Mon.Apr 14, 2025

article thumbnail

Electric Vehicles Help Combat Climate Change, Here’s Why.

Union of Concerned Scientists

There is tremendous uncertainty about what policies the federal government will change that will affect electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and sales in the US. But there is no question about the impact that EVs will have on reducing climate-changing emissions. Replacing gasoline with electricity greatly reduces the carbon emissions from driving, even when emissions from mining, manufacturing, and generating electricity are included.

article thumbnail

Wildfire Liability in California: A Primer 

Legal Planet

The fires in L.A. have put litigation over wildfires on the front page and spotlighted Californias unique approach. But such litigation isnt new. In 2019, Pacific Gas & Electric filed for bankruptcy because of billions of dollars of potential liability from fires the previous summer. The firm was faced with 750 lawsuits, ultimately entering a $13.5 billion settlement.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

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

article thumbnail

A.I. Is Quietly Powering a Revolution in Weather Prediction

Yale E360

Weather forecasts powered by artificial intelligence are usually more accurate and require less computational energy and fewer human hours than physics-based predictions. But questions remain about A.I. systems reliability and their ability to forecast extreme weather events.

296
296
article thumbnail

Help Shape the Bay Area’s Climate Future

Legal Planet

The California Climate Change Assessment is a key initiative to understand and address the state’s climate impacts and build resilience through informed decision-making. Californias Fourth Climate Change Assessment included a series of technical reports, regional summaries, and a statewide synthesis covering key issues such as extreme heat, wildfires, and sea level riseproviding critical guidance for adaptation efforts.

article thumbnail

Smart Tech + Human Expertise = 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

article thumbnail

China Allows New Coal Plants, but With More Limited Role

Yale E360

China will allow the construction of new coal power plants through at least 2027 but with restrictions aimed at limiting emissions and boosting renewables, according to a newly released action plan.

2027 201
article thumbnail

PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers Announces River Sojourn Grants, Schedule

PA Environment Daily

On April 14, the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers announced the recipients of the 2025 Pennsylvania River Sojourn Grants. The Sojourn program serves as a bridge to bring our communities to our rivers and streams to educate them, enabling them to become lifelong stewards of these resources. River sojourns offer a different point of view on some of Pennsylvanias treasured landscapes and historic and cultural assets.

2025 70

More Trending

article thumbnail

North Branch Land Trust Hosts May 10 Event In Luzerne County On Exploring The Beauty And Importance Of Native Plants

PA Environment Daily

Join North Branch Land Trust in supporting backyard pollinator populations and ecosystems. North Branch Land Trust invites the public to a special Plants For Pollinators conservation event on Saturday, May 10 exploring the beauty and importance of native plants as well as providing personalized native seed mixes to all attendees. The event will be held from Noon to 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen WB , 27 E Northampton St, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County.

article thumbnail

Electrical synapses genetically engineered in mammals for first time

New Scientist

Scientists have used gene editing to produce artificial electrical synapses in mice, where they can be targeted to make the animals more sociable or reduce their risk of OCD-like symptoms

article thumbnail

Penn State Extension Water Cooler Talk: April 30 - Small Pennsylvania Watershed, Big Impact - Restoration Of Halfmoon Creek, Centre County

PA Environment Daily

The Penn State Extension will host another in its Water Cooler Talk webinars on April 30 highlighting the restoration of Halfmoon Creek in Centre County - Small Pennsylvania Watershed, Big Impact from Noon to 1:00 p.m. Halfmoon Creek may seem modest, but it offers a powerful lens into the health of Pennsylvanias surface waters. Situated within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, this creek provides critical data on sediment and nutrient pollutiontwo major concerns for water quality in our region.

article thumbnail

Does Your Language’s Grammar Change How You Think?

Scientific American

The brain’s response to information depends on language’s grammatical structure

139
139
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

North American Electric Reliability Corp. Files Proposed Cold Weather Standard To Improve Reliability For Natural Gas-fired, Other Electric Generators

PA Environment Daily

On April 10, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. filed a proposed electric generator cold weather reliability standard with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as a result of its investigations into generation failures during multiple cold weather events since 2021. NERC said, This standard represents the conclusion of several years of hard, focused work by industry stakeholders and two NERC drafting teams.

article thumbnail

Inside the mouth-watering race to master lab-grown chocolate

New Scientist

Weve now figured out how to culture chocolate in the lab.

136
136
article thumbnail

Release: NSAC Responds to USDA Announcement on Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Program

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)

For Immediate Release Contact: Laura Zaks National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Email: press@sustainableagriculture.net Tel. 347.563.6408 Release: NSAC Responds to USDA Announcement on Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Program Widespread Farmer Support Informs USDA Decision to Rebrand Program and Restart Payments, but Overhaul Nonetheless Disregards Lawful Agreements with Farmer-Serving Organizations Washington, DC, April 14, 2025 Today, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalit

2025 59
article thumbnail

Drug-resistant gonorrhoea could be treated with a UTI antibiotic

New Scientist

An antibiotic that is commonly used for urinary tract infections effectively treated gonorrhoea, and may even work against drug-resistant cases

132
132
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Reflections from Columbia’s Forum on Climate-Related Fiduciary Duty

Law Columbia

As the physical and economic harms of climate change accumulate, corporate managers have faced increasing pressure to reduce their companies greenhouse gas emissions and adapt their businesses to climate-related risks. In parallel, civil society organizations and activist investors have increasingly sought to compel private sector action on climate change, while the anti-ESG political movement has sought to prevent financial managers from considering climate risks entirely.

article thumbnail

Antarctic teams drill oldest ice cores yet in search of climate clues

New Scientist

Ice cores that record 1.

article thumbnail

PUC Commissioners Urge Congressional Action To Preserve $19 Million In Remaining LIHEAP Funds For PA This Year

PA Environment Daily

On April 14, the Public Utility Commission released a letter to Pennsylvanias Congressional Delegation urging Congress to take immediate action to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) including the preservation of $19 million in LIHEAP funding already allocated to Pennsylvania for the 2024-25 heating season.

article thumbnail

Can AI Let Us Chat with Dolphins?

Scientific American

Google is developing an LLM that could help us communicate with dolphins

129
129
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

OMB RFI Seeks Proposals to Rescind or Replace Regulations

Nanotech

On April 11, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published a request for information to solicit ideas for deregulation. 90 Fed. Reg. 15481. OMB seeks proposals to rescind or replace regulations that stifle American businesses and American ingenuity, including regulations that are unnecessary, unlawful, unduly burdensome, or unsound. According to the notice, comments should address the background of the rule and the reasons for the proposed rescission, with particular attention to reg

article thumbnail

How to Start Composting at Home: A Beginner’s Guide

Earthava

The post How to Start Composting at Home: A Beginner’s Guide appeared first on Earthava. Living sustainably means reducing waste and enriching our soil. Starting a composting journey at home is a great way to do this. It turns kitchen scraps and yard waste into a fertilizer that makes your garden healthier. Composting is a simple way to make a big difference.

Waste 52
article thumbnail

Paper or plastic? Amazon, Google and others increasingly rule out certain materials

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story at Trellis. Are some materials fundamentally unsustainable? In the past, most companies working with challenging or hard-to-recycle materials wouldve said no, believing their material would overcome known obstacles eventually. Today, the tides are turning. Notable materials such as plastic are meeting a no more chances attitude from design professionals.

article thumbnail

Brandywine Conservancy Launches New Website For Getting Started With Native Plants; Native Plant Sales In Delaware, Westmoreland Counties

PA Environment Daily

In celebration of National Gardening Month, the Brandywine Conservancy is thrilled to announce the launch of the Brandywine Native Garden Hub, a new online resource designed to inspire gardeners of all levels and skillsets. The Brandywine Native Garden Hub is a free, user-friendly website that serves as both an educational guide and an interactive database for anyone interested in incorporating native plants into their landscapes.

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

China Allows New Coal Plants, but With More Limited Role

Yale E360

China will allow the construction of new coal power plants through at least 2027 but with restrictions aimed at limiting emissions and boosting renewables, according to a newly released action plan.

2027 115
article thumbnail

Citizen Scientists Help Toads Cross The Road In Roxborough Neighborhood Of Philadelphia; 22,000 Toads Saved Over 16 Years

PA Environment Daily

For 16 years, a dedicated community of volunteers has rallied to protect migrating toads at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. Toad Detour , which recently started its 2025 season, safeguards toads and other amphibians as they make their perilous journey from the 365-acre forest at the Schuylkill Center to their mating grounds in the Roxborough Reservoir.

2025 57
article thumbnail

Digital devices may help ward off cognitive decline in older people

New Scientist

Using smartphones, computers and the internet seems to slow cognitive decline in people aged over 50

115
115
article thumbnail

Why Are Rare Earth Metals So Precious?

Scientific American

China is blocking exports of these vital minerals. What makes them so special?

111
111
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

Puppy intelligence tests can predict how dogs will turn out as adults

New Scientist

Puppies performance in cognitive tests at 3 to 7 months old can give a strong indication of their personalities and trainability as adults

108
108
article thumbnail

Monday PA Environment & Energy NewsClips - 4.14.25

PA Environment Daily

The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people. - - Article I, Section 27 Pennsylvania Constitution [Its Not A Suggestion] NOTICE: PA Environment Digest Will NOT Publi

article thumbnail

Neutrino Mass Mystery Shrinks with Latest KATRIN Results

Scientific American

In just the first 259 days of data collection, KATRIN, a beta-decay-based detector in Germany, has set the smallest upper limit yet on the mass of the neutrino—the universe’s lightest massive particle

104
104
article thumbnail

Montrose Selected By Energy Major to Deliver Methane Monitoring at Scale

Montrose

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. , April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. (the “Company”, “Montrose” or “MEG”) (NYSE: MEG) is on a mission to help protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil that feeds us, and aims to enhance environmental stewardship and economic development. In response to rising global demand for energy and continued expectations around environmental stewardship, Montrose Environmental Group has been select

2025 40
article thumbnail

Shipping companies to pay for carbon dioxide produced by vessels

Environmental News Bits

Read the full story in The Guardian. Shipping companies will have to pay for the carbon dioxide produced by their vessels for the first time under new rules agreed by the worlds maritime watchdog.