ENN: Environmental News Network -- Know Your Environment

By: Carsten Brinkschulte

The short-term, disastrous effects of wildfires may be easy to comprehend, but the downstream ramifications that stem from these blistering natural disasters are often overlooked. It’s a brutal reality, and there’s data that proves it.

A new study in Science Advances cites wildfire smoke likely contributed to more than 52,000 premature deaths across the state of California from 2008-2018 — equating to an approximate $480 billion economic impact. Research notes how wildfire smoke particles can surpass usual body defenses and infiltrate lungs, causing detrimental effects and potential health issues like heart attacks, lung cancer and decreased cognitive function.

This alarming data highlights the urgent need for innovative wildfire detection and prevention systems, technology that can stop fires before they reach the uncontrollable phase and mitigate the harmful effects.

Technology Takes Center Stage in Wildfire Defense

Wildfire prevention technology is no longer a nice-to-have additive, but instead, a critical, need-to-have investment on behalf of municipalities, private forestry operations, utility companies, railroads, and more — especially in high-risk areas like the Western United States and Canada. With climate change wreaking havoc on weather systems across the globe, breaking temperature records, and producing wet winters for more vegetation (or fire fuel) that burns quickly over the dry, summer months, changemakers must look to technology to better safeguard their communities.

The market for innovative tech solutions is growing, including numerous options from sensors to cameras and satellites. Depending on the use case, there are pros and cons across the board that key decision-makers must evaluate to best protect the people, animals and natural resources they oversee.

Some key considerations:

• A network of interconnected sensors that can detect specific gases produced by organic combustion can offer an extreme advantage in early fire detection. The proximity of the in-forest setup allows detection of nascent fires long before they grow large enough to be visible through other mechanisms.
• Traditional satellite technology provides an excellent overview for tracking and predicting fire paths, yet they tend to be less effective as a standalone solution for small fires due to high altitude or infrequent passes.
• Cameras can be very useful over large areas, but they often cannot detect fires that may be concealed under tree canopy or during the night.

Regardless of the fire detection modality, it’s imperative we launch into action now with ultra-early, rapid response at the forefront of wildfire conversations.

With precious lives and high-value resources at stake, technology can significantly reduce reaction time, prevent large-scale fires, reduce economic losses and protect the health of those living in these often heavily affected areas.

By Helen Christoni

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a highly effective way to purify water, giving you clean and great tasting water right from the tap. This water purification process works by pushing water through a special RO membrane that blocks contaminants, such as chemicals, heavy metals and dissolved salts and minerals, allowing only purified water to pass through. There are many RO water filter solutions for homes and in the workplace now that provide great tasting, pure water without contaminants and have significant environmental benefits, such as reducing plastic waste, saving energy and promoting sustainability.

Using RO water filters greatly reduces the need for plastic water bottles by providing clean drinking water straight from the tap. Many homes and businesses rely on single-use plastic water bottles for purified drinking water, which end up in landfills and oceans. As plastic water bottles break down, they leak chemicals, including hormone disruptors and nano- and microplastics, into the environment, which are toxic to humans and animals. By using an RO system at home, you can proactively keep your family healthy while protecting the environment from plastic waste.

Switching from single-use plastic bottles to an RO filtration system greatly lowers your carbon footprint. The production, transporting and disposing of plastic bottles requires significant energy and creates greenhouse gas emissions. By contrast, RO systems require low energy consumption as they use existing water pressure to filter out contaminants. Traditional water treatment methods often use chemicals, such as chlorine, to disinfect water, which tastes horrible and can cause negative environmental effects as they re-enter the environment through soil and water. RO systems remove chlorine and many other contaminants and provide delicious water for everyone at home or the workplace, while reducing dependency on plastic bottles and reducing the environmental impact of bottled water.

Choosing RO for your home or business is a great way to live more sustainably. It reduces the need for single-use plastic while cutting down on contaminants that leach back into the environment. RO systems use local water sources, which reduces the need for producing and transporting bottled water, therefore lowering total energy consumption. By choosing RO systems, you’re ensuring safe, delicious pure water for you, your family and employees while embracing eco-friendly practices that benefit the whole planet.

By: John McCaw

The transportation industry is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and companies are facing mounting pressure from governments, peers and consumers to reduce emissions.

According to new research from a 2024 State of Transportation Report, 63% of shippers have set goals to achieve specific sustainability certifications or standards. The number one way shippers are fulfilling the requirements for these initiatives is by evaluating the potential emissions impact of alternative energy sources like EVs, renewable diesel, and renewable natural gas.

Transportation emissions reduction is a national priority 

This priority is being propelled by stricter regulations and policies targeting transportation emissions reduction. At the federal level, the current administration set the first-ever national goal of zero emissions for the freight sector and announced nearly $1.5B to support the transition to zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles. This strategy will propel developments to reach infrastructure targets set for 2024 through 2027.

States and local governments are also taking proactive action. California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) initiative mandates that by 2035, 75% of all medium and heavy-duty truck sales in the state must be zero-emissions. Collectively, these efforts underscore the national push toward sustainable transportation and have accelerated interest in alternative energy for transportation.

Alternative energy developments

As efforts to understand the emissions impact of alternative energy continue, renewable natural gas, battery electric, and hydrogen are gaining traction. In addition to emerging alternatives, biodiesel and renewable diesel are two of the most widely proliferated alternative energies in transportation. Several factors influence adoption:

• Total cost of ownership
• Availability
• Infrastructure
• Policy and tax laws and incentives

Alternative energy developments continue to emerge, and as a result, shippers are adopting a polyfuel strategy to pilot what best suits their individual transportation networks while also curbing emissions.

The path to emissions reduction

The path to achieving these reductions involves a multifaceted approach to alternative energy and transportation decarbonization. With mounting pressure from governments, consumers, and peers to reduce GHG, the transportation industry is at the forefront of this endeavor. Achieving actual reductions requires not only technological advancements but also transparent partnerships and data connectivity throughout the supply chain to ensure visibility into total lifecycle emissions. This collective effort underscores a commitment to steering transportation toward a sustainable future to pave the way for a more efficient industry.

The escalating issue of water scarcity is no longer a distant concern but a present-day reality, impacting economies and livelihoods globally. A comprehensive study by a global management consultancy firm highlights the urgent need to address this issue, which could potentially cost some regions up to 6% of their GDP by 2025.

Last summer’s severe droughts across Europe, China, North America, and Africa were not isolated incidents but part of an ongoing global trend. These droughts underline the criticality of water in our economy, with sectors ranging from agriculture to high-tech industries severely affected. Agriculture, consuming 72% of all water, feels the brunt of this crisis, but the impact spans across various industries, including food, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

The study emphasizes the need for alternative water sources and large-scale behavioral change. It explores various options like rainwater harvesting, seawater desalination, and reusing treated wastewater (grey water). For instance, rainwater could provide an additional 30 million m³ annually in Flanders by 2031. However, challenges remain, such as the environmental impact of desalination by-products and the potential of grey water.

The report also sheds light on the significant amount of water lost due to leakages in the distribution network. Adopting smart technologies for monitoring and reducing leakages is crucial. The UAE has made strides in this area, with only 10% water lost to leakages, significantly lower than countries like the US, UK, and France.

But addressing the water crisis isn’t just about finding new sources; it’s about changing our consumption habits. The agricultural sector, for instance, must adopt modern water-saving techniques, like switching from flood to drip irrigation, potentially reducing water consumption by up to 60%. Companies across various sectors can contribute by redesigning production processes, rethinking product designs, and reusing treated wastewater.

Hani Tohme stresses the urgency of this situation. ” Water, an indispensable element of life, is currently caught in a risky balance. Where it is plentiful, it is often wasted, and where it is scarce, it is frequently overused. This contradiction underlines the urgent need for sustainable solutions and a comprehensive approach to preserve our most vital resource,” he warns. The study suggests implementing fines on water distributors for excessive leakages as a potential solution, citing Denmark’s success in reducing leakages by 8% through such measures.

Investment in water infrastructure is vital for ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply. As climate change continues to strain our water resources, the need for innovation, coupled with a change in mentality and policy, becomes more critical.

The societal impact of water scarcity is profound, especially in water-stressed regions like the Middle East and North Africa. Droughts in Morocco and Iraq’s river and marshlands are leading to significant economic and social challenges, including mass exoduses.

In conclusion, this study is a call to action for governments, businesses, and individuals to rethink their relationship with water. By embracing new technologies, innovative solutions, and a change in mindset, we can combat the growing challenge of water scarcity and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

The industrial landscape is rapidly evolving, demanding ever-increasing efficiency. Automation is emerging as a powerful tool for various industries, and wastewater treatment is no exception. Traditionally a multi-step process involving physical and chemical treatments, wastewater treatment facilities can significantly benefit from automation.

Why Automate?

Wastewater treatment plants are major energy consumers. Automation offers a solution through:

• Reduced Energy Consumption: Blowers, responsible for up to 60% of a plant’s energy use, can be optimized for targeted aeration, significantly reducing energy costs.
• Process Optimization: Real-time data allows for continuous process refinement, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing wasted resources.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Automation provides constant access to crucial data, enabling informed decision-making regarding chemical usage and resource allocation.

Benefits of Automation

• Enhanced Insights: Facilitates data collection and analysis, leading to better problem-solving and evidence-based decision making.
• Increased Treatment Capacity: Real-time data allows for process optimization, enabling treatment plants to handle larger volumes of wastewater effectively.
• Modernized Systems: Integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure, offering a modern upgrade without requiring a complete overhaul.
• Reduced Operational Costs: Minimizes energy and chemical consumption, leading to significant cost savings. Predictive maintenance further reduces expenses by preventing equipment failures.
• Improved Safety and Compliance: Precise control over treatment processes ensures consistent water quality and adherence to regulatory standards.

How Automation Improves Efficiency

• Reduced Human Error: Minimizes errors associated with manual tasks and data collection, ensuring process stability and consistent results.
• Faster Response to Fluctuations: Real-time monitoring allows for immediate adjustments to maintain optimal treatment parameters in response to changing water quality.
• Data-Driven Optimization: Facilitates in-depth data analysis, enabling continuous process improvement and maximizing efficiency.
• Remote Management and Control: Operators can monitor and control the entire treatment process remotely, ensuring prompt responses and informed decision-making.
• Predictive Maintenance: Leverages data analytics and machine learning to predict equipment issues, preventing breakdowns and minimizing downtime.

The Future of Wastewater Treatment

Automation has revolutionized wastewater treatment by promoting efficiency, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. By embracing automation and supporting further research and development, we can ensure a future with clean water and a healthier environment.

Author Bio:

Lindsay Walker is the marketing manager for a Sacramento-based industry leader in designing advanced computerized maintenance management systems and asset management software tools for utilities, facilities, public works, manufacturing, and fleet industries. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys traveling and reading, which allows her to gain new perspectives and inspiration for her work. She is committed to creating content that connects well with her readers, enhancing their digital experiences.

By Cait Cullen

• Rooftop solar arrays have the potential to meet the annual electricity demands of up to 35% of US manufacturing sectors.
• On-site sources of renewable energy currently supply less than 0.1% of industrial electricity demand in the US.
• The industrial sector accounts for 38% of global energy consumption and 37% of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Despite having the potential to cover 13.6% of the national electricity demand, rooftop solar arrays currently account for just 2.2% of the electricity grid mix.

Mounted on the rooftops of industrial buildings, solar panels could meet the entire electricity demand of up to 35% of US manufacturers. A new study, published in IOP Publishing’s journal Environmental Research: Sustainability and Infrastructure, investigates the feasibility of meeting these electricity demands through on-site solar panel installations for different regions and manufacturing sectors across the United States.

The study, led by researchers from Northeastern University, uses the US Department of Energy Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey to compare the potential electricity generation of rooftop solar arrays against the electricity demand per unit of floor space for the average manufacturing building. The results show that rooftop solar arrays could completely fulfil the electricity requirement of 5-35% of US manufacturing sectors depending on the season, with companies producing furniture, textiles, and apparels set to benefit most.

Dr Matthew Eckelman, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northeastern University, says: “Currently, less than 0.1% of the electricity required by the manufacturing sector in the US is generated through renewable, on-site sources. This must change if we are going to meet decarbonisation goals, and in many cases rooftop solar panels are now a feasible option for supplying low-carbon energy.”

Globally, the industrial sector represents a large contributor to energy usage, and associated greenhouse gas and carbon emissions. As such, manufacturing has become an important target for global decarbonization efforts, with many companies switching to lower-carbon energy sources. The new study shows that rooftop solar panels could now be a feasible option for many manufacturing units due to their large, flat rooftops alongside falling prices, improved efficiencies, and flexibility in installation. Seasonally, manufacturing companies across nearly 40% of US locations could fulfil their electricity needs in the spring and summer time with rooftop solar arrays.

Eckelman concludes, “Greater policy attention on the feasibility and potential benefits of rooftop solar panel arrays will help industries to achieve renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions goals. Our research provides an indication of the locations and sectors for which rooftop solar arrays could significantly help manufacturing firms to reach these goals.”

Almost One-quarter of Tree Species Now at Risk

By: “Wildlife Conservation Society Canada”

Almost one in four Canadian tree species is now at risk according to a new assessment of data from NatureServe Canada and the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

“For a country so closely identified with forests, this is alarming news,” says Dan Kraus who led the assessment for Wildlife Conservation Society Canada as part of its ongoing SHAPE of Nature initiative.

Threats ranging from introduced pests and diseases to the rapidly growing impacts of climate change and land development are threatening to profoundly reshape the diversity of tree species in Canada’s forests.  Of the 57 tree species at risk in Canada, half are also considered globally imperiled.

Whether it is white ash in the urban forest that are declining because of the introduced emerald ash or high-alpine Yukon lodgepole and whitebark pine that are being squeezed out of the landscape by climate change, threats to trees are widespread and growing.

“There are still many actions we can all take to help protect the diversity of Canada’s trees – from increasing the diversity of species in tree planting projects and stopping the spread of invasive species to identifying Key Biodiversity Areas that harbor our most imperiled trees.” Kraus points out.

With 234 species of trees, Canada has rich arboreal diversity, but this diversity has taken an especially hard hit in places like southern Ontario and southern BC where forest clearing has left only tattered patches of woodlands. These are also some of the most “tree diverse” regions of the country.

“Trees are important to people in a multitude of ways beyond just being a source of products like maple syrup or lumber,” Kraus points out.  “They cool our urban areas, clean our air, filter our water and stabilize our soils. Just as importantly, being in the presence of trees makes us healthier both physically and mentally as a number of studies have now shown.”

There are lots of ways we can help trees.

• Protecting rare species by using them to designate Key Biodiversity Areas.
• Replanting a wide variety of native species.
• Supporting work to collect genetic material from trees that are more resistant to pests and pathogens.
• Thinking about how to help trees adapt to climate change, including by planting species outside their existing ranges and protecting climate refugia areas.

By Rick McElhinney

In the past 10 years, we have seen the conversation around climate change grow from the margins to the mainstream. Governments, corporates, NGOs, and individuals are embracing the scientific evidence around climate change and looking for solutions on an individual and collective level, with the conversation expanding from solar, to wind power, to pumped hydro’s possibilities. The UN’s COP27, robust scientific data, incentives for renewables and people power are driving the demand for sustainable, decarbonised power to fuel homes, suburbs, cities, and countries around the world.

The Smart Money is with Carbon Free Energy

Economic impacts are also driving interest and demand in renewable energy. Rising gas and oil prices, coupled with record profits by major oil suppliers, are making fossil fuels less attractive to consumers, producers, businesses, and the public sector. From the production side, renewables are becoming far more cost effective, thanks to increased economies of scale. From homeowners installing rooftop solar panels to governments greenlighting large-scale wind farms and pumped hydro projects, renewables are coming into their own due to their cost effectiveness over time.

The Bots Are Coming — Even to the Energy Sector

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to march out across industry, disrupting old ways of doing things, and the energy sector is not immune from this trend. AI will hasten the global energy transition, from demand-side flexibility to the efficient and effective optimisation and integration of variable renewable energy sources into the power grid. We need to see increasing collaboration between stakeholders across ecosystems if we are to expedite the deployment of AI and usher in a cleaner, more dependable, and less expensive energy future.

Hybrids Providing the Solution

As innovation in renewable energy technology reaches even more sophisticated levels, there will be a gradual shift towards adopting hybrid systems to power our homes. Hybrids like hydro-electric systems and pumped hydro are cost effective and highly efficient in delivering 24/7 carbon free energy¹ to homes and communities when the sun doesn’t shine, and the wind doesn’t blow. And the ability to scale and replicate these technologies in a variety of applications will increase their desirability within markets.

According to Renewables 2019, a report from the International Energy Agency, almost 33 per cent of the world’s electricity is anticipated to come from renewable sources by 2024, with solar photovoltaic (PV) accounting for nearly 60 per cent (or at least 697 gigawatts) of the anticipated growth. Hydropower (121 GW), wind farms (309 GW) and biofuels (43 GW) are slated to also feature prominently.

In short, the rise of renewable energy is inevitable, spurred on by drastically falling production costs, rising concerns about climate change, changing global energy policies and increased investor pressure on businesses to implement environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. Combining these factors should make 2023 the year for more game-changing innovations, policies, and, importantly, progressive action for the global clean energy industry.

¹ 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy means that every kilowatt-hour of electricity consumption is met with carbon-free electricity sources at every hour of every day, everywhere.

About Rick McElhinney:
Rick is an experienced entrepreneur, angel investor, recognized author, and speaker. His experience and interest in engineering and renewable energy provide background to his key skills in bringing start-ups to fruition through his business investment, financial management, and mentoring. Rick was a shareholder and CFO in a renewables energy company, which grew from start-up to in excess of $100m in revenues prior to its sale.

When you think of boating, you might think of it as a way to connect with nature. However, the energy needed to make it around a lake or ocean can produce some hefty carbon emissions.

We use boats and ships for activities like fishing and vacationing, but also for military operations, protection, and shipping. Lately, manufacturers have realized the benefit of investing in the oldest source of sailing energy: Wind.

The Power of Wind

You might think of wind energy as solely wind turbine farms. While those are doing a great job of reducing carbon emissions on land, they are far from the first technology that uses wind for power. Early seafarers used the wind to fill their sails and travel worldwide.

While, on land, turbines use heat to convert wind to energy, boats work differently. With modern technology, boats can harness the wind’s kinetic power to charge their batteries and keep them moving while nearly eliminating the need for fossil fuels.

The energy accumulates through the natural breezes you experience on the water and consistently charges the boat’s battery. The generator has propeller blades that spin and capture the wind’s energy. The turbines convert that energy to electricity, which is how the battery charges.

Current technology still has larger boats with backup engines because the wind power isn’t perfect yet. They operate similarly to a hybrid-electric car, utilizing non-renewable resources most of the time. However, ships relying on a more significant portion of wind energy recently came into production. The technology becomes more reliable daily, providing less fear of turbine failure.

Scientists have explored other options they can use to sustainably power ships, such as hydro generators and solar panels. However, wind energy is still the preferred method. It makes sense. The system is simple and frequent wind is almost a constant when sailing. Since the beginning of time, wind and sailing have gone together like sun and warmth.

The Future of Wind Energy and Boating

Wind turbines thrive on smaller vessels, but larger ships are beginning to use the wind to reduce carbon emissions.

In Sweden, Wallenius Marine AB is testing their new “Oceanbird.” The ship is one of the tallest sailing ships ever built and can carry up to 7,000 cars on board. The vessel relies mainly on wind power from specialized sails that collect the wind for energy. The ship still has a backup engine but aims to eliminate 90% of the carbon emissions given off by conventional boats.

Private companies aren’t the only ones looking to wind for large operations. The United States Marine Corps is also investing in clean energy to potentially power future vessels.

Choosing Wind Power

With wind turbine prices lower than ever, now is a great time to consider switching to wind energy for your boat. Marine wind power significantly reduces carbon emissions, allowing you to enjoy the environment and help preserve it for the future.

Author: Jane Marsh

Many people think of past nuclear disasters and automatically rule out this energy source for society’s future. But that’s a short-sighted viewpoint. Here’s a closer look at why we should seriously consider nuclear as a significant part of our energy plans.

Nuclear Power Supports Energy Security

Recent events have caused many people around the world to think more critically about where their energy comes from and how reliable those sources are. Research indicates that nuclear power was instrumental in helping countries recover from difficulties sustained in 2021. The data confirmed that Asia had the biggest increase in its utilization, showing a 10% rise during the studied period.

The statistics also showed a 1% drop in total global capacity for nuclear energy, although there was a 4% increase in production. Other findings were that nuclear energy reactors accounted for about 10% of the total global energy creation. Eastern Europe’s output was the highest in a decade, while the Middle East and South Asia had the biggest increases registered, each showing a 20% jump over the 2020 figures.

People in today’s world need assurances that they can get consistent access to energy when needed. Nuclear power can help provide it, and as this study shows, people in more places around the world realize that.

Nuclear Energy Supports a Sustainable Future

Many organizations steadfastly support the world’s ongoing transition to a more sustainable energy future. Consider that electric cooperatives comprise more than a third of the energy sector. Many of them either generate or procure renewable energy. Nuclear energy is not renewable because it needs finite resources.

Even so, it’s the world’s second-largest source of low-carbon electricity, with only hydropower accounting for more. Some people assert that nuclear power is an excellent backup source for countries already relying on wind and solar.

Researchers led a study that examined the feasibility of 42 nations in that position. They believed nuclear energy could be a low-cost power source and a natural gas replacement. The results showed that nuclear energy was the lowest-priced way to eliminate carbon emissions from electricity systems almost everywhere. Additionally, nuclear would speed the sustainable energy transition even faster in nations with less ability to rely on wind, such as Brazil.

Nuclear Energy Development Per Country Differs

The United States owns 96 operating reactors, accounting for 30% of the global total. But, even in the case of that country, plans are underway to make its nuclear utilization even more prominent.

In Finland, too, people in power are examining safer ways to utilize nuclear energy. One initiative is a six-year research program expected to include more than 150 researchers from numerous Finnish universities and other entities.

Hopefully, efforts like these could spur information-sharing. Then, best practices and takeaways could spread to other areas, making nuclear power safer for everyone.

Nuclear Power Is Worth Continual Investigation

The things mentioned here do not suggest that nuclear energy should be the world’s sole focus for clean power. However, it’s certainly worth careful consideration as people think about the specifics of our current and future energy requirements.

Author: Jane Marsh