The Policy2050 Newsletter: Where innovation, investment, and impact meet.
By David Pring-Mill
Sponsored by Greenly
From Data to Impact: How Lyreco Uses LCA to Measure and Reduce Environmental Footprints
Join this insightful webinar as we explore how Greenly partnered with Lyreco to measure the environmental impact of their product categories through Life Cycle Assessment. Gain valuable insights, learn from real-world examples, and walk away with practical advice for your own sustainability efforts.
Promising Research
Synthetic Aviation Fuels Show Promise
It’s no secret that aviation is bad for the environment—“hour for hour, the quickest way a normal human can warm the planet is by flying on a commercial plane,” according to climate scientist Peter Kalmus.
However, synthetic aviation fuels made from captured CO2 (DACCU) could become more cost-effective than offsetting fossil jet emissions with carbon removal (DACCS) when targeting full climate neutrality, primarily due to their ability to reduce contrail formation and other non-CO2 impacts. The economic crossover occurs when electricity costs fall below €0.02/kWh and fossil kerosene prices exceed €0.88/liter. While these findings suggest potential value in strategic interventions like optimal renewable energy siting and reducing fossil fuel subsidies, the researchers note that alternative mitigation approaches—including demand management and direct contrail avoidance—could diminish synthetic fuels’ competitive advantage.
Renewable Electrolysis Cuts Green Hydrogen Costs
A recent academic review systematically examines the integration of renewable energy sources with electrolysis technologies—alkaline, PEM, and solid oxide—for green hydrogen production. PEM electrolysers offer superior dynamic response capabilities for intermittent renewable sources, while alkaline systems provide better cost-effectiveness at larger scales. Hybrid renewable energy systems coupled with advanced grid integration and energy storage solutions can achieve substantial reductions in hydrogen production costs, projected to reach $0.70-1.60/kg by 2050.
Hydrogen-Enhanced Solar Cells Hit 9.5% Efficiency Breakthrough
Researchers in Azerbaijan optimized hydrogenated amorphous silicon-germanium films (a-Si1-xGex:H) by controlling hydrogen bonding in GeH and SiH forms. This precise control enabled 9.5% efficiency solar cells by tuning optical properties and reducing defects. The work advances affordable thin-film solar technology, supporting renewable energy transition and the “Hydrogen Civilization” concept.
NGO/Public Sector News
Canada Launches High Seas Patrol to Combat Illegal Fishing in North Pacific
Canada has deployed its third annual Operation North Pacific Guard, sending fishery officers aboard the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier to patrol 15,000 km of the North Pacific Ocean to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing that threatens marine ecosystems and fish stocks. The mission, supported by the Canadian Coast Guard and RCMP, includes both sea patrols and aerial surveillance from Japan, with international cooperation from U.S., Japanese, and South Korean officials. Beyond enforcement activities like vessel inspections and monitoring for shark finning and marine mammal harvesting, the operation will collect environmental data on Pacific salmon migration and microplastic levels in support of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
ECO Canada Launches Ocean Alliance to Unite Blue Economy Stakeholders
ECO Canada has launched Ocean Alliance Canada (OAC), a national initiative that brings together Indigenous leaders, coastal communities, educators, NGOs, industry, and government partners to strengthen Canada’s sustainable blue economy. The alliance focuses on workforce development, Indigenous leadership, ocean sustainability, and policy alignment rather than duplicating existing efforts, offering both organizational and individual memberships with various benefits. OAC will host its inaugural conference in Halifax on September 3-4, 2025, featuring workshops on AI applications, marine workforce inclusion, and international collaboration.
Malaysia’s Global Skills Forum 2025 Prioritizes Worker Protections and Green Transition
Malaysia will host the Global Skills Forum (GSF) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur on October 22-23, becoming the first country outside Geneva to convene this workforce development summit with a strong focus on social protections for gig workers and green skills training. The forum will advance ESG priorities by addressing worker safety reforms, expanding social security to informal and migrant workers, and accelerating investment in green technology and digital skills across ASEAN’s 16 participating countries. The forum coincides with Malaysia opening 65,000 free training courses to all ASEAN citizens and launching its e-LATiH learning platform globally.
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