According to the American Lung Association’s ‘State of the Air’ report, over 131 million Americans face unhealthy air pollution levels. Approximately 40% of the population resides in regions with significant air quality concerns. Climate change contributes to increased short-term pollution exposure, impacting a growing number of individuals.
The National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have unveiled a new color-coded heat risk system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors to alert Americans to dangerous heat conditions. The system uses five categories: pale green (little to no risk), yellow (minor risk), orange (moderate risk), red (major risk), and magenta (rare and/or long-duration extreme heat with little to no overnight relief). This new system is designed to provide simplified and easy-to-understand information about heat risks for the coming weeks. The system will be available on the websites of the CDC and the National Weather Service.
In recognition of the climate crisis, the U.S. Navy has made significant strides in sustainability and climate preparedness. Led by Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment Meredith Berger, the Navy’s initiatives aim to protect coastal bases from climate hazards and reduce its carbon footprint. While the military’s large fuel consumption contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, the Navy is exploring alternative energy sources such as solar power, hydrogen fuel cells, and even seawater-derived jet fuels to mitigate its impact.
Climate change is fueling stronger hurricanes, posing a significant threat to carbon storage efforts in New England forests. A recent study published in Global Change Biology reveals that a single hurricane can undo decades of carbon sequestration, undermining the reliability of forest carbon markets. The findings highlight the urgent need for adequate risk assessment and mitigation strategies to protect forest carbon from disturbances like hurricanes and wildfires.
New research suggests that the rotation of Earth is slowing down, possibly due to the effects of climate change. Earth’s rotation rate has been gradually accelerating since the last Ice Age, because of the melting of polar ice sheets. However, a new study in Nature finds that climate change is causing changes in the distribution of water mass around the globe, which is in turn affecting the planet’s rotation rate.The study found that the redistribution of water mass towards the equator is causing a slight braking effect on Earth’s spin. This is delaying the need for a negative leap second, which would have been required within just two years without climate change. The researchers suggest that this time could be used to develop new technologies to handle negative leap seconds or to eliminate the need for them altogether. The study’s findings have important implications for organizations relying on precise timekeeping.
Same-sex couples in the United States are more vulnerable to climate change threats compared to heterosexual couples, according to a report from the UCLA School of Law. The study highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on LGBTQ+ communities, particularly in coastal and urban areas with inadequate infrastructure and fewer resources. The researchers emphasize the need for disaster relief policies that are inclusive and non-discriminatory, ensuring access to essential services and financial support for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Additionally, they recommend expanding federal and local surveys to collect data on a wider range of sexual orientations and gender identities to better assess climate risks and inform policies.
The Biden administration is aiming to make the US industrial freight system more environmentally friendly by setting targets for zero-emission truck sales (30% by 2030, 100% by 2040). The administration is consulting with industry stakeholders to develop a plan for achieving these goals. The freight industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for roughly 10% of the country’s carbon emissions. The administration’s plan includes investing $1 billion in funding to replace polluting vehicles (such as school buses and delivery trucks) with electric equivalents. The plan also prioritizes communities that have been disproportionately affected by industrial pollution.
An eight to 10-feet-long prehistoric salmon species called Oncorhynchus rastrosus stalked the seas and streams of the Miocene period. It weighed upwards of 400 pounds and had a formidable pair of front teeth that projected out from the sides of their mouths like tusks. This major dental update is detailed in a study published April 24 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE. Scientists are not exactly sure what these signature tusks were used for, but believe they were primarily used to fight off other salmon or predators.
Last year’s record-breaking Canadian wildfires released toxic smoke across North America, exposing millions to harmful air pollution and highlighting the growing threat posed by wildfires in a warming climate. Experts warn that an unusually dry and warm winter may lead to another severe wildfire season, with smoke potentially reaching even further. Climate change is a significant factor, increasing the likelihood and intensity of wildfires. Wildfire smoke can cause health problems, especially for vulnerable populations. To mitigate the risks, cities and individuals should have plans in place, including warning systems, contingency plans for outdoor workers, designated clean air spaces, and improved access to N95 masks.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has issued a stern warning to Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, stating that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is highly effective in collecting taxes owed. Trudeau’s remarks come in response to Moe’s declaration that Saskatchewan will withhold carbon tax revenue from the federal government, a move that violates federal law. The prime minister emphasized that the CRA is an independent organization with a strong track record of collecting unpaid taxes from individuals, businesses, and even provinces.
