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Palantir, BP develop concerning ‘data-drilling’ techniques
Michelle R. Matisons Science & TechnologyOne of the most recent developments in Big Tech involves news of "data drilling," as evidenced by a contract between CIA-adjacent data-mining company Palantir Technologies and BP (formerly British Petroleum). The wedding of an older industry like oil with data technology is big news for many trying to keep abreast of the climate effects of the international extraction economy as they relate to elections, foreign policy, and intelligence communities; operations. And, vice versa: data mining is moving into unchartered waters here, and more environmental accountability for the uber-wealthy tech sector is a pressing issue.
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A former landfill is Maryland’s first community solar farm
Scott E. Rupp Facilities & GroundsA hole in the ground that recently contained nothing but our post-consumable unmentionables is receiving a new life as an energy production facility in Maryland. In Fort Washington, a landfill has been transformed into the state’s first large-scale community solar farm, NPR affiliate WAMU-FM reports. Conceived in 2017, the transformation is the result of a pilot running through next year, which is designed to "expand accessibility to solar energy for state residents," WAMU-FM says.
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Study: Groundwater supplies in peril as irrigation, pumping decimate aquifers
Scott E. Rupp Waste Management & EnvironmentalAccording to a recent study published in the journal Nature, water stored in aquifers underground makes up the vast majority of accessible freshwater on Earth. Its abundance has fueled forays into drier locales, enabling a boom in crop production. People and livestock are not the only things relying on aquifers. While about 70% of all groundwater used worldwide goes to agriculture, surface waterways, including rivers and streams, need groundwater, too. The Nature study shows the water is at an "ecological tipping point" that scientists call the "environmental flow limit."
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California’s PG&E risks outages amidst bankruptcy
Michelle R. Matisons Waste Management & EnvironmentalRecently, the legally embattled Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) agreed to pay billions to compensate for faulty equipment-induced wildfire damages throughout the state of California. Last week, the company instituted power outages as a proactive way to prevent wildfires. Conveniently, any front-end money saved in the outages can go towards back-end damage expenses, which keep accruing as the company collaborates with meteorologists and the National Weather Service to suspend services in the name of wildfire prevention.
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Federal court ruling could produce fresh air in more ways than one
Michelle R. Matisons Waste Management & EnvironmentalFrom fossil fuel extraction to wilderness and pollution protections, legal environmental battles continue to be a most memorable Trump-era hallmark. While it’s a mixed bag of tricks overall, a recent federal ruling upholding EPA standards provides a breath of fresh air in ongoing environmental struggles that require staying power in the epic battle against climate catastrophe. Recently, pollution reduction requirements for states producing smog that "travels" across state lines were upheld among a three-judge panel in a federal appeals court.
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Federal emergency management: All in the name of security?
Michelle R. Matisons Civil & GovernmentRegarding recent controversies concerning Hurricane Dorian, National Weather Service (NWS) leader Neil Jacobs stated: "What did I learn over the last week? From now on, the National Weather Service should be at the table with emergency managers and FEMA, at all briefings." But this proposed coordination is complicated by obscured budgets in a vast, bureaucratic web. While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is tasked with tracking weather changes, FEMA is tasked with providing resources for hurricane-threatened and impacted areas, among other things.
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A simple health tip with wonderful benefits is right outside your door
Victoria Fann Medical & Allied HealthcareAn Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report states that the average American spends 90% of their time indoors. Given that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, this isn’t good for our health. Since many of us work on our computers all day and work indoors, it can be easy to fall into the habit of going from our home to our car to our workplace back to our car and home, perhaps with some stops in between and little or no time at all outside. In today’s world, our desire for comfort often overrules our body’s need for fresh air, sunshine and exposure to the natural elements.
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US Geological Survey: Microplastics are raining down on us
Scott E. Rupp Waste Management & EnvironmentalIt is raining plastic in nature, says the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Based on the findings from a recent USGS report, better methods for "sampling, identification, and quantification of plastic deposition along with assessment of potential ecological effects are needed." Why? The planet is becoming inundated by microplastics, negatively affecting marine life and posing health risks to populations around the world. Specifically, the report says plastic is "raining" down on the Rocky Mountains.
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With Hurricane Dorian on the way, it’s imperative to be prepared
Damon Sayles Facilities & GroundsAs it continues toward the southeast coast of the United States, Hurricane Dorian has become national news. And the closer it gets to the Florida coast, the scarier it becomes. According to the National Hurricane Center, Dorian could threaten the Bahamas and then hit Florida during Labor Day weekend. Per forecasting, Dorian is expected to strengthen to a Category 3 hurricane. Central Florida could be a major target, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency.
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Green buildings can make employees more productive
Terri Williams Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementThere are a lot of things that you can do to increase employee productivity, but there’s one thing you probably haven’t considered: the physical workplace. According to a new report, creating a "green" environment isn’t just good for the environment; it’s good for your company’s bottom line. The World Green Building Council's (WorldGBC) report, "Doing Right by Planet and People," demonstrates the additional benefits that green buildings can offer besides decreased energy use.
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