The Atlantic [unpaywalled]: “In a way, Milton is exactly the type of storm that scientists have been warning could happen; Michael Wehner, a climate scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, in California, called it shocking but not surprising. “One of the things we know is that, in a warmer world, the most intense storms are… Continue Reading
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Category Archives: Environmental Law
Stunning photos of a vast e-waste dumping ground and those who make a living off it
NPR – “…For years, a site called Agbogbloshie in Accra was one of the largest e-waste processing sites in Africa, getting 15,000 tons of discarded phones, computers and other used electronics each year. Many Western media outlets depicted the site as a public health and environmental tragedy, rife with toxic chemicals that leach into the… Continue Reading
Leaked recordings detail a major environmental agency quietly gutting its workforce
Vox: This story was published in collaboration with High Country News. “Americans visit hiking and camping areas managed by the US Forest Service more than 150 million times each year. If you have climbed a peak or hiked in a golden aspen forest, paddled a protected river or visited a cultural site on any of… Continue Reading
LLRX Articles and Columns, September 2024
When Should Presenters Apologize? – Referencing decades of experience as a presenter and an attendee at presentations, Jerry Lawson cautions us not to begin a presentation with an apology, which can be compelled by a tech glitch or some other reason not within our control. AI in Finance and Banking, September 30, 2024 – Sabrina I.… Continue Reading
Financial Institutions Net Zero Tracker
World Resources Institute: “Banks have made headlines in recent years for committing to reach “net-zero emissions” by 2050 and pledging to mobilize trillions of dollars in the fight against climate change. Indeed, banks will play an important role in halting global warming: Companies rely on them to help finance the zero- and low-carbon technologies and… Continue Reading
Plastic is embedded into every aspect of modern life
Beat Pollution – Plastic is embedded into every aspect of modern life, from what we wear, how we travel and what we eat. But where exactly is all this plastic coming from? Since the 1950s, 9.2 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced, of which 7 billion tonnes have become waste, filling up landfills and… Continue Reading
WH Science and Technology Policy report – implementation of federal scientific integrity policy and practice
Science.gov: Protecting scientific integrity in government is vital to the Nation. Scientific integrity is defined as: “The adherence to professional practices, ethical behavior, and the principles of honesty and objectivity when conducting, managing, using the results of, and communicating about science and scientific activities. Inclusivity, transparency, and protection from inappropriate influence are hallmarks of scientific… Continue Reading
Airborne plastic chemical levels shock researchers
Aalekhya Reddam, Nicholas Herkert, Heather M. Stapleton, David C. Volz. Silicone wristbands reveal ubiquitous human exposure to ortho-phthalates and non-ortho-phthalate plasticizers in Southern California. Environmental Research, 2024; 258: 119465 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119465 Science Daily – A new study documents how Southern Californians are chronically being exposed to toxic airborne chemicals called plasticizers, including one that’s been… Continue Reading
Explore Sea Level Change in the Coastal U.S.
View past, present, and future sea level rise and related flood impacts for the coastlines of the United States. Select a state and location or search by region. The Federal Government delivers essential science and services to help our nation understand and address the challenges that sea level rise poses for coastal communities. Through interagency… Continue Reading
Zillow introduces First Street’s comprehensive climate risk data on for-sale listings across the US
“Zillow® is introducing climate risk data, provided by First Street, the standard for climate risk financial modeling, on for-sale property listings across the U.S. Home shoppers will gain insights into five key risks—flood, wildfire, wind, heat and air quality—directly from listing pages, complete with risk scores, interactive maps and insurance requirements. With more than 80%… Continue Reading
Flood Risk Outside Flood Zones – A Look at Mortgage Lending in Risky Areas
Liberty Street Economics. September 25, 2024. Flood Risk Outside Flood Zones — A Look at Mortgage Lending in Risky Areas Kristian Blickle, Evan Perry, and João A.C. Santos. In support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) creates flood maps that indicate areas with high flood risk, where mortgage… Continue Reading
Toxic chemicals found in food packaging; FDA under pressure to take action
Chicago Tribune: “Evidence is mounting that food packaging and plastic tableware contain toxic chemicals absorbed by humans, a public health risk largely ignored by federal officials charged with protecting the nation’s food supply. During the past week alone, a new study detailed how more than 3,600 chemicals in food-related materials have been detected in people… Continue Reading
