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Antarctica's floating ice shelves have lost enough water in 25 years to fill the Grand Canyon Although there is variation across the continent, overall the ice is melting faster than it is being replaced
Ontario Yours to Protect! – Zombie quarry stalks Burlington’s Escarpment The Ontario government’s gutting of protection for endangered species and changes to planning legislation that will lead to more sprawl has also given new...Read More The post Ontario Yours to Protect! – Zombie quarry stalks Burlington’s Escarpment appeared first on Environmental Defence.
Stronger Rains in Warmer Climate Could Lessen Heat Damage to Crops, Says Study Intensified rainstorms predicted for many areas in the United States as climate warms could more efficiently water some major crops, which would at least partially offset projected yield declines caused by rising heat itself.
Climate crisis: Amazon deforestation up by a third, sparking calls for urgent action to tackle logging and fires UK should legally require companies to cut deforestation from supply chains, WWF saysFerroelectric nematic appears in a liquid crystal - Physics World First observation of an elusive phase of matter made after a century of searching The post Ferroelectric nematic appears in a liquid crystal appeared first on Physics World.
Parliament pays tribute to South African women Parliament’s Presiding Officers led by the Speaker of the National Assembly Ms Thandi Modise and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Mr Amos Masondo, join the nation in paying tribute to the courageous and resilient women towards ensuring a free, fair and non-sexist South Africa. It was on this historic day, 64 years […]
Post-Pandemic Globalization Authoritarian and nationalistic forces may be seizing on COVID-19 as an opportunity to restrict people and businesses to stay within their borders, but in the long run, the force of technology, economic development and human curiosity will not be contained.
Belgian green parties introduce bill to make ecocide a crime The Belgian Ecolo-Groen (Eco-Green) parties have been quick to seize the moment to propose establishing the crime of ‘Ecocide” in Belgium and in the wider international community, following French president Emmanuel Macron’s recent statement in support of a crime of ecocide. Belgian eco-green parties, in consultation with French legal expert and Stop Ecocide associate Valérie […]
Minke whales filmed breaching off coast of Yorkshire in 'wonderful spectacle' Group of whales were feeding less than half a kilometre from coast
Sponsored content: Water firm extends penstock range Water firm Glenfield Invicta offers perspective on specifying penstocks, and its own product offering In isolation, a penstock is a simple sluice or gate that controls the flow of fluids in open environments. In reality, as any water engineer will tell you, specifying, building and installing an effective penstock is a challenging exercise. Imagine for […]
Climate crisis: Cod could disappear from British menus due to global warming Diners may have to adapt diets to eat fish species which thrive in warmer waters
Rise in endangered dolphins, turtles, sharks and rays drowning in Australia's killer shark nets 'The death of just one grey nurse shark on the east coast is significant because the species is so endangered,' says conservationist
Terreform ONE’s plans to upend cities and suburbs in a post-pandemic world Terreform ONE’s plans to upend cities and suburbs in a post-pandemic world Joel Makower Mon, 08/10/2020 - 02:11 And now for some serious fun. Last week, I had the opportunity to facilitate an online conversation with Terreform ONE, a Brooklyn, New York-based nonprofit architecture and urban design research group whose humble mission is “to combat the extinction of planetary species through pioneering acts of design.” It was a refreshing jolt of inspiration and hopefulness during this otherwise dreary moment. The conversation was hosted by the San Francisco-based Museum of Craft and Design, which recently housed an exhibition titled “Survival Architecture and the Art…Affordable medical physics technologies tackle global health disparities - Physics World A dedicated symposium at the Joint AAPM|COMP Virtual Meeting examined a range of novel low-cost healthcare systems The post Affordable medical physics technologies tackle global health disparities appeared first on Physics World.
How sustainability vets align their work-life identities How sustainability vets align their work-life identities Ellen Weinreb Mon, 08/10/2020 - 01:00 As our professional colleagues in the Sustainability Veterans group expressed their sense of overwhelm and concern around the coronavirus pandemic and Black Lives Matter, we also reflected on how it relates to our lives, and vice versa. Sustainability Veterans is a group of professionals who have had leadership roles in corporate sustainability. We are now exploring new ways to further engage and make a difference by bringing together our collective intellectual, experiential, emotional and social capital — independent from any individual company — to help the next…
Does your state want to cut carbon emissions? These old laws could be standing in the way. Outdated policies that favor fossil fuels could thwart states' climate goals.
Parks combat summer heat. But not everyone has equal access. A new study finds that parks in nonwhite, low-income communities are smaller and more crowded.
Is the carbon tax dead? Not yet, says this senator. Dick Durbin, the second-highest ranking Democratic senator, introduced a new carbon pricing bill on Friday.Simple, routine QA enhances contrast-enhanced mammography - Physics World Quality-assurance specialist CIRS has teamed up with GE Healthcare to commercialize an easy-to-use breast-equivalent phantom for contrast-enhanced spectral mammography The post Simple, routine QA enhances contrast-enhanced mammography appeared first on Physics World.
In climate politics, she doesn’t see red or blue — only green As the leader of Conservation Voters for Idaho, Rialin Flores knows a thing or two about mobilizing voters of all stripes.
Investors say agroforestry isn’t just climate friendly — it’s profitable Investors say agroforestry isn’t just climate friendly — it’s profitable Stephanie Hanes Mon, 08/10/2020 - 00:15 This story originally appeared in Mongabay and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalistic collaboration to strengthen coverage of the climate story. In the latter part of 2016, Ethan Steinberg and two of his friends planned a driving tour across the United States to interview farmers. Their goal was to solve a riddle that had been bothering each of them for some time. Why was it, they wondered, that American agriculture basically ignored trees? This was no esoteric inquiry.…
rePurpose rePurpose saracefalu2 Sun, 08/09/2020 - 14:59 rePurpose Global is a movement of conscious consumers & businesses going Plastic Neutral by financing the removal of ocean-bound plastic worldwide. We are here to reinvent the wheel of the world’s resource economy - one where our duty to protect the planet is ethically shared among manufacturers, consumers, and recycler Sponsor Website https://repurpose.global/
Business leaders urge PM to invest ‘sustainably’ for COVID-19 recovery Finance and industry heavyweights including the big banks and major corporations are urging Australia’s conservative Liberal-National federal government to invest in health, education, clean energy and urban infrastructure to help the economy recover from the coronavirus pandemic. A letter with 48 signatories was sent to the Prime Minister Scott Morison today calling for “sustainable investments” […]
Report shows problems plagued US CO2 capture project before shutdown According to a report submitted by the project’s owners to the United States Department of Energy a US$1 billion project to harness carbon dioxide emissions from a Texas coal plant suffered chronic mechanical problems and routinely missed its targets before it was shut down this year. The Petra Nova plant’s performance was seen as a […]
COVID-19 canceled mass protests. Here’s what youth climate activists are doing instead. Phone banks, social media, and friend-to-friend campaigning are the new focus ahead of this year’s U.S. elections.
Snopes' Alex Kasprak Makes 17 False And Misleading Claims About Apocalypse Never and Misrepresents the Best-available Science Activist journalist Alex Kasprak makes 17 false or misleading claims about Apocalypse Never and mispresents the best-available science. Kasprak either didn’t read Apocalypse Never, didn’t understand it, or chose to deliberately misrepresent it.
Celery-brating summer’s bounty How food can unite, delight, and empower.
The election could ultimately decide the Dakota Access Pipeline’s fate The controversial oil route once again fended off an order to shut down — for now.
Your favourite takeout meal may be packaged with toxic PFAS chemicalsNew testing conducted by an independent lab and commissioned by the Mind the Store Campaign, Safer Chemicals Healthy Families and Toxic Free Future found...Read More The post Your favourite takeout meal may be packaged with toxic PFAS chemicals appeared first on Environmental Defence.
Indigenous forest defenders turn to high-tech tools to protect Amazon and its iconic jaguarWe are protecting wildlife at risk from poachers due to the conservation funding crisis caused by Covid-19. Help is desperately needed to support wildlife rangers, local communities and law enforcement personnel to prevent wildlife crime. Donate to help Stop the Illegal Wildlife Trade here
Life After Coal: The Decline and Rise of West Virginia Coal CountryAreas formerly reliant on fossil fuel extraction can reinvent themselves and remain relevant in a decarbonizing economy. West Virginia shows that ignoring the need for that transition for too long results in unnecessary pain.
Total implosion in the tar sandsLast week, French energy giant Total, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, announced that it has withdrawn from the Canadian Association...Read More The post Total implosion in the tar sands appeared first on Environmental Defence.
Father-daughter team details the effects of COVID lockdown on warmingWe'd need a yearly quarantine to get emissions down enough to limit global warming.
Climate crisis: Bold green policies from world governments 'could halve temperature rises expected by 2050'Post-pandemic stimulus could mean the difference between climate 'success and failure'
The world is drowning in used face masks. Should we turn them into fuel?For unavoidable plastic waste, there are no good options.
Earth911 Inspiration: Don’t Just Look at Nature, Live With HerToday’s quote is from Irish poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde: ... The post Earth911 Inspiration: Don’t Just Look at Nature, Live With Her appeared first on Earth 911.
NOAA is crowdsourcing a national urban heat map80 community scientists will hit the streets on Friday to measure temperatures across 300 square miles in 13 cities.
Planting tiny urban forests can boost biodiversity and fight climate changePlanting tiny urban forests can boost biodiversity and fight climate change Alex Thornton Fri, 08/07/2020 - 00:30 How much space do you think you need to grow a forest? If your answer is bigger than a couple of tennis courts, think again. Miniature forests are springing up on patches of land in urban areas around the world, often planted by local community groups using a method inspired by Japanese temples. The idea is simple — take brownfield sites, plant them densely with a wide variety of native seedlings and let them grow with minimal intervention. The result, according to the method’s proponents,…
The government has changed gear on transport policy, now it’s time for more clean air zonesThe way we travel has transformed in recent months. The number of people using public transport has plummeted, bus use has fallen by 85 per cent and rail use has dropped by 95 per cent, according to the Committee on Climate Change’s recent report. And people want change. A study in major European cities by Transport and Environment found that
10 Ways To Reuse Coffee Grounds and Tea BagsIf Jack Frost is nipping at your nose this winter, you're probably reaching for that favorite hot beverage to warm your bones on frigid days. But what to do with all those spent coffee grounds and tea bags? From cleaning your furniture to shining your shoes, here are 10 creative ways to repurpose coffee grounds and tea bags. The post 10 Ways To Reuse Coffee Grounds and Tea Bags appeared first on Earth 911.
BP poised to sell ‘stranded assets’ even if oil prices rallyThree sources familiar with BP’s thinking have revealed the fossil fuel major BP is preparing to sell a large section of its oil and gas assets even if crude prices bounce back from the COVID-19 crash because it wants to invest more in renewable energy. The strategy was discussed at a BP executive meeting in […]
Environmental groups sue to save the ‘Magna Carta’ of environmental laws“We will not allow Trump to silence us.”
Last fully intact Arctic ice shelf in Canada collapsesResearchers have revealed the last fully intact ice shelf in the Canadian Arctic has collapsed, losing more than 40 per cent of its area in just two days at the end of July. The Milne Ice Shelf is at the fringe of Ellesmere Island, in the sparsely populated northern Canadian territory of Nunavut. “Above normal […]
Dakota Access Lives to Pump Another DayOn Wednesday, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals stayed the injunction requiring the shutdown of the Dakota Access Pipeline. It’s a victory for the operator, Energy Transfer LP, simply because it lives to fight another day. From a legal point of view, however, I wouldn’t take that much comfort from the decision. The basis for the stay was that the District Court did not make explicit findings on the need for an injunction. … More
#ICYMI: Plastic isn’t just all around us. It’s also inside of usWe’ve all seen that video of the turtle with a plastic straw up its nose. We’ve also read the news reports of the dead...Read More The post #ICYMI: Plastic isn’t just all around us. It’s also inside of us appeared first on Environmental Defence.
Plans for logging in Ebo Forest denounced by civil societyGreenpeace Africa and local communities denounce a decision by the Government of Cameroon to open up 68,385 hectares of pristine rainforest to logging. The fate of a 65,007 ha zone of Ebo, also threatened with logging, remains unclear and must also be spared from chainsaws. The 14 July decree to log a zone about half […]
Pesticides and Industrial Pollutants Found in Snow Atop Arctic GlaciersThe long journey of these compounds — likely originating in the United States and Eurasia — points to the near-global reach of industrial and agricultural pollution.
Climate crisis: Out-of-control wildfires in Arctic circle released more CO2 in two months than whole of 2019Smoke seen by satellites covering area equivalent to more than a third of Canada
Government says beavers can stay in their Devon homeDefra announces ‘pioneering’ wildlife decision Secures a future for the first ever reintroduction of an extinct native mammal to England Stamp of approval for five years’ of ground-breaking work by Devon Wildlife Trust After years of uncertainty, England’s first wild breeding population of beavers for 400 years has been given the permanent right to remain […]
Global e-waste has risen 21% in five years, says UNA record 53.6 million tonnes (Mt) of e-waste was produced globally in 2019, the weight of 350 cruise ships the size of the Queen Mary 2; $57 billion in gold and other components discarded – mostly dumped or burned A record 53.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of electronic waste was generated worldwide in 2019, up […]
Air and noise quality study will help inform Oxford City’s future environmental policy approachResearchers at the University of Birmingham and University of Oxford have secured £207,000 funding from the Natural Environment Research Council to investigate the impacts of COVID-19 related public health measures upon air and noise quality in Oxford. The new ‘OxAria’ study started on 1st July, extending an existing collaboration which has enabled five low-cost air […]
What’s Math Got to Do With Peace?For the Sustaining Peace Project, astrophysicist Larry Liebovitch created a mathematical model to calculate whether a society is moving toward or away from peace.
Johann Preiss: The forgotten botanist who brought 200,000 Australian plants to EuropeOne man was responsible for bringing 200,000 samples of plants from Australia to Europe, and yet very few know his name, writes Anna Haebich
Climate crisis: World's largest coal mine sees value slashed by £1.4bn amid surge in demand for renewables'Time to think about what comes next for our communities, coal miners, and our revenue streams,' says US's Peabody Energy
A credible planning system has to be serious about the environmentHaving engaged with successive planning reforms during my time as chief executive of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), there is something comfortingly familiar about the white paper just published by the government. Many of the reforms I encountered in my first eight years in the job were swept away in 2012, when the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
New study finds toxic PFAS chemicals in McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s and Freshii food packagingENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE, MIND THE STORE CAMPAIGN AND TOXIC-FREE FUTURE Toronto, Ont. — In a new report released today, Environmental Defence, the Mind the Store...Read More The post New study finds toxic PFAS chemicals in McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s and Freshii food packaging appeared first on Environmental Defence.
Empowering women and protecting forests in LiberiaClientEarth interviewed our colleague in Liberia to find out more about her gender rights and forest protection work. We collaborate with her to run gender training and workshops as part of the legal working groups, which seek to involve women in forest governance, and in doing so, ensure the community and forests can prosper harmoniously. The post Empowering women and protecting forests in Liberia appeared first on ClientEarth.
Investigating toxic mining waste in the West BalkansIn politically sensitive regions of the West Balkans, the mineralogist and crystallographer Tamara Đorđević has been investigating mining waste contaminated with arsenic and other toxins. In order to understand how these ticking time bombs affect the environment, she examines their crystal structure with cross-disciplinary expertise from crystallography and chemistry, as this article explains. In 2014, […]
Ecosystem Services: Nature’s Gifts That Help Us ThriveHow valuable is nature? A recent study of the economic ... The post Ecosystem Services: Nature’s Gifts That Help Us Thrive appeared first on Earth 911.COVID-19: an economic perspective - Physics WorldJ Doyne Farmer on the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the prospects of financial recovery The post COVID-19: an economic perspective appeared first on Physics World.
Why we must keep the highest standard of water quality in the UK, even if it’s hard to doThis post is by Dr Stewart Clarke, The National Trust’s national specialist on freshwater, catchments and estuary management. There has been a sense of unease amongst those of us working for better rivers, lakes and estuaries this week. Sir James Bevan’s (Environment Agency CEO) speech at the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry questioned the implementation, if not the ambition,
Behind Microsoft's bold plan to build social equity into clean energy buyingBehind Microsoft's bold plan to build social equity into clean energy buying Heather Clancy Thu, 08/06/2020 - 00:45 There were plenty of juicy news tidbits in Microsoft’s recent progress report about its goal to become carbon negative over the next decade. But its new goal to link at least 500 megawatts of forthcoming solar energy contracts to environmental justice considerations is bold for many reasons. For context, the total pledge amounts to about a quarter of the capacity that Microsoft already has signed (1.9 gigawatts) in solar and wind contracts. This is the largest commitment it has made to a…
New local campaigns can bring cheaper and cleaner rooftop solar to communities of colorNew local campaigns can bring cheaper and cleaner rooftop solar to communities of color Lacey Shaver Thu, 08/06/2020 - 00:20 There is a new urgency across the United States to address structural and systemic racial inequities in criminal justice, wealth and housing, employment, health care and education. These disparities are also pervasive in energy. One common measure of this is "energy burden," or the share of take-home income spent on energy bills. Communities of color have been shown to have a 24–27 percent higher energy burden than White Americans when controlling across income levels, and low-income residents experience an energy…
Are pesticides racist?As a general rule, every environmental conflict has exploitation at its center.
Europe is going all in on hydrogen power. Why isn’t the US?The U.S. is passing on the most promising way to cut industrial emissions.
Beaver reintroduction study hailed by government as 'brilliant success', as further releases plannedConservationists welcome 'ground-breaking' government decision giving leave for population of beavers in Devon to remain permanently
GWEC says huge growth in global offshore wind capacity by 2030According to the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) the world’s offshore windfarm capacity could grow eightfold by the end of the decade powered by a clean energy surge led by China. A new industry report has revealed stronger than expected growth for the offshore wind industry, which could reach 234 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, from […]
Carbon policy architect warns Australia not doing enough to curb emissionsA former leading public servant who co-authored a former Labor government’s carbon reduction scheme has warned Australia is still not doing enough to reduce greenhouse emissions or prepare for a warmer climate, while arguing the current conservative Liberal-Nations government’s focus on technology could end badly. Former Prime Minister’s Department secretary Dr Martin Parkinson has also […]
Earth911 Reader: Climate Migration, 2,700 EV Charging Stations, and ESG InvestingWelcome to Earth911’s climate, sustainability, and recycling reader, a collection ... The post Earth911 Reader: Climate Migration, 2,700 EV Charging Stations, and ESG Investing appeared first on Earth 911.
Autonomous discovery of battery electrolytes with robotic experimentation and machine learning - Physics WorldJoin the audience for a live webinar on 12 August 2020 sponsored by The Electrochemical Society in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry The post Autonomous discovery of battery electrolytes with robotic experimentation and machine learning appeared first on Physics World.
Earth Institute Funding Programs Now Accepting ProposalsThe Earth Institute is now accepting proposals for Earth Networks (three-year working groups formed around one interdisciplinary topic), and Earth Frontiers (seed funding for interdisciplinary projects).
Could the new planning proposals be an accidental recipe for accelerating nature’s decline?This post is by Kate Jennings, head of site conservation policy at RSPB When it comes to how we protect nature one thing is absolutely clear: we need to do more. As the State of nature report says, the UK is one of the most nature depleted countries on earth, and the steps taken to protect the best and to
£66 million package for technology, transport and housing to help kick start West Midlands economic recoveryEight ‘shovel ready’ projects, ranging from the National Brownfield Land Institute to Very Light Rail developments are to benefit from £66 million of Government funding secured for the region, it was announced on 4 August. The money from the Government’s Getting Building Fund is aimed at projects which can be started quickly and completed within […]
Bronx Documentary Center Uses Photojournalism to Drive Social ChangeThe center's director and students explain how they use photography to explore vital issues, stimulate critical thought, and connect with their communities.
Reopening local tourism to secure employment for manyUnder lockdown level 3, many sectors have been allowed to trade or operate to some degree. However, the tourism and leisure sectors have remained closed for months, impacting on thousands of jobs and the finances and well-being of millions of South Africans. Reopening local tourism may not contribute to securing employment for many, and to […]
Penguin poo seen by satellites leads to discovery of previously unknown emperor colonies in AntarcticaSeveral of the new colonies are on areas of offshore sea ice vulnerable to warming temperatures
Innovative solutions found for offshore wind workforce during pandemicAs the offshore wind sector adjusts to working with increased physical separation during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, G+ Global Offshore Wind Health & Safety Organisation, in partnership with ORE Catapult, KTN and the Workboat Association, has recognised five organisations for initiatives to improve operational safety. With social distancing severely reducing the number of offshore wind […]
Drivers from the world’s poorest cities who keep their windows down are exposed to 80 percent more air pollutionCar users from the world’s least affluent cities are exposed to a disproportionate amount of in-car air pollution because they rely heavily on opening their windows for ventilation, finds a first of its kind study from the University of Surrey. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people […]
Efficient and mobile separation technology fills a small gapThe processing involved in breaking materials down to RC material is part of the everyday business of the construction and material handling industry. A new product has been developed to service businesses in these sectors through a seemingly highly efficient technology for separating lightweight materials from building rubble. According to the supplier, Orba Group, the […]
Firms target hard to recycle plastic packaging reduction with biodegradable alternativePackaging firm DS Smithand and Aquapak, a developer of biodegradable polymer, are teaming up to develop sustainable fibre based packaging solutions that they say will replace hard to recycle packaging made from combined materials such as cardboard and plastic. After a period of pilot trials with the combined materials, focusing on both performance and recyclability, […]Novel X-ray technology depicts real-time airflow through the lungs - Physics WorldWorld-first lung-function measurement tool offers a breath of fresh air for the diagnosis and treatment of cystic fibrosis and other respiratory diseases The post Novel X-ray technology depicts real-time airflow through the lungs appeared first on Physics World.
Ayahuasca 'spiritual enhancers', arthritis cures and 'bone' wine: The disturbing rise in the illegal jaguar tradeWe are protecting wildlife at risk from poachers due to the conservation funding crisis caused by Covid-19. Help is desperately needed to support wildlife rangers, local communities and law enforcement personnel to prevent wildlife crime. Donate to help Stop the Illegal Wildlife Trade hereNASCAR: the science of racing safely - Physics WorldDiandra Leslie-Pelecky explores the science behind some of the features in NASCAR that are designed to keep the drivers safe The post NASCAR: the science of racing safely appeared first on Physics World.
How to prevent our oceans from becoming plastic filled ecosystemsThe volume of plastic entering our oceans is projected to more than triple by 2040. Environment Journal got in touch with The post How to prevent our oceans from becoming plastic filled ecosystems appeared first on Environment Journal.
Digital technology, green finance in vogue among fashion’s sustainability trendsettersDigital technology, green finance in vogue among fashion’s sustainability trendsetters Phylicia Wu Wed, 08/05/2020 - 01:00 The key to long-term success in the fashion industry is to start trends and continually push the envelope — a philosophy that also applies to its ESG priorities. The $2.5 trillion industry accounts for about 8 percent of the world’s carbon emissions when considering the entire value chain — higher than the entire iron and steel manufacturing industry combined, for comparison. Without any intervention, that figure is projected to increase more than 60 percent by 2030. However, there is a growing and collective awareness…
Green space improves cities. Can it benefit those who need it most?The 11th Street Bridge Park in Washington, D.C., could become a model for future urban development projects.
Want to save lives? Name heat waves like hurricanes, experts say.Heatwave Hector could be right around the corner.
BP is dumping a ton of oil … from its energy portfolioBP’s transition from ‘oil company’ to ‘energy company’ takes shape
Great Books for the SummerWith summer upon us, warm weather and a little more ... The post Great Books for the Summer appeared first on Earth 911.
Investors launch climate plan to get to net zero emissions by 2050An investor group managing more than US$16 trillion has launched the world’s first step-by-step plan to help pension funds and others align their portfolios with the United Nations sponsored Paris Agreement on climate change. Many investors have pledged high-level support to the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement, but the “Net Zero Investment Framework” is the […]
No more candy for fossil fuelsEmma Searson Director, 100% Renewable Campaign(828) 545-7300Contact person by email Read more about Emma Searson Tuesday, August 4, 2020 Over the last couple of weeks, 100% Renewable Campaign Director Emma Searson has watched in horror as the oil and gas industry has acted like a Halloween bully hoarding all the candy.
Is Canada betting on another 4 years of President Trump?Canadian politicians often insist on the expediency and necessity of aligning our policies with those in the US. But when it comes to COVID-19...Read More The post Is Canada betting on another 4 years of President Trump? appeared first on Environmental Defence.
Arctic fires released more carbon in two months than Scandinavia will all yearIn June and July, Arctic fires released 204 megatons of carbon dioxide, eclipsing the annual emissions of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland combined.
New System Tracks and Forecasts Outbreak Risk of Dengue and ZikaThe system identifies areas where environmental conditions might enhance transmission of dengue, Zika, chikungunya and other diseases carried by Aedes mosquitoes. It could find at-risk areas a month in advance.
“First-of-a-kind plant” presents pump specification challengesSpecifying pumps for circulating clean engine oil: It may seem a reasonably ordinary application, but there’s nothing ordinary about Arjun Infrastructures’ power plant in London, according to pumps manufacturer Börger, which recently worked on the project. The plant generates 17MW of renewable energy from food waste and can also utilise fats, oils and greases (FOG). […]
Celebrating the Sustainability Management Program’s 10th AnniversaryThe M.S. in Sustainability Management program is excited to celebrate its tenth anniversary this fall. Learn more about its history and future.Acoustic tweezers move objects in the body remotely - Physics WorldA shaped ultrasound beam transmitted through the skin can move objects within a living body, offering a new way to treat kidney stones The post Acoustic tweezers move objects in the body remotely appeared first on Physics World.
Iceland’s Most Active Volcano is Likely Headed for Another EruptionMonitoring and data suggest the next eruption of the glacial volcano could be anywhere from days away to within the next year. Grímsvötn last erupted in 2011.
Did the 5th Circuit Just Make Standing Much More Difficult?Last week, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a $20M penalty imposed on ExxonMobil for Clean Air Act violations at its Baytown facility, remanding the case for a more particularized review by the District Court regarding whether the plaintiffs have demonstrated that they have standing with respect to all of the violations committed by ExxonMobil. The Court held that it is not enough to show that each of the claims in the complaint are traceable to ExxonMobil’s conduct. … More
Monitoring an important greenhouse gas (Sponsored content)By Juhani Lehto, Product Manager, Vaisala, Finland. Scientists at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands have employed Vaisala carbon dioxide sensors in their research greenhouses for over a decade. Carbon dioxide is an extremely important measurement parameter in plant science, not just because plants need carbon dioxide to grow, but also because environmental emissions […]
Highway Sector Collaboration Focuses on Net Zero EmissionsAs the urgent battle continues with the coronavirus pandemic, it is important not to lose sight of the global climate The post Highway Sector Collaboration Focuses on Net Zero Emissions appeared first on Environment Journal.
Gas sensor technology heads to Mars on board NASA’s Perseverance roverAn international collaboration is taking technology from gas measurement expert Vaisala and the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) to Mars onboard NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover. The rover was launched on 30 July 2020. Vaisala’s sensor technology combined with FMI’s measurement instrumentation are being used to obtain pressure and humidity data from the surface of the […]
Secrets of a long partnership in gas detection (Sponsored content)Critical Environment Technologies Canada Inc. (CETCI) was founded by Frank and Shirley Britton in 1995. Since that time, the company has expanded considerably and now employs around 35 people; developing and manufacturing gas detection equipment for global markets. One of the keys to the company’s success has been the relationship that it has built with […]
UK Government appoints Arup as sustainability consultant for COP26The UK Government, as hosts of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), has selected engineering, design and consultancy firm Arup to help it achieve its ambition of delivering a sustainable summit. Arup, together with partners Crowberry Consulting, will work with the Government to prepare for the November 2021 COP26 event in Glasgow by advising […]
Remanufactured component reduces downtime in Finnish quarryA rock-crushing contractor in Finland has taken advantage of a remanufactured components programme for the replacement of a key component on a brand of excavators, the Hitachi ZX470LCH-5. Kone-Kostamo Oy only operates one brand of excavator, as it prefers to maintain and service its own fleet of construction machinery, and views the compatibility of parts […]
We Earthlings: Plant One TreePlant one tree and it will capture about 13 pounds ... The post We Earthlings: Plant One Tree appeared first on Earth 911.Physics in China attempts to rise from the pandemic - Physics WorldPhysicists in China are beginning to return to the lab following the COVID-19 pandemic, but many of their projects face delays, as Ling Xin reports The post Physics in China attempts to rise from the pandemic appeared first on Physics World.
Electric truck fleets will need a lot of power, but utilities aren't planning for itElectric truck fleets will need a lot of power, but utilities aren't planning for it Stephen Nadel Tue, 08/04/2020 - 01:11 As more electric buses and trucks enter the market, future fleets will require a lot of electricity for charging. While some utilities in California and elsewhere are planning for an increase in power demand, many have yet to do so and need to get started. This issue is critical, because freight trucks emit more than one-quarter of all vehicle emissions. Recent product developments offer growing opportunities to electrify trucks and buses and slash their emissions (see our recent white…
Extreme heat is worse in redlined neighborhoodsAs you move through a city, you probably notice summer heat can be a lot worse depending on which neighborhood you’re in. This isn't a coincidence.
Which states are making the most progress on emissions? Not the ones you think.41 states managed to cut their carbon emissions between 2005 and 2017, even as their economies grew.
New York is spending $1 billion to help residents conserve energy — and lower their billsThe state is partnering with investor-owned utilities to provide energy-efficient solutions to more than 350,000 low-to-moderate income households.
Bad science and bad ethics in Peter Gleick’s Review of “Apocalypse Never” at Yale Climate ConnectionsPeter Gleick claims, “if Malthusians are wrong, all they would have done is made the world a better place.” But in Apocalypse Never I show that, for Malthusians, making the world a “better place” has meant letting the poor starve, keeping poor nations dependent on wood fuel, and diverting World Bank funding from dams, roads, and fertilizer for development to charitable endeavors like solar panels for rural villagers aimed at making poverty sustainable.
10 Essential Oil Diffuser Blends for SummerSummer is finally here. That means road trips, days at ... The post 10 Essential Oil Diffuser Blends for Summer appeared first on Earth 911.
BP halves dividend as Covid-19 turmoil pushes oil major to lossFossil fuel major BP has cut its dividend for the first time in a decade as the coronavirus crisis prompted chief executive Bernard Looney to accelerate an overhaul of one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies. In the first reduction since the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010, BP said today that it would […]
CSIRO report says leadership on climate change neededAmid concerns the public, and the public service, do not fully understand the risks it posed, Australia’s national science agency, the CSIRO, has called for leadership on climate change. In a technical report about the 2019-20 bushfires commissioned by conservative Liberal-National Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the CSIRO warned climate and disaster risks were growing across […]
Summer Stars Lecture Series Begins With a Message of HopeIn a talk last week, celebrated conservationist and photographer Cristina Mittermeier shared her quest to save the sea.
A Forest for Us: One Teacher’s Vision for an Outdoor Classroom Made RealMiddle school science teacher and coach, Chris Hanson, spends way more time outside than your average educator. Over his 22 years of teaching in Brainerd, Minnesota, Mr. Hanson has made outdoor learning and nature-based activities a key part of his curriculum. And thanks to a recent conservation effort, his school’s outdoor learning space just got a whole lot bigger.
Scientific Literacy, Technology and COVID-19We need a more mature and sophisticated approach to utilizing scientific expertise in decision-making.
A just transition delayed is climate justice deniedIn the face of an emergency, we need swift and decisive leadership. As such, when the immense threat of COVID-19 became evident in the early months of 2020, the president gained applause for his initial decision to act quickly and show decisive leadership. When it comes to another grave crisis facing South Africa, however, the […]
How Ice Scouring in the Antarctic Disrupts EcosystemsA recent study sheds light on how different types of species are affected by calving icebergs that tear apart the seafloor.Physics and cars: the August 2020 issue of Physics World is now out - Physics WorldFind out about NASCAR safety, electric vehicles, hacking cars and ultrasonics in the latest edition of your favourite physics magazine The post Physics and cars: the August 2020 issue of <i>Physics World</i> is now out appeared first on Physics World.
Isotope ratios yield clues to element synthesis - Physics WorldMeasurements could help identify the origin of meteorite grains that formed before our solar system and improve models of nova explosions The post Isotope ratios yield clues to element synthesis appeared first on Physics World.
3D microscopy reveals how human sperm swim - Physics WorldResearchers find that sperm swim in corkscrew motions to compensate for the asymmetry in their tails The post 3D microscopy reveals how human sperm swim appeared first on Physics World.
The perfect pair? Custom-fit jeans startup challenges fast fashion mindsetThe perfect pair? Custom-fit jeans startup challenges fast fashion mindset Lauren Phipps Mon, 08/03/2020 - 02:12 Canceled orders, excess stock, disrupted supply chains: The pandemic has laid bare some fundamental challenges with the way our clothes are designed, ordered, manufactured and sold — or landfilled, incinerated or sold on secondary markets. These impacts have been compounded by COVID-19, but the inefficient and resource-intensive apparel industry needed a redesign well before the pandemic. One company working to do things differently is San Francisco-based startup unspun. Founded in 2017, unspun is a denim company that specializes in customized, automated and on-demand manufacturing,…
Climate crisis: 'Ban ads for polluting SUVs' campaign urges, highlighting damaging trend for ever larger vehicles'Promoting the biggest, worst-emitting SUVs is like upselling pollution, and we need to stop,' thinktank says
A silent extinction: Elephants, rhinos and giraffes among endangered species facing fresh threat during global pandemicWe are protecting wildlife at risk from poachers due to the conservation funding crisis caused by Covid-19. Help is desperately needed to support wildlife rangers, local communities and law enforcement personnel to prevent wildlife crime. Donate to help Stop the Illegal Wildlife Trade here
The digital divide worsens the inequitable impacts of the climate crisisThe digital divide worsens the inequitable impacts of the climate crisis Maddie Stone Mon, 08/03/2020 - 01:00 This story originally appeared in Grist and is republished here as part of Covering Climate Now, a global journalistic collaboration to strengthen coverage of the climate story. One of the starkest inequalities exposed by the coronavirus pandemic is the difference between the digital haves and have-nots. Those with a fast internet connection are more able to work and learn remotely, stay in touch with loved ones and access critical services such as telemedicine. For the millions of Americans who live in an internet…
John Lewis fought for equal protection. That means tackling pollution, poverty, and policing.The urgency to address lead contamination has been clear since the 1920s. This urgency should be felt anew today.
Peatlands could become a climate feedback loop we definitely don’t want to triggerA new experiment provides a window into the future of peatlands, the world's largest natural carbon store.
This ‘solution’ to the plastic crisis is really just another way to burn fossil fuelsA new report says that "chemical recycling" isn’t recycling at all.
Amazon fires: Huge surge in blazes recorded amid growing concern of repeat of last year's destructionMore than 1,000 fires began on 30 July alone, National Institute for Space Research warns
Earth911 Podcast: Sustainable Home Shopping With LoopAre you thinking about shopping with home delivery during the ... The post Earth911 Podcast: Sustainable Home Shopping With Loop appeared first on Earth 911.
Research finds global coal power fell for the first time on recordThe size of the global coal power fleet fell for the first time on record over the first six months of the year, with more generation capacity shutting than starting operation. Global Energy Monitor, a United States research and advocacy group that tracks fossil fuel development, found the closure of coal generators closing, mostly across […]
Major private equity investors join climate disclosure driveIn a move spearheaded by the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) a group of seven leading private equity investors have pledged to actively engage with companies they invest in, to encourage carbon reduction and incorporate climate risk management into decision making. The seven investors have joined forces to create the “first” international network under the […]
Bangladesh considers dropping 90% of its planned coal powerBangladesh’s minister of power, energy and mineral resources, Nasrul Hamid, has surprised energy watchers by saying the country is planning to “review” all but three of 29 planned coal plants. “We are keeping the three coal-fired power plants that are under construction. “At present, we are aiming for 40 to 41 gigawatts (GW) of total […]
Waste-heat-to-electricity business picks up Institute of Physics awardAn Elland-based firm whose turbine-based device has global potential to slash CO2 emissions by converting waste heat into electricity, has been awarded the Institute of Physics (IOP) Business Start-up Award. Established in 2016 by engineering entrepreneur Jon Fenton, FeTu’s seemingly “simple but revolutionary” device is a two-stage turbine designed to “reduce both energy consumption and […]
Trump is emboldening other countries’ ‘bad behavior’ on the climate crisisA U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement is damaging, but the fact no other country is leaving shows it can survive the "ultimate stress test."
'Deadly heatwave' forecast for southwestern US, forecasters warn'Heat of this magnitude is rare, dangerous, and deadly', weather service says
Real-time access to Antarctic tide data (Sponsored Content)One of the most important challenges, when designing monitoring facilities in remote locations, is resilience. Remote tide gauge systems operate in extremely harsh environments and require robust communications systems that almost never fail and are capable of storing large amounts of data locally as an extra protection for data. Scientists from the National Oceanography Centre […]
The ‘Idiot’s Guide to Climate Change’ is smarter than Zac Efron’sYour latest celebrity climate teacher is ... Dwight from 'The Office'?
COVID-19 is complicating Seattle’s response to wildfire smokeWhat happens when one public health threat compounds the risks of another?
Here are 5 of the best novels on the environment and the climate crisisTi-han Chang suggests books that can help us think differently – from one about a real-life deathly pesticide explosion to another about the social lives of trees
'Fingerprint' of the climate crisis in flooding that has left a third of Bangladesh under water'This is a one in 20-year flood event that we are having now for the fifth time in the last two decades'
Chilean Organization Hopes to Write Glacier Protection Into Chile’s New ConstitutionFundación Glaciares Chilenos is working to fill a gaping hole in Chilean environmental policy.
The Planet Has a FeverA recent study shows heat waves are growing longer and more frequent in almost every part of the world. The findings emphasize the need to take action against climate change.
Revisiting our nation’s worst energy lawJohanna Neumann Senior Director, Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy(413) 256-6434Contact person by email Read more about Johanna Neumann Friday, July 31, 2020 Given the urgency of acting on climate change, we have to take advantage of every opportunity to change how we produce and consume energy. Each decision we make, positive and negative, will reverberate through the remainder of our lives and the lives of those who come after us. Clean Energy
Student Spotlight: Sustainability Grads Explain What They Learned and What’s NextInterviews with five students who recently received departmental honors for academic excellence in the Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development.
Climate change 'driving UK's extreme weather' and temperature records, Met Office warnsMore climate change-induced heatwaves and flooding to come, scientists predict
Disposal firm announces “state-of-the-art” animal by-product processing facilityPlans for a Category 1 animal by-product processing facility at the renewable energy and recycling site of SecAnim in Widnes, Cheshire were announced in late July. The firm is a provider of safe and secure collection and disposal services to the farming and meat production sectors, and the “world-first” operation completes a two-stage site regeneration […]
New network to spearhead rapid rewilding across BritainA new project with the aim of spearheading rapid and massively upscaled rewilding will be launched by the charity Rewilding Britain later this year, to tackle the nature and climate emergencies, and help boost green recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. With many people wanting Britain to ‘build back better’ from the coronavirus pandemic, as a […]
Scrapping red diesel will add £1 per tonne to Council waste bills, says recovery firmJoseph Doherty, MD of Re-Gen Waste, which provides materials recovery facilities for Council waste in the UK, has questioned the wisdom of Government plans to scrap the lower rate of fuel duty on red diesel from April 2022, which he says will add an extra £200,000 per annum cost to his company’s fuel bill. The […]
Future of business travel up in the air: overseas trips could be cut by at least a thirdThe majority of sustainability professionals (89%) think their company’s overseas travel in the next two to three years will be significantly reduced compared to pre COVID-19 levels. A cautious estimate based on the Climate Group’s analysis indicates a potential average decline in international business trips of up to 40%. If this were a trend repeated […]
Addressing the challenges of aluminium recyclingSorting technologies manufacturer TOMRA Recycling considers the limitations of existing sorting methods and explores the issues facing European scrap metal processors and aluminium producers investing in equipment to sort their own scrap material. Demand for aluminium has risen steadily over recent years and is predicted to increase further over the next two decades, with both […]
Earth911 Inspiration: The Choice To Use This GiftToday’s quote is from scientist Jane Goodall: “We have the ... The post Earth911 Inspiration: The Choice To Use This Gift appeared first on Earth 911.Test your knowledge of medical physics in this trivia quiz - Physics WorldSo you think you know all about medical physics trivia? Test yourself with this fun quiz – answers next week The post Test your knowledge of medical physics in this trivia quiz appeared first on Physics World.
Apple’s low-carbon aluminum is a climate game changerThe most exciting part of Apple’s new climate pledge? Low-carbon aluminum.
How many wildland firefighters have COVID-19? Some agencies won’t, or can’t, say.“If we don’t know who is sick appropriate actions cannot be taken to stop COVID from spreading.”
The heat is off: With patio heaters banned, how will French diners stay warm?Il fait froid? Tant pis.
Find your flock: A birder and a hiker talk race and equity in the outdoorsWhat does an inclusive outdoors community look like? Fixers Jason Ward and José González took to Instagram to tell us.
Germany sees record use of green power as demand falls 5.7%A record 50.2 per cent of Germany’s power consumption in January to June was met from renewable sources, utility industry association BDEW said, adding that usage dropped by 5.7 per cent year-on-year due to the coronavirus crisis. This was up from 44.1 per cent over the same period last year and reflects efforts by Europe’s […]State leadership shines through in federal climate action planEmma Searson Director, 100% Renewable Campaign(828) 545-7300Contact person by email Read more about Emma Searson Thursday, July 30, 2020 Led by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, leaders on the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released a comprehensive report on June 30, 2020, laying out a framework to tackle climate change at the federal level. The report builds on a swelling tide of state and local leadership.
Climate Change and COVID-19: the Denial Playbook is the SameThe Trump administration has responded to COVID-19 using tactics it honed in the climate arena: ignoring or burying scientific information, pushing misinformation, and silencing scientists who warn us of the dangers.
Conservation NGOs welcome the reopening of nature-based tourismThe COVID-19 global pandemic has affected almost every aspect of life as we know it. In South Africa alone, the economic effects are devastating with the GDP expected to decline by between 8% and 10% in 2020. Job losses are estimated at over a million and more than 160 000 businesses are expected to close […]
PACEPACE Ritu Sharma Thu, 07/30/2020 - 09:54 PACE is the platform for global leaders and their organizations to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. PACE provides leaders in the circular economy with the connections, learning, and opportunities to pilot and rapidly scale best practices. PACE hosts projects that generate learning used by leaders for further decision making and investments. At the start of 2020, the PACE community consists of 75 public, private and civic executive leaders and over 200 members championing 18 tangible projects across the globe. The community is supported by the PACE Hub, a team hosted by…
Post pandemic environmental monitoringBy Matt Dibbs, Managing Director of Meteor Communications, a firm that designs, builds and installs remote environmental monitoring systems. The Coronavirus pandemic presented significant challenges to the collection of environmental data. However, by utilising novel technology, water companies and the Environment Agency have been able to continue gathering key data in locations from Cornwall to […]
Improving the efficiency of the hydropower networkHydropower is an extremely old source of energy, whose provenance extends back to the watermills that were relied upon by ancient civilisations. Here, Marek Lukaszczyk, European and Middle East marketing manager at global manufacturer of motors and drive technology, WEG, explains how plant managers can make today’s hydropower smarter and more efficient, and how they […]
Aluminium packaging recycling rates reach record levels, shows Q2 PRN dataAccording to data released by the Environment Agency on 22 July, a record 40,653 tonnes of aluminium packaging were collected for recycling in Q2 2020. This indicates that 76,933 tonnes were collected for recycling in the first half of the year – a significant increase of 52% compared to the same period in 2019 (50,744). […]
Common crustacean 'can break down microplastics in days,' alarming scientistsMicroscopic pieces of plastic could be entering food chain in previously undetected way
Time to ensure sustainable waste shipments in Europe, says trade groupIn recent decades, exports of waste to non-European countries have risen steadily, pushing the waste issue far away but failing to properly address it. Repeated abuses in international waste shipments have highlighted the need for Europe to take care of its waste under EU environmental standards. The trade body ESWET (European Suppliers of Waste-to-Energy Technology […]
Tree density research paves the way for non-destructive testing methodsUniversity of West London (UWL) researchers say they have developed pioneering techniques to map the architecture and mass density of tree roots within the soil to a high degree, all using ground penetrating radar technology, and without causing harm to the plants. The seemingly innovative methodology developed at UWL’s Faringdon Centre – which carries out […]
When and How Should Schools Reopen?It’s one of the most complicated, difficult questions of the pandemic, and there are many ways to answer it, according to Earth Institute experts.
Utility completes £100k salmon ladder at Scottish freshwater reservoirWork has been completed on a new fish ladder to support salmon in Scottish Water’s reservoir at Loch Venachar, in Stirling district. The utility announced the culmination of the £100,000 project in late July. In consultation with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), a number of enhancements have been undertaken to complement an existing Victorian […]
How Juneau, Alaska Responds to Yearly Glacier FloodsGlacial flooding is never predictable, but Juneau’s response has become reliably routine, thanks to scientific research and partnerships with government.
The effect of wireless technology on healthDigital and wireless devices have provided many benefits. However, we are now realizing that the rapid adoption of this novel technology has not been accompanied by adequate regulation, monitoring or safety precautions. Widespread use of digital media and near constant exposure to wireless devices has caused increasing concern among scientists, health care professionals, psychologists, educators […]
Pod of the Planet Ep. 8: Marie Tharp’s Girl TalkIn this episode of Pod of the Planet, we celebrate the life of Marie Tharp and the inspiration she has been and continues to be to many scientists today.
It’s Not Impossible for EPA to Comply with the Good Neighbor Provisions of the Clean Air ActOn Tuesday, Judge John Koeltl ordered EPA to issue a final rule addressing its obligations under the Good Neighbor provisions of the Clean Air Act by no later than March 15, 2021. Two aspects of the decision are worth note. The big issue in the case, once the Judge disposed of EPA’s jurisdictional arguments, was whether it is impossible for EPA to issue a final rule by the plaintiffs’ suggested date. … More
Getting people back onto public transport is key to getting the country moving againThis post is by Darren Shirley, chief executive of Campaign for Better Transport Covid-19 changed transport overnight. As travel during lockdown was reduced to essential journeys only, cars and public transport were ditched in favour of walking and cycling, and the reduction in road traffic led to immediate air quality improvements. But, as the need to travel returns, how do
Sponsored content: Transportable VOC emissions analyser submitted for QAL1 certificationBy James Clements, Managing Director, Signal Group As a British developer and manufacturer of gas analysers, Signal Group follows the emergence of international Standards very closely. This is because Standards ensure that monitors are fit for purpose, and also because regulators require operators to employ suitably certified equipment. Signal Group is therefore delighted to confirm […]
Major role for wastewater epidemiology in tackling Covid-19, says groupWastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has a significant part to play in identifying ‘silent’ Covid-19 cases in the community, research presented at the latest Water Action Platform webinar appears to demonstrate. The regular webinars, which are open to all, are hosted by Isle chairman Dr Piers Clark and look at the new coronavirus and global pandemic through […]
Exclusive: Kamala Harris to introduce comprehensive environmental justice bill in Senate“These crises we are experiencing have exposed injustices in our nation that many of us have known and fought our entire lives.”
Biodiversity crisis: Quarter of UK's mammals at risk of extinction, first official red list for country revealsWildcats, red squirrels and beavers among most threatened animalsWeb-based tool estimates foetal radiation dose from CT scans - Physics WorldA user-friendly web-based tool calculates the radiation dose absorbed by the foetus when a pregnant woman undergoes a CT exam The post Web-based tool estimates foetal radiation dose from CT scans appeared first on Physics World.
AI doesn’t have to be a power hogAI doesn’t have to be a power hog Heather Clancy Thu, 07/30/2020 - 02:15 Plenty of prognostications, including this one from the World Economic Forum, tout the integral role artificial intelligence could play in "saving the planet." Indeed, AI is integral to all manner of technologies, ranging from autonomous vehicles to more informed disaster response systems to smart buildings and data collection networks monitoring everything from energy consumption to deforestation. The flip side to this rosy view is that there are plenty of ethical concerns to consider. What’s more, the climate impact of AI — both in terms of power…
Do Your Appliances Use Refrigerants the UN Wants To Ban?A recent UN report suggests solutions to one of the ... The post Do Your Appliances Use Refrigerants the UN Wants To Ban? appeared first on Earth 911.
The future of organic coffee: Building a network of support for regenerative agricultureThe future of organic coffee: Building a network of support for regenerative agriculture Jean Orlowski Thu, 07/30/2020 - 02:00 Nearly a decade ago, as we took in the lush plant life, clean air and warm sunshine surrounding us during a vacation in Hawaii, my wife, Danielle, and I knew a life shift was happening. A connection to the land — this island — was built on that trip, leading us to relocate permanently to Captain Cook, Hawaii. It was there that we came across a six-acre Kona coffee farm that had fallen into neglect. Nurturing this farm back to life…
I’m not a fish. Why should coral reefs matter to me?Imagine the Earth as a human body, and the coral reef is its epidermis -- when something is awry, the first warning can arrive via your skin.
2019: The deadliest year yet for environmental activistsA new report found that about 212 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2019 worldwide — a nearly 30 percent rise over 2018 data.
This prof is shedding light on energy injustice — and how to fix itNot every household has the same access to clean, efficient energy. Professor Tony Reames has a plan to correct that.
Electric boilers fuel Diageo’s carbon-neutral whiskey distillery dreamElectric boilers fuel Diageo’s carbon-neutral whiskey distillery dream Jesse Klein Thu, 07/30/2020 - 00:30 Even whiskey is going electric. Distilleries have long been difficult operations to electrify due to the large heat loads it requires to turn grain into one of humanity's oldest vices, alcohol. But Diageo’s new 72,000-square-foot distillery is designed to be completely carbon-neutral. According to Diageo, it should avoid more than 117,000 metric tons of annual carbon emissions by switching to renewable electricities compared to operating using a traditional natural gas facility. "This is an opportunity to build a new distillery from the ground up," said Andrew Jarrick,…
Let’s stop tinkering with tax and make it a force for environmental and social goodThis post was first published on Business Green. “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” So observed Benjamin Franklin in 1789 (and possibly a great many others before him) and it is still accepted as one of life’s unalterable facts. But, while the grim reaper comes for all of us at some point,
10 Relief Remedies Using Essential OilsAll across the globe, people suffer from ailments such as ... The post 10 Relief Remedies Using Essential Oils appeared first on Earth 911.
AEMO plan sees no need for gas in transition to renewablesA new report from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) shows that Australia’s largest grid can rapidly transition to renewable energy, with the modelling showing coal can be rapidly replaced with no need for any new gas-fired generation. The AEMO 2020 Integrated System Plan, released today, shows a clear pathway for a rapid transition to […]
A tale of two crisesWendy Wendlandt Acting President, Environment America; Senior Vice President and Political Director, The Public Interest Network(213) 251-3680 ext. 311Contact person by email Read more about Wendy Wendlandt Wednesday, July 29, 2020 How are the COVID crisis and the climate crisis similar? What lessons should we learn from both?
Goat milk cruelty: Activists work to save animals at scandal-hit farm linked to UK's biggest producerExclusive: Animal-rights group behind secret footage find sanctuary places for one in 10 of the animals and appeals for more
'Have we not already had an overdose of death': Spain holds first bullfight since coronavirus lockdown amid battle over tradition's futurePandemic brings declining tradition's woes into sharp focus, spurring on both critics and proponents
Why Ceding Nuclear to China and Russia Threatens National Security: Michael Shellenberger's Congressional Testimony July 28, 2020In the face of nuclear energy’s leadership vacuum in the U.S., I urge Congress to consider creating a Green Nuclear Deal as a revision to the Atomic Energy Act that would restore America’s nuclear leadership at a global level. The goal should be nuclear energy dominance. The U.S. government should encourage the building of large, standardized nuclear plants at home, and export its natural gas abroad. Doing this would require identifying a national champion company to compete with the state-owned companies of Russia and China, and the president working to sell U.S. nuclear plants abroad, just as the leaders of…
What will Earth's plastic problem look like in 2040?There has been an upsurge in plastic pollution as humanity reaches for masks, gloves and other disposables to fight coronavirus. But what, ask Costas Velis and Ed Cook, will the problem of plastic pollution look like in 2040?
To Battle COVID and Climate Change, NYC Should Invest in CyclingNew York has the potential to be a model for how cities around the country can employ bicycling to improve environmental conditions and quality of life for residents.
Governor Jim Justice and the Progress of ManOn Monday, Judge David Faber found Bluestone Coal Corporation liable for 1,904 days of violations of its discharge permit at the Red Fox Surface Mine. All of the violations related to excessive discharges of selenium. Bluestone’s defense, rejected for a second time by Judge Faber, was that the existence of a consent decree precluded the separate action for enforcement of the permit. However, the permit and its specific discharge limit for selenium only came into effect after the entry of the consent decree.… More
A northeast law limited carbon emissions. It also helped kids breathe.A new study expands on the health benefits of RGGI, but more research is needed to evaluate whether they are distributed equitably.
8 Surprising Facts About Marie Tharp, Mapmaker ExtraordinaireMaybe you already know that she created some of the first maps of the ocean floor and helped discover plate tectonics. Here are some lesser-known facts about this history-making cartographer.
Blackfeet Nation Closes Border of Glacier National Park in Response to Rising COVID-19 CasesTo protect the tribe from rising caseloads in Montana, the National Park Service and the Blackfeet Reservation worked together to close the park's eastern border.
World Biogas Summit and Expo 2020 to be held onlineThe World Biogas Summit and Expo will take place online from 6 to 8 October Physical event 2020 is cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic but will be reinstated from 2021 onwards The AD & Biogas Industry Awards ceremony 2020 on 8 October will also be online only From 2021, the Summit and Expo will be […]
More than 1,300 English sites exceed annual pollution limits, analysis suggestsIn some spots, average is more than double what it should be to protect health
Satellite telemetry supports flood protection in ScotlandWater monitoring expert OTT Hydromet explains some of the practicalities behind a recent project In recent years the development of flood warning systems has benefited from advances in sensor, datalogger and communications technology. The expansion of mobile telecommunications has meant that more locations now benefit from increased coverage, so that water level and meteorological monitoring […]
Five ideas to put sustainable food at the heart of a green recoveryThis piece is by Ruth Wescott, climate and nature emergency and sustainable fish cities co-ordinator at Sustain. The public overwhelmingly wants a green recovery from Covid-19. Last month a report and poll from the UK’s Citizen’s Assemblies found that 80 per cent supported Covid recovery policies that bring the UK to net zero greenhouse gas emissions, findings supported by RSPB research, and Ipsos MORI on behalf of the Conservative Environment
Killer whale who went viral after carrying her dead calf for 17 days falls pregnantOrca known as Tahlequah is nearing final stages of pregnancy, according to photos
Firm cites significant carbon reductions for using energy recovery facilities to treat clinical wasteResource management firm Veolia is highlighting how significant emissions reductions can be achieved by using energy recovery facilities, ERF, to dispose of the more than 61,000 tonnes of orange bagged clinical and infectious waste that arises each year in the UK. The company says recent successful demonstrations show that by using ERF this type of […]
Lack of trust and government mixed signals hamper UK-EU environment dealPeers urge compromise to secure a ‘level playing field’ Lack of trust is the biggest barrier to a breakthrough on the environment and climate change parts of an agreement between Britain and Brussels, a group of Peers has warned. And “mixed signals” from ministers such as potential lower UK food standards risk the “critical impact” […]
BMW, Ford, other automakers rev up carbon commitmentsBMW, Ford, other automakers rev up carbon commitments Katie Fehrenbacher Wed, 07/29/2020 - 02:00 The world's biggest automakers are ramping up their carbon commitments even as they struggle to build back in the wake of the pandemic. This week, Germany's BMW took the plunge and set a goal to reduce its carbon emissions per car by at least one-third by 2030. Like its peers, BMW plans to reach those targets through a combination of developing and selling electric vehicles (including newly announced electric versions of the 5 Series sedan and X1 compact SUV), combined with incorporating more sustainable materials, working with its supply chain vendors and adopting clean energy for…
The impact of Covid-19 on the environmentWith the world almost brought to a halt due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the planet has seen a reduction in carbon thanks to the lack of travel. But, with the world beginning to open back up again and driving and […]
Ask me anything: Sabine Hossenfelder - Physics WorldThe science writer and theoretical physicist gives her advice to physics graduates The post Ask me anything: Sabine Hossenfelder appeared first on Physics World.
Czech town welcomes wastewater treatment installationA new wastewater treatment system installed in a town in the Czech Republic will protect valued fishing ponds and raise the quality to required EU environmental standards. Packaged wastewater treatment plant provider WPL installed a below-ground system in Klimkovice, in the country’s Moravian-Silesian region, as part of a municipality-led project to construct a first-time sewerage […]Could proton FLASH prove optimal for clinical application? - Physics WorldSpeakers at the 2020 Joint AAPM|COMP Virtual Meeting shared the latest developments in proton-based FLASH radiotherapy The post Could proton FLASH prove optimal for clinical application? appeared first on Physics World.
In a fight over a Colombian coal mine, COVID-19 raises the stakesThe Indigenous Wayuu people have long battled the Cerrejón coal mine. Amid Covid-19, they’re now appealing to the U.N.
Practicing joy (and social distancing) in natureWhen lockdown hit, I found myself suddenly with more free time than I’d had since childhood. To fill it, I started to take walks.
6 Easy Eco-Actions To Take With Your KidsA greener lifestyle is easier than you think. Here are six simple actions you can explore with your family. The post 6 Easy Eco-Actions To Take With Your Kids appeared first on Earth 911.
Lib-Nat government urged by COVID taskforce to support new gas projectsAustralia’s conservative Liberal-National federal government has been urged by its hand-picked coronavirus manufacturing taskforce to underwrite a dramatic expansion of gas supply through tax incentives and financial support for new projects. A presentation on the final report of the National COVID-19 Co-ordination Commission (NCCC) manufacturing taskforce, seen by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald […]
France to launch ‘railway highways’ in push for greener economyFrance’s prime minister has vowed to develop “railway highways” to carry food and other goods that now go by truck, as part of a government push to reduce the country’s carbon footprint. Jean Castex said the “fresh food train” linking the main wholesale market in Paris to the southern city of Perpignan would reopen after […]
Minority communities will be hit hardest by killer heat across US, data showThousands more US deaths may be linked to extreme heat each year than is estimated by the CDC
How the fossil fuel industry drives climate change and police brutalityA new report says that "fighting to end environmental racism goes hand in hand with defunding the police"
The importance of youth participation in environmental governanceSouth Africa’s democracy is a combination of a representative and participatory democracy, meaning we elect our representatives to govern our country on our behalf, but that public participation is entrenched as a crucial element in South Africa’s Constitution to ensure our growing democracy reflects the will of the people. Through public participation, South African citizens […]
People expect a green recovery, it’s up to the government now to deliver itThis post is by Sam Hall, director of the Conservative Environment Network Earlier this month the chancellor committed to deliver a green recovery with “concern for our environment at its heart”. He backed this up with a new £3 billion scheme to make homes, schools, and hospitals more energy efficient. This ambition is in tune with the public mood, as
Boris Johnson's 'golden age of cycling' vision welcomed by campaigners and green groups, but '£2bn not enough'If successful, measures will cut pollution, tackle health issues and improve safety of streets, but questions remain over funding and government's £27bn road-building programme, organisations say
New Online Tool Tracks Energy Investments During Economic RecoveryColumbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy has launched a website to track how pandemic recovery packages are shaping the future of energy and climate.
Remains of Cold War Plane Crash Emerging From Rapidly Melting Alaska GlacierIn June, a search party discovered newly unthawed wreckage and human remains from a crashed plane trapped in ice for 60 years. The discovery evokes the ongoing legacy of Arctic militarization.
Blue Sky Awards launched in SA for young researchersThe local leg of the Blue Sky Young Researchers Innovation Award has been launched by the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA). The 2020-2021 round is the third edition of this award, organised by the International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA), to which PAMSA belongs. It invites young students and researchers in […]
'The killing has been relentless': RSPB calls for urgent change after poisoning of rare white-tailed eagle on Scottish grouse moorPolice launch appeal for information over 'suspicious' killing of satellite-tagged bird in area with history of raptor persecution
The crash in tourism has jeopardised decades of wildlife conservation efforts in KenyaThe wildlife of the Maasai Mara relies on money from tourism, but with coronavirus bringing an end to the influx of people, serious questions are being asked about the future of conservation writes Max Bearak
Yes, Pizza Boxes Are RecyclableThe Recycling Partnership last week released a scientific study that ... The post Yes, Pizza Boxes Are Recyclable appeared first on Earth 911.
Semiconductor firm Applied Materials puts supply chain at center of new commitmentsSemiconductor firm Applied Materials puts supply chain at center of new commitments Heather Clancy Tue, 07/28/2020 - 02:00 The sustainability ambitions of the world’s largest cloud software companies — Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Salesforce — have been well-documented. The broad semiconductor industry’s position to date, however, has been less transparent and less ambitious, with the highly visible exceptions of AMD, IBM and Intel. That stance is shifting, as the sector contemplates the explosive growth projections for connected computing devices, including sensors, smartphones, tablet computers and personal computers, not to mention the massive server hardware needed to process artificial intelligence algorithms. …
We Earthlings: Rethink Air TravelThe coronavirus pandemic has proven that we can decide not ... The post We Earthlings: Rethink Air Travel appeared first on Earth 911.Low-cost wearable devices quantify breathing activity while you sleep - Physics WorldA wrist-worn reflective sensor could provide unobtrusive sleep monitoring to help diagnose sleep-related breathing disorders The post Low-cost wearable devices quantify breathing activity while you sleep appeared first on Physics World.
The surprising reasons why people ignore the facts about climate change"If Democrats base their strategy on facts, then that’s a problem."
The curse of ‘both-sidesism’: How climate denial skewed media coverage for 30 yearsStudy finds big newspapers -- including the NYT -- favored arguments against climate action.
Summer vacation is broke. We’re fixing it.Grist asked four Fixers for their vacation “dupes” in the summer of quarantine.
The Environmental Effects of Natural DisastersWithin seconds, natural disasters can destroy buildings, tear up roads and upturn normal life. The damage these events cause, however, isn’t just limited to people and their property. When recovery begins, you often have to contend with what happens to […]
Study says third of global car sales to be electric by 2030According to new analysis just released one third of all new cars sold worldwide could be electric by the end of the decade, bringing the total number of EVs sold in a single year to 31.1 million globally. The accounting giant Deliotte’s latest battery electric vehicle market study increases its previous annual car sales projection […]
Meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ new youth climate advisorsThe United Nations is bringing the youth climate movement to the table
Opening phase of China’s green development fund raises US$12 billionChina’s first dedicated environmental fund, which will invest in green projects and business, has already raised US$12.59 billion in its first phase, an environment ministry official said at a briefing today. The National Green Development Fund will mainly be used to invest in national strategic programs such as the green development of the Yangtze river […]
Climate deniers get twice the news coverage of pro-climate messages, study findsThe opinions of big business and opponents of climate action were given 'outsize opportunity to sway this debate'
Providing clean, safe water to protect human healthThe provision of safe water, sanitation and hygienic conditions is essential for protecting human health during all infectious disease outbreaks including COVID-19. SANEDI (South African National Energy and Development Institute) is partnering with the Department of Defence (DoD) for a Water Treatment Works project at the SANDF Air Force Base in Hoedspruit in the Maruleng […]
M&S, Tesco and Waitrose drop goat-milk company after violent attacks left animals crippledExclusive: 'We want our customers to be confident that our food has been produced to the highest standards of animal welfare,' says M&S
Climate crisis: Offshore wind power 'so cheap it could return money to consumers'Falling cost of renewable energy production could mean lower bills, researchers say
Striving for a world free of litter this JulyEach year in July, people across the globe take part in “Plastic Free July” – an international movement that aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste in our environment by encouraging fellow citizens to make the shift towards long-term, environmentally friendly habits. Although skeptics might find it hard to believe, the plastics industry in […]
Pandemic accelerates solar training shift to digitalShifting solar training to be facilitated digitally was always on the cards. The current pandemic has however made this a reality. The Solar Training Centre (STC) has partnered with the SA Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) and South African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC) to offer the PV GreenCard course digitally. This is the first ever live […]
Lamont’s Marie Tharp: She Drew the Maps That Shook the WorldOn the 100th anniversary of her birth, her grit and brilliance are as legendary as her work.
Saving New York’s $3 Billion Environmental BondIf we believe in our future and in our ability to come back from this catastrophe, the environmental bond act deserves our continued support.
COVID-19 has accelerated transition to environmentally friendly transportThe COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the transition to more environmentally friendly transport, according to new research conducted by Admiral car The post COVID-19 has accelerated transition to environmentally friendly transport appeared first on Environment Journal.
Goats punched, hit, kicked and 'left lame' at farm supplying milk to Tesco, Sainsbury, Waitrose and Ocado, video showsExclusive: Tesco and Waitrose suspend brand after footage shows animals crying out in pain
How Cargill’s new science-based water targets go with the flowHow Cargill’s new science-based water targets go with the flow Joel Makower Mon, 07/27/2020 - 02:11 Cargill, the giant food and ag conglomerate, last week announced a new set of 2030 corporate water targets, the latest to do so among firms in its sector. But this was no me-too kind of endeavor. Rather, it put the company at the front of the pack, going well beyond its own operational footprint to engage its entire supply chain, and to do so using a novel science-based approach for water. Specifically, Cargill said that by the end of the decade it would restore…
Climate crisis: UK electricity network emissions could turn negative by 2033, says National GridMajor renewable projects coupled with electric vehicle uptake and government action to reduce burden of home heating will ensure country hits net zero targets, says energy operator
Remembering Flex exec Bruce KlafterRemembering Flex exec Bruce Klafter Pete May Mon, 07/27/2020 - 01:45 Longtime GreenBiz friend Bruce Klafter died July 18 after a short and intense bout of pancreatic cancer. Bruce most recently was a vice president of sustainability strategy and outreach at Flex in Silicon Valley. GreenBiz co-founder and President Pete May reflects on his interaction with Bruce over the years. And below, we provide memories of Bruce from many of his friends and collaborators in the sustainability community. In the course of a business career, you meet colleagues who are smart, or kind, or just really good at what they do.…
The Estée Lauder Companies' sustainability leader on racial justice, 'sector-agnostic' solutionsThe Estée Lauder Companies' sustainability leader on racial justice, 'sector-agnostic' solutions Heather Clancy Mon, 07/27/2020 - 01:30 In the four years since Nancy Mahon assumed responsibility for CSR and sustainability strategy at The Estée Lauder Companies — she's currently senior vice president of corporate citizenship and sustainability — her team has launched a series of new initiatives that are a "first" among her organization's sector. The list includes the company's first virtual power purchase agreement for 22 megawatts, a move made in pursuit of its 2020 net-zero carbon emission goal. More recently, it energized on-site two solar arrays — one…
6,000 acres of Minneapolis parks have their own police force“It becomes a question of who gets to access the land, and the water, and take up space, who gets to congregate, and who gets to decide.”
Does the government’s food waste reduction plan pass the sniff test?Freezing taco meat probably can’t get us to a 50% reduction in food waste by 2030.
Morgan Stanley will measure CO2 impact of loans and investmentsMorgan Stanley will measure CO2 impact of loans and investments Michael Holder Mon, 07/27/2020 - 00:15 Morgan Stanley has become the first major U.S. bank to commit to measuring and disclosing the climate impact of its loans and investments, announcing last week that it has joined a multi-trillion dollar group of global financial institutions developing a standardized method for carbon accounting. The U.S. bank has become the latest financial firm to join the Global Carbon Accounting Partnership (PCAF), a growing coalition which first began in the Netherlands in 2015 and now boasts 66 formal members from around the world representing…
Hacks to Stay Cool: Beat the Heat Using Less EnergyAccording to a study from the U.S. Energy Information Administration ... The post Hacks to Stay Cool: Beat the Heat Using Less Energy appeared first on Earth 911.
Q&A With Author: ‘No-Waste Kitchen Gardening’When in the kitchen whipping up salads, soups, and stews, ... The post Q&A With Author: ‘No-Waste Kitchen Gardening’ appeared first on Earth 911.
Australia’s big emitters sign up to achieve net zero emissions by 2050A group of Australia’s biggest companies, including some of the country’s largest polluters, has banded together as part of efforts to make their operations carbon neutral by 2050. Industrial giants Woodside, BHP and BlueScope Steel are among a coalition of businesses including financial heavyweights National Australia Bank and AustralianSuper that have signed on to an […]
UN chief says coal should play no part in post-coronavirus recoveriesUnited Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a lecture to Chinese students’ coal should play no part in any country’s post-coronavirus stimulus plan and economic recovery should align with global climate goals. “There is no such thing as clean coal, and coal should have no place in any rational recovery plan,” Mr Guterres told […]
Research shows Europe steams towards coal exitAccording to data just released Europe’s long goodbye to coal is speeding up, in a transition smoothed by the rise of wind and solar power and energy policy that has priced the fossil fuel out of many markets. Centuries after powering Europe’s industrial revolution, coal cannot compete with less polluting fuels to generate electricity, prompting […]
Congress passes the Great American Outdoors Act, a ‘once in a generation’ conservation billThe legislation will fix crumbling national park infrastructure and permanently support the popular Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Renowned photographers unite to sell work in aid of Africa's wildlifeWe are protecting wildlife at risk from poachers due to the conservation funding crisis caused by Covid-19. Help is desperately needed to support wildlife rangers, local communities and law enforcement personnel to prevent wildlife crime. Donate to help Stop the Illegal Wildlife Trade here
Hundreds of people and 10 rare one-horned rhinos killed in seven weeks of flooding in south AsiaMore than 100 animals drown at game reserve and agencies warn of humanitarian disaster
Incumbent Hilary Franz enjoys big money advantage over relative newcomers in Washington lands commissioner raceLands Commissioner Hillary Franz takes on several challengers in the August primary, including Republican Sue Kuehl Pederson, of Lakewood.
They spent millions to protect polluters. Then they got busted by the FBI.The strange Ohio case offers juicy details on how corporations block environmental campaigns.
Lakewood Water District sues Defense Department for costs related to contaminationPFAS are referred to as “forever chemicals” by the Environmental Protection Agency because they don’t break down naturally in the environment.
King County Council restricts coal mines, fossil fuel infrastructure in zoning and development changesThe new measures make it more difficult to construct pipelines or storage facilities for oil or natural gas. The changes do not apply to gas stations or existing fossil fuel infrastructure.
Victory for the Great American OutdoorsSteve Blackledge Senior Director, Conservation America Campaign(916) 394-5413Contact person by email Read more about Steve Blackledge Friday, July 24, 2020 For what would become the nation’s most effective conservation and recreation law, it was an awkward beginning. 
Internship Opportunity: Assist With Outreach for the All Ivy Career FairThe Earth Institute seeks three interns to work remotely to support the first-ever virtual All Ivy Environmental and Sustainable Development Career Fair.
Vietnam bans wildlife trade imports due to the threat of future pandemicsBut campaigners say the laws are not strong enough and should include domestic sales, Samuel Osborne reports
Are beaches safe for swimming?Olivia Valicenti Creative AssociateContact person by email Read more about Olivia Valicenti Friday, July 24, 2020 If it’s safe to go to the beach, it should be safe to go swimming. Too often, though, it’s not.Earth’s atmosphere rings like a giant bell, say researchers - Physics WorldStudy confirms 200-year-old prediction by Pierre-Simon Laplace The post Earth’s atmosphere rings like a giant bell, say researchers appeared first on Physics World.
Trump administration says massive Alaska gold mine won’t cause major environmental harm, reversing ObamaThe official about-face regarding the bitterly contested Pebble Mine project epitomizes the whiplash that has come to define environmental policy under President Trump, who has methodically dismantled many of his predecessor's actions on climate change, conservation and pollution.
Siberian heatwave: Wildfires rage in Arctic, sea ice meltsThe Arctic is heating more than twice as fast as the global average, said the head of the U.N. weather agency, adding that Earth's poles influence weather conditions far away, where hundreds of millions of people live.
Marie Tharp’s Adventures in Mapping the Seafloor, In Her Own WordsThe pioneering mapmaker explains how she and colleagues discovered underwater mountain ranges 40,000 miles long, and helped to prove that the continents move.
Making food cheaper won't solve world hunger – time to look beyond the mythWith malnutrition rising sharply across the globe, governments need to start thinking about healthy diets as a human right, report Michael Fakhri and Ntina Tzouvala
You Can Recycle Cigarette Butts!Did you know cigarette butts are not fully biodegradable? But ... The post You Can Recycle Cigarette Butts! appeared first on Earth 911.
Earth911 Inspiration: We Must DecideToday’s quote is from American author Barry Lopez: “The land ... The post Earth911 Inspiration: We Must Decide appeared first on Earth 911.
Eliminating the impact of intentionally added microplasticsSean Smith (pictured) is the CEO of Eden Research plc, an AIM-quoted company focused on sustainable biopesticides and plastic-free encapsulation The post Eliminating the impact of intentionally added microplastics appeared first on Environment Journal.
Closed Loop Partners teams with Walmart, CVS, Target to take on the plastic bagClosed Loop Partners teams with Walmart, CVS, Target to take on the plastic bag Deonna Anderson Fri, 07/24/2020 - 01:15 Single-use plastic shopping bags are a real problem. They take decades to break down but nearly 100 billion of them are used in the United States every year to cart away goods from retailers. Fewer than 10 percent of those are recycled — often winding up in landfills and waterways because many recyclers don’t accept them. Now, Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy is partnering with Walmart, CVS Health and Target to address that problem. Their $15 million joint…
Is the ‘golden age of cycling’ really here to stay?More and more people have turned to pedal power during the lockdown as roads emptied and air quality improved. But The post Is the ‘golden age of cycling’ really here to stay? appeared first on Environment Journal.
The future of beef might be a sausage festMeet Cosmo, a gene-edited calf taking on climate change.
Amid Trump’s rollbacks, 15 states rev up plans for electric trucks and vansBillions of dollars of investment could shorted medium- and heavy-duty EVs' roads to market
A jobs program to plug abandoned oil wells sounds like a win-win. Is it?If only we knew more about where the wells are, how much methane is leaking, and the cost to plug them.
Are we at the dawn of a new welfare state? This policy analyst thinks so.Julian Brave NoiseCat breaks down Biden’s leftward shift and what it might mean for the country’s shrinking welfare state.
The importance of collaboration and legal expertise in the genesis of the Environment BillThis post is by Professor Maria Lee, co-director of the Centre for Law and the Environment at UCL, and Dr Carolyn Abbot, Senior Lecturer in law at the University of Manchester. Maria has been a member of the Greener UK Brexit Scenarios Group. There are important stories to be told about the shaping of the Brexit debate by the environmental
Suquamish Tribe intends to sue King County after 2019 Tribal Canoe Journey marred by wastewater spillAfter millions of gallons in sewage spill into Puget Sound in 2018 and 2019, the Suquamish Tribe has put King County on notice that the tribe intends to sue over the spills.
Study warns plastic pollution flowing into oceans to triple by 2040A new study warns the amount of plastic waste flowing into the ocean and killing marine life could triple in the next 20 years, unless companies and governments can drastically reduce plastic production. Single-use plastic consumption has increased during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the International Solid Waste Association, an NGO. Reuters Newsagency reports face […]
EU considers tax, emissions trading for carbon border planThe European Union has laid out options for designing its plan to impose charges on imports of some goods to try to protect EU industry from being undercut by countries with weaker climate policies. Options under consideration are a value-added tax (VAT), a customs levy and an extension of the EU’s carbon market, the European […]
Is China Still a Developing Country? And Why It Matters for Energy and ClimateUnderstanding the nature and implications of China’s unique status can help in designing energy and climate policies, and promoting sustainable growth.
Ocean plastic could triple by 2040 and outnumber fish by 2050, study saysResearchers say curbing the rising tide of plastic waste will require businesses and governments going far beyond tackling bags and straws
Scientists unveil a plan to prevent the next pandemic (and save nature at the same time)It would cost a fraction of the $9 trillion governments have spent on COVID-19.
Morgan Stanley is starting to come clean about climate changeThe finance giant is the first U.S.-based bank to agree to disclose how its investments and loans are affecting climate change.
Join Us in Celebrating #MarieTharp100July 30 marks 100 years since the birth of Marie Tharp, a pioneering geologist who created some of the first maps of the ocean floor. We’re celebrating her achievements and legacy with blog posts, giveaways, and more.
'Everybody's entitled to their opinion - but not their own facts': The spread of climate denial on Facebook'The arguments are that people can't trust scientists, models, climate data. It's all about building doubt and undermining public trust in climate science'
Sierra Club denounces racism of co-founder John MuirAs U.S. companies, politicians and institutions seek to atone for a history of systemic racism, the environmental movement is also grappling with a past built on white supremacy and a glaring lack of diversity in its current rank and file. On Wednesday, Sierra Club’s executive director, Michael Brune, penned a missive on the organization’s problematic […]
The difference between sanitizing and disinfectingDo you know the difference between sanitizing and disinfecting? Sanitising refers to cleaning one’s hands in order to reduce the number of potential pathogens that could be transmitted to others. Disinfecting refers to killing pathogens on surfaces, which may require chemicals harmful to humans, animals and the environment. Do you know what is in the […]Cryogenic innovation: ramping up research productivity at ultralow temperatures - Physics WorldICEoxford’s emphasis on versatile product design, rapid cool-down and a high degree of automation eases the path to ultralow temperatures The post Cryogenic innovation: ramping up research productivity at ultralow temperatures appeared first on Physics World.
Are we on the cusp of the 'Age of Freedom'?Are we on the cusp of the 'Age of Freedom'? Shana Rappaport Thu, 07/23/2020 - 01:00 Anything with "technology convergence" and "climate change" in the same sentence captures my attention. Contextualize it in the "making or breaking of human civilization as we know it" and I’m hooked — and admittedly a tad skeptical. That’s why I buckled up and dug into the recent 90-page report put forth by think tank RethinkX, co-founded by internationally recognized technologists and futurists Tony Seba and James Arbib. "Rethinking Humanity" makes the case that the convergence of key technologies is about to disrupt the five…
What New Jersey’s new environmental justice law will and won’t achieveThe mammoth Covanta waste incinerators in Newark and Camden illustrate the challenges ahead for the state's efforts to achieve environmental justice.
How can I convince older people to be less wasteful?It's time to challenge some assumptions.
Why would England ditch its recycling targets when waste is such a problem?Back in March 2018, the government won kudos for reversing its opposition to tough recycling targets included in the EU’s Circular Economy Package. “I want the UK to lead the way in driving global resource efficiency and that’s why, as well as backing the EU’s Circular Economy Package, we have committed to publishing a new resources and waste strategy in
EU sets world’s biggest ‘green recovery’ pledge, will it hit the mark?Pledging a record sum of money to slow climate change is one thing, but spending it wisely is another. After 90 hours of intense negotiations, European Union leaders reached a recovery deal that included devoting nearly €550 billion to green projects over the next seven years, the largest single climate pledge ever made. The money […]
Washington state expected to get millions more for parks, forests as Congress approves conservation billCongress OKs permanent allocation of $900 million a year for Land and Water Conservation Fund, ending years long struggle to sustain the popular, national program. The legislation also provides $9.5 billion over five years to fix crumbling infrastructure at America's national parks and other public lands.
Green energy takes record share of power during coronavirus pandemicRenewable power has taken up a record share of global electricity production since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a Reuters Newsagency review of data, suggesting a transition away from polluting fossil fuels could be accelerated in the coming years. Advocates of traditional energy have long argued that clean energy sources, such as […]
APM: An Overlooked First Step Toward Digital TransformationsAPM: An Overlooked First Step Toward Digital Transformations Digital Transformation and Industry 4.0 are complex concepts, and many manufacturers struggle to sort through what it means and how to approach the topic. Meanwhile, manufacturing and process businesses continue to face ongoing labor crunches and a mass retirement wave (taking significant tribal knowledge with them), which add to the urgency and stress to understand the concept, develop a strategy, and take action to maintain or increase a competitive edge. For manufacturers with industrial asset data but are struggling to put it to use, Asset Performance Management may offer a unique approach…
Climate crisis: Landmark study narrows range of likely temperature rises from human-driven CO2 emissions'It means that the efforts to say that climate sensitivity is so small we don't need to worry, that doesn't pass muster anymore'
EPA proposes airplane emission standards that airlines already meetThe new proposal on airplane emissions, which would be open to public comment before being legally finalized, is modeled after a plan drafted largely by international airline companies and adopted in 2016 by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The Sierra Club: America's oldest conservation group denounces racism of its founderGroup apologises for its past and says it will make organisational changes and determine which monuments need to be renamed or pulled down
Massachusetts Attorney General Strikes Down First Municipal Fossil Fuel BanJust over a year ago, the city of Berkeley, California, became the first City in the United States to ban natural gas hookups in new buildings. The trend of municipalities enacting fossil fuel bans, driven by a desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, has spread across California and a few other states and has now reached the east coast. Yesterday, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Municipal Law Unit struck down the first such municipal fossil fuel ban to come across its desk as inconsistent with the general laws of the Commonwealth.… More
Microsoft can’t achieve its climate goals alone — so it’s enlisting other companies to go net-zeroNike, Starbucks, Mercedes, Unilever, and others join Microsoft in the Transform to Net Zero initiative
Surge in cycling due to coronavirus lockdown prompts Google Maps revampUpdates show which Santander Cycles stands in London have bikes free, and where you can dock bikes at the end of a journey
Searching for the world's most famous polar bearYou may not know the name, but chances are you've seen Misha – one of the most filmed polar bears on the planet. Henry Anderson-Elliott recounts the animal's incredible story
Major new climate study rules out less-severe global warming scenariosThe study has a message that matters a great deal: There is basically little or no chance that we are going to get lucky and find that the warming caused by our activities turns out to be minor.
Liberal, progressive — and racist? The Sierra Club faces its white-supremacist history.Leaders of predominantly white, liberal and progressive groups throughout the field of conservation say they are taking a hard look within their organizations and don't like what they see.
The Work of Gary Hilderbrand and Design’s Response to Climate ChangeWhen it comes to climate change, do we prevent, prepare or adapt? The post The Work of Gary Hilderbrand and Design’s Response to Climate Change appeared first on Ocean Conservancy.
Lamont-Doherty Program Aims to Bring More Diversity to Earth ScienceThe Secondary School Field Research Program offers a diverse group of young people a unique opportunity to do field and laboratory research.
Climate crisis: First active leaks of methane found on Antarctic seabedMicrobes which consume potent greenhouse gas had only proliferated in small numbers after five years, researchers say
Microplastics and synthetic fibres found in UK shark species, say scientists in warning over worsening marine pollutionStudy reveals 'pervasive nature of plastic pollution'
What makes Al Gore hopeful: Tech innovation, science-based targets and the racial 'awakening'What makes Al Gore hopeful: Tech innovation, science-based targets and the racial 'awakening' Heather Clancy Wed, 07/22/2020 - 02:00 Who is responsible for emissions? Where did they originate? How can we be sure? A global coalition fronted by former Vice President Al Gore promises granular insights and data into those sources — down to individual power plants, ships or factories. Climate TRACE (short for Tracking Real-time Atmospheric Carbon Emissions) intends to use a massive worldwide network of satellite images, land- and sea-based sensors and advanced artificial intelligence to generate what it’s describing as the "most thorough and reliable data on emissions the world…
Paul Polman: 'Businesses cannot succeed in societies that fail'Paul Polman: 'Businesses cannot succeed in societies that fail' Deonna Anderson Wed, 07/22/2020 - 01:30 As people across the United States and the world grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and calls for racial justice, the business community has an integral role to play in both the dialogue and the solutions to these social issues. Last week, former Unilever CEO Paul Polman urged business leaders to be courageous in their response. "What COVID has done is a few things that we weren’t really able to get across until then. COVID has made clear that there cannot be healthy people on an…
What stands in the way of all those climate plans? The election — and the filibuster.This age-old Senate rule killed the last big U.S. climate bill. It could happen again.
A scientist wanted us to stop flying. Just not like this.“I think it’s completely possible that the future of collaboration could be better if we fly less.”
Why are farmworkers joining the strike for Black lives? Shared roots."The farmworker movement and the civil rights movement has always stood together."
Powerful quake shakes Alaska towns, creates small tsunamiThere were no immediate reports of damage, and tsunami warning was canceled after the magnitude 7.8 quake off the Alaska Peninsula produced a wave of a less than a foot.
Transform to Net Zero: Microsoft, Nike, Starbucks team up on corporate climate allianceTransform to Net Zero: Microsoft, Nike, Starbucks team up on corporate climate alliance Cecilia Keating Wed, 07/22/2020 - 00:20 A clutch of major multinational corporates including Microsoft, Danone, Nike, Unilever, Starbucks and Mercedes-Benz together have launched a new forum dedicated to sharing resources, tactics and strategies aimed at speeding up the business community's transition to net zero. The Transform to Net Zero initiative launched Tuesday will see members of the coalition — which also include Danish shipping giant Maersk, Indian information technology company Wipro and Brazilian beauty company Natura & Co — collaborate on research, guidance and roadmaps to help businesses…
The least we should expect of business is to call out the failure of the systemThis post is by‘Jonathon Porritt, founder director of Forum for the Future. For the past 25 years of my life, I’ve been an uncompromising advocate of the benefits of NGOs working with business rather than working against business, in order to accelerate the transition to a genuinely sustainable economy. I still am, but not in the same way, and absolutely
6 Foods that have as much protein as beef with much less of an environmental impactIt’s seems like we’re seeing hype every week with regard to the two major plant-based meat companies: Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat. That’s because they are solving a huge problem related to global warming and human health. Global warming was […]
How To Turn a Regular Photo Frame Into an Extraordinary Serving TrayTurning a photo frame into a serving tray is a ... The post How To Turn a Regular Photo Frame Into an Extraordinary Serving Tray appeared first on Earth 911.
Clean Energy Council in move to increase biomass developmentThe Clean Energy Council has undertaken a project with Bioenergy Australia aimed at driving an increased level of understanding, uptake and engagement in renewable energy generation in Australia. Bioenergy, which announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations, is involved in the efficient extraction of sustainable energy from biomass residues, including […]
Apple pledges to be carbon neutral by 2030Environmental and public interest groups praised Apples’s new goals but said the industry needed to do more to combat climate change.
The Green Connection and its partners celebrate a win for civil societyCivil society recently celebrated a win when SLR Consulting, on behalf of Total E&P South Africa (TEPSA), granted respondents a 30-day extension to comment on the Draft Scoping Report for further oil exploration and drilling in Block 11B/12B, along the country’s South coast. The NGO The Green Connection and its partners recently attended a severely […]
BLM Rescission of the Methane Waste Prevention Rule Has Been Vacated; Two Thoughts About the ImplicationsLast week, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers vacated BLM’s rescission of the 2016 methane “Waste Prevention Rule.” Although Judge Rogers found many flaws in the rescission rule, I think that two are key. The first is the Court’s rejection, under Chevron, of BLM’s limitation of the definition of “waste” to economic waste. I think that the Court’s holding is correct,… More
Apple’s new climate plan is mostly legitRecycled iPhones, carbon neutrality, and a robot named Dave.Environmental group sues feds over North Cascades grizzly bear decisionThe suit comes after U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced his agency will not conduct the environmental impact statement needed to reintroduce grizzlies into the North Cascades.
Three gamekeepers suspended over suspected killing of rare goshawk on Queen's landThe hawk – one of the rarest birds of prey in the UK – was lured into an illegal trap filled with live jackdawsTherapeutics firms share inaugural prize for health physics - Physics WorldThe Institute of Physics’ first Lee Lucas Award honours two start-ups, Nebu~Flow and Cellular Highways, for applying physics to healthcare and medicine The post Therapeutics firms share inaugural prize for health physics appeared first on Physics World.
Reactions to the speech by Environment Secretary George EusticeOn Monday 20 July, Green Alliance hosted online the first major speech on the environment by the Rt Hon George Eustice MP, Defra secretary of state. You can read the full speech or watch the event on our YouTube channel. Here are reactions to what he said, on funding, the Environment Bill, trade and the UK’s global role, from leading
Pasang Dolma Sherpa, Indigenous Peoples Representative to the U.N., Speaks With GlacierHubAround the world, Indigenous communities are losing their lands, livelihoods and culture to climate change. Sherpa is fighting to bring their voices to the United Nations.
Apple embeds racial justice into new supply-chain carbon neutrality pledgeApple embeds racial justice into new supply-chain carbon neutrality pledge Heather Clancy Tue, 07/21/2020 - 04:13 Apple already has ventured far beyond most other companies when it comes to pushing for climate action within its supply chain. Consider that it has convinced more than 70 Apple suppliers to use renewable energy to produce products on its behalf, an effort funded in part by close to $5 billion in green bonds issued by the technology giant as well as a dedicated pool of money in China. Now, it's wandering farther into uncharted territory. With its latest set of combined sustainability commitments,…
Climate crisis: Siberia wildfires 'engulf area larger than Greece'Greenpeace warns latest satellite data shows devastating impact on forests
EU leaders slash climate budgets by tens of billions to cover coronavirus recovery packageNations compromise with arrival of proposals decimating climate and science funds
We Earthlings: 4 Good Ideas for the EarthYou can make a positive difference for the planet every ... The post We Earthlings: 4 Good Ideas for the Earth appeared first on Earth 911.SNMMI Annual Meeting highlights nuclear medicine innovation - Physics WorldThe virtual SNMMI 2020 Annual Meeting showcased advances in molecular imaging and nuclear medicine The post SNMMI Annual Meeting highlights nuclear medicine innovation appeared first on Physics World.
Interview: Mark Lynas, author, Six Degrees: Our future on a hotter planetMark Lynas is an author, journalist and environmental campaigner, and in 2007 he wrote his first book Six Degrees: Our The post Interview: Mark Lynas, author, Six Degrees: Our future on a hotter planet appeared first on Environment Journal.
When it comes to sustainability, the path forward might mean looking backWe asked Grist readers to share the customs, habits, and practices that taught them how to reuse, recycle, and waste less.
The Chamber of Commerce says it’s woke. Its actions say Black lives really don’t matter.The business lobby has championed environmental rollbacks that strike at the heart of African-American communities.
As COVID surges in Puerto Rico, thousands have lost steady access to running water140,000 residents are subject to government-mandated water rationing and lose access to their faucets every other day.
Dietary guidelines have a blind spot: Future generationsA new study finds that 95 percent of dietary guidelines miss the mark on climate change.
Verizon, NRG, Oliver Wyman share tips on TCFD scenario planning and reportingVerizon, NRG, Oliver Wyman share tips on TCFD scenario planning and reporting Aaron Mok Tue, 07/21/2020 - 00:30 More than 1,000 global leaders have implemented recommendations from the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure as part of their climate action plans. But many organizations are still grappling with how, exactly, to do this. TCFD reporting offers a standardized framework for companies to disclose information on climate-related financial risk to their investors and stakeholders who seek greater corporate transparency. The core elements of the TCFD framework include: governance; strategy; risk management; metrics; and targets. During last week’s GreenBiz webcast "How Businesses…
Why You Should Ditch Balloons if You Love the EnvironmentAfter writing an article on traditions that are terrible for ... The post Why You Should Ditch Balloons if You Love the Environment appeared first on Earth 911.
Microsoft makes first climate fund investment, joins green groupMicrosoft said the first investment for its $1 billion climate fund will be in venture capital firm Energy Impact Partners. The software maker also joined with Nike, Starbucks, Unilever and Danone in a new consortium devoted to sharing resources and tactics for slashing carbon emissions, bringing together the efforts of some of the biggest global companies that have pledged to […]
Climate Council reveals plan to create 76,000 jobs in three yearsA plan to rebuild the economy and get Australians back to work suggests up to 76,000 jobs can be created through investments in renewable energy and other industries that tackle climate change. The Climate Council report relies on modelling by economic advisory firm AlphaBeta which has found up to 15,000 jobs can be created across […]
Iowa’s clean energy workers can help speed up our economic recoverySince founding a renewable energy business in rural Jefferson County nearly a decade ago, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside people whose grit, vision and ingenuity has helped our company grow and prosper. Although we started with just two workers, at the time of the coronavirus outbreak we employed about 40 women and men. All […] The post Iowa’s clean energy workers can help speed up our economic recovery appeared first on E2.
Microsoft, Nike, Unilever team up to combat global carbon emissionsMicrosoft Corporation, Nike Inc, Starbucks, Unilever and five other industry titans from various sectors of business are teaming up to help businesses globally achieve zero carbon emissions. Called “Transform to Net Zero”, the group plans to recruit other members and will work with the Environmental Defence Fund. Reuters Newsagency reports they will focus on delivering […]
India floods: Dozens dead and nine rare rhinos drowned across tea-growing AssamMore than 2.75 million people displaced as overflowing Brahmaputra river inundates towns and villages
Global warming is driving polar bears toward extinction, researchers sayNearly all of the 19 subpopulations of polar bears face being wiped out by the end of the century because the loss of sea ice would force them onto land and away from their food supplies for longer periods, researchers said.
COVID-19 pushes Google Maps to get more bike-friendlyAre you a cyclist or a Ford Fiesta? Google Maps finally knows the difference.
Rescuers struggle to free sperm whale from net off Sicilian coastMarine mammal is trapped in illegal fishing net
Going beyond statistics in the quest for clean energyGraham Marema Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy, Digital OrganizerContact person by email Read more about Graham Marema Monday, July 20, 2020 Personal stories of 100 percent renewable energy can inspire Clean Energy
Scandinavians call their waste incineration ‘crazy’, so why copy them?Last week, Policy Connect released a report, supported by the cross party Sustainable Resource Forum, looking at waste management and the shift to net zero. It contains several assumptions worth challenging (not least the opening statement that half of England’s waste isn’t recyclable, which is internally contradicted by the statement that the country can recycle 60 per cent of its
One Farm’s Vision for a Healthier CommunityFreetown Farm in Maryland is a small farm with a big vision. Seeing the farm’s potential and a unique opportunity for community education, food production, and sustainable environmental practices, The Conservation Fund provided Community Ecology Institute with a bridge loan to help them purchase the farm in the Summer of 2019 and secure their future. Now, CEI’s executive director Chiara D’Amore shares their progress over the past year, and what amazing things they’ve accomplished for their community.
Covid-19 ecotourism collapse could spell disaster in the Masai MaraThe pandemic threatens to plunge whole communities reliant on tourism into poverty, which is a massive driver of poaching.
California’s Agreement With Quebec Is Not Preempted — At Least For NowLast week, Judge William Shubb of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California ruled that the Agreement between California and Quebec to jointly operate a GHG cap-and-trade market did not violate either the Foreign Affairs Doctrine. Judge Shubb had previously ruled that the Agreement did not violate either the Treaty Clause or the Compact Clause. As before, I think Judge Shubb got it right,… More
South African recycling projects receive face shields and bagsFace shields and bulk bags have been made available for small businesses and reclaimers to collect and store their recyclable materials in. As South Africa’s national industry body, PETCO is accountable for managing the PET plastic industry’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). One of the areas of work that PETCO operates in is collections and training […]
Bang! Watch a Nooksack River dam finally coming down, freeing miles for fish habitatWashington state's dam-busting binge continues as the city of Bellingham began blasting concrete on the Middle Fork of the Nooksack last week.
Online training: Biodynamics and its role in agricultureThe Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Southern Africa will be hosting a monthly webinar via Zoom: 25 July – Session 1: Farm organism and the origin and role of biodynamics in agriculture. 29 August – Session 2: A phenomenological approach to soil, plants and animals. 26 September – Session 3: Farm fertility, biodynamic preparations and compost. […]
Carefully Reopening New York City and Columbia UniversityOur collective community is struggling to respond to this disease, and I have confidence we will do so.
Environment groups unconvinced by government claims of 'green recovery policy''Tiny announcement of new money is well short of the investment that is needed,' says RSPB chief executive
How a Blue New Deal charts a course for a sustainable sea changeHow a Blue New Deal charts a course for a sustainable sea change Joel Makower Mon, 07/20/2020 - 02:11 Last week, a group of activists, scientists, academics and others issued a report calling for policies and other initiatives to generate prosperity while addressing inequity and the climate crisis. They called it the Blue New Deal. Its focus: an ocean-based blue economy. The problem, these experts said, is that the much-ballyhooed Green New Deal doesn’t adequately address the many environmental and social challenges that lie along the world’s shorelines and into the deep blue: industrial overfishing; coastal flooding; declining biodiversity; plastic…Best in physics: multi-target tracking and carotid plaque evaluation - Physics WorldThe "Best in Physics" presentations at the AAPM|COMP Virtual Meeting highlight the conference's top-scoring studies The post Best in physics: multi-target tracking and carotid plaque evaluation appeared first on Physics World.
8 cities share how racial justice is embedded into their climate plans8 cities share how racial justice is embedded into their climate plans Jesse Klein Mon, 07/20/2020 - 02:00 As COVID-19 rampages through vulnerable minority populations with tragic consequences, and protests for racial justice surge among a similar demographic, city climate planners see a renewed focus on climate justice. The pandemic, in some ways, has been a trial run for the anticipated coming impacts of climate change — a not-so-distant future in which low-income and minority populations are the most at risk. As mayors make quick strategic changes to address the short-term COVID crisis, they are also in the midst of…
Earth911 Podcast: Direct Solar America CEO Pablo Diaz on Solar Subsidies and 2020 ElectionPablo Diaz, founder and CEO of Direct Solar America, joins ... The post Earth911 Podcast: Direct Solar America CEO Pablo Diaz on Solar Subsidies and 2020 Election appeared first on Earth 911.
Sustainability and the never-ending battle against burnoutSustainability and the never-ending battle against burnout Chris Gaither Mon, 07/20/2020 - 01:04 I felt sure I’d put burnout in the past. I’d quit my high-stress job at Apple, started my own executive-coaching business and found balance in my life. Then, with shame burning my face, I had to cancel a GreenBiz workshop I was leading about how to take care of yourself. Why? Because I hadn’t taken care of myself. That’s the thing about burnout: It creeps back in as soon as you stop paying attention. I began discussing burnout with GreenBiz leaders in early 2019. Yes, my own,…
Interview: Sam Stacey, director of the Transforming Construction ChallengeIn 2018, Sam Stacey was appointed challenging director of the UK Research and Innovation’s Transforming Construction Challenge. The project funds The post Interview: Sam Stacey, director of the Transforming Construction Challenge appeared first on Environment Journal.
To fight climate change, Democrats want to close the ‘digital divide’The pandemic has laid bare the difference between the digital haves and have-nots. Climate change will only worsen the inequality.
Zac Efron is learning about climate change, but not quite enough"Down to Earth," Netflix’s new climate-oriented take on "Eat Pray Love," misses some points.
This makeup ingredient could destroy 99% of ‘forever chemicals’"It wasn't supposed to work."
Danone's Eric Soubeiran: 'The food system is broken'Danone's Eric Soubeiran: 'The food system is broken' Cecilia Keating Mon, 07/20/2020 - 00:30 Earlier this year, Danone became the first listed company to become an "enterprise à mission," a new type of corporation created by a 2019 French law. The pioneering governance structure will see the food giant officially entrench environmental, social and societal objectives into its bylaws, alongside more typical profit goals. Danone, founded more than a century ago and famously declared an asset of national importance by the French government in 2005, has long prided itself on being a purpose-led business. Its new status is the latest…
Red kite reintroduction 'might be biggest species success story in UK conservation history'Thousands of breeding pairs now soar above countryside
Transport operators out of step with govt emissions targetsTransport’s biggest polluters, including Metro Trains, V/Line and Toll Transport, have been revealed to have outdated emissions reductions targets that undermine the Victorian state Labor government’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. It comes as the Labor government of Premier Daniel Andrews is poised to announce its first-ever transport emissions targets in early […]‘I’ve never seen people being so aggressive’: Boaters surround orcas in Tacoma NarrowsOn Tuesday, boaters caught up with the orca pod as it swam through the Tacoma Narrows around 5:30 p.m.
Strong interest in Australia’s renewable hydrogen industrySeven companies have been shortlisted to help fast track the development of renewable hydrogen in Australia. The Energy Minister in Australia’s conservative Liberal-National government, Angus Taylor, said the government was committed to building a world-class hydrogen industry. AAP Newsagency reports the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) received 36 expressions of interest, totalling more than $3 […]EU stimulus funds attract 1000-plus green projectsAccording to research seen by Reuters Newsagency more than 1000 climate friendly projects could line up for a piece of the EU’s post-coronavirus recovery package, as ministers discuss the bloc’s 2021-27 budget and economic stimulus fund. EU leaders have been meeting in Brussels to try to agree the budget and economic stimulus fund, which have […]
From the lab to the field, agriculture seeks to adapt to a warming worldWith the world’s food supplies at risk, researchers are turning to heat-resistant wheat, drought-resistant rice, and chickens that stay cooler.
Going ‘deep green,’ office buildings give back to the planet. Here’s a peek at Seattle projectsSome in commercial real estate are taking up the baton, with projects that uphold ever-higher environmental standards.
One year later, what has New York’s landmark climate law accomplished?"Goals are no good unless you meet them."
Trump’s deregulatory agenda has ‘exacerbated’ the COVID-19 pandemicA new report highlights how the administration’s environmental and public health policies were a “harbinger” of the deadly coronavirus outbreak
High hopes for record butterfly numbers as Chris Packham launches annual countWarm sunny spring and early emergences puts Big Butterfly Count 2020 on course for bumper year
App Will Track Harmful Dust From Bauxite Mining in GuineaResearchers at Columbia are developing an app that Guinean communities can use to hold mining companies accountable for controlling the dust they produce, which can harm health and livelihoods.
Student Spotlight: Graduating Seniors Reveal How to Thrive in Undergraduate Program in Sustainable DevelopmentThree students discuss their experiences, achievements, and advice for the future students.
Amazon photos show 'illegal' burning of rainforest amid record deforestation levelsGreenpeace blames huge surge in deforestation on Brazilian government's 'anti-environmental agenda'
The government keeps throwing money at flooding but isn’t tackling the causesGovernment spending on flood protection in England is fast approaching £1 billion a year. Yet homes and businesses, railways and roads, bridges and power infrastructure are increasingly being damaged or destroyed by devastating floods. The government’s ambition is to increase long term resilience, but there seems to be no end in sight, with climate change making the risk more likely,
Genetics Could Protect Coral Reefs from Global WarmingA Columbia study provides a blueprint for the use of genomics to help combat climate change.
Earth911 Inspiration: Choose a Green FutureToday’s quote is from Australian philosopher Toby Ord. In his ... The post Earth911 Inspiration: Choose a Green Future appeared first on Earth 911.
AMD's energy-slashing featAMD's energy-slashing feat Heather Clancy Fri, 07/17/2020 - 01:00 It isn’t often I have the mindspace to proactively follow up on every commitment proclaimed by the companies I cover. But I recently paused to catch up about one that has particular relevance as more companies act to address their Scope 3 emissions reductions, those generated by supply chains and customers: AMD’s bold pledge back in 2014 to improve the energy efficiency of its mobile processors — the components used in notebook computers and specialized embedded systems, such as medical imaging equipment or industrial applications — by 25 times by 2020.…
The population bomb didn’t detonate. Turns out there’s a new problem.These charts show why researchers are worried about a shrinking population.
Can tear gas mess with your period?Tear gas is bad for you, period. But is it bad for your period?
‘A stunning betrayal:’ How Democrats voted to give part of a wildlife refuge to the militarySorry, Nevada.
This entrepreneur is reshaping the criminal justice system — with farmworkAbiodun Henderson on breaking the cycle of youth incarceration: “We’re trying to get people back on the land.”
The future of the fashion industry requires innovative circular systemsThe future of the fashion industry requires innovative circular systems Nicole Pamani Fri, 07/17/2020 - 00:15 Agricultural waste from food crops either is traditionally left to rot or is burned, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. About 270 million tons of banana waste are left to rot annually, and in India, 32 million acres of rice straw are burned. Circular Systems’ Agraloop, in contrast, sees food crop waste as a valuable resource, a feed stock for natural fiber products. Winner of the 2018 Global Change Award, the company aims to unlock value for the textile and fashion industry,…
As lockdowns lift, governments face a recovery climate choiceDespite mounting pressure for economic rescue packages to be used to tackle climate change, most of the money spent so far on overcoming the coronavirus pandemic has gone towards propping up business as usual, according to three studies. However, what comes next may be more important for the climate, as governments move from emergency mode […]
The New NEPA Rules Are Final: Still Giving Regulatory Reform a Bad NameCEQ has finalized revisions to the NEPA regulations. I don’t have too much to add to my post on the proposed rule back in January. NEPA needs reform. These regulations, however, are not the reform NEPA needs. The rule largely tracks the proposed rule. It is worth noting, however, that, contrary to this administration’s frequently cavalier attitude toward judicial review, they have made a few tweaks to increase the likelihood that the rule will survive review. … More
Five must-watch ocean live streamsMichaela Morris Associate, Protect Our Oceans, Environment AmericaContact person by email Read more about Michaela Morris Thursday, July 16, 2020 Check out the following list of some of our favorite ocean livestreams. These livestreams dive deep into the big blue sea, exploring everything from jellies to coral reefs. 
Agency throws curveball in largest U.S. dam demolition planThe deal would be the largest dam demolition project in U.S. history,
How Does a Control Valve Work in an HVAC System?Almost every HVAC system consists of pressure control valves that help in the smooth operation of the entire unit. From maintaining a specific pressure in the circuit to keeping the system pressure under control, the control valves play a crucial […]
Canada’s industrial logging sector is the big climate emitter we don’t talk aboutThe Canadian boreal forest is an incredible ally in the fight against climate change. In addition to being rich in its diversity of animals...Read More The post Canada’s industrial logging sector is the big climate emitter we don’t talk about appeared first on Environmental Defence.
A better future for Ontario’s water? Proposed new rules could be a positive step for the province’s groundwaterHere’s some good news for the thousands of Ontarians who called on the province for years to fix its rules for water bottlers: We...Read More The post A better future for Ontario’s water? Proposed new rules could be a positive step for the province’s groundwater appeared first on Environmental Defence.
Ancient Peoples in Patagonia Who Adapted to Changing Climate Offer Insights for TodayFish bones reveal the seasonal fishing patterns of Patagonians thousands of years ago, illustrating how prehistoric communities adapted to their environments.
Groundbreaking Project Will Drill Into Bedrock Below Greenland Ice to Understand Past and Future MeltingGreenDrill promises to reveal the ice sheet’s past in unprecedented detail and enable more accurate predictions of how it may add to rising seas in the 21st century.
Sustainability Students Join Environmental Defense Fund Fellowship This SummerEleven students from the Sustainability Management and the Sustainability Science programs will work with various organizations to advance their environmental goals.
'Our native animals are our brothers and sisters': Why wild horses are causing a culture war in AustraliaA symbol of rugged individualism or an ecological hazard? Australia's Brumby horses are a source of contention between the city and the country, writes Livia Albeck-Ripka
Siberia heatwave 'effectively impossible' without man-made climate crisis, scientists sayHuman activity has made increased temperatures 'at least 600 times more likely', analysis shows
The electronic waste collection conundrumThe electronic waste collection conundrum Heather Clancy Thu, 07/16/2020 - 01:15 The primary reason I started covering the business of sustainability during the 2008 financial crisis wasn’t just because I was laid off from my position as editor of a technology trade publication. Quite simply, I had become obsessed with the tech industry’s then-blasé attitude about the seemingly intractable problem of electronic waste. A dozen years later, it’s still a massive problem — although data released this week by Morgan Stanley suggest that shifting consumer mindsets about electronics recycling, refurbishment, repair and trade-in programs could be a catalyst for change.…
COVID ruined my travel dreams. What do I do with my life now?If I see you on Tinder, I look forward to reading a bio that doesn’t include any synonym of “explorer.”
What if a ‘green’ economic recovery isn’t the best thing for the climate?It will take more than a rescue package to get us out of this mess.
3 unexpected ways Joe Biden plans to tackle climate changeBiden's new $2 trillion climate plan includes some smaller and less well-known climate interventions that, despite their obscurity, could have wide-ranging impacts on emissions and the U.S. economy
Infographic: 9 Ways Flowers Protect the EnvironmentThey’re decorative and often emit a pleasing fragrance, but flowers ... The post Infographic: 9 Ways Flowers Protect the Environment appeared first on Earth 911.
Oil giants including Exxon unveil new carbon intensity targetsAs pressure on the sector’s climate stance grows a group of the world’s top oil companies, including Saudi Aramco, China’s CNPC and Exxon Mobil, have for the first time set goals to cut their greenhouse gas emissions as a proportion of output. But the target, set by the 12 members of the Oil and Gas […]
Scientists accidentally bred fish version of a ligerAt first glance, American paddlefish and Russian sturgeon seem about as different as two fish can be. The Russian sturgeon, whose eggs are used to make top-shelf caviar, is a carnivore that hoovers crustaceans and smaller fish off the floor of rivers, lakes and coastal areas the world over. The American paddlefish, found in only […]
Trump overhauls Nixon-era environmental law that minority communities rely on to fight pollutersNational Environmental Policy Act informed lawsuit by Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to temporarily shut down Dakota Access Pipeline
Climate change makes freak Siberian heat 600 times likelierNearly impossible without man-made global warming, this year’s freak Siberian heat wave is producing climate change’s most flagrant footprint of extreme weather, a new flash study says. International scientists released a study Wednesday that found the greenhouse effect multiplied the chance of the region’s prolonged heat by at least 600 times, and maybe tens of […]
Report: global floating offshore wind could reach 70GW by 2040According to forecasts contained in Carbon Trust’s new Floating Wind Joint Industry Project’s (JIP’s) second phase summary report an estimated 70 gigawatt (GW) of floating wind could be installed across the globe by 2040,. The nascent sector could expand rapidly to deliver €215 billion worth of projects, the report adds, underscoring the “opportunity for the […]
Trump weakens major conservation law to speed construction permitsWASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Wednesday unilaterally weakened one of the nation’s bedrock conservation laws, the National Environmental Policy Act, limiting public review of federal infrastructure projects to speed up the permitting of freeways, power plants and pipelines. In doing so, the Trump administration claimed it will save hundreds of millions of dollars over […]What is the Burden on States Petitioning EPA Under the Good Neighbor Provisions of the Clean Air Act?Yesterday, the D.C.. Circuit Court of Appeals granted New York’s petition appealing EPA’s rejection of New York’s request under Section 126 of the Clean Air Act to require emissions reductions from upwind states alleged to be contributing to New York’s noncompliance with the ozone NAAQS. The Court found that: The EPA offered insufficient reasoning for the convoluted and seemingly unworkable showing it demanded of New York’s petition.… More
Can lemongrass and a catchy new song fix Burger King’s emissions problem?There's no way to know since the company has not released data on its carbon footprint.
Prince William says 'urgent steps' needed to eradicate illegal wildlife trade in fight against future pandemicsWe are protecting wildlife at risk from poachers due to the conservation funding crisis caused by Covid-19. Help is desperately needed to support wildlife rangers, local communities and law enforcement personnel to prevent wildlife crime. Donate to help Stop the Illegal Wildlife Trade HERE
The world’s mayors want a pandemic recovery that takes cars off the streetsThe Global Mayors COVID-19 Recovery Task Force's proposal calls for an embrace of the “15-minute city” paradigm.
Additional traps for Asian giant hornets set in BellinghamThe traps were set after experts discovered two dead hornets in Bellingham on June 6 and near Custer, Whatcom County, on May 27, the first confirmed sightings of the species in the U.S. this year.
Rewilding: Farmers plan to turn East Anglia into one of the world's largest restored nature reservesBison, beavers and even lynx could be reintroduced in some parts of Norfolk and Suffolk as grand scheme to link and extend areas dedicated to wildlife is launched, writes Harry Cockburn
Children Exposed to Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Suffered Physical and Mental Health EffectsThree out of five parents reported that their child had experienced physical health symptoms, and nearly one third reported that their child had mental health issues.Pod of the Planet Ep. 7: Oiled and SpoiledTen years ago today, the broken pipeline from Deepwater Horizon was finally capped after spewing 168 million gallons into the Gulf of Mexico over 87 long days.
Summer 2020 Workshop in Environmental Policy Addresses Crucial Sustainability ChallengesFive workshop teams will analyze the science behind several bills that have been proposed in Congress.
The Many Wonders of Arctic Sea IceSea ice is vital to Arctic ecosystems and to global climate The post The Many Wonders of Arctic Sea Ice appeared first on Ocean Conservancy.
Hand sanitisers: clearing up the confusionIt’s important to understand the difference between sanitising and disinfecting. Sanitising refers to cleaning one’s hands in order to reduce the number of potential pathogens that could be transmitted to others. Disinfecting refers to killing pathogens on surfaces, which may require chemicals harmful to humans, animals and the environment. Many manufacturers have confused the two […]GPS for cancer cells: PET tracks real-time migration of single radiolabelled cells - Physics WorldSingle breast cancer cells loaded with radiolabelled nanoparticles and injected into mice can be tracked through the body using PET The post GPS for cancer cells: PET tracks real-time migration of single radiolabelled cells appeared first on Physics World.
Could trash-to-energy technology feed hydrogen demand?Could trash-to-energy technology feed hydrogen demand? Arlene Karidis Wed, 07/15/2020 - 01:00 One novel spin on emerging hydrogen fuel options is "clean hydrogen" made from trash. Early pioneers of these hydrogen-from-waste technologies such as Ways2H, SGH2 Energy (SGH2) and Standard Hydrogen say not only are they making carbon-free, energy-rich fuel, their approaches also will divert mountains of trash from landfills and waterways, cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Green hydrogen — made by splitting water’s hydrogen and oxygen using electricity produced by renewable sources — is a small fish in the "energies pond." Today, more than 95 percent of hydrogen is…
There’s no roadmap to the other side of the natural gas bridge. These states are making one.Unless governments take a proactive, holistic approach to long-term natural gas planning, it’s going to get messy, fast.
How Reusing Items Can Help The EnvironmentThe environment is an important factor in sustaining flora and fauna. The health of human beings depends on the state of the environment as well. It’s the source of the food, water, air, and other relevant conditions that sustain life […]
Trump reins in major environmental law to speed big projectsEnvironmental groups say the regulatory rollbacks threaten public health and make it harder to curb global warming.
Studies show global methane emissions rising due to oil, gas, agricultureTwo new studies show United States oil and gas drilling along with agricultural production worldwide are driving up global emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. That marks a shift from the 2000s, when methane output from human activity came mostly from coal mines. Reuters Newsagency reports from 2007 through 2017, methane emissions have climbed […]
Climate crisis: Methane reaches highest levels on record driven by fossil fuels, ranching and landfills'People joke about burping cows without realising how big the source really is,' says the scientist who led the study
Methane levels have hit a scary record high, new studies sayGlobal lockdowns haven't stopped this powerful greenhouse gas from surging.
Climate action at community-level: African solutions that really workSufficient access to energy and resilient infrastructure are essential to realise the potential of African cities. Three years ago, a series of local-level solutions made five communities very happy. We revisit them to find out if the solutions were, in fact, sustainable. Through the Urban Low Emissions Development Strategies (Urban-LEDS ll) project, ICLEI Africa assisted […]
Create protective 'blue belt' zone around UK coast to rebuild depleted fish stocks, scientists urgeStudy says huge reduction in fishing due to Brexit negotiations and Coronavirus pandemic gives government unique window of opportunity to improve sustainability and profitability of industry
Coming Soon? A Brief Guide to 21st-Century MegadisastersA Q&A with Jeffrey Schlegelmilch, author of a new book on potential future calamities, and how they may play off one another.
Improve your energy efficiency this winter while keeping warmSouth Africans can keep warmer, save money, and take pressure off the national grid by implementing simple low-cost energy saving measures. This call from Barry Bredenkamp, General Manager Energy Efficiency & Corporate Communications at SANEDI, (the South African National Energy Development Institute). “While South Africa has passed the winter equinox, meaning our days are getting […]
Explaining Hydrogen: Canada’s new emissions free wonder fuel or another big handout to a failing fossil fuel industry?As the demand for hydrogen fuel starts to grow, the federal and Alberta governments are poised to make critical decisions about the future shape...Read More The post Explaining Hydrogen: Canada’s new emissions free wonder fuel or another big handout to a failing fossil fuel industry? appeared first on Environmental Defence.
Biden’s $2 trillion climate plan aims to reframe debateThe plan emphasizes updating the nation's infrastructure, and includes investments in improving energy efficiency in buildings and housing as well as promoting production of electric vehicles.
Capturing the North CascadesPhotographer Stephen Matera talks to GlacierHub about his series of photographs on the Washington State mountain range.
Climate crisis: First half of 2020 was second-warmest on recordJune temperatures leave the month tied with the warmest in at least 141 years
Burger King addresses climate change by changing cows’ dietsThe Burger King brand partnered with top scientists to develop and test a new diet for cows, which according to initial study results, on average reduces up to 33% of cows' daily methane emissions.
How Do You Measure Innovation in Sustainable Development?New research analyzes how four countries are utilizing individually tailored platforms to develop economically and sustainably.
Biden plans for $2tn investment in clean energy over four yearsIt's a significant increase on the proposal of $1.7tn over ten years that Mr Biden put forward earlier in campaign
Is renewable natural gas a serious alternative to ‘electrify everything’?Gas utilities are betting on it.Physics in the pandemic: ‘Surviving the virus really aligns your perspective’ - Physics WorldFor astronomer Karina Voggel, COVID-19 meant lost observing time, cancelled conferences and squeezing round a kitchen table to work. Then she got sick The post Physics in the pandemic: ‘Surviving the virus really aligns your perspective’ appeared first on Physics World.
Primates imported to UK for laboratory experiments 'triple in a year to 6,752'Stop the Illegal Wildlife Trade exclusive: Monkeys can infect humans with fatal viruses such as avian flu and respiratory disease, experts warn
Satellite images show Ethiopia dam reservoir swellingEthiopia says the colossal dam is vital, while downstream Egypt, which depends on the Nile, asserts that the dam poses an existential threat. Experts fear that filling the dam without a deal could push the countries to the brink of military conflict.
We Earthlings: Don’t Be a Hoarder, Reduce Food WasteDid you know that Americans waste more than 40% of ... The post We Earthlings: Don’t Be a Hoarder, Reduce Food Waste appeared first on Earth 911.Fighting flat-Earth theory - Physics WorldRachel Brazil explores ways in which the physics community can best combat unscientific thinking, such as the belief the Earth is flat The post Fighting flat-Earth theory appeared first on Physics World.
External skin patch transfers power to medical implants - Physics WorldA wireless power transfer system can sustainably power biomedical electronic implants, eliminating the need to surgically change batteries The post External skin patch transfers power to medical implants appeared first on Physics World.
Workplace EV charging: Lessons from sustainability trailblazersWorkplace EV charging: Lessons from sustainability trailblazers Marsha Willard Tue, 07/14/2020 - 01:30 Businesses are reaping the environmental and social benefits of providing electric vehicle charging for employees. That’s according to research published last week by Presidio Graduate School (PGS) and ChargePoint, providers of the world’s largest EV charging network. Last fall, a research team from PGS conducted a study on workplace electric vehicle charging practices. In addition to a review of the current literature, the team interviewed sustainability leaders in 24 organizations across the United States. The findings reveal that while still most common in Europe and in U.S.…
These scientists are using machine learning to listen to nature (literally)Machine learning and forest soundscapes are helping scientists identify unhealthy ecosystems
How to get your friends to care about the climate, according to a youth activistActivist and hip-hop artist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez knows a thing or two about bringing people together.
Researchers warn EU budget plan falls far short on climate goalsResearchers have revealed a European Commission proposal for the European Union’s long-term budget and recovery fund risks leaving a huge shortfall in the “green” investment needed to meet Europe’s climate goals. With the coronavirus pandemic plunging the EU into a deep recession, leaders from its 27 countries wil