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Data gaps in US territories threaten climate resilience
Federal agencies often neglect to collect data in U.S. territories as comprehensively as they do for states, jeopardizing climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, a new GAO report reveals.
In short:
- The GAO report highlights significant data collection deficiencies in U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa.
- Barriers include statutory exclusions, small sample sizes, high costs, and technical challenges like lack of postal services.
- The Biden administration is urged to address these data gaps, which are critical for assessing climate vulnerability and resource needs.
Key quote:
“If folks are serious about environmental justice, they need to be serious about addressing equity issues in U.S. territories.”
— Neil Weare, co-director of Right to Democracy
Why this matters:
Inadequate data collection hampers effective climate response and resource allocation in U.S. territories, which face severe climate impacts. Scientists and regulators find it challenging to make informed decisions without comprehensive data, while advocates struggle to raise awareness and push for changes that could mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. As a result, these territories remain caught in a cycle of vulnerability and inadequate preparedness, highlighting the urgent need for investment in advanced data collection and analysis systems.
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Credit: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay
US government requires energy reporting from cryptocurrency companies
The Biden administration mandates energy use reporting for cryptocurrency producers, addressing concerns about their impact on electricity grids and climate change.
In short:
- Cryptocurrency mining's high energy consumption is raising concerns about its effects on the U.S. power grid and climate change.
- The Energy Information Administration is collecting data from more than 130 U.S. cryptocurrency miners to understand the industry's evolving energy demands.
- The growing popularity of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin has led to increased electricity usage, comparable to the entire energy consumption of Australia.
Key quote:
"Nearly all hours of the year, power demand from bitcoin mines pushes up the real-time cost of electricity in Texas."
— Ben Hertz-Shargel, grid electrification researcher.
Why this matters:
The energy-intensive nature of cryptocurrency mining not only strains the power grid but also contributes significantly to carbon emissions, highlighting an intersection between technology and environmental sustainability.
Elizabeth Sawin: Steps to re-invigorate the economy must free us from polluting fossil fuels.
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Photo by Ivars Utināns on Unsplash
Five ways AI could improve the world: ‘We can cure all diseases, stabilise our climate, halt poverty’
Everyone wants a silver bullet to solve climate change; unfortunately there isn’t one. But there are lots of ways AI can help fight climate change. While there is no single big thing that AI will do, there are many medium-sized things.
Photo by Daniel J. Schwarz on Unsplash
‘It’s ridiculously antiquated’: Could robot boats transform marine science?
No one has yet been able to sail an autonomous boat across the Atlantic, but a young couple in Wales hope their craft will revolutionise ocean monitoring of temperatures, wildlife and more.
Image by aymane jdidi from Pixabay
Why business leaders need up-to-date climate data
A sustainability expert says it’s time for companies to get their own up-to-date climate and environmental risk data as well as the expertise required to apply it to prepare for what’s to come.
Thawt Hawthje/Flickr
Russian oil finds ‘wide open’ back door to Europe, critics say
Middlemen are cashing in as Russian crude finds indirect routes to the European market, politicians and industry insiders allege.
Putin is staring at defeat in his gas war with Europe
Mild weather this winter is set to help Europe shrug off Russia’s energy threats next year, too.
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