Thu.Aug 01, 2024

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What happens at meetings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change?

Union of Concerned Scientists

Dearest blog readers, I’m attending my first meeting of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and it is so. dang. fascinating. For twenty-ish years, I’ve relied on the IPCC’s reports countless times, and in countless ways. But seeing the IPCC’s consensus-based decision-making process in action is giving me a new perspective on the incredible amount of work that goes into producing each of the organization’s reports.

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Glaciers in the Andes are the smallest they’ve been for 130,000 years

New Scientist

A study of rocks exposed by melting ice shows that Andean glaciers have retreated further now than at any time since Earth’s last interglacial period

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All About Arrow Crabs

Ocean Conservancy

Along a bustling coral reef lit by sunlight, one can find an array of amazing creatures from surgeonfish to green sea turtles. After dark, these reefs are just as vibrant and a little spooky as some of our nocturnal underwater friends come out to roam the sea. These night shift species, while wonderful and majestic, can seem straight out of outer space or a horror movie–one such creature of the night, the arrow crab.

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19 Good News Science Stories to Savor This Summer

Scientific American

From lifesaving cancer treatments and frog “ spas ” to a view of the cosmos from your own backyard, science can keep you going through the long , hot days of summer

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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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So Your CPRG Application Didn’t Get Funded

Law Columbia

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the 25 successful applicants for a shared $4.3 billion in implementation funding under the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. The grants will enable investments in solar projects , building energy-efficiency upgrades , the buildout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure , and the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices , among many other projects.

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What’s the deal with the Canada Public Transit Fund?

Enviromental Defense

If you’ve been following public transit news in Canada, you may have heard that there is a new federal funding program for public transit that doesn’t actually fund better service for public transit. So what does this program fund and how could it be improved to meet the needs of cities and public transit riders across Canada today? In case you missed it: On July 17th, 2024, the federal government announced the details of a public transit funding program called the Canada Public Transit Fu

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Regulation of Food for GLP-1 Drug Users: Off-Label Advertisements

National Law Center

In May 2024, Nestle announced its intention to create a new food brand, called Vital Pursuit, specifically marketed for consumers who. The post Regulation of Food for GLP-1 Drug Users: Off-Label Advertisements appeared first on National Agricultural Law Center.

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Algae transformed into a 'biofactory' for green fuel and plastics

New Scientist

A strain of green algae has been artificially evolved to turn carbon dioxide into sustainable fuel and plastic

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Feet First Philly Launches Fifth Year Of The Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant Program

PA Environment Daily

On August 1, Feet First Philly , a pedestrian advocacy project of the Clean Air Council , in partnership with Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention launched the fifth round of their Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant Program that funds projects aimed at improving Philadelphia’s pedestrian environment and public spaces.

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Galaxy cluster smash-up lets us observe dark matter on its own

New Scientist

Astronomers have spotted two colossal clusters of galaxies colliding and shooting out all of their dark matter, which may provide crucial evidence of how dark matter shapes the cosmos

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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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Unforced variations: Aug 2024

Real Climate

This month’s open thread on climate topics. The post Unforced variations: Aug 2024 first appeared on RealClimate.

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Quantum dots help destroy ‘forever chemicals’ with light

New Scientist

Shining light through nanocrystals helps break down PFAS without the need for extreme heat or pressure

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Battery Storage Can Maintain Reliability, Even After Fossils Retire

NRDC

New analysis shows that Illinois can maintain reliability even after retiring fossil resources by deploying 3 GW of 4-hour battery storage.

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Olympic Training Centers Are Using Big Data and AI to Give Team USA an Edge in Paris

Scientific American

"Big data" and artificial intelligence are changing how elite American athletes train for the biggest competition in the world.

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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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US Dept. Of Energy Awards Western PA/WV/OH ARCH2 Hydrogen Hub $30 Million

PA Environment Daily

On July 31, the US Department of Energy awarded the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub—also known as the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) , led by Battelle—with $30 million for the first tranche of funding (out of the total project federal cost share of up to $925 million) to begin Phase 1 activities. The Appalachian Hydrogen Hub will help the nation lead in the advancement of the clean hydrogen economy while reducing emissions and pollution that has long affected air quality in Appalachian

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Controversial New Guidelines Would Diagnose Alzheimer’s Before Symptoms Appear

Scientific American

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's, according to expert recommendations, can proceed by detecting the disease's underlying biology, even before the onset of cognitive decline

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Penn State Center For Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training Hosts 3-Part Conservation Cornerstone Webinar Series For Ag Professionals Starting Aug. 27

PA Environment Daily

To help agriculture professionals who are beginning their journey in agricultural conservation, the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training administered by Penn State Extension is launching a new monthly webinar series-- Conservation Cornerstone-- that will take place in August, September and October. This series is aimed at newer conservation district employees, agricultural conservation professionals, and individuals associated with the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Prog

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A slight curve helps rocks make the biggest splash

New Scientist

Researchers were surprised to find that a very slightly curved object produces a more dramatic splash than a perfectly flat one

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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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Expect Auroras, Solar Flares and More Space Weather from the Solar Maximum

Scientific American

Space weather is heating up in our current solar cycle peak

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PennFuture: Dramatic PJM Electricity Price Increases Due To Forced Outages Of Gas Power Plants; Huge Backlog Of New Generation Projects; Demand Growth Driven By Data Centers, Cryptocurrency Mining

PA Environment Daily

On August 1, PennFuture released this statement related to the latest PJM Interconnection electricity auction that resulted in a dramatic increase in electricity prices in the PJM footprint for delivery in 2025-26. Read more here. "At the most recent auction, the clearing prices for the 2025/26 delivery year, soared to $269.92 per megawatt-day, a staggering increase of over 9 times compared to the 2024/25 clearing price of $28.92.

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Bird Flu Cases in People Are Being Undercounted

Scientific American

Dairy workers in Texas show signs of prior, undetected bird flu infections in a new study

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Penn State Extension Hosts Sept. 6 Webinar On Classic Biological Control Of PA Invasive Species

PA Environment Daily

The Penn State Extension will host a September 6 webinar on Classic Biological Control of Pennsylvania Invasive Species from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Pennsylvania has identified over 150 invasive plants, insects, pathogens, and animals that significantly impact both the environment and agricultural production, resulting in annual economic losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.

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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 Heat Index, Dew Point and Wet-Bulb Temperature Describe Summer Weather

Scientific American

When heat hits, we talk about the heat index, the dew point and heat risk. But what do all these measures mean?

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The best new science fiction books of August 2024

New Scientist

Josh Malerman, James S. A.

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The Most Efficient Solar Panels Ever Have Been Found—In Giant, Sparkly Clams

Scientific American

Inside giant, iridescent clams are algal farms that could inspire highly efficient bioreactors

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Path to a New Farm Bill: Crop Insurance Access 

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)

Photo credit: USDA by Lance Cheung Editor’s Note: This post is part of a multi-part series exploring some of the key sustainable agriculture and food systems challenges that the farm bill can address. Through a series of posts comparing the House and Senate Agriculture Committees’ proposals, we provide an assessment of how each chamber’s bill would address a given challenge, and our recommended path forward.

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How to Stay Hydrated During a Summer Heatwave, According to Experts

Scientific American

The amount of water and electrolytes needed for proper hydration vary from person to person

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PFAS Environmental Regulatory Developments (So Far) in 2024

SPR Law

2024 has already been a banner year for the regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the federal level; unsurprisingly, these efforts are eliciting legal challenges from regulated entities. CERCLA On April 19, 2024, the EPA issued a final rule under Section 102(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

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Treatments for ‘Brain-Eating’ Amoebas Are on the Horizon

Scientific American

New drugs may help patients with life-threatening "brain-eating" amoeba infections

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Harnessing the potential of biochar-based catalysts for sustainable adsorptive and photocatalytic applications: A comprehensive review

Environmental News Bits

Javanmard, A., Bin Wan Daud, W. M. A., Patah, M. F. A., Zuki, F. M., & Verdugo, A. S. (2024). Harnessing the potential of biochar-based catalysts for sustainable adsorptive and photocatalytic applications: A comprehensive review. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 189, 387–413.

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Beach Sand Replenishment Projects Are Expensive, Ineffective and Never-Ending

Scientific American

The U.S. has been pumping sand onto eroding beaches for nearly a century.

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Recent advances and prospects of neonicotinoid insecticides removal from aquatic environments using biochar: Adsorption and degradation mechanisms

Environmental News Bits

Cui, S., Lv, J., Hough, R., Fu, Q., An, L., Zhang, Z., Ke, Y., Liu, Z., & Li, Y.-F. (2024). Recent advances and prospects of neonicotinoid insecticides removal from aquatic environments using biochar: Adsorption and degradation mechanisms. Science of The Total Environment, 939, 173509.

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