Tue.Oct 08, 2024

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How Traffickers Got Away with the Biggest Rosewood Heist in History

Yale E360

Ten years after officials seized $50 million worth of illegally harvested rosewood, the logs have been returned to the traffickers and sit in limbo in a Singapore port. The legal saga highlights the ongoing corruption and gaping holes in efforts to save endangered species.

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Why You Should Read CA’s ExxonMobil Plastic Lawsuit

Legal Planet

Ballona Creek leading to Santa Monica Bay choked with plastic pollution (Photo Credit: Bill MacDonald, from California’s complaint) The media have moved on (understandably) from California’s recent lawsuit against Exxon over plastic recycling to other environmental stories like Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic damage and Hurricane Milton’s terrifying, rapid intensification.

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Nobel prize for physics goes to pair who invented key AI techniques

New Scientist

The 2024 Nobel prize in physics has gone to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for discoveries that enabled machine learning and are key to the development of artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT

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Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded for Breakthroughs in Machine Learning

Scientific American

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics was given to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for development of techniques that laid the foundation for revolutionary advances in artificial intelligence

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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.

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Growing number of Earth's ‘vital signs’ endangered by climate change

New Scientist

Key climate indicators from greenhouse gas levels to ice loss have reached record levels this year in what researchers call a “critical and unpredictable new phase of the climate crisis”

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How Rwanda Is Containing a Deadly Marburg Virus Outbreak

Scientific American

Rwanda’s health minister says authorities are tracing every potential contact of the index case in the country’s outbreak of Marburg virus disease to reduce the risk of wider spread

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Stronger Storms Like Helene Are More Likely as the Climate Warms

Inside Climate News

A new analysis suggests Helene dumped 10 percent more rain as a result of climate change, but newly developed research techniques suggest the actual increase in rainfall may have been much larger. By Sean Sublette A new analysis from a team of scientists in the U.S. and Europe indicates that climate change increased the peak rain totals from Hurricane Helene by 10 percent.

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AIs can work together in much larger groups than humans ever could

New Scientist

It is thought that humans can only maintain relationships with around 150 people, a figure known as Dunbar's number, but it seems that AI models can outstrip this and reach consensus in far bigger groups

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Devastating Hurricane Milton Takes Aim at Tampa’s Climate Vulnerabilities

Scientific American

A 2013 report from the World Bank placed the Tampa Bay area seventh on a list of the top 10 global cities facing the costliest damage from coastal floods

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Microscopic gears powered by light could be used to make tiny machines

New Scientist

Gears just a few micrometres wide can be carved from silicon using a beam of electrons, enabling tiny robots or machines that could interact with human cells

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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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Europe’s Hera Mission Launches to Visit an Asteroid Smacked by NASA

Scientific American

Hera will arrive in 2026 at Dimorphos, an asteroid deliberately struck by NASA’s DART spacecraft

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See the stunning winners from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year

New Scientist

An army of tadpoles and a stretching lynx are just some of the incredible photos winning accolades at the annual competition

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Hurricane Milton Reveals the Physical and Psychological Challenges of Evacuations

Scientific American

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, people in recently storm-stricken areas grapple with the physical and mental health tolls of evacuating and seeking shelter

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Hot sauce taste test reveals how expectations shape pleasure and pain

New Scientist

Brain scans of people tasting squirts of hot sauce have revealed how positive and negative expectations can influence brain activity patterns for pleasure and pain

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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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Is Your Company Losing Money Due to Climate Change? Consider Moving to the Midwest, Survey Says

Inside Climate News

Some 300 senior-level executives, working in 14 industries, said climate change is hurting their businesses. Nearly half of them think the Midwest would be less financially risky. By Kristoffer Tigue The Midwest is once again being highlighted as a potential refuge from the threats of climate change, which continues to fuel increasingly destructive natural disasters around the world.

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EPA Orders Lead Pipes Nationwide to be Removed

NRDC

WASHINGTON (October 8, 2024) – The Environmental Protection Agency released the Lead and Copper Improvements Rule that requires nearly every lead water pipe in the nation to be removed within the next ten years, a monumental victory for public health.

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Build Your Own Solar Oven to Harness The Cooking Power of the Sun

Earth 911

Looking for a more sustainable way to cook and bake? In our latest video, we’ll. The post Build Your Own Solar Oven to Harness The Cooking Power of the Sun appeared first on Earth911.

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Allegheny County Conservation District Receives State, Federal Funding To Address Urban Soil Contaminants, Support Farm & Garden Projects

PA Environment Daily

On October 8, the Allegheny County Conservation District announced it has received funding from both the National Association of Conservation Districts and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) administered through the US Department of Agriculture. This funding will advance urban agriculture and ACCD’s Urban Soils Program across the region.

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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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We Earthlings: Recycle Your E-waste

Earth 911

When you recycle your old computers, printers, phones, and other electronics responsibly, you help prevent. The post We Earthlings: Recycle Your E-waste appeared first on Earth911.

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SolarBank's First Community Solar Project In PA: A 13.8-Megawatt Project In Lancaster County Contingent On PA Passing Community Solar Legislation

PA Environment Daily

On October 8, SolarBank Corporation announced plans to develop a 13.8 MW DC ground-mount solar power project known as the Grandview project on a site located in Lancaster County. The Project is part of a three-project plan totalling 24.8 MW DC. The proposed community solar project – which would be one of the first of its kind in Pennsylvania – would provide residents, including renters and those without suitable rooftops, with the opportunity to benefit from solar energy without the need to inst

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Release: To Meet Farmers’ Diverse Recovery Needs, Disaster Relief Must Include Revenue-Based Assistance

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)

For Immediate Release Contact: Laura Zaks National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition press@sustainableagriculture.net Release: To Meet Farmers’ Diverse Recovery Needs, Disaster Relief Must Include Revenue-Based Assistance From drought and wildfire to hurricanes, an array of natural disasters throughout 2024 highlight the need for disaster assistance to reach all farmers Washington, DC, October 8, 2024 – As the second major hurricane in as many weeks approaches the Southeast United States, the Na

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DCNR Now Accepting Nominations For Pennsylvania’s 2025 Trail Of The Year

PA Environment Daily

On October 8, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced that Pennsylvanians now have the opportunity to nominate their favorite trail for the 2025 Trail of the Year. Pennsylvania is home to more than 12,000 miles of trails, and for consideration, a nomination form and supporting documentation must be submitted online by November 1.

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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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Ecological Associations of Lantana camara in an East African Savanna Park

The Applied Ecologist

Fredrick Ssali recounts his experience investigating the invasive flowering plant Lantana camara and its impact on common native species with his team in western Uganda. Researchers at the Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute (UWRTI) teamed up with scientists from two Ugandan Universities and explored associations between Lantana camara and common native species in Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda.

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EPA Files $4.2 Million Settlement Of Air Pollution Violations For 2019 Philadelphia Refinery Explosion, Fire; Public Comments Invited

PA Environment Daily

On October 8, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the federal government has settled its final federal Clean Air Act (CAA) claim against Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refining and Marketing, LLC pertaining to the June 21, 2019 fire and explosion at its former South Philadelphia refinery. EPA alleged that the company violated CAA section 112(r) which requires facility owners and operators to ensure that regulated and other extremely hazardous substances are managed safely.

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Nonlethal detection of PFAS bioaccumulation and biomagnification within fishes in an urban- and wastewater-dominant Great Lakes watershed

Environmental News Bits

George, S. E., Baker, T. R., & Baker, B. B. (2023). Nonlethal detection of PFAS bioaccumulation and biomagnification within fishes in an urban- and wastewater-dominant Great Lakes watershed. Environmental Pollution, 321, 121123. [link] Abstract Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic endocrine disruptors that are particularly stable and pervasive due to strong carbon-fluorine bonds.

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Two Regional PA Science Societies Offering K-12 And College Science Education Grants

PA Environment Daily

The Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh and the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh are now accepting applications for K-12 and college science education grants. The deadline to apply is November 1. K-12 Grants The K-12 grants include-- -- Elementary/Middle School Equipment Grants: This program gives elementary and middle school teachers an opportunity to submit proposals for the purchase of up to $600 worth of science equipment and supplies.

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Missouri Court Rejects "Bright-Line" Test For Determining Statute of Limitation Under CERCLA Section 107

MGKF Law

On September 27, 2024, in Short Creek Development, LLC v. MFA Incorporated , No. 22-05021-CV-SW-WBG, 2024 WL 4326815 (W.D. Mo. Sept. 27, 2024), Magistrate Judge W. Brian Gaddy determined Plaintiffs’ claim under Section 107(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) was barred by the applicable statute of limitations as “physical on-site construction of the remedial action” occurred more than six years prior to when Pla

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Community Advocates For Clean Energy Host Nov. 13 Webinar On EPA Clean School Bus Grant Program

PA Environment Daily

The Community Advocates For Clean Energy will host a November 13 webinar on EPA's Clean School Bus Grant Program from Noon to 1:15 p.m. Join us to learn firsthand accounts of the benefits of transitioning your fleet to electric, about available funding options, and what it takes to electrify a depot from Pennsylvania districts that have electrified their buses.

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Worried about ‘forever chemicals’ in your water? MIT researchers may have a fix

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story from NBC Boston. A new filtration material made from natural substances could become a new tool to remove “forever chemicals” from drinking water, according to a group of researchers who are developing the technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.

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Canada’s Proposed Plan of Priorities Includes Several Nanoscale Materials; Comments Are Due December 4, 2024

Nanotech

On October 5, 2024, the Minister of the Environment announced in the Canada Gazette publication of a proposed plan of priorities for the assessment of chemical substances. Under the 2023 amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health are required to “develop, consult on and publish a plan with timelines” by June 2025.

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Her children were sick. Was it ‘forever chemicals’ on the family farm?

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story in the New York Times. Pastures were fertilized with toxic sewage decades ago. Nobody knew, until the cows’ milk was tested.

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New Report: Bay Street’s Financed Climate Emissions 2X Greater than Canada

Enviromental Defense

ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE, STAND.EARTH Governments must act and reign in Bay Street’s financing of climate chaos through regulatory reform and the swift passage of the Climate-Aligned Finance Act (CAFA) Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – In light of a shocking new report from the Toronto Climate Observatory, that exposes Toronto’s top financial institutions for financing of over $1.43 trillion CAD ($1.1 trillion