The weekly roundup: đź‘€All eyes on methane
As researchers call for tougher action on methane, a South Australian startup is rolling out its own solution to food-based emissions.
Methane rarely commands the headlines in the way that CO2 does, yet many scientists believe it could be humanity's best chance to slow global warming.
Researchers say more ambitious methane action worldwide could bring immediate benefits to the planet because methane sets the pace for warming in the near term, with more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over the first 20 years after it reaches the atmosphere.
While scientists are pressing governments for accelerated action on methane with their newly signed Angera Declaration, a South Australian startup is stepping up to help businesses tackle one of methane's commonly overlooked sources: the food waste that households, restaurants and farmers discard each day, often ending up in landfill.
Wanted: swifter action
A group of researchers has signed a ten-point action plan calling for faster reductions of methane emissions.
While carbon dioxide dominates climate policy debate, the researchers argue that methane – which is responsible for 30 per cent of current global warming – could deliver climate benefits that CO2 cuts alone cannot provide in the near term. The newly signed Angera Declaration warns that despite existing pledges backed by 159 countries, atmospheric methane levels continue to rise.
Feeding the future
A Barossa Valley startup has developed a self-contained unit to help businesses convert their food waste into by-products.
High levels of methane are generated when organic waste breaks down in landfill, which has led to tighter Australian regulations around the disposal of food and garden waste. South Australian startup Mobius Farms is developing transportable L-Pods to help farms, hospitality and food operations harness the power of black soldier fly larvae to turn food waste into valuable waste streams.
â–·Sustainable fashion scales up
Australian activewear brand Earthletica has raised $1.13 million through a successful Birchal crowdfunding campaign. A total of 429 investors backed the B-Corp-certified company, which Olympic gold medallist Bronte Campbell co-founded in 2020. The brand uses recycled and organic materials across its supply chain, and now plans to use this fresh capital to boost its product range and retail presence across the Australian market.
â–·Boost for battery maker
Victorian battery pack manufacturer PowerPlus Energy has secured a $2.3 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The company, which makes high-performance batteries for renewable energy projects, said the funding will support a $6.7 million investment to expand and semi-automate its battery module manufacturing facility in Melbourne with a view to tripling its production capacity.
â–·Queensland's regional food plan
Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has released a food security blueprint. The report advocates for a bold “food bowl” approach, debuting with a dedicated South East Queensland strategy. This initiative aims to fortify regional supply chains ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games and manage rapid population growth. By strengthening local production, CSIRO intends for the region to serve as a premier showcase for sustainable food systems nationwide.
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