The Waterly
"The Waterly" is a weekly all-things-water newsletter we share with our community covering the latest innovations and investment deal flow in the water sector and recent news on climate change and water-related crises.
The world's largest vertical farm is opening in Dubai and it saves 95% of water. Source Global raised $130M in a series D round. Meet the Gen-Zers embracing climate optimism and helping fight climate change. Biden has a new climate program. Europe is suffering from a 'heat apocalypse'. Cities in the US are refusing to replace toxic old lead pipes. Jennifer Helene Popken is this week's highlighted WELL member.
Your weekly Bonus - How is TV fighting to save the environment.
This week's water quote:
Keep close to Nature’s heart and break away once in awhile.
The river flows from the mountaintop.
This water is pristine.
Dive in now, feel it on your skin.
The babbling brook is laughing
a jubilant refrain.
Lie down and listen, let the joy
Wash over you and
Wash your spirit clean.
Tech & Innovation
A chemical breakthrough could unlock the true potential of powdered hydrogen as a fuel
Researchers at the Deakin University in Australia have found that boron nitride, a household chemical used commonly in paints, cosmetics as well as dental cement, could unlock the potential of hydrogen as a fuel, a press release said.
The world's largest vertical farm using 95% less water opens in Dubai
Vertical farms are nothing new; however, the world’s largest facility is fresh and ready to produce more than 2 million pounds of leafy greens annually.
Scientists Have Found a Way to Save Energy And Boil Water More Efficiently
Water gets boiled a lot – whether it's a cup of tea brewing in a kitchen or a power plant generating electricity. Any improvements in the efficiency of this process will have a huge impact on the overall amount of energy used for it every day.
Corporate & Deals
RESTORE, RESPOND, REDUCE - P&G’S 2030 WATER STEWARDSHIP PLAN
Multinational P&G has revealed how it intends to be water positive at 18 of its manufacturing sites by 2030. Aquatech Online looks at the new strategy.
Source Global raises $130m in Series D equity financing
Sustainable drinking water technology company, Source Global, has raised $130 million in equity financing co-led by Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Drawdown Fund.
SA WATER SHINES BRIGHT WITH $300M SOLAR INVESTMENT
South Australia utility SA Water will pump $300 million of investment into renewable energy as part of its Zero Cost Energy Future initiative to help beat the growing energy crisis.
Water & the Environment
Biden announces new climate change programs, but no emergency declaration
The initiatives include providing $2.3 billion in funding for a program that helps communities prepare for disasters by expanding flood control and retrofitting buildings, as well as leveraging funding to help low-income families cover heating and cooling costs.
‘Change is possible’: meet the Gen-Zers who embrace climate optimism
These people in their 20s decided to combat climate grief by taking on one small piece of the environmental crisis.
Humanity faces ‘collective suicide’ over climate crisis, warns UN chief
Wildfires and heatwaves wreaking havoc across swathes of the globe show humanity facing “collective suicide”, the UN secretary general has warned, as governments around the world scramble to protect people from the impacts of extreme heat.
‘Heat apocalypse’: Photos show Europe’s devastating fires as temperatures surge
Dubbed a “heat apocalypse” by one French meteorologist, many nations in Europe are sweltering under record temperatures, causing devastating fires in some parts of the continent.
PFAS & Chemicals
Revealed: US cities refusing to replace toxic lead water pipes unless residents pay
A Guardian investigation finds pipes are only replaced at homeowners’ cost, and removal work risked causing increase of lead in water.
As police crack down on homelessness, unhoused end up in Mojave desert
On the edge of northern Los Angeles county, at least 200 people are living in tents and trailers on remote, harsh terrain. ‘They treat us like we’re a lost cause,’ one resident said.
Jennifer Helene Popken, M.S. is the founder and CEO of Purposeful Ventures, LLC. She is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of initiating, growing and leading purposeful businesses.
She began studying Coaching in 2010 and has worked in the industry with a focus on Lifestyle Medicine Coaching, Executive Coaching, and Career Coaching for individuals, organizations and the creation of methodologies for learning systems.
Thank you Jennifer for sharing your expertise, passion, and leadership with WIA and the WELL community.
Climate & TV
TV to the rescue! The small screen’s battle to save the planet
From Blue Planet II to House of Games, programme-makers are putting the climate crisis on screen – and rethinking how the whole industry operates. The aim? Net zero by 2030.
