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Digital Version As the world races to address the escalating climate crisis, the need for innovative solutions and bold leadership has never been more urgent. Simon Michaux, Associate Professor at the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), is one such leader, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of the green transition. With a background in mining and a deep understanding of industrial systems, Michaux’s work focuses on diagnosing the bottlenecks in our current strategies and proposing unconventional solutions to create a sustainable future. In this interview, he shares his insights on the complexities of the energy transition, the role of critical minerals, and the transformative potential of circular economies. Our relationship with the environment must change. We must become aware of what energy is, where we get it from, and what raw materials mean for us. A Journey from Mining to Climate Action Simon Michaux’s journey into climate action began in the Australian mining industry, where he gained firsthand experience in resource extraction and industrial systems. However, his move to Europe in 2015 marked a turning point. “I came to Europe to learn about industrial recycling and the circular economy,” he recalls. Attending EU policy meetings and strategy workshops, Michaux quickly realized a disconnect between the proposed strategies and the realities of energy and resource systems. “The perception was that Europe led the world in phasing out fossil fuels and the green transition,” he says. “But the strategies I heard were not connected to reality at all.” This realization sparked a years-long effort to understand and communicate the systemic challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Today, his work at GTK focuses on grounding the green transition in reality, diagnosing its flaws, and proposing alternative pathways. The Challenges of Securing Sustainable Raw Materials One of the most pressing challenges in the shift to renewable energy is securing sustainable raw materials. Michaux highlights the complexity of this task, noting that the industrial systems built over the past two centuries rely heavily on fossil fuels. “The last two centuries have been spent building the most complex technological industrial system the world has ever seen, using the most calorifically dense energy source the world has ever known—oil,” he explains. The green transition, while essential, faces significant bottlenecks in resource supply. Michaux emphasizes that the current approach may be leading us into a strategic dead end. “If we’re going in the wrong direction because we’ve forgotten what energy really is and where raw materials actually come from, what should we do?” he asks. His work seeks to answer this question by mapping out the physical units and resources required for a sustainable transition, revealing the logistical challenges and inherent weaknesses of current systems. The green transition operates on a much larger scale compared to the circular economy. Balancing Resource Demand and Environmental Protection The demand for critical minerals, essential for renewable energy technologies, poses a significant challenge to environmental sustainability. Michaux argues that our current approach is ecologically disastrous and faces serious resource bottlenecks. “Our current Plan B, the green transition, faces very serious bottlenecks in resource supply,” he says. “We must fundamentally reconsider our technology choices and how we utilize them.” To address these challenges, Michaux advocates for unconventional solutions, such as thorium-fueled modular molten salt reactors (MSRs). “I’ve been modeling these systems, and the results are amazing,” he shares. “It’s possible to deliver concentrated quantities of electrical power and industrial thermal heat from a very small value chain footprint.” However, he cautions that technological innovation alone is not enough. Society must also shift its priorities, moving away from consumerism and toward community and planetary stewardship. The Role of Circular Economies in Sustainability While the circular economy is often discussed alongside the green transition, Michaux points out that the two are not the same. “The green transition is orders of magnitude larger than the circular economy,” he explains. In a case study conducted in Hawaii, Michaux modeled both scenarios and found that the infrastructure required for the green transition far exceeds that needed for a fully implemented circular economy. Despite this, Michaux believes that a circular economy is essential for long-term stability in a post-fossil-fuel world. However, he argues that the current concept of the circular economy is thermodynamically imbalanced and needs to evolve. “In my work, I’ve tried to achieve this, creating what I call the Resource Balanced Economy (RBE),” he says. This approach integrates energy considerations into every action, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient use of resources. Collaboration for a Sustainable Future Michaux emphasizes the importance of collaboration between governments, businesses, and scientific institutions in addressing the climate crisis. “We must withdraw from the natural environment, contract our human systems footprint, and simplify our industrial system,” he says. He calls for a new form of social collaboration, warning that a scarcity mindset and conflict will only exacerbate the challenges we face. For industries pledging to reduce their carbon footprint, Michaux advises moving beyond regulatory compliance. “Many of the systems we rely on now must be replaced entirely,” he says. “This requires a full metamorphosis of our industrial energy system, which is yet to be understood by most people in positions of responsibility.” We must withdraw from the natural environment, contract our human systems footprint, and simplify our industrial system. Urgent Priorities and Breakthrough Solutions Looking ahead, Michaux identifies the evolution of societal paradigms as the most urgent priority. “Our relationship with the environment must change,” he says. “We must become aware of what energy is, where we get it from, and what raw materials mean for us.” He believes that breakthrough solutions, such as thorium MSRs, can play a key role in this transition, but only if accompanied by a fundamental shift in how we view and organize our systems. For the next generation of scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders, Michaux offers a clear message: “Engage critical thinking in all its forms. Collaborate with as many people as possible. Explore all rabbit holes, and don’t be limited by being

Digital Version As the world faces the intertwined crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, the urgency for innovative strategies and collaborative efforts has never been greater. Guy Midgley, the Director of the School for Climate Studies at Stellenbosch University, is leading the charge in addressing this global challenge. With over thirty years of experience in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, Midgley offers a distinctive viewpoint. In this exclusive interview, he discusses his journey, the critical challenges we face today, and the transformative strategies that could pave the way for a more sustainable future.  Climate resilience links strongly to the evolutionary history of species, and the climate history of the ecosystems in which they function. A Lifelong Passion for Climate and Biodiversity Guy Midgley’s path into climate resilience and biodiversity conservation began with a childhood spent exploring the diverse ecosystems of southern Africa. “I was fortunate to grow up in the challenging 1960s and 70s, surrounded by the marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems of southern Africa,” he reflects. His parents’ enthusiasm for nature opened his eyes to the region’s rich biodiversity, showcasing its varied landscapes and unique plant and animal life. This early exposure ignited a curiosity about the natural world and its complex relationships with climate. A turning point occurred in his mid-teens when he came across a 1976 National Geographic article discussing long-term climate change. “The article fascinated me with its exploration of how climatic trends might develop, especially since it concluded with a question mark over whether the world was warming or cooling,” he shares. This initial encounter with the idea of climate variability and uncertainty kindled a passion for understanding climatic changes, and led to his decision to link climate change with his developing career in biodiversity science. We are busy warming the world out of a 2.6 million-year-old ice age. Shaping Sustainable Biodiversity Strategies Midgley’s research at Stellenbosch University’s School for Climate Studies has created an opportunity to delve more deeply into the connection between climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. He highlights the significance of grasping the evolutionary history of species alongside the climate history of ecosystems as a basis for effective biodiversity strategies. “Climate resilience is closely tied to the evolutionary history of species and the climate history of the ecosystems they inhabit,” he notes. Nevertheless, he warns against oversimplifying the link between biodiversity and ecological resilience. “While many believe that greater biodiversity naturally fosters greater ecological resilience, I suspect this is an overly simplistic view,” he states. Midgley points out the resilience found in low-diversity ecosystems and the thriving nature of invasive species as indications that the role of biodiversity in resilience is far more complex than commonly thought. “The joint examination of invasive species and climate change appears to me to be a powerful context for uncovering new challenges to what have become relatively established beliefs,” he adds. Addressing Pressing Climate-Related Challenges One of the most urgent issues we face today is the rapid change in global biodiversity driven by climate change. “We are busy warming the world out of a 2.6 million-year-old ice age,” Midgley points out. He emphasizes the fragility of ecosystems that rely on colder glacial climates and low CO₂ levels, such as coral reefs and species like penguins and polar bears, which may thus serve as early warning signs of climate impacts. “If we can protect them, these species will be crucial for future generations, especially when the world may eventually cool again,” he explains. Modern humanity itself depends on the kind of climate stability associated with a cooler, less energetic climate system, especially because the food production system is dependent on predictable climates and established geographic climate zones associated with agriculture. Midgley’s research is centered on highlighting how nature conservation strategies could take into account so-called “overshoot” climate scenarios, where temperatures rise towards and even above globally agreed targets before stabilizing and falling again, over what might be decades or longer. “What implications does this have for prioritizing conservation investments, particularly in terms of fairness for future generations?” he questions. This proactive perspective highlights the importance of long-term planning and investment in biodiversity conservation, and of attempting to energise the development of concrete adaptation planning to deal with a better defined future climate trajectory. Innovative Strategies for Climate Resilience At Stellenbosch University, Midgley is spearheading several innovative research projects aimed at boosting climate resilience. A primary focus will be to assess scenarios that simulate climate “overshoot” and its effects on adaptation planning. “If we are to overshoot, it will be essential to start simulating a more manageable set of scenarios,” he explains. This method facilitates more effective planning and decision-making amid climate uncertainty. Another groundbreaking initiative involves investigating the relationship between invasive species and climate change. “The potentially harmful interaction between these two major global change factors is wildly under-appreciated,” Midgley notes. By examining these dynamics, he seeks to formulate strategies that reduce the threats posed by invasive species in a changing climate. Midgley is also pushing for the establishment of integrated assessment modeling capabilities in southern Africa to assess new initiatives that will help to minimize the extent and duration of overshoot scenarios. These include the impacts of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) initiatives, that may have very significant implications at the landscape and seascape levels. “Southern Africa currently lacks the integrated assessment tools necessary to make informed political decisions regarding the value and risks of CDR initiatives that may affect the region,” he states. This effort is vital for ensuring that local contexts are taken into account in global climate solutions. Big data, AI, and technology-assisted synthesis and analysis are very likely to be game-changing. Collaboration for Meaningful Change Midgley highlights the critical role of collaboration among policymakers, businesses, and academic institutions in fostering meaningful change. He states, “By actively listening and learning from each sector, engaging with the outcomes projected by integrated assessment models, and working together to implement, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of the suggested responses,” this collaborative effort is vital for tackling the

Digital Version Future of Manufacturing: AI and Moussab Orabi’s Vision for Data-Driven Innovation The manufacturing industry is undergoing a seismic transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies. At the forefront of this evolution is Moussab Orabi, Principal Data and Analytics Strategist: AI & IoT at Rosenberger Group. With a deep passion for AI, Orabi has been instrumental in leading Rosenberger’s digital transformation, leveraging AI and IoT to enhance manufacturing efficiency, optimize decision-making, and drive innovation. A Journey Rooted in AI and Data Science Orabi’s fascination with patterns in nature, human behavior, and historical events led him to pursue a career in AI and data science. Transitioning from software engineering to making software smarter, he pursued a master’s in Big Data and Decision-Making Systems in 2015. Moving to Germany the same year, he joined Rosenberger as a Software Engineer, gradually shifting to a Data Scientist role. His commitment to AI culminated in a Ph.D. (2021–2024) specializing in process mining for anomaly detection. Since 2024, he has been leading Rosenberger’s AI and IoT strategy, ensuring the company remains at the cutting edge of manufacturing technology. At Rosenberger, we believe in ‘AI for All’—empowering every department with data-driven insights. AI and Data Analytics: Transforming Manufacturing AI and data analytics are set to revolutionize manufacturing, driving predictive maintenance, process optimization, and quality assurance. At Rosenberger, we see AI-powered automation, digital twins, and generative AI enhancing efficiency, minimizing downtime, and enabling real-time decision-making. Machine learning will refine supply chains with better forecasting and risk management, while AI-driven edge computing will improve speed and security. Sustainability will also benefit, with AI optimizing resource use and reducing carbon footprints. Rosenberger remains committed to leveraging these advancements to lead in manufacturing innovation. Optimizing Manufacturing with AI and Machine Learning Rosenberger’s Zero Defect Firewall strategy underscores the company’s commitment to quality, integrating AI and ML into process monitoring and quality inspection systems. Real-time anomaly detection using Transformer-based models and end-of-the-line inspection using YOLO-based deep learning ensures early defect identification. Predictive maintenance minimizes equipment failures, reducing downtime and operational costs. Furthermore, AI-driven statistical process control and Six Sigma methodologies streamline production, ensuring consistent quality. Rosenberger’s Generative AI-powered chatbot, Rosi, enhances data-driven decision-making across departments, further driving efficiency. The past mirrors the future if we make the right projections. Aligning AI with Rosenberger’s Core Values Ensuring that AI solutions align with Rosenberger’s core values—quality, efficiency, and sustainability—is paramount. A structured AI strategy integrates ethical AI principles, transparency, and stakeholder collaboration. AI governance frameworks maintain compliance and accountability, while continuous model refinement ensures alignment with business objectives. By embedding AI within its operations, Rosenberger continues to uphold its commitment to high-quality manufacturing. Data Security and AI-Driven Cybersecurity Data security and privacy are critical in today’s digital landscape. Rosenberger enforces a multi-layered data governance framework, adhering to GDPR, ISO/IEC 27001, and industry regulations. AI-powered monitoring tools identify and mitigate cybersecurity threats in real time, while federated learning minimizes data exposure risks. Powered by Microsoft Azure, Rosenberger’s modern data platform ensures enhanced security, scalability, and compliance. Overcoming AI Implementation Challenges Integrating AI into legacy manufacturing systems poses challenges, including infrastructure limitations, data quality issues, and organizational buy-in. Rosenberger addresses these by modernizing data pipelines in phases, deploying real-time data cleansing mechanisms, and engaging stakeholders through workshops and hands-on demonstrations. By fostering trust and illustrating AI’s impact, the company accelerates AI-driven transformation. AI is not just a tool; it’s a transformative force that aligns with our core values of quality and sustainability. Cultivating a Culture of AI-Driven Innovation Rosenberger embraces an “AI for All” philosophy, ensuring AI adoption is not confined to a single department. Key initiatives include AI workshops and hackathons, research partnerships with academic institutions, and Data & AI Centers of Excellence that foster knowledge-sharing and best practices. Continuous AI training and upskilling ensure that employees remain equipped to drive AI innovation. Success in AI depends on aligning data, technology, and people. Impactful AI Projects Driving Manufacturing Excellence Rosenberger has deployed over 17 AI-driven initiatives that significantly enhance efficiency and quality. Notable projects include: Deep Learning for Quality Inspection: YOLO-based defect detection models reduce manual inspection time and improve product quality. Anomaly Detection in Electroplating Processes: AI-powered real-time monitoring, leveraging Azure’s Anomaly Detector, minimizes defects. AI-Powered Process Mining: Machine learning models identify inefficiencies, streamlining workflows and boosting productivity. Collaborative Forecasting System: AI-driven demand planning optimizes supply chain efficiency and responsiveness. GenAI for Smart Product Information: Automating product data management improves accuracy and customer experience. The future of manufacturing lies in digital twins, generative AI, and the industrial metaverse. Advice for Manufacturers Embarking on AI Transformation For manufacturers beginning their AI journey, success hinges on three pillars: Data, Technology, and People. AI implementation should align with business needs, ensuring high-quality data governance. Organizations should adopt a phased approach—starting small, proving value, and scaling AI initiatives gradually. Building a data-driven culture through cross-functional collaboration and training ensures widespread AI adoption. Leveraging scalable cloud infrastructure and prioritizing ethical AI practices are also critical. Emerging AI Trends Shaping the Future of Manufacturing The future of manufacturing will be defined by AI-driven automation, digital twins, generative AI, and the industrial metaverse. Key technological advancements include: Digital Twins & AI Simulation: Enhancing predictive maintenance and operational efficiency. Industrial Metaverse & IoT Connectivity: Creating smart, interconnected factory environments. Combinatorial AI & AI Agents: Advancing autonomous decision-making and process automation. To stay ahead, Rosenberger is investing in scalable data infrastructure, expanding AI-driven automation, and developing AI-ready talent through continuous training and innovation initiatives. With AI, we’re not just making better products; we’re building a better future. Conclusion As manufacturing enters an AI-powered era, leaders like Moussab Orabi and Rosenberger Group are at the helm of this transformation. By leveraging AI and data analytics, they are setting new benchmarks in efficiency, quality, and innovation, ensuring that the future of manufacturing is both intelligent and sustainable.

Digital Version Jean-Christophe Lambert: Pioneering Sustainable Aviation with Ascendance In the dynamic realm of aerospace and aviation, few names shine as brightly as Jean-Christophe Lambert. As the visionary co-founder and CEO of Ascendance, Lambert has dedicated his life to exploring innovative possibilities within the aviation sector since his youth. After his involvement with the Airbus E-Fan project, he established Ascendance, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to transforming civil aviation. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Lambert discusses his insights on the future of aviation, the challenges of innovation, and how Ascendance is paving the way for a greener and more efficient future in air travel. The aviation industry is at a crossroads. We have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint while ensuring that air travel remains accessible and economical. The Genesis of Ascendance: A Vision for Sustainable Aviation   For Jean-Christophe Lambert, the drive to co-found Ascendance came from a deep love for aviation and an urgent need to tackle the industry’s environmental challenges. “The aviation industry is at a crossroads,” Lambert states. “We have a duty to lower our carbon footprint while keeping air travel affordable and within reach.”   Lambert’s involvement with Airbus’ E-Fan project, which centered on electric propulsion, marked a significant turning point in his career. While the project demonstrated the possibilities of electric aviation, it also revealed the drawbacks of fully electric solutions, especially regarding range, weight, and efficiency. This insight prompted Lambert to investigate hybrid-electric propulsion as a more feasible and immediate approach to decarbonizing air transport.   Ascendance emerged from this vision. The company’s leading technologies, the STERNA hybrid-electric propulsion system and the ATEA aircraft, aim to cut fuel consumption and emissions by up to 50% and 80%, respectively. “Our aim is not just to create new technologies,” Lambert stresses, “but to transform how people and goods are transported, making air travel more sustainable and accessible.” The Future of Aviation: Key Trends and Innovations The aviation industry is experiencing a major transformation, fueled by technological progress and a pressing need for sustainability. Lambert highlights several important trends that are set to reshape the industry in the near future. “Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are on the rise,” he points out, “with EU and UK airports mandated to achieve a 2% SAF blend by 2025. This is a vital step in reducing the industry’s carbon emissions.”  Hybrid-electric propulsion technology, as demonstrated by Ascendance’s STERNA system, is another significant development. “Our technology speeds up the use of SAF while overcoming the range limitations of battery-only options,” Lambert states. The emergence of Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, like Ascendance’s ATEA, is poised to transform regional air travel, creating new opportunities for passenger transport, medical services, and cargo delivery.  Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are also anticipated to significantly enhance efficiency in various areas of aviation operations, from flight planning to predictive maintenance. “Advancements in sustainable aircraft design, including aerodynamics, materials, and propulsion systems, will lead to more fuel-efficient planes,” Lambert adds. “These trends are guiding the aviation sector toward a more sustainable, efficient, and accessible future.” Our goal is not just to develop new technologies, but to reshape how people and goods move, making air travel more sustainable and accessible. Overcoming Challenges: The Path to Innovation   Developing groundbreaking aviation technologies comes with its share of obstacles. Lambert openly shares the difficulties Ascendance has encountered and how the company has navigated them. “The aviation industry is highly regulated, which means new technologies must go through extensive certification processes,” he explains. “To tackle this, we’ve made it a priority to engage with regulatory bodies early and frequently, ensuring our designs meet or exceed safety standards from the very beginning.”   Another major challenge has been the technical complexity involved. “Integrating hybrid-electric systems into aircraft is quite a challenge,” Lambert acknowledges. “We’ve tackled this by bringing together a team of seasoned aerospace engineers and nurturing a culture of innovation.” Infrastructure limitations, especially the scarcity of charging facilities at airports, have also created hurdles. Nevertheless, Ascendance’s hybrid approach with STERNA provides greater flexibility, allowing operations even at locations without charging infrastructure.   Transitioning from prototypes to large-scale manufacturing has presented its own set of challenges. “We’ve addressed this by collaborating with industry leaders like Capgemini and Daher to tap into their expertise in industrialization and scaling operations,” Lambert notes. “Convincing both the industry and the public of the feasibility of new aviation technologies can be tough. We’ve concentrated on showcasing the real benefits of our technology through thorough testing and clear communication of our advancements.” By 2030, we envision a future where hybrid-electric aircraft are commonplace, transforming regional air mobility and significantly reducing the industry’s environmental impact. Differentiating Ascendance in a Competitive Market In the expanding market of hybrid and electric aircraft, Ascendance distinguishes itself through several key factors. “Unlike many companies that concentrate solely on aircraft or propulsion systems, we develop both,” Lambert explains. “Our STERNA propulsion technology and ATEA aircraft are designed to work together seamlessly, enhancing performance and efficiency.” The modular and scalable design of the STERNA system allows for application across various aircraft sizes and types, positioning Ascendance to make an impact in multiple segments of the aviation market. “While many competitors are focused on long-term, fully electric solutions, our hybrid approach provides significant environmental benefits that can be realized quickly,” Lambert states. “This enables us to make an immediate impact.” Ascendance’s comprehensive sustainability strategy goes beyond merely reducing emissions. “We tackle fuel consumption, noise pollution, and aim to decrease operating costs,” Lambert points out. “Our strong industry partnerships, including those with Capgemini, Daher, and Delair, bolster our ability to scale and industrialize our innovations effectively.” Driving Widespread Adoption of Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Several key factors are set to drive the widespread adoption of hybrid-electric aircraft, and Ascendance is strategically positioned to take advantage of these trends. Lambert explains, “Environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, pushing the industry towards cleaner technologies. Our STERNA technology, which can significantly reduce emissions and fuel consumption, is well-suited to meet these evolving requirements.”  Economic viability will