Thu.Nov 21, 2024

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A Busy Legislative Season in California Adds Up to a More Climate Proof Future

Union of Concerned Scientists

Another year, another legislative session. Much like a sine graph , this year had highs and lows. Also like a sine graph, Union of Concerned Scientists will keep moving forward no matter what (and backward technically, but I am political science major and way out of my depth here, so let’s pretend they only move forward, give me kudos for an awesome simile, and get to the recap!).

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This Big Oil Sponsorship Just Got Dirtier

Legal Planet

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ most prominent sponsor — Phillips 66, which owns 76 gas — was just indicted for violating the Clean Water Act by allegedly dumping hundreds of thousands of gallons of industrial wastewater from its Carson oil refinery into the LA County sewer system. The details are spelled out in a six-count indictment against the Houston-based company returned by a federal grand jury.

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As Drought Shrivels Hydropower, Zambia Is Pivoting to Solar

Yale E360

An unprecedented drought has lowered reservoirs in hydropower-dependent Zambia, leading to economically crippling blackouts and spurring a push for solar. With multiple utility-scale arrays now in the works, the nation is betting on solar to increase its power capacity by a third.

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With COP29 nearing its end, wealthy countries must deliver on climate finance now

Enviromental Defense

Statement from Julie Segal, Senior Manger Climate Finance, Environmental Defence Canada Baku, Azerbaijan — Countries came to COP29 with a clear goal, to decide on a specific funding amount to support vulnerable nations. This climate finance commitment would support these countries to decarbonize their economies and adapt to climate related damages.

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How to Modernize Manufacturing Without Losing Control

Speaker: Andrew Skoog, Founder of MachinistX & President of Hexis Representatives

Manufacturing is evolving, and the right technology can empower—not replace—your workforce. Smart automation and AI-driven software are revolutionizing decision-making, optimizing processes, and improving efficiency. But how do you implement these tools with confidence and ensure they complement human expertise rather than override it? Join industry expert Andrew Skoog as he explores how manufacturers can leverage automation to enhance operations, streamline workflows, and make smarter, data-dri

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Collision avoidance: Navigating ships through recovering whale populations

The Applied Ecologist

In this blog post, Emily Hague and team discuss their latest research into the importance of careful consideration of collision-mapping approach and data selection when it comes to predicting high-risk vessel collision areas for whales.

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Lowering Energy Demand Is Key For Meeting Climate Goals 

Union of Concerned Scientists

We’ve all seen those click-bait headlines, making some bold claim about how one new invention or innovation might “save the world.” But in reality, there isn’t one quick fix to the challenges our climate is facing. Saving the planet requires us to rethink how we farm, redesign our buildings and cities, and incorporate high-tech solutions into manufacturing.

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Soil Carbon: The Climate Solution We’re Misunderstanding

HumanNature

Guest Post by Lexi Firth , 2024-2025 Sustainability Leadership Fellow and Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University Soil is more than just dirt beneath our feet; it’s a dynamic, living system that plays a crucial role in supporting our food systems, clean water, and the resilience of our communities.

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We've taken a photo of a star in another galaxy for the first time

New Scientist

Using four telescopes linked together, astronomers have captured an astonishing image of a huge star more than 160,000 light years away

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Bird Flu Has Infected Two Young People. Here’s Why Experts Are Concerned

Scientific American

Canada’s first human case of bird flu has left a teenager in critical condition as human infections continue to emerge in the western U.S.

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Nectar-loving Ethiopian wolves may be the first carnivore pollinators

New Scientist

Endangered Ethiopian wolves feed on the nectar of red hot poker plants, and may transport pollen from flower to flower as they do so

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The Key to Sustainable Energy Optimization: A Data-Driven Approach for Manufacturing

Speaker: Kevin Kai Wong, President of Emergent Energy Solutions

In today's industrial landscape, the pursuit of sustainable energy optimization and decarbonization has become paramount. ♻️ Manufacturing corporations across the U.S. are facing the urgent need to align with decarbonization goals while enhancing efficiency and productivity. Unfortunately, the lack of comprehensive energy data poses a significant challenge for manufacturing managers striving to meet their targets. 📊 Join us for a practical webinar hosted by Kevin Kai Wong of Emergent Ene

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EPA’s Tackling Emerging Contaminants Initiative Will Reduce Exposure to PFAS and Other Emerging Contaminants in Water

Nanotech

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on November 20, 2024, the launch of the Tackling Emerging Contaminants (TEC) initiative, a new, no-cost technical assistance effort focused on reducing exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants in small or disadvantaged communities. According to EPA, the objective of the TEC Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) is to support small or disadvantaged communities assess and address emergin

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Common chemical in drinking water hasn't been tested for safety

New Scientist

Chloramine is used as a disinfectant in drinking water systems from the US to Australia.

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The renewable energy hidden in our wastewater ponds – here’s how it could work

Environmental News Bits

by Faith Jeremiah, Lincoln University, New Zealand New Zealand is confronting a perfect storm. Its energy grid faces three pressing challenges at once: an unreliable electricity supply, strict emissions reduction targets and ongoing environmental issues related to wastewater ponds.

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Chimpanzees seem to get more technologically advanced through culture

New Scientist

Groups of wild chimpanzees with more complex tool-using behaviours tend to be genetically linked, providing evidence for cumulative culture in other apes

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How to Drive Cost Savings, Efficiency Gains, and Sustainability Wins with MES

Speaker: Nikhil Joshi, Founder & President of Snic Solutions

Is your manufacturing operation reaching its efficiency potential? A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) could be the game-changer, helping you reduce waste, cut costs, and lower your carbon footprint. Join Nikhil Joshi, Founder & President of Snic Solutions, in this value-packed webinar as he breaks down how MES can drive operational excellence and sustainability.

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Tiny airborne particles within air pollution could be a silent killer – new study uncovers hidden risks and reveals who’s most at risk in New York state

Environmental News Bits

by Shao Lin, University at Albany, State University of New York; Arshad Arjunan Nair, University at Albany, State University of New York; Fangqun Yu, University at Albany, State University of New York, and Quan Qi, University at Albany, State University of New York Long-term high ultrafine particle concentrations in New York state neighborhoods are linked … Continue reading Tiny airborne particles within air pollution could be a silent killer – new study uncovers hidden risks and reveals w

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What to know about creatine, the gym supplement with wide benefits

New Scientist

Creatine is commonly associated with athletes and bodybuilders, but the popular supplement seems to have broad benefits on everything from ageing to brain function

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Chimps Share Knowledge Like Humans Do, Spurring Innovation

Scientific American

Female chimps who migrate to new social groups bring skills and technology with them, helping to drive development of increasingly complex tool sets

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World's thinnest spaghetti won't please gourmands but may heal wounds

New Scientist

Spaghetti strands that are 200 times thinner than a human hair could be woven into bandages to help prevent infections

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Implementing D.E.J.I. Strategies in Energy, Environment, and Transportation

Speaker: Antoine M. Thompson, Executive Director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition

Diversity, Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (DEJI) policies, programs, and initiatives are critically important as we move forward with public and private sector climate and sustainability goals and plans. Underserved and socially, economically, and racially disadvantaged communities bear the burden of pollution, higher energy costs, limited resources, and limited investments in the clean energy and transportation sectors.

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First Rocks Returned from Moon’s Far Side Reveal Ancient Volcanic Activity

Scientific American

Samples from the far side of the moon gathered by China’s Chang’e-6 mission record eons of tumultuous lunar history

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Super-bright black holes could reveal if the universe is pixelated

New Scientist

Space-time may not be continuous but instead made up of many discrete bits – and we may be able to see their effects near the edges of unusually bright black holes

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When Did Human Ancestors Start Using Tools?

Scientific American

The 3.

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Brainwave experiment shows minke whales have ultrasonic hearing

New Scientist

In the first hearing test of live baleen whales, the animals detected much higher frequency sounds than expected, forcing researchers to reconsider how these mammals respond to predators – and humans

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Shaping a Resilient Future: Climate Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Speaker: Laurie Schoeman Director, Climate & Sustainability, Capital

As households and communities across the nation face challenges such as hurricanes, wildfires, drought, extreme heat and cold, and thawing permafrost and flooding, we are increasingly searching for ways to mitigate and prevent climate impacts. During this event, national climate and housing expert Laurie Schoeman will discuss topics including: The two paths for climate action: decarbonization and adaptation.

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As Drought Shrivels Hydro, This African Nation Pivots to Solar

Yale E360

An unprecedented drought has lowered reservoirs in hydropower-dependent Zambia, leading to economically crippling blackouts and spurring a push for solar. With multiple utility-scale arrays now in the works, the country is betting on solar to increase its power capacity by a third.

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A sliver of lab-grown wood has been made from stem cells

New Scientist

Growing wood directly from stem cells could offer an alternative to cutting threatened hardwood trees, but it isn't clear if it has same properties as actual wood

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Genetic Genealogy Can Stop Violent Criminals and Free the Wrongly Convicted

Scientific American

Despite investigative genetic genealogy revolutionizing cold case investigations, it has been underused to free the wrongly convicted

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Worm-like fossil is the oldest ancestor of spiders and crustaceans

New Scientist

Arthropods belong to an evolutionary branch – the ecdysozoa – that contains about half of all animal species, and the earliest fossil evidence of the group dates back 550 million years

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Sustainability at Retail

Sustainability impacts every nation, company, and person around the world. So much so that, in 2015, the United Nations (UN) issued a call for action by all countries to work toward sustainable development. In response to this and as part of a global Sustainability at Retail initiative, Shop! worked collaboratively with its global affiliates to address these critical issues in this white paper.

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PUC To Host Nov. 25 Technical Conference On Adequacy Of Electricity Supplies In Pennsylvania

PA Environment Daily

On November 21, the Public Utility Commission announced it will hold a technical conference on the adequacy of electricity supplies in Pennsylvania Monday, November 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The technical conference will be open to the public via livestream the morning of the event. The agenda for the conference includes three sessions-- -- What are the right mix of resources and how do we get them online?

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The Feed: Vol. 2, Issue 22

National Law Center

The Feed newsletter highlights recent legal developments affecting agriculture, with issues released twice a month. Click below to sign up for. The post The Feed: Vol. 2, Issue 22 appeared first on National Agricultural Law Center.

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Green Building Alliance Invites New Kensington Commercial Property, Business Owners To 2030 District Launch and Energy Efficiency Info Session Dec. 4 In Westmoreland County

PA Environment Daily

On December 20, the Green Building Alliance invites New Kensington-area commercial property and business owners, and community leaders to a listening session on energy efficiency and cost savings, and a Launch Party celebrating the establishment of the New Kensington 2030 District December 4 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Digital Foundry in Westmoreland County.

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America’s BFF | WILD HOPE

PBS Nature

Black-footed ferrets, North America’s only native ferret, still depend on humans for survival. That’s why a dedicated team has engineered new and innovative tools to help them make it in the wild. The post America’s BFF | WILD HOPE appeared first on Nature.

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Sixth District Affirms Judgment Upholding Application of CEQA Guidelines Class 32 Infill Development Exemption To Project On Parcel Substantially Surrounded By Urban Uses In Small-Population City

CEQA Developments

In an important opinion filed October 21, and later ordered published on November 18, 2024 (at the request of the California State Association of Counties and the Rural County Representatives of California), the Sixth District Court of Appeal interpreted key terms in the CEQA Guidelines Class 32 categorical exemption, which applies to in-fill development projects that meet specified criteria, including being substantially surrounded by urban uses.