renewable and hydrogen potential yet to be harnessed, this percentage can be dramatically reduced

Energy transition
IRENA, News Article

 

Electrification and efficiency as key drivers of the energy transition, enabled by renewables, hydrogen, and sustainable biomass. The massive change in how societies produce and consume energy, would result in a cut of nearly 37 gigatonnes of annual CO2 emissions by 2050

These reductions can be achieved through

1)significant increases in generation and direct uses of renewables-based electricity

2)substantial improvements in energy efficiency

3)the electrification of end-use sectors (e.g. Electric vehicles and heat pumps)

4)clean hydrogen and its derivatives

5)bioenergy coupled with carbon capture and storage; and 6) last-mile use of carbon capture and storage

Progress will depend on political will, well-targeted investments, and a mix of technologies, accompanied by policy packages to put them in place and optimize their socio- economic impact

 

Reducing emissions by 2050 through six technological avenues
IRENA, News Article

 

Environmental and social impact – Growing climate concerns, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, accelerate demand for plant-based proteins

Environmental and social impact - Growing climate concerns, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, accelerate demand for plant-based proteins

The food supply chain emits 26% of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG). Livestock alone represents 14% of all global GHG emissions, so replacing animal proteins with plant-based proteins could reduce GHG emissions significantly. Younger generations – Millennials and Gen Z – are a predominant force in the fight against climate change and want to reduce the human impact on the environment