Opinion:
¶ “In Alberta, Solar Energy Is At A Tipping Point” • In 2017, the paradigm for wind energy in Alberta shifted when the Alberta Electric System Operator contracted for wind energy for about C3.7¢/kWh (2.8¢/kWh), which is less than any residential fixed price retail electricity contract available in the province. Now it has shifted for solar power also. [Calgary Herald]
Solar panels (The Associated Press)
¶ “Debate Over Science Of Global Warming Is Shifting, Smartly, To Dialogue About Solutions” • For the first time in many years, there are real reasons for optimism in the journey to address the accelerating risks of climate change. The root causes for the changes we see today in the Congress likely stem from changes in the views of citizens. [Lewiston Sun Journal]
¶ “The Chernobyl Cover-Up” • A chilling book reveals how Soviets knew for 10 years that the reactor which blew a mile-high plume of radioactive dust across Europe was an accident waiting to happen. It says that in truth, the cataclysmic explosion and meltdown at Chernobyl was born of the planned economy and communist bureaucracy itself. [Daily Mail]
Chernobyl
Science and Technology:
¶ “Common Weed Killer Glyphosate Increases Cancer Risk By 41%, Study Says” • Glyphosate, an herbicide that remains the world’s most ubiquitous weed killer best known as the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, raises the cancer risk of those exposed to it by 41%, a new analysis from the University of Washington says. [CNN]
World:
¶ “Fossil Vehicle Sales Are Officially Now Decreasing In China, Europe, And US” • Sales of fossil fueled vehicles are now on the decline in the world’s three largest auto markets, and being replaced by EVs. While overall light vehicle sales have been flat or declining, the sales of EVs have been increasing rapidly in all three major markets. [CleanTechnica]
Tesla Model X in Hong Kong
¶ “Volkswagen Raises EV Sales Target 50%, Says ID Production Will Be Carbon Neutral” • Thomas Ulbrich, who oversees electric vehicles for VW, said in a statement, “Climate change is the greatest challenge of our times.” VW will manufacture cars using renewable energy, and if it cannot find enough it will invest in its own. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “India Plans First Ever 1-GW Offshore Wind Tender For Gujarat” • The Solar Energy Corporation of India plans to hold the country’s first ever 1-GW offshore wind energy auction for a project in the western state of Gujarat. The project would bring an estimated ₹15,000 crore ($2.1 billion) investment to the state of Gujarat. [CleanTechnica]
Offshore windpower
¶ “Canadian Solar Wins Three Solar Power Contracts With Alberta Government” • Canadian Solar Inc has won three solar power contracts with the Ministry of Infrastructure of Alberta, Canada. The power purchase agreements for the projects cover 94 MW, with an average contracted price of C$48.05 per MWh (3.63¢/kWh, US). [Market Business News]
¶ “Renewable Energy Grants Going Quickly For Installations” • Queenslanders are lining up for the state’s new solar and battery installation grants, and they are disappearing quickly. The Energy Minister said regional households and small businesses had made about a third of the 2150 loan and grant applications made to date. [Central Telegraph]
Rooftop solar installation (Contributed photo)
¶ “First Round Of Energy Partner Producers Announced In New SaskPower Program” • Saskatchewan’s power authority has announced the partners accepted to participate in the first round of a new initiative. Altogether, 38 applicants were approved to generate and sell them power through the Power Generation Partner Program. [620 CKRM.com]
US:
¶ “What Rising Seas Mean For Local Economies” • The evidence of climate change is not just present in the form of more frequent flooding. According to a study published in the journal Science Advances, it is also already revealed as a financial price for businesses. The study detailed losses for downtown Annapolis, Maryland. [Nature World News]
Flooding in Annapolis (Matt Rath | Chesapeake Bay Program)
¶ “Storm-Lashed South Carolina Reassesses Global Warming’s Role” • State officials in South Carolina are realizing that storm damage from climate change is only getting worse. Late last year, Republican Gov. Henry McMaster created the South Carolina Floodwater Commission to figure out how to better combat flooding. [US News & World Report]
¶ “New York Airport Installation Of Up To 13 MW Of Solar Panels At John F Kennedy International Airport” • The New York State Public Service Commission granted consent to a solar project on one of the most famous airports in the world. Up to 13 MW of solar panels will be installed at John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). [CleanTechnica]
JFK Airport (Todd Van Hoosear, CC BY-SA 2.0)
¶ “Massachusetts Eyeing More Renewable Energy-Friendly Future” • With steps big and small, Massachusetts is moving toward a more environmentally friendly future relying on renewable energy. One step came when Gov Charlie Baker announced over $500,000 in funding for eight “early-stage clean energy companies.” [Worcester Telegram]
¶ “Gillibrand, Democrats Back Climate Literacy Bill” • US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has announced the reintroduction of the Climate Change Education Act, to create a grant program for local education agencies, higher education institutions, and professional associations to educate students and teachers on climate change. [Wellsville Daily Reporter]
Have an enjoyably productive day.
geoharvey 