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Can turning CO2 into recyclable plastics help humans win climate war?

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In a groundbreaking shift towards sustainability, industries worldwide are harnessing carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies to combat climate change.

From mattresses to clothing and beyond, innovative products are emerging due to repurposing carbon dioxide, offering a glimpse into a greener future.

As concerns about irreversible climate damage escalate, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscores the urgency for action. With annual global CO2 emissions projected to soar, CCU emerges as a formidable strategy, capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 billion metric tons by 2050.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) facilities worldwide are already operational, trapping CO2 from smokestacks or ambient air. However, a paradigm shift occurs with carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), acknowledged by the IPCC in 2022. CCU transforms captured CO2 into products like cement, jet fuel, and plastics, offering a multifaceted approach to climate mitigation.

The plastics industry, a notorious contributor to carbon emissions, is witnessing a transformative wave. Instead of relying on fossil fuels, companies are incorporating captured CO2 into plastics production.

Lux Research estimates the CCU market, valued at nearly $2 billion in 2020, could skyrocket to $550 billion by 2040, with a particular focus on enhancing cement and jet fuel properties.

Chemists and researchers are exploring catalysts to streamline the conversion of CO2 into plastics. Commercial successes include mattresses, car interiors, building insulation, and sports flooring from CO2-based materials. Additionally, efforts to create carbon-negative polyester demonstrate the potential to combat plastic pollution.

Microbial interventions, such as harnessing acetogenic bacteria, exemplify nature-inspired solutions. Companies like LanzaTech are collaborating with steel plants to convert industrial emissions into ethanol, which is subsequently used in fabric production. This symbiotic relationship aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 80%.

While challenges persist, including regulatory hurdles and fossil fuel subsidies, the trajectory is clear. Visionaries envision a circular carbon economy where products are designed for longevity and recyclability.

Researchers emphasise the need for legislative support, corporate alignment, technological advancements, and shifts in human behaviour to realise this transformative vision.

In a world grappling with environmental crises, the dawn of recyclable plastics from CO2 heralds a new era in sustainable innovation, offering hope for a cleaner, circular future.

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Tessori promises to teach 50,000 children IT courses.

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In order to provide children with technical education and training, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has made the decision to set up IT classes for 50,000 children.

The governor urged the youth to play a vital part in the nation’s growth during a ceremony held here on Thursday.

“Pakistan has an abundance of skill. We will have to play our role in the development of the country. We will have to work to improve our economy,” the governor said.

He urged the overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan and play their role in making the country prosperous.

Addressing the youth of the country, Kamran Tessori said, “Pakistan should be our priority. We need to do everything for Pakistan.

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Cybersecurity firm reports exposure of sensitive DeepSeek data on the internet.

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The New York-based cybersecurity firm Wiz has discovered a cache of sensitive data from the Chinese artificial intelligence business DeepSeek that was mistakenly exposed to the public internet.

In a blog post released on Wednesday, Wiz reported that examinations of DeepSeek’s infrastructure revealed that the company had inadvertently exposed over a million lines of unencrypted data. The materials were digital software keys and chat logs that seemingly documented prompts transmitted from consumers to the company’s complimentary AI assistant.

The chief technical officer of Wiz stated that DeepSeek promptly safeguarded the data following the notice from his organisation.

“It was removed in under an hour,” stated Ami Luttwak. “However, this was exceedingly easy to locate, leading us to believe we are not the sole discoverers.”

DeepSeek did not promptly respond to a request for comment.

DeepSeek’s rapid success after the introduction of its AI helper has exhilarated China and incited concern in America. The Chinese company’s evident capacity to rival OpenAI’s skills at a significantly reduced cost has raised concerns regarding the viability of the business models and profit margins of U.S. AI behemoths like Nvidia and Microsoft.

By Monday, it surpassed the U.S. competitor ChatGPT in downloads from Apple’s App Store, prompting a worldwide decline in technology stocks.

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WhatsApp launches bulk channel management functionality

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WhatsApp has initiated testing of a bulk channel administration feature on iOS for select beta users, enabling the simultaneous selection of many channels, hence enhancing the efficiency of managing following channels.

This essential update enables users to perform bulk activities, including muting many channels simultaneously, designating them as read, and altering notifications. If the chosen channels are muted, users will now have the option to activate notifications. Users can swiftly silence unmuted channels in one action.

Additionally, this feature enables users to unfollow many channels simultaneously, thereby optimizing the process of decluttering their channel list. This change is particularly beneficial for users that oversee numerous subscriptions, as reported by WABetaInfo.

Previously, users were required to manage each channel individually, rendering tasks such as muting or designating channels as read laborious and time-consuming.

The functionality provides enhanced flexibility and control over channel subscriptions, enabling users to efficiently manage notifications. The solution streamlines laborious operations for consumers who subscribe to numerous channels, hence enhancing their entire experience.

Accessibility
The bulk management feature is presently accessible exclusively to a limited number of beta testers who installed the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS using the TestFlight application. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, plans to expand the feature’s availability to a larger user base in the next weeks.

This update demonstrates WhatsApp’s dedication to enhancing user experience by offering a clear and efficient method for managing channels and notifications.

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