science
Credit: Shane Gibson/Unsplash
Testing the waters: can pumping chemicals into the ocean help stop global heating?
To some it was a reckless experiment but scientists hope the dispersal of 65,000 litres of sodium hydroxide into the Gulf of Maine could ease the climate crisis.
Newsletter
Credit: Andrey Armyagov/Big Stock Photo
‘Clean power everywhere’: How space-based solar could help us go beyond net zero targets
Once considered a dystopian fantasy, space-based solar could soon transform the renewable energy sector.
Credit: Tiago Nakamura/Unsplash
The West’s winter has been a slow-moving catastrophe
Without snow in the mountains, the places that depend on the West’s rivers will hurt for water.
Newsletter
Credit: Getty Images/Unsplash+
The ‘doomsday glacier’ could flood the Earth. Can a 50-mile wall stop it?
Scientists have long opposed polar geoengineering. Some now believe it will be necessary.
Newsletter
Methane emissions surge, scientists urge immediate action
Methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, are rising rapidly, posing a significant threat to the climate and requiring urgent mitigation efforts, scientists warn.
In short:
- Methane emissions have been increasing at the fastest rate in decades since 2006.
- The Global Methane Pledge aims for a 30% reduction by 2030, but current policies cover only 13% of emissions.
- Methane is 80 times more effective at trapping heat than CO2 but dissipates faster, offering a quicker path to reducing global warming.
Key quote:
"Methane is the strongest lever we can quickly pull to reduce warming between now and 2050."
— Drew Shindell, climate scientist at Duke University
Why this matters:
Unchecked methane emissions accelerate global warming and exacerbate climate impacts. Addressing methane offers an immediate way to slow temperature increases and mitigate near-term climate risks.
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Storytelling panel at the Bloomberg Green Festival highlights the power of narrative in climate and environmental advocacy
In the last session of the Green Festival, a panel of writers, producers and scientists discussed the crucial role of storytelling in the climate movement and demonstrated how compelling narratives can drive environmental change.
In short:
- Dr. Shanna Swan presented alarming data on how environmental toxins are affecting human fertility, emphasizing the importance of communicating these issues effectively.
- Scott Z. Burns shared his experience as a producer for the Academy Award-winning 2006 documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth." emphasizing the need to connect emotionally with diverse audiences.
- Anna Jane Joyner highlighted her personal journey from the evangelical community to climate advocacy, stressing the emotional impact of storytelling.
Key quote:
"It's not just males. And it's not just semen quality. Men have other things to worry about, right? They worry a lot about the size of their genitals. They're getting smaller.”
— Dr. Shanna Swan, professor at Mt. Sinai & UCSF and senior scientist at EHS
Why this matters:
Storytelling can bridge the gap between scientific facts and public engagement, making complex environmental issues relatable and communicating urgency. By harnessing the power of narrative, advocates can inspire action and drive policy changes crucial for environmental protection.
To learn more about Dr. Swan’s research into links between toxic chemicals and fertility decline, listen to her fascinating conversation with EHN senior editor Brian Bienkowski.
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Newsletter
Dutch and American climate deniers team up as Europe leans right
A climate denial conference in the Netherlands shows growing ties between Dutch and American groups, reflecting a broader rightward shift in Europe.
Nina Tea Zibetti, Alexander Beunder, Merel de Buck and Jilles Mast report for DeSmog.
In short:
- Clintel's fifth anniversary conference showcased speakers like Gregory Wrightstone and Willie Soon, emphasizing CO2's purported benefits and mocking renewable energy.
- The event underscored growing connections between Dutch climate deniers and U.S.-based organizations like the CO2 Coalition, which has financial backing from major American oil interests.
- The rise of far-right political parties in the Netherlands, such as PVV and BBB, aligns with Clintel's anti-regulation stance, giving climate denial more media attention and political influence.
Key quote:
"I embrace that high carbon lifestyle […] CO2 is showing huge, huge benefits and so we should celebrate it."
— Gregory Wrightstone, climate science denier and executive director of CO2 Coalition
Why this matters:
The strengthening ties between Dutch and American climate deniers could undermine international climate efforts, promoting policies that ignore or downplay the dangers of climate change. This trend reflects a broader political shift that could have significant environmental and policy implications globally.
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