APRIL 30 — The cement industry is seen as a prime candidate for circularity due to a powerful convergence of scale, necessity, and unique technical opportunity. As a top global emitter of CO2 and a huge consumer of raw materials (like limestone) and energy, the industry is under intense pressure to reform. Circularity offers a pathway to drastically reduce its virgin resource use and carbon footprint. The chemical process and high-temperature kilns can use waste from other sectors as both fuel and raw material. This includes: non-recyclable plastics, waste oils, tires, and biomass can replace fossil fuels like coal.

Industrial by-products like fly ash (from coal power) and slag (from steel production) can replace a portion of energy-intensive clinker, the main cement component.

Demolished concrete can be crushed and used as recycled aggregate in new concrete or as a raw material feedstock in the kiln. In short, the industry’s scale creates a vast demand for resources that can be met with society’s waste streams, turning a linear problem into a circular solution.

A recent study by researchers from Strathmore University and Imperial College London, published in Circular Economy and Sustainability, has put a mirror to one of the world’s most polluting industries. The systematic review, “Circular Economy in the Cement Industry: a Systematic Review of Sustainability Assessment and Justice Considerations,” reveals a troubling gap. While the cement sector is enthusiastically adopting circular economy (CE) tactics – like using industrial waste as fuel or recycled construction materials – its vision of “sustainability” remains narrow, often overlooking the very communities it impacts.

The findings suggest that the industry’s CE transition is currently being measured with a flawed ruler. Metrics overwhelmingly favor environmental and technical efficiencies: reductions in clinker content, lower CO2 emissions per ton, percentage of alternative fuels used. These are critical, but they form a “top-down” narrative of progress. What’s missing from the ledger? The social ledger. The review highlights a stark absence of justice considerations – distributive, procedural, and recognitional – in mainstream sustainability assessments.

In practice, this means the benefits and burdens of this industrial transformation are not being justly shared. Distributive justice asks: who gains from cost savings and new green markets? Who breathes the air near a plant using waste-derived fuels? The research indicates that local communities are rarely the primary beneficiaries of the economic gains, yet they may bear disproportionate environmental risks.

Procedural justice asks: are these communities meaningfully consulted about the waste streams being imported into their backyards for “co-processing”? The answer, according to the patterns in the reviewed literature, is usually no. Their voices are absent from the planning table. Finally, recognitional justice asks: are the unique histories, rights, and knowledge of local populations acknowledged and respected? The industry’s technocratic CE discourse often overlooks this entirely.

This creates a dangerous paradox. An industry responsible for around more than 8% of global CO2 emissions is innovating to close its material loops, yet in doing so, it risks creating new social fractures. A cement plant may boast a lower carbon footprint by switching to refuse-derived fuel, but if that fuel’s sourcing and combustion impacts the health and well-being of a neighboring community without their consent, can we truly call it “sustainable development”?

The study argues convincingly that we cannot. The authors call for a fundamental reframing. They propose integrating community-centric indicators into core sustainability assessments. Imagine a CE performance dashboard that tracks not only gigajoules saved but also the number of community co-design meetings held, the proportion of local employment generated from new circular value chains, or health outcome baselines monitored in partnership with local clinics.

A cement plant operates alongside nearby residential areas, highlighting the growing debate over whether the industry’s shift toward circular economy practices is delivering environmental gains while also ensuring social justice for surrounding communities. — Unsplash pic

The imperative is clear. The cement industry’s journey toward circularity is necessary and welcome. But without a deliberate, assessed, and embedded commitment to justice, it builds on an unstable foundation. It risks being a circular economy for the few, perceived as greenwashing by the many who live with its consequences. True sustainability is tripartite: environmental integrity, economic viability, and social equity. The kilns of the future must fire all three.

The research from Onsongo, Olukuru, and Mwabonje is a timely blueprint. It shows that the hard part of the cement industry’s green transition isn’t just the chemistry of low-carbon clinker or the logistics of waste supply chains. The hard part is the sociology. It’s about building inclusive processes, sharing prosperity, and recognizing that a circular economy, in the end, must serve people – not just planetary boundaries.

The industry has the engineering prowess to reinvent itself; now it must cultivate the moral and social vision to ensure that reinvention leaves no community behind.

* The author is affiliated with the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies at UCSI University and is an Adjunct Professor at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. He can be reached at ahmadibrahim@ucsiuniversity.edu.my.

** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.

PM chairs Cobra meeting after condemning ‘appalling antisemitic attack’; man with ‘history of serious violence and mental health issues’ arrested

Specialist officers from Counter Terrorism Policing are leading the investigation and working with police to establish the full circumstances and any links to terrorism, the Met said in a statement.

Head of counter terrorism policing Laurence Taylor said:

Whilst I must stress this investigation is at an early stage, we are working quickly to understand exactly what happened.

Thank you to those who were in the area at the time and supported the response to this terrible incident.

Our thoughts are with the victims of this horrific attack. We are grateful to officers who swiftly Tasered and arrested the suspect before he could cause further harm.

We are aware of the significant distress and concern this incident is likely to cause in the face of a number of incidents in the local area. A suspect is in custody, and investigators are considering all possible motives.

An investigation is under way and a man has been arrested following a stabbing incident in Barnet.

At 11:16hrs on Wednesday 29 April, officers responded following reports of people stabbed in Highfield Avenue.

Exclusive: 839,000 homes in urban areas face threat of surface-water flooding, with social housing tenants most vulnerable to costs

Eight in 10 of the homes that are at high risk of flooding in England are now in towns and cities, according to analysis by the National Housing Federation (NHF), which said social housing tenants are disproportionately vulnerable to the financial cost.

Research found that 839,000 homes in urban areas are now classed as being at high risk of surface water flooding, a threefold increase since 2018.

LONDON, April 29 — Pop star Billie Eilish joined forces with famed filmmaker James Cameron to bring her “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour to the big screen.

Released theatrically by Paramount Pictures on May 8, Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) is co-directed by the multi-Grammy winner, 24, and the Avatar and Titanic filmmaker, 71.

Shot mainly during the Manchester leg of the musician’s 2024-25 world tour, the film combines Eilish’s hit-packed performance with intimate and reflective moments off the stage.

Cameron reached out with an “idea ready to go”, said Eilish, premiering the film in London today, and getting to work with him was “a complete dream”.

“This is my favourite show that I’ve ever created and favourite tour I’ve ever been on. And the fact that it’s going to be captured forever, and it’s also in 3D so everyone that didn’t get to see it can live it... I’m just so grateful,” she said.

Cameras, at times operated by Cameron, capture Eilish as she prepares to take the stage, warming up her voice, getting her ankles taped and applying her make-up. In calmer moments, buoyed by the director, she opens up about the origins and the motivations of her performance style and attire.

“It gets more into her heart and her mind and her kind of creative soul and into her relationship with the fans and what it means to them,” said Cameron. “I find it quite heartfelt, in addition to the music and the show being great,” he said.

The candid behind-the-scenes moments were Cameron’s idea, Eilish said.

“I wasn’t originally going to do that,” she said. “He was like, ‘People want to see it’ and I’m now really, really glad that is part of the movie and I’m excited for people to see it.”

The performance is brought to life with 17 cameras, said Cameron, many placed in the audience and catching raw emotions.

This is Eilish’s second concert film and follows successful tour movies by superstars Taylor Swift and Beyonce, which topped the box office and gave a boost to cinemas.

“I think people like that communal experience. I think Billie’s fans like to go together, it creates not only a bond with Billie, but a bond with each other,” said Cameron.

“They feel like it’s a shared emotional experience. I’d be surprised if they don’t sing back.” — Reuters

LONDON, April 27 — European champions Arsenal capitalised on two terrible defensive blunders by Lyon on Sunday to come from behind and win the first leg of their Women’s Champions League semi-final 2-1.

The French league leaders went ahead in the 18th minute at the Emirates Stadium when Jule Brand scored with the visitors’ only shot on target in the first half.

But the Gunners rallied afer the break and levelled courtesy of an own goal from Ingrid Engen after goalkeeper Christiane Endler failed to gather the ball.

They took the lead when Olivia Smith took advantage of another mix-up at the back late in the game.

The two sides met at the same stage of the competition last season, with Arsenal winning 5-3 on aggregate before going on to lift the trophy with victory over Barcelona in the final.

Lyon drew first blood on Sunday when Brand surged forward and cut inside before beating Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar with a confident finish.

The home side thought they had been offered a way back into the game when they were awarded a penalty five minutes into the second half but the decision was overturned after a VAR check.

However, Arsenal were level in the 58th minute when Mariona Caldentey’s low free-kick somehow made its way into the net.

Lyon’s Endler mishandled the ball as Arsenal forward Stina Blackstenius darted into the six-yard box and the unfortunate Engen touched it into her own goal.

Kadidiatou Diani rattled the crossbar as the French team threatened to re-take the lead but it was Arsenal who scored again.

Endler and Engen collided after a moment of miscommunication and Smith collected the loose ball to slot into an empty net in the 83rd minute.

Arsenal boss Renee Slegers warned her team still had work to do.

“It’s only half-time but if you look at the game, a lot of bits played out how we wanted it,” she told the BBC.

“There was a phase in the first half where we wanted more aggression in our press and I think we had some great solutions at half-time.”

Lyon forward Ada Hegerberg described the goals her team conceded as “brutal”.

“You know in sports you get punished, but we stick together,” she said. “We have to accept it but find ways to move on.

“It’s important to take a step back and keep perspective.”

The second leg takes place in Lyon next weekend.

Bayern and Barcelona drew 1-1 in the other semi-final on Saturday. — AFP

• Men’s and women’s-only world records fall

• Organisers hope record number will finish by midnight

The London Marathon’s organisers have hailed the “greatest day” in the event’s 45-year history after huge crowds watched Sabastian Sawe become the first man to shatter the two-hour barrier in an official race, and a world record tally of more than 60,000 runners started the event.

By 6.30pm on Sunday evening, organisers were also hopeful of breaking the record number of 59,226 finishers, set by the New York Marathon last year, although they said it could go right down to the deadline of 11:59pm.

Staff are handing over sandwiches from behind a theft-proof counter as the high street fights back

Greggs has axed self-service display cabinets in bakery stores that have been most severely hit by shoplifters.

The move is the latest aimed at combating a problem plaguing the high street. Last year official figures revealed annual shoplifting offences in England and Wales had passed half a million offences for the first time, and since then many retailers have reported high levels of crime in their shops.

LONDON, April 26 — Britain's parliament this week approved a bill to ban those aged 17 and under from ever legally buying tobacco products during their lifetime.

A first in Europe, the UK will be only the second country in the world to implement such a measure. Here are five things to know about the new landmark UK law.

What does it stipulate? 

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill legally bars anyone born on or after January 1, 2009 from buying cigarettes and other tobacco products in the UK, even after they become adults.

It hands the government new powers to restrict the flavours and packaging of vapes and bans vaping in places where smoking is already banned, which is extended to children's playgrounds and areas near schools.

Often containing nicotine, these products are popular among young people, partly due to the array of flavours and brightly coloured packaging on offer, according to critics.

The government last June banned the sale of disposable vapes, which were cheap and also similarly marketed, while the new bill bans the advertising and sponsorship of all vapes and other nicotine products.

Why make the changes? 

In 2024, the UK had around 5.3 million adult smokers, nearly 10 percent of the population, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Those aged 25-34 made up the highest proportion, the agency's figures showed.

Although the number of smokers is at its lowest level in more than a decade, the habit remains the leading cause of preventable deaths in Britain, with 80,000 annually according to the government.

A YouGov poll last year for the health charity Action on Smoking and Health found more than two-thirds of Britons support the so-called generational ban on tobacco sales.

The charity's chief executive Hazel Cheeseman called the move "really symbolically important" because it signals the aim "to phase out the legal sale of tobacco over the lifetime of somebody who's currently 17".

"And that's a kind of shift in mindset."

Cheeseman conceded it likely will not completely eliminate smoking among the cohort in the future, but expects it to "substantially decrease" rates.

When will it come into force? 

The law will apply once the bill agreed by parliament earlier this week gets royal assent imminently.

The new rules will then take effect on different dates, some of which are still subject to consultation.

The ban on sales to young people born after 2008 will begin on January 1, 2027, the year in which they turn 18 and become adults.

Thereafter, the legal minimum age to buy tobacco will be raised annually by one year, first to 19 years old, then 20 and so on.

Christine Methnani, 66, a nurse in northern England, welcomed the law.

"Teenagers will never start to smoke" after facing peer pressure, she told AFP.

"I see a lot of people who come into the surgery trying to give up smoking, but it's because they've been pressured into it as young teenagers."

How will it be enforced? 

Smokers themselves will not be penalised. But any retailer who sells tobacco or related products, such as rolling papers, to a person born after 2008 will be liable for a fixed fine of £200 (RM1,073).

Some opponents of the law have warned it risks creating a black market.

"Similar claims were made about previous tobacco control measures and were proven wrong," countered Alizee Froguel, policy manager at Cancer Research UK.

"It's a common argument by the industry, but time and time again, that hasn't happened," she told AFP.

But Froguel acknowledged it was "likely" the industry would mount a legal challenge, noting it has "done that for the previous landmark laws on smoking in the past".

What about globally? 

According to the British government, the UK will be the second country in the world to implement a generational ban, after the Maldives.

The archipelago of 500,000 inhabitants in November banned the sale of tobacco to young people born after January 1, 2007.

In France, Green lawmaker Nicolas Thierry has introduced a cross?party bill to ban the sale of tobacco to anyone born after 2014.

Similar proposals have been put forward in the US states of Hawaii and Indiana.

New Zealand had been a pioneer, adopting plans for a ban for anyone born after 2008, but the centre-right National Party dropped the measure when it took power in 2023, before the ban had been implemented. — AFP

LONDON, April 26 — Tottenham Hotspur will assess the fitness of Dominic Solanke ‌and Xavi Simons after both were forced off in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers, a ‌blow for manager Roberto De Zerbi as his side battle relegation.

Solanke was substituted in the 40th minute with a muscular problem, while Simons was replaced in the 63rd minute after suffering a knee issue. Despite the setbacks, the 82nd-minute winner from Joao Palhinha secured Tottenham’s first league victory in 16 matches at ‌Molineux. Spurs remained 18th in the standings ⁠with 34 points from ⁠34 games, two points from ⁠safety.

“Solanke has a muscular ⁠injury. I ⁠don’t know what level of injury, and for Xavi it’s a problem of the ⁠knee, and we’re going to see in the next days, Monday or Tuesday,” De Zerbi told reporters.

“For Solanke, it’s not a big problem. I don’t know how many games ⁠we lose him, but I would like to know the real situation of Xavi, because ⁠the knee is always different than the muscular ⁠injury.”

Tottenham, ⁠who are facing the prospect of their first relegation from top-flight football since 1977, have four games ‌remaining and next travel to Aston Villa on Sunday. — Reuters

Pair, believed to be mother and son, recovered from water but died at scene in Elthorne Park, Ealing

A woman and her young child have died after getting into “difficulty” in the water at a park in west London, police said.

Officers were called to Elthorne Park in Ealing just before 4.30pm on Saturday, where a woman and her son were recovered from the water, the Metropolitan police said.