Renewables Blowing Away Monthly Records: Renewable energy generation has set new records every month this year, surpassing the same months from previous years. According to new data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), generation from non-hydro renewables was up 17 percent over the first half of 2015, and utility-scale wind rose 23.5 percent. The EIA projected in January that renewables would grow 9.5 percent this year, but so far the actual rate of growth has far outpaced these predictions. (Greentech Media, DeSmog)
Obama to Create World’s Largest Marine Reserve: Citing the danger that climate change poses to the oceans, President Obama will establish the largest marine reserve in the world today, protecting nearly 600,000 square miles off the coast of Hawaii. Commercial fishing, mining and extraction are prohibited in the expanded Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, though subsistence fishing and scientific research will be allowed. “The oceans are the untold story when it comes to climate change, and we have to feel a sense of urgency when it comes to protecting the ocean that sustains us,” said Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii. George W. Bush originally established the reserve a decade ago, protecting 140,000 square miles. (Washington Post$, New York Times $, Buzzfeed, Reuters, AP, IB Times $, USA Today, National Geographic, The Hill, Discover)
Mayors Get Schooled on Urban Issues: Bloomberg Philanthropies and Harvard University are launching a program to help mayors tackle difficult urban issues, including climate change. The $32 million Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative could train as many as 300 mayors before the presidential election. “With more and more of the world living in cities, mayors are increasingly responsible for solving major challenges we face, from climate change to poverty to public health,” former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement. In addition to the curriculum and technical training, the Initiative will fund research on city government and establish a mentorship program for new mayors. (News: AP, Washington Post $, Boston Globe, Christian Science Monitor, Harvard Gazette. Commentary: Boston Globe, Michael R. Bloomberg and Drew Faust op-ed)
Gesundheit! Climate Change Aggravates Allergies: The number of Europeans suffering from ragweed allergies could double to 77 million by 2050 because of climate change. A new study shows that ragweed season could also become longer, extending well into the fall, and symptoms could become more severe. Seasonal allergies are already a serious public health burden, currently costing the EU between €55 billion and €151 billion per year. Though the study focused on ragweed, it noted that climate change could worsen other allergens, too. (AAP, ClimateWire $, Quartz, City Lab, Phys.org, AFP) |