Results for: Environment

The Paris Olympic village, designed without air conditioning to reduce carbon emissions, will be equipped with 2,500 temporary cooling units to address athletes’ concerns about summer heat. While the village features a geothermal cooling system, the lack of permanent air conditioning raised worries about athlete comfort, particularly from the influential US Olympic team. Organizers responded by allowing teams to order portable units at their own expense, emphasizing a compromise between environmental goals and athlete well-being.

Despite a new UN regulation banning heavy fuel oil (HFO) in Arctic waters, loopholes and exemptions are allowing many ships to continue using this polluting fuel. The ban, intended to protect the sensitive Arctic ecosystem, faces challenges from countries like Russia, which has a large fleet and is not planning to implement the regulation. Environmental groups warn that the ban may not significantly reduce HFO usage for another five years, leaving the Arctic vulnerable to its harmful emissions and spill risks.

Maharashtra’s budget has allocated funds for climate change mitigation, particularly through a large-scale bamboo plantation program. The scheme aims to combat climate change impacts like biodiversity loss, drought, and rising temperatures, with funding split between the central and state governments. Bamboo will be planted on private and tribal lands, as well as along highways and in Mumbai.

June 28 promises a packed schedule of significant events across the globe, impacting finance, politics, technology, and environment. From substantial inflows anticipated with the inclusion of Indian government bonds in the JP Morgan EM Bond Index to the launch of the Realme C61 smartphone in India, the day holds relevance for diverse sectors. In addition, political developments in India, the US Presidential Debate, and the seventh discharge of Fukushima’s nuclear-contaminated wastewater are among the key events to watch.

Tennis legend Venus Williams joins forces with the Carnegie Museum of Art for a new podcast, “Widening the Lens,” accompanying a multidisciplinary exhibition exploring the connections between art, activism, and the environment. The six-episode series features Williams in conversation with renowned artists, writers, and scholars, delving into topics like colonial legacies, charged landscapes, and the power of photography to challenge narratives about people and ecology. Williams shares her personal connection to the outdoors and the arts, highlighting the importance of examining our relationship with the environment through art and storytelling.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning the intentional release of balloons in the state, aiming to minimize balloon litter on beaches and waterways. The bill, supported by ocean conservation groups and cattle farmers, exempts children under 6 years old. The ban addresses concerns about balloons being mistaken for food by animals, causing health problems.

NASA has shared an amusing image of a redbelly turtle taken at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The turtle, which is native to North America, can be seen looking warily at the camera. Redbelly turtles are found in large water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and marshes. They are threatened in Pennsylvania and have distinctive reddish bars on their brown or black shells.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the indefinite suspension of the planned congestion pricing program, which aimed to improve air quality and reduce traffic in Manhattan. The decision came amidst concerns that the environmentally-focused policy could negatively impact Democrats in upcoming elections. Hochul emphasized her commitment to a sustainable future while prioritizing the interests of working-class New Yorkers.

Gresham Smith, a leading architecture and engineering firm, has appointed Dale Jones as Executive Vice President (EVP) of its Water + Environment market. Jones will oversee the implementation of water and environment services for clients and lead market growth strategies. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Gresham Smith, having previously held leadership positions at Jacobs and AECOM. Gresham Smith, with annual gross revenue of over in 2023, is committed to providing exceptional client service and fostering a culture of diversity and collaboration.

From November 14th to 17th, Milan will host a festival that delves into our relationships with animals and nature. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s ethos, the event aims to foster a fundamental shift in our interaction with the planet and highlight the significance of often-overlooked creatures in preserving our ecosystems. Endorsed by all 27 editions of Vogue worldwide, the festival is a call for environmental stewardship and artistic expression.