Sweden Says It Has Uncovered a Rare Earth Bonanza
Sweden has made a significant discovery of rare earth minerals in a mine near the city of Kiruna. The deposit is estimated to contain around 200,000 tonnes of rare earth minerals, making it one of the largest in the world. Rare earth minerals are used in a wide range of products, from smartphones to electric cars. This discovery could help reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates the global supply chain for rare earth minerals.
Earth’s Ozone Layer Is Recovering as Damaging Chemicals Phased Out
The United Nations-backed Scientific Assessment Panel has released a report showing that the ozone layer is on track to recover within four decades. The recovery is attributed to the phasing out of harmful chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which were once widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol sprays. The report estimates that the ozone layer will recover fully by the 2060s in the middle latitudes and by the 2040s in the polar regions.
Defying gravity, 2022 Climate Tech VC funding totals $70.1B
Venture capital funding for climate tech hit a record high in 2022, with investors pouring $70.1 billion into the sector, an 89% increase from the previous year. The surge in investment reflects growing awareness of the urgent need to tackle climate change, as well as the potential for profitable returns in areas such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and carbon capture.
Go to Texas to see the anti-green future of clean energy
Despite its reputation as an oil-rich state, Texas has become a leader in wind energy, with turbines generating more than a quarter of the state's electricity. However, the state's deregulated energy market has led to controversial practices, such as the rolling blackouts that occurred during the winter storm of 2021. The state's political leadership is also resistant to federal clean energy policies, which could impede progress in the fight against climate change.
Japan pivots back to nuclear power
After the Fukushima disaster of 2011, Japan pledged to phase out nuclear power. However, the government is now reversing course, citing the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several new nuclear reactors are under construction, and the government has set a target for nuclear power to account for 20-22% of the country's electricity by 2030. The decision is controversial, with many citizens and environmental groups opposed to nuclear power due to safety concerns.
A bomb cyclone is a weather phenomenon that occurs when a midlatitude cyclone experiences a rapid drop in pressure, causing high winds and heavy precipitation. These storms can cause significant damage and disruptions to transportation and infrastructure. The term "bomb cyclone" has become more common in recent years due to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events caused by climate change.
Gas stove pollution causes 12.7% of childhood asthma, study finds
A new study has found that gas stoves are a significant contributor to indoor air pollution, which can cause respiratory problems, particularly in children. The study found that gas stove pollution is responsible for 12.7% of childhood asthma cases in the United States, making it the leading environmental cause of the condition. The findings have prompted calls for cleaner cooking technologies, such as electric or induction stoves, to be promoted as a way to reduce indoor air pollution.
Home Cooking: Doomberg’s take on the gas stove debate
Doomberg, a climate-focused newsletter, discusses the debate surrounding the use of gas stoves in homes. The recent study on gas stove pollution has prompted calls for cleaner cooking technologies, such as electric or induction stoves, to be promoted as a way to reduce indoor air pollution. However, Doomberg argues that the focus on individual choices ignores the systemic issues that contribute to climate change, such as the reliance on fossil fuels for energy production.
An analysis by The Guardian has found that more than 90% of rainforest carbon offsets provided by the largest provider, Verra, are of questionable value. Carbon offsets are used by companies to compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that reduce emissions elsewhere, such as reforestation. However, the analysis found that many of the projects funded by Verra do not meet rigorous standards for emissions reduction or environmental protection. The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of carbon offsetting as a tool for tackling climate change.
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