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FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

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SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

News

SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

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.


Novel method of analyzing microplastic particle pollution can facilitate environmental impact assessment
SDG 3, SDG 12
Novel method of analyzing microplastic particle pollution can facilitate environmental impact assessment

An article by researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo argues that the analysis should consider not just the quantity but also the size and shape of plastic particles in water samples, as these variables influence the impact of plastic pollution on ecosystems.


Nanomaterial degrades organic pollutants when activated by light
SDG 3, SDG 12
Nanomaterial degrades organic pollutants when activated by light

The novel material was synthesized at the Center for Development of Functional Materials. The aim of the study was to combat the contamination caused by inappropriate disposal of pesticides and pharmaceuticals.


Biogas produced with waste from apple juice making can minimize use of fossil fuels in industry
SDG 12, SDG 13
Biogas produced with waste from apple juice making can minimize use of fossil fuels in industry

A study by Brazilian researchers shows that the use of bioenergy avoids greenhouse gas emissions. Another benefit of their bioreactor is conversion of apple pomace into organic fertilizer.


Startup wants to train bees to pollinate coffee more precisely
SDG 2, SDG 12
Startup wants to train bees to pollinate coffee more precisely

As part of a project supported by FAPESP, researchers at a startup called PollinTech are developing a strategy to use to sniffer bees to pollinate coffee crops. The firm took part alongside several other startups in the 22nd PIPE High Tech Entrepreneurship Program hosted by FAPESP to showcase innovative research.


Startup develops sparkling beverage from honey produced by Brazilian native bees
SDG 12
Startup develops sparkling beverage from honey produced by Brazilian native bees

Supported by FAPESP, the project also aims to encourage conservation of Brazilian wildlife and valorize the culture and craftsmanship of local communities.


Biodiversity conservation is linked to poverty reduction, scientists say
SDG 1, SDG 3, SDG 10, SDG 12, SDG 14, SDG 15
Biodiversity conservation is linked to poverty reduction, scientists say

In a webinar held to present the third chapter of the book published by the São Paulo State Academy of Sciences to commemorate FAPESP’s sixtieth anniversary, specialists showed that protection of terrestrial and marine environments contributes to food production and job creation, among other benefits.


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