The Zayed Sustainability Prize announced the winners for 2026, awarding US$5.9M to 11 organizations and high schools from various countries. The winners presented innovative solutions in sustainability categories such as AI-enabled diagnostics, Cooling-as-a-Service, biodegradable antimicrobial packaging, water leak detection technology, eco-bricks production, and resilient homes. The Prize, established in 2008, has positively impacted over 411 million lives globally through scalable innovations in health, food, energy, water, climate action, and global high schools. The winners were praised for their contributions to advancing sustainable development and improving social and environmental benefits, encouraging practical solutions that uplift communities and drive inclusive progress worldwide. The Zayed Sustainability Prize continues to support groundbreaking solutions to global challenges in areas such as health, food, energy, water, climate action, and global high schools, driving sustainable development and inspiring innovators to work towards a sustainable future.
Category: Uncategorized
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Climate impacts, inclusion and livelihoods in Burkina Faso and Mauritania: the importance of social protection
The Climate Centre recently published two studies as part of the Clima-Social project, focusing on improving the use of weather and climate information in Burkina Faso and Mauritania. These studies highlighted the vulnerability of communities disproportionately affected by extreme weather, such as agricultural workers, conflict-affected individuals, and low-income rural households. Recommendations included expanding shock-responsive social protection, sustainable livelihood interventions, and access to early warning systems to strengthen adaptation and reduce climate impacts on livelihoods. The studies also emphasized the importance of expanded social protection as a solution to climate-related challenges, with a mention of the Spanish Red Cross food security programme.
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Climate and Economic Justice Campaign Implementation Framework 2025-2026 – PACJA – Panafrican Climate Justice Alliance
The Climate and Economic Justice Campaign in Africa is working to address global inequality, climate injustices, and economic exploitation by demanding climate reparations, debt justice, and economic transformation. With a focus on Global Equity, Climate and the Environment, and Economic Justice, the campaign calls for systemic changes in international financial systems, climate finance, debt cancellation, and fairer trade systems to support African development and sovereignty. Rooted in African communities' experiences and policy struggles, the campaign is poised to take advantage of key global opportunities in 2025 that align with its goals.
https://pacja.org/climate-and-economic-justice-campaign-implementation-framework-2025-2026/
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Armored Air: Using Bubbles to Keep Plastic Pollution From Reaching the Sea
Effervescence is being used as a tool to collect plastic in rivers, directing it to the surface where it can be caught and prevented from reaching the ocean. The Great Bubble Barrier, founded by sailing enthusiasts, uses a curtain of bubbles created by compressed air to capture plastic and debris in rivers and canals, with pilot data showing that the barriers can capture 86% of plastic in rivers. Bubble barriers offer advantages over traditional plastic trapping systems by covering the full width and depth of a waterway and serving as a monitoring tool for cities to track garbage entering waterways. City officials are being convinced of the importance of catching plastic pollution in waterways, with local initiatives stepping up to address the issue and cities showing enthusiasm for taking action to combat plastic pollution.
https://triplepundit.com/2026/great-bubble-barrier-plastic-pollution-netherlands/
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Environmental News Network – One Year After the L.A. Fires, UCLA Engineers Advance Fire Mitigation Efforts
Engineers from UCLA Samueli School of Engineering have been actively involved in recovery efforts and mitigation strategies following the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles in January 2025. Their efforts have included field reconnaissance, soil and water testing, and infrastructure mapping to better understand the fires' lasting effects and enhance preparedness for future disasters. Professor Sanjay Mohanty and students have conducted soil testing on over 1,000 properties to analyze levels of toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and hexavalent chromium, providing valuable data for ongoing recovery and prevention efforts.
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ecoAmerica Awarded $40,000 Grant to Expand Climate Justice Leadership Across Florida
EcoAmerica has received a $40,000 grant from Allegany Franciscan Ministries to support climate justice efforts in Florida, specifically focusing on expanding the Climate Ambassadors Program. With a current base of over 150 active Climate Ambassadors in the state, the funding will allow for the development of new training modules and the translation of materials into English and Spanish. This initiative aims to increase resilience to extreme heat and promote community-led climate action, reaching more Floridians with trusted information and tools for addressing climate risks faced by vulnerable populations. The overall goal is to build safer, healthier, and more just communities in Florida in response to the challenges of a changing climate.
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Maersk explores more ethanol use to cut reliance on China for green fuel
The article provides comprehensive digital access with exclusive insights and in-depth industry analysis on any device, giving readers the flexibility to cancel during their trial period. Climate solutions experts can access valuable information and data to stay informed on the latest developments in addressing climate change. This resource allows experts to stay up-to-date on innovative solutions and strategies for combating climate change, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.
https://www.ft.com/content/5fe10686-7c46-4a93-8372-7c1356659f54
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Environmental News Network – Drone Monitoring Helps Dolphins
A new study from Flinders University utilized drone-based thermal images to measure dolphin surface temperature and respiration rates non-invasively, aiming to provide reliable tools for monitoring dolphin health in the face of environmental pressures. Traditional health checks for dolphins can be stressful due to capture or invasive probes, but drones equipped with thermal cameras offer a less invasive and more accessible method for monitoring dolphin populations and supporting conservation efforts.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77639-drone-monitoring-helps-dolphins
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Scientists go global in attempt to better predict atmospheric rivers
The Atmospheric River Reconnaissance Program, a collaboration between NOAA and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, aims to improve forecasts and weather predictions for destructive weather events caused by atmospheric rivers on the West Coast. This global research effort will launch international campaigns to observe these events in Canada, Ireland, Hawaii, and California. Research flights will gather data to enhance understanding and prediction of atmospheric rivers, which have led to floods and fatalities. By improving forecasting capabilities, experts hope to mitigate the impact of these extreme weather events and enhance climate resilience.
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Court upholds New Jersey’s landmark environmental justice rule
In 2023, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection implemented a rule aimed at preventing pollution in low-income and communities of color, making it more difficult for industries like power plants to obtain permits in overburdened areas. Despite challenges from industrial groups claiming officials exceeded lawmakers' intent, a state appeals court upheld the rule. One contentious issue was the exclusion of job creation and economic activity as compelling public interests for developers seeking project approval. This decision highlights the ongoing efforts to prioritize environmental justice and address pollution disparities in marginalized communities.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/court-upholds-new-jerseys-landmark-environmental-justice-rule/