Fears for communities near the great Colorado River as drought means future is uncertain The severely depleted Colorado River is causing grave concern for those who rely on it The Independent UK · Aug 29
In 2024, a Minnesota dairy began turning manure from more than 2,000 cows into renewable gas; the project can produce up to 480,000 gasoline-gallon equivalents a year In Minnesota, a pioneering dairy farm is transforming cow manure into ultra-low-carbon fuel for vehicles. This innovative facility processes thousands of gallons of manure each day, producing biomethane that enters interstate natural gas pipelines. By capturing methane—a significant greenhouse gas—before it escapes into the atmosphere, this project not only aids… The Times of India · Aug 28
Las Vegas Valley converted 250 million sq ft of lawn to save water, saving 203 billion gallons; researchers found turf removal can raise summer land-surface temperatures about 20°C Las Vegas is making headlines for its initiative to remove grass lawns, which has successfully conserved billions of gallons of water. Nevertheless, this environmental strategy has led to a concerning increase in local summer land-surface temperatures, soaring by around 20 degrees Celsius. As a response, water agencies are now promoting… The Times of India · Aug 28
The Old Farmer’s Almanac winter forecast is out. Here’s what to know about the coming season The season is looking mild for much of the country - with a few key exceptions The Independent UK · Aug 28
In 2022, Washington DC installed 2 bioretention systems across 2.6 acres to manage runoff. 1 year later, they could retain 2,627 cubic feet of stormwater per storm Washington DC bioretention systems are quietly changing what happens when heavy rain hits city streets. Two systems on Hamlin Street NE can retain about 2,627 cubic feet of stormwater per storm. That equals nearly 20,000 gallons of water kept from rushing toward local waterways. The project shows how small urban… The Economic Times · Aug 28
In 1998, New York listed Keuka Lake as impaired after DDT contamination. 16 years later, fish-tissue data led officials to remove the lake from the impaired waters list Keuka Lake DDT cleanup shows how a pesticide banned decades ago kept affecting fish through contaminated soil and runoff. The problem began long before today’s conservation efforts. DDT settled into farmland and could travel with eroding soil toward the lake. New York farmers later adopted erosion controls, cover crops and… The Economic Times · Aug 28
United Nations talks in Mongolia expose growing drought crisis as climate impacts worsen Representatives from nearly 200 countries have wrapped up United Nations desertification talks in Mongolia The Independent UK · Aug 28
Rain drops needed relief on North Texas wildfire that’s been burning for two weeks Storms swept over the more than 90,400 acres still burning in Palo Pinto and Jack counties. Containment increased to 76%, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The Texas Tribune · Aug 27
Carbon pricing, emissions tracking key to protect India's exports under EU CBAM: CII Report India must enhance carbon pricing and emissions tracking systems for exporters. The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism enters its definitive phase soon. A robust domestic carbon pricing system will protect Indian exporters' competitiveness. This mechanism requires accurate measurement and verification of embedded emissions. Trade-exposed sectors like steel and cement… The Economic Times · Aug 28
California lost 60% of its coastal dunes since 1850; now a 30-acre restoration project in Santa Monica is fighting sea-level rise Santa Monica Beach Dunes Restoration Project is designed to restore a portion of this historic ecosystem. The Santa Monica Bay National Estuary Program identifies the project as a 30-acre effort focused on restoring coastal dune habitat at Santa Monica State Beach. The Economic Times · Aug 27
How burying straw helped China stabilise shifting desert sand and restore vegetation In the Tengger Desert of China, wheat straw remnants have effectively stabilised shifting sand dunes through a simple yet innovative technique. By altering wind flow and curbing sand movement, the decaying straw rejuvenates the soil, fostering the growth of vegetation. This successful approach not only restores degraded desert landscapes but… The Times of India · Aug 27
Dry Land and Newly Fallowed Fields Track with Higher Valley Fever Rates Across Twenty California Counties A new Science Advances study links shrubland, certain crops, and newly fallowed fields to higher rates of Valley fever across 20 California counties. Medical Daily · Aug 27
Why an Unreliable Power Grid Is Changing the Case for Solar Rising electricity costs and grid instability are changing the game. Discover why shifting to solar is less about ROI and more about building energy independence. Kiplinger · Aug 26
Heat makes emergency rooms busier. Study shows which illness and injuries rise during hot spells A massive study shows what illnesses and injuries spike in emergency room visits during heat waves in Chicago The Independent UK · Aug 26
International Business Times · Aug 26 How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost in Louisiana? Lane Pace Explains Discover Louisiana spray foam insulation costs, including open-cell vs. closed-cell pricing, R-values, thickness requirements and climate considerations for homeowners.
The Economic Times · Aug 26 In 1908, a Boston woman donated 140 acres of Maine Beehive and Bowl to protect the natural places. Her gift helped pave the way for Acadia National Park In 1908, Eliza Homans made a remarkable contribution by donating 140 acres of land on Mount Desert Island, which included breathtaking features like the Beehive and Bowl. This significant act was the inaugural donation for the Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservation, inspiring other landowners to join in protecting nature.…
The Independent UK · Aug 26 US declares drought disaster for parts of Puerto Rico as dry conditions persist The U.S. government has announced a drought disaster for more than two dozen cities and towns in Puerto Rico as water woes deepen across the U.S. territory, with no relief in sight
The Economic Times · Aug 26 In 2000, UC Irvine led a 2-season study of rice paddies, finding crops emit ozone-depleting gases. Years later, the research still shows rice farming contributes 5% of atmospheric methyl iodide globally today Rice paddies are known for methane emissions. But UC Irvine researchers found another atmospheric connection worth watching. Flooded rice fields also release methyl halide gases linked to ozone chemistry. The study found rice farming contributes about 1% of atmospheric methyl bromide and 5% of methyl iodide. The amounts are small…
The Conversation · Aug 26 Why Trump’s plan to rescind the Roadless Rule protecting national forests will struggle in court Over 368,000 miles of roads wind through U.S. national forests, eight times more than the entire interstate highway system. Many are heavily eroded and prone to landslides, and driving vehicles on them can spread invasive species. They need billions of dollars in repairs.
The Times of India · Aug 26 Cloud seeding drones generate 19 million gallons of water in Alaska in just three hours, raising hopes for drought-hit regions A pioneering climate-tech startup claims its drones have successfully induced millions of gallons of extra rainfall in Alaska. By targeting existing clouds and promoting ice crystal growth, this technology could provide vital support for drought-affected regions in the American West. The Alaska trials sought to measure the precipitation output, a…
The Times of India · Aug 26 Hawaii mixed recycled fishing nets into an Oahu road; 11 months later, researchers found no more polyethylene microplastics than in regular asphalt Hawaii's urgent plastic waste dilemma has prompted researchers to investigate an innovative solution: incorporating recycled fishing nets into asphalt for road construction. Throughout an eleven-month study, it was discovered that these eco-friendly roads released no more microplastics than their traditional counterparts. Significantly, tire wear was the major contributor to microplastic…
The Times of India · Aug 26 Texas wildfire jumps creeks and rivers as powerful winds drive rapid spread A fast-moving wildfire in north-central Texas has destroyed a family home and business property, burned buildings at a youth camp and forced evacuations across sparsely populated ranch country west of Fort Worth, while local ranchers opened barns for animals needing evacuation.
The Independent UK · Aug 25 A lush knee-high jungle grows in the Arctic, but warming is changing Earth's mini-greenhouse Alaska's North Slope tundra may look desolate, but crouch down and you'll see a lush jungle
The Times of India · Aug 25 In 2014, a Texas coalition bought a 17,351-acre coastal ranch for $37.7 million, much of it using Deepwater Horizon restoration money; 15,000 acres later became a wildlife area protecting wetlands, prairie and endangered whooping crane habitat In 2014, a coalition of conservation groups bought 17,351-acre Powderhorn Ranch on the Texas coast for $37.7 million. A major share of the funding came from BP and Transocean penalties linked to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Four years later, more than 15,000 acres were transferred to Texas Parks and…
The Economic Times · Aug 25 In the early 1930s, New York State bought 340,000 acres of abandoned farmland for trees. 26 years later, the new forests had significantly reduced runoff, with their effect stable through 1967 New York's reforestation program transformed abandoned farmland into dense woodlands. This initiative significantly reduced streamflow and peak discharges in studied areas. The forest's influence reached a stable maximum by 1958. This reforestation was part of a larger recovery of New York's forest lands.