Battling the Invisible: How Scientists Are Addressing the Growing Challenge of Nanoplastics
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a method to remove over 98% of nanoplastics from water.
Deregulated Energy
Controversy Leads to Resignation as California Oil and Gas Agency Faces Scrutiny Over Regulatory Conflicts
A seasoned official with over three decades of service at California’s oil and gas oversight agency has resigned following scrutiny over regulatory decisions. The resignation comes just a week after watchdog organizations raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest that undermine two new state laws aimed at regulating oil well permits.
Old Growth, New Hope: Mature Forests Emerge as Unexpected Climate Allies
Contrary to prevailing beliefs, a groundbreaking study shows that older trees significantly increase carbon dioxide absorption in response to elevated atmospheric levels. This discovery opens up new possibilities for businesses involved in environmental conservation, carbon offsetting, and sustainable resource management.
Vineyard Wind Advances Critical Offshore Project Amid Blade Damage Recovery Efforts
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) issued an updated Suspension Order, allowing Vineyard Wind to resume specific activities, such as installing towers and nacelles—components unaffected by the blade incident. However, the order maintains restrictions on blade installation and power production until further assessments are completed.
Vertical Farming’s Environmental Impact: A New Study Offers Hope
Researchers found that nearly 40% of the climate impact from vertical farming comes from electricity use.
New Insights into the Climate History of the Tropical Andes: What 16,000 Years of Data Reveal
New research indicates that tropical Andean temperatures rose alongside CO2 levels 17,000 to 14,000 years ago, demonstrating a close link between regional and global climate dynamics.
What the U.S. Power Grid Needs To Survive Climate Change
From 2000 to 2023, 80% of 1,755 major power outages in the U.S. were due to weather — 23% and 14% were caused by winter storms and tropical cyclones, respectively. These disruptions cut access to medical care, food, water, transportation and critical communication networks, particularly impacting people of color.
Europe’s Deadly 2023 Heatwave: 47,000 Lives Lost, Action Required
Over 57% of Europe’s 2023 heat-related deaths occurred during two extreme temperature events in July and August.
The Silent Threat: CO2 Pipelines and Lessons from Natural Disasters
The rapid growth of CO2 pipelines for carbon capture projects has exposed regulatory gaps and safety concerns. Recent incidents and historical disasters like Lake Nyos highlight the potential dangers of large-scale CO2 transportation, prompting urgent action from industry leaders and regulators.
The Inflation Reduction Act’s Two-Year Report Card on Clean Energy Progress
The Southeast has emerged as a significant hub for clean energy development, with more than 110 projects announced in the region. States like South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina have become focal points for clean energy investments, all of which have 20 or more projects as of this writing.