More from Jack Aylmer
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World’s first carbon capture facility powered by wind energy coming to Texas
The world’s first direct air capture (DAC) facility powered by wind energy is set to be built in Tom Green County, Texas. After 2030, the facility, dubbed Project Concho, is projected to remove 500,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. That is the equivalent of taking 116,628 gas-powered vehicles off the road for a year, according… -
Researchers hope PigeonBot flying robot can inspire next generation of flight
A marriage of technology and biology could be the key to advances in autonomous flight. Researchers revealed in findings published on Wednesday, Nov. 20, in Science Robotics that they have developed the “PigeonBot II.” The bird-like robot features an adaptive tail and wings capable of adjusting to wind conditions at a moment’s notice, just like… -
Rich nations urged to pay more as UN climate relief fund falls billions short
A climate relief fund finalized at the UN’s annual COP29 climate conference is falling billions short of what experts say is needed. This discrepancy prompted appeals from developing nations for wealthier countries to increase their financial commitments. “All countries that have pledged money must complete their contribution agreements,” COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev said. “And we… -
How Singapore’s ‘sewage beer’ could help water conservation efforts
Singapore promoted the invention of a Singaporean beer made from treated wastewater and jokingly referred to it as “sewage beer” at the United Nations Climate Change Conference that runs from Monday, Nov. 11, to Friday, Nov. 22, in the hopes it will inspire more water conservation. It’s part of Singapore’s national campaign to conserve water… -
Multiple cities in Oregon vote to ban ‘magic mushrooms’
A growing number of cities in Oregon have banned the use of psychedelic mushrooms, despite the state becoming the first in the country to legalize therapeutic use of the drug. Four cities added new voter-approved bans for psilocybin, the compound found in such mushrooms, in the Nov. 5 election. A dozen other communities that approved two-year… -
Nantucket’s offshore wind pushback begins again over new development
The island community of Nantucket, Massachusetts is facing renewed controversy over offshore wind projects. This time, local opposition is mounting against SouthCoast Wind, a proposed development which will be installed in the waters surrounding the town, consisting of 149 turbines that are expected to power over one million homes. The debate follows an earlier incident… -
Bahamas frees up over $120M to combat climate change in ‘nature-for-debt’ swap
The Bahamas announced on Friday, Nov. 22, it is freeing up funds to combat climate change through a debt swap financed by Standard Charter and backed by private investors. The “nature-for-debt” swap involves buying back existing debt through a new loan with reduced interest rates. It’s expected to unlock around $124 million for marine conservation… -
Lawsuit over E. coli outbreak draws attention to carrot producers
A Georgia woman is suing Grimmway Farms after suffering from an E. coli infection linked to contaminated organic carrots. The outbreak has sickened at least 39 people across 18 states and claimed one life. The 40-year-old plaintiff spent three days hospitalized after consuming Bunny Luv carrots, one of several recalled brands distributed by Grimmway Farms.… -
US’ 4 largest frozen spud producers accused of forming ‘potato cartel’
As reported on Wednesday, Nov. 20, just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, the United States’ four leading producers of frozen spuds are in hot water. A handful of federal lawsuits filed this week accuse the companies of forming a “potato cartel.” Court documents allege that the potato producers coordinated prices through a third-party data company.… -
Northeast faces threat to water supply as drought hits NYC and New Jersey
New data released from the U.S. Geological Survey on Thursday, Nov. 21, revealed water supplies are being threatened in at least one part of the country. In the Northeast, severe drought conditions have left rivers, channels and reservoirs at historically low levels. Hydrologists are especially concerned because fall is typically when they see bodies of… -
The US backs away from plastic production limits in UN treaty: Report
The Biden administration is reportedly removing its support for a cap on plastic production. Governments from around the world are set to come together in Busan, South Korea on Monday, Nov. 25, for the fifth and final round of negotiations for a United Nations global treaty to end plastic pollution. Grist reports that White House staffers… -
Giraffes may be next on endangered species list as population rapidly declines
Giraffes could soon be listed on the endangered species list. U.S. wildlife officials say that’s because multiple species of giraffe populations are declining rapidly. Researchers point to the loss of habitat, poaching and climate change in their native land in Africa. According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation about 117,000 wild giraffes are left worldwide –… -
Michigan communities push back against renewable energy permitting process
Nearly 80 municipalities across Michigan have filed a legal challenge against the state’s permitting process for large-scale solar and wind energy facilities. The appeal claims that the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) overstepped its legislative authority, prompting a debate over the balance of power between state and local governments in renewable energy development. At the…