Thu.Jan 16, 2025

article thumbnail

Whiplash: How Big Swings in Precipitation Fueled the L.A. Fires

Yale E360

UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain says that two very wet years followed by a very dry one helped to turn the Los Angeles wildfires into raging infernos. This phenomenon of hydroclimate whiplash, he says, is expected to occur in more and more places as the world warms.

article thumbnail

New Analysis Shows Public Health Impacts of Proposed Gas Plants in Wisconsin 

Union of Concerned Scientists

A new analysis shows the construction of two new fossil gas power plants would have substantial negative health consequences for Wisconsin and surrounding communities. The study, conducted by PSE Healthy Energy for the Union of Concerned Scientists and Healthy Climate Wisconsin (HCW), found that the Oak Creek and Paris gas plants could result in up to $5.7 billion of health and economic costs over 30 years.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Air monitoring station records biggest ever jump in atmospheric CO2

New Scientist

Wildfires and fossil fuel burning in 2024 contributed to the biggest annual rise in atmospheric CO2 levels ever recorded at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii

article thumbnail

‘Virtually Any City on Earth Can Burn Now’

Inside Climate News

In the superheated 21st century, the old rules for wildfires no longer apply. John Vaillant, author of Fire Weather, explains. By Kiley Bense The journalist John Vaillants book Fire Weather begins in the spring of 2016 in the boreal forests surrounding the remote Canadian city of Fort McMurray, where a fire is growing. Although wildfire is a regular part of life in northern Alberta, this fire was destined to be different.

2016 129
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Severe droughts are getting bigger, hotter, drier and longer

New Scientist

Droughts lasting multiple years are becoming more common and extreme around the globe, expanding by about 50,000 square kilometres annually

130
130
article thumbnail

In The News: World Economic Forum Appoints Circle of Blue Managing Director to its Global Future Council on the Future of the Energy Nexus

Circle of Blue

GENEVA (January 16, 2025) The World Economic Forum (WEF) has appointed Circle of Blue Managing Director J. Carl Ganter to the Global Future Council on the Future of the Energy Nexus ahead of WEFs annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, which will take place January 20-24. The WEFs Network of Global Future Councils is the worlds foremost multi-stakeholder and interdisciplinary knowledge network dedicated to promoting innovative thinking to shape a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

More Trending

article thumbnail

Is Red No. 3 Harmful? How Does It Compare with Other Dyes?

Scientific American

The Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of the dye Red No. 3 in all food and ingested drugs. Here’s what foods and drugs contain the coloring, and how it compares with Red No.

118
118
article thumbnail

Fossil claimed to be new species of mosasaur is suspected forgery

New Scientist

A jawbone found in a Moroccan mine was thought to be a novel species of marine reptile from the Cretaceous period, but other researchers believe it is probably a fake

127
127
article thumbnail

The Supreme Court’s Trans Health Case Shows Why Patients Should Make the Decisions

Scientific American

Supreme Court arguments over trans health care makes plain how badly we need personalized health care in all of medicine

117
117
article thumbnail

Humanoid robot learns to waltz by mirroring people's movements

New Scientist

An AI trained on motion capture recordings can help robots smoothly imitate human actions, such as dancing, walking and throwing punches

124
124
article thumbnail

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

article thumbnail

Collecting useful data on NEPA

Legal Planet

As Ive recently posted , permitting reform is (appropriately) in the news right now. That means theres also a reason for various think tanks, NGOs, academics, and others to release studies that might inform the policy debate. One such study from 2024 that has gotten some coverage on social media recently is a report by the Breakthrough Institute on NEPA litigation.

article thumbnail

The evidence that suggests you don’t need alcohol as a social crutch

New Scientist

A reader is worried about socialising without the confidence boost she gets from alcohol.

124
124
article thumbnail

Analysis: The struggle to save Zimbabwe’s dying wetlands

A Greener Life

Mana Pools National Park is one of Zimbabwes seven Wetlands of International Importance, as per 1971s Convention on Wetlands. Its ecosystem supports hippopotami, elephants, zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, leopards, cheetahs, lions and more. Photo credit: Melba Photo Agency / Alamy. By Sally Nyakanyanga Zimbabwes wetlands are under threat from urban expansion and unsustainable agriculture.

article thumbnail

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket reaches orbit on first launch

New Scientist

After delays and false starts, Jeff Bezos's firm Blue Origin has reached orbit with its first launch of the New Glenn rocket, though attempts to land the first stage at sea were unsuccessful

114
114
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Rural America Is Already on Board with Clean Energy

NRDC

Gutting it wouldnt just jeopardize our climate goals but also the growing workforce in the heartland and beyond.

article thumbnail

French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust Partners With Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Of The United Methodist Church To Preserve 130 Acre Camp In Chester County

PA Environment Daily

On January 16, the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust and the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church announced the completion of a voluntary land conservation agreement to preserve Camp Innabahs 130-acre property along Pughtown Road in East Vincent Township, Chester County. A space that has been a cherished center for community, outdoor recreation, and connection to the natural world for generations will never face the pressures of land development.

article thumbnail

What Caused the LA Wildfires? How Investigators Will Find Out

Scientific American

Wildfires like the Los Angeles blazes destroy so much, but they often spare some evidence of the cause of their ignition

108
108
article thumbnail

What can we learn from a debunked theory of depression?

New Scientist

Rebutting the serotonin theory of depression exposed an important gap in our knowledge.

107
107
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Red #3 is Going

Legal Planet

Yesterday’s FDA’s ban on the food dye red #3, which takes California’s recent ban nationwide, is welcome and long overdue. Red #3 is a known animal carcinogen, and appears to have been excluded from an earlier FDA ban on its use in cosmetics and externally applied drugs primarily through clerical error. As I described in a Halloween op ed in The Hill , the safety standard in Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act regulations compels FDA to deny market access to synthetic food dye

article thumbnail

We Can Work Together to Halt Misinformation

Ocean Conservancy

Over the past few years, misinformation about climate change and our ocean has been spreading across news and social media, and many believe it will only get worse. In my work towards ocean climate solutions, I have seen how misinformation can delay climate action and impact policy decisions that affect our ocean. We need to tackle misinformation to push through vital climate solutions, and we can all be a part of this important work.

Ocean 96
article thumbnail

Hatboro Environmental Advisory Council: Jan. 29 Hatboro Solar 101 Program - Get Your Solar Questions Answered, Montgomery County

PA Environment Daily

The Hatboro Environmental Advisory Council and Solar United Neighbors will host a Hatboro Solar 101 Program on January 29 at the Borough of Hatboro Building, 414 S. York Road in Hatboro, Montgomery County from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Attend this in-person event to get all your questions answered about solar energy-- without the sales pitch. Visit the Hatboro Environmental Advisory Council webpage for more information.

2025 95
article thumbnail

NATO tests satellite internet as backup to sabotaged undersea cables

New Scientist

As apparent acts of sabotage cut undersea data cables around the world, NATO held its first demonstration of a project to quickly reroute crucial communications to satellite internet

88
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Penn State Extension: 4 Ag Water Series Webinars On County Clean Water Plans; Watersheds & Mapping; Mitigate Flooding & Drought; Tile Drainage Starting March 3

PA Environment Daily

The Penn State Extension is hosting four more Ag Water Series webinars from Noon to 1:00 p.m. on these dates-- -- March 3: Practices To Mitigate Flooding & Drought: This webinar will examine strategies to improve water infiltration, recharge groundwater tables, and mitigate flood damage. Topics will include planning and regulatory considerations, funding opportunities, and available resources to support the implementation of these practices.

2025 104
article thumbnail

Climate Action Now Threatened by ‘Powerful Forces,’ Biden Warns

Scientific American

In his farewell address, President Biden warned that a powerful “oligarchy” could undo four years of progress on climate policy

81
article thumbnail

Keeping our havened populations fighting fit: Do native predators help Australian mammals face invasive cats and foxes?

The Applied Ecologist

Linking to the recently-published article, Natasha Harrison discusses whether native predators inside predator-free havens could be good for the conservation of threatened native prey species. Predator-free havens Since their introduction into the Australian landscape following European settlement, feral cats and red foxes have caused prolific population declines among our native fauna.

article thumbnail

PA Solar Center Hosts Jan. 31 Webinar On RISE PA Decarbonization Grant Program For Industry

PA Environment Daily

The Pennsylvania Solar Center will host a January 31 webinar on the RISE PA Decarbonization Grant Program from Noon to 1:15 p.m. The RISE PA is a statewide industrial decarbonization grant program is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants under the Inflation Reduction Act. The purpose of RISE PA is to offer grants (up to 50%) for small-, medium-, and large-scale decarbonization projects at industrial facilities to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)

article thumbnail

Resource utilization of waste solar photovoltaic panels for preparation of microporous silicon nanoparticles

Environmental News Bits

Yue, Q., Wen, J., Zhou, Y., & Zheng, Y. (2025). Resource utilization of waste solar photovoltaic panels for preparation of microporous silicon nanoparticles. Waste Management, 193, 495505. [link] Abstract With the exponential growth of global photovoltaic (PV) installed capacity, the quantity of discarded PV modules continues to rise.

Waste 52
article thumbnail

DCNR Awards Nearly $1.4 Million To Support 5 Local ATV And Snowmobile Projects; Watch For Upcoming DCNR Grant Opportunities

PA Environment Daily

On January 16, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced nearly $1.4 million in new grant funding to support all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and snowmobile projects across the Commonwealth. This funding will help expand access to outdoor recreation and bolster Pennsylvanias $19 billion outdoor recreation sector.

article thumbnail

That Arctic blast can feel brutally cold, but how much colder than ‘normal’ is it really?

Environmental News Bits

by Richard B. (Ricky) Rood, University of Michigan An Arctic blast hitting the central and eastern U.S. in early January 2025 has been creating fiercely cold conditions in many places. Parts of North Dakota dipped to more than 20 degrees below zero, and people as far south as Texas woke up to temperatures in the … Continue reading That Arctic blast can feel brutally cold, but how much colder than normal is it really?

2025 52
article thumbnail

Thursday PA Environment & Energy NewsClips - 1.16.25

PA Environment Daily

The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people. - - Article I, Section 27 Pennsylvania Constitution [Its Not A Suggestion] House Voting Schedule January 27, 28, 29 Feb

article thumbnail

Relentless warming is driving the water cycle to new extremes, the 2024 global water report shows

Environmental News Bits

by Albert Van Dijk, Australian National University Last year, Earth experienced its hottest year on record for the fourth year in a row. Rising temperatures are changing the way water moves around our planet, wreaking havoc on the water cycle.

2024 52
article thumbnail

Early Registration Now Open For March 29 Watershed Congress At Alvernia University, Berks County

PA Environment Daily

The 2025 Watershed Congress is now accepting early registrations for this special event to be held on March 29 at a new location-- Alvernia University in Reading, Berks County. This highly anticipated event will be in-person only. The Watershed Congress brings together people working across different disciplines focused on advocating for, restoring, and understanding our unique watersheds.

2025 57