Trending Articles

article thumbnail

Project 2025’s Assault on EPA, Human Health and the Environment Must Never Be Put into Action

Union of Concerned Scientists

For more on other harmful aspects of Project 2025, see this blog. The Heritage Foundation’s blueprint—Project 2025—to dramatically alter the US Environmental Protection Agency should concern you. It does me. This summer my family vacationed in Vancouver, BC, Canada where we had the good fortune of going on a whale watching trip and seeing majestic orcas.

2025 300
article thumbnail

Reflections on “Yes they can control the weather.”

Legal Planet

Since U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted earlier this month that “Yes they can control the weather” — a bunch of commentators have pointed out that she’s wildly wrong. Yes, she’s wildly wrong. No one can make, intensify, or steer hurricanes. No ability to do anything like this is even on the horizon. Her comment obviously got traction because it plugged into a deep strain of populist paranoia, including active, current conspiracies.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

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

article thumbnail

What’s Causing the Recent Spike in Global Temperatures?

Yale E360

Since early 2023, the world has seen a steep rise in temperatures that scientists are struggling to explain. E360 contributor Elizabeth Kolbert talked with Gavin Schmidt, NASA’s top climate scientist, about possible causes of the warming and why experts cannot account for the heat.

article thumbnail

Climate, Energy, and Environment on the Ballot

Legal Planet

Elections are primarily about electing candidates, but many states have adopted some form of popular democracy. This year, the highest-profile state initiatives are about abortion. But there are also seven state initiatives relating to energy and environment. Of those, the two biggest are a $10 billion green bond proposal in California and a proposed rollback of Washington State’s new cap-and-trade program.

article thumbnail

Changing the Game with MES: Cut Costs, Drive Efficiency, & Achieve Sustainability Goals!

Speaker: Nikhil Joshi, Founder & President of Snic Solutions

In an era where efficiency is king, are you leveraging the right tools to transform your manufacturing processes? A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is critical for enhancing operational efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing energy usage—key factors for improving your bottom line and lowering your carbon footprint. Join Nikhil Joshi, a manufacturing technology expert with 18+ years of hands-on experience, in this new webinar as he uncovers the secrets of MES and how to best utilize thes

article thumbnail

6G phone networks could be 9000 times faster than 5G

New Scientist

Next-generation phone networks could dramatically outperform current ones thanks to a new technique for transmitting multiple streams of data over a wide range of frequencies

143
143
article thumbnail

Climate Change Made Hurricane Milton Stronger, With Heavier Rain, Scientists Conclude

Inside Climate News

A rapid analysis of rainfall trends and Gulf of Mexico temperatures shows many similarities to Hurricane Helene less than two weeks earlier. By Sean Sublette A preliminary analysis from the team of scientists at World Weather Attribution indicates the rainfall from Hurricane Milton across Florida was 20 percent to 30 percent heavier and rainfall intensity was about twice as likely as it would have been in the climate of the late 19th century.

More Trending

article thumbnail

Ask a Scientist: How Close Are We to a Clean Energy Transition?

Union of Concerned Scientists

After the hottest summer on record, the world continues to witness extreme weather fueled by the burning of fossil fuels. In the United States alone, we’re in the midst of a record-setting hurricane season, with back-to-back destructive hurricanes, Helene and Milton, causing immense destruction in Florida and neighboring states. Both hurricanes were exacerbated by warmer ocean surface temperatures, and are examples of “what hurricanes will look more like in the future,” according to Dr.

article thumbnail

How to Make Trees Worth More Standing Than Cut Down

Legal Planet

West of Sydney, Australia, lies the Blue Mountains, a range of plateaus and panoramic canyons forested with eucalyptus trees. Oil in the leaves produces a bluish haze, hence the name of the area. Twenty-five years ago, in 1999, a new NGO called Forest Trends brought together a small international group to the town of Katoomba to brainstorm over increasing capital flows to protect nature, how to “make trees worth more standing than cut down.

article thumbnail

Human scientists are still better than AI ones – for now

New Scientist

A simulator for the process of scientific discovery shows that AI agents still fall short of human scientists and engineers in coming up with hypotheses and carrying out experiments on their own

137
137
article thumbnail

DCNR: 4th Fall Foliage Report: Cool Weather Will Bring A Very Colorful Change To Most Areas In Penn’s Woods This Coming Week

PA Environment Daily

On October 17, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued its fourth Fall Foliage Report saying consistently cold nights and cool days have spurred a very colorful change in Penn’s Woods! Bright color can be found from the southern Poconos though the middle and southern Appalachians. The Allegheny Plateau is gorgeous from northwestern Pennsylvania to the southwestern reaches of the Commonwealth.

Cooling 108
article thumbnail

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

article thumbnail

La Niña Looking Less Likely as Ocean Waters Stay Balmy

Yale E360

As ocean temperatures remain stubbornly high, forecasters see a diminished chance that the Pacific Ocean will enter its cooler La Niña phase this fall, as was predicted.

Ocean 203
article thumbnail

Gas Plants Have a Real Climate Problem. So Do Some Proposed Approaches for Addressing It. 

Union of Concerned Scientists

Power plants fueled by methane gas have a serious climate problem. The fuel, commonly known as natural gas, now powers the biggest portion of US electricity generation—more than 40 percent. It has also grown to be the largest source of carbon pollution from the US power sector, even as zero-carbon renewable energy has been growing by leaps and bounds.

article thumbnail

Invasive snake is surviving in Britain by living in attics and walls

New Scientist

Britain should be too cold for the invasive Aesculapian snake to survive, but it is thriving by exploiting the warmth of attics, wall cavities and compost heaps

130
130
article thumbnail

AI Comes to the Nobels: Double Win Sparks Debate about Scientific Fields

Scientific American

While many researchers celebrated this year’s chemistry and physics prizes, others were disappointed by the focus on computational methods.

125
125
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

In Europe, Forest Shrubs Are Migrating Toward Pollution

Yale E360

While warming is pushing some European vegetation north, toward cooler weather, a new study finds that for many forest plants, there is a much greater pull westward. Researchers say these plants are chasing down nitrogen, a key nutrient supplied by pollution in Western Europe.

180
180
article thumbnail

Hurricanes Helene and Milton Further Proof We’re Not Ready for Fossil Fuel-Caused Climate Change  

Union of Concerned Scientists

In August, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued its updated forecast for the 2024 hurricane season. It was to be above normal in every regard: more named storms and stronger hurricanes than usual. One of the main reasons for this forecast? Significantly warmer than usual surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, which come largely as a result of human-caused climate change.

article thumbnail

Model Uncertainty in Politics and Climate Policy

Legal Planet

The polls are predicting very tight election results. The state results could turn out to be within the margin of error, with half going one way and half the other. But there’s another plausible outcome: a sweep by one side or the other because the polls were all off a few percent in the same direction. If you could get a large and truly random sample of the population and get them to answer all questions truthfully right before they voted, the life of a pollster would be much easier.

Politics 141
article thumbnail

Quantum theory is challenging long-standing ideas about entropy

New Scientist

A mathematical study finds that three definitions of what it means for entropy to increase, which have previously been considered equivalent, can produce different results in the quantum realm

138
138
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

Beaver County Residents Invited To Join An Oct. 23 In-Person Tour Of Shale Gas Fracking Sites & Infrastructure In Washington County And Discover Its Costs

PA Environment Daily

Join the Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community October 23 for an in-person tour through Washington County and experience firsthand how shale gas fracking infrastructure is impacting families every day. Led by environmental advocate Lois Bower-Bjornson , with the Clean Air Council, this tour will take Beaver County residents to the heart of fracking country, revealing the hidden costs of this controversial industry.

article thumbnail

Kids with ADHD May Still Have Symptoms as Adults

Scientific American

Fortunately, recognition and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in grown-ups are getting better

131
131
article thumbnail

Federal Impact Assessment Staff Voiced Significant Concern Over Ontario’s Approach to Protecting key Values Threatened by Highway 413 Project

Enviromental Defense

Concern focused on Ontario’s lack of data and reckless approach to species at risk, navigable waters and duty to consult with Indigenous communities Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – A recent Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) release has revealed a litany of concerns expressed by the federal government about Ontario’s approach to protecting key values threatened by the proposed construction of Highway

article thumbnail

Focusing on Foreign Investments: Congressional Considerations on Evaluating Foreign Acquisitions in U.S. Agriculture

National Law Center

Over the past decade, foreign investments in U.S. agricultural land have grown. At the start of 2023, foreign persons held an. The post Focusing on Foreign Investments: Congressional Considerations on Evaluating Foreign Acquisitions in U.S. Agriculture appeared first on National Agricultural Law Center.

Law 98
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

Earth may be about to pass through the ion tail of a comet

New Scientist

The ion tail of C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) could appear as a blue streak across the northern hemisphere sky during October, in a rare event thought to happen only every few decades

2023 143
article thumbnail

PA Parks & Forests Foundation Unveils Inclusive Playground At Little Buffalo State Park In Perry County

PA Environment Daily

On October 16, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation announced the dedication of a new accessible playground at Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County. The playground, which prioritizes inclusivity, is designed to offer all children, regardless of ability, the opportunity to engage in meaningful play experiences. According to UNICEF and the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is a fundamental aspect of childhood that supports cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development.

2025 97
article thumbnail

Tiny Babies Who Can Smell Their Mother Recognize Faces Better

Scientific American

A smell’s effect on facial recognition is key at first—but decreases as a baby’s eyesight improves

123
123
article thumbnail

Minimalism and Sustainability: How Owning Less Can Save The Planet

Earthava

The post Minimalism and Sustainability: How Owning Less Can Save The Planet appeared first on Earthava. Minimalism and sustainability are deeply connected. Owning less reduces consumption, leading to a lower environmental impact. This approach encourages mindful decisions about what we own, pushing people to get only what they need and truly value. Living with fewer possessions not only curbs waste but also promotes a more sustainable lifestyle.

Waste 94
article thumbnail

Date Labels and the New California Law

National Law Center

On September 28, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB660 into law. This bill was the first in the nation to. The post Date Labels and the New California Law appeared first on National Agricultural Law Center.

Law 86
article thumbnail

France slashed bird flu outbreaks by vaccinating ducks

New Scientist

A vaccination campaign targeting ducks, the farm birds most at risk of getting and spreading bird flu, succeeded in greatly reducing outbreaks of the virus on poultry farms in France

139
139
article thumbnail

Sen. Bartolotta, Sen. Yaw Announce Bill To Withhold Gas Drilling Impact Fees To Municipalities That Set More Protective Standards On Natural Gas Development Than State Law, And While There Is a Legal Challenge To Local Restrictions

PA Environment Daily

On October 9, Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington) and Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) announced plans to introduce legislation to prohibit municipalities from receiving Act 13 drilling impact fees if they set more protective standards on the development of natural gas than required in state or federal law and while a challenge to local restrictions is being litigated.

article thumbnail

Millions of Aging Americans Are Facing Dementia by Themselves

Scientific American

In a health care system that assumes older adults have family caregivers to help them, those facing dementia alone often fall through the cracks

98
article thumbnail

Hurricane Threat Poised to Keep Rising, Experts Warn

Inside Climate News

Many coastal cities are still unprepared for the extremes ahead because they are designed for a climate that no longer exists. By Bob Berwyn As people in parts of the southeastern United States try to pick up the pieces of their broken homes, lives and dreams after the twin gut punches delivered by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, climate scientists have some unwelcome news.

article thumbnail

EPA Releases Vulnerable Species Action Plan

National Law Center

On September 25, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) released its Vulnerable Species Action Plan (“VSAP”), the finalized version of its. The post EPA Releases Vulnerable Species Action Plan appeared first on National Agricultural Law Center.