Incongruous in the Tasmanian landscape, much like Kubrick's black monolith of 2001: A Space Odyssey. For future visitors to discover - its alien presence suggesting it was put there with intent.And if future visitors can decipher the messages it contains, they could have a glimpse of what caused the collapse of our civilisation.This is Earth's Black Box - a tool for analysis and a warning of the risk we run with how we are mismanaging our climate.To be placed in south-western Tasmania, it is already listening:https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2021-12-06/climate-change-earth-black-box-recorder/100621778

Covid 19 is an invisible air-born battle that "Smart Air" manufacturers fight against with technology. Given the closing of schools and businesses, teleworking, and public fear of contracting infections in indoor spaces, in May 2020, Aura Air developed and tested a "smart air" device to purify indoor air of viral and other pathogenic particles. With a successful campaign, Aura Air is now targetting schools - 1 or 2 air purifiers for every classroom - depending on size - will give parents peace of mind that their child will be safe in schools. Read about Aura Air and other Israeli solutions: https://israeltrade.org.au/2020/10/23/how-israeli-companies-are-helping-to-renovate-the-construction-and-property-

The Californian firm has created a new vegan leather alternative using mushrooms.Mycelium, that comes from fungi, is turned into something that looks like calfskin or sheepskin, and could help save the planet.The creation of this leather alternative means few animals may need to die to meet our leather needs, and will help to reduce greenhouse gasses caused by farming cows.Click the link to find out more:https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/dec/02/californian-firm-touts-mushroom-leather-as-sustainability-gamechanger

The super-seaweed product mentioned in this column last week - has won The InnovationAus 2021 Awards for Excellence. Asparagopsis taxiformis is a red algae, native to Australia. It reacts with vitamin B12 during digestion, and effectively removes most of the methane caused by the fermentation of plant matter in the animal’s stomach - thus substantially reducing the methane emissions from livestock. The Tasmanian producer, Sea Forest - produces the feed supplement. Congratulations to company principal, Sam Elsom. https://www.innovationaus.com/innovationaus-2021-awards-for-excellence-sea-forest-wins-the-food-agriculture-award/

In an effort to help make small breweries carbon-neutral, an Australian micro-brewery, Young Henrys, is collaborating with scientists to create mini-forests on the brewery floor out of micro-algae.To find out more, click the link:https://www.iflscience.com/environment/a-small-brewery-is-teaming-with-scientists-to-cool-the-world

The relationship between seaweed and livestock has the potential to seriously reduce emissions in the agriculture sector. A possible Australian breakthrough!Research has shown that it only takes 1% of dried seaweed mixed in to feed to disrupt methane production in ruminants. The seaweed-infused feed can reduce methane emissions from livestock by as much as 98 per cent. Asparagopsis taxiformis, a red algae native to Australia, reacts with vitamin B12 during digestion, effectively removing most of the methane caused by the fermentation of plant matter in the animal’s stomach.https://www.innovationaus.com/finalist-a-super-seaweed-that-reduces-livestock-emissions