Opinion:
¶ “The Collapse Of The Gulf Stream – An Epitaph For A Dying Planet” • University of Copenhagen scientists say there is ample evidence that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation could collapse as early as 2025 or as late as 2095. It is one of the climate tipping points scientists are most concerned about as global temperatures rise. [CleanTechnica]
Gulf Stream (RedAndr, CC-BY-SA 4.0, cropped)
¶ “The Latest Bad News About Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Is A Stark Reminder” • The Cape Chamber shares concerns about the reported work delays at Koeberg. They may further strain an already compromised national grid. The Western Cape will feel the strain in particular, should both nuclear reactors be offline simultaneously. [Cape Business News]
Science and Technology:
¶ “The Microbes That Could Protect Grapevines From Climate Change” • Vines whose roots had been exposed to one group of bacteria fared unexpectedly well in a heat experiment. They did not wilt or develop discoloured leaves, unlike some other plants. They barely showed any signs of heat stress in their cells. It was as if the heat hadn’t touched them. [BBC]
Vines with grapes (jose alfonso sierra, Unsplash)
¶ “Making Renewable, Infinitely Recyclable Plastics Using Bacteria” • Scientists engineered microbes to make ingredients for recyclable plastics, replacing finite, polluting petrochemicals with sustainable alternatives. The new approach shows that not only are renewable, recyclable plastics possible, but they can be superior to what we have. [CleanTechnica]
World:
¶ “This Month Is The Planet’s Hottest On Record By Far – And Hottest In Around 120,000 Years, Scientists Say” • Vast swaths of three continents are baking under blistering temperatures and the oceans have heated to unprecedented levels. Scientists of two climate authorities are reporting even before July ends that it will be the hottest month on record by far. [CNN]
Heatwave (Pixy.org, CC0)
¶ “False Claims Of Bogus Heatwave Spread Online” • False claims suggesting that the BBC misreported temperatures in southern Europe were spread on social media. One GB News presenter accused the BBC of trying to “make people terrified of the weather” by reporting ground temperatures instead of the air temperatures. The accusation is debunked. [BBC]
¶ “Solar Energy Desalination Plants Increasingly Provide Water For Africa” • Desalination is moving to the heart of water supply for those countries in Africa with access to the sea or to salt lakes but little fresh water. The expansion of renewable energy sources across the continent will enable desalination without worsening greenhouse gas emissions. [CleanTechnica]
Desalination plant (Courtesy of KarmWater)
¶ “Africa Lithium Supply To Boom In Next Few Years” • When we think of the sources of lithium, we think of South America, Australia, and the US a bit – with processing in China, of course. We don’t think of Africa. However, Africa has resources, and the expectation is that the continent will be a much bigger source of lithium by 2030. [CleanTechnica]
US:
¶ “AC Is Hard On The Planet. This Building Has A Sustainable Solution” • With 834 rental apartments along with commercial space, a building on Brooklyn’s waterfront is set to be the largest multifamily, residential building with “geothermal” heating and cooling system in New York State when it’s completed in late 2025, developer Lendlease says. [CNN]
1 Java Street building (Marvel and Lendlease image)
¶ “Supreme Court Clears Way For Mountain Valley Pipeline Construction To Proceed” • The Supreme Court cleared the way for construction of the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline, granting an emergency request from project backers that is supported by Congress and the Biden administration. The order is a victory for West Virginia Sen Joe Manchin. [CNN]
¶ “If You Can’t Stand The Heatwave, Get A Heat Officer” • Only three cities in the US have appointed heat officers, but experts say they are quickly becoming key figures on the frontline of climate change. In Phoenix, where daily temperatures have soared above 110°F (43°C) every day for nearly a month, David Hondula is working nonstop. [BBC]
Chief heat officer Hondula educating residents (City of Phoenix)
¶ “Biden Harris Administration Opens Applications For States And Territories To Implement $8.5 Billion For Home Energy Rebates As Part Of Investing In America Agenda” • The US DOE announced it is accepting applications for states and territories to implement two Home Energy Rebate programs created by the Inflation Reduction Act. [CleanTechnica]
¶ “Governor Mills Signs Bill To Create Jobs, Advance Clean Energy, And Fight Climate Change Through Offshore Wind” • Governor Janet Mills signed into law LD 1895, to procure up to 3,000 MW of offshore wind energy, allowing for critical port development, while protecting critical lobstering areas from development. [Maine.gov]
Floating offshore wind turbine (Untrakdrover, CC-BY-SA 3.0)
¶ “Whitmer Signs Bills Boosting Solar Power, Allowing More Stringent State Regulation” • Gov Gretchen Whitmer signed six bills into law to boost solar power and to allow creation of state environmental rules more stringent than the federal standard. She says the bills advance her climate goals of reaching 2 million EVs driving in by 2030. [The Center Square]
¶ “Sparks Fly At Hearing On Georgia Power Project That Could Stick Ratepayers With Plant Vogtle Tab” • The debate about the Plant Vogtle expansion raged during the latest installment of state regulators considering the controversial nuclear expansion project, which has doubled in cost and taken seven years longer to build than initially planned. [Georgia Recorder]
Have an absolutely wonderful day.
geoharvey 