Author: Muhammad Zulhusni

A student-founded startup in the Philippines is developing AGRICONNECT PH, an AI-powered app designed to help farmers detect early signs of crop stress and reduce losses through real-time risk monitoring. A mobile app under development in the Philippines is addressing one of agriculture’s most persistent challenges: crop loss due to environmental stress and delayed detection. Aldrin Soj Gamayon, 22, developed AGRICONNECT PH, which utilises artificial intelligence and sensor technology to help farmers monitor conditions on their land and act before damage sets in. Agriculture plays a major role in the Philippine economy, contributing 8.9% to GDP in 2024 — equivalent…

Tesla is facing sales declines in Europe and China, a drop in used vehicle value, and public backlash over CEO Elon Musk’s actions. Growing discomfort among consumers—paired with a saturated EV market—has started to erode Tesla’s stronghold in the electric vehicle space. Tesla is experiencing growing challenges on multiple fronts, including new car sales and public perception, as well as the declining value of its used vehicles. Once popular among environmentally conscious buyers, the brand is now dealing with shifting sentiment that is impacting its market position. In past years, Tesla saw intense demand for its cars. Customers paid deposits…

The UK government’s National Action Plan (NAP) aims to cut pesticide-related harm by 10% by 2030. The plan was launched on March 21 by all four regional UK governments and focuses on farmers and land managers adopting more sustainable pest management practices. Focus on sustainable pesticide use The NAP sets out how the UK plans to both reduce pesticide-related harm to the environment and human health, and help farmers to better manage pests and pesticide resistance. It encourages the voluntary use of nature-based solutions and alternative pest control methods to meet the 10% reduction target by 2030. Pesticide resistance, climate…

UK businesses face challenges in emissions reporting, with 45% citing lack of data from technology vendors and 42% struggling with internal capacity to track emissions. Nearly half (43%) of UK business leaders are hesitant to fully uncover their emissions data, and 62% worry about potential public backlash if their emissions are too high, according to new research commissioned by Wasabi Technologies. The study surveyed 1,200 business decision-makers across the UK, France, and Germany to assess how companies are addressing the sustainability of their technology infrastructure. The findings highlight growing concerns about emissions reporting and the pressure to meet environmental expectations…

76% of businesses across Asia, Europe and the Middle East are exploring AI and cloud computing for sustainability, but 71% worry that high energy consumption could outweigh the benefits. Concerns over lagging adoption and the need for human oversight remain key challenges. According to a survey commissioned by Alibaba Cloud, 76% of firms in Asia, Europe and the Middle East want to use AI and cloud computing to support sustainable development. However, concerns about these technologies’ high energy consumption remain a key obstacle to broader adoption. The report ‘Tech-Driven Sustainability Trends and Index 2024’ highlighted that 71% of firms, including…

Basic Energy plans to develop 500 MW of wind and 500 MW of solar power projects by 2030. The company is progressing with a 50-MW wind project in Batangas and exploring additional projects in Panay, Calatagan, and Ilocos Norte. Basic Energy Corporation plans to develop 500 megawatts (MW) of wind and 500 MW of solar energy projects by 2030, according to Oscar L. de Venecia, Jr., the company’s vice-chairman and CEO. “In the next five years, [we aim] to build a portfolio of around 500 megawatts in wind and around close to 500 or 500 megawatts also in solar,” de…

Microsoft is focusing on the Nordic region for data centre expansion, prioritising renewable energy and stable infrastructure. It plans to build 12 data centres in Finland and partner with local utilities to reuse waste heat for sustainable operations. Microsoft is adjusting its data centre strategy to prioritise power availability over user demand, focusing on the Nordic region for its potential to provide emission-free energy to support AI-driven growth, according to Alistair Speirs, Microsoft’s senior director for Datacenter & AI Infrastructure. Microsoft, which operates around 300 data centres worldwide and plans to invest $80 billion in additional facilities by the end…

GE Vernova and AWS have partnered to expand AWS’s data centre network while addressing energy demand and grid security. With Amazon investing over $100 billion in cloud and AI, GE Vernova will provide substation solutions, power generation, and renewable energy across North America, Europe, and Asia. Energy equipment manufacturer GE Vernova and AWS have signed a strategic framework agreement to support AWS’s data centre expansion while addressing global energy demand, grid security and decarbonisation of electric power systems. The agreement comes as Amazon increases its investment in cloud and AI infrastructure, with over $100 billion allocated to data centre expansion…

The UK’s net zero economy grew by 10% in 2024, outpacing the overall economy and contributing £83 billion in gross value added (GVA), according to a CBI report. The sector, which includes renewable energy, green finance, and clean technology, employs nearly one million people with wages exceeding the national average. The net zero sector is growing at a pace three times faster than the overall UK economy, generating high-wage jobs and strengthening energy security, according to an analysis by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). In 2024, the sector grew by 10%, contributing £83 billion in gross value added (GVA)—a…

Japan aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, with Kawasaki City targeting a 50% CO2 reduction by FY2030. A new pilot program, led by Fujitsu, ANA X, Toshiba Data, and Kawasaki City, is testing a national database to measure citizen-driven CO2 reductions. A new pilot programme in Kawasaki City, Japan, is testing how digital tools can encourage environmentally-conscious behaviour and track CO2 reductions. Fujitsu, ANA X, Toshiba Data, and Kawasaki City launched the initiative on February 27. Residents and workers used smartphone apps to monitor their carbon footprint. The programme is the first in Japan to use a national database developed…