6,273 km and 71 hours later, Bertrand Piccard lands in Sevilla, Spain. Piccard has been flying from New York City in a solar aircraft, completely emission-free, without the use of a single drop of fuel. This pioneering initiative is the 15th leg of the Round-the-World Solar Flight attempt by Solar Impulse, who want to "demonstrate that clean technologies can achieve impossible goals".

After crossing the Pacific and the Atlantic, this accomplishment means that 90% of the around-the-world flight mission has been completed by Piccard and his partner, André Borschberg.

Bertrand Piccard celebrates at Sevilla airport after a 70-hour journey from New York. Photo Credit: Solar Impulse

“This flight symbolized the step from the old world to the new world; our future is clean and it starts now,” emphasized Bertrand Piccard stepping out of the cockpit.

With a cruising speed of around 43 miles per hour, similar to an average car, Solar Impulse 2 has more than 17,000 solar cells built into wings with a span bigger than that of a Boeing 747. The two environmental adventurers predict to finish the Round-the-World Solar Flight with three more flights, concluding the trip in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Solar Impulse has landed in Spain. Photo Credit: Solar Impulse

"Success will be measured by the number of kilometers we've accomplished, but most of all by the number of people we will have inspired to follow their dreams and make the world a better place", they say.

Their flight ahs already covered 15 cities, almost 36,000 km and zero carbon emissions.

Sustainia launches the 2016 Sustainia100 publication. This year’s edition contains 100 solutions from all over the world that provide social, financial and environmental returns, whilst also addressing the Sustainable Development Goals. We believe these 100 solutions can help us build the world of tomorrow.

This is the fifth year of the Sustainia100. More than ever before, our research confirms that there are countless companies and organizations using new mindsets and innovative thinking to deliver on everything from good health and affordable and clean energy, to improved infrastructure and sustainable urban development.

What’s different this time around?

• More people than ever before are aware of the case for sustainability, thanks to the unifying call of the Sustainable Development Goals. A sustainable future feels inclusive, desirable and possible – if we meet the global goals, and leave no one behind. The Sustainia100 maps each of the solutions against the global goals, to show where the opportunities sit.
• More people than ever before are acting on sustainability, thanks to the leadership behind the UNFCCC. At the end of 2015, 195 countries adopted the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal. The Sustainia100 reveals where in the world people are acting on sustainability, as global markets become primed for investment and innovation.

The Sustainia100 provides an accessible format to explore the solutions – just like a sustainable future, there is something for everyone.

Make the Sustainia100 your first stop for sustainable action, and help us build the world of tomorrow – starting today. Head to www.sustainia.me to find out more. 

You can read and download the complete Press Release here.

The illegal trade in wildlife is driving species to the brink of extinction while posing environmental, economic, development and security risks. But we can reverse this trend. Countries around the world, the United Nations, many other international and national organizations, businesses, governments and key opinion leaders are all working together to raise awareness, enact and enforce stronger laws, and step up support to local communities’ efforts to stop the illegal trade in wildlife. Connect4Climate is joining the UNEP's campaign to raise awareness and tackle the illegal trade in wildlife, so let's go #WildforLife.