Latest news with #TheNipponFoundation
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Japan found $26 billion under the sea, but this new scientific breakthrough might sink it before it starts
— 20gimsack (@20gimsack) Science Surfaces a New Solution — mcgillu (@mcgillu) From Boom to Bust? A Win for Oceans, If Not for Industry? Just off the shores of Minami-Tori-shima , a remote Japanese island more than 1,200 miles from Tokyo, lies a treasure chest of rare metals . Discovered by a joint survey from The Nippon Foundation and the University of Tokyo , the seabed nearly 5,700 meters below the surface holds dense fields of manganese nodules. These nodules are packed with cobalt and nickel—two of the world's most sought-after elements for electric vehicle (EV) battery to figures cited in a Business Insider report, this underwater find could yield 610,000 metric tons of cobalt and 740,000 metric tons of nickel—worth an astonishing combined total of $26.3 billion. Japan saw the discovery as a game-changer for resource security and planned a major extraction effort starting in 2026, aiming to tap into three million tonnes of nodules annually. With global EV demand booming, the future looked in the ever-shifting landscape of technological advancement, even the most lucrative plans can be swiftly McGill University , where researchers, in collaboration with scientists from the U.S. and South Korea, have introduced a potentially world-changing alternative. In a recent breakthrough, the team successfully created new lithium-ion battery cathodes using no cobalt or nickel at all. Instead, they developed high-quality disordered rock-salt (DRX) cathode particles—uniform in size, energy-efficient to produce, and ready for mass DRX cathodes don't just match previous performance—they outperform them. According to study author and Assistant Professor Jinhyuk Lee, 'Our method enables mass production of DRX cathodes with consistent quality, which is essential for their adoption in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.'The implications are enormous. Not only do these new materials make battery production cheaper and greener, but they also remove the need for hard-to-source metals like cobalt and nickel . Suddenly, Japan's underwater goldmine may no longer be as essential to the EV revolution as once revelation brings a tough question to the forefront: Is Japan's $26 billion find already becoming obsolete before a single shipment reaches the surface? The country's future plans hinge on high cobalt and nickel prices. But if the new DRX-based technology scales up—and all signs point that it will—demand for these expensive minerals could fall Japan, this shift is more than economic. It's also political and environmental. A joint venture involving multiple Japanese companies was slated to begin mining operations in just a year's time. The find was seen as a potential bulwark against rising import costs and resource dependencies. But the rapid pace of clean-tech innovation may be rewriting that story in real the news may sting Japan's industrial ambitions, environmentalists are breathing a cautious sigh of relief. Deep-sea mining has long been criticized for its irreversible ecological damage. A previous test just off Minami-Tori-shima—lasting a mere two hours—caused fish and shrimp populations to drop by 43% within a researcher Travis Washburn has warned, 'Even limited mining can have far-reaching, long-lasting impacts on ocean life.' Add to that the risk of destroying yet-undiscovered species and altering fragile ecosystems, and the stakes go far beyond the world can now build EVs without cobalt and nickel, perhaps nature will finally get to keep its secrets buried beneath the undersea mineral trove was once thought to be a jackpot for the energy transition. But science may be offering a better way—one that trades mining for innovation, destruction for discovery.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
An alarming disconnect: Global study by Back to Blue reveals urgent need for ocean literacy
A global study has recently revealed consistently low ocean literacy levels in 18–24-year-olds across 35 countries. 75% of young people are concerned about our ocean's health, yet 61% believe deforestation and other climate issues should be prioritised over ocean conservation. Young people have high expectations for governments, NGOs, and local communities but low expectations for businesses, highlighting a misunderstanding about who holds responsibility for ocean pollution. NICE, France, June 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- World Ocean Day serves as a vital reminder to protect our oceans. A global study by world-leading ocean health initiative of Economist Impact and The Nippon Foundation, Back to Blue, has recently uncovered a concerning disconnect between young peoples' recognition of the ocean's vital role in climate change, and the measures required to protect and restore it. A large majority of young people are concerned about the ocean's health and believe it can protect us from climate change, yet they place a higher priority on protecting forests, tackling air pollution and freshwater scarcity. Results from the 3,500 respondents in 35 countries found that 75% of 18-24 year olds are concerned about the state of ocean health. Yet, few acknowledge the jeopardy the ocean is in, nor the ways in which this can be prevented because despite concerns for the ocean, almost half (47%) of young people think the ocean is still healthy. The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and The Philippines are among some of the top countries that believe this, when each is struggling with plastic pollution, coral reef degradation and habitat loss. It strongly indicates that young people do not fully fathom the dire conditions of our oceans. This is also evident in the fact that 50% of young people do not understand how the ocean impacts them and how they, in turn, impact the ocean. Furthermore, 61% prioritise other climate issues, such as deforestation, over ocean conservation. Notably, this perspective is shared by 88% of young people in Panama—a country bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, where the ocean plays a vital role in the economy. Peter Thomson, UN Ocean Envoy said: "It is surprising and alarming to see so many young people misjudge the ocean's health. This level of low ocean literacy risks hindering progress and funding for protecting our oceans. We must invest in educating young people about the importance of ocean health and how to safeguard it for the future." Strengthened ocean literacy can be argued as pivotal for fostering a deeper understanding of the ocean's multifaceted role, not only as a driver of local economic prosperity through industries like fisheries, tourism, and renewable energy but also as a critical buffer against climate change impacts. A lack of this foundational knowledge risks delaying urgent policymaking and sourcing of funding as weak citizen or stakeholder pressure to reverse damage, will slow progress, perpetuating a vicious cycle of ocean neglect. Peter added: "The ocean is one of the most overlooked and underfunded areas in global sustainability, yet its decline directly impacts how we live. We must remember that the ocean is silently dealing with sea level rise, soaring temperatures and acidity levels as well as irreversible threats to biodiversity because of human activity. The least we can do is understand it better and make it a priority to save." Limited comprehension of the oceans' endangered state was also accompanied by little demand amongst young people for significant action or accountability from ocean stakeholders. The study found that less than half (46%) of young people want government action that will ensure the oceans health, and only 17% want to see corporations and businesses take increased responsibility. The latter finding is increasingly concerning as the study also reveals that young people are significantly concerned about contaminating the ocean - chemical pollution (48%) and plastic pollution (50%) yet they do not know where responsibility lies. Tackling ocean pollution is no easy feat, but private sector accountability will be paramount to its success via increased responsibility for the lifecycle of plastic products and chemical leaks in the process of production. Emma McKinley, Ocean Literacy expert and Senior Research Fellow at Cardiff University said: "It's incredibly interesting to see that some young people recognise that the ocean can have a role in addressing the impacts of climate change and that damaging ocean health is detrimental to this; yet, this study suggests that not all young people recognise the need to demand more action from governments and the private sector to do more to prioritise ocean health." Emma added: "Given its roots in formal education, many ocean literacy initiatives are grounded in the importance of raising awareness and knowledge about ocean issues. Looking to the future, we must embrace diverse types of ocean knowledge and relationships to deliver ocean literacy as a societal outcome. If the ocean and the issues facing it were included more widely in education systems across the world, the more positive change we would see. Knowledge is one of our most powerful tools." Educators and policymakers have a unique opportunity to address the low levels of ocean literacy among young people. By incorporating ocean literacy into school curriculums—and with greater support from governments—they can equip the next generation with the knowledge and tools needed to protect our oceans and address the challenges they face. Notes to Editors About the surveyThe survey was created by Economist Impact and issued to 35 countries in September 2024. It was in the field for three weeks and acquired 3,500 responses from young people aged 18-24. Countries involved were: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Kingdom and Vietnam. Ocean literacy definitionOcean literacy is the understanding of the ocean's influence on us and our influence on the ocean. It encompasses the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to understand and communicate the ocean's essential role in our environment, climate, and everyday lives. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions and take responsible actions to protect the ocean and its resources. About Back to BlueBack to Blue is an initiative by Economist Impact and The Nippon Foundation tackles ocean challenges with evidence-based solutions. Addressing gaps in understanding plastic and chemical pollution and ocean acidification, it leverages both organizations' strengths in research and program development to drive progress in ocean health. About Economist ImpactEconomist Impact combines the rigour of a think-tank with the creativity of a media brand to engage a globally influential audience. With framework design, benchmarking, economic and social impact analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling, Economist Impact provides creative storytelling, events expertise and market-leading media products. About The Nippon FoundationEstablished in 1962, The Nippon Foundation is Japan's largest philanthropic foundation. In ocean affairs, the Foundation aims to cultivate human resources who will chart a course for the ocean's future and to pass on the ocean's riches to future generations. Other primary areas of activity include support for children, persons with disabilities and disaster relief. View original content: SOURCE Back to Blue Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
See it: New guitar-shaped shark species discovered, along with 866 other marine wildlife
The largest global mission to discover ocean life has found over 800 new marine species, including a new guitar-shaped shark species. The discoveries were from the efforts of the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, the world's largest collaborative of over 800 scientists across 400 institutions to accelerate the discovery of new marine life. The identification and official registration of a new species can take over 13 years, which means some species may go extinct before being documented. Scientists say new reforms can speed up the process. "Too many species remain in limbo for years because the process of formally describing them is too slow," said Prof. Lucy Woodall, Head of Science at Ocean Census. "We urgently need to change that and adding the Species Discovery step gives us a way to rapidly start the process." One of the more unique discoveries is the "Guitar shark" – a shark species that resembles a guitar-like figure. It was identified at a depth of 600 feet (200 meters) off the coast of Mozambique and Tanzania by world-renowned shark expert David Ebert. This is only the 38th known guitar shark species discovered worldwide. Two-thirds of the species are threatened due to such low numbers. Massive Great White Shark Among Several Being Tracked Off Florida Coast As Spring Break Begins Additional new species such as shark, sea butterfly, mud dragon, bamboo coral, water bear, octocoral, sponge, shrimp, crab, reef fish, squat lobster, pipehorse, limpet, hooded shrimp, sea spiders, and brittle stars have been discovered/registered. All told, the census announced the discovery of 866 new marine species. To make these new discoveries, officials say all resources must be used wisely while observing these deep sea creatures. Using divers, submersibles, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), new species can be discovered from depths as deep as 1 to 16,400 feet. "The ocean covers 71% of our planet, yet it is said that only around 10% of marine life has been discovered so far, leaving an estimated 1–2 million species still undocumented," said Executive Director Mitsuyuki Unno of The Nippon Foundation. "These latest findings demonstrate how international collaboration can advance our understanding of ocean biodiversity."Original article source: See it: New guitar-shaped shark species discovered, along with 866 other marine wildlife
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
"Guitar shark" among the 866 new marine species discovered in ocean
Over 800 marine species were newly discovered after two years of collaborative efforts by scientists, governments, museums and others participating in the Ocean Census, a global alliance founded to accelerate the discovery of marine life. New species of shark, sea butterfly, mud dragon, bamboo coral, water bear, octocoral, and shrimp were just some of the findings that were registered in a directory after the collaborative conducted 10 global expeditions and hosted eight Species Discovery Workshops. "The past two years have been transformative for the Ocean Census: we've pioneered new methods, forged key partnerships, established a global network of participating scientists, and overcome the hurdles of a truly global mission," said Oliver Steeds, director of the Ocean Census, in a statement. While oceans cover most of our planet, not much has been done to protect its biodiversity, manage the conservation of ocean life and establish marine protected areas in the high seas. United Nations members agreed on a unified treaty in 2023 to protect biodiversity in the high seas. More than 100 nations , including the United States, have agreed to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. "The ocean covers 71% of our planet, yet it is said that only around 10% of marine life has been discovered so far, leaving an estimated 1–2 million species still undocumented," said Mitsuyuki Unno, executive director of The Nippon Foundation. The alliance was founded by Nippon Foundation and Nekton in April 2023; about 400 institutions participate in its activities, and 93 scientists were funded to participate in expeditions and research projects in an effort to speed up the identification and official registration of a new species, the Ocean Census said on its website. The process can take up to 13.5 years, some species may go extinct before they are even documented. Dave Ebert of the Pacific Shark Research Institute said in a video that knowing we have another new species, "We can develop conservation methods for it - if it needs it." The recent flurry of expeditions launched by the Ocean Census used divers, submersibles and deep-sea robots up to 5000 meters below sea level to discover new species. The species were analyzed and confirmed in dozens of global laboratories. Some of the species discovered include: Guitar Shark Ebert, also known as the "Lost Shark Guy," identified the guitar shark at 200m depths off Mozambique and Tanzania in Africa. This shark has 38 known species across the globe and shares characteristics of both sharks and rays. The guitar shark family is among the top 10 most threatened vertebrate groups and two-thirds are threatened. Turridrupa sp Gastropod Discovered 380 - 400m in the waters of New Caledonia and Vanuatu, in the South Pacific, this predator is one of 100 newly identified turrid gastropods. These deep-sea snails inject toxins into their prey with precision with venomous, harpoon-like teeth. Sea Star: Tylaster sp. Found at 2770m to 3575m in the Arctic's Jøtul Vent Field, east of Greenland, this is the second species recorded for this genus, with the first one cited in the Norwegian Sea at 1100 m back in 1881. Trump reacts to European Union slapping tariffs on U.S. goods Judge blocks deportation of pro-Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia University protests House's short-term spending bill heads to Senate, passage needed by Friday to avoid shutdown
CBS News
13-03-2025
- Science
- CBS News
"Guitar shark" and snail with venomous "harpoons" among 866 new marine species discovered in ocean
Over 800 marine species were newly discovered after two years of collaborative efforts by scientists, governments, museums and others participating in the Ocean Census, a global alliance founded to accelerate the discovery of marine life. New species of shark, sea butterfly, mud dragon, bamboo coral, water bear, octocoral, and shrimp were just some of the findings that were registered in a directory after the collaborative conducted 10 global expeditions and hosted eight Species Discovery Workshops. "The past two years have been transformative for the Ocean Census: we've pioneered new methods, forged key partnerships, established a global network of participating scientists, and overcome the hurdles of a truly global mission," said Oliver Steeds, director of the Ocean Census, in a statement. While oceans cover most of our planet, not much has been done to protect its biodiversity, manage the conservation of ocean life and establish marine protected areas in the high seas. United Nations members agreed on a unified treaty in 2023 to protect biodiversity in the high seas. More than 100 nations, including the United States, have agreed to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. "The ocean covers 71% of our planet, yet it is said that only around 10% of marine life has been discovered so far, leaving an estimated 1–2 million species still undocumented," said Mitsuyuki Unno, executive director of The Nippon Foundation. The alliance was founded by Nippon Foundation and Nekton in April 2023; about 400 institutions participate in its activities, and 93 scientists were funded to participate in expeditions and research projects in an effort to speed up the identification and official registration of a new species, the Ocean Census said on its website. The process can take up to 13.5 years, some species may go extinct before they are even documented. Dave Ebert of the Pacific Shark Research Institute said in a video that knowing we have another new species, "We can develop conservation methods for it - if it needs it." The recent flurry of expeditions launched by the Ocean Census used divers, submersibles and deep-sea robots up to 5000 meters below sea level to discover new species. The species were analyzed and confirmed in dozens of global laboratories. Some of the species discovered include: Guitar Shark Ebert, also known as the "Lost Shark Guy," identified the guitar shark at 200m depths off Mozambique and Tanzania in Africa. This shark has 38 known species across the globe and shares characteristics of both sharks and rays. The guitar shark family is among the top 10 most threatened vertebrate groups and two-thirds are threatened. Turridrupa sp Gastropod Discovered 380 - 400m in the waters of New Caledonia and Vanuatu, in the South Pacific, this predator is one of 100 newly identified turrid gastropods. These deep-sea snails inject toxins into their prey with precision with venomous, harpoon-like teeth. Sea Star: Tylaster sp. Found at 2770m to 3575m in the Arctic's Jøtul Vent Field, east of Greenland, this is the second species recorded for this genus, with the first one cited in the Norwegian Sea at 1100 m back in 1881.
