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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

Digital Version Groundbreaking Sustainable Cities: Sepideh Azizi's Plan for Urban Resilience and Fairness Urban planning has begun to change as cities around the world face two big problems: fast city growth and climate change. Sepideh Azizi, who studies and teaches at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, leads this new direction. Azizi’s work aims to create sustainable cities. She connects research based on facts with real-life uses. This offers new ways to solve some of today’s biggest environmental and social issues. Sustainability isn’t just a concept—it’s a responsibility. Cities must be built for both resilience and fairness, ensuring no community is left behind. A Journey Grounded in Inquisitiveness and Toughness Sepideh Azizi’s path to sustainable urban planning started with keen interest in city operations and a wish to tackle the environmental issues she saw while growing up in Iran. “I witnessed how extreme heat, water scarcity, and other climate-related problems had an impact on communities,” she remembers. “This early exposure pushed me to study urban planning with a heavy emphasis on sustainability.” Her academic and work experience has led her through various settings, from examining urban heat islands in major U.S. cities to evaluating flood risks and farm changes in Iran. Now, her studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign center on climate toughness clean energy shifts, and disaster prevention. “I’m drawn to how data, policy, and social fairness connect,” she says. “This is where I find the most meaning and satisfaction in my work.” The Developments of Sustainability in Urban Planning No longer an ideal, but increasingly a necessity, Azizi adds that cities must heed the integration of sustainable planning to tackle climate change, improve environmental justice and bolster quality of life, all the while finding that actualisation of these objectives is fraught with hurdles.  “One of the major obstacles is that sustainability needs to be equitable,” she says. “More often than not, green things-carrying renewable energy projects or even urban greening-benefit wealthier areas and leave lower income communities behind.” She adds that strong, political and financial barriers generally slow down the adoption of those sustainable policy initiatives. “Many cities have developed these robust, ambitious climate goals, but then don’t have the funding or political will to implement them at scale,” she adds. But to actually deal with these kinds of challenges, Azizi has really taken it up a notch and made use of very cutting-edge technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and deep learning models. “These tools allow us to provide cities with data-driven insights that make sustainability planning more targeted and effective,” she says. Fair and just sustainability efforts will address climate change and make life more livable as well. Innovative Strategies for the Environmentally Friendly Cities Azizi keeps a very optimistic outlook on the future of sustainable cities by harnessing new technologies and nature-based solutions. “Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transformative forces,” she emphasizes. “They allow us to predict environmental hazards and optimize energy use and urban design all based on real-time data.”  She also indicates how GIS and remote sensing play a critical role in tracking changes in land use, pollution, and green cover. More than technology in urban sustainability, Azizi describes green roofs, pocket parks, and urban farms as nature-based solutions. “These methods not only make cities more resilient but also enhance the life of their inhabitants,” she adds.  Another area close to her heart is the transition to sustainable energy. Azizi is examining solar energy policy in Chicago, focusing on the equity and accessibility of renewable energy programs. “It’s important that the transition to clean energy benefits low-income and marginalized communities,” she states. Integrating Sustainability in Teaching and Research As a graduate research and teaching assistant Azizi applies the concepts of sustainability in her research and her teaching pursuits. The topics covered by her research include: from the study of urban heat island effects in a few U.S. cities such as Chicago, San Francisco and Phoenix, through research on drought severity and management of water resources in Iran. Currently, she heads a campus-wide survey on transportation at the University of Illinois to assess preference for modes of travel alongside issues of spatial justice. “Indeed, this research is critical in understanding how we can make mobility more sustainable and equitable,” she adds. Azizi also insists on data-driven and critical-thinking techniques in her teaching. “In my GIS for Planners course, I introduce students to spatial analysis techniques and their applications in urban sustainability mapping,” she says. “These are the skills needed to ensure the next generation of urban planners is prepared to confront looming challenges in sustainability.”  Geared to Students for Careers in Sustainable Urban Planning  She asserts that to be successful, one needs to blend technicalities and the art of creative problem-solving. With this, she says, “I stress GIS and spatial analysis, data-driven decision making and critical thinking” in my classroom. In teaching the students to understand how to evaluate real urban issues and demonstrate what they have learned in developing sustainable solutions, she engages them in real hands-on class projects that have them do census data extraction, demographic mapping, and site design to allow for their learnings to be evaluated in practice.  She familiarized students with the major urban planning paradigms today such as Smart Growth and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). “These frameworks spawn holistic avenues for sustainability,” she explains. “They prepare students to understand how to make cities not only environmentally friendly, but also socially and economically vibrant.” Collaboration Between Academia and Industry She stresses that academia and industry must work together toward the larger goal of sustainable urban development. “Universities provide data-driven insights, policy analysis, and emerging technologies, and the industry provides resources, infrastructure, and scalability,” she says.  An interesting aspect of collaborations is living labs, pilot projects, and public-private partnerships. “These initiatives allow us to test and refine sustainable urban solutions in real-world settings,” she says. Internships, collaborative research initiatives, and advisory boards also allow students and faculty to directly grapple with industry challenges, fostering innovation and workforce