#solar technology australia

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - February 8-14

(I’m finally starting to get better from having had pneumonia for 2+ weeks, hopefully next week’s news should be on time)

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles!

1. Solar-powered device captures carbon dioxide from air to make sustainable fuel

“[The] solar-powered reactor could be used to make fuel to power cars and planes[.… It] does not require fossil-fuel-based power, or the transport and storage of carbon dioxide, but instead converts atmospheric CO2 into something useful using sunlight.”

2. How artificial light can boost coral reef recovery

“UZELA is [an autonomous submersible] designed to attract zooplankton […] by emitting specific wavelengths of light. [… In a ”six-month testing period,” it] significantly increased local zooplankton density and boosted the feeding rates of both healthy and bleached coral.”

3. Next-gen solar cells now fully recyclable with water-based method

“The recycled solar cell has the same efficiency as the original one. The solar cell is made of perovskite and the main solvent is water. […] They are not only relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture but also lightweight, flexible and transparent.”

4. Green walls cool cities and create urban habitats

“The researchers measured a cooling effect of up to 0.6–0.7 degrees Celsius [… which] could help combat the urban heat island phenomenon. […] The researchers [also] found that plant-covered facades hosted over 100 animal species, including insects, spiders, and birds.”

5. Major cause of honeybee mortality can be easily reduced

“If treatment occurs too soon, it may not fully eliminate the mites, allowing them to rebound before the season ends. […] Similar to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, mites that survive mistimed or improperly applied treatments become more resistant to future applications.”

6. Uganda community group restores shea groves and livelihoods

“As part of a larger effort to restore Uganda’s shea parklands, the cooperative has successfully rehabilitated more than 500 hectares (1,240 acres) of degraded land, integrating shea trees (Vitellaria paradoxa) and other native species with maize and sunflower crops.”

7. Senate Renews Commitment to the Great Lakes

“The [Act] represents the most significant federal investment in the health of the Great Lakes, addressing critical challenges such as pollution, invasive species, and habitat restoration. The Great Lakes […] hold 20 percent of the world’s surface freshwater[….]”

8. Earth Gets Its Largest Protected Tropical Forest Reserve

“The Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor will […] protect 108,000 square kilometres of primary forest and support 60 million people who depend on the forest for food, energy and jobs. […] Through this approach, the DRC is empowering local communities to protect the forest while fostering economic growth.”

9. Australia’s Rarest Bird of Prey Spotted in Central Australia After 30 Years

“Dr. Henderson’s finding is an encouraging sign of the health of the sanctuary’s ecosystems as well as the bird’s continued migration into new areas. This bird’s presence in the sanctuary is particularly significant as it is the first confirmed sighting in the region since the mid-1990s.”

10. Australian company wins contract to design “hydrogen ready” high speed ferry

“The ferry, the Horizon X, will have capacity for 1,650 passengers and 450 cars, and will be able to travel at a speed of up to 35 knots. […] The ship will also have a specially-designed propulsion system arrangement that repurposes exhaust from the engine to help propel the vessel, in theory reducing its emissions.”

February 1-7 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[theinnovatorsinsights]

The Benefits of Residential Solar Solutions in Australia

With the rising costs of electricity and growing concerns about environmental sustainability, more Australian homeowners are turning to solar energy. Devam Solar Australia, with over seven years of experience in solar panel fitting, maintenance, and supply, is committed to providing high-quality Devam Solar Residential Solutions. If you’re considering switching to solar energy, here are some key benefits to keep in mind.

1. Significant Cost Savings

One of the biggest advantages of installing a solar system is the reduction in electricity bills. By generating your own energy, you can cut down on grid dependency and save thousands of dollars in the long run. Additionally, Australia offers various incentives, rebates, and feed-in tariffs that allow homeowners to earn credits for excess energy sent back to the grid.

2. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly

Solar energy is a renewable and clean source of power, reducing your household’s carbon footprint. Unlike fossil fuels, solar panels produce energy without emitting greenhouse gases, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. By switching to solar, you contribute to a greener future for Australia.

3. Increase in Property Value

Homes with solar panel installations are in high demand. Many buyers are willing to pay a premium for energy-efficient properties. A solar system not only enhances your home’s value but also makes it more attractive in the competitive real estate market.

4. Energy Independence and Security

With solar power, you can generate your own electricity and reduce reliance on external power sources. This is particularly beneficial in areas with frequent power outages or fluctuating energy prices. Installing a battery storage system allows you to store excess energy for use during nighttime or cloudy days, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply. Devam Solar's Reliable Batteries ensure that you have a consistent and efficient power backup.

5. Low Maintenance Costs

Residential solar systems require minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective energy solution. Devam Solar provides professional installation and ongoing maintenance services to ensure the efficiency and longevity of your system. With periodic cleaning and occasional check-ups, solar panels can last for over 25 years. Devam Solar Comprehensive Services cover everything from installation to maintenance, ensuring seamless energy solutions for your home.

6. Government Incentives and Rebates

The Australian government offers financial incentives to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Programs like the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) provide rebates that significantly reduce the upfront cost of solar system installation. Additionally, state-based incentives further enhance affordability, making Affordable Solar Solutions Victoria a reality for many homeowners.

7. Support for a Sustainable Future

By switching to solar power, you play a crucial role in Australia’s transition towards renewable energy. Investing in solar solutions contributes to reducing the demand for non-renewable energy sources, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations. NetCC Solar Solutions in Victoria provides advanced solar technologies that enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.

Why Choose Devam Solar?

With over seven years of expertise in the Australian solar industry, Devam Solar specializes in high-quality Devam Solar Residential Solutions and Devam Solar Commercial Solutions. Our team is dedicated to delivering efficient and reliable solar solutions tailored to meet your specific energy needs. Whether you’re looking to reduce electricity costs, enhance property value, or contribute to a greener planet, we have the right solution for you.

We also offer Solar Batteries & Heat Pump Services Australia, ensuring that you get the best power storage solutions for your needs. As part of devam group, we integrate innovative technologies to deliver the best solar energy solutions, including NetCC Solar Solutions and Commercial Solar Solutions.

Make the smart switch today! Contact Devam Solar to learn more about our Devam Solar Residential Solutions and take the first step towards energy independence with our Affordable Solar Solutions Victoria.

[nando161mando]

[devamsolarau]

Devam Solar | Efficient & Affordable Solar Panels in Australia

Devam Solar is your go-to provider for residential solar solutions, commercial solar solutions, and affordable solar solutions in Victoria. We specialize in solar batteries and heat pump services, offering innovative technologies to reduce costs and enhance energy efficiency. Partner with Devam Solar Australia and experience reliable, sustainable energy with our tailored solutions. From advanced NetCC Solar Solutions to comprehensive residential and commercial packages, we power your home or business with clean, efficient energy systems. Choose Devam Technologies for 5kW, 6.6kW, 10kW, 30kW, and 50kW solar systems, ensuring sustainable energy for a brighter future.

[hot-water-heater-brisbane]

The Hot Water Systems Showdown: Rheem, Aquamax, and Thermann

In the realm of hot water systems, selecting the right brand and model is paramount to ensure that your home is well-equipped with a reliable source of hot water. Three leading brands that have earned a reputation for efficiency and quality are Rheem, Aquamax, and Thermann. In this article, we’ll delve into what sets these brands apart and why you should consider them for your hot water needs. Read more

[renewableenergyblogs2023]

Do you want to know how to cut your energy usage with smart devices?

[hope-for-the-planet]

From the article:

From Europe to North America, an energy revolution is breathing new life into empty, long-forgotten coal mine shafts — by repurposing them into places to store renewable energy. Using “gravity batteries,” these underground facilities aim to tackle one of renewable energy’s greatest challenges: storage. The method is simple: Excess renewable energy is used to power winches that lift heavy weights — such as containers filled with sand or rock — up the mine shaft. When additional energy is needed, these weights are released, generating power as they descend. This approach not only gives these disused mines a second life but also offers economic and environmental benefits to communities once reliant on coal. Hundreds of thousands of abandoned mines — about 550,000 in the U.S. alone — pose economic, environmental and safety risks. In some areas, these old shafts have caused collapses or polluted groundwater, while in others, the loss of mining jobs has hit local economies hard. Meanwhile, as renewable energy scales up, storage limitations become a pressing issue, especially with solar and wind, which are naturally intermittent. This year, solar is expected to surpass coal as a leading global power source, according to the International Energy Agency, highlighting the need for reliable storage to balance supply and demand. During the U.K.’s 2020 lockdown, for example, National Grid warned of potential blackouts when energy demand dropped by 20 percent, leading to excess renewable power that went unused.

Gravity batteries offer a straightforward but powerful — and cost-effective — way to address both of these problems at once. Their potential is already being realized. In Rudong, near Shanghai, the first commercial grid-scale gravity battery was connected to the grid in December 2023. Capable of storing up to 100 megawatt hours of energy, it can power nine homes for an entire year using only stored electricity. Across China, nine additional projects are in development, while in Switzerland, a commercial demonstration unit has been connected to the national grid for testing since 2019, showcasing the technology’s promise on a global scale. And now, other countries, from Finland to Australia, are getting on board.

[wachinyeya]

An intuitive piece of hardware is collecting days’ worth of renewable energy from airplane engine exhaust before take-off from a Dallas airport.

“Boarding is completed” is a common refrain heard over the intercom system in the moments before taxiing to the runway.

At that moment, the pilot will begin a series of engine tests and pre-flight checks during which time the turbine engines are idling with their ferocious noise and exhaust fumes.

A company called JetWind has realized that all that idling force is like the strong winds needed to power a wind turbine, and has built a series of pods that can capture it during the 5-10 minutes the aircraft is sitting at the gate waiting for clearance to taxi.

“The main goal of our project is to harness the consistent wind created by jets and convert it into an eco-friendly energy source,” JetWind’s founder and president Dr. T. O. Souryal told Interesting Engineering.

“What was once considered wasted energy can now benefit energy grids, ultimately promoting smarter and more sustainable infrastructure across the globe.”

Three years of testing between 2021 and 2024 have informed the official deployment of JetWind’s flagship product at Dallas Love Field airport. 13 sets of pods will sit beneath the gate hooked up to external batteries that connect to the grid the airport uses. Solar panels add to the energy generation, and the whole set can create about 30 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy, enough to power a family home for a few days.

While on its own it isn’t nearly what the average airport will consume during a day of operations, when combined with 12 other systems just like it, it can make a serious difference in reducing the carbon footprint of the building.

“Dallas Love Field has always been a hub of progress, and the introduction of JetWind’s Energy Capturing Pods reinforces its position as a testing ground for innovative technologies,” said former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert.

“By converting man-made wind into energy, we are highlighting Dallas as a leader in sustainable solutions and proving that cities can take significant steps toward tackling global energy challenges.”

The debut of the JetWind pods at Love Field has attracted attention from around the globe, including companies and governments from Switzerland, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, the UK, France, and Australia.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

New SpaceTime out Monday

SpaceTime 20241230 Series 27 Episode 157

NASA's Parker Solar Probe touches the Sun

NASA's Parker Solar Probe has made history flying closer to the Sun and travelling faster than any other spacecraft ever.

New lunar samples show the Moon was still volcanically active 2.8 billion years ago

New data from China’s Chang’e-6 sample return mission to the far side of the Moon suggests the landing site was still volcanically active approximately 2.8 billion years ago – far more recently than previously thought.

Unveiling the uncharted Milky Way

Astronomers have developed a new stellar chart providing a more complete map of our Milky Way Galaxy.

The Science Report

Drinking tea or coffee associated with a lower risk of head and neck cancer.

Study finds that 1 in 127 people are on the autism spectrum.

A major breakthrough in energy storage technology.

Skeptics guide to grounding socks

SpaceTime covers the latest news in astronomy & space sciences.

The show is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Apple Podcasts (itunes), Stitcher, Google Podcast, Pocketcasts, SoundCloud, Bitez.com, YouTube, your favourite podcast download provider, and from www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com

SpaceTime is also broadcast through the National Science Foundation on Science Zone Radio and on both i-heart Radio and Tune-In Radio.

SpaceTime daily news blog: http://spacetimewithstuartgary.tumblr.com/

SpaceTime facebook: www.facebook.com/spacetimewithstuartgary

SpaceTime Instagram @spacetimewithstuartgary

SpaceTime twitter feed @stuartgary

SpaceTime YouTube: @SpaceTimewithStuartGary

SpaceTime -- A brief history

SpaceTime is Australia’s most popular and respected astronomy and space science news program – averaging over two million downloads every year. We’re also number five in the United States.  The show reports on the latest stories and discoveries making news in astronomy, space flight, and science.  SpaceTime features weekly interviews with leading Australian scientists about their research.  The show began life in 1995 as ‘StarStuff’ on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) NewsRadio network.  Award winning investigative reporter Stuart Gary created the program during more than fifteen years as NewsRadio’s evening anchor and Science Editor.  Gary’s always loved science. He studied astronomy at university and was invited to undertake a PHD in astrophysics, but instead focused on his career in journalism and radio broadcasting. Gary’s radio career stretches back some 34 years including 26 at the ABC. He worked as an announcer and music DJ in commercial radio, before becoming a journalist and eventually joining ABC News and Current Affairs. He was part of the team that set up ABC NewsRadio and became one of its first on air presenters. When asked to put his science background to use, Gary developed StarStuff which he wrote, produced and hosted, consistently achieving 9 per cent of the national Australian radio audience based on the ABC’s Nielsen ratings survey figures for the five major Australian metro markets: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.  The StarStuff podcast was published on line by ABC Science -- achieving over 1.3 million downloads annually.  However, after some 20 years, the show finally wrapped up in December 2015 following ABC funding cuts, and a redirection of available finances to increase sports and horse racing coverage.  Rather than continue with the ABC, Gary resigned so that he could keep the show going independently.  StarStuff was rebranded as “SpaceTime”, with the first episode being broadcast in February 2016.  Over the years, SpaceTime has grown, more than doubling its former ABC audience numbers and expanding to include new segments such as the Science Report -- which provides a wrap of general science news, weekly skeptical science features, special reports looking at the latest computer and technology news, and Skywatch – which provides a monthly guide to the night skies. The show is published three times weekly (every Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and available from the United States National Science Foundation on Science Zone Radio, and through both i-heart Radio and Tune-In Radio.

[advancedsolartechnology]

Solar Panel Inspection in Australia: Ensuring Efficiency and Longevity

As solar energy continues to grow in popularity across Australia, maintaining and optimizing solar systems has become increasingly important. Regular solar panel inspection is crucial for ensuring that photovoltaic (PV) systems operate efficiently and safely. Whether for residential, commercial, or large-scale solar farms, inspections help identify potential issues early, maximizing energy output and system longevity. In this blog, we will explore the importance of solar panel inspection, key inspection procedures, government regulations, and best practices for Australian solar system owners.

Why is Solar Panel Inspection Important?

Maximizing Efficiency Over time, dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other debris can accumulate on solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Regular inspections ensure that panels remain clean and function optimally.

Safety Assurance Faulty wiring, damaged panels, or loose connections can pose fire and electrical hazards. Routine inspections help identify potential risks before they become serious problems.

Extending System Lifespan Solar panels are designed to last 25-30 years, but poor maintenance can shorten their lifespan. Inspections help detect wear and tear early, preventing costly repairs and replacements.

Maintaining Warranty Validity Many manufacturers require regular inspections and maintenance to keep warranties valid. Neglecting inspections could result in voided warranties, leaving system owners responsible for costly repairs.

Compliance with Australian Regulations In Australia, solar panel installations must comply with safety and performance standards. Regular inspections ensure that systems meet local regulations and remain eligible for government incentives.

Key Components of a Solar Panel Inspection

A thorough solar panel inspection involves multiple steps to assess both the physical and electrical aspects of the system. Some of the key inspection areas include:

Visual Inspection

Checking for cracks, chips, or discoloration on the solar panels.

Inspecting for loose mounting brackets or frame damage.

Identifying any shading issues from trees, buildings, or new obstructions.

Electrical System Check

Testing voltage output to ensure the system is generating the expected power.

Inspecting wiring, junction boxes, and connectors for signs of corrosion, fraying, or overheating.

Verifying that the inverter is functioning correctly and displaying no error codes.

Performance Monitoring

Comparing energy production data with previous readings to detect efficiency drops.

Using infrared (thermal) imaging to identify hotspots that may indicate faulty cells.

Cleaning Assessment

Evaluating panel cleanliness and recommending professional cleaning if necessary.

Ensuring that drainage pathways are not blocked, preventing water accumulation.

Battery and Storage Inspection (if applicable)

Checking battery health and charge retention.

Inspecting battery storage location for proper ventilation and temperature control.

Government Regulations and Standards in Australia

In Australia, solar panel installations and inspections must comply with strict safety and performance guidelines. Some key regulations include:

Clean Energy Council (CEC) Accreditation: Installers and inspectors should be CEC-accredited to ensure compliance with Australian standards.

AS/NZS 5033:2021: This standard outlines requirements for the installation and maintenance of PV arrays.

Electrical Safety Inspections: Solar systems must be inspected periodically to ensure they meet state and territory electrical safety regulations.

Government Incentives Compliance: To remain eligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and feed-in tariffs, solar systems must be properly maintained and periodically inspected.

Best Practices for Solar Panel Inspection in Australia

Schedule Regular Inspections It is recommended that solar panels be inspected at least once a year, with additional inspections after extreme weather events such as hailstorms or bushfires.

Hire Professional Inspectors While basic visual checks can be done by homeowners, professional inspections ensure that electrical components and performance metrics are accurately assessed.

Monitor System Performance Many modern solar systems come with monitoring apps that track energy production in real time. Sudden drops in output may indicate a need for inspection.

Keep Panels Clean Regular cleaning can improve efficiency. However, it is advisable to use professional cleaning services to avoid damaging the panels.

Address Issues Promptly If an inspection reveals problems such as broken panels, faulty wiring, or inverter malfunctions, repairs should be done immediately to prevent further damage.

The Future of Solar Panel Inspection in Australia

As technology advances, solar panel inspection methods are becoming more sophisticated. Some emerging trends include:

Drone Inspections: Equipped with thermal imaging cameras, drones can efficiently inspect large solar farms and detect faults without manual labor.

AI-Powered Diagnostics: Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used to analyze solar system performance and predict maintenance needs.

Automated Cleaning Systems: Robotic cleaners and self-cleaning panels are being developed to reduce the need for manual cleaning.

With the continued growth of solar energy in Australia, these innovations will make solar panel inspections more efficient, reducing maintenance costs and improving system performance.

Conclusion

Regular solar panel inspection is essential for maximizing the efficiency, safety, and lifespan of solar systems in Australia. Whether for residential rooftops or commercial installations, routine inspections help detect potential issues early, ensuring optimal performance. With government regulations, incentives, and technological advancements driving the solar industry forward, maintaining solar panels through professional inspections is more important than ever. Investing in regular inspections is a proactive step toward long-term savings and a sustainable energy future for Australia.

If you own a solar system, scheduling a professional inspection today can help keep your panels in top condition and ensure they continue to provide clean, cost-effective energy for years to come.

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - November 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles! (sorry it's slightly late, the links didn't wanna work and I couldn't figure it out all day)

1. Wyoming's abortion ban has been overturned, including its ban on abortion medication

“Wyoming is the second state to have its near-total abortion ban overturned this month[…. Seven other states] also approved amendments protecting the right to an abortion. A lawsuit seeking to challenge the [FDA]’s approval of abortion medication recently failed when the Supreme Court refused to hear it[….]”

2. Patches of wildflowers in cities can be just as good for insects as natural meadows – study

“This study confirmed that small areas of urban wildflowers have a high concentration of pollinating insects, and are as valuable to many pollinators as larger areas of natural meadow that you would typically find rurally.”

3. Paris could offer new parents anti-pollution baby 'gift bags' to combat 'forever chemicals'

“The bag includes a stainless steel baby cup, a wooden toy, reusable cotton wipes, and non-toxic cleaning supplies as part of a "green prescription". […] The city will also have 44 centres for protecting mothers and infants that will be without any pollutants[….]”

4. Indigenous guardians embark on a sacred pact to protect the lowland tapir in Colombia

“The tapir is now the focus of an Indigenous-led conservation project[… A proposed “biocultural corridor”] will protect not only the populations and movements of wildlife such as tapirs, but also the cultural traditions and spirituality of the Inga and other neighboring Indigenous peoples[….]”

5. Denmark will plant 1 billion trees and convert 10% of farmland into forest

“[…] 43 billion kroner ($6.1 billion) have been earmarked to acquire land from farmers over the next two decades[.… In addition,] livestock farmers will be taxed for the greenhouse gases emitted by their cows, sheep and pigs from 2030, the first country to do so[….]”

6. The biggest grid storage project using old batteries is online in Texas

“[Element operates “used EV battery packs” with software that can] fine-tune commands at the cell level, instead of treating all the batteries as a monolithic whole. This enables the system to get more use out of each cell without stressing any so much that they break down[….]””

7. Durable supramolecular plastic is fully ocean-degradable and doesn't generate microplastics

“The new material is as strong as conventional plastics and biodegradable, [… and] is therefore expected to help reduce harmful microplastic pollution that accumulates in oceans and soil and eventually enters the food chain.”

8. Big Oil Tax Could Boost Global Loss and Damage Fund by 2000%

“[… A] tax on fossil fuel extraction, which would increase each year, combined with additional taxes on excess profits would […] generate hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the decade to assist poor and vulnerable communities with the impact of the climate crisis[….]”

9. Rooftop solar meets 107.5 pct of South Australia’s demand, no emergency measures needed

“[T]he state was able to export around 658 MW of capacity to Victoria at the time[….] The export capacity is expected to increase significantly as the new transmission link to NSW[…] should be able to allow an extra 150 MW to be transferred in either direction by Christmas.”

10. Light-altering paint for greenhouses could help lengthen the fruit growing season in less sunny countries

“[Scientists] have developed a spray coating for greenhouses that could help UK farmers to produce more crops in the future using the same or less energy[… by optimising] the wavelength of light shining onto the plants, improving their growth and yield.”

November 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[probablyasocialecologist]

"Part of the degrowth literature talks about how historically energy and emissions decoupling has not been fast enough, and uses this to argue for a degrowth strategy," says Kikstra. "We show that this is not a black-or-white debate. The nuance lies in the fact that also under degrowth strategies, forms of decoupling are necessary. But these are structurally different dynamics, which relate to a broad set of policies. A lot of new research is required to model such strategies, and we lay out different options to do so." "The results of the study suggest that fast emissions reductions in countries like Australia could be enabled in scenarios characterized by reduced or zero growth. Possibly even faster than in virtually all of the most ambitious mitigation scenarios described in the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report Scenario Database," says Bas van Ruijven, co-author of the study, research group leader, and principal research scholar in the IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment program. The study also shows that reduced energy demand paired with lower GDP per capita lessens technological feasibility concerns by reducing the need for upscaling solar and wind energy and limiting future material needs for renewables as electricity generation stabilizes in the second half of the century.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

What makes a smart city

Serial awards in Curitiba recognize environmental, health, and innovation programs—whether or not they involve technology

A “smart city” often evokes images of a futuristic, high-tech metropolis. However, an analysis of projects recognized by leading international forums reveals that innovation isn’t always about cutting-edge technology.

This is how Curitiba has earned awards for initiatives such as a solar power plant built on a former landfill, a health appointment app, and community gardens on abandoned land. The term smart city generally applies to municipalities that address urban challenges in a sustainable, connected, and efficient manner.

Most recently, Curitiba was named Smartest City in the World in 2023 at Fira Barcelona and took first place in the Government Excellence Awards 2024 in the United Arab Emirates with Fala Curitiba, a public consultation program on budget allocation. The city also received the 2024 Pioneering Urbanism Award from Bilbao Metropoli 30 in Spain, the 2024 World Green City Award in the Netherlands for its Urban Agriculture Program, and the 2024 Seoul Smart City Prize.

Each year, the rankings of the “smartest cities” fluctuate, shaped by the criteria and methodologies of different organizations constantly seeking new innovations. Cities frequently cited in these rankings include Zurich, Switzerland, for its high-quality public services and urban planning; Oslo, Norway, for its environmental initiatives and public transportation; Canberra, Australia, for its digital infrastructure; and Copenhagen, Denmark, for its clean energy solutions. Other recurring names include London, Singapore, Helsinki, Hamburg, Stockholm, Geneva, Tel Aviv, and Dubai.

Continue reading.

[devamsolarau]

Devam Solar | Efficient & Affordable Solar Panels in Australia

Devam Solar is your go-to provider for residential solar solutions, commercial solar solutions, and affordable solar solutions in Victoria. We specialize in solar batteries and heat pump services, offering innovative technologies to reduce costs and enhance energy efficiency. Partner with Devam Solar Australia and experience reliable, sustainable energy with our tailored solutions. From advanced NetCC Solar Solutions to comprehensive residential and commercial packages, we power your home or business with clean, efficient energy systems. Choose Devam Technologies for 5kW, 6.6kW, 10kW, 30kW, and 50kW solar systems, ensuring sustainable energy for a brighter future.

[dragonthunders01]

Spectember D15: Posthumans

5 million years has been since the last human being die on earth, but is a world still ruled by humans, or what descended from them.

All started for the struggle for a civilization that collapsed in a cataclysmic event of interplanetary scale that annihilated the biosphere and a good chunk of the human population, for sure it was not pollution or the man’s hand, or even something like an asteroid, maybe was an extraterrestrial invasion? A supernova? Whatever was this event, it was strong enough it pulled out a civilization that was already on their early steps on traveling to star systems and already was settled across the solar system, it was the endgame for all of them.

The last remaining survivors did the best to stand and find ways to perpetuate the species, but when options at short term turned useless there was a last hope to humanity to survive until the world they live on would recover, they focused the last resources on build a vault designed to last until the habitable conditions of earth returned and repopulate the planet thanks to thousands of human specimens samples that could be born and reclaim the world in the future helped by the synthetic hands of long term lasting artificial intelligences.

Though whatever happened in the planning, something went wrong, something caused to make those restored humans to be shaped into what was sort of similar to them but more ape like, was this deliberated or if it was an inconvenient? if it was ideal for mankind to rise like their ancestors or if this “devolution” was something sketched for the artificial systems as a way to secure their offspring for a systematic failure? Is another question which will likely have no proper answer, but the result of this turned at the end successful for the survival of the biological lineage of humans.

When that humanity arose of the ruins of the again habitable earth, they sort of resembled lanky shorter versions of a chimp, brownish, with a more developed diet thanks to a modification in their digestive system and dentition allowed them to exploit every resource available as generalist omnivores. These creatures which could be called the "woodland dwellers" conquered most of the continent in matter of centuries, they did not need transport or technology to do it, they just traveled, wandered like their ancestors although they no longer were bipedal.

They started somewhere in Eurasia, eventually crossing to new regions and in a thousand years the majority of the world that was easy to access through routes was filled with these, all of them started to establish wherever food was easy to find, then came those that started to venture in new environments, new climates, migrated across continents.

In 50 thousand years, there were new populations that isolated themselves and became adapted to their respective environments: Tundra, Grasslands, canopies, the deserts, the coasts and seas, rivers, etc., all product of constant migration and colonization of new terrains.

100 thousand years, few ice ages went and came, they have turned the balance of diversity further towards speciation at a rhythm that only will benefit those species that can be flexible to change, they manage to colonize America, as well expand towards Africa and many of the island regions across the pacific ocean somehow reaching up to Australia, and so conquered most of the planet with exception of Antarctica.

1 million years, many of those ecologically adapted or regionally isolated populations have turned into different species, they still resemble the woodland dweller to a degree but they have changed considerable depending of their environment, with new behaviors, sizes and faces.

3 million years, the world was starting to see the new men shapes, some robust, some more slendy than their ancestors, some agile, some slow walkers, bipedal, facultative bipedal, quadrupeds, a lot of them took advantage of being the only dominant megafauna to reign as only a handful of small surviving mammals, resilient birds and many reptiles and amphibians represent competition, some have started to take over but it will be a long time until the posthumanity is dethroned from their state, meanwhile the oceans and rivers are dominated by shark and fishes, though there were already the start of a branch of the human dwelling species that became semiaquatic, their evolutionary path is increasingly fast.

And now 5 million years hence, a lot of these new posthuman species have specialized and turned even more different of their ancestral form, many look like an amalgamation between different animals with features of many of their gone monkeys and ape relatives. For things of natural selection and that speciation the new species that evolved of the isolation for the last 2 million years have migrated and now claimed another place on other continents, especially in America which in these million years saw a wave of posthuman species that replaced many of the endemic species, and some of those moved towards Asia. These ecosystems have one of everything, browsing or grazing herbivores, specialized prey eaters (insectivores, mollusk eaters, scavengers), varied lineages of omnivores, and full carnivores.

Specifically one of the carnivore lineage that evolved of the original "Woodland dweller" came from a specialized form reduced in size, adapted on hunting small animals and after millions of years these started to increasingly expand their prey range, growing in size as they replaced previous predatory forms that became stagnated. With the new diversity of the posthuman formed ecosystem growing in complexity, the new predatory forms could rise to hunt these down. Some are fast small prey hunters, some became more arboreal, some are more prominent on the grassland or mountains, all of them came in a considerable range of sizes from the extinct domestic cat to a panthers, but upon the appearance of large herbivores, a new more formidable and heavier predator evolved, this was the Spiketooth.

Spiketooths are among the largest terrestrial carnivores of earth, with a height of 2.3 meters tall and weight some 300 kg, their range extend across Eurasia, coming on the most temperate regions, they are heavy predators adapted for ambush and wrestling their prey into submission rather than fast hunt and kill. They hunt down large posthumans like the Eurasian slothmen, heavy descendants an arboreal heavy species from Africa that resemble a ground sloth, though formidable fighters with their long hand claws, or the armored species like the Temperate Lockskin, fatty and hairless posthumans that are semi bipedal, descendants of the tundra species that moved to the tropics and lost their fur due to the climate they live on, turning their skin very robust made against medium size predators, they often hold a handful of small sized gibbon like posthumans that feast on parasites and live in sort of symbiosis with their host Lockskin, often even being able to warn these of the incoming attack of a spiketooth.

This large carnivore evolved specifically to deal with the thought skin of these animals, with hypertrophied conical incisive that often pressure and cut through the hardest epidermis and are capable to pierce any defense of the large forms, with their carnassial teeth they are capable of tear down and cut with quite efficacy the meat of their prey, often taking also chunks of bones if they are capable off.