Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 10, 2024

Back in 2016 I wrote a long post about biodiesel , explaining what it is made from (mostly vegetable oil) and arguing that EPA should show restraint in setting targets for biodiesel because of the limited availability oils and fats and the harmful consequences of drawing too heavily from these limited sources. The world has changed in many ways since 2016, but the large-scale diversion of vegetable oil from food to fuel remains a bad idea.

Biofuels 293

Biofuels 2016 2022 Deforestation 293

Yale E360

JANUARY 10, 2024

Analysts project another record year for sales of electric vehicles, driven largely by surging demand in China, the biggest market for battery-powered cars.

2024 180

2024 Electricity 180

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 10, 2024

There are almost 2,000 gas power plants and approximately two million miles of gas pipelines running across the United States. While this sprawling infrastructure currently plays a large role in keeping the power grid humming, it is also inextricably linked to disproportionate harms on communities of color and low-income communities. Gas infrastructure is polluting the air, water, and land with cumulative effects that are worsening the health and livelihoods of already marginalized groups.

Fossil Fuels 261

Fossil Fuels Nitrogen Oxides Electricity Air Pollution 261

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

The mental health of people who undertake mindfulness or meditation courses offered by their employer is generally no better than those who are not offered such programmes

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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.

2024

Union of Concerned Scientists

JANUARY 10, 2024

This blog was coauthored by Joana Setzer and Laura Peterson. Fresh off the heels of the 28 th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), the global climate conversation is buzzing with a mix of skepticism and cautious optimism. Last year’s UN climate talks, while criticized for certain shortcomings , brought into sharp focus the need for robust legal frameworks to transition from fossil fuels.

Paris Agreement 215

Paris Agreement Law Fossil Fuels Climate Change 215

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

The mysterious giant ape Gigantopithecus blacki died out up to 295,000 years ago, after failing to adapt to a changing climate and the food variability that went with it

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135

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

An invasion of nomadic herders from the Eurasian steppe profoundly changed the genetic landscape of modern Europe, influencing patterns of modern diseases

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136

Scientific American

JANUARY 10, 2024

Climate change is already disrupting lives in the Arctic, and the warmest summer on record will certainly have an enormous impact on the people and wildlife of the region

Climate Change 122

Climate Change 122

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

Feedback continues investigating both the whereabouts and the usefulness of black holes, in the process uncovering new research suggesting the cosmic phenomena could be used as rechargeable batteries

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125

The Applied Ecologist

JANUARY 10, 2024

This blog post on ‘Life and the physical environment’ is part of the BES ‘Key Concepts in Ecology’ series, designed to help ecologists in learning the key topics in ecology!

Climate Change 117

Climate Change 117

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.

Clean Energy

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

The experimental X-59 aircraft is designed to break the sound barrier without making the startling booms produced by current supersonic planes

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137

PA Environment Daily

JANUARY 10, 2024

The Department of Environmental Protection issued a record 6,860 notices of violation to conventional oil and gas operators in 2023, according to DEP’s December 29, 2023 Weekly Workload Report. That’s 51.9% more than in 2021 and 26.6% more than in 2022 and 569.9% more than in 2015. DEP’s 2022 Oil and Gas Annual Report said 5,416 notices of violation were issued to conventional operators in 2022 and 4,514 violations in 2021 and in 2015, DEP issued just 1,024 violations to conventional operators.

2023 114

2023 2021 Natural Gas 2018 114

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

From Australia to the UK, the global shortage of science teachers will have a damaging effect on diversity and equity in science, says physics teacher Alom Shaha

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NRDC

JANUARY 10, 2024

One of only nine endangered North Atlantic right whales calves born this season has been found with serious injuries caused by a vessel’s propeller.

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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.

2022

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

The success of a 15-year project to help frogs in California’s Sierra Nevada suggests some amphibian species could be rescued from a devastating fungal disease by evolution – and a little human help

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115

Scientific American

JANUARY 10, 2024

A model heart made from living tissue fused with robotic muscles could help researchers see how the organ works on the inside

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128

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

People who live along rivers in the Amazon basin have severe neurological symptoms and dangerously high levels of mercury in their bodies because of pollution from gold mining

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109

PA Environment Daily

JANUARY 10, 2024

By DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn [ 2023 DCNR Year In Review ] Last year marked a fresh start for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources with a new administration and refined strategic goals for our work. On a personal level, Governor Josh Shapiro appointed me to return as the Secretary of DCNR. It is an honor and a privilege to continue this role managing Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations -- and all of that is second to my new nickna

2023 104

2023 Natural Resources Conservation Climate Change 104

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Sustainable Development

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

Water pipes offer a largely untapped source of renewable electricity that could provide 1.

Electricity 144

Electricity 144

Scientific American

JANUARY 10, 2024

The massive ancient ape Gigantopithecus blacki disappeared in a mystery that scientists are eager to crack

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132

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

Søren Solkær's new collection of photographs shows starlings swooping as one in dramatic, cloud-like flocks

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126

Scientific American

JANUARY 10, 2024

The evolution of beat perception likely unfolded gradually among primates, reaching its pinnacle in humans

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131

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

This year should bring rich gaming with Star Wars Outlaws, wonderful surprises such as World of Goo 2 – a satirical physics puzzle game – and, hopefully, the much-delayed Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, says Jacob Aron

2024 98

2024 98

Enviromental Defense

JANUARY 10, 2024

In an attempt to expand its “natural” gas infrastructure across Ontario, Enbridge Gas is telling residents that gas is the cheapest way to heat their homes. It’s not. So we’re calling them out. Today, we filed a complaint with the Competition Bureau over Enbridge Gas’ deceptive marketing. As of January 10, 2024, the Competition Bureau has seen merit in our complaint and launched an investigation into Enbridge Gas’ marketing campaign The company is falsely claiming that “natural” gas, better de

Carbon Emissions 96

Carbon Emissions Natural Gas Electricity Cooling 96

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

Hannah Ritchie's smart new book is sure to whip up major controversy by arguing that the data shows we can win the battle to save the planet. But are its solutions credible?

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98

Enviromental Defense

JANUARY 10, 2024

Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – The Competition Bureau of Canada has officially launched an investigation into Enbridge Gas’ marketing campaign targeting new gas customers. The complaint , filed by Environmental Defence, the Ontario Clean Air Alliance , the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment and a number of affected residents , calls out Enbridge for claiming that gas is the most cost e

Cooling 96

Cooling Electricity Natural Gas Fossil Fuels 96

PA Environment Daily

JANUARY 10, 2024

The Center For Great Lakes Literacy is now accepting applications from Grade 5-12 teachers for a spot aboard EPA's Lake Guardian research vessel for hands-on experience in scientific exploration in Lake Erie. The deadline to apply is February 19. The week-long scientific exploration of Lake Erie will take place July 7-13, 2024, providing educators with a hands-on opportunity to explore microplastics, phytoplankton, benthic organisms, sediment, and other Lake Erie-specific topics alongside scient

2024 91

2024 Atmosphere Ocean 91

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

Manatees or sea cows usually inhabit coastal waters, but rumour has it that some are hiding out in Upper Guinea.

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PA Environment Daily

JANUARY 10, 2024

On January 10, the Environmental Hearing Board denied a motion by Olympus Energy, supported by the Department of Environmental Protection , to declare an appeal of two shale gas permits in Westmoreland County filed by Protect PT as moot because the wells have already been drilled and fracked. The Protect PT appeal involved two well permits on the Metis shale gas well pad-- wells 2M and 4M-- in Penn Township, Westmoreland County.

2023 95

2023 2022 2021 Radiation 95

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

After discovering that a Ralph Rowlett was in charge of the Royal Mint in 1540, Peter Rowlett runs the genealogy calculations to find out if he could be related

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90

PA Environment Daily

JANUARY 10, 2024

“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 [It’s Not A Suggestion] Governor’s Budget Address: February 6 Sen

Natural Gas 88

Natural Gas 2028 Fossil Fuels 2023 88

New Scientist

JANUARY 10, 2024

With a spate of missions to the lunar surface scheduled for this year, we must ensure lessons from the way humanity has impacted Earth aren’t forgotten

2024 89

2024 89

Scientific American

JANUARY 10, 2024

“Sludge content” is a type of viral video that features multiple clips playing simultaneously on a screen.

Technology 103

Technology Technology 103