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Category Archives: Environmental Law

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

Zillow will now show climate risks for property listings in 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

3 imagery updates to Google Earth and Maps

Google Blog: “Our world is in constant motion. Cities expand, landscapes evolve and the climate continues to reshape our globe. To help people visualize these changes and learn more about the world around them, we’re announcing new updates to Google Earth and Street View. Travel back in time with Earth — and plan projects more… Continue Reading