#Global Industry Analysis

[jcmarchi]

Study finds health risks in switching ships from diesel to ammonia fuel

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/study-finds-health-risks-in-switching-ships-from-diesel-to-ammonia-fuel/

Study finds health risks in switching ships from diesel to ammonia fuel

As container ships the size of city blocks cross the oceans to deliver cargo, their huge diesel engines emit large quantities of air pollutants that drive climate change and have human health impacts. It has been estimated that maritime shipping accounts for almost 3 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions and the industry’s negative impacts on air quality cause about 100,000 premature deaths each year.

Decarbonizing shipping to reduce these detrimental effects is a goal of the International Maritime Organization, a U.N. agency that regulates maritime transport. One potential solution is switching the global fleet from fossil fuels to sustainable fuels such as ammonia, which could be nearly carbon-free when considering its production and use.

But in a new study, an interdisciplinary team of researchers from MIT and elsewhere caution that burning ammonia for maritime fuel could worsen air quality further and lead to devastating public health impacts, unless it is adopted alongside strengthened emissions regulations.

Ammonia combustion generates nitrous oxide (N2O), a greenhouse gas that is about 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. It also emits nitrogen in the form of nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2, referred to as NOx), and unburnt ammonia may slip out, which eventually forms fine particulate matter in the atmosphere. These tiny particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing health problems like heart attacks, strokes, and asthma.

The new study indicates that, under current legislation, switching the global fleet to ammonia fuel could cause up to about 600,000 additional premature deaths each year. However, with stronger regulations and cleaner engine technology, the switch could lead to about 66,000 fewer premature deaths than currently caused by maritime shipping emissions, with far less impact on global warming.

“Not all climate solutions are created equal. There is almost always some price to pay. We have to take a more holistic approach and consider all the costs and benefits of different climate solutions, rather than just their potential to decarbonize,” says Anthony Wong, a postdoc in the MIT Center for Global Change Science and lead author of the study.

His co-authors include Noelle Selin, an MIT professor in the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society and the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS); Sebastian Eastham, a former principal research scientist who is now a senior lecturer at Imperial College London; Christine Mounaïm-Rouselle, a professor at the University of Orléans in France; Yiqi Zhang, a researcher at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; and Florian Allroggen, a research scientist in the MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The research appears this week in Environmental Research Letters.

Greener, cleaner ammonia

Traditionally, ammonia is made by stripping hydrogen from natural gas and then combining it with nitrogen at extremely high temperatures. This process is often associated with a large carbon footprint. The maritime shipping industry is betting on the development of “green ammonia,” which is produced by using renewable energy to make hydrogen via electrolysis and to generate heat.

“In theory, if you are burning green ammonia in a ship engine, the carbon emissions are almost zero,” Wong says.

But even the greenest ammonia generates nitrous oxide (N2O), nitrogen oxides (NOx) when combusted, and some of the ammonia may slip out, unburnt. This nitrous oxide would escape into the atmosphere, where the greenhouse gas would remain for more than 100 years. At the same time, the nitrogen emitted as NOx and ammonia would fall to Earth, damaging fragile ecosystems. As these emissions are digested by bacteria, additional N2O  is produced.

NOx and ammonia also mix with gases in the air to form fine particulate matter. A primary contributor to air pollution, fine particulate matter kills an estimated 4 million people each year.

“Saying that ammonia is a ‘clean’ fuel is a bit of an overstretch. Just because it is carbon-free doesn’t necessarily mean it is clean and good for public health,” Wong says.

A multifaceted model

The researchers wanted to paint the whole picture, capturing the environmental and public health impacts of switching the global fleet to ammonia fuel. To do so, they designed scenarios to measure how pollutant impacts change under certain technology and policy assumptions.

From a technological point of view, they considered two ship engines. The first burns pure ammonia, which generates higher levels of unburnt ammonia but emits fewer nitrogen oxides. The second engine technology involves mixing ammonia with hydrogen to improve combustion and optimize the performance of a catalytic converter, which controls both nitrogen oxides and unburnt ammonia pollution.

They also considered three policy scenarios: current regulations, which only limit NOx emissions in some parts of the world; a scenario that adds ammonia emission limits over North America and Western Europe; and a scenario that adds global limits on ammonia and NOx emissions.

The researchers used a ship track model to calculate how pollutant emissions change under each scenario and then fed the results into an air quality model. The air quality model calculates the impact of ship emissions on particulate matter and ozone pollution. Finally, they estimated the effects on global public health.

One of the biggest challenges came from a lack of real-world data, since no ammonia-powered ships are yet sailing the seas. Instead, the researchers relied on experimental ammonia combustion data from collaborators to build their model.

“We had to come up with some clever ways to make that data useful and informative to both the technology and regulatory situations,” he says.

A range of outcomes

In the end, they found that with no new regulations and ship engines that burn pure ammonia, switching the entire fleet would cause 681,000 additional premature deaths each year.

“While a scenario with no new regulations is not very realistic, it serves as a good warning of how dangerous ammonia emissions could be. And unlike NOx, ammonia emissions from shipping are currently unregulated,” Wong says.

However, even without new regulations, using cleaner engine technology would cut the number of premature deaths down to about 80,000, which is about 20,000 fewer than are currently attributed to maritime shipping emissions. With stronger global regulations and cleaner engine technology, the number of people killed by air pollution from shipping could be reduced by about 66,000.

“The results of this study show the importance of developing policies alongside new technologies,” Selin says. “There is a potential for ammonia in shipping to be beneficial for both climate and air quality, but that requires that regulations be designed to address the entire range of potential impacts, including both climate and air quality.”

Ammonia’s air quality impacts would not be felt uniformly across the globe, and addressing them fully would require coordinated strategies across very different contexts. Most premature deaths would occur in East Asia, since air quality regulations are less stringent in this region. Higher levels of existing air pollution cause the formation of more particulate matter from ammonia emissions. In addition, shipping volume over East Asia is far greater than elsewhere on Earth, compounding these negative effects.

In the future, the researchers want to continue refining their analysis. They hope to use these findings as a starting point to urge the marine industry to share engine data they can use to better evaluate air quality and climate impacts. They also hope to inform policymakers about the importance and urgency of updating shipping emission regulations.

This research was funded by the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium.

[rahulp3]

What Are The Major Factors Driving Retinal Biologics Market Growth?

The Retinal Biologics Market is experiencing a surge in demand, fueled by advancements in eye disease treatments and a growing emphasis on vision health. According to a recent analysis by Future Market Insights (FMI), a leading market research firm, the market is currently valued at an impressive US$22.25 billion in 2022. Looking ahead, the market is projected to witness a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.1% over the next six years. This translates to a staggering market valuation of US$41.92 billion by 2028, highlighting the significant potential of retinal biologics in revolutionizing eye care.The remarkable expansion of the Global Retinal Biologics sector is fueled by advancements in technology, innovative research, and a growing demand for cutting-edge treatments. As the industry continues to evolve, it presents unprecedented opportunities for stakeholders, investors, and healthcare professionals alike.Key Retinal Biologics Market Insights:

Rising Prevalence of Diabetes-related Eye Disorders and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) The prevalence of diabetes-related eye disorders and age-related macular degeneration is on the rise, underscoring the growing need for innovative solutions within the Retinal Biologics Industry.Substantial Investment in R&D for Biologics in Retinal Disorders The industry is witnessing a significant influx of research and development resources, aimed at advancing biologics for both infectious and non-infectious retinal disorders. This investment underscores the commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

Emergence of Specific Biologic Molecules as Therapeutic Targets Specific biologic molecules are gaining prominence as highly promising therapeutic targets, offering new hope for patients with retinal conditions.Gene Therapy as a Solution for Monogenic Retinal Illnesses With a growing number of monogenic retinal illnesses, gene therapy is emerging as a pivotal component of the Retinal Biologics Market, presenting innovative solutions for these challenging conditions.

Request a Sample Copy of This Report Now.https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8663

[technotale]

Sensor Fusion Market to Witness Robust Expansion Throughout the Forecast Period 2022 -2028

The act of merging data from several sensors to obtain more accurate and trustworthy information is known as sensor fusion. Sensor fusion is critical in the context of autonomous cars since it allows the vehicle to "see" and understand its surroundings. Sensors aboard the vehicle capture data about the surrounding environment, which is then aggregated and processed to provide a more comprehensive and accurate depiction of the world around the car. Sensor fusion algorithms examine and interpret sensor data using advanced techniques such as machine learning and computer vision.

The advantages of sensor fusion extend beyond self-driving cars. Sensor fusion, for example, can be utilised in industrial settings to monitor equipment and predict maintenance needs. By merging information from several sensors, Anomalies can be identified, and probable failures can be forecast. Sensor fusion in healthcare can be used to improve patient care by merging data from numerous medical equipment, providing a more complete picture of a patient's health. Sensor fusion technology is constantly improving, and its applications are numerous.

While sensor fusion technology has many advantages, it is not without its drawbacks. One key challenge is the requirement for precise sensor calibration. Each sensor has advantages and disadvantages, and combining their data necessitates a thorough grasp of their distinct properties. Furthermore, the massive volume of data collected by various sensors necessitates a substantial amount of computer capacity to interpret and evaluate. Yet, as technology advances, sensor fusion is becoming more accessible and will definitely continue to play an important role in many industries.

Read more@ https://techinforite.blogspot.com/2023/02/global-sensor-fusion-market-by.html

[foodresearchlab]

Food Research Lab aims to assist food and beverage industries in creating new food products that incorporate raw cane sugar instead of refined sugar.

Raw cane sugar has a richer flavour; the amount of sugar for preparation of a dish will be lesser if raw sugar is used instead of refined, making it reliable low-sugar option.

More info: https://www.foodresearchlab.com/discovery-intelligence/global-research-and-market-analysis-on-raw-cane-sugar/

[amrutmnm]

The World Defense Budget Analysis Market size is estimated to be USD 2,004.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 2,546.9 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 4.90% from 2023 to 2028. The world defense budget has experienced substantial growth over the years, reflecting the global focus on national security, military modernization, and the evolving nature of security threats. Factors driving the growth of the defense budget include geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and the need to address emerging challenges such as cyber warfare and terrorism. Technological advancements and the race for military superiority have also fueled increased defense spending.

Governments across the globe are investing in advanced weaponry, modernizing their armed forces, and adopting cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and cyber capabilities. Furthermore, economic growth in certain regions has given governments the financial capacity to allocate more resources to defense. Rising defense budgets are also attributed to the desire to maintain military readiness, support global military operations, and safeguard national interests. However, challenges such as budget constraints, competing domestic priorities, and public scrutiny over defense spending remain. Nevertheless, the growth of the World Defense Budget Analysis Industry is expected to continue as nations navigate the evolving security landscape and strive to ensure their defense capabilities are robust, agile, and well-equipped to address both conventional and unconventional threats.

[wealthwise93]

How World Events Influence Stocks: A Guide for Investors

How World Events Influence Stocks. Read more -> www.wealth-wise.blog World events, Stocks, Stock market, Economic calendar, Financial portals, News sources, Investment guide, Global happenings, Interest rate decisions, Inflation data, Corporate earnings

To understand how world events impact specific stocks, there are various approaches and tools that can help you better grasp the connections between global happenings and stock prices: 1. News Sources and Financial Portals Current news about politics, economics, and natural disasters often have immediate effects on financial markets. Here are some platforms that keep you informed about such…

[apieinvestavimapaprastai]

Future of Nike: Where Will the Stock Be in 2029?

Discover the latest insights on Nike Inc., including its operations, stock performance, significant events, and future projections. #nike #nke #investment #growthstock #growthcompany #sprotwate #industry #dividends #StockPerformance #MarketAnalysis

Nike, Inc. is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of sports footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike operates through three main segments: Nike Brand, Converse, and Corporate. Continue reading Future of Nike: Where Will the Stock Be in 2029?

[rohitacumen]

Caustic Soda Market Opportunity Analysis and Global Industry Forecast by 2032

The Global Caustic Soda Market Size accounted for USD 43.1 Billion in 2022 and is estimated to achieve a market size of USD 67.7 Billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2023 to 2032. Acumen Research And Consulting, a leading market research firm, has released a comprehensive analysis of the global caustic soda market, outlining key trends, growth opportunities, and forecasts through 2032.…

[mordorintelligencemarketresearch]

From Carpets to Vinyl: Analyzing Growth in the Floor Covering Industry

Market Overview The global floor covering market is projected to grow from approximately USD 96.85 billion in 2024 to about USD 123.08 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.91% throughout the forecast period.

Key Trends Sustainable Materials: There’s a growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable flooring options, such as bamboo, cork, and recycled materials, driven by environmental awareness among consumers.

Smart Flooring Solutions: The integration of technology into flooring, including smart sensors and climate-responsive materials, is gaining traction, enhancing functionality and user experience.

Customization and Aesthetics: Consumers are increasingly seeking personalized designs and textures, leading to a rise in bespoke flooring solutions that cater to individual preferences.

E-commerce Growth: The shift towards online shopping is revolutionizing the floor covering market, with more retailers establishing robust online platforms to reach a wider audience.

Commercial Sector Expansion: The demand for flooring solutions in the commercial sector, particularly in hospitality, retail, and office spaces, is driving innovation and diversification within the industry.

Challenges Despite the market’s growth, the floor covering industry faces several challenges, including fluctuating raw material prices, the need for technological adaptation, and competition from alternative flooring solutions that offer lower installation costs.

Conclusion The global floor covering market is on a promising trajectory, bolstered by trends such as sustainability and technological advancements. However, stakeholders must navigate challenges related to pricing and competition to capitalize on this growth effectively. As the market evolves, staying informed about emerging trends and consumer preferences will be crucial for success in this dynamic industry.

[biosimulates]

https://introspectivemarketresearch.com/reports/digital-adoption-platform-dap-software-market/

[semiconductorsandelectronics]

Laser Technology Market Size, Share & Industry Growth Analysis

[scottbiffin]

How Scott Biffin Revolutionized Coffee Trading in Australia- A Historical Overview

The world of coffee trading has experienced significant changes over the years, especially in countries like Australia, where the coffee culture is deeply embedded in everyday life. One of the figures who stands out in revolutionizing the coffee trading landscape in Australia is Scott Biffin. Through his work under a renowned coffee trading company, Biffin’s contributions have transformed not just how coffee is sourced and traded but also how consumers experience it.

In this historical overview, we’ll explore how Scott Biffin, operating under his company, reshaped the coffee industry in Australia. We will dive into his innovative strategies, the challenges he overcame, and the milestones that defined his career.

The Early Challenges of Coffee Trading in Australia

Before Scott Biffin influence, coffee trading in Australia faced several key challenges. The supply chain was highly fragmented, with intermediaries playing dominant roles between coffee farmers and the end market. These intermediaries often increased costs for consumers and minimized profits for farmers. Additionally, there was a lack of transparency in the sourcing process, with little attention paid to sustainability or the ethical treatment of coffee farmers.

Australian consumers had developed a sophisticated palate for coffee, particularly with the rise of specialty cafes in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. However, despite their growing preference for high-quality coffee, many were unaware of the complicated and often exploitative nature of the global coffee trade.

This created an opportunity for someone like Scott Biffin, who saw the potential for a more efficient, transparent, and ethical system of coffee trading. Through his company, he set out to address these issues, revolutionizing the way coffee was traded in Australia.

Scott Biffin’s Entry into the Coffee Industry

Scott Biffin journey into the coffee industry began not with coffee itself but with a strong background in trading and commodities. Having gained experience in the financial sector, Biffin honed his skills in market analysis, risk management, and negotiation, all of which would later play a pivotal role in his coffee trading career.

Biffin's entry into the coffee industry was a result of his passion for creating value in markets that had long been underserved. He recognized that the coffee industry, particularly in Australia, had the potential to be more efficient and equitable. With a keen interest in global trade and a desire to merge his financial expertise with his passion for coffee, Biffin joined a coffee trading company known for its innovative approach to the business.

Founding of the Company and Vision

Upon joining the company, Scott Biffin set a clear vision for the future of coffee trading in Australia. His mission was simple but ambitious: to create a direct link between coffee producers and consumers, while ensuring that every stakeholder in the supply chain—especially the farmers—benefited fairly from the trade. The company’s business model focused on direct trade, bypassing unnecessary intermediaries and working directly with coffee producers to improve both quality and pricing.

Scott Biffin's company began to establish long-term partnerships with coffee farmers in regions like South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. By working closely with these producers, the company was able to offer better pricing, ensuring that the farmers were fairly compensated for their high-quality coffee. In return, the company received exclusive access to some of the best coffee beans in the world, which allowed it to meet the growing demand for specialty coffee in Australia.

The company also introduced transparency into the supply chain, giving both consumers and retailers a clearer understanding of where their coffee came from. Through these efforts, Biffin’s company pioneered ethical sourcing practices in Australia’s coffee industry, which had previously been dominated by opaque supply chains and unfair trading practices.

Revolutionizing Coffee Quality and Sourcing Standards

One of the most significant contributions Scott Biffin made to the coffee trading industry was his focus on improving coffee quality at every stage of the supply chain. Recognizing that the growing demand for specialty coffee required more rigorous sourcing standards, Biffin’s company implemented strict quality control measures.

Biffin believed that high-quality coffee should begin at the farm level. To achieve this, he worked closely with coffee farmers to implement best practices in cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest processing. The company provided farmers with the resources and education needed to improve their farming techniques, resulting in higher yields of better-quality beans.

In addition to supporting farmers, Biffin’s company also established long-term contracts with them, providing financial stability and encouraging sustainable farming practices. The company’s commitment to sustainability extended beyond the farm, as it also prioritized environmentally friendly packaging and transportation methods, further reducing the carbon footprint of its operations.

Biffin's dedication to quality and sustainability set a new standard in the Australian coffee industry. Cafes and roasters, many of whom had previously been indifferent to the sourcing process, began to prioritize ethical sourcing and higher-quality beans. This shift in focus helped propel Australia to the forefront of the global specialty coffee market.

Implementing Technology to Streamline Coffee Trading

Scott Biffin’s background in finance and trading gave him a deep understanding of market inefficiencies, which he sought to address through technology. Traditional coffee trading systems were slow, opaque, and reliant on a long chain of intermediaries. Recognizing the need for a more efficient and transparent system, Biffin’s company adopted innovative technologies to modernize coffee trading.

One of the key technological advancements introduced by the company was the creation of an online trading platform that connected coffee producers with buyers in real time. The platform allowed for seamless transactions, providing roasters and cafes with direct access to coffee producers without the need for intermediaries. This not only streamlined the process but also reduced costs for both parties.

The platform also provided a wealth of data, including real-time market prices, weather patterns in coffee-growing regions, and quality reports. This information allowed buyers to make informed decisions about their coffee purchases, ensuring they received the best possible product.

Furthermore, Biffin’s company was an early adopter of blockchain technology in coffee trading. Blockchain ensured full traceability of coffee beans from the farm to the cup, giving consumers confidence that their coffee was ethically sourced. This level of transparency became a key selling point for cafes and roasters who wanted to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

Navigating the Complexities of Global Coffee Markets

Operating within the volatile global coffee market presented numerous challenges, but Scott Biffin’s expertise in trading allowed him to successfully navigate these complexities. Coffee prices are subject to fluctuations due to factors like weather conditions, political instability in coffee-growing regions, and changes in global demand. For farmers, these fluctuations often meant financial instability, as they had little control over market prices.

Biffin’s company introduced innovative risk management strategies to mitigate the impact of these fluctuations on both farmers and buyers. By offering forward contracts, which locked in prices for future deliveries of coffee, Biffin provided farmers with financial security. Buyers, on the other hand, benefited from stable prices, allowing them to plan their purchases and maintain consistent profit margins.

In addition to managing price volatility, Biffin’s company also leveraged its global network to secure a diverse range of coffee beans. By sourcing coffee from multiple regions, the company was able to minimize the impact of disruptions in any one region, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality beans to Australian roasters.

Biffin’s strategic approach to global coffee markets helped Australia establish itself as a key player in the international coffee trade. Australian roasters and cafes, many of which had previously been dependent on a limited number of suppliers, now had access to a wider range of specialty coffees from around the world.

Building a Consumer-Driven Coffee Movement

While much of Scott Biffin’s work focused on improving the coffee trading system, he also played a significant role in shaping consumer preferences in Australia. As more consumers became interested in the origins of their coffee and the ethical implications of its production, Biffin’s company was at the forefront of this movement.

Through partnerships with cafes, roasters, and retailers, the company launched consumer education campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the importance of ethically sourced coffee. These campaigns emphasized the role of consumers in supporting sustainable coffee practices by choosing coffee that was transparently sourced and traded.

Biffin’s company also introduced limited-edition coffee releases, showcasing unique coffees from different regions and highlighting the farmers who produced them. These releases helped create a sense of connection between consumers and the people behind their coffee, fostering a deeper appreciation for the journey of the beans from farm to cup.

The company’s efforts to educate consumers and promote ethical coffee practices contributed to a growing demand for specialty coffee in Australia. Cafes and retailers that embraced this movement saw increased customer loyalty, as more consumers sought out coffee that aligned with their values.

Achieving Milestones in Coffee Trading

Throughout his career, Scott Biffin and his company achieved numerous milestones that solidified their position as leaders in the Australian coffee industry. These milestones included:

Direct trade partnerships with over 100 coffee farms in more than 20 countries, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality, ethically sourced coffee.

The launch of a sustainable coffee initiative, which provided farmers with access to environmentally friendly farming practices, leading to improved crop yields and better quality beans.

The development of a blockchain-based traceability system, giving consumers full transparency into the origins of their coffee and the conditions under which it was produced.

Collaborations with Australian cafes and roasters to introduce sustainably sourced coffee to mainstream consumers, contributing to the growth of the specialty coffee movement.

These milestones were a testament to Scott Biffin’s vision for a more transparent, sustainable, and equitable coffee trading system.

Conclusion: Scott Biffin’s Lasting Legacy

Scott Biffin’s work in revolutionizing coffee trading in Australia has had a profound and lasting impact on the industry. Through his innovative approach to sourcing, trading, and consumer education, Biffin has helped transform Australia into a leader in specialty coffee, known for its commitment to quality and sustainability.

By fostering direct relationships with coffee farmers, implementing cutting-edge technologies, and advocating for ethical sourcing practices, Biffin’s company has created a blueprint for the future of coffee trading. His contributions have not only improved the lives of coffee farmers but also enhanced the coffee experience for Australian consumers.

As the coffee industry continues to evolve, Scott Biffin legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of traders, roasters, and consumers to pursue a more ethical and sustainable path in the world of coffee.

[foodresearchlab]

The global raw sugar market is expected to rise at a 4.6% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2022 to 2032, as conducted by industry and market research on raw sugar. Food Research Lab aims to assist food and beverage industries in creating new food products that incorporate raw cane sugar instead of refined sugar.