While most photographers put their cameras away when the night’s dark curtain falls, Zhang Fan gathers his equipment and starts his blackwater diving adventure.

Blackwater diving involves photographing small, free-floating ocean creatures that move up to the ocean’s surface after dark or in any area where there is seemingly no bottom.

Still quite new in China, blackwater diving dates back to the early 1980s in Hawaii, the US. The process generally requires the photographer to hang lights about every five meters down from a buoy (浮标), letting it drift in deep waters to attract his subjects.

“The experience is amazing. Diving into the depths of the ocean makes me feel like I’m floating in infinite space with luminous (发光的) ocean creatures shining like stars,” Zhang told China Daily.

From small eel larva to big, fierce great white sharks, from charming sea turtles to glowing jellyfish, each of Zhang’s underwater photographs has a “wow” factor. But the story behind each photo adds more emotional value to the work itself.

“It is like meeting an old neighbor,” the 35-year-old photographer recalled, speaking of the touching moment when he returned to a location after a long time only to see the fish he previously photographed still there.

While the underwater world may seem fascinating, it’s not always a fairy tale.

Zhang said that he encountered many dangerous moments underwater, including being hit by a sperm whale, experiencing a volcanic eruption and the use of dynamite (炸药) by fishing boats.

But what fascinated him most is that he can witness big and small changes in the ocean and what these changes can tell him about nature.

“Corals are among the first indicators of climate change. With the rise in temperature, corals have experienced a process called ‘bleaching (漂白)’, during which they lose their color and are dying. It is heartbreaking,” he explained.

This risky but charming art has helped Zhang attract loads of fans. His Sina Weibo account has more than 430,000 followers. He hopes that his photos and videos can act as a wake-up call to protect our oceans.

“I hope to raise awareness on ocean conservation and protection and that more people can enjoy the beauty of the ocean,” Zhang told China Daily.

People feel good about recycling, maybe even more so when it comes to electronics. While electronics recycling isn't bad, making it a panacea(万能药) for the e-waste problem we currently have certainly is. Unfortunately, that's how we think of recycling — and companies to jump on that trend to appear more “green”.

A case in point: Apple. In 2016, there was lots of report on Liam, a robot able to dismantle(拆卸) an iPhone in just 11 seconds — a good way to recycle 1.2 million units a year. That sounds amazing until you take into account the fact that Apple had actually sold 231 million new iPhones the year before. Liam, actually, is the perfect symbol for recycling in the field of high-tech: a drop of green water in an ocean of pollution.

According to a recent UN report, the US produces about 6.3 million tons or 14% of the world's electronic waste. Worldwide, almost 45 million tons of electronic waste were produced in 2016. Among them, only 20% had been recycled in some shape or form. The remaining 80% made its way to a more environmentally damaging end at the landfill(垃圾填埋场).

Of course, we can say it's time to double our recycling efforts. However, the huge amount of e-waste is impossible to cope with. The UN report points out that while there is an increased focus on recycling today compared to the past, the effort to reuse used devices simply can't keep pace with the high consumption rates for new devices.

In their environmental responsibility report, Apple admits that 77% of the carbon footprint of their electronics comes from their manufacture, versus(相对于) 17% comes from its actual use. The environmental effect of replacing a device, even if it is recycled after, remains significant.

XZERO, “World’s Most Walkable City” Will Be Built in Kuwait

Do you fancy giving up your car for good, but are worried you won’t be able to get around? Plans have been released for the “world’s most walkable city”.

Dubbed XZERO, the planned sustainable community in Kuwait would provide a net zero carbon lifestyle for 100, 000 residents, in balance with nature. All facilities and homes will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and will recycle all their water with smart water system.

UAE-based designers URB say the city will provide food and energy security while promoting a green circular economy. The estimated cost of the project is £13 billion, and URB are aiming to start construction in 2024, to complete by 2034.

The central area is surrounded by a series of “hubs” (枢纽) , each dedicated to education, entertainment and medical facilities. The hubs will reduce the walking distances required of residents, while the homes are densely spaced to promote a connected community. The green-tech hub will promote a collaborative innovative environment in food, energy, water and water tech. The medical hub will feature an autism (自闭症) village, wellness center and clinics. The educational hub will feature a nursery, school and an institute, while the commercial hub will include indoor mall and flexible office space. The green landscape is designed with engineered natural areas to provide a variation of habitats for wildlife as well as rain water harvesting, mitigating (和缓的) flooding, better air quality and cleaner water. The 1, 600 hectare development will provide 30, 000 residential units, as well as 30, 000 green jobs. These jobs will be created in the various hubs.

“The creation of sustainable cities that follow the highest standards of living with lowest impact on the environment is no longer a choice, it has become a necessity,” Baharsh Bagherian, the CEO of URB, said, “The heart of XZERO is the unique resilient (弹性的) landscape, which is multifunctional and designed to promote health, wellbeing and biodiversity.”

XZERO will promote sustainable tourism through its various eco-friendly hospitality assets, including a 5-star eco resort and eco lodges. “Edutainment” (寓教于乐型) facilities such as the utility park and nature conservation center are expected to transform the city into a unique visitor attraction.