Sat.Jan 04, 2025 - Fri.Jan 10, 2025

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LA Fires and the Climate Connection

Legal Planet

Like millions of Angelenos, Ive been staying indoors and off the roads, glued to the Watch Duty app, radio, and TV coverage as LA is engulfed by these historic fires. The last 48 hours of coverage has focused, understandably, on the firefight and immediate devastation. Now, its time to start hearing about the climate connection, especially from local officials, policymakers, and the TV news anchors that so many people turn to for information during scary urban fires.

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How Transmission—Not Gas—Will Bolster Winter Grid Reliability: A Look at MISO South

Union of Concerned Scientists

As the year kicks off with a very cold January weather forecast, US power grid operators and the regulators who oversee them are paying close attention to ensure that the grid failures of several past extreme winter storms dont happen again. These dangerous grid failures over roughly the last decade have left millions in the dark and cold, sometimes with tragic and deadly consequences.

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Did Climate Change Help Fuel the Los Angeles Wildfires?

Yale E360

Wildfires in Southern California have burned tens of thousands of acres, destroyed thousands of buildings, and killed at least 10 people. Experts say global warming may have set the stage for the catastrophic blazes.

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To Save the Great Salt Lake, Farmers Will Have to Grow Less Alfalfa

Inside Climate News

New research found that the crop used to feed dairy and beef cows uses the vast majority of agricultural water that would otherwise replenish the largest saline lake in the nation. By Wyatt Myskow The Great Salt Lake is shrinking, and new research published Tuesday reports that saving it requires reducing the amount of farmland that is irrigated in the region.

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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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The Fires in Los Angeles

Legal Planet

National attention is (rightly) focused on the terrible fire situation in Los Angeles. At the moment, the top priority is supporting first responders who are trying to control the fires, prevent more damage, and help the people who have lost homes and loved ones. There is (of course) a bunch of chatter on social media about what might have prevented the fires or fix the wildfire crisis in the US more broadly.

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Six Facts About Water and Wildfire in the West 

Union of Concerned Scientists

While deaths and destruction are mounting and tens of thousands flee a devastating inferno in Los Angeles, the President-Elect has used the catastrophic wildfires to spread misinformation, offer false solutions, and disrespect the suffering of people and the hard work of first responders. Here, we provide the facts and avoid the fiction. Fact 1: reservoirs are full Due to a relatively wet winter in Northern California, almost every reservoir in Southern California is at or above its historical a

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Another Polar Vortex Is Blasting the U.S. With Harsh Winter Weather. So How Is Climate Change Involved?

Inside Climate News

A recent study explains how warmer temperatures at the top of the planet destabilize the jet stream and allow colder air to travel south. By Kristoffer Tigue A second bout of severe winter weather is set to pummel the central United States with freezing temperatures and icy conditions, forecasters warned this week. It comes just days after a massive winter storm, traveling from Kansas to New Jersey, dumped upwards of a foot of snow on some cities, disrupting traffic and knocking out power for hu

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Remote sensing: A key to monitoring tropical forest restoration

The Applied Ecologist

Laura Vedovato introduces readers to a range of remote sensing tools, explaining how they can be applied to topical forests to monitor the effectiveness of restoration efforts. Read more in the original Review article. Introduction In recent years, global commitments to forest restoration, like the UN Decade on Restoration and the Global Biodiversity Framework, have highlighted the need for scalable, effective ways to track progress.

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Why Were 2023 and 2024 So Hot?

Union of Concerned Scientists

The year 2023 was by far the warmest in Earths recorded history, and perhaps in the past 100,000 years , shattering the previous record set in 2016 by 0.27C (0.49F). According to recent data from NOAAs National Center for Environmental Information, 2024 is likely to be even warmer than 2023. Scientists are sounding the alarm because this warming is shockingly bigbigger than what we would have expected given the long-term warming trend from fossil fuel-caused climate change.

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Despite Biotech Efforts to Revive Species, Extinction Is Still Forever

Yale E360

In the last decade, laboratory initiatives to recreate long-extinct species have stirred controversy. Now, scientists increasingly agree "de-extinction" is not possible, but breeding living animals with genes similar to those lost species can be a useful conservation tool.

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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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Global Warming Surges Well Past 1.5-Degree Mark in 2024

Inside Climate News

International agencies coordinate release of annual climate data to highlight the past years exceptionaland dangerousclimate conditions. By Bob Berwyn Nearly all major global climate datasets agree that, in 2024, human-caused global warming for the first time pushed Earths average surface temperature to more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial average for a full calendar year, a level that countries around the world had agreed to do all they could to avoid.

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DEP Did Over 107,000 Inspections, Found 35,237 Violations, Responded To 410 Emergencies In 2024 To Protect PA's Environment, Public Safety

PA Environment Daily

On January 6, the Department of Environmental Protection reported its staff conducted over 107,000 inspections to protect Pennsylvanians constitutional right to clean air, pure water, and a healthy and safe environment. During those inspections, DEP identified 35,237 violations, and resolved 32,699 of them, including some from 2023. DEP also responded to 410 environmental emergencies, like spills from traffic accidents to chemical fires.

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Reuse, Rewear, Repair

Academy of Natural Sciences

It is the new year and time for a lifestyle change. While its daunting to contemplate the many issues that we need to tackle to achieve greater social equity and environmental sustainability especially in our everyday lives small, individual actions can add up to make a difference. Here are some tips to get you started on simply reusing, repairing and rewearing, all to inspire care and support for our natural world.

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Severe Cold Spells May Persist Because of Warming, Not in Spite of It

Yale E360

Huge swaths of North America are facing subfreezing temperatures this week as cold Arctic air pushes southward. Paradoxically, such cold spells may persist or even become more common as the planet warms, scientists say.

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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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In Alberta, you don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows

Enviromental Defense

There are undoubtedly those in Alberta who are thrilled with the governments recent announcement on buffer zones and viewscapes for renewable energy development. It would also appear that with this decision, Alberta’s green energy businesses can now get back to work, investing in the future of our energy economy. But can they? This policy is deeply hostile to renewable energy projects, and not because some people dont like seeing energy development near mountains.

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Philadelphia Solar Energy Assn.: Solar For Schools Middle School Curriculum Now Available

PA Environment Daily

The Philadelphia Solar Energy Association now has available the Solar For Schools middle school curriculum-- "Harness the Power of the Sun" and "Bring Solar to School." "Harness the Power of the Sun" is a 12 week curriculum diving into energy, electricity, circuits, solar photovoltaics, electric vehicles and more. "Bring Solar to School" is a subset of 6 lessons designed to enable students to understand how solar electricity is generated, to monitor their school's solar system, and analyze its g

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recommends Downlisting Golden-cheeked Warbler

Endangered Species Law

On January 7, 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced that, following the completion of the Service’s 5-year status review (5-year Review) of the golden-cheeked warbler ( Setophaga chrysopharia ) (GCWA), the agency is recommending the species be downlisted from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

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Renewables Supplied Two-Thirds of Germany's Power Last Year

Yale E360

Germany, the largest economy in Europe, got nearly two-thirds of its power from renewables last year, an analysis shows.

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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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Why Scaling AI—Even at High Energy Costs—Is a Necessary Investment for Humanity’s Future

Climate Change Blawg

Article kindly contributed for the community via Corey Cottrell on Bluesky: @coreycottrell.bsky.social. Views are Corey’s and don’t necessarily reflect the views of our independent Editors. Hope you enjoy and if you find it insightful please engage with Corey on Bluesky or share wider or pay it forward. Very best wishes, Gav Ward, Founder of […] The post Why Scaling AIEven at High Energy CostsIs a Necessary Investment for Humanitys Future appeared first on Climate Change Blawg:

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Susquehanna River Basin Commission Announces Award Of $155,000+ To Support 34 Local Watershed Improvement Projects

PA Environment Daily

On January 7, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission announced the award of more than $155,000 to support 34 local projects striving to improve the welfare of our watersheds. In its second year, the Stream & Watershed Enhancement Grant Program is supporting 34 community-based environmental projects or events that will enhance, restore or protect our basins waterways.

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Gene-edited cells that evade rejection show promise in type 1 diabetes

New Scientist

Insulin-producing cells injected into a man with type 1 diabetes have survived for a month so far without the need for immune suppression

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2024 Is Officially the Hottest Year on Record

Scientific American

2024 was the hottest year on record and the first to top 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming.

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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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Fuel efficiency, power trading, and emissions leakage from driving electric vehicles: Evidence from Chinese provinces

Environmental News Bits

Wei, F., Walls, W. D., & Zheng, X. (2025). Fuel efficiency, power trading, and emissions leakage from driving electric vehicles: Evidence from Chinese provinces. Energy Policy, 198, 114473. [link] Abstract This paper investigates how driving electric vehicles redistributes tailpipe emissions and brings unintended impacts elsewhere.

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PA Resources Council Announces 2025 Lens On Litter Photo Contest, Including New Before & After Prize Category

PA Environment Daily

On January 7, the Pennsylvania Resources Council announced the start of the Gene Capaldi Lens on Litter Photo Contest which rewards amateur photographers who snap unusual or eye-catching images of litter across the Commonwealth. The deadline for entries is October 31. A new before and after category has been added, sponsored by Keep PA Beautiful , with an additional prize of $500 in each of the adult and student categories The purpose of the contest is not to glorify litter, but to bring awarene

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World’s first fully 3D-printed microscope made in under 3 hours

New Scientist

The microscope cost less than 50 to build using an open-source design and a common 3D printer

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Explosive Palisades Fire Fueled by Santa Ana Winds

Scientific American

The nature of the Santa Ana winds makes them perfectly suited to spreading flames.

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China’s carbon peak yet to come

A Greener Life

By Liu Lican Chinas first Biennial Transparency Report on Climate Change was released last week, and the country confirmed it has yet to peak its carbon emissions. The report, submitted to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), discloses China s greenhouse gas inventory in 2020 and 2021. It showed that total greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, including that from land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), reached 13 billion tonnes, an increase

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Register Now! PA Assn. Of Environmental Educators Annual Conferences March 10-12 In Erie

PA Environment Daily

The PA Association of Environmental Educators is now accepting registrations for the 2025 PAEE Annual Conference - Waves Of Connection to be held March 10-12 in Erie. The Conference is an opportunity to celebrate and grow in the fantastic environmental education field in Pennsylvania! The theme of this years conference Waves of Connection celebrates what makes PAEE so special: our collective ability as passionate environmental educators to drive change through resilience, diversity, engagement

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Quantum computers get automatic error correction for the first time

New Scientist

A tiny quantum refrigerator can ensure that a quantum computers calculations start off error-free without requiring oversight or even new hardware

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Bad Sleep Leaves the Brain More Vulnerable to Intrusive Thoughts

Scientific American

Findings reveal the memory-related brain processes that generate unwanted thoughts when people are sleep deprived

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Senate Committee Hearing on Nomination of Lee Zeldin to be Administrator of Environmental Protection Agency Scheduled for January 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Nanotech

Senator Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), has scheduled a hearing on the Nomination of Lee Zeldin to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Thursday, January 16, at 10:00 a.m. The hearing will be held in room 406 of the Senate Dirksen Office Building and will be viewable by webcast as well.

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DCNR/PA Environmental Council Host Jan. 30 Webinar On New Outdoor Ambassador Program Launching In The Laurel Highlands And Poconos Conservation Landscapes

PA Environment Daily

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is pleased to announce a new Outdoor Ambassador Program in partnership with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. The purpose of this pilot program is to provide training, resources, and a peer network for those who interact with visitors to the regions outdoor spaces. This program will launch in Spring 2025 in the Laurel Highlands [Somerset, Westmoreland, Fayette, and portions of Cambria and Bedford counties] and Pocono Forests and Waters [