Environmental Conservatism? Just Another Name For Capitalism First, Planet Last
Environmental conservatism is the newest euphemism for supporting market forces before acknowledging the planetary degradation the western world has caused.
Death By Chocolate
Originally published by NexusMedia. by Marlene Cimons It was predictable that one day Adisa Azapagic, who studies the carbon footprint of various foods, would get around to chocolate. Little was known about the environmental impact of producing that guilt-and swoon-inducing pleasure, and for many, ignorance was bliss. “My husband wasn’t amused when I suggested he consider …
May is American Wetlands Month: Learn about the Importance of these Vital Ecosystems
America’s wetlands are diverse ecosystems featuring an array of flora and fauna – learn why it’s critical that we care for our wetlands and the creatures that live there.
How To Make Your Parcel Packaging More Eco-Friendly
There are lots of waste concerns when shipping or receiving packages: learn how to reduce your footprint here.
We Have A Problem
The status quo is widepread environmental destruction. We have the solutions, but some people prefer the status quo. For now, they are getting their way.
EU Emissions Rose 1.8% In 2017
Carbon dioxide emissions stemming from fossil fuel use in the European Union rose by around 1.8% in 2017 as compared to 2016, according to the most recent estimates from Eurostat. Despite fossil fuel derived carbon dioxide emissions as a whole rising in the European Union during 2017, the split across countries was by no means …
Leading Insurer Allianz Ceases Insuring Coal Plants & Mines
One of the world’s largest insurers, Allianz, has announced it will immediately cease insuring single coal-fired power plants and coal mines and further plans to phase out all coal risks by 2040.
Pesticide Ban And Plastic Recycling Agreed To By European Commission
Europe has voted to ban three of the most common pesticides which are believed to affect bees. It is also searching for ways to increase the use of recyclable plastics to 50% by 2030.
Pakistan Has Begun Installing Air Quality Monitors, Following Last Month’s High Court Ruling
Last month, a three-member high court panel in Pakistan, composed of some of the country’s top judges, issued a court ruling that ordered the government there to document in detail the efforts being made to curb the growing air pollution problems there. The head of the three-member high court panel in question, Chief Justice Mian …
50″ Of Rain In 24 Hours Is The New Normal On Kauai, Thanks To Climate Change
The island of Kauai got 50 inches of rain in 24 hours recently, Scientists say get ready for more “rain bombs” because of anthropogenic climate change.
Silent Spring Was Published Back In 1962 — Flying-Insect & Bird Populations Have Still Fallen Precipitously Since Then
Rachel Carson’s influential book Silent Spring, which documented the effects of the indiscriminate widespread use of pesticides on the environment, was published back in 1962, nearly 60 years ago now. Since that time, the book has often been cited as one of the drivers behind environmental action and regulation of various kinds. Following the release, …
Privacy, Ethics, & Silicon Valley’s Role In The New Mobility Industry
If we had a show of hand right now, how many would say they completely trust their computers, handheld devices, smart TV, and other smart devices? Chances are high that practically no reader would say they do. And when it comes to the future of mobility, privacy is something we never hear much about. Ethics …
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Climate Group Unveils Interactive Map Showcasing Global Under2 Policies
Climate action non-profit The Climate Group this week unveiled its new Under2 Policy Action Map, an interactive tool which illustrates the numerous successful climate-related policies being implemented by subnational governments around the world which are part of the Under2 Coalition.
Seven EU Member States Call For EU To Align Climate Ambition With Paris Agreement
Seven Member States from the European Union have called on the EU and other Member States to align their long-term climate ambition with the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Smart Wood: Bio-Engineering Trees For Specific Purposes
For the past decade, researchers have been experimenting with switching individual genes on and off to determine what effect they have on growing trees. But they say they can now model the effects of switching all 21 lignin genes on or off in the lab, which will greatly reduce the amount of time needed to “design” trees that are suitable for particular purposes.
Topsoil Fertility Decline & Soil Erosion — A Few Musings
The processes by which fertile topsoil is created are slow ones, to put it in mild terms. Generally speaking, the timespans necessary to turn glacial rock dust into something that agricultural crops can possibly grow in aren’t relevant when considered from the perspective of what’s needed to plant this year’s crops. The processes by which …
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New York City Banning Cars From Central Park For First Time In A Century This Summer
Owing to the aim of reducing air pollution and local auto accidents, cars will be banned this summer from New York City’s Central Park — after more than a century of free use — the city’s mayor Bill de Blasio has announced. So, to say that a different way, New York City’s Central Park will …
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PSA Group Gets Into Electrification Game
First published on EV Obsession. The PSA Group, which includes Peugeot and Citroen, has revealed its electric vehicle (EV) roadmap by creating a dedicated unit called the Low Emission Vehicles Business Unit. What does this mean for Peugeot concretely? PSA Gets Serious About EVs In a nutshell, the Low Emission Vehicles Business Unit will be …
Lyft Launching Program To Offset Carbon Emissions Of On-Demand Taxi Service Rides Via “Green” Investments
The on-demand taxi service provider Lyft is launching a new program whereby the carbon emissions footprints of the rides it provides will be offset through investments into various “green” offsets — renewable energy projects, reforestation work, etc. — a company spokesperson has revealed.
Wells Fargo Announces $200 Billion In Sustainable Financing By 2030
Wells Fargo, one of the top 3 banks in the US, announced on Thursday its intention to commit $200 billion in financing towards sustainable businesses and projects by 2030 — targeting at least 50% towards clean technologies.
Lightsource BP & Everstone Group Form Green Infrastructure Fund For India
Leading Indian and Southeast Asia business group Everstone Group has partnered with leading global renewable energy company Lightsource BP to form EverSource Capital, a fund management platform intended to support green energy infrastructure in India, with financial kickoff support from the UK Government and India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.
Brewer Anheuser-Busch Announces US 2025 Sustainability Goals
America’s largest brewing company, Anheuser-Busch, launched its US 2025 Sustainability Goals this week, recommitting to its goal of purchasing 100% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025 and committing itself to the sustainability goals launched in March by its parent company, AB InBev.
International Maritime Organization Agrees To 50% Carbon Emissions Reductions By 2050 (Compared To 2008 Levels)
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has reached an agreement with constituent countries to put a plan into place to reduce the shipping sector’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050, as compared to 2008 levels. The deal follows international talks this week in London between reps from relevant countries. Notably, the final deal …
Boring Co. Raises $112.5 Million In Equity, 90% Coming Via Elon Musk
The Boring Co has raised $112.5 million in new equity, the company has revealed — with 90% of that figure coming by way of Elon Musk himself. The revelation comes as the company has seemingly begun ramping up its plans to bore and develop underground transportation tunnels between various large metropolitan areas in the USA. …
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Royal Dutch Shell To Continue With Deepwater Oil & Gas Exploration Off Egypt’s Coast — Implications
Deepwater oil and gas exploration off Egypt’s Mediterranean coast is now slated to be resumed by Royal Dutch Shell after a fairly long pause, the company’s Executive Vice President Sami Iskander was quoted recently as saying at a press conference on the matter. Owing to faltering oil production and rising energy imports, the government of …
Teenage Mutant Ninja Enzyme Chews Through Plastic Waste
Sometimes, new products get invented by accident. Potato chips, for example. The microwave, the ink jet printer, and the implantable pacemaker are on the list. My personal favorite involves scientists searching for a powerful new adhesive that could be used to glue airplanes together. They failed miserably and created one of the weakest adhesives ever …
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More Than 100 Companies Now Have Science-Based Targets
More than 100 companies around the world have had their emissions reductions targets approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative, which helps companies align their targets with what climate science confirms is necessary and required to prevent dangerous global warming.
Remember When Hillary Clinton & Obama Paid Off Porn Stars & Playmates?
Hillary Clinton was indeed investigated for years — er, decades. What did she get busted for? Ah, yeah, nothing. Obama was investigated for … wearing a brown suit? being too academic? trying too hard to compromise with Republicans? Can you imagine if Hillary Clinton or Obama were running the country while … … being investigated …
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Paris 1.5°C Target Can Be Met With Less “Negative Emissions”
A new journal article has shown that the 1.5°C target set out in the Paris Climate Agreement can be achieved with less negative emissions efforts than is often assumed, relying instead on increased renewable energy capacity, a reduction in methane emissions, and a greater focus on widespread lifestyle changes (read: less meat).
Sweden Places Major Bet On Electrified Highways To Recharge Electric Vehicles
A section of highway near the airport in Stockholm, Sweden, has been fitted with new technology that can recharge electric vehicles while they drive. It could lower carbon emissions and reduce the cost of electric vehicles because they could use smaller batteries.
US Senate Has Confirmed Former Coal Industry Lobbyist As Deputy At EPA
While most people like to place all of the blame for the recent about-face that the US Environmental Protection Agency has done with regard to pollutions controls on President Donald Trump, the reality is that there’s a broad amount of support for such actions throughout the government. With that in mind, the US Senate has …
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Treasure Trove Of Rare Earth Elements Found Off Coast Of Japan
Scientists in Japan have discovered massive quantities of rare earth minerals in the seabed around remote islands in the Pacific, enough to meet the world’s needs for hundreds of years.
Current New Zealand Government Administration Won’t Grant New Offshore Oil & Gas Exploration Permits, Prime Minister Says
In an announcement that mostly just amounts to a milking circumstance for PR purposes, the current administration in New Zealand has announced that it won’t be granting any new offshore oil and gas exploration permits or holding an associated tender process. To explain that a bit more, owing to relatively low global oil prices in …
Saudi Aramco Developing $44 Billion Mega-Refinery & Petrochemicals Complex In India With Local Consortium
An enormous $44 billion combined oil mega-refinery and petrochemicals complex is now in the works for development on the west coast of India. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was just signed between Saudi Aramco and a large consortium of India-based firms. Those involved in the consortium just mentioned — Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (RRPCL) …
Volkswagen Gearing Up To Replace CEO With VW Brand Head
Various sources within Germany have been reporting in recent days that Volkswagen is now mulling the replacement of CEO Matthias Mueller with the head of the VW brand, Herbert Diess. The idea is reportedly to start fresh after the latest round of scandals related to diesel vehicle emissions. Mueller’s contract as CEO at Volkswagen had …
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Uber Acquires Electric Bike-Sharing Service JUMP Bikes
The embattled on-demand taxi service firm Uber has announced that it has acquired the electric bike-sharing service startup JUMP Bikes, marking the company’s further investment into the on-demand mobility services sector.
200+ Environmental Groups Call On US Senate To Reject Pompeo As Secretary Of State
More than 200 US environmental groups from across the country have signed a letter to senators urging the rejection of the nomination of Mike Pompeo for Secretary of State, citing his long history of climate change denial and “extreme anti-environment, anti-consumer safety agenda.”
Norway’s Electric Car Leadership Jacks Up To Yet Another Level
By Nicolas Zart and Zachary Shahan If you ever need to see what the world of electric mobility (e-mobility) will look like, Norway offers a glimpse into our future and a template to follow. More than half of the cars sold in Norway had a plug last month. Norway Leads The Global Clean Car Sales …
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Why Going Green Is Big Business
Bankers, insurers, and others whose job it is to assess and manage risk are starting to acknowledge the existential threat that climate change may have on important assets. Indeed, without sharpened focus on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of publicly traded companies, big companies may find themselves liable for lack of “fiduciary responsibility” …
Gatehouse Media’s Anti-Wind Report: At Best, It’s Shoddy Journalism
What happens when young journalists find out that some people living near wind farms really hate them? Do they interview a few of them, interview a few others who like them for balance, interview a few experts, and write a reasoned and balanced article? Most of the time, yes. But not Gatehouse Media and its …
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Fox News Is A Cancer On Society
Why Do Fox Viewers & Trump Supporters Deny Reality So, So, So Much? First of all, apologies to any Fox viewers or Trump supporters who somehow stumbled upon this piece. It’s probably best for your emotional peace to just move along now and not read on. If you’ve been following the Trump administration and Russian …
The Trickster & The Trump — The Politics Of America Seen Through The Lens Of Mythology
There are a set number of ways that a deck of cards can be dealt out. As you see the cards being dealt, you’re in fact watching possibilities being destroyed and inevitabilities arising. What exactly those inevitabilities are, depends upon the cards that you have just witnessed being dealt. The deck as a whole could …
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Putin Puppet Donald Trump Giving Russian Oligarchs Everything He Can
Donald Trump is not that normal, but he is human. He is a human who has lived essentially all of his life with a totally stacked hand, to bring in a gambling analogy. He has still managed to lose all of his or his companies’ cash several times, but then his connections in the benevolent …
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Democracy Dropping, USA In Tier 2
Is democracy the best societal avenue for humans to go down? That’s a question many of us in democratic countries don’t typically ask. The assumed answer is: “duh.” But democracy does indeed have its drawbacks. Tyranny of the masses is no small concern. That said, the underlying point of democracy is sort of straightforward: Humans …
Rainwater Harvesting Guidelines You Should Know
Learn how and why rainwater catchment is so important for homeowners!
Republican Policy Benefits The Rich At The Huge Expense Of The Poor & Middle Class
There are several common assumptions about Republicans and the Republican Party that are simply untrue. These are major assumptions that have persisted for a long time. You would think that time and a little sunlight would reveal the truth underneath the magic trick, but a few effective practices have allowed the myth to persist in …
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Democracy — Swell When People Pay Attention & Try To Think With An Open Mind
At the core of democracy are a few key assumptions: One is that humans will make better decisions if everyone has some power. Another is that citizens will be informed. And yet another is that citizens will be engaged. Let’s skip the first point for now. That’s a rather philosophical question, but not entirely, but …
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H.L. Mencken, The Democratic Republic Of The United States, & Smartphones — Thoughts
We published an article recently that touched on the possible effects that the internet and smartphones seem to be having on the ability to think, or to function effectively as voters in a “democracy.” While I don’t disagree — smartphones are the real-life version of soma, as predicted by Huxley in Brave New World — that …
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