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Why Were 2023 and 2024 So Hot?

Union of Concerned Scientists

Albedo is the total reflection of incoming solar radiation by Earth. As industrial aerosols decreased due to this new regulation, particularly over the North Atlantic Ocean, the planetary albedo slightly decreased, which means that more incoming solar radiation was absorbed by the planet rather than reflected. What is albedo?

2024 289
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HotSpots H2O: In Chile’s Lithium Mines, Climate and Environment Are Dueling Priorities

Circle of Blue

A battle is brewing over the future of lithium, an essential component of the world’s transition to renewable energy. The issue refracts a quandary being litigated around the world: the transition towards renewable energy is creating its own host of social and environmental problems.

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U.S. Climate Law: A Broad & Rapidly Growing Field

Legal Planet

Energy efficiency standards for new appliances and lighting sources. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rules bearing on electricity transmission E. FERC rules for wholesale markets that impact renewable energy. Rules relating to renewable and fossil fuel development on public lands and offshore.

Law 246
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Thermophotovoltaic cells top 40 percent efficiency

Physics World

The first thermophotovoltaic cells with an efficiency of more than 40% – higher than any existing solid-state heat engine, and exceeding even the average efficiency of turbine-based power generation – have been fabricated by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Radiation 129
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Morocco targets 80% renewables by 2050?

A Greener Life

The North African country Morocco is positioning itself to become the leading country on the African continent for the deployment of renewable energy. Against a backdrop of new solar and wind projects, the country has increased its renewable energy target to 52% by 2030, 70% by 2040 and 80% by 2050. GW during last year.

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Efficient optical rectenna could generate power from waste heat

Physics World

Devices known as optical rectennas show considerable promise for renewable energy because they can harvest energy from heat and convert it into electricity. More ambitiously, the researchers say that it might, in principle, be possible to capture the energy radiating from Earth itself using rectennas mounted on airships.

Waste 127
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Tajikistan eyes large-scale hydrogen production and energy diversification

A Greener Life

This would be for domestic use, but with such high production levels, there would be more than enough to export to neighbouring countries, according to Tajikistan’s Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Daler Juma. Nearly all of the electricity generated in Tajikistan is hydropower, though the bulk of its oil is imported from Russia.