When launched in 1999 and 2002, NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites were equipped with powerful Earth-observing instruments, including the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and have since recorded many changes to our home planet, such as volcanoes fuming, hurricanes flooding, and dam construction, according to NASA. Imagery captured by the satellites is all now available on NASA's Worldview online platform. [NASA]
New York City–based nonprofit Van Alen Institute has launched Climate Council, an exchange platform for architects, engineers, planners, landscape architects, researchers, and other "environmentally minded professionals," according to the institute's press release. The council will explore climate-related issues through investigative trips to destinations in North America that are experiencing or expecting major environmental changes. At those sites, the council will offer professional advice and share best practices. The council is co-chaired by Claire Weisz, FAIA, principal-in-charge at WXY Studio and landscape architect Mark Johnson, Assoc. AIA, president at Civitas. [ARCHITECT]
On June 6, Toronto-based nonprofit World Green Building Council launched its new Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, a challenge set for businesses worldwide to eliminate operational carbon emissions from their building portfolio by 2030, in order to adhere to the Paris Agreement's goal of maintaining global temperature rise below 2 C (3.6 F). The commitment requires building and construction industry to switch from fossil fuel–based power to renewables. [WorldGBC]
Former Autodesk CEO Carl Bass and former interim co-CEO Amar Hanspal have joined forces to establish an autonomous manufacturing startup called AutoLab AI, which has already raised $133 million, with an anticipated $200 million in total funding, according to Engineering.com. Per a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulatory filing, Hanspal will be president and CEO of the new venture with Bass serving as director. [ARCHITECT]
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has named the winners of its 16th annual CTBUH Awards, held May 30–31 at the Tall + Urban Innovation Conference in Chicago. Oasia Hotel Downtown by Singapore-based architectural practice WOHA received Best Tall Building Worldwide award. Nine other projects were recognized in individual categories. [CTBUH]
