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    <title>Global South World - Green Technology</title>
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    <language>en-US</language>
    <description><![CDATA[News, opinion and analysis focused on the Global South and rising nations across the world. Delivered by journalists on the ground in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. From politics and business to technology, science and social issues, Global South World is the first place to come for accurate and trusted information.]]></description>
    <item>
      <title>Singapore Roundup: Geopolitical strain, win in AI adoption, push with green shipping with first electric tug</title>
      <link>https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/singapore-roundup-geopolitical-strain-win-in-ai-adoption-push-with-green-shipping-with-first-electric-tug</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/singapore-roundup-geopolitical-strain-win-in-ai-adoption-push-with-green-shipping-with-first-electric-tug</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:33:24 Z</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Singapore voices concern over US unilateral actions and regional stability</p>
<p>Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has  warned  that growing US willingness to act unilaterally, including recent military action in Venezuela, poses serious risks to global and regional stability. Speaking at an academic forum, Lee said such interventions lack proper international authorisation and could undermine the rules-based order, a particular concern for small states like Singapore. He cautioned that while major powers may see short-term gains, war carries unpredictable consequences, urged restraint in US-China rivalry, and reiterated Singapore’s support for the one-China policy and opposition to any unilateral change to the Taiwan Strait status quo.</p>
<p>Singapore leads the world in AI adoption as firms chase growth</p>
<p>Amid global AI competition, Singapore businesses are experiencing significant  “AI FOMO ,” driving strong adoption as companies pursue growth and digital transformation. Local firms are investing in generative AI tools to enhance everything from customer engagement to operational efficiency, even as challenges with data quality and integration slow progress. Singapore’s government has also backed AI through strategic initiatives to strengthen workforce skills, infrastructure and responsible governance, positioning the city-state as a hub for both innovation and enterprise-level AI deployment. </p>
<p>Singapore commissions its first electric tug ahead of 2026 deployment</p>
<p>In a milestone for green maritime technology, Singapore has completed commissioning of its  first fully electric tug , a zero-emission vessel set to begin operations in April 2026. Built in collaboration with PaxOcean Group and ABB, the electric tug supports the Maritime and Port Authority’s goal of electrifying new harbour craft by 2030 and reducing air pollution as Singapore transitions to cleaner shipping solutions. This move underlines the city-state’s push toward sustainable port operations and decarbonisation of its maritime sector. </p>
<p>Nestlé baby formula recall spreads amid toxin fears</p>
<p>Singapore has ordered an  immediate halt to the sale of five batches of Nestlé NAN infant  and follow-on formula as a precaution over the possible presence of cereulide toxin. The affected products are NAN HA 3 SupremePro (batch 53030017C1), NAN HA 2 SupremePro (batch 51420017C4), NAN HA 1 SupremePro (batch 51460017C2), NAN HA 1 SupremePro (batch 51470017C1), and NAN HA 3 SupremePro (batch 53030017B1). Authorities said there have been no confirmed illnesses so far, and investigations are ongoing.</p>
<p>Climate patterns: 2025 sees record temperatures and heavy rainfall in Singapore</p>
<p>Singapore experienced significant  climate anomalies  in 2025, with the warmest June on record and unusually heavy rainfall in March, according to Channel NewsAsia reporting. These extremes align with broader regional trends of increasing temperature variability and heavier precipitation linked to climate change. Meteorologists warn that such patterns could have implications for water management, urban planning and heat resilience strategies in tropical cities like Singapore.</p>
]]></description>
      <source url="https://www.globalsouthworld.com">Global South World</source>
      <media:content url="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/asAEdf3kg0w2tfiuW.jpg?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;quality=75&amp;r=fill&amp;g=no" medium="image" type="image/jpeg">
        <media:credit role="photographer">Edgar Su</media:credit>
        <media:credit role="provider">REUTERS</media:credit>
        <media:title>FILE PHOTO: A view of the central business district in Singapore</media:title>
      </media:content>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Abigail Johnson Boakye]]></dc:creator>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>This week’s biggest stories from the Global South: Colombia senator's shooting, billion-dollar scam industry, rising measles cases in Mongolia</title>
      <link>https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/this-weeks-biggest-stories-from-the-global-south-colombia-senator-s-shooting-billion-dollar-scam-industry-rising-measles-cases-in-mongolia</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/this-weeks-biggest-stories-from-the-global-south-colombia-senator-s-shooting-billion-dollar-scam-industry-rising-measles-cases-in-mongolia</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 06 Jul 2025 18:43:26 Z</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>How African youth are falling victim to Southeast Asia’s billion-dollar scam industry</p>
<p>British journalist David Whitehouse, who has spent years researching cybercrime in Southeast Asia, has raised fresh concerns about state-linked cybercrime networks operating in Cambodia and Myanmar. Read more  here .</p>
<p>Tanzania launches $180 million fertiliser plant to cut imports, boost farming</p>
<img src="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/as0kQMibBVVkbQ4kh.jpg?width=800&height=600&quality=75" alt="FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House in Washington"/>
<p>Tanzania has opened a major fertiliser plant in Dodoma as part of efforts to boost local production and reduce reliance on expensive imports. Read more  here .</p>
<p>The schoolboy fighting his parents for the right to leave Ghana</p>
<p>Since September 2024, a 14-year-old London-based boy of Ghanaian descent has sparked a legal debate over the rights of children in their relocation after he was sent to Ghana as a “protective measure” against criminal activities in London. Read more  here .</p>
<p>Americas</p>
<p>What sparked Mexico’s new financial crime law, and who’s involved</p>
<img src="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/asOReGREAcemAJ18K.jpg?width=800&height=600&quality=75" alt="Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum addresses the media in Mexico City"/>
<p>Mexico’s Congress has passed a new law to tighten controls on money laundering just days after the United States accused three Mexican financial institutions of helping drug cartels move money. Read more  here .</p>
<p>Colombian police capture suspected leader in senator's shooting</p>
<img src="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/asCuI6dHk9Y8nWvKX.jpg?width=800&height=600&quality=75" alt="Tributes at place where Colombian Senator Uribe was shot during campaign event, in Bogota"/>
<p>Colombian police have captured a fugitive accused of planning last month's gun attack on Senator Miguel Uribe, a potential presidential candidate, the head of the country's national police said on July 5, marking the fifth arrest in the case. Read more  here .</p>
<p>Cuba advances green transition by phasing out climate-warming chemicals</p>
<img src="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/asjmHtHPAL9eq8IOt.jpg?width=800&height=600&quality=75" alt="China quietly supplanting Russia as Cuba's main benefactor"/>
<p>Cuba has reported progress in environmental protection since ratifying the Kigali Amendment in June 2019, according to officials from the Ozone Technical Office (OTOZ). Read more  here .</p>
<p>Asia</p>
<p>Why Thailand is cutting off Cambodia’s internet</p>
<img src="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/ascYproofetBiRoWb.jpg?width=800&height=600&quality=75" alt="Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra looks during a press conference, in Bangkok"/>
<p>Thailand has ordered all domestic telecom operators to cut internet and mobile connections to Cambodia, escalating tensions over rampant cybercrime operations allegedly based in Cambodian border towns. Read more  here .</p>
<p>More than 200 measles cases in one day raise alarm in Mongolia</p>
<img src="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/asXC34KvW8dJjb58h.jpg?width=800&height=600&quality=75" alt="A nurse prepares a measles-rubella vaccine"/>
<p>Mongolia is facing a major rise in measles cases, with more than 200 new infections reported in just one day, taking the total number of cases across the country to over 10,000. Read more  here .</p>
<p>Thai opposition to hold off on no-confidence vote against government</p>
<img src="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/astHEhlooZ2jOjuAr.jpg?width=800&height=600&quality=75" alt="Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reacts as she leaves for a royal oath-taking ceremony for the new cabinet, in Bangkok"/>
<p>Thailand's opposition parties said on July 3, that they will hold off on launching a no-confidence vote against suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pending a court ruling, but they vowed to work together to avoid political deadlock. Read more  here .</p>
]]></description>
      <source url="https://www.globalsouthworld.com">Global South World</source>
      <media:content url="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/aspAr5Tte3MzaJpcr.jpeg?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;quality=75&amp;r=fill&amp;g=no" medium="image" type="image/jpeg">
        <media:credit role="photographer">Chama Cha Mapinduzi</media:credit>
        <media:credit role="provider">Twitter</media:credit>
        <media:title>Samia Suluhu Hassan Tanzania president</media:title>
      </media:content>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Wonder Hagan]]></dc:creator>
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    <item>
      <title>Cuba advances green transition by phasing out climate-warming chemicals</title>
      <link>https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/cuba-advances-green-transition-by-phasing-out-climate-warming-chemicals</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/cuba-advances-green-transition-by-phasing-out-climate-warming-chemicals</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 05 Jul 2025 12:59:07 Z</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>The progress is premised on decades of experience implementing the Montreal Protocol of 1987, which successfully targeted the elimination of ozone-depleting substances.</p>
<p>In an assessment shared with the  Cuban News Agency , specialists highlighted progress across critical sectors, including the manufacturing of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, foam and aerosol production, and the technical maintenance of refrigeration systems. These efforts are aimed at cutting emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases widely used as refrigerants.</p>
<p>Mechanical Engineer Armando Lazaro Gomez Díaz, an OTOZ specialist and head of the Kigali Implementation Plan (KIP) Phase I project, emphasised that the current phase represents “a significant step toward fulfilling the nation’s  international  commitments regarding environmental preservation.”</p>
<p>“The success of this phase will depend on the coordinated and committed work of all parties involved,” Gomez Díaz said.</p>
<p>Cuba’s approach is led by the Ministry of  Science , Technology, and Environment, the Office of Environmental Safety Regulation, and the OTOZ, which is attached to the Center for Information Management and Energy Development (CUBAENERGIA) of the Agency for Nuclear Energy and Advanced Technologies.</p>
]]></description>
      <source url="https://www.globalsouthworld.com">Global South World</source>
      <media:content url="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/asjmHtHPAL9eq8IOt.jpg?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;quality=75&amp;r=fill&amp;g=no" medium="image" type="image/jpeg">
        <media:credit role="photographer">NORLYS PEREZ</media:credit>
        <media:credit role="provider">REUTERS</media:credit>
        <media:title>China quietly supplanting Russia as Cuba's main benefactor</media:title>
      </media:content>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Portia Etornam Kornu]]></dc:creator>
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      <title>Brazil Roundup: Green development support from China, new tariffs and quotas on steel products, consumer prices rise below expectations</title>
      <link>https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/brazil-roundup-green-development-support-from-china-new-tariffs-and-quotas-on-steel-products-consumer-prices-rise-below-expectations</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/brazil-roundup-green-development-support-from-china-new-tariffs-and-quotas-on-steel-products-consumer-prices-rise-below-expectations</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2025 23:59:29 Z</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Brazil turns to China for green development support</p>
<p>Brazil is increasingly partnering with China to advance  renewable energy  and digital infrastructure. During President Lula’s recent state visit to China, he announced key agreements, including a $1 billion deal with Envision Group to produce  sustainable aviation fuel  and a partnership with Windey Energy to launch a renewable energy R&D centre. China also pledged $4.76 billion in additional investment. Lula highlighted the growing trade between the two nations, which has risen from $6.6 billion in 2003 to $160 billion today. As founding members of BRICS, Brazil and China continue to deepen their strategic ties.</p>
<p>Brazil renews  tariffs  and quotas on steel products</p>
<p>Brazil has  renewed 25% tariffs  on 19 steel products and extended the measure to four more, effective for another 12 months, according to the Ministry of Development, Industry,  Trade  and Services. The quota system on steel imports remains in place. Initially imposed in April 2023 to counter a surge of cheap steel, mainly from China, the tariffs exclude imports under trade agreements or special regimes.</p>
<p>Brazil mid-May consumer prices rise below expectations</p>
<p>Brazil’s consumer prices  rose  less than expected in mid-May, easing to 0.44%—below the 0.48% forecast—despite recent floods, IBGE reported. Annual inflation slowed to 3.70%, the lowest mid-month reading since October 2020, staying within the central bank’s target range. Food inflation was milder than feared, rising 0.26%, down from 0.61% in April. Analysts say the data support a continued rate-cutting cycle, although flood-related price pressures may still emerge in the coming months.</p>
<p>Argentina sends troops to secure crime-plagued border with Brazil</p>
<p>On May 26, 2025, Argentina  launched Operation Guaçurarí , a six-month security campaign targeting a 25-km border stretch with Brazil plagued by drug trafficking and violence. The effort focuses on dismantling criminal networks, including Brazil’s PCC and Comando Vermelho gangs. The move follows a 400% rise in drug seizures and seven contract killings in 2023. Despite Brazil not being consulted, local mayors support the initiative. Federal forces will work with Misiones and Santa Catarina authorities, using drones and surveillance to monitor key routes. The operation is part of the wider  Plan Roca  military deployment across northern Argentina.</p>
<p>Brazil's budget missteps continue to unsettle investors</p>
<p>For the second time in six months, a Brazilian  government plan  to ease investor concerns backfired, sparking a market selloff and renewed doubts about President Lula’s commitment to fiscal discipline. A proposed tax hike on financial transactions, including a controversial 3.5% levy on offshore investments, triggered the backlash. Finance Minister Fernando Haddad quickly scrapped the offshore tax, denying any move toward capital controls. The episode revealed growing tension between markets and Lula’s administration, with investors questioning fiscal credibility despite a larger-than-expected budget freeze. Haddad, once seen as a stabilising force, moved ahead without central bank input, deepening the disconnect.</p>
]]></description>
      <source url="https://www.globalsouthworld.com">Global South World</source>
      <media:content url="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/asbkjtuw4BNLLCBoq.jpg?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;quality=75&amp;r=fill&amp;g=no" medium="image" type="image/jpeg">
        <media:credit role="photographer">Adriano Machado</media:credit>
        <media:credit role="provider">REUTERS</media:credit>
        <media:title>FILE PHOTO: Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva</media:title>
      </media:content>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Abigail Johnson Boakye]]></dc:creator>
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      <title>Egypt Roundup: Hunger strike, military training aircraft crash, tourist vessel capsizes</title>
      <link>https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/egypt-roundup-hunger-strike-military-training-aircraft-crash-tourist-vessel-capsizes</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/egypt-roundup-hunger-strike-military-training-aircraft-crash-tourist-vessel-capsizes</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2025 15:01:45 Z</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Gulf redevelopment concerns in Cairo</p>
<p>Egyptian residents express mounting concerns over Dubai billionaire Mohamed Alabbar's plans to redevelop downtown Cairo, fearing a loss of historical character and increased Gulf influence. As reported by  various sources , Alabbar's initiative aims to replicate Dubai's model for a tourism-centric economy amid Egypt's reliance on Gulf states for financial support. Critics, including architect Ahmed Zaazaa, raise alarms about potential elitism in the redevelopment process, while the Egyptian government insists it will consider multiple investment proposals.</p>
<p>Mother of jailed activist resumes hunger strike</p>
<p>Laila Soueif, mother of jailed Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, has announced her return to a full hunger strike in London to protest her son's ongoing imprisonment in Egypt, as reported by AFP. She initially moderated her strike following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's intervention in March but found it necessary to escalate her protest again after Fattah's continued detention. Fattah, a significant figure in Egypt's pro-democracy movement, has also been on hunger strike since March, highlighting the plight of political prisoners in Egypt.</p>
<p>Tourist vessel capsizes in Red Sea</p>
<p>Seven individuals, including five foreign tourists, have been confirmed dead following the capsizing of the Sea Story dive boat in the Red Sea, as decreed by Egyptian authorities.  The incident , attributed to severe weather conditions, occurred while the boat was on a diving expedition near Sataya Reef, with the vessel having passed routine safety inspections prior to the tragedy. This incident raises concerns regarding the safety standards of Egypt's tourism sector, which plays a crucial role in the national economy.</p>
<p>Fatal crash of Egyptian military training aircraft</p>
<p>The Egyptian Armed Forces reported a military training aircraft crash during an exercise, which claimed the lives of its crew due to a technical malfunction. According to  Roya News , the incident occurred near Ras El Bar on the Mediterranean coast. The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended condolences, signalling regional solidarity amid Egypt's tragic accident, which showcases the challenges within military operations.</p>
<p>Minister calls for green partnerships in the Arab World</p>
<p>Egypt’s Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad has urged for enhanced public-private partnerships to drive the region's green transition,  Daily News Egypt  reports. During her opening remarks at the Arab Sustainability Expo held in Cairo, she highlighted the importance of aligning sustainability with economic incentives and showcased Egypt's initiatives in renewable energy and climate finance. The expo aims to facilitate collaboration among government leaders, private stakeholders, and international organisations to address key sustainability challenges across the Arab region.</p>
]]></description>
      <source url="https://www.globalsouthworld.com">Global South World</source>
      <media:content url="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/asyBdF7Q4L2P7x10U.jpg?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;quality=75&amp;r=fill&amp;g=no" medium="image" type="image/jpeg">
        <media:credit role="provider">X07118</media:credit>
        <media:title>Laila Soueif, mother of Alaa Abdel Fattah held in Egypt on hunger strike</media:title>
      </media:content>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Wonder Hagan]]></dc:creator>
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      <title>Botswana unveils electric boat as part of ambitious e-mobility push</title>
      <link>https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/botswana-unveils-electric-boat-as-part-of-ambitious-e-mobility-push</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/botswana-unveils-electric-boat-as-part-of-ambitious-e-mobility-push</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 28 Oct 2024 11:12:24 Z</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>The launch, held in Kasane on October 27, marks a key step in the country’s drive toward sustainable e-mobility.</p>
<p>The eBoat is part of a series of eco-friendly transport solutions recently introduced by the government, as highlighted in a  speech  by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, delivered on his behalf by Vice President Slumber Tsogwane.</p>
<p>Tsogwane underscored the eBoat’s significance in realising Botswana’s vision for a sustainable future. "The electric boat represents not just a technological advancement, but a vision of a future where transportation is not a burden on the environment but a harmonious part of it,” he remarked.</p>
<p>He further noted the eBoat’s alignment with eco-friendly principles, adding, “With zero emissions, reduced noise pollution, and the ability to harness renewable energy sources, our electric boat embodies the principles of sustainability that are so crucial to our green ambitions as Botswana.”</p>
<p>This launch follows Botswana’s unveiling of its  first locally assembled electric vehicles  (EVs) earlier in October in the capital, Gaborone. In collaboration with Chinese vehicle manufacturers Skywell and CHTC Kinwin, the government aims to promote these locally assembled EVs to encourage interest in e-mobility across the nation.</p>
<p>“This is one of the examples of our commitment to e-mobility,” said President Masisi at the unveiling. “We want to play a part in this, not just for our economy and environment, but also to enhance those aspects of our knowledge economy that optimise our natural endowments.”</p>
<p>Botswana-trained engineers assembled the locally assembled vehicles .</p>
]]></description>
      <source url="https://www.globalsouthworld.com">Global South World</source>
      <media:content url="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/asFUGhTP4IqnWq9vF.jpg?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;quality=75&amp;r=fill&amp;g=no" medium="image" type="image/jpeg">
        <media:credit role="provider">Botswana Government</media:credit>
        <media:title>Botswana eboat</media:title>
      </media:content>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Edward Sakyi]]></dc:creator>
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      <title>China Roundup: Hottest August on record, China-Africa forum, espionage case</title>
      <link>https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/china-roundup-hottest-august-on-record-china-africa-forum-espionage-case</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/china-roundup-hottest-august-on-record-china-africa-forum-espionage-case</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Sep 2024 16:42:13 Z</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>Hottest August on record</p>
<p>China recorded its hottest August on record last month, with several provinces, including Shanghai and Jiangsu, facing unprecedented temperatures, correlating with Japan's warmest summer documented so far. The extreme heat event, driven predominantly by climate change, has led to an increase in heat days across major urban centres while concurrently causing catastrophic flooding in other areas. The meteorological agency in China noted that July was the hottest month since records began in 1961, indicating an alarming trend. As forecasts predict that 2024 could be the hottest year globally, the ramifications of escalating temperatures are becoming increasingly evident,  VOA  reports. </p>
<p>Leaders arrive for China-Africa forum</p>
<p>The China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, marking the largest convening since the COVID-19 pandemic, has  welcomed  over a dozen leaders and delegations. China, the second largest economy in the world, is Africa’s largest trade partner. The nation has provided billions in loans for infrastructure and development in Africa, including securing natural resources like copper, gold, lithium, and rare earth minerals.</p>
<p>China-Singapore joint naval exercise</p>
<p>China and Singapore have activated a comprehensive joint naval exercise, dubbed Exercise Maritime Cooperation 2024, taking place in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province. The exercise encompasses coordinated anti-surface strikes, replenishment operations at sea, and search and rescue initiatives which are designed to enhance further trust and operational synergy between the allied forces. It comes alongside heightened regional tensions, notably recent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coastguard vessels near the contested waters of Sabina Shoal,  South China Morning Post  reports.</p>
<p>Green tech exports to Africa</p>
<p>China is poised to enhance its promotion of green technology exports to African nations during the impending China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit involving 50 countries in Beijing. This initiative aims to stimulate demand for environmentally friendly technologies, particularly electric vehicles and solar panels before anticipated Western export restrictions materialise, according to the  Business Standard . African leaders are expected to actively seek clarification regarding China’s previous commitment to a $300 billion goods purchase and the status of ongoing infrastructure developments. In transitioning its focus from substantial funding towards the marketing of advanced green technologies, China plans to revise its loan conditions to prioritise investments in solar energy, EV production facilities, and 5G infrastructure.</p>
<p>Members of Chinese firm jailed espionage</p>
<p>China's Ministry of State Security disclosed that members of a Chinese technology firm have faced imprisonment for allegedly supplying sensitive railway data to a foreign entity under the guise of market research. This foreign company had to circumvent personnel restrictions imposed by COVID-19 measures by outsourcing data procurement to domestic vendors. Investigators revealed that the foreign firm's connections to intelligence and military sectors heightened the risk associated with the data exchange. According to the  South China Morning Post , the Chinese firm, drawn by lucrative prospects, collected an extensive 500 gigabytes of data over a month, encompassing sensitive communications and Internet of Things (IoT) signals, demonstrating a significant breach of national security protocols.</p>
]]></description>
      <source url="https://www.globalsouthworld.com">Global South World</source>
      <media:content url="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/asZayYfWIfNT1CqH3.jpg?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;quality=75&amp;r=fill&amp;g=no" medium="image" type="image/jpeg">
        <media:credit role="photographer">Andy Wong</media:credit>
        <media:credit role="provider">Pool</media:credit>
        <media:title>China Africa Forum in Beijing</media:title>
      </media:content>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Edward Sakyi]]></dc:creator>
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      <title>'Fall in love with the problem': Keys to innovation from Ecuadorian inventor Inty Grønneberg</title>
      <link>https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/fall-in-love-with-the-problem-keys-to-innovation-from-ecuadorian-inventor-inty-gronneberg</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/fall-in-love-with-the-problem-keys-to-innovation-from-ecuadorian-inventor-inty-gronneberg</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Aug 2024 14:27:22 Z</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>"If humans have the technology to send a device to a comet, why don't we have the technology to tackle the problem of plastic pollution?"</p>
<p>This was the question Grønneberg and his partner asked themselves when creating a prototype that would win international awards years later.</p>
<p>For the Ecuadorian scientist, who was recognised as Latin America's Inventor of the Year in 2018, the world has become accustomed to some problems that should not be considered "normal." Plastic pollution is one of them.</p>
<p>"When you become critical and curious and simply try to perceive reality more, you start noticing things that shouldn’t be that way, that should be different," Grønneberg said in an interview with Global South World.</p>
<p>According to the UN Environment's 2018 State of Plastics Report, around 13 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year. Experts warn that if we continue at this rate, by 2050, the weight of plastics in the oceans could exceed that of the fish.</p>
<p>"Sometimes these figures are mentioned as if they were insignificant, but they are actually huge. A single water bottle weighs 12 grammes," the activist explains.</p>
<p>Plastic in the oceans not only pollutes marine species but also humans. As it degrades, it turns into microplastics that are consumed by marine species and, consequently, by humans as well.</p>
<p>To combat this issue, Inty Grønneberg has founded a startup called  Ichthion  and developed  Azure , a technology that extracts plastic from rivers and collects data to better understand where it comes from.</p>
<p>"Between 60% and 80% of the waste that pollutes the ocean travels through rivers," he explains. "Our goal is to understand why the waste reached the river in the first place and, from there, to propose preventive actions.”</p>
<p>The Ecuadorian inventor believes these preventive measures have more impact than extracting plastic from the rivers, as they tackle the root of the problem.</p>
<p>"We don't want to industrialise plastic extraction. We want to prevent plastic from reaching the rivers. That's our goal."</p>
<img src="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/astgovfYo2Mfo3hsm.jpg?width=800&height=600&quality=75" alt=""/>
<p>Azure has an artificial intelligence system that takes pictures of what is extracted and provides real-time data to better understand this type of pollution. The technology is already operating in Ecuador, and the goal is to scale up and expand it throughout Latin America. </p>
<p>In addition to that system, the startup has also created a line of products called Galapaxy. Grønneberg explains that the company aims to raise awareness that when people buy something made of plastic, they are mainly buying the plastic itself.</p>
<p>“When you buy a plastic bottle with water in it, the water represents only 10-12% of the actual cost.”</p>
<p>The startup not only proposes non-disposable bottles but is also installing systems for people to refill their water bottles. The team is also developing other products using materials extracted from the rivers for construction purposes, such as sewer systems.</p>
<img src="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/as1IWPfyXrSPCTbQI.jpg?width=800&height=600&quality=75" alt=""/>
<p>Grønneberg explains that, in addition to fighting plastic pollution, Ichthion also addresses social issues. The extracted plastic is also given to “waste pickers,” who collect recyclable material for sale in Latin America.</p>
<p>"In Ecuador, more than 20,000 people are engaged in this activity. 68% are women heads of households. They earn half of a basic salary for working six days a week."</p>
<p>Grønneberg adds that, in the region, it is not possible to simply copy industrialised European recycling processes.</p>
<p>“Our work is also about trying to help waste pickers to have higher volumes of plastic and improve their income,” he explains.</p>
<p>Ichthion is also conducting research on the “lechuguín”, an invasive plant that grows rapidly in rivers and depletes oxygen levels, which could be turned into organic fertiliser and even biofuel.</p>
<h2>What are the startup's main findings?</h2>
<p>According to Ichthion, plastic pollution in Ecuador's rivers originates from various sources and varies between rivers. However, the startup has identified two main causes: the lack of waste management by both the population and municipalities. </p>
<p>When people throw waste on the streets or into sewers, rain washes it into the rivers. In some areas, the municipality doesn't collect the waste properly, leaving the population with no place to dispose of rubbish and leading many to throw it into the rivers. El Milagro community within the Picoazá sector in Portoviejo is one of the places Ichthion cites as an example. It highlights that work to improve the situation has begun in the area, but efforts are still needed.</p>
<p>When asked about the most common types of rubbish in the rivers, Ichthion noted that, although it can vary depending on the location, their system mostly finds single-use plastic bottles, primarily from drinks but also from cleaning products such as shampoos, chlorine, disinfectants, and detergents. The startup also finds flexible foam waste, such as takeaway food packaging. Soft plastic items, such as food wrappers, are also commonly collected, and shoes and footballs or plastic balls can also be extracted from some rivers. Other materials, such as glass bottles, metal bottles, and cans, are found to a lesser extent.</p>
<h2>What is the secret to innovation?</h2>
<p>For the Ecuadorian entrepreneur, the secret of innovation lies in generating solutions to the problems facing our society.</p>
<p>"The innovation process is much less romantic than the creative process and much more technical," he explains. "If you want to create an invention that will be commercialised, you need to have a deep understanding of the need you want to address."</p>
<p>For that, you have to "fall in love with the problem, not the solution." According to Grønneberg, this is key to maintaining motivation in all phases of a project.</p>
<p>"Sometimes developing technology, inventions, and innovation is a long and difficult process. It's a process where you might hit a wall 100 times, receive a thousand 'nos' and maybe four 'yeses'."</p>
<p>Grønneberg recalls the high failure rate of startups: eight out of ten business initiatives will never be commercialised.</p>
<p>"Being able to maintain the drive to push your project forward has to do with how passionate you are about solving a problem," he explains.</p>
<p>The activist emphasises that the climate crisis urgently needs solutions, and for the first time in human history, "we are facing problems that could destroy our society." But with these challenges also come opportunities arising from the green economy.</p>
<p>"It's a path that humanity must inevitably follow if we want to survive the effects of climate change."</p>
<p>For the entrepreneur, innovation in Latin America must also address other issues, such as inequality and gender violence.</p>
<p>"We need a lot of innovation and the input of many people to identify these problems and try to solve them."</p>
<p>The scientist adds that Latin America doen't lack people with good ideas but rather opportunities and systems that foster innovation and entrepreneurship. This is why his startup Ichthion is based in the United Kingdom.</p>
<p>Grønneberg concludes: “There are many problems facing humanity today that we haven’t solved because we haven’t allocated resources, technology and knowledge. If we did, we could solve them.”</p>
]]></description>
      <source url="https://www.globalsouthworld.com">Global South World</source>
      <media:content url="https://cdn.vpplayer.tech/agmipocc/encode/vjsnsdmm/mp4/1080p.mp4" medium="video" type="video/mp4">
        <media:title>Meet Inty Grønneberg, the Ecuadorian inventor fighting plastic pollution</media:title>
      </media:content>
      <media:thumbnail url="https://cdn.vpplayer.tech/agmipocc/encode/vjsnsdmm/thumbnails/retina.jpg" />
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Natalia Oelsner]]></dc:creator>
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      <title>Ethiopia's coffee waste gets a second life with Coffee Resurrect’s green tech</title>
      <link>https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/ethiopia-s-coffee-waste-gets-a-second-life-with-coffee-resurrects-green-tech</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/ethiopia-s-coffee-waste-gets-a-second-life-with-coffee-resurrects-green-tech</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 01 Aug 2024 09:00:00 Z</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>These coffee wastes, known as used coffee grounds, are the byproduct of brewing coffee and are typically discarded or composted, despite containing several highly desirable chemical components.</p>
<p>Coffee Resurrect , an Ethiopian startup founded in 2021, repurposes unwanted coffee grounds into sustainable, high-quality products. As Africa's first coffee biorefinery, Coffee Resurrect creates all-natural ingredients for personal care, nutraceuticals, and food products.</p>
<p>Ethiopia is the  world's fourth-largest coffee producer  and the largest in Africa. In the 2023-2024 year, Ethiopia is expected to produce 8.35 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee, continuing a trend of growth over the past three years. The East African country, the origin of the coffee plant, has a centuries-old tradition of coffee farming.</p>
<p>Coffee Resurrect’s sustainable innovation</p>
<p>Almaw Molla, CEO and Founder of Coffee Resurrect shared the company's mission to divert industrial coffee waste into “100% natural, active and multifunctional” ingredients. “The industrial wastes are urban wastes, which are the spent coffee grounds and the silver skin. The spent coffee grounds come from coffee bars, restaurants, canteens, and airports. The silver skin is a waste produced during the processing and roasting of coffee,” he said in an interview with GSW.</p>
<p>“Our first products are coffee oil, coffee flour, and coffee fibre. These products serve two different sectors: the coffee flour and coffee oil are used in nutraceuticals and food ingredients, while the coffee fibre and coffee oil are applicable for personal care and cosmetics,” he added.</p>
<img src="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/as8EHjmHpyaiou6ul.png?width=800&height=600&quality=75" alt=""/>
<p>From thesis to startup</p>
<p>Almaw, a trained computer scientist, created Coffee Resurrect from his Master’s thesis at the University of Milan, Italy. His inspiration came from his family's coffee exporting business and a desire to find sustainable solutions in the industry. “I have a family who exports coffee to the US and European markets. I wanted to explore sustainable niche markets and innovative solutions, which led to the creation of Coffee Resurrect,” he said.</p>
<p>Despite its success, the company has faced challenges, particularly in securing funding and acquiring biotechnology expertise. “It's a new kind of technology, involving the circular economy and biotechnology. Achieving high purity standards requires significant expertise,” Almaw explained.</p>
<p>The company consists of five team members in Ethiopia, most of whom are women with backgrounds in chemistry, biology, and pharmaceuticals. “We have a team of five here in Ethiopia, mainly women, working in the coffee sector and pharmaceutical sectors,” he added.</p>
<img src="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/asKFi7viyiV75yBUs.jpeg?width=800&height=600&quality=75" alt=""/>
<p>Prospects and partnerships</p>
<p>Currently in the research and development stage with small-scale production in progress, Coffee Resurrect aims to launch its products in Ethiopia by early 2025. The goal is to expand production to Kenya and South Africa through pilot projects. According to Almaw, the products will be marketed both locally and internationally, with a focus on the European and US markets for personal care ingredients.</p>
<img src="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/asNc0I3e1GRJHKqQg.jpg?width=800&height=600&quality=75" alt=""/>
<p>He disclosed that the food ingredients will focus on partnerships with local communities.</p>
<p>“What we're trying to create is, to incorporate this with the energy and to give back to the people… Our business model is going to be 70 - 30… We signed our biggest deal to collect from the biggest South African restaurants. It has 300 branches in South Africa. If you are collecting this raw material in South Africa, the business model is going to be applied in the food sector. 70% is going to be on the commercial side. 30% of the food ingredients are going to be given back to the people, back to the farmers, to the market, the community and to the pupils” he explained.</p>
<p>International recognition</p>
<img src="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/as3WhUiYZThWrjYyM.jpg?width=800&height=600&quality=75" alt=""/>
<p>In its three-year existence, Coffee Resurrect has garnered international recognition. In 2021, it was named in the Entrepreneurship World Cup Top 100 (EWC). In 2023, it won the Global Startup Awards in the Best Green Tech category for East Africa and the Global Startup Awards Africa, among others.</p>
]]></description>
      <source url="https://www.globalsouthworld.com">Global South World</source>
      <media:content url="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/asohmvAfD3C5hjQA8.jpg?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;quality=75&amp;r=fill&amp;g=no" medium="image" type="image/jpeg">
        <media:title>Coffee Ressurect team</media:title>
      </media:content>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Edward Sakyi]]></dc:creator>
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      <title>A look at the 5 smartest cities in the world </title>
      <link>https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/a-look-at-the-5-smartest-cities-in-the-world</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/a-look-at-the-5-smartest-cities-in-the-world</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:56:27 Z</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>In this article, we will explore the top 5 smartest cities in the world, as ranked by the  IMD Smart City Index . These cities exemplify how innovative technologies can be utilised to address urban challenges and improve the overall well-being of their inhabitants. </p>
<p>The smart city concept encompasses intelligent transportation systems, energy-efficient buildings, smart healthcare, and data-driven governance. By integrating these elements, smart cities aim to create a more connected, responsive, and resilient urban environment.</p>
<p>Here are the top 5 smartest cities according to the latest IMD Smart City Index:</p>
<p>Zurich (Switzerland)</p>
<p>Leading the list, Zurich is consistently ranked as one of the smartest cities in the world. The city has implemented groundbreaking smart grids and futuristic 3D city mapping, which enhance urban planning and resource management. Innovative initiatives like the Pikmi on-demand taxi service and a LoRaWAN network equipped with IoT sensors in public areas to monitor pollution and water quality make Zurich second to none.</p>
<p>Oslo (Norway)</p>
<p>As the second smartest city in the world, Oslo is a leader in green initiatives, aiming to become carbon-neutral by 2050. The city is a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with significant incentives for EV owners, such as tax exemptions, free parking, and access to bus lanes. This has greatly reduced emissions from transportation. Through programmes like FutureBuilt, Oslo focuses on creating sustainable and high-quality urban environments. </p>
<p>Canberra (Australia)</p>
<p>Canberra known for its clean air has earned its place as the third smartest city in the world. As Australia's political heart, Canberra has a high concentration of government institutions and educational facilities, contributing to a well-educated population. Additionally, the city has effectively integrated technology to improve public services and urban management. This includes smart infrastructure and digital services that enhance daily living.</p>
<p>Geneva (Switzerland)</p>
<p>Geneva is the fourth smartest city in the world thanks to its innovative approach to urban development. One notable initiative is its  intelligent parking system , which uses sensors to inform drivers of available parking spots via their mobile devices, significantly mitigating traffic congestion. Furthermore, Geneva has introduced modular lighting solutions, enhanced its recycling services to promote sustainability, and implemented measures to improve public safety. </p>
<p>Singapore (Singapore)</p>
<p>Singapore has implemented a comprehensive intelligent transport system, which includes real-time traffic monitoring, smart traffic lights, and a mobile app for citizens to plan their routes. The city has also implemented various initiatives to promote sustainable development, such as the "City in a Garden" vision, which aims to integrate green spaces into urban planning. Additionally, there are various initiatives to encourage citizen engagement, such as the "Ideas4SG" platform, which allows citizens to contribute ideas for improving public services.</p>
]]></description>
      <source url="https://www.globalsouthworld.com">Global South World</source>
      <media:content url="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/asnm0BRfTglfUv3GJ.jpg?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;quality=75&amp;r=fill&amp;g=no" medium="image" type="image/jpeg">
        <media:title>OIG3.FYus1T6sfiwncUctKFvH</media:title>
      </media:content>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Abigail Johnson Boakye]]></dc:creator>
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      <title>Namibia’s first green village to be ready in March 2024</title>
      <link>https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/namibias-first-green-village-to-be-ready-in-march-2024</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/namibias-first-green-village-to-be-ready-in-march-2024</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 06 Dec 2023 10:57:50 Z</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>This project, once operationalised, will become the country’s centre for ammonia production with an estimated production rate of 100 tonnes of ammonia and 1,100 tonnes of ammonia sulfate annually in the first phase, local media The  Namibian  reports.</p>
<p>“We expect operations to begin in June 2024. We will be using groundwater and this water cannot be used for anything else, because of the high salinity, so we have to use a reverse osmosis system. The reserve osmosis system should be delivered on-site by the end of January, which is our short-term water solution for the site,” the Chief Executive of Dâures Green Hydrogen Village Consortium, Jerome Namaseb said.</p>
<p>“We have commenced a feasibility [study] for the provision of water for industrial production because for the production of green hydrogen, desalination of water is the only option and that is the long-term vision for the project in terms of water,” Namaseb added.</p>
<p>Namaseb said the smart greenhouse project will use 30-40 cubits of water per day, of which 30% should be recycled.  “Seven SMEs have been locally procured and we know this is a 100% Namibian youth-owned project and, therefore, should take pride in it,” said Namaseb.</p>
<p>The project is located in the Erongo region, Namibia’s largest constituency.</p>
]]></description>
      <source url="https://www.globalsouthworld.com">Global South World</source>
      <media:content url="https://gsw.codexcdn.net/assets/ascAH7McXxoRhfu02.jpg?width=1280&amp;height=720&amp;quality=75&amp;r=fill&amp;g=no" medium="image" type="image/jpeg">
        <media:credit role="photographer">STRINGER</media:credit>
        <media:credit role="provider">X80002</media:credit>
        <media:title>View shows power lines at a compound of a power infrastructure object in Dnipropetrovsk region</media:title>
      </media:content>
      <dc:creator><![CDATA[Portia Etornam Kornu]]></dc:creator>
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