Global air quality crisis: only 17% of cities meet WHO standard

A stark picture of global air quality emerges from IQAir's 7th annual World Air Quality Report, released today. Analyzing data from over 40,000 air quality monitoring stations across 8,954 locations in 138 countries, territories, and regions, the report reveals that a mere 17% of cities worldwide met the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual guideline for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) of 5 µg/m³.

The comprehensive dataset, compiled and analyzed by IQAir's air quality scientists, underscores the pervasive nature of air pollution as a critical global challenge with significant implications for public health and environmental engineering efforts.

How smart is Europe’s public transport?

City dwellers who drive cars produce two to three times more greenhouse gas than those who use buses and trains. And yet, public transport in Europe has not yet reached its final destination. Transport companies are constantly fighting to attract more users and to become more eco-friendly with sustainable propulsion systems and digital infrastructure. Public transport has long been Europe’s “innovation hub” for urban mobility, with a myriad of ideas and projects.

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Does renting clothes instead of buying them have a real (positive) environmental impact?

Is renting clothes instead of buying them truly better for the planet? As the textile industry faces growing scrutiny for its environmental impact, clothing rental services promise consumers the opportunity to refresh their wardrobe frequently while lowering their carbon footprint. But is this solution as eco-friendly as it appears?

This is the question tried to find an answer in the recent study by Pauline Munten, Valérie Swaen and Joëlle Vanhamme. 

Following article is published in The Conversation by authors.

RAVEN: A Swiss drone innovation that walks, jumps, and flies

Once again, Switzerland’s research sector has demonstrated its leadership in cutting-edge technology. Scientists at EPFL in Lausanne have unveiled a groundbreaking robot that moves like a bird. Dubbed "RAVEN" (Robotic Avian-inspired Vehicle for multiple Environments), the robot can run, jump, and take to the skies with remarkable agility, drawing inspiration from the natural world.

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The Future of Aviation Takes Flight: Electric Planes Set to Transform the Skies

The skies are on the cusp of a monumental shift, one powered not by traditional jet fuel but by electricity. It may sound like science fiction, but IDTechEx’s latest report, "Sustainable Future Aviation 2025-2045: Trends, Technologies, Forecasts", predicts that by 2045, nearly one in four planes sold will rely entirely on battery-electric propulsion. This bold vision is grounded in both innovation and necessity as the aviation industry grapples with pressing challenges related to energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and operating costs.

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Robotics and digitization in agriculture at EuroTier 2024

Barn Robot Event – Moderated live demonstrations – Saxony’s 16th Agricultural Workers' Day on 14 November 2024 – Topic: AI and digitalization in the agricultural sector – Impact on work on the farm – EuroTier 2024: 12 to 15 November in Hanover – Over 2,100 registered exhibitors on 220,000 square metres of exhibition space – www.eurotier.com.

Zurich's ETH HPT Building: Renovating a Historic Landmark for a Modern Future

The Auguste-Piccard-Hof, more commonly known as the HPT building at ETH Zurich, stands as a testament to mid-20th-century modernism on the university's Hönggerberg campus. Originally built in 1967, this architectural marvel, designed by Albert Heinrich Steiner, holds both historical significance and a vital role in academic research and education. It is among Zurich's listed Steiner buildings, celebrated for its unique structural aesthetic and practical design.

The pan-European scientific TREC expedition returns after 18 months of sampling on land and at sea

Starting in spring 2023, the scientific TREC expedition (TRaversing European Coastlines) is an international exploration of life in water, sediment, soil, and air along Europe's coasts. Its aim: to understand how coastal ecosystems function, influence each other, and adapt to natural changes and the impact of human activities. Scientists will now analyse the collected data to study, amongst many other things, how climate change, chemical pollution, biodiversity decline and antibiotics resistance spread can be monitored and understood  at the molecular and cellular level.

Advanced technologies for industrial innovation: shaping Europe´s future

The European Commission has been spearheading numerous projects to advance the adoption of cutting-edge technologies across industries, particularly focusing on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and key enabling technologies (KETs). These advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and Internet of Things (IoT), are pivotal to driving innovation and fostering growth in Europe’s industrial sector. As industries evolve, their reliance on digital transformation continues to expand, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and modernization.