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Better Evacuation and Firefighting Responses Sought NASA image of the Korean Wildfires from space. Wikimedia South Korea is grappling with the aftermath of its most devastating wildfires on record. CNN reported that 30 people were killed, with over 3,100 evacuated to 114 shelters, while  AP News reported that more than 37,800 fled their homes. Thousands of homes, factories, and vehicles were destroyed. The blazes, which began in the southeastern regions of the country in late March, left swaths of destruction in their wake. March 21, 2025, image of a forest fire in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Wikimedia Helicopters and fire crews worked tirelessly to drop water and fire retardants on the raging flames, although their efforts were hampered by gusty winds and dry weather conditions. Altogether, the government mobilized more than 10,000 personnel, including firefighters, 420 military helicopters, and 29 specialized Mercedes-Benz firetrucks  to assist in the firefighting efforts. Among the wildfire victims were a helicopter pilot whose aircraft crashed while fighting the flames and an 85-year-old Buddhist monk  who served as caretaker of a remote mountain temple. Four firefighters and additional workers also perished  after being trapped by fast-moving fires. Many of the civilian casualties were elderly people who found it difficult to evacuate quickly or did not heed evacuation orders. The worst-hit areas included the cities of Andong, Uiseong, and Ulsan, as well as sections of the historical Juwang Mountain. Local authorities issued evacuation orders for several villages, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hahoe Folk Village  in Andong. The Gounsa temple  complex, originally built in the 7th century, was heavily damaged, with 20 out of 30 structures destroyed. They included two designated “treasures” —a pavilion-shaped structure built over a creek in 1668 and a Joseon dynasty structure erected to mark the longevity of a king. On Friday, March 28, 2025, The Korea Times   reported  the fires to be officially contained “after 149 hours [and] 48,000 ha [about 120,000 acres] of forest scorched.” The disaster has underscored the vulnerability of South Korea to extreme weather events . Local officials quickly called for a complete overhaul of the country’s wildfire response strategies to better prepare for such events in the future. Lee Cheol-woo, the governor of North Gyeongsang Province, emphasized  the need for improved evacuation guidelines, more advanced firefighting equipment, and better resources for nighttime firefighting operations. Currently, firefighting efforts at night rely heavily on manual labor, which is inadequate given the density of Korea’s forests and the speed at which fires can spread. South Chungcheong Province Wildfires Emergency Meeting on March 25, 2025. Wikimedia The Long Road to Recovery As the nation begins to rebuild, it is clear that this disaster has served as a wake-up call for the need to rethink and reinforce the country’s emergency response systems. Lee Han-kyung, deputy head of the government’s disaster response center, said that the wildfires showed “the reality of climate crisis that we have yet experienced,” according to Yonhap news agency. The Korea Herald   cited  a March 2025 report by the National Institute of Forest Science that estimates a need for “30 [plus] years for structural recovery and up to 100 years for full ecological stabilization” to recover from wildfires of this magnitude. Recovery costs , according to   Korea JoongAng Daily , are to be covered by a budget of 10 trillion won ($6.8 billion) proposed by the Ministry of Economy to “restore areas impacted by the massive wildfire,” as well as “mitigate trade risks and support small businesses.” For the thousands of displaced residents, the road to recovery will be long. Among the evacuees is 79-year-old Seo Jae Tak, who described  the devastation of returning to his home in Andong, only to find the entire mountain reduced to ashes. His emotional response reflected the personal toll of the wildfires on South Korea’s aging population.

Earth’s Crowded Orbit Raises Concerns About ‘Kessler Syndrome’ The European Space Agency (ESA) released its annual Space Environment Report  in March with its Space Debris Office. Given how the Earth’s orbital environment is a “finite resource” with limited space, Kessler Syndrome (the Earth’s orbit becoming unusable due to increasing space debris) becomes a concern. The report provides an overview of global space activities, focusing on satellites, space objects, and space debris. Below are some key findings from the report. According to ESA’s space debris environment model MASTER (Meteoroid and Space Debris Terrestrial Environment Reference), there were 54,000 space debris objects greater than 10 cm (4 in), 1.2 million space debris objects from 1 cm (0.4 in) to 10 cm, and 130 million space debris objects from 1 mm (0.04 in) to 1 cm in Earth’s orbit as of August 2024. In 2024, there were 39,246 tracked objects orbiting Earth, an increase of 7,473 from the previous year. Payloads (or objects such as satellites and calibration objects with specific functions outside of launching something into space) occupied the highest share of the total, at 13,672 (34.8%). This was followed by unidentified objects at 7,967 (20.3%) and rocket fragmentation debris at 7,767 (20%). The number of tracked objects in Earth’s orbit since 1960.  © The European Space Agency  ( for non-commercial use ) Key: Unidentified (UI, light grey); Rocket Mission Related Object (RM, dark orange); Rocket Debris (RD, dark red); Rocket Fragmentation Debris (RF, yellow); Rocket Body (RB, red); Payload Mission Related Object (PM, light blue); Payload Debris (PD, grey); Payload Fragmentation Debris (PF, blue); Payload (PL, dark blue) There were about 13,579 tons of space objects orbiting Earth, an increase of 2,229 tons from the previous year. From the total, this was mostly from payloads, at about 9,707 tons—or 71.5%—followed by rocket bodies at about 3,727 tons (27.4%). The number of re-entered objects into Earth’s atmosphere was 2,031 in 2024. Just over half were from payloads at 1,089 objects, followed by payload fragmentation debris at 515 objects (or 25% of the total). There have been an estimated 656 fragmentation events in all of history, of which 220 occurred in the last 20 years. Fragmentation is a concern given how this increases the number of space debris objects, especially if it occurred unintentionally. Nuclear power sources (including small fission reactors) are used in outer space for interplanetary payloads and planetary exploration. Eighty-two of such objects re-entered Earth’s orbit, of which seven are “asserted but not catalogued.”   Source: https://www.sdo.esoc.esa.int/environment_report/Space_Environment_Report_latest.pdf

Except for Waterfowl and Waterbirds, Long-Term Populations Trending Down The North American Bird Conservation Initiative, a forum of government agencies, private organizations, and bird initiatives in the US, Canada, and Mexico, published the 2025 edition of the State of the Birds Report  in March. The report tracks trends of bird species in the US and recommends that 229 of the 718 bird species should be “prioritized in conservation planning.” Below are key findings from the report. Out of 718 species, 489 (68%) are of low concern. But 112 species (16%) are of high concern and 117 species (16%) are of moderate concern. The 112 species of high concern have “lost more than 50% of their populations in the last 50 years” and about 42 of these species have “perilously low populations and steep declining trends.” These included Allen’s Hummingbird, Tricolored Blackbird, and Saltmarsh Sparrow. Two of the eight bird categories—waterfowl (dabbling and diving ducks) and waterbirds—had increasing population trends compared with 1970. The waterfowl population was at +24% while waterbirds were at +16%. However, the remaining six categories—Sea Ducks, Western Forest Birds, Eastern Forest Birds, Shorebirds, Aridland Birds, and Grassland Birds—all saw population declines since 1970. Two categories—aridland and shorebirds—had no species with increasing populations. Instead, among aridland birds, there were 14 species that were stable and 17 species in decline, with a 41% decline overall. Shorebirds had nine stable species and 19 in decline, with an overall 33% decline. Grassland birds had the overall highest decline of 43%. Grasslands are being lost due to conversion for row-crop agriculture, woody-plant invasion, and drought, with the Great Plains losing 1 million to 2 million acres of grasslands per year. Western forest birds and Eastern forest birds had overall declines of 11% and 27%, respectively. Western forest birds have been declining due to habitat (forest) degradation, while Eastern forest birds suffer from short-rotation harvesting, pest outbreaks, residential development, and agriculture.   Source: https://www.stateofthebirds.org/2025/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/state-of-the-birds-sotb-2025-spreads.pdf

How Wind Power is Reducing the Maritime Industry’s Carbon Emissions *By Rick Laezman Norsepower Rotor Sails onboard Maersk Pelican are among the largest Flettner rotors in the world.  Photo: Wilsca/Wikimedia As the fight against global warming intensifies, more industries are joining the fray. In the shipping industry, this means adopting any number of innovations, including wind-aided technologies. This does not mean modern seafaring vessels will return to the massive sails and giant masts of centuries past. Instead, it involves a hybrid approach using modern technological advances that harness the power of the wind to complement and improve the efficiency of combustion engines. This is helping maritime vessels significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions and, when combined with other clean energy improvements, is helping the industry become greener. Centuries of Sailing Innovation Humans have used sailing vessels for millennia, but in the late 1800s, ships began converting to combustion engines as the technology became widely used for trains, factories, and later automobiles. Now attention has shifted to reducing carbon emissions, and as shipping looks for new, cleaner forms of power, wind is making a comeback. Ironically, when combustion engines were revving up, the seeds for wind's return as a clean power source for shipping were being planted. In 1852, a German experimental scientist at the University of Berlin, Dr. Heinrich Gustav Magnus, described a phenomenon he observed in an experiment using a brass cylinder spinning in a fast-moving current of air. He noted that the interaction between the spinning cylinder and the moving air created a difference in pressure on two sides of the cylinder. The side of the cylinder that was spinning in the direction into the wind experienced high pressure, and the side of the cylinder that was spinning in the same direction as the wind experienced low pressure. This pressure difference caused the cylinder to move toward the side with the low pressure. This image of the Magnus effect shows ideal-air-flow (potential flow) velocity forces and transparent pressure-coefficient contours on a moving, rotating ball. (The airflow simulation was performed in SymLab.)  @Syguy/Wikimedia The Magnus effect  can most commonly be observed in sports that involve a spinning ball, such as tennis, soccer, baseball, or basketball. For example, when a baseball pitcher puts spin on the ball as he throws it, the Magnus effect causes the ball to curve in the air as it travels to the batter, otherwise known as a “curve ball.” Similarly, when a tennis player hits the ball, the Magnus effect causes it to drop quickly as it travels over the net to the other player, otherwise known as “top spin.” The Magnus effect on a soccer curveball.  Graphic: Isabohan (CC BY-SA 4.0) The benefits of this physical phenomenon are not limited to sports. It can also be used for power and propulsion. In the 1920s, a German engineer and inventor, Anton Flettner, developed a far more effective device than traditional sails for propelling vessels through the ocean. The device, known now as a Flettner Rotor, harnessed the pressure differential generated by the Magnus effect to impart forward motion to ships. Tall rotating cylinders mounted on the surface of ships create the same pressure difference applied to a traveling tennis ball or a baseball pitch. Instead of causing a ball to curve off its path, the difference in pressure or “lift” causes the ship to propel in a forward direction. Rotor Sails Several modern shipping companies are now harnessing and refining the Flettner technology to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. For example, the Finnish shipbuilder Norsepower  manufactures rotor sails that can be installed on the decks of shipping vessels, known as the Norsepower Rotor Sail™. The company prides itself on having "started the whole modern wind propulsion market" and boasts that it coined the term “rotor sail,” which is now used by many other companies. The company reports that it has installed 18 Norsepower Rotor Sails™ on various tankers, cargo ships, and passenger vessels since 2014, and orders for another 35 units will be filled over the next year and a half.  Scandlines hybrid ferry with its iconic Flettner rotor sail arriving at Gedser port, Denmark.  @Photofex-AT/iStock Resembling a tall smokestack—minus the smoke—the Norsepower Rotor Sail™ consists of a large cylinder made of recycled plastic. Mounted on a steel tower, the cylinder measures about 5 meters (15 feet) wide and as high as 30 meters (just under 100 feet). Vessels can have one or more sails mounted on their deck, depending on the size of the ship. The spin of the sail does not come from the wind itself. Instead, the spin is generated by an electric motor. Norsepower explains that the extra thrust, created by the Magnus effect generated when the rotor sails spin into the wind blowing across the deck, allows the ship to throttle back on its primary motors. This reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Alternatively, the sails can increase the vessel’s speed without increasing fuel consumption. Norsepower says that its [rotor] sails are 10 times more efficient than traditional sails, allowing ships to realize savings anywhere from 5% to 25% in fuel consumption and emissions. Norsepower says that its sails are 10 times more efficient than traditional sails, allowing ships to realize savings anywhere from 5% to 25% in fuel consumption and emissions. Norwegian shipping company Sea-Cargo retrofitted one of its Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ships with two 35 meter x 5 meter (114.8 feet by 16.4 feet) Norsepower Rotor Sails™. Norsepower reports that its prediction  that the 2021 installation would reduce emissions from the ship by about 25% has proved accurate. RoRo ships transport automobiles, construction equipment, tractors, and other large-wheeled vehicles. In March 2025, Sea Cargo announced that it was retrofitting two other RoRo vessels, the Misina and Masana , with the technology. Each ship will have three Norsepower Rotor Sails™, which, in conjunction with solar panels and battery storage, will reduce fuel consumption on each ship by 50%. RoRo (Roll on/Roll off) Sea Cargo ship Connector with foldable rotor sails to pass under low bridges.  Photo: Sea Cargo Regarding rotor sails, Norsepower is not the only shipbuilder using this technology. For example, London-based Anemoi Marine Technologies  offers a line of five different rotor sails ranging in height from 21 meters (66 feet) to 35 meters (114 feet). The company boasts that its sails can achieve fuel and emissions savings of up to 30% on shipping vessels. The rotor sail towers can also be folded down and out of the way, moved on rails installed along the deck of a ship, or removed and relocated to another ship owned by the same company, all of which makes the towers more versatile and cost-effective and helps shipping companies maximize space for cargo. According to Anemoi, the m/v Afros , built in 2018, is the world's first bulk carrier fitted with rotor sails. The massive 64,000 deadweight ton (dwt) ship, owned by Greek shipping company Blue Planet Shipping, has four 16-meter (52-foot) high rotor sails, which can be moved along rails installed on the deck to make room for loading and unloading cargo. Anemoi Marine Technologies estimates that on one of its recent, routine routes, the rotor sails helped the ship achieve a 12.5% savings, amounting to a reduction of 73 tons of fuel and 235 tons of CO2. Anemoi estimates that on one of its recent, routine routes, the rotor sails helped the ship achieve a 12.5% savings, amounting to a reduction of 73 tons of fuel and 235 tons of CO2. The route was sailed between November 2019 and January 2020, over approximately 11,800 nautical miles between Nantong, China, and Vancouver, Canada. WindWings While rotor sails take advantage of the Magnus effect, other wind technologies are also helping shipping improve its efficiency. In 2023, a collaboration between American food company Cargill, English maritime engineering company Barr Technologies, Japanese multinational corporation Mitsubishi, and Norwegian green maritime corporation Yara Technologies announced the launch of so-called WindWings, a new technology to harness the wind. WindWings  tap into the same propulsion properties of wind force that enable an airplane to fly. Airplane wings are designed to create a difference in pressure between the top and bottom surfaces of the wing. This creates “lift” that carries the airplane into the sky and keeps it there for as long as the plane is traveling at sufficient speeds. When WindWings are installed on the surface of a ship, they create a similar lift. But instead of making the ship airborne, they impart forward propulsion to the vessel, which allows it to move faster and power down its fuel-burning motors. Looking nothing like a traditional sail, the WindWings more closely resemble an airplane wing mounted at a right angle to the ship's deck. Looking nothing like a traditional sail, the WindWings more closely resemble an airplane wing mounted at a right angle to the ship's deck. Composed of steel and composite construction materials, they measure up to 37.5 meters (123 feet) tall. They have three specially designed sections, each of which can be adjusted to different angles in the wind to achieve maximum lift. Barr Technologies  expects the wings to generate average fuel savings of up to 30% on newly built vessels and even higher if used in combination with alternative fuels. Berge Olympus, a large bulk carrier ship with four BARTech WindWing sails at sea.  Photo: Berge Bulk Marine Shipping Transformation The maritime shipping industry is one of the world's most carbon-intensive sectors. Compared to other industries in 2022, it accounted for a relatively small amount— 2% to 3%— of total global emissions. But it is still a significant number, and given the total volume of emissions of about 1,000 million tons annually , the industry faces pressure to decarbonize. Using 2008 emissions as a baseline, the International Maritime Organization’s new standards call for a reduction of at least 20% by 2030—but striving for 30%.” In 2023, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Agency responsible for the shipping sector, adopted new standards  to reduce emissions. Using 2008 emissions as a baseline, the IMO’s new standards call for a reduction of at least 20% by 2030—but striving for 30%. The IMO standards further call for a reduction of at least 70%, striving for 80%, by the year 2040, and to “reach net-zero GHG emissions by or around, i.e., close to 2050.” Decarbonizing shipping is not an easy task. Due to long voyages, heavy cargo, and limited space, the industry has few options to improve its efficiency. However, efforts are underway  [see ‘All the Way to Zero’—Maritime Shipping Charts a Course to Decarbonization   The Earth & I , April 2024] to decarbonize the industry, primarily by shifting to alternative fuels, such as liquified natural gas (LNG), liquified petroleum gas (LPG), methanol, hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuel. The transition to alternative fuels in shipping may take time, “so, we have to throw everything at operational measures on existing ships—like retrofitting vessels with sails, kites, and rotors,” says Dr. Simon Bullock ,  shipping researcher at the Tyndall Centre at the University of Manchester. “Wind power can make a big difference,” he adds. One of the greatest benefits of wind technology is the plentiful supply of this natural resource. According to the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management ,  offshore winds “tend to blow harder and more uniformly than on land.” Seafaring vessels are in an ideal location to capitalize on such a consistent power source. The drawbacks are that it is a relatively new technology and comes with high upfront costs—although, as the technology advances, costs will come down. Also, like other forms of wind power, sails only work when the wind blows. The technology is also complicated, and ships face tight space constraints to make room for profit-generating cargo. Finally, shipping companies must consider the comparative cost-benefits of retrofitting existing ships versus installing them on new builds. Retrofits offer more immediate benefits, although they can be costly. Installing wind technology on new builds may take more time to benefit the industry, but it can be more comprehensively and efficiently integrated into a ship's infrastructure. All Hands on Deck While initial progress toward wind-aided vessels has been slow, projections envision an industrywide conversion in a relatively short period of time. According to Gavin Allwright, secretary general of the International Windship Association (IWSA), “now is the time for shipping to use wind energy as a fuel for maritime decarbonization.” The IWSA forecasts around 10,000 ships worldwide to have installed wind (auxiliary) propulsion by 2030 and up to 40,000 ships by 2050. In the fight against global warming, all hands are on deck. *Rick Laezman   is a freelance writer in Los Angeles, California. He has a passion for energy efficiency and innovation. He has been covering renewable power and other related subjects for more than ten years.

Coal Produced Most Electricity; Renewables Had Highest Shares of Increasing Electricity Demand in 2024 In March, the International Energy Agency published its Global Energy Review 2025 . The report covers energy trends in 2024, including those from non-renewable and renewable energy sources and resulting carbon dioxide emissions. Below are some key findings from the report. Total energy-related emissions reached a record high of 37.5 Gt CO2 (gigatons of carbon dioxide) in 2024, a 0.8% increase from the previous year. Of this total, the most was from coal at about 15.6 Gt CO2 (41%), followed by oil at about 11.3 Gt CO2 (30%), and natural gas at about 7.6 Gt CO2 (20%). Global electricity demand grew by 13.9 EJ (quintillion joules), to a total of 648 EJ in 2024. Of this increase, renewables had the highest share of 38%, followed by natural gas (28%), coal (15%), oil (11%), and nuclear (8%). Over 80% of the total increase was from emerging and developing economies. Global carbon dioxide emissions from energy combustion and industrial processes in GtCO2 from 1900 to 2024.  © IEA  (CC BY 4.0) Total electricity generation was about 31,153 TWh (terawatt-hour) in 2024. Globally, coal had the highest share of about 10,738 TWh (34%), followed by renewables at about 9,992 TWh (32%), natural gas at about 6,793 TWh (22%), and nuclear at 2,844 TWh (9%). Percentage of electricity generation by source for selected regions in 2024.  © IEA  (CC BY 4.0)Color key: nuclear (yellow), renewables (dark green), oil (light green), natural gas (dark blue), coal (light blue) Global electricity generation grew by over 1,200 TWh. Of this increase, 480 TWh was from solar photovoltaics, 190TWh was from hydropower, and 180 TWh was from wind power. In 2024, six nuclear projects (two from China and one each from France, India, the United Arab Emirates, and US) were completed with over 7 GW (gigawatts) of additional nuclear power capacity. As of February 2025, there were 62 nuclear reactors under construction in 15 countries, including China, Egypt, India, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, UK, and Slovakia.   Source:   https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/ff5e4f91-815f-4f48-874d-4c1da760dded/GlobalEnergyReview2025.pdf

Australia and Chile Leading Sources of Lithium Lithium is found in small amounts in volcanic (igneous) rock and waters of mineral springs. Given its importance as a primary component of lithium-ion batteries, below are some facts on this element. Lithium is extracted from minerals (pegmatites, essentially igneous rock) and brine. Pegmatites  typically contain 1.5% to 4% lithium oxide and can be found in places such as Greenbushes (Australia), North Carolina (US), and Bikita (Zimbabwe). Continental brines typically contain 0.04% to 0.15% lithium. Such brines can be found in places such as Clayton Valley (USA), Salar de Atacama (Chile), and Salar de Hombre Muerto (Argentina). According to the International Council on Clean Transportation’s 2024 report , Chile has the largest share of global lithium reserves at 36%, followed by Australia (24%), Argentina (10%), China (8%), and US and Canada (both 4%). Meanwhile, Australia has the largest share of global lithium mining at 47%, followed by Chile (30%), China (15%), Argentina (5%), and Brazil (2%). According to the US Environmental Protection Agency , 1 ton of battery-grade lithium can come from 250 tons of ore, 750 tons of brine, or 28 tons of spent lithium-ion batteries. Lithium is known to reduce the symptoms of mania and may be prescribed for bipolar disorder. Too much can result in lithium toxicity , causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and uncontrolled shaking.   Sources: https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/3/lithium https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/534440/1/lithium_profile.pdf   https://theicct.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ID-206-–-Battery-outlook_report_final.pdf https://www.epa.gov/hw/lithium-ion-battery-recycling   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25207-lithium-toxicity

Historic Conference in Brazil to Bring Global Attention to the Amazon Rainbow ov e r the city of Belém, Brazil.  Photo: Italo Melo/ pexels Since the 29th UN Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, closed to mixed reviews last year, all eyes have turned to COP30, set to take place in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. Belém, the capital of Pará state and a gateway to the Amazon Rainforest, is gearing up for this historic conference on the environment. The Amazon plays a crucial role in protecting the global natural environment, and many hope that COP30 will be the turning point for tackling some of Earth’s most urgent environmental challenges.   The conference will focus on how countries can work together to fight climate change and how they can fund and align their efforts with the goals of the Paris Agreement. With Brazil’s Amazon region hosting the event for the first time, climate watchers are excited about what could happen in Belém to save the region and the planet.   The Amazon: A Global Stage Belém is expected to welcome over 60,000 people from 193 nations around the world. To prepare  for the huge event, both local and federal governments in Brazil have been working hard to make sure the city is ready. The main goal is to showcase Brazil's commitment to tackling climate change, while also highlighting the importance of protecting the Amazon. The Jardim Botânico da Amazônia in Belém.  Photo: Marajonida/CC BY-SA 3.0 What Are NDCs? One key part of the COP30 preparations is the submission of Nationally Determined Contributions , or NDCs. These are plans that every country must submit to the United Nations to show how they will reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and otherwise fight climate change. The deadline for submitting updated NDCs is February 2025, and their content will be central to discussions at COP30.   NDCs are submitted every five years , and each country is expected to gradually make their goals more ambitious. For example, Brazil's NDC for 2035 aims  to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 59% to 67% compared to 2005 levels. The United Kingdom (UK) has set an ambitious target to reduce emissions by 81% by 2035, and plans to be the first major country to fully decarbonize its power system by 2030. Near the end of the Biden presidency, the White House announced a new 2035 target for the US: “a 61-66 percent reduction” in greenhouse gas emissions.   Not all NDCs have the same focus. For instance, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have yet to address how they will phase out fossil fuels, despite earlier promises made at COP28. The UN says NDCs “ embody ” national commitments to reducing emissions and adapting to climate change. As the new NDCs roll in, they are expected to shape conversations at COP30 about how to meet the target of reaching “net zero” emissions by 2050.   For access to information (including updates) on the NDCs of each nation, recorded in a public registry maintained by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat, click here .   Sources: https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/insights/publications/2024/12/key-outcomes-of-cop-29-and-expectations-for-cop-30 https://unfccc.int/topics/global-stocktakehttps://www.gov.br/secom/en/latest-news/2024/11/one-year-before-cop30-belem-transforms-itself-to-host-the-climate-summit https://www.e3g.org/news/ndc-3-0-launching-the-next-ambition-cycle-under-the-paris-agreement-at-cop29/ https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/nationally-determined-contributions-ndcs https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/19/fact-sheet-president-biden-sets-2035-climate-target-aimed-at-creating-good-paying-union-jobs-reducing-costs-for-all-americans-and-securing-u-s-leadership-in-the-clean-energy-economy-of-the-future/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidcarlin/2024/11/26/your-quick-guide-to-the-outcomes-of-cop29/

©Ridofranz/ iStock In a significant move to update the nation’s food labeling standards, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finalized rules defining “healthy” nutrient content claims on food packaging. The FDA  reports that only about 5% of foods currently qualify for the “healthy” label under existing regulations. The updated rules are set to take effect in 2025. The changes are voluntary, and, according to CNN, companies will have three years to comply  before using the “healthy” label. The FDA explained  that this is part of the agency’s broader effort to combat rising rates of chronic diseases, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Stricter Criteria for “Healthy” Labeling Under its new rules, the FDA says  “healthy” foods must contain a certain quantity of food from at least one food group or subgroup “such as fruit, vegetables, grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy and protein foods” recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 , and limit nutrients linked to health risks, such as saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.  According to the FDA , a “fruit product,” for instance, cannot be healthy if a 1/2 cup equivalent exceeds 2% daily value (DV) or 1 gram of sugar. The same is true for vegetables. These changes are designed to align with dietary research and guidelines that link high levels of these nutrients to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. In a further effort to help consumers identify healthy foods, the FDA also plans to introduce a “healthy” symbol  or graphic, which manufacturers can use on qualifying products.    Expanded Range of “Healthy” Foods The FDA's updated criteria extend the “healthy” label to a broader range  of foods, including categories that were previously excluded, such as certain oils and water. CNN   reports that even canned vegetables can now qualify for the label. On the flip side, some foods previously allowed to use the "healthy" claim will now be ineligible , like “fortified white bread” and “highly sweetened" yogurts and cereals. Notably, the new guidelines will permit foods such as salmon, nuts, and olive oil to carry the “healthy” label, aligning with increasing recognition of the health benefits of these nutrient-dense, plant-based, and omega-rich foods. Salmon, nuts, and olive oil will be allowed to make “healthy” claims on product labels under the new guidelines.  ©Lisovskaya/ iStock Industry Reaction and Concerns Although these updates aim to support consumer health, they have sparked significant debate within the food industry. The Consumer Brands Association voiced concerns that the FDA’s initial proposal was "overly restrictive" and could disqualify a “vast majority of nutrient-dense packaged foods” from using the "healthy" claim. Scott Faber, senior vice president of government affairs for the Environmental Working Group, stated  that, “The FDA’s updated rule is a long-overdue step forward, but it’s not enough.” Faber said it falls short, “particularly in allowing food products with harmful food chemicals   and ultra-processed ingredients  to be labeled as ‘healthy.’” According to Business Insider , Peter Lurie, a former FDA official currently serving as executive director of the nonprofit advocacy group, Center for Science in the Public Interest, challenged critics, stating “If the incoming administration is truly serious about making Americans eat healthier, then they should embrace the power of food labeling.”  For more information on the FDA's final rule regarding the “healthy” nutrient content claim, visit Economic Impact Analysis , FDA's Constituent Updates , and the Consumer Update on Healthy Foods . Sources: https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/economic-impact-analyses-fda-regulations/nutrient-content-claims-definition-term-healthy-final-rule   https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-finalizes-updated-healthy-nutrient-content-claim   https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fresh-take-what-healthy-means-food-packages   https://www.sciencealert.com/fda-rewrites-rules-of-healthy-foods-for-first-time-in-30-years https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/use-term-healthy-food-labeling#Products https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/19/health/fda-healthy-foods-label.html https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/19/health/healthy-food-label-fda-update/index.html https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/12/19/fda-healthy-food-label-new-rrules/77088086007/ https://www.businessinsider.com/fda-new-definition-of-healthy-label-nutrient-content-2024-12

Mexico City Students Win Multiple International Awards *By Carol Pobanz Eco-Schools are pursuing sustainable development goals. Colegio Contadero’s principal, Susana Ugalde (left), and fellow teachers hold the Eco-Schools Green Flag award.  ©Colegio Contadero As environmental challenges become increasingly urgent, many schools proactively educate and inspire the next generation of eco-conscious citizens. Enter the concept of “eco-schools” that integrate sustainability and environmental responsibility into their curricula, operations, and daily practices. Designed by the Foundation for Environmental Education  (FEE), Eco-Schools started 30 years ago to introduce youth to the practical skills they can use to make their schools and communities more environmentally friendly. More than 104 member schools in over 83 countries participate in FEE programs today. Eco-Schools focus on leadership, innovative thinking, teamwork, environmental sustainability, and making a tangible impact—locally and globally.   “Creating change is like climbing Kilimanjaro,” says Susana Ugalde, principal of the award-winning Eco-School Colegio Contadero in Mexico City, Mexico.   “Creating change is like climbing Kilimanjaro,” says Susana Ugalde, principal of the award-winning Eco-School Colegio Contadero  in Mexico City, Mexico.   Ugalde explained in an interview with The Earth & I  that she has an open-door policy for students to freely come to her office with their personal questions, concerns, and ideas. She and the teaching staff then work with students to find answers and implement their ideas.   Eco-School Framework Schools like Colegio Contadero follow the Seven Step  Eco-Schools methodology that includes the entire school community—from teachers to students to the cleaning staff—with students playing a primary role in the process. The seven steps are:   Formation of an Eco-Committee:  A group of students, teachers, and other stakeholders lead the Eco-School's activities. Environmental Review:  The Eco-Committee assesses the school's current environmental performance and identifies areas for improvement. Action Plan: A detailed plan outlines the actions needed to address the issues identified in the environmental review. Monitoring and Evaluating Progress: Regular progress checks, including necessary adjustments, are made. Link to the Curriculum:  Environmental education is integrated into the school curriculum, which ensures all students are engaged and learning about sustainability. Informing and Involving:  Eco-School leaders regularly communicate the school’s activities and progress to the student body and the wider community; participation and support are encouraged. Eco-Code:  A statement is prepared that reflects the school’s commitment to environmental sustainability and guides the behavior of the school community. Colegio Contadero fourth graders teaching fellow students about deforestation.  ©Colegio Contadero Ugalde gave an example of a student activity that was widely shared. A 7-year-old girl created drawings about recycling and maintaining a clean environment, which she posted around the Contadero township. Now, at age 9, she has transformed her family’s garage into a recycling drop-off site, and once a week, she collects recyclables and delivers them for final processing.   Passion for Environmental Awareness Ugalde founded Colegio Contadero in April 2010 with a strong passion for environmental awareness and to promote inclusiveness for children, including those with disabilities. Initially, the school operated with support from local organizations. However, in 2012, a key supporter had to drop out, putting the school’s future at risk.   Fundación Televisa invited the [Colegio Contadero] to participate in its Olimpiada Verde (the Green Olympics) competition. … This led [the school] to become Mexico’s first Eco-School.   Unexpectedly, Fundación Televisa invited the school to participate in its Olimpiada Verde (the Green Olympics) competition. Fundación Televisa is a Mexican organization that supports cultural and educational programs for Latino children and funds the Green Olympics as a way to combat climate change.   Colegio Contadero won first prize—a free mentorship from the FEE. This milestone led Colegio Contadero to become Mexico’s first Eco-School. Fortuitously, Ugalde had already developed an environmental curriculum, and this helped FEE enhance its educational materials for the Spanish-speaking community.   Community Collaboration Like Eco-Schools worldwide, Colegio Contadero actively collaborates with communities to promote environmental development and protection. The key to its success lies in student ownership and community involvement. Students research environmental issues, develop and implement action plans, and then work with teachers to integrate these efforts into the school curriculum.   One student, for example, questioned a local community’s water treatment practices. Through his research, he became concerned that the recirculated water might negatively impact another nearby community. He raised this issue with the authorities, asking who was responsible for monitoring the situation. However, his question was ignored. The main garden, located between the chapel and the main entrance of the monastery in Desierto de los Leones Park, features beautiful green vegetation and tall trees typical of the region. ©Creative Commons/Wikipedia Encouraged by his teachers, he persisted in seeking an answer. In doing so, he learned to advocate for accountability and to challenge governmental administration. Ugalde highlights that in Mexico, as in many other countries, environmental issues often receive the least funding. Public spaces, like local parks, also provide an opportunity for the Eco-School's environmental projects. For instance, a partnership was created between Colegio Contadero and Desierto de los Leones , a national park and federal reserve known for its rich history, monastery, greenhouse, and natural beauty. El Desierto has more than 1,800 hectares of coniferous forest, divided into parts by trails for cyclists or for those who wish to walk. The park collaborated with the school to create meaningful projects for student involvement, such as repairing the park’s greenhouse. Students took great pride in taking on this project and restoring the greenhouse’s function.   Green Flag Award After completing this joint restoration project, Colegio Contadero received a call from FEE CEO Daniel Schaffer to tell them the school had earned the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag Award, the highest honor granted by FEE. Eco-Schools Green Flag with Merit/Distinction awards are given to preschools/kindergartens, schools, and colleges that go beyond the Eco-Schools Seven Step criteria as determined by an FEE onsite visit. The school has proudly received a Green Flag every year for 10 years. Colegio Contadero’s students, teachers, and administration take pride in winning international recognition for receiving an Eco-School Green Flag .   © Colegio Contadero Colegio Contadero’s 110 students, teachers, and administration staff take pride in winning international recognition for receiving these Green Flag awards. Today, tourists to the Contadero township often stop by to see the school.   Liliana Zepeda, a teacher at Colegio Contadero, explains, “I have been teaching first and second grade … and in my experience working on environmental projects, I have learned along with my students the importance of modifying … habits to be more conscious of my actions towards the care of our Planet. I … have been able to transmit to my students interest, love, respect, and care towards everything that surrounds us, modifying habits that are implemented within the school community and in their homes.”   María Olivia Pérez Esquivelis has been teaching at Colegio Contadero since 2017: “During all these years … I have realized my responsibility towards the planet and the environment, … to generate a significant change in kids. … [W]e have learned about oceans, corals, forests, and when students learn about the problems we are generating and facing, they plan strategies, actions, and they lead changes, first in their habits, then in their houses with their families, and finally in their communities.”   Ugalde has inspired her teachers as well as encouraged students to share the message of ecological responsibility, saying that even if only two people respond out of 1,000 people, the students have fulfilled their duty.   Ugalde is equally active in promoting public awareness of environmental responsibility and eco-education. She believes that in a time when environmental challenges are more pressing than ever, Eco-Schools offer a way to educate, engage, and create a new generation of leaders who will be ready to tackle these issues head-on.  *Carol Pobanz is a freelance writer and advocate for eco-peace and peace within us and with our surroundings. She has co-directed several projects at the Leda Settlement in Paraguay, a pioneering project embodying the pursuit of peaceful coexistence, environmental sustainability, and community development.

‘ Call2Recycle’ and Partners Provide Free Dropoff Locations Across the US and Canada   *By Gordon Cairns Gathering batteries at home for recycling.  © iStock /Pavel Khiliuta Most people don’t think twice about the batteries powering their everyday devices—until it’s time to replace them. But when these essential energy sources run out, what happens to the spent batteries? Proper disposal is critical, as it can prevent harmful heavy metals from polluting the environment and allow valuable rare materials to be reused. Nonprofit Call2Recycle says it has been “leading the charge for recycling” for 25 years. The group and its recycling partners currently have tens of thousands of collection centers . It welcomes rechargeable batteries, single-use batteries, cell phones, e-bike batteries, and even damaged or recalled batteries; it is now pursuing EV battery recycling. The need for recycling centers is expected to grow as cities and states enact battery recycling laws. “Compared to fewer than 1 million today, at least 61 million Americans will be living in states with a recycling requirement for all household batteries by 2027,” Call2Recycle  says. The Evolution of Batteries In the two and a half centuries since Alessandro Volta ’s invention was inspired by electric eels, there have been steady improvements in batteries. Still, modern batteries rely on the same basic principle: Pair together materials that can generate an electrochemical reaction and snatch the electrons that are produced. The best batteries today, producing the highest electrical output  in the smallest possible container, pair lithium with one of several different metallic compounds. (From left to right) D, C, AA, AAA, AAAA, and 9V batteries.  © Wikimedia ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) Understanding Battery Recycling and Environmental Impact Battery recycling is crucial for safeguarding both the environment and valuable resources. Batteries, especially primary or single-use types like AA, AAA, and 9V, contain toxic materials such as cadmium and lead, which can pollute the air and soil if not properly disposed of. Improper disposal also leads to the loss of critical materials like cobalt, nickel, and lithium, which are essential in producing new batteries. Recycling helps recover these metals, reducing the need for raw material extraction. In fact, research  indicates that recycling batteries could replace the need to build up to 12 new mines by 2040, which is vital for conserving natural resources. Why Battery Recycling Matters Discarding batteries irresponsibly can result in the contamination  of air, water, and soil with heavy metals such as cadmium. For example, cadmium poisoning can lead to severe health conditions, including Itai-Itai disease . Additionally, many modern batteries, including lithium-ion, contain rare materials—such as cobalt and nickel—that can be recovered and reused through recycling. This significantly reduces the need for new mining operations. If everyone recycled their batteries, it’s estimated that the need for new mining could be reduced by up to 40% for copper and cobalt and 25% for lithium and nickel by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency . If everyone recycled their batteries, it’s estimated that the need for new mining could be reduced by up to 40% for copper and cobalt and 25% for lithium and nickel by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency. The world's largest hard-rock lithium mine, Greenbushes Lithium Mine in Australia.  © iStock /ZambeziShark Call2Recycle: A Convenient Solution for Battery Recycling Founded in the 1990s by the battery industry, Call2Recycle has focused on providing drop-off locations across the United States and Canada. It initially focused on collecting nickel-cadmium and sealed lead-acid batteries. Over time, it expanded to include other rechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride. In 2016, the organization set their record by collecting 14 million pounds of batteries and cell phones. Carin Stuart, director of Steward Services at Call2Recycle, explains, “Battery recycling starts with consumers and businesses gathering their used batteries and dropping them off at one of the thousands of Call2Recycle collection sites across the country.” The batteries are then shipped to the nearest battery sorter, “where they are sorted by chemistry,” she adds. “Once sorted, truckloads of each battery type are transported to approved Call2Recycle battery processors for recycling. The recovered materials are then reintroduced into the market to be used as feedstock for new products.” Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) cell batteries.  © Flickr /Ramesh NG ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) Environmental Responsibility in Battery Recycling Call2Recycle runs its program with quality control in mind. “Throughout the recycling process, it is essential to prioritize environmental considerations by minimizing the transportation of used batteries as much as possible,” Stuart says. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the batteries are properly recycled and not sent to landfills, she adds. “All Call2Recycle downstream vendors undergo rigorous vetting and regular audits to ensure the appropriate processing of used batteries.” Call2Recycle collected over 8 million pounds of batteries in the US, including 5.4 million pounds of rechargeable batteries and 2.6 million pounds of primary batteries. This was equivalent to the weight of a fully loaded cargo ship. In 2023, Call2Recycle collected over 8 million pounds  of batteries in the US, including 5.4 million pounds of rechargeable batteries and 2.6 million pounds of primary batteries. This was equivalent to the weight of a fully loaded cargo ship. US battery collections increased by 1.5% overall from 2022 with an increase of 11% for single-use battery collections. As of 2023, more than 87% of the US population lives within 10 miles of a Call2Recycle Collection Site, according to the nonprofit’s 2023 Annual Report . Call2Recycle’s process flowchart.  ©Call2Recycle Call2Recycle’s Impact and Expansion “Call2Recycle partners with thousands of municipalities, businesses, and institutions across the United States to responsibly and compliantly collect, ship, and recycle used batteries,” Stuart says. The retail partners, which include Lowe’s, Home Depot, Best Buy, and Staples, recycle nearly 2 million pounds of batteries per year, she says. “Our retail partners were chosen because of their national footprint, desire to provide their customers with an easy-to-use option to recycle used batteries when purchasing a new product/battery, and most importantly, our shared focus on sustainability,” she adds. [B]efore dropping off batteries, it's important to properly protect the terminals—taping or bagging lithium, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and small sealed lead-acid batteries. To make recycling easier for consumers, Call2Recycle offers an online battery and cell phone drop-off locator. However, before dropping off batteries, it's important to properly protect the terminals—taping or bagging lithium, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and small sealed lead-acid batteries.   Expansion into E-Bike Battery Recycling As new batteries continue to appear on the market, the nonprofit continues to expand its collections. “Call2Recycle has broadened our focus to encompass not only consumer batteries but larger batteries utilized in e-bikes and outdoor power equipment,” Stuart says. An e-bike battery on a bike.  © Techno FAQ  (CC BY-NC-SA) In 2022, its new e-bike battery recycling program handled more than 60,000 pounds of batteries, Call2Recycle says. Its program—which is endorsed by biking advocacy organization PeopleForBikes—is now supported by 56 brands and has almost 2,000 specially trained e-bike battery collection sites in the US. Call2Recycle has plans to meet the anticipated demand for more battery recycling. “Over the next few years, new battery Extended Producer Responsibility laws will be effective in some states and will include the requirement to collect batteries weighing between 11 and 25 pounds and having a capacity between 300 and 2,000 watt-hours,” Stuart says. “Call2Recycle will expand our collection options to include this larger range of batteries in certain states.” *Gordon Cairns  is a freelance journalist and teacher of English and Forest Schools based in Scotland.

*By David Dodge The trends show that solar will be the dominant clean energy source in the world in the not-too-distant future.  ©zhaojiankang/iStock In 2024, something amazing happened—the world invested twice as much money  in clean energy— $2.1 trillion —as in fossil fuels. Not long ago, there was a lot of wishing and hoping for a renewable energy revolution, but now the trends show that solar will be the dominant clean energy source in the world in the not-too-distant future. In 2024, solar’s share of global clean energy investment  reached $500 billion, more than all other generation technologies combined. In the US, 64% of the new generating capacity added to the grid in 2024 was solar, a total of 40 gigawatts. There are now 5.3 million solar systems  installed with a capacity of 220 gigawatts in the US. That’s enough solar energy to power 37.6 million households. Reaching for the Sun Solar’s meteoric rise looks unstoppable. After growing 30% per year for four straight years, residential solar sales slowed in 2024. With fewer panels installed in many markets, “companies’ valuations declined. This led to large capital injections, major bankruptcies, and job losses,” says a February 2025 report  by McKinsey & Co. However, residential solar’s long-term prospects remain solid . “ We see that residential solar is poised for steady growth , especially for companies that take the right steps now in preparation to enter the next phase,” says the  McKinsey & Company report.   It may seem hard to grasp the significance of the solar numbers today, but they would surely have come as nothing short of shock and awe to anyone 30 years ago. Solar panel modules in 1995. Solar panel module in 2024. 100 Times Cheaper, Twice as Efficient Gordon Howell is an engineer and a solar pioneer who installed the first grid-connected solar system in western Canada in 1995. His 2.3-kilowatt solar system (left photo, above) consisted of 36 60-watt solar modules that cost $25,000 for just the modules. In 2024, he replaced them with 22 445-watt panels (right photo, above) for a total of 9.8 kilowatts. The modules cost just $2,600. On a per-watt basis, his 2024 modules are 43 times cheaper than his 1995 modules. And at 21.8% efficiency, the new modules are twice as efficient as the old ones. Moreover, if Gordon had bought the original 1995 modules in 1975 instead of 1995, he would have paid $230,000 for his small 2.3-kilowatt solar system. A Versatile Investment Solar is now the cheapest way to produce electricity in the world. And unlike almost any other form of generation, solar works at all scales. It can power small electronic devices, homes, businesses, or the electricity grid itself at utility scale. [T]housands [of solar businesses] have sprung up over the last decade to design, build, and install solar systems. … The economics of solar are good at any scale these days. Brian Scott is the founder and CEO of Solar Dev. Inc., a small solar company in Alberta. “We're outgrowing the oil industry. I was in the oil industry 12 years ago and very much under the impression that solar was maybe oversold.” “When I learned more, and prices came down, I became obsessed with it. It's an exciting time, and we're only going to see growth from this point forward,” says Scott. Scott’s business is one of thousands that have sprung up over the last decade to design, build, and install solar systems. There are now more than 10,000 solar businesses in the US, employing almost 280,000 people. The economics of solar are good at any scale these days. Clean energy had another record-breaking year in 2024 Clean energy had another record year in 2024 with solar and batteries dominating new developments. Photo: Cleanview “We're at a point where it makes economic sense. It’s not unrealistic to see an eight-year payback,” says Scott, talking about home systems. This, of course, varies considerably by market and depends on local microgeneration regulations. “We’re seeing 25- and 30-year material warranties, and we're seeing much better production on these modules,” says Scott. After three decades, there is an estimated 13% depreciation in performance, he notes. This means if a solar system is paid for after eight years, there are another 17 years of free production while still under warranty. Raymond Cardinal of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation with his manual solar tracking solar mount at his cabin in the northern wilderness.  Photo: David Dodge/GreenEnergyFutures.ca Solar Innovations Bifacial solar modules are gaining popularity. The modules can gather light from both sides of the module, including reflected light, and can increase production by 10% to 20%  and as high as 30% for only a 7% cost increase. They are expected to have 35% share of the solar market by 2028. Solar trackers are another innovation  becoming common. Single-axis trackers tilt on a vertical axis to optimize their angle to the sun, increasing production by around 15%. Dual-axis [solar] trackers tilt both vertically and horizontally, boosting production by 45% to 50%. Dual-axis trackers tilt both vertically and horizontally, boosting production by 45% to 50%. Though they are more expensive and have higher maintenance costs, many producers use them to maximize solar output. Typically used in ground-mount systems, they are rare on homes or commercial buildings. However, DIY enthusiasts are creating manual trackers with simple seasonal positions. In Canada’s north, the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation uses simple wooden racks with two tilt positions to power their hunting cabins in the northern wilderness. Solar is a game changer for Raymond Cardinal, who has a cabin out on the Peace Athabasca Delta in Canada’s north. It used to take 20 liters of gas to run the generator for 24 hours at the cabin. These days, he hauls much less expensive gas across Lake Athabasca to the cabin, and best of all, solar is silent in the wilds of the north. “My wife loves that,” says Cardinal. At 465 megawatts, the Travers Solar Farm is one of the largest in North America. It uses solar trackers and produces enough electricity to power 100,000 homes .  Photo: David Dodge, GreenEnergyFutures.ca Solar’s Business Impact Solar is disrupting the electric utility industry like no other technology ever has. Dan Balaban owned a small software company that serviced the oil industry, but he really wanted to get involved with renewable energy.   He founded Greengate Power  as a small renewable energy startup in Alberta’s oil capital, Calgary, Alberta 14 years ago. In the early days, the economics of renewable energy were terrible, but despite that, he found a way to build the Blackspring Ridge  wind project. At 300 megawatts, it was the largest wind power project in Canada at the time. Then, a decade later, he built the Travers Solar Project  near Vulcan, Alberta, at 465 megawatts, the largest in Canadian history. And here’s the kicker—Greengate presold 80% of the solar electricity production to Amazon in a 20-year contract before the project was completed, making solar a great investment. As of 2023, corporate [solar] procurement was responsible for 25% of the renewable energy development in the world. It turns out renewable energy procurement is big business. As of 2022, 12.4 gigawatts of renewable energy, mostly solar, was contracted to Amazon alone, one of hundreds of companies purchasing clean energy in the US. As of 2023, corporate procurement was responsible for 25%  of the renewable energy development in the world. Of course, solar and wind are easy ways to produce very cheap electricity until there is too much excess electricity being produced, especially outside evening peaks or other high-demand periods. Coming Boom of Energy Storage www.gov.ca.gov/2024/10/15/california-exceeds-another-clean-energy-milestone/ This is where energy storage comes in. California, Texas, and Australia are investing heavily in energy storage to shift excess electricity to high-demand periods. In 2024, Australia installed  more battery storage capacity than solar and wind capacity combined. In California, a similar trend is emerging, where energy storage capacity ballooned in 2024 to reach 13,391 megawatts total. And it’s starting to work. In 2024, the state was able to power the grid with 100% renewable energy for 45 days . Solar and Virtual Power Plants California is also where the largest virtual power plant at 500 megawatts is operating . About 265,000 small solar producers have been enlisted in the program. The idea is simple: Tie together many small, decentralized energy resources, and pool the energy using software to help shave peaks in demand and keep the lights on. Peaking electricity is valuable, and participants can be paid up to $2 per kilowatt-hour for energy shared with the grid on demand. This virtual power plant was accessed 16 times by the grid in 2024, helping avoid a grid crisis on four separate occasions. Virtual power plant initiatives are springing up across the US and Canada. Fuse Power Management is a startup company working on linking fleets of electric buses  as virtual power plants. With the rise of electric vehicles, home solar, and battery storage, virtual power plants are expected to play a bigger and bigger role in stabilizing the grid over time. Artificial Intelligence is … expected to play a pivotal role in the optimization of solar energy production and maintenance, especially in predicting supply and demand and ensuring energy storage is used in the most strategic and financially rewarding ways. Artificial Intelligence is also expected to play a pivotal role in the optimization of solar energy production and maintenance, especially in predicting supply and demand and ensuring energy storage is used in the most strategic and financially rewarding ways. According to Sabine Erlinghagen, CEO of Siemens Grid Software in Europe, in a 2024 interview with GreenEnergyFutures.ca , AI and software can be used to radically increase the utilization of existing grid infrastructure  without massive and expensive upgrades. AI and software can help intelligently move consumption and production around with the help of storage, she says. It can even predict human behavior and many other factors to efficiently manage the existing grid and enable the integration of more EVs and solar. Landmark Homes is building solar-powered net-zero homes in Blatchford, Edmonton, the largest planned carbon-neutral community in North America. Each home includes a battery and will be connected as a virtual power plant.  Photo: David Dodge, GreenEnergyFutures.ca The Home Power Plant AI is being enlisted even at the home level as grid operators realize that it’s one of the keys to success in managing a grid with millions of decentralized energy resources on it (such as EVs, heat pumps, and solar systems). As more homes are solar-powered, and their owners are charging EVs, new AI-powered energy management devices are emerging. DCBEL  is a Canadian company that is producing an innovative unit that has a dual-port DC fast vehicle charger, a solar inverter, and an AI-powered energy management system all in one device.  The system can intelligently manage solar production when the energy is used, when it is stored in the EV battery, or exported to the grid. And with connectivity to the grid, devices like this can become part of a demand-side management system for the grid. The units are in high demand in California, Texas, and New York, where grid operators and home and business owners are looking for solutions to manage grids with hundreds of thousands of decentralized energy resources. The US Department of Energy is forecasting a future dominated by solar energy.  Source: Solar Futures Study A Bright Future for Solar Jobs The US Department of Energy has built scenarios that include business as usual and two decarbonization scenarios. Solar, batteries, and wind power dominate in all scenarios. If the recent past is any indication, even modest efforts to focus on renewable energy and decarbonize will result in a grid dominated by solar in the US and around the world. This also means solar jobs will increase from the current 280,000 people in the US to somewhere between 500,000 and 1.5 million by 2035. Under pressure to increase jobs in the US, the solar industry has also recently reached an important milestone of 50 gigawatts of domestic solar module production capacity . The solar future looks bright, with more power to turn on lights, fuel electric cars, and even heat homes with heat pumps. * David Dodge  is an environmental journalist, photojournalist, and the host and producer of GreenEnergyFutures.ca , a series of micro-documentaries on clean energy, transportation, and buildings. He’s worked for newspapers and published magazines and produced more than 350 award-winning EcoFile radio programs on sustainability for CKUA Radio.

Experts Weigh in on the Benefits of Being Prepared for Disaster   * By Alina Bradford Celebrating a child rescue.  Credit: Pexels When disaster strikes, everyone turns to trained, front-line heroes to swoop in, rescue people, and help everyone navigate through the chaos—people like emergency medicine physician, Reza Danesh, who told  CNN what it was like to rush into the Lahaina, Maui wildfires to help. “It was still fresh and hot, like an atomic bomb had gone off.” First responders are special people, but there’s no reason why only professionals like Dr. Danesh should be prepared for emergencies. With the right mindset, training, and tools, virtually anyone can prepare for disasters, learn to act like a first responder, and help themselves, their families, and their communities when catastrophe strikes. What First Responders Know First responders provide the ultimate blueprint for disaster readiness. They don’t flee from danger—they run toward it to save lives. What makes them so effective? And what are the benefits? First responders study disasters objectively, drill tirelessly, and train to stay calm and focused under pressure. Training for the unexpected : First responders are masters of preparation. They study disasters objectively, drill tirelessly, and train to stay calm and focused under pressure.   Strength in mind and body : Physical fitness is central to their ability to carry out rescues, move debris, and endure long, stressful hours. Mental resilience helps them remain composed in chaos. They’re in peak condition for life—at its worst or at its best. The right tools : They select the best equipment for any situation and ensure that every tool is organized, accessible, and ready for immediate use—even in the dark or under stress. And much of it can be part of rewarding recreation, like camping, rock-climbing, or hiking.  A service mindset : They understand the importance of helping others, especially the most vulnerable. Empathy drives their actions, making them invaluable in moments of crisis. “Every life deserves to be saved,” says  first responder and former nurse, Alysia Eaves. “It’s up to us to get them through.” People in all walks of life can adopt these practices and find fulfillment in becoming better prepared to step up in times of disaster and help themselves and their communities. “I want to make a difference,” says Eaves. Mountain rescue training demands fitness, the right gear, and trust in one’s teammates.  Credit: Wikimedia Physical Fitness for Disaster Readiness "When life throws hurricanes, earthquakes, or even zombie apocalypses your way, it’s not just canned beans and flashlights that matter—it’s your body, mind, and community spirit,” says Jerome Draculan, NASM-certified personal trainer and operations manager of Strength Shop USA , a provider of fitness equipment. Whether it’s pulling debris to free someone, carrying an injured person, or climbing to safety, physical fitness can make the difference between survival and tragedy. Being in peak physical condition  is critical during natural disasters. Whether it’s pulling debris to free someone, carrying an injured person, or climbing to safety, physical fitness can make the difference between survival and tragedy. Hip-opening stretch.  iStock One 2012 study  found that people with higher average weight and cardiovascular endurance levels had a better initial response to emergencies . What kind of flexibility, strength, and balance exercises should people do to improve their chances in natural disaster settings? Here’s what Chris Pruitt, CEO of gym equipment seller WorkoutHealthy , advises: Flexibility: Dynamic stretches, like hip openers and arm circles, improve one’s range of motion and prepare one’s body for sudden movements.   Strength: Exercises like deadlifts, farmer’s carries, and push-ups mimic real-world tasks like lifting heavy objects or carrying supplies. Balance: Single-leg exercises, like lunges or single-leg deadlifts, prepare one to navigate uneven terrain safely.                                                                        Fitness, camaraderie, and community bonds are essential for emotional well-being.  ©Sam Edwards/iStock “Physical activity helps regulate stress hormones, release endorphins, and restore a sense of control,” says Pruitt. “Even simple activities like walking or bodyweight exercises can provide structure and routine during the chaos of recovery. Engaging in physical activity with others also builds camaraderie and strengthens community bonds, both of which are essential for emotional well-being.” Other advice from survivalist experts is to practice going without food or sleep for short periods to simulate emergency conditions and include exercises that mimic disaster situations, such as climbing stairs while carrying a heavy bag or navigating uneven terrain. Is it necessary to train like someone going on an episode of Survivor ? “A little deprivation training can be useful (e.g., skipping a meal or losing a few hours of sleep), but there’s no need to go full Bear Grylls —unless you want to,” says Draculan. “Early warning systems often give you prep time, but fitness is key for those ‘Oh crap, it’s happening now’ moments.” Ultimately, say  the experts at public safety assistance firm, Lexipol, when people fail to prioritize their physical health, their bodies aren’t prepared for the “rigors” of a role in public safety. “Your personal life is negatively impacted by inadequate fitness as well.” It’s smart to take a training class. CERT offers training for civilians in disaster response skills, and local American Red Cross centers provide first aid, CPR, and disaster preparedness courses.   In addition to physical fitness and training, there are other ways to prepare. For heightened readiness, it’s smart to take a training class. For example, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) offers training for civilians  in disaster response skills while local American Red Cross centers provide first aid, CPR, and disaster preparedness courses. Websites like TruePrepper  and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offer relevant information. FEMA offers a free, printable  preparedness plan  to get started. In addition to learning what to do, some gear is essential: “Go Bag”: This refers to duffle bags or portable carriers filled with emergency essentials, such as nonperishable food, pet food, water, documents, cash, first-aid kits, can opener, blankets, flashlights and batteries. If making a go bag seems overwhelming, premade bags  are available. Protective gear: Make sure to have gloves, goggles, sturdy boots, and a multipurpose tool. Communication tools: Battery-powered radios or satellite phones are best for staying in touch in an emergency.   Finally, create an exit plan . Know the local evacuation routes and practice using them with family, friends, and neighbors. Establish meeting points and check-in protocols for everyone. Also, plan contingencies for those needing additional assistance, such as the elderly, disabled people, and pets. Breaking It Down: Small Steps Toward Big Goals Preparing for disasters can feel overwhelming, but taking small steps makes it manageable: Squat.  Credit: Wikimedia Start with simple exercises like walking or swimming to build endurance. Gradually add strength and balance exercises. Assemble a basic emergency kit, then expand it over time. Research local disaster training programs like CERT or the American Red Cross. Why It’s Worth It Preparing for disasters doesn’t just make someone ready for emergencies; it enhances their overall well-being. Physical activity improves mood and reduces stress, while readiness fosters confidence and peace of mind. Helping others strengthens community bonds and brings a sense of fulfillment that lasts long after the crisis has passed. Even if disaster never strikes, the benefits of preparation ripple outward. A fit, resilient, and empathetic person is a boon to their community. Even if disaster never strikes, the benefits of preparation ripple outward. A fit, resilient, and empathetic person is a boon to their community. “Helping others has a cascade effect that makes everyone stronger,” says Draculan. “And let’s be honest—when the chips are down, wouldn’t you rather be the calm, prepared helper than the frantic person screaming, ‘What do we do?’ Helping others makes you feel like a hero and builds trust and teamwork. Who doesn’t want to be the MVP of disaster readiness?” Ready for anything.  ©FXQuadro/ iStock A Better World Through Preparedness  Being ready for disasters isn’t just about survival—it’s about creating a better world. By training like a first responder, one invests in their physical and mental health, builds stronger relationships, and contributes to a safer, more prepared community. And if that disaster never comes? Gaining skills, confidence, and well-being is a win for everyone. It’s disaster season somewhere, but with the right preparation, one can weather anything. *Alina Bradford is a safety and security expert who has contributed to CBS, MTV, USA Today, Reader’s Digest, and more. She is currently the editorial lead at SafeWise.com .