January, 2023

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Three Predictions for Climate Litigation in 2023

Union of Concerned Scientists

2023 is forecast to be an eventful year for climate litigation: legal actions aiming to hold polluters accountable for their role in climate change, ensure that international treaties and agreements are followed, and protect human rights that are being negatively impacted by climate change. I’ve been working in this space for a short three years, but in that time, I’ve witnessed incredible change and development.

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2022 updates to the temperature records

Real Climate

Another January, another annual data point. As in years past , the annual rollout of the GISTEMP, NOAA, HadCRUT and Berkeley Earth analyses of the surface temperature record have brought forth many stories about the long term trends and specific events of 2022 – mostly focused on the impacts of the (ongoing) La Niña event and the litany of weather extremes (UK and elsewhere having record years, intense rainfall and flooding, Hurricane Ian, etc. etc.).

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Silencing Science: How Indonesia Is Censoring Wildlife Research

Yale E360

Under President Joko Widodo, Indonesia has gained international praise for its conservation policies. But now the government is clamping down on scientists who are questioning official claims that the country’s endangered orangutan and rhino populations are increasing.

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Rare Earth Metals Market Expected Growth of 10.1% by 2033

Environment + Energy Leader

The market for rare earth metals is fueled by a number of growth factors, including: Rising sales of electric automobiles. Increased application in a variety of industries. The utilization of renewable energy sources is rising. The post Rare Earth Metals Market Expected Growth of 10.1% by 2033 appeared first on Environment + Energy Leader.

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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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A Dangerous Disruption

Legal Planet

Last week, MIT’s “Technology Review” reported that a small startup firm is proposing to spray reflective aerosols in the stratosphere commercially as a climate corrective. (Stratospheric Aerosol Injection or SAI.) The firm is small and new, operating with a claimed total of $750K of venture financing. They say they have thus far launched two small weather balloons, which each released a few grams of sulfur dioxide gas (SO 2 ) in the stratosphere.

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As Planet Warms, Water Risks Abound

Circle of Blue

Ahead of a high-profile UN conference, political forecasters issue water warnings. The Nile, cutting here through Cairo, is the heart of Egypt. Photo © J. Carl Ganter/Circle of Blue. By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue – January 11, 2023. Water still matters. Last year was evidence that forgotten threats to global prosperity and safety can re-emerge. Covid flared in China as the country abandoned its isolationist policy, a reminder that the pandemic continues to burn.

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News Flash! International Cooperation on the Environment Remains Possible

Law and Environment

In these times of much woe, it’s always noteworthy when the mainstream media reports good news. Especially when it’s good news about effective international cooperation on environmental protection issues. . Today, the New York Times reported that a recent assessment shows that the world is on track to reach pre-1980 levels of upper atmosphere ozone by roughly 2040.

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After Comeback, Southern Iraq’s Marshes Are Now Drying Up

Yale E360

After recovering from Saddam Hussein’s efforts to drain them, southern Iraq’s Mesopotamian Marshes are disappearing as a regional drought enters its fourth year and dams cut off water flows. Marsh Arabs, resident for millennia, are leaving, and biodiversity is collapsing. Read more on E360 →.

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Green Energy Jobs Rapidly Expanding

Environment + Energy Leader

According to International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the ILO's Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review 2022, the number of renewable energy jobs increased by around 700,000 globally between 2020 and 2021. The post Green Energy Jobs Rapidly Expanding appeared first on Environment + Energy Leader.

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The Red Sea Could be a Climate Refuge for Coral Reefs

Inside Climate News

A large new marine protected area could help some of the world’s most heat-tolerant corals survive the century, if the pressures from resorts, industry and other development ease. By Bob Berwyn When Lina Challita dives along Egypt’s coast, she doesn’t just see a colorful array of corals and fish. She sees hope. Against the grim backdrop of climate models that project most coral reefs dying by the end of this century in overheating oceans, the northern end of the Red Sea may end up being one of t

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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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Federal Government Advances Big Water Projects

Circle of Blue

Congress focuses on flood protection and disaster recovery. Congress and federal agencies took action on several Mississippi River projects in major legislation that was passed during the winter holidays. Photo © J. Carl Ganter/Circle of Blue. By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue – January 17, 2023. While much of the country was relaxing over the winter holidays, federal lawmakers remained busy.

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Flooding soon in a basement near you: the impacts of weakening wetland protection in Ontario

Enviromental Defense

This is a guest blog by Brendon Samuels. Over the past several years – and especially in the past few months – Premier Doug Ford’s government has made sweeping changes to environmental protection and land use planning rules across Ontario. . The regulations accompanying many recent changes included in Bill 23 have yet to take effect. When they do, the province’s parallel decision to weaken the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) will have widespread implications.

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DCNR: Susquehanna River North Branch Named 2023 Pennsylvania River Of The Year

PA Environment Daily

On January 25, the North Branch of the Susquehanna River in northeastern Pennsylvania has been selected by a public vote as the 2023 Pennsylvania River of the Year , Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Janet Sweeney of the PA Organization for Waterways and Rivers (POWR). “Through planned River of the Year celebrations, public awareness of the value of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River will be increased and major initiatives along this section o

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Sacred Groves: How the Spiritual Connection Helps Protect Nature

Yale E360

From Ethiopia’s highlands to Siberia to the Australian rainforest, there are thousands of sacred forests that have survived thanks to traditional religious and spiritual beliefs. These places, many now under threat, have ecological importance, experts say, and must be saved. Read more on E360 →.

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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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Meet the Honorees: Monica Meagher, Sustainability Group Manager, BART

Environment + Energy Leader

Meet Monica Meagher, Group Sustainability Manager at BART. Monica and her team manage specific projects that range from electricity procurement for the entire system to annual sustainability reporting to LED retrofits. . The post Meet the Honorees: Monica Meagher, Sustainability Group Manager, BART appeared first on Environment + Energy Leader.

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Scientists Report a Dramatic Drop in the Extent of Antarctic Sea Ice

Inside Climate News

Links between global warming and the decline of sea ice in the Southern Ocean are still unclear, but climate can’t be ruled out as a driver. By Bob Berwyn The new year started with the familiar refrain of climate extremes, as scientists with the National Snow and Ice Data Center reported Jan. 3 that the sea ice around Antarctica dropped to its lowest extent on record for early January.

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Perspective | Giant Catch in the Mekong Reveals Mysteries of Biodiversity Hot Spot

Circle of Blue

Fish tracking project builds the case for international conservation cooperation. In June 2022, fishers in Cambodia caught a giant freshwater stingray weighing 661 pounds (300 kilos). It turned out to be the largest freshwater fish ever caught. The stingray was tagged with a tracking device and returned to the Mekong River, where its movements are informing conservation planning.

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About

PBS Nature

One family, 37 different faces. From the recognizable and familiar like foxes, wolves, African wild dogs and coyotes to the lesser-known ones like the Japanese raccoon dog, fennec fox, dholes and dingoes, canids have conquered every continent except Antarctica. Get to know these adaptable creatures in the three-part Dogs in the Wild, A Nature Miniseries.

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DCNR Opens Application Period For New Round Of Conservation & Recreation Grants

PA Environment Daily

On January 17, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources opened a new application period for the Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program. The deadline for applications is April 5. The grant programs opening include-- Community Recreation & Conservation Planning; Community & Watershed Forestry; Land Acquisition & Conservation; Motorized Trails; Non-Motorized Trails; Park Rehabilitation & Development; and State & Regional Partnerships.

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In Europe’s Clean Energy Transition, Industry Turns to Heat Pumps

Yale E360

With gas prices soaring due to the Ukraine war and the EU’s push to cut emissions, European industries are increasingly switching to high-temperature, high-efficiency heat pumps. Combined with the boom in residential use, the EU is now hoping for a heat pump revolution.

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Great Britain Sets New Record for Wind Generation

Environment + Energy Leader

Britain has achieved a new record for wind energy generation, with power from onshore and offshore turbines helping to enhance sustainable energy production late last year. The post Great Britain Sets New Record for Wind Generation appeared first on Environment + Energy Leader.

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Breakaway iceberg raises concerns over Antarctica’s 'doomsday glacier'

New Scientist

A massive iceberg that has been stuck on the seafloor in front of the Thwaites glacier in West Antarctica for two decades and helped protect it is now floating away

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20 Years of Severe Drought Impede Huge Developments in Southwest

Circle of Blue

20 Years of Severe Drought Impede Huge Developments in Southwest Uncertain path forward for largest development ever proposed in Arizona. By Keith Schneider. Circle of Blue. January 5, 2023. BUCKEYE, AZ. — The White Tank Mountains were the backdrop in October when senior executives of the Howard Hughes Corporation broke ground for Teravalis, the largest planned community ever proposed in Arizona.

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Environmental and food groups take Health Canada to court over glyphosate product renewal

Enviromental Defense

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE, ECOJUSTICE, DAVID SUZUKI FOUNDATION, FRIENDS OF THE EARTH CANADA, SAFE FOOD MATTERS Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat – Environmental and food groups are challenging Health Canada’s failure to conduct a rigorous scientific assessment of glyphosate before renewing the approval for a product containing it.

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How Sustainable Is Lab-Grown Meat?

Earth 911

Lab-grown meat is a type of cellular agriculture that grows proteins from a culture, cell. The post How Sustainable Is Lab-Grown Meat? appeared first on Earth911.

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Amazon Under Fire: The Long Struggle Against Brazil’s Land Barons

Yale E360

Journalist Heriberto Araujo spent four years reporting on the destruction of the Brazilian Amazon. In an interview with Yale Environment 360 , he talks about his new book, which explores the complex web of issues underpinning the deforestation of the world’s largest rainforest. Read more on E360 →.

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Verizon Signs PPA for 410MW of Renewable Energy Capacity

Environment + Energy Leader

As part of its commitment to procuring renewable energy, Verizon has signed four new long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for up to 410MW of renewable energy capacity. The post Verizon Signs PPA for 410MW of Renewable Energy Capacity appeared first on Environment + Energy Leader.

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Reminder: PA Master Naturalist Spring Training Sign Ups Happening Now

PA Environment Daily

Want to learn more about nature and how to protect it? Want to meet more like-minded people and make a difference together? Become a PA Master Naturalist volunteer ! Local conservation partners are offering Master Naturalist training courses in Adams, Beaver, Berks, Dauphin, Lehigh, Montour, Philadelphia, and Washington Counties this Spring. Please note Allegheny and Montgomery County applications are full for this year.

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Federal Water Tap, January 30: Valuing Nature: White House Publishes Natural Capital Accounting Strategy

Circle of Blue

The Rundown The White House publishes a strategy for incorporating natural assets into economic accounts. A climate scientist is appointed to a White House intelligence advisory board. EPA watchdog says the agency should better track municipal efforts to control sewer overflows. Federal officials will hold a public session this week to gather input on the first National Nature Assessment.

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One of the World’s Coldest Places Is Now the Warmest it’s Been in 1,000 Years, Scientists Say

Inside Climate News

Ice in Greenland, one of the planet's refrigerators, is defrosting, leading to melting events that could raise sea levels 20 inches by the end of the century. By Bob Berwyn Global warming is spiking in one of the world’s coldest places, atop the 2-mile thick ice sheet in central Greenland, where new research shows that the first decade of the 2000s was clearly the warmest 10 years on record in at least 1,000 years.

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Debunking five myths that oil and gas executives want you to believe

Enviromental Defense

This blog is co-authored with Alienor Rougeot, Climate and Energy Program Manager Two prominent figures of Canada’s oil and gas industry were recently on Global TV’s politics show, The West Block with Mercedes Stephenson, where they spread a bunch of misinformation and half truths. We break down five of the myths they want Canadians to believe, and correct the record.

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Metal robot can melt its way out of tight spaces to escape

New Scientist

A millimetre-sized robot made from a mix of liquid metal and microscopic magnetic pieces can stretch, move or melt.

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Meet the Honorees: Paula Panzino, Chief Science Officer, ADEQ

Environment + Energy Leader

As CSO, she has the privilege of working with ADEQ staff to solve the hardest environmental problems in Arizona - Known, Ongoing, and Unauthorized Impact sites. The post Meet the Honorees: Paula Panzino, Chief Science Officer, ADEQ appeared first on Environment + Energy Leader.

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For the sake of diversity: An alternative approach to tree planting that prioritizes conservation goals

The Applied Ecologist

Lead author Olivia St-Laurent explains why she and her co-authors of the new article advocate for a novel approach to environmental tree planting, benefitting people and nature by prioritizing biodiversity conservation. Everywhere, governments are making commitments to stop or slow the loss of local biological diversity and to restore degraded ecosystems.