Sat.May 25, 2024 - Fri.May 31, 2024

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Driving on Electricity Is Now Much Cleaner than Using a Gasoline Car

Union of Concerned Scientists

Replacing gasoline with electricity greatly reduces the carbon emissions from driving. Based on where electric vehicles (EVs) have been sold, driving the average EV in the US produces global warming emissions equal to a hypothetical 94 mile per gallon gasoline car, or less than a third of the emissions of the average new gasoline car. Transportation is the largest sector for emissions , and passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs are the majority of transportation emissions, so there is no way to slow

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Did the COVID Response Poison the Well for Climate Action?

Legal Planet

One meme that seems to be popping up is that the “evils” of the COVID response reveal some dark reality behind climate policy. There’s obviously some kinship: public health responses to COVID and climate policy are both efforts to head off serious global risks — one that, in the case of COVID, has killed over a million Americans. But this doesn’t explain the conspiratorial overtones.

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New journal: Nature 2023?

Real Climate

There were a number of media reports today related to Yuan et al. (2024) , for instance, New Scientist , The Guardian etc. However, this is really just the beginning of what is likely to be a bit of a cottage industry in the next few months relating to possible causes/influences on the extreme temperatures seen in 2023. So to help people keep track, we’ll maintain a list here to focus discussions.

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Self-care is not merely important today—it is essential.

Cleannovate

Consider the individuals enduring the pressures of life, navigating through challenges and adversities. Envision men and women striving to secure employment… Struggling to make ends meet… Facing difficulties in their marriages… Juggling demanding work responsibilities… Endeavoring to meet others’ expectations… Struggles upon struggles.

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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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Get Ready: 85% Chance of Above-Normal Atlantic Hurricane Season that May Break Records

Union of Concerned Scientists

Source: [link] The May 23 outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) forecasts 17 to 25 named storms, eight to 13 of which could become hurricanes. NOAA [link] Four to seven major hurricanes are forecast. This is a concerning outlook, and it can be explained as follows. The recipe for the 2024 hurricane outlook Ingredients : Record warm sea surface temperature ( SST ) for most of the Atlantic (currently 1-2 degrees Celsius above average, which is more like temperat

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Financing and Investment Strategies for an Equitable Clean Mobility Transition

Legal Planet

The transition to 100 percent zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales by 2035 will require massive investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout California and in other states that have adopted the same phaseout targets. A variety of structural barriers to charging access make California’s priority populations particularly reliant on public charging infrastructure to meet their ZEV needs.

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Some Bridges are Meant to be Burnt: A Guide to Letting Go of Toxicity

Cleannovate

Picture this: you’re standing at the edge of a rickety, old bridge. The planks are rotting, the ropes are frayed, and every step you take sends a shiver up your spine. Welcome to the bridge of toxic relationships and addictive habits. It’s a marvel that you’ve made it this far without tumbling into the abyss.

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Environmental Groups Challenge Highway Expansion Project in Court

NRDC

Environmental groups filed suit today to challenge the Yolo I-80 highway expansion project. Citing a flawed environmental impact report that understates the true impacts to traffic, climate and air quality, the groups petitioned the courts to require Caltrans to redo.

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Statement in response to the Government of Alberta’s attack on greenwashing amendments in Bill C-59 

Enviromental Defense

Statement by Emilia Belliveau, Energy Transition Program Manager Montréal/Tiohtià:ke | Traditional, unceded lands of the Kanien’kehá:ka/Mohawk Nation, a gathering place for many First Nations, including the Anishinaabeg – We are disappointed that the Government of Alberta is attacking the federal government’s attempts to clamp down on greenwashing. On May 28th the House of Commons passed Bill C-59 , which helps prevent greenwashing by requiring companies to provide evidence for their environment

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Our writers pick their favourite science fiction books of all time

New Scientist

We asked New Scientist staff to pick their favourite science fiction books. Here are the results, ranging from 19th-century classics to modern day offerings, and from Octavia E. Butler to Iain M.

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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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Meet the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish

Ocean Conservancy

Mesmerizing crowns. Gorgeous colors. Alien-like appearances beneath our ocean’s surface. There’s no doubt about it that crown-of-thorns starfish are fascinating animals. But don’t be fooled by the beautiful hues and interesting spikes … too many of these animals in one place can be destructive to coral reefs and dangerous to both humans and marine wildlife.

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PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - June 1

PA Environment Daily

The following notices were published in the June 1 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities. Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments. -- American Refining Group, Inc. - Bradford Refinery : DEP disapproved a Final Report on remediation of soil and groundwater because it did not demonstrate attainment with Site-Specific Standards at the facility located in Bradford Twp., McKean County. ( PA Bulletin, page 3089 ) Read more here.

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Proposed Landfill Threatens Freshwater Ecosystems and Species at Risk Living in the Sydenham River

Enviromental Defense

This is a guest blog by Brendon Samuels. He is a PhD candidate in the Department of Biology at Western University where he studies solutions for bird conservation. Brendon uses community science tools to monitor human impacts on wildlife and inform recommendations for land use planning and policies aimed at protecting biodiversity. Brendon organizes litter cleanups in London, Ontario and is interested in public education about strategies to prevent litter and water pollution.

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Quantum 'arrow of time' suggests early universe had no entanglement

New Scientist

One way to explain why time only moves forward is the quantum arrow of time, and it has major implications for both the universe's early period and its eventual demise

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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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Depression, Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Are Linked with Ancient Viral DNA in Our Genome

Scientific American

Retroviruses, some of which predate the human species, are tied to a genetic susceptibility to major psychiatric disorders

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Lt. Governor, Acting DEP Secretary Highlight Potential Of Solar Power On Abandoned Mine Lands At Beaver County Site; Issued New Report On Solar Potential Of Mined Lands

PA Environment Daily

On May 30, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Acting Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection Jessica Shirley touted the potential economic and environmental benefits of building solar facilities on abandoned mine lands in Pennsylvania at a news conference at a newly operational solar farm in Beaver County. The new solar site, owned by Four Twelve Renewables , will partner with the Dollar Energy Fund to ensure proceeds from the site go towards helping to lower utility bills in low-income c

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Response to Disinformation From the Oil and Gas Industry on the Impacts of the Oil and Gas Emissions Cap

Enviromental Defense

Statement by Aly Hyder Ali, Oil and Gas Program Manager Ottawa | Traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People – It is disappointing to see that the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) has once again resorted to using disinformation and stoking fear to avoid taking any responsibility for its climate pollution. In an analysis released today, CAPP claims that the oil and gas emissions cap will result in economic losses.

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The dangers of amorous ostriches when starting an ostrich farm

New Scientist

Feedback wonders if previous research into 'courtship behaviours of ostriches' in the UK will be taken into account by the owner of a new ostrich farm in New Hampshire

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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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How Your Itch Can Make Others Scratch

Scientific American

Just watching someone scratch themselves on social media switches on the brain network that initiates the physical sensation of itch

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Attempt to Block O&G Rule Is Another Industry Handout, Harms Taxpayers

NRDC

An effort in Congress to roll back federal oil and gas rules would cheat taxpayers, hand industry more free passes, and run counter to recent legislation.

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Team From North East High School In Erie County Wins 2024 PA Envirothon, Now Goes To International Competition In July

PA Environment Daily

The Pennsylvania Envirothon announced a five-member team from North East High School in Erie County won the 2024 Statewide Envirothon and will represent the Commonwealth at the 34th NCF Envirothon international competition July 28 – August 3 at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. More than 45 teams from the United States, Canada, and China are expected to compete in the international Envirothon.

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Time may be an illusion created by quantum entanglement

New Scientist

The true nature of time has eluded physicists for centuries, but a new theoretical model suggests it may only exist due to entanglement between quantum objects

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Ozempic Cuts Risk of Kidney Disease Death in People with Diabetes

Scientific American

Semaglutide, the same compound in obesity drug Wegovy, slashes risk of kidney failure and death for people with type 2 diabetes

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What Now for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Green Finance Programs?

NRDC

EPA just announced $27 billion in Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) awards. What should stakeholders be doing now for the NCIF and CCIA programs?

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DEP Posted 62 Pages Of Permit-Related Notices In June 1 PA Bulletin

PA Environment Daily

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the June 1 PA Bulletin -- -- PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - June 1 [PaEN] -- The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the June 1 PA Bulletin inviting proposals for Clean Energy Campus generation and storage projects on 13 state-owned abandoned mine land sites of 50 acres or more totaling 1,850 acres.

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Can Google fix its disastrous new AI search tool?

New Scientist

Google's AI Overviews tool can offer impressive answers to search queries, but it will also make up facts and tell people to eat rocks. Can it be fixed, or will it have to be scrapped?

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An Alternative to Conventional Neural Networks Could Help Reveal What AI Is Doing behind the Scenes

Scientific American

Despite their performance, current AI models have major weaknesses: they require enormous resources and are indecipherable.

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Tesla’s Pros and Cons: An Unbiased Examination

Earthava

The post Tesla’s Pros and Cons: An Unbiased Examination appeared first on Earthava. Tesla, the pioneering electric vehicle manufacturer, has undeniably reshaped the landscape of the automotive industry with its commitment to sustainability and innovation. As the company navigates the challenges of scaling up production and maintaining technological superiority, potential buyers and industry observers weigh the merits and drawbacks of Tesla vehicles.

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PUC Publishes Final Policy Statement On Use Of Electric Storage To Enhance Grid Reliability, Resilience And Reduce Energy Costs

PA Environment Daily

The Public Utility Commission published notice in the June 1 PA Bulletin making available the final policy statement establishing guidelines for the use of electricity storage by electric distribution companies (EDC). The PUC voted to adopt the final policy statement in April to create a path for future use of various “non-wires solutions” that enhance the reliability and resilience of the electric distribution grid in Pennsylvania and help provide better service to customers.

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Wormholes could blast out blazing hot plasma at incredible speeds

New Scientist

If matter falls into one end of a wormhole, it could heat up in a tornado of plasma hot enough to initiate nuclear fusion – and come blasting out the other end

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Volcanoes on Venus Might Be Erupting Right Now

Scientific American

Scientists have found signs of fresh flowing lava on Venus in decades-old data from NASA's Magellan spacecraft

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Farm Bill 2024: Federal Crop Insurance Program Proposals

National Law Center

According to the Risk Management Agency (“RMA”), in 2023, 539 million acres and 42 million head of cattle and swine were. The post Farm Bill 2024: Federal Crop Insurance Program Proposals appeared first on National Agricultural Law Center.

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DEP Chesapeake Bay Update: PA's Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan Receives National Recognition For Collaboration, Partnerships

PA Environment Daily

DEP’s latest Chesapeake Bay Program Update highlights the latest progress of many partners in achieving needed pollution reductions in Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, including national recognition of Bay Watershed Implementation Plan efforts. National Recognition The National Association of Environmental Professionals recognized Pennsylvania's.

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