Author: Political X Patriot

Astronomers are raising concerns over a renewable hydrogen production project, INNA, proposed by AES Energy near Chile’s Paranal Observatory, home to the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). The $10 billion facility, which includes wind and solar farms, could raise light pollution levels by up to 10%, jeopardizing the observatory’s ability to conduct vital astronomical research due to the unique darkness of the Atacama Desert, known for its ideal stargazing conditions. The project could produce light pollution equivalent to that of a small city, impacting the visibility needed for observing faint celestial objects. This is…

Climate change is altering ecosystems, particularly through changes in plant germination timing, a phenomenon known as phenology. Research from Holden Forests & Gardens, led by Emma Dawson-Glass, explored the impact of a 3°C temperature increase on the germination of 15 common plant species. The study found that species with greater phenological flexibility, such as curly dock and goldenrod, thrived by germinating earlier in warmer conditions, gaining a competitive advantage. Conversely, other species struggled as warming changed their establishment timing. The findings highlight that these shifts could disrupt ecological balance, affecting food webs and biodiversity. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for…

Europe’s aviation industry aims to double passenger numbers by 2050, but new research from T&E (Transport and Environment) warns that this growth could deplete its carbon budget as early as 2026. Despite enhancements in fuel efficiency, aircraft are projected to consume 59% more fuel by 2050 than in 2019, resulting in significant CO2 emissions. The sector’s reliance on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), such as biofuels and e-fuels, may not adequately offset these emissions due to rapid growth. Even with the EU’s Green Fuels Law mandating a 35% e-fuel blend by 2050, the aviation industry’s energy demand could exceed that of…

The Biden administration has reached a deal with Colombia that aims to reform the Investor State Dispute Settlement System (ISDS), which allows foreign companies to sue governments for compensation, often leading to exorbitant payouts. This new agreement seeks to limit speculative claims and uphold public interest, potentially marking a shift in trade policy. Critics argue that ISDS prioritizes corporate profits over essential climate action and human rights, with numerous countries looking to exit the system. While the agreement is a step forward, some lawmakers and business groups have expressed concern over lack of consultation and its potential impact on arbitration…

In Manheim, Pennsylvania, Stephen Haldeman monitors air quality daily using four apps, as both he and his partner, Susie Hame, have sensitivities to air pollution. A recent study from UC Berkeley revealed that over 20 million people live in U.S. urban areas termed “air quality blind spots,” where dangerous levels of soot pollution are not adequately monitored due to a lack of government sensors. Lancaster County, where Haldeman and Hame reside, has inadequate monitoring, with only two sensors and reported poor short-term particle exposure levels. Local officials and experts acknowledge the air pollution issue but existing sensors are insufficient to…

Advocates warn that Donald Trump’s potential return to office could threaten access to critical environmental and public health data. Under Trump’s previous administration, significant climate change information was removed from federal websites, raising concerns about continued data collection and analysis. Budget cuts and staffing changes led by Trump allies, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, could disrupt essential tools like the EPA’s EJScreen, which helps assess environmental justice issues. The Trump administration’s agenda may undermine data accuracy, particularly regarding race and socio-economic indicators, affecting marginalized communities. Although previous efforts by the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative (EDGI) successfully archived vast amounts…

Deep beneath West Antarctica’s thick ice sheet lies an active volcano that researchers believe may significantly contribute to global ice melting. The West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) is already vulnerable, losing about 150 billion tons of ice annually, exacerbating global sea level rise. New studies indicate that volcanic activity beneath WAIS could initiate feedback loops where melting ice leads to increased volcanic eruptions, further accelerating ice loss. Key mechanisms include decreased crustal pressure from melting ice, formation of gas bubbles in magma, and heat transfer from eruptions that erode ice from below. Historical patterns show a connection between volcanic activity…

Folks, let me tell you, there’s a lot going on. Wildfires in California are destroying homes—terrible! And while I’m heading back to the White House, the climate debate is heating up, just like those fires. Greta Thunberg, you know her, right? She’s talking about climate and the situation in Gaza. Very passionate, but not a fan of either Biden or me! She says change is coming, and we need to act fast. Greta’s calling for protests and wants people to wake up about the climate crisis. This is all tied to human rights, she insists. And she’s right about one…

Four major Canadian banks—BMO, National Bank, TD Bank Group, and CIBC—have exited the United Nations-backed Net Zero Banking Alliance, which aims to promote climate action among financial institutions. This move follows the withdrawal of several large U.S. banks amid criticism from the Republican Party regarding climate change policies. Although the banks did not cite U.S. issues, they emphasized their commitment to climate strategies independent of the alliance. BMO stated it would continue its climate efforts with strong internal capabilities. National Bank mentioned streamlining its planning process, while TD expressed confidence in driving client strategies. CIBC noted its progress enables it…

Amitabh Ghosh, an acclaimed author, emphasized that California’s wildfires, particularly in Los Angeles, were predictable due to the region’s geography and systemic water issues, such as wealth diversion. In an interview with NDTV, he stated that climate change is a global phenomenon that impacts local conditions, urging an understanding of how it interacts with regional development. Ghosh criticized the misconception that wealth can shield people from climate impacts, referencing how both rich regions and nations have been hit hard, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed concern over potential U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under President-elect Donald Trump,…