Fapesp

FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

News

SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

News

SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

Group obtains patent for method to create more natural, effective and environmentally friendly sunscreens
SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 12
Group obtains patent for method to create more natural, effective and environmentally friendly sunscreens

Developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo, the process proposes using silica particles coated with melanin in formulations to protect the skin not only from UVA and UVB rays, but also from visible light.


Scientists develop catalyst designed to make ammonia production more sustainable
SDG 12
Scientists develop catalyst designed to make ammonia production more sustainable

Created at a FAPESP-supported research center, the material helps produce ammonia by electrochemical reduction of nitrogen gas, dispensing with the high temperature and pressure required by the conventional method.


How a government program promoted conservation of Atlantic Rainforest remnants on rural properties
SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 15
How a government program promoted conservation of Atlantic Rainforest remnants on rural properties

Farmers in the Paraíba Valley region of São Paulo state received economic incentives such as payment for environmental services to adopt conservation practices and protect native vegetation.


In the Cerrado, crop diversification has beneficial effects on wildlife and reduces the presence of boars
SDG 2, SDG 12, SDG 13
In the Cerrado, crop diversification has beneficial effects on wildlife and reduces the presence of boars

Considered an invasive species, Sus scrofa causes damage to farmers in an important part of Brazil’s savanna-like biome. The researchers analyzed 55 landscapes in São Paulo state, observing larger numbers of native mammals in areas with well-conserved vegetation and diversified crops, while native species richness was far lower in areas of monoculture.


Biodegradable sensor monitors levels of pesticides via direct contact with surface of fruit and vegetables
SDG 3, SDG 12
Biodegradable sensor monitors levels of pesticides via direct contact with surface of fruit and vegetables

Developed by a team of Brazilian researchers, the device is made of plant-based material with little environmental impact, and detects pesticides in a few minutes, helping to certify food safety.


Novel material facilitates measurement of concrete deterioration in buildings and other structures
SDG 9, SDG 12
Novel material facilitates measurement of concrete deterioration in buildings and other structures

The material is a compound similar to clay and enables inspectors to carry out in-situ assessment of structural conditions in buildings, bridges, dams and other structures without having to drill for samples and analyze them in a laboratory.


Amazon+10 Initiative receives more than BRL 30 million from the United Kingdom
SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13
Amazon+10 Initiative receives more than BRL 30 million from the United Kingdom

The funding will be for scientific expeditions under the current call for proposals which is taking applications until April 29, 2024.


The crucial role of biofuels in the energy transition is explained in an encyclopedic new book
SDG 2, SDG 7, SDG 12, SDG 13
The crucial role of biofuels in the energy transition is explained in an encyclopedic new book

Written by two experts on biofuels, Luís Augusto Barbosa Cortez and Frank Rosillo-Calle, the book explores Brazil’s experience and how other countries can learn from it in the context of climate change.


Products made of plastic falsely claimed to be biodegradable are on sale at Brazilian supermarkets
SDG 12
Products made of plastic falsely claimed to be biodegradable are on sale at Brazilian supermarkets

Researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo analyzed allegedly biodegradable plastic items sold by 40 supermarkets and found most to be oxo-degradables, banned in several countries because they contribute significantly to microplastic pollution. Bills currently before Brazil’s Congress would regulate the sale of such products.


Novel biomaterial delivers medication directly to fish gut
SDG 9, SDG 12
Novel biomaterial delivers medication directly to fish gut

In addition to helping combat antimicrobial resistance, the bioparticle developed at the Federal University of São Paulo avoids the waste and pollution created by excessive amounts of drugs in water bodies. The strategy was tested on an ornamental fish species native to the Amazon and found to be safe.


FAPESP assembles experts to discuss the Amazon during UN Science Summit in New York
SDG 12, SDG 13
FAPESP assembles experts to discuss the Amazon during UN Science Summit in New York

‘Amazon Day: Science for the Amazon’ was held on September 15, during the 78th United Nations General Assembly. Panelists discussed the role of science, technology and innovation in sustainable development for the region.


Brazilian researchers develop method of purifying water contaminated by glyphosate
SDG 6, SDG 12
Brazilian researchers develop method of purifying water contaminated by glyphosate

The technique uses functionalized cellulose fibers from sugarcane bagasse to remove residues of the herbicide from an aqueous medium.


Legal mining sites in Brazil store 2.55 gigatonnes of CO2 in vegetation and soil, study estimates
SDG 12, SDG 13
Legal mining sites in Brazil store 2.55 gigatonnes of CO2 in vegetation and soil, study estimates

Researchers at the University of São Paulo highlight the importance of monitoring these areas and advocate the use of technosols based on tailings and other waste to offset part of their emissions.


Glitter impairs growth of organisms with key roles in aquatic ecosystems, study shows
SDG 6, SDG 12, SDG 14
Glitter impairs growth of organisms with key roles in aquatic ecosystems, study shows

Researchers at the University of São Paulo investigated the effects of five concentrations of glitter on two strains of cyanobacteria. Use of the material in makeup, party costumes and decorations should be reconsidered, they argue.


Three out of every ten meals ordered from the main food delivery app in Brazil come from dark kitchens
SDG 3, SDG 12
Three out of every ten meals ordered from the main food delivery app in Brazil come from dark kitchens

The first-ever study of dark kitchens conducted in Brazil collected data on 22,520 establishments located in three cities in São Paulo state and listed by iFood. An article on the study offers a profile of these delivery-only restaurants, which proliferated during the pandemic.


Biofuels are crucial to the energy transition, but misinformation must be overcome
SDG 7, SDG 12, SDG 13
Biofuels are crucial to the energy transition, but misinformation must be overcome

The view was expressed by participants in a discussion on “Bioenergy’s major contribution to the energy transition” organized by the FAPESP Bioenergy Research Program.


Interstate collaboration advocates economic alternatives to deforestation in Brazilian Amazon
SDG 2, SDG 12, SDG 13
Interstate collaboration advocates economic alternatives to deforestation in Brazilian Amazon

Strategies for reconciling forest conservation and income generation for families living on Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve in Acre state are the focus of a project in which local scientists are collaborating with colleagues from the states of São Paulo and Pará. The project is part of the Amazon+10 Initiative.


Research group develops biodegradable film that keeps food fresh for longer
SDG 9, SDG 12
Research group develops biodegradable film that keeps food fresh for longer

The material was designed by Brazilian researchers and includes a derivative of limonene from citrus rind, blended with chitosan, a biopolymer from exoskeletons of crustaceans.


FAPESP joins forces with France’s CNRS to bolster new International Panel on Ocean Sustainability
SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14
FAPESP joins forces with France’s CNRS to bolster new International Panel on Ocean Sustainability

Soon to be officially launched, IPOS is a coalition of 16 research institutions, research funders and universities. Its mission will be to bridge the science-policy divide and help protect the world’s ocean environment.


Novel technology produces natural colorants with enhanced stability from grape residue
SDG 9, SDG 12
Novel technology produces natural colorants with enhanced stability from grape residue

Resin applied to purification of compound can be reused in eight different cycles without loss of effectiveness.


An innovative crop sprayer drone with an automated refueling system
SDG 9, SDG 12
An innovative crop sprayer drone with an automated refueling system

Brazilian technology developed with FAPESP’s support can be used to spray large or small areas, economizing inputs, lowering costs and mitigating environmental impacts.


Used coffee pods can be recycled to produce filaments for 3D printing
SDG 12
Used coffee pods can be recycled to produce filaments for 3D printing

Tested by Brazilian and British researchers, the process is an example of circular economy technology, in which waste produced in one economic activity is converted into resources for other sectors.


Natural molecule enhances sunscreen efficacy without increasing concentration of conventional UV filters
SDG 3, SDG 12
Natural molecule enhances sunscreen efficacy without increasing concentration of conventional UV filters

Addition of rosmarinic acid at a mere 0.1% reduced the amount of sunscreen needed to protect the skin, increased the sun protection factor by more than 41% and combined photoprotection with antioxidant activity. The innovation would reduce the volume of chemical substances discharged into the environment.


Engineering Center for Aerial Mobility of the Future starts operating
SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 13
Engineering Center for Aerial Mobility of the Future starts operating

Established by FAPESP and Embraer at the Aeronautical Technology Institute (ITA), ERC-AMF will conduct research on innovative topics with the potential to contribute to the competitiveness of Brazil’s aerospace industry.


Agricultural certification stimulates compliance with environmental legislation by coffee farms in Brazil
SDG 12
Agricultural certification stimulates compliance with environmental legislation by coffee farms in Brazil

The researchers analyzed data for more than 500 coffee farms in areas of Atlantic Rainforest and Cerrado, Brazil’s savanna-type biome, in 84 municipalities in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais.


News about research projects funded by FAPESP and articulated with the SDGs: