Ubuntu Studio’s positive news round-up
Ubuntu Thoughts / 5 Min read
Friday 17th June, 2022
Callum Berry
Content & Media Manager
Content & Media Manager
Hello readers! We hope you’re all enjoying the glorious sunshine this week. As usual, we’re here with three highlights from the last few weeks that will hopefully give you a little boost before the weekend. Let’s get started…
Computer algae-rhythms
It seems bizarre, but scientists at Cambridge University have used algae to power a computer for a whole year!
The scientists in question used a widespread species of blue-green algae to power a microprocessor continuously for a year, using only ambient light and water.
To get into the science-y stuff: The light generates a tiny electrical current that in turn interacts with an aluminium electrode to power a microprocessor. Even better, the system is made of common, inexpensive and largely recyclable materials—so it’s not going to result in more harm to the planet to build.
This is exciting news as it’s a potential opening for more developments in terms of sustainable energy, especially for smaller electric appliances.
The scientists in question used a widespread species of blue-green algae to power a microprocessor continuously for a year, using only ambient light and water.
To get into the science-y stuff: The light generates a tiny electrical current that in turn interacts with an aluminium electrode to power a microprocessor. Even better, the system is made of common, inexpensive and largely recyclable materials—so it’s not going to result in more harm to the planet to build.
This is exciting news as it’s a potential opening for more developments in terms of sustainable energy, especially for smaller electric appliances.
Alas(ka), no drilling
It’s felt like a long time coming, but the Biden administration has finally cancelled one of the most highly valued oil and gas leases, which was set to drill oil in over 1 million acres in Alaska.
The cancellation will prevent the high probability of disastrous oil spills in the area (which come with virtually every oil and gas exploration around the globe) and help protect endangered populations, as well as halt the release of more greenhouse gases.
The move is also consistent with Biden’s commitment to tackling global warming, but is sure to be met with anger from lobbyists from the petroleum industry—especially at a time when petrol and diesel prices are at an all time high.
However, despite the energy scarcity that’s threatening the world right now, it’s clear that collectively, we need to be rapidly transitioning to green and renewable energy, rather than relying on traditional fossil fuel-led approaches. And the more our governments can get behind the green-agenda, the more likely it is we can begin to tackle the climate crisis we’re currently facing.
The cancellation will prevent the high probability of disastrous oil spills in the area (which come with virtually every oil and gas exploration around the globe) and help protect endangered populations, as well as halt the release of more greenhouse gases.
The move is also consistent with Biden’s commitment to tackling global warming, but is sure to be met with anger from lobbyists from the petroleum industry—especially at a time when petrol and diesel prices are at an all time high.
However, despite the energy scarcity that’s threatening the world right now, it’s clear that collectively, we need to be rapidly transitioning to green and renewable energy, rather than relying on traditional fossil fuel-led approaches. And the more our governments can get behind the green-agenda, the more likely it is we can begin to tackle the climate crisis we’re currently facing.
Portugal’s power park
In another win for green energy, Portugal is preparing to start up Europe's largest floating solar park.
Long hours of sunshine and fast winds from the Atlantic have helped Portugal to dramatically accelerate its shift to renewables. The park will be fitted with over 12,000 solar panels, and the floating panels don’t require costly real estate. The panels—situated on reservoirs used for hydropower—are especially cost effective as they are able to hook up to existing links to the power grid.
Long hours of sunshine and fast winds from the Atlantic have helped Portugal to dramatically accelerate its shift to renewables. The park will be fitted with over 12,000 solar panels, and the floating panels don’t require costly real estate. The panels—situated on reservoirs used for hydropower—are especially cost effective as they are able to hook up to existing links to the power grid.
Well, that’s everything from us today, we’re sorry the puns weren’t up to scratch today! Have a great weekend everyone and (if it stops raining) try to go outside! Be sure to follow our socials so you know when the next PNR comes out (every Friday).
Got an interesting story you’d like us to highlight? Feel free to send in your ideas to callum@ubuntustudio.co.uk and you could be featured in an upcoming PNR!
Got an interesting story you’d like us to highlight? Feel free to send in your ideas to callum@ubuntustudio.co.uk and you could be featured in an upcoming PNR!
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We're not your average, run-of-the-mill creative agency. We were founded and built on a passion for helping companies do better - for themselves, for people, and for the planet.
We appreciate that all life on earth is under threat, so we’re using the resources we have—our business, our investments, our voice and our imaginations—to do something about it. Reducing the negative impact on people and the planet.
If you're looking to make a change in how you market your business, we'd love to chat. Find out more at ubuntustudio.co.uk.
We appreciate that all life on earth is under threat, so we’re using the resources we have—our business, our investments, our voice and our imaginations—to do something about it. Reducing the negative impact on people and the planet.
If you're looking to make a change in how you market your business, we'd love to chat. Find out more at ubuntustudio.co.uk.
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