Nature and Climate Protection Takes Another Major Hit in EU Proposal to “Simplify” Agricultural Policy

16.05.2025

poljoprivreda - agroculture - soil — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Dylan de Jonge)

As part of the third omnibus package, the European Commission today published a proposal outlining sweeping revisions, or “simplifications”, of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which if implemented would risk dismantling vital environmental protections without evidence or impact assessment, warns the European Environmental Bureau (EEB).

Farmers across Europe are facing the severe impacts of the climate, nature, and pollution crisis, but instead of strengthening environmental standards to support farm resilience, the proposed changes would further weaken the few mandatory green measures left following the last ”simplification”.

Théo Paquet, Senior Policy Officer for Agriculture at the EEB, said:

“Without sufficient impact assessment or real public consultation, the European Commission has yet again casually done away with nature and climate protections in Europe’s largest budget, the Common Agricultural Policy. Such short–sighted decisions will not only hinder farm resilience (due the many benefits provided by healthy ecosystems), but brings the legitimacy of the CAP into question as it strays further from its environmental and climate objectives.”

The EEB is most concerned by:

Weakening of the protection of grasslands (Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) 1): under the proposal, areas of permanent grassland (vital carbon sinks which release vast amounts of carbon when ploughed) can now be decreased by 10 percent (up from 5 percent) from the 2018 reference level before Member States are required to impose obligations to convert back to grassland.
Weakening of protection of peatlands and wetlands (GAEC 2): The Commission proposes allowing Member States to use existing national legislation to define the rules under this GAEC and to pay farmers to comply with these rules. This would allow public money to be used to fund mere compliance with the law, which would undermine the principle that public money should only be used to fund what is additional to mandatory requirements. This is a missed opportunity to strengthen already weak protections for vital wetlands and grasslands, which are a massive carbon sink, filter and store water and shield farmland from climate impacts. Funding should instead be given to farmers that go beyond the rules and engage in real re-wetting of such areas.
Removal of links between the CAP and new environmental and climate legislation (notably Articles 120 and 159): This not only marks a step backwards in the EU’s efforts to deliver a “greener CAP” but goes against the requirements set out in the EU treaties to ensure that sustainability efforts are integrated across policies. It would mean that national CAP Plans won’t be required to be coherent with, or contribute to, the Nature Restoration Law or the emerging Soil Monitoring Law. This leads back to a lack of policy coherence and a missed opportunity to provide much needed support to farmers to implement these new European laws.

In addition to these, the EEB has concerns about the proposed changes that would reduce the need for the Commission to approve any changes to Member State’s CAP Strategic Plans, instead only reviewing “strategic amendments”. This could result in weaker oversight and lessen the opportunity for effective monitoring and adjustment of the CAP’s environmental impact.

Source: EEB

China Surpasses Wind and Solar Targets Ahead of Schedule – What Comes Next in Its Energy Transition?

14.05.2025

China has entered a pivotal phase of its energy transition, according to a new analysis by the international think tank EMBER. In 2024, the country surpassed its 2030 renewable energy targets by installing a record 278 GW of solar power and 79.8 GW of wind power. This growth pushed the nation’s total clean energy capacity beyond 1,400 GW, enabling renewables to meet more than 80 percent of the rise in electricity demand. Simultaneously, coal’s share in electricity generation continued to decline.

While these achievements are significant, sustaining momentum will require China to move beyond simply adding megawatts of wind and solar. The next stage demands a fundamental upgrade of its power system infrastructure. This includes deploying advanced electrification technologies for heavy industry, integrating AI-driven smart grids to balance supply and demand, expanding long-duration energy storage, and investing in carbon removal technologies to curb residual emissions.

One of the greatest challenges lies in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as steel and shipbuilding. In these industries, current technologies are no longer sufficient. While China has made important advances in developing next-generation solutions, many obstacles remain. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), over 60 percent of the key technologies needed to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 are still not commercially viable.

This is the stage China now finds itself in – where many innovations exist as prototypes in laboratories but are not yet ready for industrial-scale deployment. Known as the “valley of death” for innovation, this phase is widely seen as the most critical, as it involves substantial technical and financial risks in scaling up from controlled environments to real-world applications.

Global pressures and mounting geopolitical tensions are creating economic challenges for China, but they also present an opportunity to shape a sustainable, long-term energy future. The path forward lies in accelerating technological innovation in clean energy — backed by strategic planning, greater research investment, and strong political support.

Energy Portal

After the Energy Collapse, a New Debate on the Role of Nuclear Energy in Spain

12.05.2025

nuclear_power_plant_nuklearna_elektrana — Foto-ilustracija: Unsplash (Jakob Madsen)

On April 28, 2025, Spain and Portugal experienced one of the most significant blackouts in their recent history. Within seconds, the power system of the Iberian Peninsula collapsed, leaving millions of people without electricity, water, and in complete darkness. The Ministries of the Interior declared a state of emergency, and the consequences were visible everywhere: halted metro systems in Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Porto, grounded flights at major airports, traffic chaos due to inoperative traffic lights, cancelled medical procedures, and disrupted water supply.

Although most services were restored the following day, one critical question remained: how did such a widespread and simultaneous collapse occur in two technically advanced and interconnected systems? And more importantly – what does this incident reveal about the structure of the energy mix and the future of nuclear energy in Spain?

The Structure of Spain’s Energy System

At the end of 2024, Spain’s total net installed generation capacity reached nearly 129,000 MW. Of that, renewable energy sources accounted for 66 percent of the total capacity. Among them, wind power (23.2 percent), solar power (18.6 percent), and hydropower (13.3 percent) dominate, according to data from the grid operator Red Eléctrica. This mix enables a significant reduction in emissions, but also brings new challenges—particularly regarding grid stability.

Renewable sources lack what is known as inertia—the physical resistance to changes in frequency within the power grid. Unlike conventional power plants with large rotating turbines, wind and solar plants rely on inverters that cannot absorb sudden oscillations, making the grid more vulnerable to disturbances. As these plants dropped offline, the next in line were the nuclear units.

The Role of Nuclear Energy in the Energy Mix

In this context, the debate on the role of nuclear energy is resurfacing. Spain operates seven nuclear reactors, which together produced nearly 20 percent of the country’s total electricity in 2024.

Due to their large rotating turbines, nuclear power plants contribute to grid stability by maintaining constant frequency and providing so-called baseload power. During the incident, four reactors were operational and shut down automatically when the grid collapsed, in accordance with safety protocols. The other three reactors were offline because Red Eléctrica had requested their temporary shutdown due to an oversupply from renewable sources. This decision is now under scrutiny, as the lack of rotating inertia from nuclear and other conventional sources is considered one of the contributing factors to the instability, according to World Nuclear News.

Back in 2019, Spain adopted a plan to gradually phase out all nuclear reactors by 2035. According to that roadmap, four reactors are scheduled to close by the end of 2030, with the remaining three to follow within the next five years. However, the recent events may change the outlook.

Energy portal

Switzerland Tests Solar System Between Railway Tracks

11.05.2025

voz — Photo-illustration: Freepik (rorozoa)

Swiss startup Sun-Ways has officially launched the first removable solar power plant installed between active railway tracks.

This marks a significant step toward full integration of solar technology into railway networks, with the potential for both national and international expansion.

The photovoltaic system spans a 100-meter section of track in the canton of Neuchâtel. The panels were installed using a special machine developed by partner company Scheuchzer, capable of rapidly deploying up to 1,000 square meters of solar panels within just a few hours.

The electrical connections are built directly into the panels, while cleaning is handled by cylindrical brushes mounted on the rear of trains. The electricity generated is 100 percent renewable, with a long-term goal of feeding the energy directly into the train traction system, thereby maximizing on-site consumption during peak daylight hours when traffic is heaviest.

The system consists of 48 solar modules with a total capacity of 18 kilowatts and is expected to generate around 16,000 kWh of electricity per year.

“By integrating photovoltaic systems into the railway ecosystem, it becomes possible to directly power trains with renewable energy, as well as supply charging stations for electric vehicles – all while reducing CO₂ emissions and increasing the energy independence of a country’s public transport system,” said Sun-Ways in a statement.

The project follows approval from the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT) in 2024, which granted permission to begin testing after a ten-month technical review. The installation represents the first application of this technology under real-world traffic conditions.

The three-year pilot phase will allow Sun-Ways and its partners to gather essential data on system performance and safety. If successful, the system could be expanded across 5,000 kilometers of Switzerland’s railway network.

Energy portal

Meet Cork – The Material of the 21st Century

09.05.2025

Image-by-Ben-Kerckx-from-Pixabay — Photo-illustration: Pixabay (Ben-Kerckx)

The planet is rapidly changing, facing challenges such as climate change and the depletion of natural resources. We need solutions that balance economic growth and environmental protection. In the search for better alternatives, the outer bark of the cork oak tree stands out as a versatile material that benefits both nature and industry—known as cork.

Unlike most trees, where the trunk must be cut down to obtain the desired material, the cork oak provides cork without permanent damage. The first harvest is possible only when the tree reaches about 25 years of age, and the highest-quality cork is obtained after the third harvest when the tree is over 40 years old. This cycle is repeated approximately every nine years, and throughout a 200-year lifespan, the tree can undergo about 17 harvests. The process of removing the bark is carried out by skilled professionals who carefully extract it without harming the tree’s vital structure. Over time, the bark regenerates, returning to almost its original state or even improving in quality.

Beyond its ability to regenerate and extend its own lifespan, the cork oak plays a crucial role in combating climate change. Estimates show that cork oak forests worldwide can absorb up to 14 million tons of CO2 annually, helping to reduce the greenhouse effect. Portugal, the country with the largest area of cork oak forests, covering one-third of the world’s total cork oak population, leverages these benefits both economically and environmentally. Portugal is responsible for more than half of global cork production and is the leading cork producer. Over 700 companies in Portugal are directly dependent on this industry, provi – ding thousands of jobs.

For this reason, at the end of 2011, the cork oak was officially declared Portugal’s national tree, even though it has been legally protected since the 13th century.

IN FOCUS:

Structure and Properties of Cork

The microscopic air chambers within the structure of cork give it excepti – onal lightness and elasticity. In just one cubic centimeter, millions of tiny cells can be filled with air or gases of similar composition, providing cork with thermal and sound insulation properties, moisture resistance, and the ability to slow down the spread of fire. Thanks to these characteri stics, cork is an almost ideal material for various industries—from construction and interior design to technologically advanced sectors such as the automotive and aerospace industries. Cork is even one of the key components in spacecraft precisely because of its outstanding thermal insulation properties, as rockets experience extremely high temperatures during launch.

In recent decades, eco-friendly construction has increasingly recognized cork as a material of the future. Due to its insulating properties, cork boards and tiles are used for flooring, wall coverings, and even in humid environments such as kitchens and bathrooms. While many believe cork is delicate and prone to damage, its elasticity and self-restoring structure often prevent permanent dents. If significant damage does occur, only the damaged segment can be replaced, significantly extending the lifespan of the surface. Additionally, the surface layer of cork hardly retains dust or mites, making it an excellent choice for people prone to allergies and asthma.

For decades, cork has been widely known as the material used for bottle stoppers, but its applications have expanded significantly. In the home appliance industry, cork serves as an excellent thermal and sound insulator. At the same time, properties such as buoyancy and elasticity in marine applications make it ideal for buoys, pontoons, and boat components, where lightweight and water-resistant materials are required.

Prepared by Milica Vučković

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

A Mobile Game That Teaches Us About Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Resource Conservation

08.05.2025

30146 — Photo-illustration: Freepik (frimufilms - AI generated)

Learning doesn’t always have to come from textbooks, nor does it need to be strict, systematic, or imposed. Sometimes the most meaningful lessons are absorbed when we least expect it – while relaxing, having fun, or simply spending time doing what we enjoy most. Lately, I’ve noticed that even popular TV series increasingly weave in environmental messages – subtly, yet clearly enough to inspire reflection. Perhaps this quiet approach is actually one of the most effective ways to transfer knowledge.

We know that children and young people today spend a large part of their free time playing video games. This often sparks debate about their influence – with frequent criticism that games encourage violence, aggression, or passivity. But what if games could also educate and shape awareness – not through strict rules, but through play and enjoyment?

One such game was created as part of the BlueAquaEdu project, funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). Unlike games where players fight villains like zombies or monsters to become heroes, the battle in BlueAquaEdu is quieter but equally important – here, the player faces bad habits and unsustainable practices developed by humans over years, which have endangered marine life. Instead of weapons, their tools are knowledge, strategy, and ecological awareness. The goal is not to defeat an enemy, but to find the best solutions together with nature – to build a fish farm that doesn’t pollute, overuse resources, or threaten plant and animal life.

But what exactly is a fish farm? It’s a controlled environment where fish are bred for human consumption – a process known as aquaculture. Today, aquaculture accounts for an increasing share of global fish production, but if not properly managed, it can negatively impact the environment – from water pollution and the spread of disease to the endangerment of wild species.

At the beginning of the game, the player is given a small, environmentally unfriendly fish farm, and throughout the game learns how to improve it in the best possible way. The aim is to reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

This game, which will soon be available, is part of a broader digital educational project focused on developing skills and knowledge in the field of aquaculture. As part of the BlueAquaEdu project, an e-learning platform is also being developed, offering innovative tools and training materials, as well as mentorship opportunities. The platform is intended for students, professors, and mentors, and through it, up to 500 individuals will have the chance to improve their knowledge of sustainable fish farming practices. In addition, the project promotes international cooperation through the organization of workshops, training sessions, and summer schools.

The core goal of the BlueAquaEdu project is to increase young people’s interest in the blue economy – all activities and sectors related to the sea and water resources, but in a way that respects the principles of sustainability and environmental protection.

Katarina Vuinac

EU aims to end Russian energy imports, new dependence on U.S. gas raises concern

08.05.2025

gas, nafta — Photo-illustration: Freepik (freepik)

The European Commission presented a new strategy on May 6, 2025, aimed at completely ending imports of Russian energy by the end of 2027.

The strategy outlines several key directions:

A full halt to imports of Russian gas, oil, coal, and uranium by 2027; a temporary replacement of Russian energy sources with LNG – including increased imports from the U.S., Qatar, and other allies, a move that has already sparked controversy due to its environmental and geopolitical implications; accelerated construction of wind and solar power plants; an increase in energy efficiency – through additional investments in the modernization of buildings, industry, and infrastructure, with the goal of reducing gas and electricity consumption; a crackdown on the so-called “shadow” imports of Russian energy via third countries; and also, a complete phase-out of Russian nuclear fuel imports – with support for the transition of nuclear reactors in member states that currently rely on Russian supplies.

Although the document highlights that EU member states have made significant progress in reducing their dependence on Russian fossil fuels, data shows that imports of Russian gas increased by 18 percent in 2024, and that Russia still supplies about 13 percent of the EU’s total gas needs. A particular challenge lies in the aforementioned “shadow” tankers and informal energy flows via third countries, for which the EU still lacks a concrete solution.

The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) welcomes the EU’s determination to continue the phase-out of Russian energy – even if a peace agreement is reached – pointing out that the EU still spends hundreds of millions of euros every week on Russian fossil fuels. However, the EEB warns that replacing Russian coal and gas with American fracked gas is not a sustainable solution from either a security or economic perspective.

As noted, the Commission’s plan also includes ending imports of Russian uranium, as part of a broader package of measures to strengthen the Union’s energy security. Critics, however, argue that this is a unique opportunity for the EU to make a strategic leap toward its own renewable energy capacities and reduce reliance on distant and unreliable energy sources.

Energy portal

Art Blooms – The Most Beautiful Front of the Environmental Fight

07.05.2025

Ilustracija---Jelena-Pejković — Illustration: Jelena Pejković

Art has become a powerful ally in raising awareness about nature conservation in a world increasingly facing environmental challenges. Valentina Talijan, a visual artist from Smederevska Palanka, has found a way to merge creativity and activism, creating a unique concept that draws attention to endangered plant and animal species in Serbia. Her initiative, which began as an environmentally conscious brand, has evolved into a true non-profit artistic platform dedicated to nature conservation.

Valentina was deeply engaged with recycled materials during her studies, and her undergraduate and master’s projects carried a strong environmental message. Although she did not directly speak about environmental protection at the time, she consistently chose sustainable materials in her work. After graduating, she wanted to start an eco-business, but the path to achieving this was not easy.

In 2020, she launched the Instagram page – Umetnost cveta (Art Blooms), initially designed as a brand that promotes endangered plant species in Serbia through illustrations. However, the platform carried a broader symbolism. Besides highlighting the importance of preserving nature, it also emphasized the position of artists in society, often drawing parallels between their struggles and those of endangered plant species.

Through this page, Valentina brought together artists who illustrated rare and endangered plants, turning their works into prints, greeting cards, and other products. A portion of the proceeds went to charitable causes, primarily organizations dedicated to animal protection. After three years of work, Valentina decided to stop profiting from promoting endangered species. Still, she did not shut down the page – on the contrary, Umetnost cveta became a creative platform dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues.

IN FOCUS:

An Urgent Call for Nature Conservation

Serbia is home to rich flora and fauna, but many species are on the brink of extinction due to urbanization, pollution, and climate change. According to the Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia, there are 1,783 strictly protected wild species in the country. In comparison, an additional 860 species of wild animals, fungi, lichens, and plants fall under the protected category.

Valentina launched a unique ecological challenge concept on social media to raise awareness about the importance of protecting plant and animal species. Every week, artists receive a task to illustrate a specific endangered species, bringing public attention to often-overlooked environmental problems. Visual art serves as a gateway to further exploration, and this approach helps people absorb messages about nature conservation more easily.

A special focus has been placed on endangered species in Western Serbia, but Valentina emphasizes that this does not diminish the importance of other species in the country. Almost every part of Serbia contains biodiversity hotspots that are under serious threat, further highlighting the urgency of protecting natural ecosystems.

In addition to contributing to nature conservation, Umetnost cveta provides opportunities for young artists to gain recognition. Illustrators, painters, and designers participating in these challenges get the chance to present their work to an audience of over 7,000 people, which can support their professional development.

Prepared by Milena Maglovski

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

How to defuse the EU’s carbon tax time bomb

05.05.2025

mobilnost, automobili — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (liana-s)

Energy costs and taxes are political dynamite, easily exploited by populist parties. And yet, the EU is set to introduce an economy-wide carbon price (ETS2) on transport and heating fuels in 2027.

Carbon pricing for petrol and gas is not a new idea. In fact, two-thirds of EU citizens already pay some sort of carbon price on transport fuels – in addition to fuel duty.

T&E has always argued for regulations that make car companies or boiler manufacturers responsible for developing and marketing affordable green products. At the same time, making pollution more expensive clearly improves the business case for efficiency and clean energy, especially at a time where oil prices are very low. That is why T&E supported the EU’s carbon market for heat and transport, which was agreed after a marathon ministerial session in December 2022.

The decision to create a Europe-wide carbon price was right but creates significant political risk, both because of how the carbon market was designed and how it is being communicated. What can be done to defuse the situation?

Let the rich pay the carbon price

While wealthier people can afford to pay more or shift to EVs and heat pumps, ordinary families do suffer pain at the pump and can’t easily avoid fossil driving or heating. This ‘lack of alternative’ is the top reason people dislike higher taxes on ‘essential goods’ like petrol and gas.

So, fairness and political intelligence dictate that a carbon price should not impact everyone in the same way. Fortunately it is absolutely possible for the rich to pay most, or even all of, the carbon price. T&E data suggest the top 30 percent earners account for 50 percent of fuel sales, which means they’d also pay for half of the carbon levy. Governments should give back every euro or złoty they raise from low and middle-income people.

Spend the money on things people like and need

Even after compensation – e.g. cashbacks, lower income taxes for all except the top 30-50 percent of earners – there will be plenty of money to invest in clean transport solutions. The amounts available increase when also tackling elite pollution (see below). Governments need to frontload investments before the carbon price kicks in, so people see there is a plan to provide them with alternatives.

Alongside investments in cycling and public transport, targeted social leasing of electric cars where families get access to €100-200/month electric cars is a great and widely supported solution. The same goes for lower taxes on Europe’s sky high electricity taxes and levies.

Don’t let private jets and business travellers off the hook

A fair carbon price has to tackle elite pollution. How to explain that all must pay more for petrol except private jets and yachts? Even more impactful would be addressing carbon tax-free flights to New York and Bali (which are exempt from the EU ETS, for now), or business class tickets. In the long run these need to be included in the aviation ETS, until then they can easily be subjected to a CO₂-related ticket tax.

Create a price control mechanism to keep carbon prices around €55/tonne

In emissions trading, the price floats based on supply (emission allowances) and demand (petrol and gas sales). A carbon price that could be anywhere between €10 and €250 euros a tonne is scary and unpredictable. Since prices cannot be capped at national level – they can only be compensated for – we need a Europe-wide price cap.

The current law contains a soft cap of €45/tonne, or 11cts/litre. (That’s in 2020 prices. Since the cap is adjusted for inflation, it is now €55, or 13cts/litre, and is projected to rise to €60 in nominal terms by 2030.) This is similar to, for example, France and Germany’s CO₂ tax and can be gradually increased over time. Making the soft cap ‘harder’ can be done by strengthening the so-called ‘market stability reserve’ of emissions allowances that inject liquidity into the market if prices risk breaching the cap.

Eliminate national carbon taxes when ETS2 kicks in

Almost half of EU citizens live in a country with a national carbon tax. ETS2 will almost certainly replace the French, German and Swedish national CO₂ taxes. So, the easiest response to the Rassemblement National’s campaign in France against the EU carbon levy is to announce that the EU system will simply replace the already existing French carbon tax. This, of course, is only possible once governments know maximum ETS2 prices.

Governments have full control over how they use the revenues. They can compensate and invest as they please. The Commission can adjust the market stability reserve – it has done so numerous times for the industry and power ETS.

And of course the best way to lower the carbon price is to reduce emissions; so the Commission really should stop tinkering with the vehicle CO₂ standards, and focus on rolling out corporate fleet regulations so company car and truck fleets go all electric by 2030.

The creation of ETS2 was a visionary decision. But vision without proper execution is hallucination. With the right measures, it is still possible to defuse this ticking time bomb.

Source: Transport&Environment

From Soot to Ink – How Pollution Becomes a Tool for Art

03.05.2025

(ricardo-gomez-angel)-Unsplash — Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Ricardo Gomez Angel)

Air pollution often resembles dense fog covering cities, and artists frequently use it as inspiration for powerful, mystical photographs. While it may appear abstract and mesmerizing in images, the reality is far more serious—air pollution is responsible for the highest number of premature deaths worldwide.

Asia, the most populous continent on Earth, is home to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world—India. This rapid economic growth has positioned India among the countries with the most polluted air. Data shows that its capital, New Delhi, has the worst air quality among all global capitals. The primary sources of this pollution include vehicle emissions, cooking, power plants, heating, and industrial facilities.

Fine particles, known as PM 2.5, are among the most widespread pollutants, particularly in urban areas. These tiny particles measure only up to 2.5 micromillimeters, allowing them to quickly enter the lungs and bloodstream, leading to serious health problems, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. PM 2.5 particles encompass a wide range of substances, and one of their primary components is soot. Soot forms as a result of burning fossil fuels, biomass, and chemicals containing tiny particles of unburned carbon.

IN FOCUS:

Although India experiences high soot concentrations, this issue has inspired groundbreaking innovation. The MIT Media Lab, a research center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, developed KAALINK technology designed to capture soot from the air. This small device is installed in the exhaust pipes of vehicles or generators and can capture up to 95 percent of soot particles. Thanks to this innovation, the startup Graviky Labs has created an entirely new product—an eco-friendly ink called AIR-INK.

Photo-illustration: Unsplash (Olga Thelavart)

AIR-INK repurposes soot emissions generated in industrial and transportation processes instead of relying on fossil fuels, as with traditional inks. This process not only reduces dependence on fossil resources but also improves air quality by capturing particles that would otherwise remain in the atmosphere.

The KAALINK technology can collect enough emissions in just 45 minutes of operation to produce approximately 30 milliliters of ink. So far, the startup has developed two products: a marker with tip sizes ranging from 2 to 50 millimeters and printing ink. The 30-milliliter ink supply is sufficient to fill one marker or one small bottle of printing ink.

Once the soot is collected, it undergoes a purification process to remove harmful substances, such as heavy metals and carcinogenic materials, ensuring the final product is safe for use.

This article began with an artistic note, and it will end the same way. While soot in the air has long inspired artists to create surreal and mystical photographs, its fusion with environmental awareness introduces an entirely new dimension to the world of art. AIR-INK allows soot, once a harmful byproduct of industry and transportation, to become a valuable material for artistic creations. What was once a symbol of pollution is now transformed into a tool for sustainable innovation.

Prepared by Katarina Vuinac

The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine CIRCULAR ECONOMY

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The Structure of Spain’s Energy System

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The Role of Nuclear Energy in the Energy Mix

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IN FOCUS:

Structure and Properties of Cork

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IN FOCUS:

An Urgent Call for Nature Conservation

Let the rich pay the carbon price

Spend the money on things people like and need

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Don’t let private jets and business travellers off the hook

Create a price control mechanism to keep carbon prices around €55/tonne

Eliminate national carbon taxes when ETS2 kicks in

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Better conditions for informal waste collectors

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Measurable impact for a sustainable future

Plans for programme expansion

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