Net zero – site de știri și informații utile

Air pollution, both outdoor and indoor, occurs when various agents alter the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Hazardous pollutants include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. Indoor pollution sources are diverse and can include fuel-burning appliances, construction materials, housekeeping products, paint, tobacco, and dust mites, among others. Indoor air quality was not widely recognized as a concern until the early 2000s, despite population in temperate climates spending up to 90% of the time indoors (in homes, schools, offices and transportation). Indoor air pollution is responsible for 3.8 million premature deaths worldwide in 2016 and ...

Speaking at a recent press conference, President Biden acknowledged the "real crisis" in U.S. cities, highlighting the undeniable impact of climate change. He mentioned that record temperatures are affecting 100 million Americans, and experts estimate that extreme heat is costing the country $100 billion annually. President Biden announced a new Hazard Alert for heat, ensuring federal protections for workers in hazardous conditions. The initiative includes increased inspections of high-risk industries such as construction and agriculture. The President unveiled a $1 billion grant fund to plant more trees in cities, creating shade and cooling centers. He emphasized that there is still much more work to be done on climate ...

At the end of July, NASA Administrator and former US senator Bill Nelson visited INPE (the Brazilian space research center) to propose extending US satellite partnerships to monitor and prevent Amazon rainforest destruction. The satellite, called NISAR, which is set to launch with India in January, will have the capability to render images of activities below the Amazon rainforest canopy. The satellite will be able to detect undergrowth burning and potential threats to large trees. Brazil depends on satellite imagery to monitor the Amazon, but cloud cover often obstructs precise and timely images. This project is close to Bill Nelson's heart because during his spaceflight 37 years ago, he ...

While large-scale tree-planting initiatives are often well-intentioned, there are many potential drawbacks and limitations which should cause concern. One example is the focus on monoculture planting, which involves planting large areas with a single tree species. Monoculture planting can lead to the loss of biodiversity and the creation of forests that are less resilient to pests, diseases, and climate change impacts. It may also have negative consequences for the soil, water, and overall ecosystem health. Moreover, when new forests are planted, they can sometimes replace or encroach upon existing ecosystems, disrupting the habitats of native plant and animal species. This can result in the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of crucial ecosystems. In addition, there is the risk of unintentionally introducing invasive species. These can outcompete native plants...

Solar Power Satellites (SPS) are a potential solution to meet increasing energy demands sustainably. They take advantage of the higher and more constant intensity of sunlight in space, free from atmospheric and weather-related obstacles found on Earth's surface. Solar Power Satellites would convert the solar energy into microwave energy and transmit it to receiving stations on Earth called rectennas. The rectennas would then convert the microwave energy into electricity and feed it into the power grid. Space-based solar power offers several advantages over terrestrial solar power sources. Solar power satellites in space can generate power almost continuously, as they are not affected by day-night cycles or weather conditions. On Earth, solar panels only produce power for a limited duration...

Travel restrictions and lockdowns during the Covid pandemic had little impact on the number of deer killed on Scotland's roads, according to a report by NatureScot. The report suggests that the continued operation of freight traffic during the lockdowns contributed to the ongoing deer collisions. According to NatureScot's report, there are approximately 1,850 deer collision incidents per year across Scotland, with the highest number of collisions occurring in the Highlands. Between 2008 and 2021, there were 555 incidents involving vehicles and deer on Highland roads. However, NatureScot's latest data indicates a slight decrease in collisions in the Highland region, which is likely attributed to deer culling...

German startup Green Akku has introduced plug-and-play solar panels that can be easily installed on garden fences, catering to the high number of home gardens in Germany and the growing interest in solar energy. The solar panels offered by Green Akku can be conveniently hung and clipped onto garden fences, providing electricity generation. The entire system, including solar modules, inverters, and special brackets, costs approximately €416.81 ($448.83). These solar panels from Green Akku do not require a permit for installation. The vertical attachment to property or garden fences allows for higher energy yields, especially during low sun angles. Compared to rooftop systems, the fence system performs better during mornings and ...

A recent study from Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy reveals that the risk of extreme temperatures, which can harm crop yields, has risen notably in wheat-producing areas of the United States and China. According to the study, heat waves that were previously occurring once every hundred years, are now projected to happen once every six years in the Midwestern United States and once every 16 years in Northeastern China. High temperatures during spring, when winter wheat is flowering, can impact its growth. Heat stress begins when temperatures exceed 27.8 degrees Celsius, while temperatures over 32.8 degrees Celsius can cause the breakdown of essential enzymes in wheat plants. Record-breaking heat often coincides with severe drought conditions, which can have ...

Germany has recently unveiled its first solar PV bike path, signaling a potential trend for similar projects in the country. Covering bike paths with solar PV roofs is considered an ideal cleantech solution. It provides shade or protection from rain for cyclists, who already use the cleanest mode of transportation. Moreover, it ensures their separation from roadways and offers protection from drivers. Additionally, installing solar power on these roofs is cost-effective and does not compete for space with other activities or infrastructure. While solar PV bike paths are currently uncommon, this development suggests a possibility of more such initiatives in the future. Badenova, a green energy company, installed the solar bike path near SC Freiburg's football stadium...

Conservationists are raising endangered curlew chicks to aid their recovery. The species has experienced a significant decline and have been included in the UK Red List, indicating their endangered status and the need for external conservation efforts. Endangered curlew chicks from 40 eggs are being hand-reared to improve their survival chances compared to leaving them in the wild. The chicks, which hatched in May, will be released at Elmley Nature Reserve in Kent. According to Gareth Fulton, the manager of the reserve, there are currently 250 breeding pairs of curlews in lowland England. However, without intervention, this number is projected to decline to zero within the next 20 years...