Biodiversity

Redwood trees are growing almost as fast in the UK as their Californian cousins – new study

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

My team’s new study

Key Points: 
  • My team’s new study
    is the first to look at the growth of giant sequoias in the UK – and they seem to be doing remarkably well.
  • However, the changing climate means Californian giant sequoias are under threat from more frequent and extreme droughts and fires.
  • More than 10% of the remaining population of around 80,000 wild trees were killed in a single fire in 2020 alone.

Tree giants from the US


What is much less well-known is that there are an estimated half a million sequoias (wild and planted) in England, dotted across the landscape. So how well are the UK giant sequoias doing? To try and answer this, my team used a technique called terrestrial laser scanning to measure the size and volume of giant sequoias.

  • This gives us a map of tree structure in unprecedented detail, which we can use to estimate volume and mass, effectively allowing us to estimate the tree’s weight.
  • If we know how old the trees are, we can estimate how fast they are growing and accumulating carbon.
  • No native tree in the UK is taller than about 47 metres.
  • Normally, you need to take samples from a tree’s core to get an accurate age estimate but that can damage the tree.

Imagine their potential

  • More recently, there has been a resurgence in planting giant sequoias in the UK, particularly in urban settings.
  • This is because of their carbon storage potential and perhaps because people seem to really like them.
  • But these giant sequoias are here to stay and are becoming a beautiful and resilient part of our landscape.


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Mathias Disney receives funding from UKRI via NERC, the National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO), European Space Agency, NASA and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

Dalata Hotel Group PLC: 2023 Preliminary Financial Results Announcement

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

The new lease is conditional on the receipt of a grant of planning for a 216-bedroom extension to be developed by Dalata.

Key Points: 
  • The new lease is conditional on the receipt of a grant of planning for a 216-bedroom extension to be developed by Dalata.
  • Our Regional Ireland and UK portfolio performed broadly in line with January / February 2023.
  • After exceeding revenue of €500 million in 2022, the Group has grown revenues further to over €600 million in 2023.
  • Today, we are launching the refreshed Dalata brand which reflects what Dalata is all about – engaged teams passionate about our hospitality and customer service.

Lioness Games Debuts First Board Game Biome on Kickstarter, Races to over $200k in Days

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, March 9, 2024

Lioness Games debuts first board game Biome on Kickstarter, races to over $200K in days

Key Points: 
  • Lioness Games debuts first board game Biome on Kickstarter, races to over $200K in days
    To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
    Leonie Grundler, the founder of Lioness Games, is a former tech industry professional and a long-time board game enthusiast.
  • She worked at Airbnb in Germany and found inspiration for Biome during her time spent in board game cafes in Berlin.
  • I love nature and board games, so it was natural that my first game would be nature, specifically biodiversity, themed.
  • Looking ahead, Lioness Games is committed to designing unique games that spark joy, facilitate connection, foster strategic thinking, and drive wonder among players.

IBEROSTAR HOTELS & RESORTS ACHIEVES A 12% REDUCTION IN EMISSIONS GLOBALLY

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 11, 2024

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts publishes its "2023 Year in Review" report, detailing the company's progress towards its sustainability objectives.

Key Points: 
  • Iberostar Hotels & Resorts publishes its "2023 Year in Review" report, detailing the company's progress towards its sustainability objectives.
  • Palma de Mallorca, March 11, 2024 - Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, dedicated to developing a model of responsible tourism, released today its " 2023 Year in Review '', outlining the company’s latest sustainability progress.
  • Gloria Fluxà, Vice-Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer, Iberostar Group outlines: "Our commitment to responsible tourism leads our business on a transformative journey.
  • The company has also reduced its energy consumption (kWh) by 6.5% compared to 2019, with the hotels in the Americas achieving 6.63%.

Sol Systems, Partners Raise $250M for Landmark Renewable Energy Project

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 11, 2024

Washington, D.C., March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sol Systems , a national renewable energy company, today announced the successful completion of financing for its landmark Eldorado Project in Saline County, IL.

Key Points: 
  • Washington, D.C., March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sol Systems , a national renewable energy company, today announced the successful completion of financing for its landmark Eldorado Project in Saline County, IL.
  • This pivotal project, utilizing US-made solar panels and racking, is poised to advance sustainable energy and contribute to the development of clean energy infrastructure in Southern Illinois.
  • This financing milestone signifies a major achievement in renewable energy development, underscored by Sol Systems' in-house expertise in structuring and executing complex financial arrangements.
  • Bret Turner, Head of Project Finance, Business Development and Innovation at Silicon Valley Bank, commented, "We are proud to support the Eldorado Project alongside Sol Systems and our esteemed partners.

SAMBAZON® Acquires SunOpta’s Açaí and Smoothie Bowls Business, Doubling Manufacturing Capacity for Ready-to-Eat Bowls

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024

The new manufacturing lines also double SAMBAZON’s production capabilities.

Key Points: 
  • The new manufacturing lines also double SAMBAZON’s production capabilities.
  • SAMBAZON’s Açaí and smoothie bowls are packaged in eco-friendly plant-based, fiber bowls and are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified.
  • SAMBAZON’s current ready-to-eat bowls are produced at two advanced, eco-friendly processing facilities in Brazil, near the Açaí harvesters.
  • SAMBAZON is the pioneer and recognized global leader in Açaí.

Metasphere Labs to Develop Revolutionary Climate Game “Ents World” for Climate Finance Venture Studio, Bluesphere Ventures Inc.

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 4, 2024

This game leverages the Bitcoin blockchain for its in-world assets and governance, marking a significant advancement in combining blockchain technology with environmental initiatives.

Key Points: 
  • This game leverages the Bitcoin blockchain for its in-world assets and governance, marking a significant advancement in combining blockchain technology with environmental initiatives.
  • Ents World will be developed as a first of its kind Open Metaverse which utilizes the Bitcoin blockchain for in-world assets and governance.
  • Natasha Ingram, CEO of Metasphere, expresses her enthusiasm for the initiative and commented, "We are thrilled to be chosen by Bluesphere to develop Ents World.
  • The Company and Bluesphere are working on establishing a definitive agreement after which, development of the game will commence.

C.K. McWhorter & Family Grant Cartier With McWhorter Family Trust Warrant For Recognition As An Exemplary Asset In Luxury Jewelry Sector

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 1, 2024

McWhorter (Carter K. McWhorter ) & Family Trust are announcing the awarding of its prestigious Warrant of Recognition to Cartier, a luminary brand under the Compagnie Financière Richemont SA's distinguished portfolio.

Key Points: 
  • McWhorter (Carter K. McWhorter ) & Family Trust are announcing the awarding of its prestigious Warrant of Recognition to Cartier, a luminary brand under the Compagnie Financière Richemont SA's distinguished portfolio.
  • The incorporation of Cartier into the McWhorter Family Trust’s list of esteemed investments marks a deliberate expansion of the McWhorter Family’s luxury asset portfolio.
  • McWhorter Family Trust’s : Warrant Description- a quartet of emblems, each meticulously chosen to represent the multifaceted ethos of the McWhorter legacy.
  • In addition to our recent recognition of Cartier for its exemplary contributions to the luxury jewelry sector, the McWhorter Family also previously announced Hermès' receipt of a prestigious Warrant of McWhorter Family Trust Recognition.

For the Second Consecutive Year, Grupo Bimbo Receives Recognition for Its Actions to Mitigate the Effects of Climate Change at A Global Level

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Approximately 21,000 global companies from different industries applied for The A List and only 346, including Grupo Bimbo received this rating.

Key Points: 
  • Approximately 21,000 global companies from different industries applied for The A List and only 346, including Grupo Bimbo received this rating.
  • HORSHAM, Pa., Feb. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the second consecutive year, the non-governmental organization CDP recognized Grupo Bimbo, the world's largest bakery, for its global efforts to combat climate change.
  • Among the 21,000 global companies representing diverse industries, Grupo Bimbo is among the Climate Change category winners, distinguishing itself as the sole Mexican food company to achieve this accolade.
  • This recognition reaffirms Grupo Bimbo’s commitment to preserving the environment and promoting its goal of nourishing a better world.

New RSC Event: "Water is Life: Sustainability of Our Oceans"

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Toronto, Ontario, Feb. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) and Massey College are thrilled to present the third installment of the RSC Dialogues @ Massey series, Water is Life: Sustainability of Our Oceans.

Key Points: 
  • Toronto, Ontario, Feb. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) and Massey College are thrilled to present the third installment of the RSC Dialogues @ Massey series, Water is Life: Sustainability of Our Oceans.
  • At this event, speakers will explore the topic of water sustainability with a focus on habitats, climate change, and Indigenous sovereignty.
  • Dr. Cheung is recognized internationally for his research on the interconnections among climate change, food security and biodiversity conservation in marine environments.
  • As a marine ecologist and fisheries scientist, Dr. Cheung's work addresses policy-relevant research questions through a transdisciplinary lens that encompasses oceanography, ecology, economics, and social sciences.