Smile!

by Margaret DeStefano

citizens' assembly tasked with finding ways to reduce the country's carbon emissions. 5) An NGO in the US has bought insurance to help repair Hawaii's coral reefs after hurricanes and tropical storms. It is the first policy of its kind in the country. It means that the US state will get up to $2 million of insurance protection for its reefs until 2023. Hawaii's policy follows pilot projects in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras where insurance schemes have already paid out millions for repairs after Hurricane Delta and Hurricane Lisa. 6) The humble egg could prove an unlikely ally in the battle against plastic pollution, scientists at Princeton University have found. According to new research, egg whites can remove salt and microplastics from seawater with 98 per cent and 99 per cent efficiency respectively. 7) Researchers from Flinders University in Australia have partnered with a German bio-materials developer to create a sustainable alternative to oilproof plastic wrapping.The seaweed based bio-polymer is as recyclable as paper and could be used to wrap greasy burgers, fries, and nuggets. 8) A new project could suck millions of tonnes of carbon from the air by the end of the decade. But a US developer has unveiled plans for the world’s largest direct capture facility. By 2030, ‘Project Bison’ hopes to capture five million tonnes of CO2 per year, roughly the equivalent of 5 million return flights between London and New York. 9) Despite rising battery costs, auto companies are rolling out more affordable electric vehicles. General Motors has unveiled the upcoming Chevrolet Equinox EV, a small SUV with an expected starting price of around $30,000, significantly cheaper than the current average of around $65,000 and a range-percharge of 400km.