China’s growing pains: expect more smog on the horizon

China, known for its rapid economic growth and industrialization, has faced significant challenges related to environmental pollution, notably air pollution resulting in smog. Despite efforts to address these issues, the country continues to grapple with the consequences of its development. The future projections for China’s environmental challenges, particularly concerning smog, remain concerning due to various contributing factors. Historical Context: China’s […]

The supply chain in farming – do we count all the assets

The supply chain in farming encompasses a complex network of resources, processes, and assets involved in the production, distribution, and delivery of agricultural products to consumers. When considering the assets within this supply chain, it’s crucial to recognize the diverse elements that contribute to the farming industry’s functionality and success. Land and Natural Resources: The foundation of farming begins with […]

A century of Australian animation

Over the past century, Australian animation has evolved from simple advertisements to sophisticated storytelling, carving a unique niche in the global animation industry. From its humble beginnings to achieving recognition with Oscar-winning productions, the journey of Australian animation spans innovation, creativity, and technological advancements. Early Beginnings (1900s-1960s): The roots of Australian animation can be traced back to the early 1900s […]

Red lines and red rags: Europeans unimpressed by Britain’s tough talk on Brexit

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the issue of Brexit and the subsequent negotiations and tensions between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) remained a complex and divisive topic. The process of Britain exiting the EU, which formally occurred on January 31, 2020, has led to ongoing discussions regarding trade deals, border regulations, and […]

How green is your city: towards an index of urban sustainability

Assessing the sustainability of a city involves evaluating various aspects, from environmental factors to social and economic elements. Creating an index for urban sustainability requires a comprehensive approach that considers multiple indicators. Here’s an exploration of key factors and indicators that contribute to an index of urban sustainability. 1. Environmental Factors: a. Air Quality: Monitoring pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen […]

Amelia Earhart will have trouble disappearing

As aviation professionals, we know that technology is improving the ability to track planes even over vast stretches of water. These systems make it easier for aircraft to navigate, and some even allow them to track their flights in real-time across the globe. How to get from one place to another Pilots used to navigate by connecting dots on a map […]

People hate flight shame – but not enough to quit flying

A 2023 survey found that although people in the UK were increasingly concerned about aviation emissions – they were also more reluctant to fly less. This might reflect how flying has become normalized in society, aided by ticket prices, which are, on average, 61% cheaper in real terms than in 1998. Peers increasingly ask me about how they can fly “sustainably,” the “greenest” airlines, […]

The search will move into a new phase if debris

It isn’t as hard as you might think. Most airline components have unique serial and part numbers. If there are any identifying markings on the recovered items from the sea, they can be compared with Malaysian Airlines’ and Boeing’s engineering records. Boeing can compare the features, shapes, and materials of the recovered items, even if they are not marked, to […]

High-speed rail planning could reduce flight demand

 The committee’s chief said that the 60% increase in flight demand was already due to the climate goal of reducing carbon emissions by 80% between now and 2050. If a second runway is added to the ones already being discussed for Heathrow and Gatwick and if price increases up to PS200 are not implemented, this target will be missed. All […]

Too many airplane systems rely on too few sensors

Had I trusted my airspeed sensor, I would have pushed the plane’s nose down in an attempt to regain speed and possibly put too much strain on the aircraft’s frame or getting dangerously close to the ground. But even small aircraft are packed with sensors: While worried about my airspeed, I noticed that my plane was staying at the same […]