Thu.Jul 15, 2021

article thumbnail

Will Russia’s Forests Be an Asset or an Obstacle in Climate Fight?

Yale E360

New research indicating Russia’s vast forests store more carbon than previously estimated would seem like good news. But scientists are concerned Russia will count this carbon uptake as an offset in its climate commitments, which would allow its emissions to continue unchecked. Read more on E360 ?.

340
340
article thumbnail

Stop the Burn, Save Lives: The case for a community-led zero waste model in Baltimore

Union of Concerned Scientists

The Baltimore region ranks among the worst in the U.S. for air pollution. Baltimore has two active trash incinerators and decades of pollution from both active and decommissioned industrial factories. A study by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in 2017 found air quality in the region was ranked moderate or worse one of every three days, […].

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

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

article thumbnail

The Stream, July 15, 2021: Brazilian Initiative Will Pay Farmers To Conserve Water

Circle of Blue

YOUR GLOBAL RUNDOWN. A new initiative in Brazil will pay soy farmers to practice sustainable agriculture. Massive amounts of rain fell across Switzerland this week, flooding streets and swelling rivers in major cities like Zurich. Major flooding events are becoming more common in Detroit, Michigan. The United States EPA could set new limits on PFAS chemicals in drinking water.

article thumbnail

The Little Chemical Agency That Could…and Should Do More to Prevent Chemical Disasters

Union of Concerned Scientists

We think it can. We think it can. We think it can. That’s why UCS joined Earthjustice, United Steelworkers, National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) and 19 additional organizations last week to send a letter advocating for reforms to the Chemical Safety and Hazards Investigation Board (CSB) that would ensure the agency is […].

170
170
article thumbnail

Manufacturing Sustainability Surge: Your Guide to Data-Driven Energy Optimization & Decarbonization

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.

article thumbnail

Will Increased Enforcement Speed Cleanup of Superfund Sites in EJ Communities?

Law and Environment

Earlier this month, EPA circulated a memorandum on “ Strengthening Environmental Justice Through Cleanup Enforcement Actions.” It could significantly increase the volume of CERCLA enforcement actions. More importantly, if implemented appropriately, it could help reduce the risks posed by Superfund sites in overburdened EJ communities. . The trick of course will indeed be how it’s implemented.

Law 130
article thumbnail

China Is Pulling Ahead in Global Quantum Race, New Studies Suggest

Scientific American

The competition between the U.S. and China over development of quantum technology has implications for both the future of science and the two countries’ political relations. -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.

Politics 145

More Trending

article thumbnail

New Brain Implant Transmits Full Words from Neural Signals

Scientific American

No spelling out of letters is needed for a paralyzed person to use the first-of-a-kind neuroprosthesis. -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.

145
145
article thumbnail

Smart Building Automation Software and Systems Market Continues to Leap through 2027

Environmental Leader

A recent report shows that smart building automation software and systems will achieve significant increases in North America by 2027. As urbanization leads to increasingly smarter cities, buildings are an integral part of a city's ecosystem. Intelligent buildings lead to improved economic outcomes for both owners and users as well as improved satisfaction, safety, and wellbeing….

2027 126
article thumbnail

Ag & Food Law Daily Update: July 15, 2021

National Law Center

A comprehensive summary of today’s judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food. Email important additions HERE. REGULATORY: EPA, The post Ag & Food Law Daily Update: July 15, 2021 appeared first on National Agricultural Law Center.

Law 122
article thumbnail

Independent QA: open access to data drives continuous improvement in radiotherapy

Physics World

A rigorous and independent approach to QA provides an essential audit of the evolving radiotherapy delivery system, complementing the integrated “self-checks” on the treatment machine to ensure that radiation is delivered to the tumour site as intended while minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissues and organs at risk. In this second feature of our series on independent QA, Physics World talks to Jeff Kapatoes, senior director for regulatory and research at Sun Nuclear Corporation , a US-b

Radiation 118
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

New Law Changes Wetland Regulation in the State of Indiana

National Law Center

In April, 2021, the State of Indiana adopted a new law concerning the regulation of interstate wetlands. Senate Bill 389 (“SB. The post New Law Changes Wetland Regulation in the State of Indiana appeared first on National Agricultural Law Center.

article thumbnail

Talking about Hawking, Brazil’s new synchrotron light source

Physics World

When the cosmologist Stephen Hawking published A Brief History of Time in 1988, he quickly became the world’s most famous physicist. In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast we talk to science writer Charles Seife about his new book, a biography of the late cosmologist entitled Hawking Hawking: the Selling of a Scientific Celebrity , in which he controversially claims that Hawking’s fame stemmed not from his science — but his mastery at self-promotion.

116
116
article thumbnail

3D-printed robotic hand powered by water can play Super Mario Bros

New Scientist

A 3D-printed robotic hand controlled by pressurised water can complete the first level of classic computer game Super Mario Bros in less than 90 seconds

120
120
article thumbnail

Opto-refrigerative tweezers prevent trapped particles from overheating

Physics World

Scientists in the US and China have created novel optical tweezers that trap particles at lower temperatures and use weaker lasers than conventional optical tweezer techniques, reducing the risks of photodamage and thermal damage. The novel device takes advantage of optical refrigeration to trap particles via thermophoresis, rather than optical force.

Cooling 111
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

Pacific Northwest Heat Wave Killed More than 1 Billion Sea Creatures

Scientific American

The massive loss could destabilize local marine ecosystems. -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.

145
145
article thumbnail

Inspired by killer plants

Physics World

The way that some plants such as the Venus flytrap and Cape sundew move so quickly and precisely has always fascinated scientists. Plants move with biological necessity, whether it is to feast on insects or to spread their spores far and wide. This video looks at the mechanics of moving plants and how it can inspire innovations in soft robotics. For a more detailed look at the physics of plant motion, take a look at this feature by science writer Daniel Rayneau-Kirkhope, originally published in

2021 106
article thumbnail

Kids Get 'Long COVID' Too

Scientific American

Children can suffer lingering symptoms from the disease, but researchers are still working to determine how frequently and how severely. -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.

111
111
article thumbnail

Aurora Bridge Bioswale: 2 Million Gallons of Opportunity

Washington Nature

by Courtney Baxter, Program and Communications Specialist “Why is stormwater runoff a problem?” That is the first line from “Solving Stormwater” , a film produced by The Nature Conservancy, and a question asked by Mark Grey, a local business and property owner in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle and founder of the non-profit Clean Lake Union. Photo by Heather Van Steenburgh.

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

Climate Change Library Lab

Environmental News Bits

The Climate Change Library Lab provides information and advice specific to libraries to help them prepare for climate-related disasters or deal with post-disaster recovery within their communities. It includes links to books, videos, articles, and case studies, as well as information about environmental justice and climate literacy.

article thumbnail

Solar Leasing in Louisiana: Act 301 and Decommissioning Requirements

The Energy Law Blog

As the number of solar projects continues to grow in Louisiana, a chief concern among Louisiana taxpayers is ensuring that these projects are properly decommissioning upon their abandonment. Solar development is largely in its infancy in Louisiana, with only a handful of projects having been constructed to date. However, lawmakers are acting now to ensure proper decommissioning years down the road.

article thumbnail

The Amazon rainforest now emits more carbon than it absorbs

Inhabitant

A recent study in Nature shows that the Amazon rainforest is now emitting more CO2 than it absorbs. For the first time, scientists have confirmed that despite once being the largest carbon sink in the world, the rainforest has turned into a pollutant due to high rates of deforestation.

article thumbnail

PA Resources Council Hosts Aug. 14 Household Chemical Collection Event In Allegheny County

PA Environment Daily

In August, the Pennsylvania Resources Council will host a household chemical collection event in Allegheny County to provide Pennsylvania residents with an opportunity to safely and cost effectively dispose of common chemicals such as cleaners, paints, stains and varnishes, batteries, motor oil and pesticides. This PRC household chemical collection will take place on Saturday, August 14, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Boyce Park Ski Lodge parking lot.

Waste 105
article thumbnail

IBM Announces 21 Environmental Sustainability Goals

Environmental Leader

In its just released annual Environmental Report, IBM has announced an updated set of 21 environmental sustainability goals. The pledges support or complement the company’s current commitment to reach net zero GHG emissions by 2030. Key themes covered in the report include, but are not limited to, energy conservation, renewables. Read more ». The post IBM Announces 21 Environmental Sustainability Goals appeared first on Environment + Energy Leader.

2030 104
article thumbnail

Microbes burping methane on Mars may be right next to NASA rover

New Scientist

Something just a few dozen kilometres from NASA’s Curiosity rover seems to be generating methane – a finding with potential implications in the continuing search for life on Mars

103
103
article thumbnail

Recycling Mystery: Vapes and Vaping Products

Earth 911

When e-cigarettes, or vapes, came on the market in 2007, they were initially seen as. The post Recycling Mystery: Vapes and Vaping Products appeared first on Earth911.

Recycling 105
article thumbnail

The Problem with Pain Scores

Scientific American

Physicians often ask you to rate your agony on a scale from one to 10—but the response doesn’t necessarily say anything useful. -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.

98
article thumbnail

Covid-19 news: 203 long covid symptoms found in international study

New Scientist

The latest coronavirus news updated every day including coronavirus cases, the latest news, features and interviews from New Scientist and essential information about the covid-19 pandemic

99
article thumbnail

Biogeoscience Chief Editor is the Recipient of the 2021 R. Berner Lectureship

Frontiers

Dr. Alexandra Turchyn. We are honored to announce that Dr. Alexandra (Sasha) Turchyn, Co-Chief Editor of the Biogeoscience section of Frontiers in Earth Science is a recipient of the 2021 R. Berner Lectureship for her important contributions in the field of global geochemical cycles. Recipients of this Lectureship are selected for their ‘exceptional ability to define globally important biogeochemical processes, develop new understandings, and significantly advance the corresponding area of

2021 98
article thumbnail

Weighing-in: universally applicable biometric conversion equations to support comparative assessment of invasive freshwater bivalves

The Applied Ecologist

Invasive bivalves continue to detrimentally impact freshwater ecosystems worldwide, with their ecological effects often being standardised by body size or biomass measurements. In their latest research, Coughlan and colleagues aim to derive universally applicable conversion equations to support reliable comparative assessment of bivalve driven ecological effects.

98
article thumbnail

Australia’s covid-free status crumbles as delta variant takes hold

New Scientist

Australia went more than six months with almost no covid-19 cases and zero deaths, but is now battling an outbreak of the delta variant amid low vaccination rates

95
article thumbnail

EU climate proposals could significantly cut emissions

Inhabitant

The EU has come up with a dozen proposals to form its most aggressive climate plan. Among the proposals is a plan to ban the production and sale of gas-powered vehicles and to tax jet fuel.

89
article thumbnail

Legal lead levels in US tap water may harm people with kidney disease

New Scientist

Even very low levels of lead in drinking water may be linked to negative health effects in people with advanced kidney disease, a study of people in the US has found

91
article thumbnail

Spiders on Tiny Treadmills Give Scientists the Side Eye

Scientific American

Jumping spiders see more in their periphery than previously known. -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.

107
107