![Mono Lake was supposed to have been saved from going dry. Now, the ‘white stuff’ forces a reckoning](https://www.dailyclimate.org/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vcy5oZG51eC5jb20vcGhvdG9zLzAxLzI2LzUzLzQwLzIyNzIyNTY1LzMvMTIwMHgwLmpwZyIsImV4cGlyZXNfYXQiOjE3ODI2NDM3MDR9.LuUrlTTWwIQIO4Xx6oVvtZlqQT8V1LXObDlkHSFj-1o/image.jpg?width=980&quality=85)
www.sfchronicle.com
24 July 2022
Mono Lake was supposed to have been saved from going dry. Now, the ‘white stuff’ forces a reckoning
One of North America’s oldest lakes and an emblem of California’s wild beauty faces a...
Researchers have developed a new plant-based material for wind turbine blades that could help address the growing waste problem caused by old turbines.
In short:
Key quote:
It’s "designed to be a drop-in replacement. Manufacturers should be able to just take it and use it.”
— Robynne Murray, researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Why this matters:
As wind power grows, the disposal of old turbine blades could contribute to significant landfill waste. A recyclable alternative would reduce this environmental burden and support the transition to cleaner energy sources.
The world generates an astonishing 57 million tons of plastic pollution every year, spreading from the depths of the oceans to inside human bodies, with two-thirds coming from the Global South, according to a recent study.
In short:
Key quote:
“They [microplastics] are in the most remote places ... the peaks of Everest, in the Mariana Trench in the ocean, in what we breathe and what we eat and what we drink.”
— Costas Velis, University of Leeds environmental engineering professor
Why this matters:
All eyes are on the global plastics treaty negotiations in November, as world leaders try to rein in this crisis before it spirals further. If they succeed, we could finally see a coordinated effort to curb this plastic tidal wave.
Read more: Scientists say health should be the core of global plastic treaty.
John Podesta is visiting China this week to urge the country to adopt more aggressive climate goals ahead of critical upcoming global climate negotiations.
In short:
Key quote:
“The Biden-Harris administration should not give away the farm simply to get Chairman Xi to comply with agreements they have already signed.”
— Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee
Why this matters:
China's emissions drive global climate trends. Without stronger commitments from China, the world risks failing to keep global warming within safe limits.
Related:
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are falsely accusing Kamala Harris of supporting extreme energy policies during their campaign stops in key swing states.
In short:
Key quote:
“Vice President Harris does not support an electric vehicle mandate.”
— Ammar Moussa, Harris campaign spokesperson
Why this matters:
Misinformation about energy policies can influence voter opinions in critical swing states. Fact-checking these claims is essential for informed decision-making ahead of the election.
Richmond, California, secured a half-billion dollar settlement from Chevron after proposing a ballot tax on barrels produced at its local refinery, setting a potential model for other cities.
In short:
Key quote:
“The community of Richmond has created a movement that will echo across the nation.”
— Eduardo Martinez, Mayor of Richmond
Why this matters:
Cities across the U.S. could use Richmond's strategy to pressure large polluting industries into settlements. This approach may empower local governments to secure funding while holding corporations accountable for environmental impacts.
Read more: Pollution, Poverty, and People of Color: 'We Are Richmond'
The Zero-Emission Multiple Unit, a hydrogen-powered passenger train, will soon operate in Southern California, marking a significant step toward clean energy in U.S. rail travel.
In short:
Key quote:
“What we have done with Zemu is transformational. The development of the train has solidified SBCTA’s place as an innovator in clean passenger rail here in the Inland Empire, throughout the state and the nation.”
— Ray Marquez, president of the San Bernardino County Transit Authority
Why this matters:
Hydrogen-powered trains offer a promising alternative to diesel, reducing air pollution in communities near rail corridors. Expanding this technology could significantly lower transportation-related emissions nationwide.
Related: California faces challenges with hydrogen energy plan
At a solar summit in Mississippi, renewable energy advocates were denied a chance to respond to regulators’ questions, sparking frustration among industry supporters.
In short:
Key quote:
“We want to hear from people who are not selling solar panels.”
— De’Keither Stamps, Mississippi Public Service Central District Commissioner
Why this matters:
Mississippi’s actions could further slow the adoption of renewable energy in one of the sunniest states. As climate concerns mount, stalling clean energy progress undermines national and global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Related:
For communities plagued by energy extraction and petrochemical buildout, struggles of environmental justice often fall on deaf ears.
The rules as we understand them are changing before our eyes.
“I’m optimistic we can get this right.”
"It's important to make queer and LGBTQ+ people central to research and policies and not add them in as an afterthought."
Peter Dykstra – newsman, provocateur, friend and former publisher of The Daily Climate – passed away Wednesday.
“We know this is a business, and you want to make a profit, but consider the communities next door.”