From coal to cars to coffee, consumption levels are breaking records, and the acceleration of resource depletion, pollution and climate change may come with underappreciated social and environmental costs, according to the Worldwatch Institute.
To inspect the blades of the more than 270,000 wind turbines operating globally, technicians have traditionally relied on binoculars and field scopes from the ground, or have scaled the turbines with the help of ropes or cables. Today, unmanned aerial vehicles are providing a safer option, with the benefit of higher-resolution imaging. Cumulative global revenue for wind turbine UAV sales and inspection services is expected to reach nearly $6bn by 2024, according to a Navigant Research report.
The United States Maritime Administration has issued Advisory 2015-02 concerning possible contamination by hazardous materials caused by the explosions that occurred last month at the Port of Tianjin, in China.
Many of the world's biggest food, beverage and tobacco brands are missing their biggest opportunity to mitigate climate risks, according to analysis by global non-profit CDP, formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project.
A study released by the Stockholm Environmental Institute (SEI) has revealed serious issues with the environmental integrity of carbon credit issued under Joint Implementation (JI). According to the review, about three-quarters of the carbon credits issued under JI may have actually increased emissions by about 600 million metric tons.
Eliminating supply chain risk is the primary driver for sustainability initiatives and industry collaboration is the biggest opportunity according to a recent report published by Ethical Corporation titled "Sustainable Supply Chain Trends 2015." The report features insight from 415 CSR and supply chain professionals primarily based in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.
Axion Consulting, Dow Chemical, Nestlé, Unilever and other global companies say they have made "significant" progress in a project that aims to improve the recyclability of flexible packaging.