A groundbreaking decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled in favor of a group of Swiss women who challenged their government’s inadequate emissions reductions strategy. The court found that the Swiss government had breached the women’s right to private life under the European Convention on Human Rights. This ruling has significant implications for climate litigation worldwide, including potential impacts on similar cases in New Zealand.
Utahns can enjoy a beautiful Tuesday with above-average temperatures and a mix of sun and clouds. Temperatures will range from the 60s and 70s in northern Utah to the 70s and 80s in southern Utah. The Wasatch Front will see mostly mid-70s temperatures, with some areas reaching the upper 70s. Isolated showers are possible in northern Utah this afternoon and evening, but most of the state will remain dry. Midweek will bring similar conditions, with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above average and mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies. The Wasatch Front may reach 80 degrees again on Wednesday. A more active weather pattern is expected to move in on Thursday, with scattered showers in northern Utah and a stronger storm system arriving on Friday and Saturday. The cold front associated with this system will drop temperatures and bring a chance of showers statewide. Despite the rain, allergy sufferers can expect some relief as wet weather can help reduce pollen levels. Showers are still possible on Saturday, but the weather will begin to dry out and warm up early next week. By Monday, temperatures could be five degrees above average, with highs near 70 along the Wasatch Front and low 80s in St. George.
Meteorologists predict a sweltering summer for the United States, possibly ranking among the hottest on record. The transition from a weakening El Niño to a strong La Niña in the Pacific is believed to be the culprit behind the extreme heat. Temperatures are expected to soar as early as May, with the peak of the heatwave hitting in August. Regions such as Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and Minnesota are expected to bear the brunt of the heat, while Southern California and Arizona will initially experience cooler temperatures.
The Biden administration has announced new details of its plan to combat climate change and transition to clean energy. The plan includes a focus on protecting while also aiming to in the Southwest. The administration’s goal is to achieve specific targets by 2030.
CleanTech Strategies (CTS), in partnership with the Flow Battery Industry Group (FBIG) and research institutions, has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to advance flow battery technologies for long duration energy storage (LDES). The project aims to accelerate the maturation of flow batteries into cost-effective and reliable solutions, meeting the needs of the U.S. grid. CTS will collaborate with experts from FBIG, BCI, and leading research institutions, conducting applied R&D in key areas such as system and component lifetime testing, supply chain development, and technoeconomic analysis.
Veralto, a global leader in water and product quality solutions, announced positive first quarter results and updated its financial guidance for 2024. The Company reported year-over-year core sales growth led by strength in industrial markets and aggregate price increases. Operating margin expanded, and earnings growth reached high single digits. Veralto anticipates continued low-single-digit non-GAAP core sales growth and adjusted operating profit margin expansion of 50 to 75 basis points for the full year 2024. The Company raised its target for adjusted diluted earnings per share to a range of $1.13 to $1.17.
California’s anticipated second consecutive ‘superbloom’ of wildflowers has not materialized due to healthier natural conditions. Last year’s abundant bloom was fueled by a drought that suppressed weed growth, allowing wildflowers to thrive. However, this year, weeds have returned in force, outcompeting wildflowers for resources. While the ‘superbloom’ is not a scientific term, experts conclude that the lack of an extraordinary bloom is a positive sign of environmental health. Despite the absence of a ‘superbloom,’ various wildflowers, such as mustards, Bigelow’s Tickseed, and pockets of blooms in Death Valley, can still be enjoyed throughout California in the coming months.
Juvenile Great White sharks, despite their intimidating appearance, exhibit preferences for specific habitat temperatures. A study by Cal State Long Beach’s Shark Lab reveals that these sharks favor water temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, akin to human comfort zones. Their preferred thermal range extends from 60 to 72 degrees, aligning with the ideal conditions found in the Pacific Ocean during the warmer months. Researchers emphasize the importance of state funding to ensure public safety as shark populations rise and climate change leads to warmer coastal waters.
After years of advocacy and pressure from environmental groups, Disney has announced plans to convert the Autopia ride at Disneyland to electric vehicles. The change, which will be completed by fall 2026, will help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions at the park. The decision to electrify Autopia is a significant step forward for Disney, which has been criticized in the past for its reliance on fossil fuels. It also reflects the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the tourism industry.
BAE Systems’ CloudSat satellite, launched in 2006 as part of a NASA mission to study global cloud profiles, has officially ended operations after over 17 years on orbit. CloudSat’s primary mission was to collect data on water and ice content in clouds, precipitation processes, and the impact of clouds on climate.
