The volcanic system on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula has woken up. Vikings roamed the last time these volcanoes raged. Now, eight centuries later, this slice of land close to the capital city Reykjavik is one of the more densely populated parts of the country. The recent eruptions here are not from “tourist volcanoes,” relatively accessible and typically non-disruptive. They are violent, dangerous and could last centuries. They could also hold the key to a new future. Scientists and engineers are hoping to harness magma’s immense power to produce a new kind of extreme geothermal energy, many times more powerful than conventional. It’s a tantalizing prospect as the world struggles to end its relationship with planet-heating fossil fuels. If the effort succeeds, the implications could reverberate around the world. Tap the link in @cnn’s bio to see how it could work and what it would mean.

Daily Sustainability Digest

Generated by AI about 2 hours ago

A significant project in sustainable construction is the ongoing work on the HS2 Terminus at Euston Station in London, designed by Arup and Grimshaw. This railway building enhances sustainability through modern, efficient architecture, positioning it as a vital development in England's transit infrastructure. Such projects are crucial as they aim to reduce carbon footprints by promoting rail travel, which is generally more sustainable than other forms of transport.

Another noteworthy story involves the submission of a planning application for the Trafford Wharf redevelopment by Cole Waterhouse in Stretford. This scheme follows public consultation and represents a thoughtful approach to urban regeneration with potential sustainability features integrated into the design. Developments like Trafford Wharf are essential in advancing sustainable urban planning and could serve as models for future construction projects that prioritize environmental considerations.

In related sustainability discourse, scientists are increasingly recognizing the potential role that viruses play in carbon storage in the soil. Understanding these natural processes could lead to groundbreaking improvements in how we manage soil for climate change mitigation, indirectly influencing the construction industry by guiding land use policies and practices.

Furthermore, as global biodiversity and climate conditions continue to change, the construction sector faces mounting pressure to innovate and adapt. Industry leaders and policymakers need to incorporate sustainability at every stage, from planning to execution, to meet international goals and standards.

To maximize the potential of these initiatives, sustained efforts and collaboration across sectors, including construction, nature conservation, and public policy, are imperative. Such comprehensive approaches not only contribute to sustainability but also offer economic benefits, as environmentally responsible constructions increasingly become a decisive factor for stakeholders and consumers alike.

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