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<ul><li>The <keyword id="8194701" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="refurbished-smartphone" source="Orion">refurbished smartphone</keyword> market has recorded rapid growth in India.</li><li>While the unorganised sellers dominate the market, the organised sellers are also growing.</li><li>Affordability and shorter upgrade cycles are among the factors fueling the refurbished smartphone market.</li></ul> India's refurbished smartphone market is experiencing significant growth, outpacing the new smartphone sector. This reflects a maturing market which is increasingly catering to consumers looking for affordable yet reliable options.<br /><br />According to a report by Counterpoint Research, unorganised sellers dominate the refurbished smartphone market, accounting for 77% of transactions.<br /><br />The Indian refurbished smartphone sector has traditionally been dominated by unorganised players, offering devices at a fraction of the cost of the new models. However, the introduction of value-added services like warranties, quality assurance, and after-sales support by emerging e-commerce platforms is beginning to formalise this market, enhancing consumer trust and driving further growth.<br /><br /><h2>What’s fueling the refurbished smartphone market</h2><h3>Affordability</h3><keyword id="2698558" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="refurbished-smartphones" source="Orion">Refurbished smartphones</keyword> offer consumers access to higher-end hardware at lower costs, making premium technology more accessible to a broader audience. This aspect is particularly appealing in a price-sensitive market like India.<br /><br /><h3>Shorter upgrade cycles</h3>With technology evolving rapidly, many users prefer to upgrade their phones more frequently. Refurbished devices provide an avenue for this without the high cost associated with new purchases.<br /><br /><h3>Environmental impact</h3>There's a growing awareness of the environmental benefits of using refurbished products, which reduces electronic waste and the demand for new manufacturing, which is resource-intensive.<br /><br /><h3>Consumer confidence</h3>The entry of organised players who provide guarantees and quality checks on refurbished devices has significantly boosted consumer confidence. These services add a layer of reliability to what was once a market fraught with uncertainty about product condition and longevity.<br /><br />Despite the growth in the unorganised sector, there's a noticeable trend towards formalisation. E-commerce platforms specialising in refurbished goods are expanding, providing consumers with the convenience of online shopping backed by credible service commitments.<br /><br />The report also notes that this growth is not just contained within India. Globally, the refurbished smartphone market is on an upward trajectory, with similar trends observed in markets like Latin America, suggesting a broader international shift towards sustainable consumption in electronics.<br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/moto-g35-5g-with-120hz-5000mah-battery-launched-at-9999/articleshow/116172283.cms">Moto G35 5G with 120Hz display, 5,000mAh battery launched at ₹9,999</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/redmi-note-14-pro-and-redmi-note-14-pro-launched-in-india-starting-at-24999/articleshow/116134415.cms">Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Pro+ launched in India starting at ₹24,999</a><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/vivo-x200-and-x200-pro-camera-centric-to-launch-in-india-on-december-12/articleshow/115930004.cms"><strong>Vivo X200 and X200 Pro camera-centric smartphones to launch in India on December 12</strong></a><br />

India's refurbished smartphone market witnesses accelerated growth

For most of us, heading out used to be an everyday ritual, but COVID-19 has left an unexpected impact — many people are staying home more often, and this shift might just be the “new normal.” A recent study reveals that, compared to pre-pandemic life, people are spending almost an hour less each day on activities outside the home. Additionally, people are spending about 12 fewer minutes a day on travel.<br /><br />Researchers analysed a survey of 34,000 Americans, finding that this trend toward staying home reflects a larger shift that had already begun but has accelerated significantly due to COVID-19. The study shows a lasting change: while some out-of-home activities have slightly bounced back since the peak of the pandemic in 2021, Americans are still spending about 53 minutes less outside the home than they did in 2019. In 2023, the amount of time people spend outside remains considerably lower than before the pandemic, with <keyword id="23763147" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="in-home-activities" source="keywords">in-home activities</keyword> taking up more of the day.<br /><h2>The new routine</h2>This drop in out-of-home time is partly due to more people working and shopping from home. The study found a marked decrease in out-of-home activities like work and shopping. With <keyword id="20665553" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="remote-work" source="keywords">remote work</keyword> becoming more popular and online shopping more efficient than in-person errands, people are finding fewer reasons to go out. The researchers suggest that cities may need to rethink their policies around commercial and residential spaces, relaxing restrictions on converting offices into housing and creating more space for delivery services rather than traditional commuter parking.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114823699" title="Uber drops after its bookings results and forecast fail to impress" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The authors of the study see this as an opportunity for cities to embrace a new role as “centers of consumption.” Since office workers are no longer essential to urban economies, central cities may focus more on their appeal as hubs for recreation, culture, and dining — areas that can attract residents who choose to live in more urban settings. This shift could also make cities more affordable by reducing housing and transport costs.<br /><br />Technology advancements played a significant role in this new preference for staying in. During the pandemic, people adapted quickly to working, socialising, and even exercising at home. For example, sales of <keyword id="20751231" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="home-gym" source="keywords">home gym</keyword> equipment surged, and now many people are working out at home rather than visiting gyms. Meanwhile, activities like TV watching did not rise post-pandemic as much as one might expect, with only a brief increase in screen time at the height of COVID.<br /><h2>Less commuting, fewer emissions</h2>The study also shows a continued decrease in travel time, which initially dropped due to fewer commutes. Even as the world reopens, travel hasn’t bounced back completely, indicating that people are limiting outings beyond work as well. This decrease in driving and public transport use could have <keyword id="21198065" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-benefits" source="keywords">environmental benefits</keyword>, including lower emissions and fuel consumption. However, it raises questions about the potential downsides of extended time at home, such as <keyword id="20787438" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="social-isolation" source="keywords">social isolation</keyword>.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114822872" title="I&amp;#39;m an American who&amp;#39;s lived in South Korea for 10 years. Here are 9 things I don&amp;#39;t miss about the US." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>As more people choose to stay in, the researchers suggest that cities may need to adapt by focusing less on peak travel demands and more on pedestrian and cyclist safety, as well as accessible services for lower-income residents. These adaptations could improve urban life, particularly in dense areas where the need for safer and more walkable spaces is high.<br /><br />The study’s authors point out that, although this trend toward “cocooning” at home has been growing for years, the pandemic has caused a much steeper drop than expected. Moving forward, cities and communities may need to embrace this new lifestyle by designing policies and spaces that cater to a society that prefers staying home— whether it’s about creating vibrant urban hubs or ensuring services are available to all residents. While only time will tell if this trend endures, one thing is clear: staying in has reshaped our daily lives and could change the face of our cities in the years to come.<br /><br />The findings of this research have been published in the <em>Journal of the American Planning Association </em>and can be accessed <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01944363.2024.2385327">here</a>.<br />

The COVID-19 pandemic has made people more reluctant to go out, study finds

We often think of skincare as a pampering ritual, an opportunity to nourish our skin and express our individuality. But as recent research from the University of Birmingham reveals, some of the popular “leave-on” products we use daily — like sunscreens, moisturisers, and lip balms — might be doing more harm than good. Specifically, <keyword id="19970180" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microplastics" source="keywords">microplastics</keyword> in these products are flying under the radar, raising serious concerns about both environmental and health implications.<br /><br />While most regulatory frameworks have targeted rinse-off products — think face washes and shampoos—leave-on products have received scant attention. This oversight is alarming, especially considering that microplastics, which can be tiny plastic particles or fibres, are prevalent in many of our favorite skincare staples. Dr. Anna Kukkola, a researcher at the University of Birmingham, notes, “The contribution of ‘leave-on’ cosmetics to microplastic pollution is a critical, yet underexplored aspect of environmental contamination.”<br /><br />In their critical review, the researchers analysed 2,381 products and found that only two were classified as leave-on. This glaring gap can be attributed to several factors: the challenges in extracting microplastics from complex formulations and the prevailing public perception that the microplastic issue has been adequately addressed due to bans on rinse-off products. But the truth is, leave-on products could be significant contributors to the microplastic problem.<br /><h2><keyword id="19977451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-risks" source="keywords">Health risks</keyword> of microplastics</h2>The health implications of daily exposure to microplastics in leave-on products remain largely uncharted territory. With limited research on how these particles interact with our skin after application, the potential for absorption into our bodies — through mechanisms such as hair follicles and sweat ducts — raises red flags. Dr. Kukkola emphasises this point, stating, “Given how much of these formulas our bodies can and do absorb, it is concerning that little to no research has taken place to investigate the associated health effects.”<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114327120" title="An expert in how microplastics affect our health does 6 things to avoid them at home" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Another critical insight from the study is the misuse of the term “microbeads.” Typically associated with rinse-off products, this term has been inaccurately applied to all microplastics in cosmetics, resulting in regulatory blind spots. This mislabeling has skewed global legislation towards rinse-off products, leaving a significant portion of the microplastic contamination from leave-on products unregulated.<br /><h2>Call for action and future research</h2>The researchers are not just pointing out problems; they are advocating for solutions. Collaborative efforts are underway to develop new methods for extracting and analysing microplastics in <keyword id="23630244" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="leave-on-cosmetics" source="keywords">leave-on cosmetics</keyword>. This initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Sophie Comer-Warner from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Professor Iseult Lynch, aims to fill the critical knowledge gaps identified in the study.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114375709" title="Standing desks may not be a boon for health after all" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Professor Lynch warns, “While the microplastics themselves might be relatively benign, a number of other chemicals are intrinsically bound into or onto the microplastics in complex leave-on formulations, including potentially PFAS, plasticisers, and other chemicals known to be either carcinogens or endocrine disruptors.”<br /><br />As we lather on our moisturisers and slather on <keyword id="19944313" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sunscreen" source="keywords">sunscreen</keyword>, it’s crucial to be aware of what we’re putting on our skin. The <keyword id="20724496" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="beauty-industry" source="keywords">beauty industry</keyword> is evolving, and with it, our understanding of safety and <keyword id="20224419" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-impact" source="keywords">environmental impact</keyword> must grow. It’s time to advocate for better regulations and more research on the unseen dangers of our beloved leave-on <keyword id="20521267" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="skincare-products" source="keywords">skincare products</keyword>. By staying informed and demanding transparency from manufacturers, we can ensure that our beauty routines don’t come at the expense of our health or the environment.<br /><br />The findings of this research have been published in the <em>Journal of Hazardous Materials </em>and can be accessed <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135053">here</a>.

Popular leave-on cosmetics such as sunscreen and lip balms may pose a hidden microplastic risk, scientists warn

In the shadow of the world’s worst nuclear disaster, thousands of feral dogs roam the eerie quiet of the <keyword id="24385385" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chernobyl-Exclusion-Zone" source="keywords">Chernobyl Exclusion Zone</keyword> (CEZ), a 1,000-square-mile area abandoned by humans since 1986. These dogs, descendants of pets left behind during the hurried evacuation, are now the focus of a fascinating new study. Scientists are diving deep into their DNA to explore how decades of exposure to radiation might have shaped their genomes — and possibly even sped up evolution.<br /><br />The research analysed the DNA of 302 feral dogs living at the nuclear power plant and compared them to their counterparts just 10 miles away in Chernobyl City. The findings revealed significant genetic differences between the two groups. While this doesn’t definitively prove that radiation is the culprit, it offers tantalising clues about the long-term effects of living in a radioactive environment.<br /><br />So, why study these dogs? According to Elaine Ostrander, a dog genomics expert involved in the research, the goal is to unravel how these animals have genetically adapted to survive and reproduce in such a harsh environment. Ostrander wonders if they possess mutations that allow them to live and breed successfully in this region.<br /><br />However this isn’t the first time scientists have wondered whether radiation could drive evolution. Back in 2016, researchers observed that Eastern tree frogs within the CEZ were more commonly black instead of their usual green. They theorised that the darker pigmentation, linked to a mutation in melanin, helped neutralise radiation. Could the same be true for Chernobyl’s dogs?<br /><br />While the study offers a starting point, proving a direct link between radiation and genetic changes is no easy task. Other factors, like inbreeding or environmental stress, might also explain the differences. As one environmental scientist noted, isolating radiation’s impact from everything else is “incredibly difficult.”<br /><br />Still, the implications of this research stretch far beyond the CEZ. Understanding how organisms adapt to extreme environments could shed light on the impacts of radiation, help refine evolutionary theories, and even inspire new approaches to tackling challenges like climate change.<br /><br />For now, Chernobyl’s wild dogs remain a living puzzle, their resilience offering a unique window into the interplay of genetics, environment, and survival in one of the planet’s most hostile landscapes.<br /><br />The findings of this research have been published in <em>Science Advances</em>.<br />

Could radiation really be making Chernobyl’s wild dogs evolve? A new study suggests so!

E-Waste Recycling and Environmental Impact

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A pioneering project in <keyword id="20060502" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Peru" source="keywords">Peru</keyword> is giving $2.30 a day to people in <keyword id="20360813" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indigenous-communities" source="keywords">Indigenous communities</keyword>.</li><li>Reducing poverty removes a lot of the incentives for <keyword id="20657663" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="deforestation" source="keywords">deforestation</keyword>, the organizers told BI.</li></ul>Groups backing a basic-income trial in Peru are hoping that unconditional payments to Indigenous communities will help preserve the <keyword id="21095716" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Amazon-rainforest" source="keywords">Amazon rainforest</keyword>.<br /><br />Since November, 188 people living in three Amazonian reserves in central Peru have received <keyword id="21274590" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cash-transfers" source="keywords">cash transfers</keyword> equivalent to 8.6 Peruvian Soles, or about $2.30, a day.<br /><br />The project — developed by climate action NGO <keyword id="23150686" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cool-Earth" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Cool Earth" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Cool Earth">Cool Earth</keyword> in conjunction with female-led Indigenous groups — is due to run for two years, with payments totaling about $310,000.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="Three people of a Peruvian Amazonian community viewed from the knees down, wearing red robes and sandals, as they walk along a dirt track." height="667" width="1000" msid="112744186" hostid="261"></div>The idea is that providing a guaranteed income will remove some of the incentives to become involved in activities that destroy the rainforest.<br /><br />Poverty in these communities is one of the main drivers of deforestation in the region, Isabel Felandro, Cool Earth's head of programs, told Business Insider.<br /><br />"Those communities face a lot of challenges in terms of threats like illegal deforestation that goes on around the territories, drug cartels, illegal mining," Felandro said.<br /><br />They can end up "selling the forest, or engaging in other activities that are not very sustainable because they have this financial worry," she said.<br /><br />Communities are often faced with agonizing decisions, Felandro added.<br /><br />"If you don't have the money to send your kid to a hospital, what do you do?<br /><br /><h2></h2><h2><keyword id="22441332" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="basic-income" source="keywords">Basic income</keyword> — for the rainforest</h2>  <div type="image" title="An aerial view of Asháninka territory in the Peruvian Amazon, showing mist-shrouded forest and a cluster of small huts." height="667" width="1000" msid="112744187" hostid="261"></div>$2.30 a day wouldn't go far in the US or Europe.<br /><br />But in these communities, it can have a huge impact, Felandro said. With the income, "a whole family can eat for a day," she said.<br /><br />She added that people have been using the money to complement their diets, or have clubbed together to hire a van to take their kids the long distances to school.<br /><br />Numerous basic-income trials have proliferated worldwide, but most are focused on social and economic outcomes.<br /><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/universal-basic-income-ubi"></a><br />In the US, cities like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/los-angeles-guaranteed-basic-income-pilot-ubi-partner-violence-employment-2024-7"><u>Los Angeles</u></a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chicago-basic-income-helped-mother-rent-an-apartment-ubi-gbi2024-5"><u>Chicago</u></a>, Denver, and Atlanta have offered participants direct cash payments, no strings attached.<br /><br />But Cool Earth believes theirs is among the first to aim at a positive <keyword id="20224419" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-impact" source="keywords">environmental impact</keyword>.<br /><br />The NGO has run numerous cash transfer projects over the last 17 years, sending money to communities in the Amazon, New Guinea, and Congo rainforests, who band together to decide how to spend it.<br /><br />But this latest pilot — where every person over the age of 18 receives money independently — is seen as an even more direct way to get money working for the rainforest.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="A thatched hut in the Peruvian Amazon, surrounded by lush greenery." height="667" width="1000" msid="112744188" hostid="261"></div>The impact and efficacy of basic-income programs are still being investigated, and Johan Oldekop, an academic specializing in the environment and development at the UK's University of Manchester, sounded a note of caution when commenting on this project to The Guardian.<br /><br />Oldekop praised the goal of supporting Indigenous communities, who are leaders in preserving rainforests. But, he added, there is "little and mixed evidence on the environmental effects of cash transfers around the world."<br /><br />Some data shows that these programs can actually lead to deforestation because families can use the cash to expand their agricultural businesses, and chop down trees to do so, he said.<br /><br />Felandro told BI that this is a fair concern, but added that here "the scale is very minor."<br /><br />Families often only have small plots of land that they use primarily to feed themselves. "We're not talking about large-scale production of cacao or coffee," she said.<br /><br />Communities that participated in Cool Earth's prior cash transfer projects saw up to 46% less deforestation compared to similar neighboring communities, Felandro added.<br /><br /><i>Correction: August 28, 2024 — An earlier version of this story incorrectly described the project. It provides basic income to a select group of participants; it is not a universal-basic-income program.</i><br />

A $2.30-a-day basic income trial is trying to save the Amazon rainforest

Nanoplastics and microplastics (NMPs) are sneaky invaders, hiding in the tap water we drink every day. These tiny fragments of plastic have already been linked to unsettling changes in gut health and antibiotic resistance, raising alarm bells about their impact on our bodies. But here’s some refreshing news: scientists have discovered a surprisingly simple solution — boiling your water.<br /><h2>A kitchen hack for cleaner water</h2>Researchers, led by biomedical engineer Zimin Yu, have found that boiling water and then filtering it can remove up to 90% of nanoplastics and microplastics from tap water. “This simple boiling water strategy can 'decontaminate' NMPs from household tap water and has the potential for harmlessly alleviating human intake of NMPs through water consumption,” the team explains.<br /><br />Even better? You probably already have the tools you need in your kitchen: a pot to boil water and a simple stainless steel mesh to filter out any leftover bits.<br /><h2>How does it work?</h2>The trick lies in the build-up of limescale — or calcium carbonate — when water is heated. If you’ve ever peeked inside a kettle, you’ve seen this chalky layer. When water is boiled, calcium carbonate naturally precipitates out of the solution, forming a crust. This crust traps NMPs on its surface, making it easier to filter them out.<br /><br />“Our results showed that nanoplastic precipitation efficiency increased with increasing water hardness upon boiling,” the researchers write. For example, in soft water (low in calcium carbonate), the process managed to remove about 25% of NMPs. Meanwhile, in hard water (higher calcium carbonate levels), the process removed up to 90% of NMPs.<br /><h2>The harder the water, the better the results</h2>Hard water, often considered a nuisance because of limescale, might actually be a secret weapon against microplastics. The researchers found that the harder the water, the more effective the boiling process was at capturing and removing plastic fragments.<br /><br />In water containing 300 mg/L of calcium carbonate, NMP removal reached an impressive 90%. Even at lower levels, such as 80 mg/L, over a third of the plastics were filtered out.<br /><br />Using a simple tea strainer or other household filters, these lime-encrusted plastic fragments can be easily removed before the water is consumed.<br /><h2>Why it matters</h2>Microplastics aren’t just a problem for the planet — they’re becoming an intimate part of our daily lives. Previous studies have identified plastics like polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene in drinking water. While the long-term effects on human health remain uncertain, the evidence suggests we’re better off without them.<br /><br />“Drinking boiled water apparently is a viable long-term strategy for reducing global exposure to NMPs,” the researchers say.<br /><br />For many, boiling water before drinking it is already a cultural norm. But the researchers hope their findings will encourage more people worldwide to adopt this practice as plastics continue infiltrating our water sources.<br /><br />The findings of this research have been published in <em>Environmental Science &amp; Technology Letters </em>and can be accessed <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00081">here</a>.<br />

Worried about the harmful microplastics in your water? You just need to boil and strain it before consumption

When it comes to talking to children, many of us might instinctively simplify or even "dumb down" our language. But treating kids like they’re incapable of handling complexity can be more damaging than we realise. This practice, often labelled as "<keyword id="23912121" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="infantilisation" source="keywords">infantilisation</keyword>," stems from a form of age-based bias known as <em>adultism</em>, where society assumes that children lack the capability to engage meaningfully with complex issues. Yet, research increasingly suggests that children, if given the chance, can think critically, contribute insights, and show remarkable understanding — even on major topics like environmental ethics and social justice.<br /><h2>Full-fledged citizens</h2>Infantilising children can have several negative consequences, including undermining their self-confidence, stifling independence, and causing emotional dependence. Natalie M. Fletcher, a philosophy professor, argues that infantilising children restricts their potential to become active contributors in society. "Children are full-fledged citizens and not just future members of society," she points out. She highlights that children often have valuable perspectives, particularly on issues like friendship, where their thoughts are sometimes more nuanced than adults’ because these relationships are central to their lives.<br /><br />In her work, Fletcher emphasises that denying children the chance to engage in thoughtful dialogue can lead to the exclusion of a valuable dimension of knowledge and understanding, limiting society as a whole. Encouraging philosophical dialogue in children can empower them to see themselves as agents of change rather than passive future citizens.<br /><h2>Kids need complex conversations</h2>Infantilisation not only hinders mental and emotional development but also impacts children's ability to think independently. Experts warn that children constantly treated as incapable of handling complexity may struggle to develop essential skills like critical thinking and self-reliance. They might become overly dependent on authority figures, leading to low self-esteem and a reduced sense of autonomy as they mature. Encouraging children to express themselves and engage with challenging topics, on the other hand, supports their social and emotional growth, fostering resilience and independence.<br /><br />Additionally, infantilising children often stems from a desire to shield them from life’s complexities, particularly from “adult” topics like <keyword id="6361617" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="Orion">climate change</keyword>. Fletcher argues, however, that children should be allowed to discuss issues like environmental justice, as they are the ones who will ultimately inherit the outcomes of today’s decisions. Children dealing with eco-anxiety, for example, benefit from having open dialogues about environmental concerns, which helps them feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.<br /><h2>Raising independent thinkers, not passive followers</h2>In Fletcher’s educational charity, Brila, children as young as five engage in philosophical discussions that promote critical thinking and active listening. This approach has been shown to help children view themselves as proactive thinkers. While parents may feel compelled to protect their kids from "too much too soon," providing age-appropriate explanations can prevent feelings of helplessness, giving kids the tools they need to become thoughtful, capable adults.<br /><br />As adults, fostering independence and <keyword id="23912120" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="critical-thinking-in-children" source="keywords">critical thinking in children</keyword> means embracing their ability to understand more than we may expect. Treating kids like the complex, capable individuals they are doesn't just support their growth — it strengthens society as a whole. Encouraging kids to share their thoughts and respecting their input can lead to a future generation that's better equipped to face and solve the challenges of tomorrow.<br />

Talking to your child like they’re a kid? Here’s why you might be doing more harm than good

<p>As <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/can-ai-be-a-solution-to-the-climate-crisis-2023-5">Luccioni</a> shows me a digital map that tabulates real-time data on electricity consumption and carbon intensity, she explains it's her "favorite website."</p><p>Her enthusiasm carries over into her role as AI &amp; Climate Lead at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hugging-face-open-source-ai-approach-2023-12">Hugging Face</a>, where Luccioni collects actionable data on AI's environmental impact.</p><p>She has her work cut out for her, especially as companies like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jensen-huang-nvidia-robots-huamanoid-self-driving-cars-2024-9">Nvidia</a> and Google, which design AI chips, become more secretive about their proprietary offerings.</p><p>"The difficulty is that there's this race to secrecy," Luccioni said. "Since ChatGPT came on in November 2022, companies have really cracked down on how much information they share about their models."</p><p>Luccioni codeveloped and regularly contributes to <a target="_blank" href="https://codecarbon.io/">CodeCarbon</a>, a program that helps developers estimate emissions and energy use from running AI models. Luccioni says tens of thousands of people have cited the program. She's most proud of how it allows technologists to act on their concern for the environment and benchmark against actual data.</p><p>Meta recently used the tool to estimate emissions from running one of its <a target="_blank" href="https://huggingface.co/meta-llama/Meta-Llama-3-8B">latest Llama models</a>.</p><p>"Where the energy is coming from is really the biggest impact on emissions," Luccioni said. "The issue is that most supercomputers, be it Google Cloud, Azure, or AWS, are located in places that are not powered by renewable energy, mostly natural gas and coal, and that makes a huge difference."</p><p>One of her latest projects should make it less opaque to understand how much energy and computing power popular AI models and tools use. This work, done with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, is expected to eventually help establish an energy-efficiency rating standard for AI models. She likens it to an<a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=4eff6049c33f6535f47c8f7e8ac1b3b733fd4f8c291fd482d249faf13be5d56f&amp;postID=66faf5cee5b54083003ce06c&amp;postSlug=sasha-luccioni-hugging-face-ai-power-list-2024&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fd41586-024-02680-3"> Energy Star rating</a>.</p><p>"The EPA adopted this trust-based approach, but in the case of AI it would be a bit harder to adopt that approach because there are so many variables," she said. "You have to define specific data sets and specific hardware to compare these models."</p><p>As <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-value-estimate-20-trillion-tech-wave">AI's value soars, possibly into the trillions,</a> Luccioni's work will help document the tech's toll on electric grids and, ultimately, the environment.</p><p>"You train a model once, but you deploy for a while. Even quantifying the amount of energy per query or per day is really powerful," Luccioni said. "In the long term, it really adds ups."</p><p>See Business Insider's full <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://businessinsider.com/ai-power-list-2024">AI Power List</a></p>

Sasha Luccioni tracks data about AI's impact on the environment

Hit-making singer <keyword id="19939537" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Katy-Perry" source="keywords">Katy Perry</keyword> is no stranger to controversy, but this time, it’s not her music that’s drawing criticism. Instead, it’s the location of her latest music video for the single "<keyword id="22785007" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lifetimes" source="keywords">Lifetimes</keyword>" that has sparked a public outcry. On August 13, <keyword id="22785006" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Spanish-authorities" source="keywords">Spanish authorities</keyword> announced an investigation into the production of the video, which was partially filmed on the protected dunes of S'Espalmador, a picturesque islet in the <keyword id="20202350" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Balearic-Islands" source="keywords">Balearic Islands</keyword>.<br /><br />These dunes are among the most ecologically significant areas in the Balearics, known for their fragile environment. The Balearic Islands' Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment revealed that the production team behind the video did not obtain the necessary authorisation to film in this sensitive area.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111125157" title="Katy Perry worked with Dr. Luke on her new album, despite Kesha&amp;#39;s allegations of sexual abuse" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In the video, Perry can be seen dancing on the beach among the very dunes that are now at the centre of the controversy. The video then transitions to a nighttime party scene in the clubs of nearby <keyword id="22091639" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ibiza" source="keywords">Ibiza</keyword>. While Perry herself didn’t trespass into a roped-off area, the issue lies in the production company’s failure to secure the required permits.<br /><br />The Ministry clarified in a statement that "in no case had the production company requested authorisation from the Ministry to carry out the filming, and that is why preliminary investigation actions have been initiated." However, the statement also noted that while the incident is under investigation, it is not considered a criminal offence but rather a potential <keyword id="22785005" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-infringement" source="keywords">environmental infringement</keyword>.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112412893" title="Katy Perry has released 2 stale songs and is in a &amp;#39;career crisis.&amp;#39; A PR expert says her comeback can still be salvaged — if she does it right" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The law governing the area states, "The filming of photographic reports, cinematographic, videographic, or of any other kind that involve the taking of images in any medium and format with an advertising or commercial exhibition purpose requires the express authorisation of the competent ministry for the environment." This regulation is designed to protect delicate ecosystems from the potential impact of commercial activities.<br /><br />As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, Perry or her production team will face. The incident has sparked debate about the responsibilities of artists and their teams to ensure that their work does not harm the environment, especially in protected areas.<br />

Katy Perry is being accused of environmental infringement by Spanish authorities over shooting "Lifetimes" music video near a protected area

Environmental Impact Assessments

All Indian <keyword id="19926225" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="salt" source="keywords">salt</keyword> and <keyword id="20109149" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sugar" source="keywords">sugar</keyword> brands, whether big or small, packaged or unpackaged, contain <keyword id="19970180" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="microplastics" source="keywords">microplastics</keyword>, according to a study published on Tuesday. The study, titled "Microplastics in Salt and Sugar" and conducted by the <keyword id="22774411" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmental-research-organisation" source="keywords">environmental research organisation</keyword> <keyword id="21593811" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Toxics-Link" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Toxics Link" meta.hostid="281" meta.entityid="Toxics Link">Toxics Link</keyword>, tested 10 types of salt -- including table salt, rock salt, <keyword id="158885" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sea-salt" source="Orion">sea salt</keyword> and local raw salt -- and five types of sugar purchased from both online and local markets. <br /><br />The study revealed the presence of microplastics in all salt and sugar samples, in various forms, including fibre, pellets, films and fragments. The size of these microplastics ranged from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. <br /><br />The highest levels of microplastics were found in <keyword id="630077" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="iodised-salt" source="Orion">iodised salt</keyword>, in the form of multi-coloured thin fibre and films. <br /><br />Toxics Link founder-director Ravi Agarwal said, "The objective of our study was to contribute to the existing scientific database on microplastics, so that the global plastic treaty can address this issue in a concrete and focused manner." <br /><br />"We also aim to trigger policy action and attract researchers' attention to potential technological interventions that could reduce exposure risks to microplastics." <br /><br />Toxics Link associate director Satish Sinha added, "Our study's finding of substantial amounts of microplastics in all salt and sugar samples is concerning and calls for urgent, comprehensive research into the long-term health impacts of microplastics on human health." <br /><br />The concentration of microplastics in the salt samples ranged from 6.71 to 89.15 pieces per kilogramme of dry weight, the report said. Iodised salt had the highest concentration of microplastics (89.15 pieces per kilogramme) while organic rock salt had the lowest (6.70 pieces per kilogramme), according to the study. <br /><br />In sugar samples, the concentration of microplastics ranged from 11.85 to 68.25 pieces per kilogramme, with the highest concentration found in non-organic sugar. Microplastics are a growing global concern because they can harm both health and the environment. These tiny plastic particles can enter the human body through food, water and air. <br /><br />Recent research has found microplastics in human organs such as the lungs, heart, and even in breast milk and unborn babies. Previous studies found that the average Indian consumes 10.98 grams of salt and around 10 spoons of sugar every day -- much higher than the <keyword id="19896311" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="keywords">World Health Organization</keyword>'s recommended limits.

All Indian salt and sugar brands have microplastics, notes a recent study

Last week, visitors to Uttarakhand’s <keyword id="20923317" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Om-Parvat" source="keywords">Om Parvat</keyword> were met with an unprecedented sight — the revered peak, known for its perpetual snow cover forming the sacred "Om" symbol, was completely devoid of snow for the first time in recorded history. This alarming phenomenon has sparked concerns among locals, tourists, and environmental experts alike.<br /><br />Experts have attributed the <keyword id="22948698" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="snow-disappearance" source="keywords">snow disappearance</keyword> to a combination of factors, including scanty rainfall and irregular snowfall in the upper <keyword id="20128077" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Himalayan-region" source="keywords">Himalayan region</keyword> over the past five years, escalating vehicular pollution, and the broader impacts of <keyword id="19942740" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-warming" source="keywords">global warming</keyword>. The cumulative effect of these environmental stressors has led to a dramatic change in Om Parvat’s snow cover, which melted completely this year, a stark departure from its usual 95-99% snow retention rate.<br /><h2>Implications on Uttarakhand’s tourism and ecology</h2>Local officials expressed concerns that the absence of snow could negatively impact tourism, which is a vital part of the region’s economy. Hordes of pilgrims visit the Om Parvat due to the the profound significance of the “Om” symbol, to meditate and bask in the spiritual vibrations of the mystical place.<br /><br />Om Parvat, situated at an altitude of approximately 14,000 feet in the Vyas Valley, is not only a popular tourist destination but also holds spiritual significance due to the natural "Om" formation on its snow-clad peak. The recent <keyword id="22950379" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="snowless-period" source="keywords">snowless period</keyword> left visitors and residents alike unsettled.<br /><br />Spiritual importance aise, the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat are also home to a diverse flora and fauna that contribute to the Himalayan biodiversity. Local communities living in the mountains’ surrounding regions are similarly reliant on the Om Parvat to preserve their age-old traditions and customs. These already fragile ecosystems are further endangered by the impacts of <keyword id="19907392" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="keywords">climate change</keyword>.<br /><h2>The return of snow</h2>Dhan Singh Bisht, who has served at the base camp of Adi Kailash yatra in Dharchula for over two decades, noted that this is the first time in his tenure that he witnessed Om Parvat completely devoid of snow, NDTV reported. The viral photos of the snowless peak even caught district administration officials off guard.<br /><br />However, they could heave a collective sigh of relief after fresh snowfall on Monday night. Momentarily alleviating fears about the hill’s future, forecasts indicate that wet conditions are expected to continue over <keyword id="20396441" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pithoragarh" source="keywords">Pithoragarh</keyword> — where Om Parvat is situated.<br /><h2>Cause for concern<br /></h2>The loss of snow on Om Parvat can be interpreted as a momentary warning. Environmental experts like Sunil Nautiyal, Director of GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, have underscored the need to address the root causes of this issue. Rising temperatures in the Himalayan region, fueled by increased vehicular emissions and global warming, are contributing to the rapid melting of snow. Nautiyal also highlighted the damaging effects of rampant forest fires, which release carbon that further harms these sensitive ecological zones.<br /><br />The surge in tourist footfall following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jolingkong last October is also being scrutinised as a possible contributor to the environmental changes observed in the region. <br /><br />The disappearance and subsequent return of snow to Om Parvat serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and environmental sustainability in the Himalayan region. As experts and locals continue to monitor the situation, the hope remains that proactive measures can prevent a repeat of this year’s alarming snowless period.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="110460525" title="Kalpa unveiled: Everything you need to know about this beautiful village" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br />

You Searched For "environmental impact" and got 13 results

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Sasha Luccioni tracks data about AI's impact on the environment

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