Sat.Dec 30, 2023 - Fri.Jan 05, 2024

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Annual GMSAT predictions and ENSO

Real Climate

For the last few years ( since at least 2016 ), I’ve shared predictions for the next annual global mean surface air temperature (GMSAT) anomaly based on the long term trend and the state of ENSO at the start of the year. Generally speaking, this has been quite skillful compared to persistence or just the long term trend alone – the eventual anomaly was consistently within the predicted bounds.

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When Species Names Are Offensive, Should They Be Changed?

Yale E360

Amid a wider social justice reckoning, some scientists are calling for scrapping species names that honor people considered objectionable, including dictators and enslavers, or use offensive words. Others question whether such a monumental effort is worthwhile or even possible.

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COP28 took steps toward safeguarding cultural heritage from climate change

Union of Concerned Scientists

The outcomes of the latest international climate negotiations at COP28 in Dubai in December, while taking some important steps forward, fell far short of what is needed to avert climate catastrophe. Despite formally recognizing for the first time that a transition from fossil fuel use is necessary, nations failed to agree to the fast, fair, and funded phase-out that scientists are calling for.

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Retail Electricity Customers Denied Relief from Uri

Energy & the Law

In re Luminant Generation Company LLC et al is a bitter pill for the litigation hangover from Winter Storm Uri. Takeaway: Texas does not recognize a legal duty owed by wholesale power generators to retail customers to provide continuous electricity to the electric grid and ultimately to the customers. The claims Hundreds of retail electricity customers sued hundreds of entities involved in virtually every aspect of the Texas electricity market.

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Precision in Motion: Why Process Optimization Is the Future of Manufacturing

Speaker: Jason Chester, Director, Product Management

In today’s manufacturing landscape, staying competitive means moving beyond reactive quality checks and toward real-time, data-driven process control. But what does true manufacturing process optimization look like—and why is it more urgent now than ever? Join Jason Chester in this new, thought-provoking session on how modern manufacturers are rethinking quality operations from the ground up.

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Human Remains Are Headed to the Moon, Despite Objections

Scientific American

The Navajo Nation has called for a delay in launching the commercial lander Peregrine, which is set to carry human remains on a private mission to the moon

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U.K. Fossil Power Falls to Lowest Level Since 1957

Yale E360

The U.K. is drawing less power from natural gas and coal than it has at any point in the last 66 years.

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Is California Overstating the Climate Benefit of Dairy Manure Methane Digesters?

Inside Climate News

CO2 released by burning biogas from cow manure is counted as an emission reduction, rather than a climate pollutant, and multiple state programs are taking credit for the cuts that some see as phantoms. By Phil McKenna A California state grant program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions results in the direct release of approximately 225,000 to 300,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the air each year, according to an Inside Climate News analysis of state data.

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What Happens When You Deny Scientific Evidence? Look at Brazil's Pesticide Problem

Scientific American

The overuse of dangerous pesticides in Brazil threatens public health and serves as a warning to the rest of the world about the dangers of science denial

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European Imports of Russian Pipeline Gas Dropped by Half Last Year

Yale E360

Pipeline deliveries of Russian natural gas to Europe were down 55.6 percent, year on year, in 2023.

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Neptune isn't as blue as we thought it was

New Scientist

An analysis of photos taken by Voyager 2 in the 1980s shows that Neptune and Uranus have a similar pale blue hue as perceived by the human eye

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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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Judge Orders Jail Time For Prominent Everglades Scientist

Inside Climate News

Tom Van Lent is accused of stealing “trade secrets” from his former employer, the well-connected Everglades Foundation By Amy Green ORLANDO, Fla.—A renowned Everglades scientist whose work has helped steer one of the most ambitious attempts at ecological restoration in human history has been sentenced by a state judge to spend 10 days in jail in a bitter legal dispute with his former employer.

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Psychology Hacks for Resisting Trash Talk

Scientific American

A new book explores the science of trash talk—and why some people are more immune to it than others

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Three in Four Industrial Fishing Boats Are 'Dark Vessels,' Study Finds

Yale E360

A sprawling analysis of ocean traffic reveals that 75 percent of industrial fishing vessels are not publicly tracked, with the bulk of untracked fishing taking place in Southeast Asia.

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First working graphene semiconductor could lead to faster computers

New Scientist

Researchers have created a functional semiconductor from graphene for the first time, creating the possibility of computer chips with greater performance and efficiency

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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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What’s Going On With the Goats of Arizona

Inside Climate News

As temperatures rise in the state, so are prices for water and feed. One pioneering goat lady is eyeing new pastures. By Emma Peterson PHOENIX — Inside the show barn at the Arizona State Fair, there’s a bit of a traffic jam. Trucks pulling trailers containing goats, many of which are pregnant, line up to claim the corral their animals will sleep in for the next few nights.

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We Need to End Obstetric Fistula

Scientific American

Obstetric fistula is almost entirely preventable, yet flourishes in places where health care is inaccessible for too many women

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Meet the Mole Crab

Ocean Conservancy

Under the wet sand along beautiful shorelines, just beneath our feet during beach strolls, there lies an entire ecosystem. The mole crab (also known as a sand crab or sand flea) is a small but mighty sea creature that lives just below the surface of the sand. When thinking of a sand flea, the first thought that comes to mind is probably not pleasant.

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There’s a 5% chance of AI causing humans to go extinct, say scientists

New Scientist

In the largest survey yet of AI researchers, a majority say there is a non-trivial risk of human extinction due to the possible development of superhuman AI

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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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DEP: Shale Gas Operator Found Responsible For Water Supply Contamination After Investigation Documents Chemical Contamination Spread Across 3 Townships In Greene County

PA Environment Daily

On December 28, 2023, DEP posted an inspection report for the Mohr A and B shale gas well pads in Cumberland Township, Greene County operated by Greylock Production LLC-- formerly Energy Corporation of America-- saying-- “This administrative inspection is being conducted of the Mohr A and B locations well sites to document violations related to impacts to a private water supply.

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No, COVID mRNA Vaccines Won't Damage Your DNA

Scientific American

You have a “better chance of becoming Spider-Man” than being harmed by DNA from COVID vaccines

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Earth911’s 2024 Mission: Reduce Environmental Impacts By 50%

Earth 911

The ups and downs make the path to sustainable living feel like a roller coaster. The post Earth911’s 2024 Mission: Reduce Environmental Impacts By 50% appeared first on Earth911.

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Notoriously complex material called 'plumber's nightmare' created

New Scientist

An unusual material that consists of a complex jumble of intricately entwined tubes isn't much use on its own – but the technique needed to build it could be

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How to Modernize Manufacturing Without Losing Control

Speaker: Andrew Skoog, Founder of MachinistX & President of Hexis Representatives

Manufacturing is evolving, and the right technology can empower—not replace—your workforce. Smart automation and AI-driven software are revolutionizing decision-making, optimizing processes, and improving efficiency. But how do you implement these tools with confidence and ensure they complement human expertise rather than override it? Join industry expert Andrew Skoog as he explores how manufacturers can leverage automation to enhance operations, streamline workflows, and make smarter, data-dri

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PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices/Opportunities To Comment - January 6

PA Environment Daily

The following DEP notices were published in the January 6 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities. Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments. -- The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the January 6 PA Bulletin announcing it has disapproved an Act 2 Land Recycling Risk Assessment December 21 on remediation of soil and groundwater contamination at the American Refining Group, Inc.

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The Language of Astronomy Is Needlessly Violent and Inaccurate

Scientific American

Astronomy is beautiful and elegant.

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Unforced variations: Jan 2024

Real Climate

New year, new open thread on climate topics. Note that summaries and updates to include 2023 data will be posted on the surface temperature graphics page and model-observations comparison page over the next couple of weeks as the data becomes available. The post Unforced variations: Jan 2024 first appeared on RealClimate.

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A renegade moon may have flipped Venus’s spin

New Scientist

Venus spins in the opposite direction to the other planets, which may have been caused by an ancient moon that orbited the planet backwards and then fell to the surface

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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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PA Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - Dec. 23 to 29 - Abandoned Conventional Wells; Shale Gas Wastewater Releases; Conventional Wells Venting Gas

PA Environment Daily

From December 23 to 29, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 443 inspection entries-- a holiday week. So far this year-- as of December 22 -- -- NOVs Issued In Last Week: 109 conventional, 4 unconventional -- Year To Date - NOVs Issued: 6,773 conventional and 1,275 unconventional -- Inspections Last Week: 214 conventional and 255 unconventional -- Year To Date - Inspections: 15,944 conventional and 22,629 unconventional -- Wells Drilled Last Week: 1 convention

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Did Neurons Evolve Twice?

Scientific American

Tracing the history of the earliest animals offers clues to whether the birth of the neuron was a one-time event

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How To Recycle DVDs and DVD Cases

Earth 911

DVDs and DVD cases are recyclable, but if you have a working DVD, it is. The post How To Recycle DVDs and DVD Cases appeared first on Earth911.

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AI sheds light on the ancient origins of England's place names

New Scientist

An artificial intelligence model has unpicked some of the linguistic influences behind England's place names, which could help us to understand their meaning

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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.