Tue.Apr 30, 2024

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Five Things the “Nuclear Bros” Don’t Want You to Know About Small Modular Reactors

Union of Concerned Scientists

Even casual followers of energy and climate issues have probably heard about the alleged wonders of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). This is due in no small part to the “ nuclear bros ”: an active and seemingly tireless group of nuclear power advocates who dominate social media discussions on energy by promoting SMRs and other “advanced” nuclear technologies as the only real solution for the climate crisis.

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Can these awesome rocks become central Asia’s first UNESCO Geopark?

New Scientist

Long feted by fossil hunters and geologists, if UNESCO recognises the extraordinary rock formation at Madygen in Kyrgyzstan, it will soon be a player on the world stage

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Do Insects Have an Inner Life? Animal Consciousness Needs a Rethink

Scientific American

A declaration signed by dozens of scientists says there is ‘a realistic possibility’ for elements of consciousness in reptiles, insects and molluscs

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Unforced Variations: May 2024

Real Climate

This month’s open thread on climate topics. Many eyes will be focused on whether April temperatures will be the 11th month in row of records… Note that we have updated the data and figures from the Nenana Ice Classic and Dawson City river ice break up pools (the nominal 13th and 5th earliest break-ups (or 15th and 4th, w.r.t. to the vernal equinox) in their respective records)).

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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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Carbon-negative cement can be made with a mineral that helps catch CO2

New Scientist

A process to dissolve the mineral olivine in acid could provide a plentiful, energy-efficient material for carbon-negative cement

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“Hazardous Substances”: EPA Takes Action on PFAS

National Law Center

The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has issued its highly anticipated final rule to designate two per—and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) as hazardous. The post “Hazardous Substances”: EPA Takes Action on PFAS appeared first on National Agricultural Law Center.

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Climate Grief to Active Hope: SSC, Art Club, and Center for Environmental Justice Host Event to Transform Anxiety into Art

HumanNature

Written by Samantha Nordstrom Art Club event organizer Sidney Stadelmann shows event attendees how to start a wind chime craft from a repurposed can at the Nancy Richards Design Center on April 17. (Samantha Nordstrom | The Green Bulletin) The Student Sustainability Center, Art Club, and Center for Environmental Justice hosted a climate grief workshop focusing on transforming anxiety into art from 5-7 p.m. at the Nancy Richards Design Center on April 17.

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Want to move fast? Look for these materials in your next running shoes

New Scientist

Spiked running shoes with a rubbery material between the inner and outer soles, and a stiff plate to improve stability, seem to help people move faster

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Single-Use Plastics 101

NRDC

Plastic that is made for the trash heap is choking the environment, contaminating our food supply, and driving climate change. We can do something about it.

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Australia places A$1 billion bet on quantum computing firm PsiQuantum

New Scientist

A joint investment by the Australian federal government and the government of Queensland makes PsiQuantum one of the largest dedicated quantum computing firms in the world

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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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Conventional Oil & Gas Industry Says It’s A ‘Terrific Lie’ To Say It Is Responsible For Abandoning Thousands Of Wells; Industry To Change Definition So They Can Avoid Responsibility

PA Environment Daily

On April 25, Arthur Stewart, Cameron Energy , told DCED’s PA Grade Crude [Oil] Development Advisory Council DEP’s database of abandoned wells is not accurate and it is a “terrific lie” to say today’s conventional oil and gas industry is the “culprit for abandoning hundreds of thousands of unplugged wells.” He also questioned those who called well abandonment an “epidemic” using what he said was “questionable” information from DEP’s databases.

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India is poised to become a climate leader, but is it up to the task?

New Scientist

As the world's third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, climate policy decisions taken by India will shape the fate of the entire world. But can it continue to develop its economy while keeping carbon dioxide down?

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Contributing to the conversation on community engagement in ecosystem restoration

The Applied Ecologist

Authors Judy Kingsbury and Marian Farrior share proven practices developed from existing community-based restoration programmes to foster similar programmes around the world. Our article, co-authored with Bradley Herrick, was inspired by the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the call to halt and reverse the degradation of Earth’s ecosystems.

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How India has slowly but surely become a major player in space

New Scientist

India’s space agency has been remarkably successful in recent years, growing the country’s prestige on the global stage – and the 2024 election is unlikely to change that

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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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TODAY 2:30: Sen. Muth, Physicians For Social Responsibility PA, Author Justin Nobel To Discuss Oil & Gas Worker Safety, Hazardous Waste In PA

PA Environment Daily

Sen. Katie Muth (D-Montgomery) and Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania will join author Justin Nobel and several environmental advocacy groups and impacted residents at a press conference today at 2:30 to discuss hazardous waste and worker safety in Pennsylvania. The press conference will be held in the Main Rotunda of the State Capitol building and will be available online The press conference will include discussion on the public health impacts caused by exposure to hazardous was

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Running around a 'wall of death' could keep moon settlers fit

New Scientist

Lunar settlers could avoid health problems like muscle wasting by running on the inside of a circular wall to mimic the pull of Earth’s gravity on the body

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Wealthy Nations Agree to 2035 Deadline for Ending Coal for the First Time

Scientific American

The G7 group of wealthy, developed economies has agreed to phase out coal-fired power, the most polluting form of energy, by 2035

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Most brain monitors sold to consumers don't keep your data private

New Scientist

A report found data privacy problems with the vast majority of 30 companies that sell neurotechnology devices to consumers.

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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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PA Resources Council Encourages Participation In 40th Anniversary Of Litter Photo Contest - The Earth Is Not Your Garbage Can

PA Environment Daily

Do your part for litter awareness by participating in the PA Resources Council’s Gene Capaldi Lens on Litter Photo Contest. The deadline for submissions is October 31. Use your camera or mobile device to identify the worst or most unusual examples of litter in your Pennsylvania community for a chance to win up to $500! The contest is open to amateur photographers only and entries should help bring awareness to how litter threatens public health and safety, scenic beauty, property values, the env

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Mixed Algae Conversion Research Opportunity Will Award up to $18.8 Million to Address R&D Challenges in Converting Algae to Biofuels and Bioproducts

Nanotech

On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) announced the MACRO: Mixed Algae Conversion Research Opportunity funding opportunity announcement (FOA). According to BETO, the FOA will award up to $18.8 million to address research and development (R&D) challenges in converting algae, such as seaweeds and other wet waste feedstocks, to biofuels and bioproducts that can decarbonize domestic transpo

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Keep PA Beautiful 2024 Summit For Community Stewardship In Scranton Oct. 16-17

PA Environment Daily

The Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful 2024 Summit for Community Stewardship will be held in coordination with the departments of Environmental Protection, Transportation and Community and Economic Development on October 16 and 17 at the Hilton in the City of Scranton. The theme of this year's Summit is-- Bridging Action, Infrastructure, Policy and Innovation.

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ADHD Can Have Unexpected Benefits

Scientific American

A new book seeks to correct misconceptions about ADHD and accentuate the plus side of the condition

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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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May 10-12 Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Celebrates 90 Years; Global Raptor Conservation Symposium May 11

PA Environment Daily

Did a small Pennsylvania sanctuary overlooking two tiny rural towns launch the environmental movement? Hawk Mountain Sanctuary offers a resounding yes. Recognized worldwide as the first refuge for birds of prey, the nonprofit that operates Hawk Mountain Sanctuary , between Drehersville in Schuylkill County and Kempton in Berks, and this year celebrates 90 years.

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Nearsightedness Rates Are Soaring. Here’s Why

Scientific American

Myopia is becoming so common some people deem it “epidemic.

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Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority Reports Nearly 48,000 Pounds Of Household Hazardous Waste Collected

PA Environment Daily

The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority reported nearly 48,000 pounds of household hazardous waste was collected this past weekend from 848 participants at the free annual drop off event. Comments from residents were extremely positive and they appreciated continuous traffic flow. They were in and out of the facility in minutes. They also valued staff waiting to greet them and were grateful for the opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous items from their homes.

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Senate Subcommittee Will Hold Hearing on May 1 on EPA’s FY 2025 Budget

Nanotech

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies will hold a hearing on May 1, 2024, to review President Biden’s fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget request for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Subcommittee will hear from EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. As reported in our March 15, 2024, Monthly Federal Developments Memorandum, according to EPA’s March 11, 2024, statement on President Biden’s FY 2025 budget, the $11 billion proposed for EPA Th

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Center For Coalfield Justice, Partners Host May 4 Book Signing In Washington County With Justin Nobel, Author of Petroleum 238: Big Oil's Dangerous Secret

PA Environment Daily

The Center for Coalfield Justice and Moms & Dads - Family Awareness of Cancer Threat Spike will host a May 4 book signing with Justin Nobel, Author of Petroleum 238: Big Oil's Dangerous Secret And The Grassroots Fight To Stop It. The signing will be held at the Frank Sarris Library , 35 North Jefferson Avenue in Canonsburg from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

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Organic Research Funding: Examining and Refuting USDA’s Justifications for Decreasing Dedicated Organic Funding

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)

Editor’s Note: This blog post was co-written by OFRF’s Senior Policy and Programs Manager, Gordon Merrick, in collaboration with partners at NSAC. The post is available on the OFRF website as well. The authors are grateful to work alongside our coalition partners to amplify and strengthen the organic movement. As the world becomes increasingly attuned to the sustainability and health implications of our food systems, the role of organic agriculture has never been more crucial.

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Climate-friendly beef? Argentina’s new ‘carbon-neutral’ certification could help reduce livestock emissions – if it’s done right

Environmental News Bits

by Paul Winters, University of Notre Dame In Argentina, where beef is a symbol of national pride, a government-led partnership has started certifying certain livestock as carbon neutral. It’s a big step that shouldn’t be underestimated, but getting the certification process right is crucial. The world’s livestock sector is a key driver of climate change, … Continue reading Climate-friendly beef?

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Governors Island Arts and NRDC Present Jenny Kendler: Other of Pearl

NRDC

Immersive Art Exhibition Explores Human Relationships with the Natural World and Possibilities for Ecological Restoration Project Opens June 14 at Governors Island’s Historic Fort Jay

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Chemicals, forever: how do you fix a problem like PFAS?

Environmental News Bits

by Sarah Wilson, University of Technology Sydney and Rachael Wakefield-Rann, University of Technology Sydney A landmark legal settlement has once again focused our attention on the dangers of “forever chemicals”. This class of chemicals, technically known as per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are widely used to make nonstick or waterproof products.

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Coral reefs suffer another tragic bleaching event – NOAA

A Greener Life

Graphic credit: NOAA. By Anders Lorenzen The US government agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Coral Reef Watch is the world’s top coral reef monitoring body. NOAA says that at least 54 countries and territories have experienced mass bleaching among their reefs since February 2023, as climate change warms the ocean’s surface waters.

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