SEARCH

Alliance Says ‘Regenerative Organic’ Is About More Than Just Food *By Mark Smith Sheep grazing in a Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) almond orchard.  ©Borroughs Family Farms To better understand a promising new development in the certification of organic products, it's good to take a quick look at how the familiar term “certified organic” came into being. In 1924, Austrian Rudolf Steiner introduced a system called biodynamic farming, which has been called  a precursor to organic farming.   The germ of the idea of certified organic farming was born in the 1900s by a British lord who studied farming techniques in India, including composting and natural ways to defeat weeds and pests. Sir Albert Howard’s organic concepts took shape in the United States in the 1940s through the work of the J.I. Rodale family, and by the early 2000s, the US offered a federal organic certification to identify products that met strict organic standards. In 2017, a group of reformers—including Rodale Institute—joined forces to accelerate trends toward organic farming. With the mantra “farm like the world depends on it,” the Regenerative Organic Alliance  (ROA) is expanding “best practices” in farming to address climate crisis issues, such as soil degradation, biodiversity loss, factory farming, and fractured rural economies. The Need for Action Led by Rodale Institute and spearheaded by Dr. Bronner’s and Patagonia , the ROA’s founding members include Compassion in World Farming , Fair World Project , White Oak Pastures , Textile Exchange , and Black Horse Vineyards. The combined leadership of ROA represents deep expertise in farming, ranching, soil health, animal welfare, and farmer and worker fairness. A factory farm for pigs in Brazil.  ©artbyPixel/ iStock The need for action is clear. One 2020 study  found more than 90% of the world’s conventionally farmed soils were thinning, and 16% had lifespans of less than a century. Soil degradation can cause soil to lose its fertility, productivity, and biodiversity, leading to further issues like flooding and water contamination. In 2017, the ROA established the trademarked Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) as a holistic “gold standard” for regenerative practices. Two years later, in 2019, ROA ran a pilot program with 19 farms and brands producing commodities such as dairy, mangoes, and cereal grains, in places ranging from Nebraska to Nicaragua. [Regenerative Organic Certified] (ROC) is awarded to those who meet standards in environmental protection, animal welfare, and fair trade. ROC is awarded to those who meet standards in environmental protection, animal welfare, and fair trade. According to its founders, it represents the highest standard for organic agriculture in the world. “It goes beyond standard organic certification by prioritizing soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness, creating a more holistic and comprehensive approach to agriculture,” says Haley Tardiff, communications coordinator at the ROA. To date, 315 farms and ranches are ROC-approved, along with 63,331 smallholder farmers. That is more than 18 million acres. More than 2,000 products have the ROC mark, along with 237 brands. Starting from the Ground Up Soil from Rodale Institute field trials.  ©Rodale Institute When it comes to taking a holistic approach to organic production, it all begins—quite literally—at ground level. Depleted soils endanger the complex balance of natural systems, threatening everything from the productivity of cropland to the availability of foods and materials used for clothing, building, and more. But regenerative practices prioritize building healthy soil by focusing on increasing soil organic matter —derived from plant and animal material—to create a thriving microbial community. In practical terms, this can include no-till farming—a method of growing crops without disturbing the soil with cultivation machinery—cover cropping, and crop rotations to support a wide range of beneficial microorganisms. Regenerative agriculture also promotes diversification of plant communities, crop rotations, and intercropping. These tactics enhance soil health, improve nutrient cycling, and provide habitats for beneficial insects and pollinators. And in many regenerative systems, livestock play a vital role. Rotational grazing, integrating livestock with crops, and using manure as fertilizer can improve soil health, nutrient cycling, and weed control, while improving the wellbeing of cattle and other farm animals. Protecting Workers and Communities “Regenerative agriculture also acknowledges the importance of fair labor practices and the social well-being of farm workers,” Tardiff says. “This includes ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions, and community engagement to support local economies and build a resilient and equitable food system.” Harvesting mint on an ROC farm in India.  ©Dr. Bronner's Pavitramenthe Mint Oil “In essence,” she adds, “regenerative agriculture views the farm as a complex, interconnected system where every element plays a crucial role in its overall health and productivity.” Going Beyond Organic Other forms of certification already exist, such as US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic—a term for food and agricultural products that meet the USDA's organic regulations. But Tardiff explains that ROC goes further. “While USDA Certified Organic is a rigorous standard, ROC recognized a need for a certification that further emphasized soil health, animal welfare, and the treatment of farmers and farmworkers, aspects not fully addressed by the organic label alone,” she says. And it is not just producers and the soil itself that benefit from these types of practices, but according to ROA—the consumer does too. “These products are cultivated using methods that enhance soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, resulting in nutrient-dense foods.” “These products are cultivated using methods that enhance soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, resulting in nutrient-dense foods,” Tardiff says. “Additionally, consumers benefit from the positive environmental impact of regenerative practices, which contribute to carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration. By choosing these products, consumers not only prioritize their health but also support a more resilient agricultural system that aligns with ethical and ecological values.” An ROC tea farm on Jeju Island, South Korea.  ©Wild Orchard Tea Company A California wine company, O’Neill Vintners & Distillers , has sought ROC status. It conducted a trial where 43 acres were converted to regenerative organic. They saw  increased soil health and slightly higher yields too. In Peru, sustainable clothing brand Outerknown  says pursuing ROC-recognized practices helped foster a stronger sense of community, giving producers a unified voice. Their programs have also supported local activities, including holiday breakfasts for children and improvements to nurseries. How to Achieve ROC Status To achieve ROC status, an operation must first be USDA Organic certified (or equivalent) and meet specific requirements across three pillars: soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. ©Regenerative Organic Alliance Soil Health : This pillar focuses on practices like cover cropping, crop rotation, no-till farming, and composting. It aims to improve soil fertility, increase biodiversity, and enhance carbon sequestration. Soil-less systems (such as hydroponics) are not eligible for ROC certification. Animal Welfare : Animal welfare means using practices that promote health, reduce stress, and provide animals with access to pasture and natural environments. It protects the “Five Freedoms,” requires animals to be grass-fed and have suitable shelters, and avoid extensive transport and concentrated animal-feeding operations (CAFOs). Social Fairness : This pillar addresses workplace conditions, including the treatment of workers and farmers, fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable practices throughout the supply chain. There are also three certification levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level requires meeting progressively more stringent requirements across the three pillars. Supply chain traceability is also a factor. Certification requires robust supply chain traceability to ensure that ingredients and materials originate from certified sources. Looking Toward the Future Tardiff says the regenerative movement, particularly in agriculture, has experienced significant growth. “Farmers are increasingly adopting regenerative agriculture practices due to a combination of environmental, economic, and social benefits.” “Farmers are increasingly adopting regenerative agriculture practices due to a combination of environmental, economic, and social benefits that these practices offer, particularly in the face of climate change and increasing consumer demand for sustainable food production,” she says. Regenerative practices can lead to long-term cost savings through reduced input costs, increased yields, and improved soil health, she adds. They can also open new revenue streams for farmers through carbon credits, premium pricing for sustainable products, and access to new markets. Looking to the future, ROA said its goals are to advance awareness around regenerative organic agriculture and its benefits. “On the farm level, we hope to inspire the transition of organic to regenerative organic practices as well as create a pathway for conventional farmers to adopt regenerative practices that will guide them towards organic and ultimately regenerative organic,” Tardiff says. *Mark Smith is a journalist and author from the UK. He has written on subjects ranging from business and technology to world affairs, history, and popular culture for the Guardian, BBC, Telegraph, and magazines in the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

NaFarm Foods , an agricultural business in Kaduna, Nigeria, has won the prestigious 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Food category for its solar food dryer . The award celebrates the company’s work to prevent food spoilage and promote sustainable farming practices across Nigeria.  NaFarm’s hybrid solar dryers reduce food waste. In many regions, including Africa, food spoilage is a major problem after harvest. According to Nigeria’s Daily Trust , without proper preservation, produce like tomatoes can rot, wasting precious crops and forcing farmers to sell food at post-harvest “ giveaway ” prices due to a lack of storage facilities.   NaFarm Food’s founder, Kaduna native, AbdulLateef Olaosebikan, was looking for a way  to address skyrocketing tomato prices during the Nigerian offseason and came up with the idea behind NaFarm Foods’ hybrid solar food dryers . The company’s technology makes it possible to dry food quickly, safely, and effectively, while reducing spoilage and keeping food more affordable year-round. The Zayed Sustainability Prize is an international award honoring innovative solutions to global challenges in areas, such as health, food, energy, water, and climate action. The prize, named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) founding father, has impacted more than 407 million lives  globally over the past 17 years, according to Business Wire .  Tomatoes in Nigeria spoil quickly in season. ©pexels NaFarm Foods’ award-winning technology uses solar energy and electricity from solar panels to dry food quickly and efficiently, even on rainy or cloudy days. The technology can handle up to 500kg (about 1,100 lbs) of food per unit and helps preserve the nutritional quality of food while minimizing energy costs. The dryer has already helped over 80 communities in six Nigerian states , reducing food spoilage for more than 65,000 farmers. According to Business Wire , NaFarm Foods aims to empower 2 million farmers and reduce carbon emissions by 50,000 metric tons annually by 2030.  Empowering Communities NaFarm Foods' technology goes beyond food preservation. Its work creates income-generating opportunities—especially for women and youth in rural communities—and helps farmers increase their profits. The dryer also helps the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by decomposing food and lowering dependence on fossil fuels, benefitting both farmers and the planet.    Fatima Jimoh, CEO of NaFarm Foods, told Business Wire  that the award will allow them to “continue pushing boundaries” and “this is more than an achievement, it’s a call to action to drive greater impact.”   Business Wire  reports that the $1 million Prize fund will enable  NaFarm Foods to manufacture and distribute 100,000 dryers across Nigeria and West African nations. The company also plans to expand training programs to empower an additional 25,000 women and youth.

Nonprofit ‘Save the Rain’ Builds Rainwater Collection Systems in Africa    *By Yasmin Prabhudas Messe collects water with her twin boys at her residential rainwater harvesting system in northern Tanzania.  Photo: Save the Rain In much of sub-Saharan Africa, it is a daily struggle to collect safe, potable drinking water. And yet, rain does fall.   Twenty years ago, an innovative organization decided to look up, not down, to solve water scarcity problems in Africa. Today, Save the Rain—which uses the motto, “The solution is falling from the sky. All we have to do is help people catch it”—has built 6,500 rainwater collection systems.   The effectiveness of this nonprofit program has kept students—especially girls—in schools and delivered clean water to both families and communities in Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania.   “We should make sure that every child in Africa has clean water,” says Joseph Nyarianga,  Save the Rain’s co-director.   Global Goals for Water Access The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal target 6.1 calls for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water. This refers to “safely managed drinking water services” or water that comes from an improved water source, is located on or nearby premises, is available as needed, and is clean (free from contaminants like feces, debris, and chemicals).   It further defines basic  water services as access to an improved water source located within a roundtrip of 30 minutes, and limited  services as an improved water source that is further away than 30 minutes. Almost a decade ago, a 2016 study estimated that about 3.36 million children and 13.54 million women  in sub-Saharan Africa had to walk more than 30 minutes to find water.   The World Health Organization (WHO) currently estimates  that 6 billion people or 73% or of the world’s population had safely managed drinking water services in 2022.   The remaining 2.2 billion  people included 1.5 billion people with  basic  services and 292 million people with  limited  services. Another 296 million people got their water from “unprotected wells and springs” and 115 million people collected raw surface water “from lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.”   A 2021 report by WHO and UNICEF estimated that only 30% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa had access to safely managed drinking water, and this would increase to 37% in 2030.   A 2021 report  by WHO and UNICEF estimated that only 30% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa had access to safely managed drinking water, and this would increase to 37% in 2030.   Of the 771 million people globally without access to basic drinking water services in 2020, 387 million (just over half) were in sub-Saharan Africa alone. Causes include population growth and migration, poverty, and poor economic development.   In Tanzania, only 61% of households have access to a basic water supply, according to the World Bank  in 2023. The East African nation had an annual mean precipitation of 1,090.83 mm (about 42.9 inches) in 2023  according to the World Bank’s Climate Change Knowledge Portal. However, rainfall typically ranges from 550 mm (about 21.6 inches) in the central part of the country to 3,690 mm (about 145.2 inches) in some parts of the southwestern highlands.   Responding to a Farmers’ Plight In 2005, Save the Rain  was established “with one tank, one family and one idea.”   It began when Nyarianga , a farmer and mason in Tanzania, asked for help to build a rainwater harvesting system in his village. Californian Kelly Coleman was among those who responded, after a chance meeting outlined the plight of farmers in the country, and Save the Rain was born.   “Clean water is a deliverer of abundance,” says Coleman, the organization’s executive director. “If you have everything that you need—those basics [of] shelter, water, food, companionship, the capacity to contemplate tomorrow—then your life becomes very different, and you are lifted out of the scarcity that poverty cements.”   Save the Rain’s initial research in Tanzania, based on interviews with 1,400 people in four mainly rural regions, showed that 99.5% were experiencing water scarcity. In other words, most Tanzanians walked every day to collect water but did not always find it.   Save the Rain’s initial research in Tanzania, based on interviews with 1,400 people in four mainly rural regions, showed that 99.5% were experiencing water scarcity.   Rainwater Harvesting Technology Save the Rain builds rainwater harvesting systems that are constructed from ferrocement, which consists of mortar reinforced with light steel fabric or mesh.   A sloping conveyance system created from galvanized iron sheets moves water into a “first flush diverter,” allowing sediment to drop to the bottom of the storage tank. Clean water is then moved into the rainwater harvesting tank. A pipe about 4 inches above the bottom of the tank draws water to the top, enabling people to access water from outside the anaerobic zone. Diagram of the components of Save the Rain’s rainwater collection system.  Image: Save the Rain To prevent bacteria from growing, sunlight must not penetrate the tank, and there must be good airflow. Also crucial is safeguarding the water from insects and vermin.   For rainwater harvesting systems for residential use, there are various guides available, such as for the US  or the UK .   Environmental Considerations Before construction, average rainfall data must be measured against the surface collection to determine the size of the tank required. “The building must be large enough to harvest every drop when it is falling, and then gauge the use in the times when nothing will fall,” says Coleman. Having huge storage capacity is useful even when it doesn’t rain, as it allows people to have water present at home.   Save the Rain’s systems are made of material found locally, such as cement, sand, and stones, and corrugated metal. Such systems do not require electricity, pumps, or Western additives.   Building at Primary Schools Many solutions, states Coleman, are influenced by Western ideas “rooted in a centralized water system,” which is not viable in rural Africa. That’s why Save the Rain’s work is local.   “We almost always begin at a village primary school,” she says. What tends to happen in those primary schools is, if there is no water present at the school, “children are responsible […] for finding water and bringing it to the school, regardless of the quality of the water.” However, this creates “a battle between a family need and the need at the school,” Coleman says. “So, what we’re finding is […] parents choose to retract a girl’s education around the third grade because that would be the time she would need to be in school full time [but] she’s responsible for the school’s water, leaving her no time to collect water for her family.” Primary school students in Tanzania leave class to collect water.  Photo: Save the Rain According to Save the Rain, before rainwater collection systems had been installed, 89% of students fetched water for their families every day, and “63% spent 7 to 16 hours searching each day, forcing them to sacrifice their education.” However, with rainwater systems in place, “95% of their children have a perfect attendance record at school” and “96% haven’t been sick since their systems became operational.”   “63% [of students] spent 7 to 16 hours searching [for water] each day, forcing them to sacrifice their education.” However, with the rainwater systems in place, “95% of their children have a perfect attendance record at school” and “96% haven’t been sick since their systems became operational.”   Ensuring water is available at school promotes food security and prompts parents to “recommit to their children’s education,” adds Coleman.   Sakila and Njeku In northern Tanzania, Save the Rain is currently working in Sakila and Njeku, two villages in the Kikatiti ward in the Arumeru district. There, primary schools will receive a 150,000-liter rainwater harvesting system, while 45 residential systems will be installed in selected homes.   The average walk for water in these communities is 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles), and students must collect water every day. About 9,500 people and over 1,000 primary students will benefit. Walking for Water Maintenance The community elects people to build and maintain projects. A member of the elected water board will review any issues and learn how to make repairs. “Because the hands that built them are the hands that maintain them and the hands that use them, there’s never a whole lot of education that’s required,” Coleman explains. Save the Rain teams undertake random checks at school systems every quarter.   Women’s Water Initiative Save the Rain’s research, based on interviews with 1,160 women in 24 villages across four regions of Tanzania, found that 69% reported experiencing gender-based violence while looking for water . The tank itself becomes a vessel for change, according to Coleman, and that’s why the Women’s Water Initiative is so important.   Save the Rain’s research, based on interviews with 1,160 women in 24 villages across four regions of Tanzania, found that 69% reported experiencing gender-based violence while looking for water.   It uses a “giver and receiver model,” building residential rainwater harvesting systems at people’s homes. Six women (givers) go into a new community, reaching out to other women with the greatest need and the capacity to learn (receivers). They then build the systems and rebuild across a region. (See video here .) The Women's Water Initiative constructs a rainwater harvesting system on a home in northern Tanzania. Each tank is 3,500 liters (about 924 gallons) and takes six days to build.  Photo: Save the Rain “The person supplying the solution is really only one step ahead of the person experiencing the problem. It tends to create an escalator to change because the receiver looks at the giver and says, ‘Well, you’re not that much different than I am. If you could live this life, I could live this life,’” says Coleman. In northern Tanzania, 204 women are running the project in the Maji ya Chai, Makiba, and Kingori wards, where the average walk for water currently ranges from seven to 16 hours per day. It takes six days to construct the systems. “Those systems cost us about $500 to construct, and thousands have been built. It has been a gigantic eye opener to support those that are experiencing the problem to solve the problem, because there’s a sense of ownership over it,” states Coleman.   Lessons Coleman believes it’s important that people find ways of reducing their water consumption, especially in areas where drinking water is scarce; this could include using non-potable water in the garden and to clean driveways.   Associations, such as Rainy Filters  and the International Rainwater Harvesting Alliance , provide more information on harvesting rainwater. *Yasmin Prabhudas is a freelance journalist working mainly for non-profit organizations, labor unions, the education sector, and government agencies.

Daily Water Fluid Intake of 3 Liters for Men and 2.2 Liters for Women is Recommended Whether found in the human body, the atmosphere, or the natural environment, water is essential for life on Earth. In line with the upcoming World Water Day , below are some facts about this mysterious and often mystical substance.  Hard water  causes deposits of calcium carbonate build up, which can clog pipes, reduce the life of equipment, and lower efficiency of electric water heaters. For small things like pots, washing then with acids like vinegar can help remove the buildup of calcium carbonate. Sodium chloride or potassium can be added through a water softener  to help remove the calcium from hard water. However, water softeners require greater water use of 25 gallons per day. Given the higher sodium content in soft water, it is not recommended for people with high blood pressure. Distilled water , which is vapor from boiling water that is recondensed, is free of contaminants, minerals, and microorganisms if properly stored in a sterilized container. This makes it pure and suitable for things such as drinking, car washing, household chores, scientific experiments, and medical devices (such as for dialysis). However, distilled water is devoid of minerals, so it should be supplemented with vitamins and minerals when drinking. Deionized water has cations and anions (positively and negatively charged molecules) removed. Minerals such as calcium and sodium, as well as heavy metals such as lead and arsenic are removed through resin beds. However, deionized water still contains microorganisms, plastics, and uncharged molecules, so it is usually used for scientific experiments, dehumidifiers, and aquarium water. Deionized water is not for drinking. According to the US National Academies  of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in 2004, the adequate intake of total water for young men and women (ages 19 to 30) was 3.7 liters and 2.7 liters daily, respectively. Among these, 3.0 liters for men and 2.2 liters for women were consumed through fluids. Harvard Health  recommends adjusting one’s fluid water intake based on factors such as activity level (exercise), outside temperatures, certain health conditions and medications (NSAIDs), and age. Drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages still leads to a net increase in total fluid consumption, but alcohol intake should be “limited to one drink per day for women, and one to two drinks per day for men.”   Sources: https://www.unwater.org/our-work/world-water-day   https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/hardness-water https://waterdefense.org/water/tap/distilled-water-vs-deionized-water/   https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/10925/chapter/6   https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-much-water-should-you-drink

South African Populations Sees Small Improvement Wildlife and biodiversity conservation, which is emphasized each year on World Wildlife Day  on March 3, has focused on the endangered black rhino of South Africa. One way to support this work is through the Wildlife Conservation Bond , a $150 million pilot project started in 2022 by the World Bank to increase black rhino populations. Investors receive a payment based  on the success of the project from the World Bank and Global Environment Facility. Below are highlights from a midterm review of the implementation status and results report  from November 2024.   Black rhino populations have increased by 7.65% as of December 2023, an improvement compared with the 3.70% decrease two years prior. There is a projected increase of 4% by December 2026. The area under improved rhino conservation management was 154,826 hectares (about 382,583 acres) in October 2024, which is unchanged from six months prior. However, this area is projected to decrease slightly to 153,141 hectares (about 378,419 acres) by December 2026. Of the above 154,825 hectares under management, 111,949 hectares (276,632 acres) were from Addo Elephant National Park and 42,877 hectares (about 105,951 acres) were from the Great Fish River Nature Reserve. Rhino mortality rate was 0.87% in December 2023, an improvement compared with 4% in December 2021. However, there are concerns mortality will climb again to 4% in December 2026. According to the IUCN Red List  of endangered species, the black rhino has been critically endangered since 2020 and was “largely depleted” in 2024. There are now over 3,000 mature rhinos with an increasing population trend. According to Save the Rhino , poaching black rhinos for use of their horns in Asia and the Middle East caused their population to decline by 96% between 1970 and 1992. At the population’s lowest point, there were only about 2,400 animals remaining.   Sources: https://wildlifeday.org/en/about   https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/f20060f9fcc437649c459c3b7f955b73-0340022022/original/QA-WildlifeConservationBond.pdf   https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/7039bd837e60e484fb3a93ea63951306-0340022022/original/CaseStudy-WildlifeConservationBond.pdf   https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099112524115036671/pdf/P1740971079e1402c19b1a139a9016a90a2.pdf   https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/6557/152728945   https://www.savetherhino.org/rhino-info/rhino-species/black-rhinos/

Top Cocoa Producers in 2023: Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Ecuador Whether it be on Valentine’s Day or White Day (on which men reciprocate gifts to women in response to Valentine’s Day in some Asian countries), chocolate is typically given as a sweet, romantic treat. Below are some facts on cocoa and chocolate. According to the International Cocoa Organization in November 2024 , the projected global cocoa production for the 2023/2024 year was 4.382 million tons. 3.103 million tons (71%) came from Africa, followed by 1.005 million tons (23%) from the Americas and 0.275 million tons (6%) from Asia and Oceania. The top producers were Ivory Coast at 1.740 million tons (just under 40% of the global total), followed by Ghana (0.480 million tons), and Ecuador (0.385 million tons). In the Ivory Coast, there are concerns of cocoa farms operating on protected land (such as national parks and forests). In 2023, the country lost 194 kha (about 479,000 acres) of natural forest, which is equivalent to about 166 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, according to the Global Forest Watch . Dark chocolate has over 35%  cocoa solids, which contains theobromine, a substance toxic to dogs. Milk chocolate has about 20% to 30% cocoa solids, and butyric acid is added to American milk chocolates for a slightly sour taste. White chocolate does not contain any cocoa solids but has cocoa butter, sugar, and milk. According to a 2022 paper  by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Heidelberg on chocolates in Germany,  there is not much difference in environmental impacts among milk, white, and dark chocolate. For those interested in vegan (or dairy-free) chocolate, the Food Empowerment Project, a “vegan food justice” nonprofit organization, has a list of recommended companies for their vegan chocolate options.   Sources: https://www.icco.org/wp-content/uploads/Production_QBCS-L-No.-4.pdf   https://hir.harvard.edu/bittersweet-the-harsh-realities-of-chocolate-production-in-west-africa/   https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/CIV/   https://www.ifeu.de/fileadmin/uploads/ifeu_paper/ifeu_paper_2_Schokolade_2022_eng_HLK.pdf  . https://biobeat.nigms.nih.gov/2020/02/the-chemistry-of-chocolate/   https://foodispower.org/chocolate-list/

Net Carbon Deficit in 2023; Six Years Until Global Warming Passes 1.5°C   The Global Carbon Budget Office , led by Prof. Pierre Friedlingstein from the University of Exeter, England, published its Global Carbon Budget 2024 report. Similar to how a company’s budget determines how much money a company can spend before it runs out of funds, a carbon budget represents how much carbon dioxide can be further emitted before no more can be added to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The carbon budget is given by the net sum of carbon emissions (such as from fossil fuels) and carbon sinks (carbon absorbed from the atmosphere), both of which can be naturally occurring or caused by humans. The Global Carbon Budget team estimates that there is a 50% chance that “global warming will consistently pass 1.5°C in six years,” with the decarbonization of the world’s energy system not possible within this timeframe. Some of the key points  from the global carbon budget are provided below. The global carbon budget for 2023.  © Global Carbon Project Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide were about 419.3 parts per million in 2023, 51% higher than pre-industrial levels. Carbon dioxide has accumulated at about 10 times faster during the Industrial Era than any time in the past 66 million years. In 2023, China had the largest share of global carbon dioxide emissions at 32.2%, followed by the US (13.3%), India (8.3%), and the European Union (6.8%). The total carbon dioxide emissions were about 40.9 billion tons per year in 2023, of which 37.2 billion tons were from fossil fuels and 3.7 billion tons were from land use changes (such as deforestation). Meanwhile, the total carbon dioxide sinks were about 19 billion tons per year, of which 10.6 billion tons were from ocean sinks and 8.4 billion tons were from land sinks. “From January 2025, the remaining carbon budget for a 50% likelihood to limit global warming to 1.5°C, 1.7°C and 2°C has respectively been reduced to 235 GtCO2 (6 years at 2024 emissions levels), 585 GtCO2 (14 years) and 1,110 GtCO2 (27 years).” Reaching net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 would still result in additional cumulative emissions of 530 gigatons of carbon dioxide between 2025 and 2050. This would be close to the 50% chance of limiting global warming to 1.7°C. Sources: https://globalcarbonbudget.org/about/   https://globalcarbonbudget.org/download/1253/?tmstv=1731323766   https://www.icos-cp.eu/science-and-impact/global-carbon-budget/2024 https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.0707386105   https://globalcarbonbudget.org/faqs/

Exposure of 10 to 15 Minutes Adequate for Vitamin D Production As winter wanes and sunny days return, it’s a great shift from being cooped up at home to basking in the sun. Before going outside, however, it’s better to be safe than sorry from the effects of UV light exposure that will follow. Here are some facts about UV light. The sun is a natural source of UV radiation , while artificial sources include tanning beds; mercury vapor lighting (as in stadiums and school gyms); some halogen, fluorescent, and incandescent lights; and some types of lasers. UV radiation  is categorized into ultraviolet A (UV-A) from 315 to 400 nanometers (nm), ultraviolet B (UV-B) from 280 to 315 nm, and ultraviolet C (UV-C) from 100 to 280 nm. UV-A is not absorbed  by the ozone layer and atmosphere, while UV-B is mostly absorbed, and UV-C is completely absorbed. Overexposure to UV-A is linked to cataracts, skin cancer, and retinal burns, while overexposure to UV-B and UV-C are linked to corneal injuries, photokeratitis  (sunburned eyes), erythema (sunburn), and skin cancer. In the case of photokeratitis, contact lenses on one’s eyes should be removed immediately. The amount of exposure to UV-B for adequate vitamin D depends on skin exposure, time of day, season, and latitude of one’s location. In a 2019 Nature study , for example, Swiss researchers determined that 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight exposure with 22% of uncovered skin in adults was sufficient for 1,000 IU of vitamin D production in summer and spring. However, this increased to 6.5 hours with 8% to 10% of uncovered skin in autumn and winter, which is unachievable without sunburn risks. According to the International Ultraviolet Association , plain window glass allows UV-A to pass through but almost completely blocks UV-B and UV-C light below 330 nm. This means that going outside to take in the sunlight is best way to take in UV-B for vitamin D production. The World Health Organization has a UV index  (a measurement of the level of UV radiation) based on the following categories: low (1 and 2), moderate (3, 4, and 5), high (6 and 7), very high (8, 9, 10), and extreme (11 or more). A UV index of 0 to 2 is considered safe for being outside without sun protection. Sunscreen is recommended for a UV index of 3 to 7, and avoiding the outdoor midday sun is recommended for very high (8 and above) categories.   Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/data-research/facts-stats/ultraviolet-radiation.html   https://www.safety.rochester.edu/ih/uvlight.html   https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/photokeratitis-snow-blindness   https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-019-0137-2 https://www.iuva.org/uv-faqs https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-the-ultraviolet-(uv)-index

Will the Government’s ‘Flatulence Tax’ Succeed? *By Robert Selle Denmark is a flat country ideally suited for agriculture, a major meat and dairy producer and exporter.  ©Ben-Schonewille/iStock Denmark’s leaders and citizens are dedicated to being “green” and throttling down greenhouse gas emissions. Their country ranks highest in green policies as measured by the independent Climate Change Performance Index  (CCPI).   In 2022, the Copenhagen government proposed to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 instead of 2050 and to reduce CO2 emissions nationally by 110%—reaching a negative level in 2050 compared with 1990 levels.   Already, Denmark produces  50% of its electricity using wind turbines and solar farms and generates other kinds of green energy to meet the government’s benchmark of phasing out all fossil fuel use by 2030. “Besides wind and solar, we have a large share of biomass in the electricity sector,” says  Peter Jørgensen, vice president of Energinet, the state-owned utility that runs Denmark’s electric and natural gas transmission systems. “So, in Denmark, we are already supplying about two-thirds of the electricity demand from renewable energy.”   But there is one area of concern: the massive amounts of methane emissions—burps and flatulence—from the nation’s extensive livestock farming sector.   As part of Denmark’s upcoming plans, it is implementing a methane reduction program in 2030. It is an unprecedented approach and is being closely watched. Transitioning to Green Agriculture Denmark is a flat country ideally suited for agriculture. Its farms contain the world’s highest number of pigs  per capita (around 13 million to 15 million pigs compared to 5.9 million Danes, which equals 2.2–2.5 pigs per person). Denmark is also a major dairy producer and exporter, famous for its cheeses and butter. Pig farm free range landscape, Denmark.  ©frankix/iStock As gauged by the CCPI survey,  the country’s green performance was boosted on June 24, 2024, when Denmark’s agricultural/industrial and governmental sectors and environmental groups negotiated the Green Tripartite Agreement , called “Agreement on a Green Denmark.”   It significantly reduces agricultural greenhouse gas discharges. On November 18, 2024, the Danish government committed €5.76 billion ($5.9 billion) to implement this basic framework, which:   introduces the world's first carbon tax on livestock incentivizes the reduction of nitrogen pollution undertakes large-scale land conversion to create new forests and natural areas to enhance biodiversity promotes plant-based foods   This green-transitioning plan will effectively make Denmark a leader in tackling agricultural climate impact by lowering farm emissions. This green-transitioning plan will effectively make Denmark a leader in tackling agricultural climate impact by lowering farm emissions. “In many larger countries,” Jørgensen says , “Denmark is almost considered a little laboratory. If we compare ourselves to China, with whom we share a lot of the Danish experience, you see Denmark as a small laboratory where we develop and test the new solutions.”   Methane Emissions Reduction Greenhouse gases: Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons), PFC (Perfluorocarbons), SF6 (Sulfur Hexafluoride).  ©petrroudny/iStock Starting in 2030, the Green Tripartite Agreement’s livestock tax will be based on the methane emissions produced by farmers’ cows, pigs, and sheep. Methane is 28 times  more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas, so reducing its presence in the atmosphere is vital. The 2016 Paris Agreement  aims to decelerate human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases to keep Earth’s surface temperature from rising more than the accord’s 1.5°C to 2°C target. Copenhagen’s impending “flatulence tax” on farm quadrupeds incentivizes farmers to adopt flatulence-reduction practices, such as using feed additives like Bovaer . Studies have found that this substance  when included in dairy cows’ feed, can lower methane emissions by as much as 30%. Targeting farm emissions is crucial because livestock production accounts for significant global greenhouse gas discharges ( estimates range from 11% to 17% of global GHG). Carbon Tax on Livestock Under this livestock tax scheme , pork and dairy producers will not pay anything on the first 60% of average emissions per animal. They pay no tax if they can cut their animals’ emissions by 40% of today’s average. However, for those farms unable to reduce their methane discharges, the government will collect roughly €40 ($41) per ton of emissions (carbon dioxide equivalent) above these average levels in 2030, which will rise to around €100 ($103) in 2035. The taxes will go into a fund to help all farmers transition to a less-polluting business model.   The government will calculate the tax based on several factors. These include :   Animal headcount or the number of animals on a farm, specifically focusing on pigs and cows Animal categories, such as breeds and types of livestock, which are assigned specific emission factors Management practices, including feeding regimes, manure management, and the time animals spend outdoors   Raising cattle leads to other environmental damages. For example, grazing lands require deforestation, which removes a chief source of carbon sequestration (trees and forest soil) and promotes soil erosion, which can degrade wetlands, another carbon sink. A herd of Jersey cows in a field near Vejen, Denmark.  ©arnphoto/iStock Plant-Based Foods Alongside the carbon tax, the Danish government is actively promoting  the consumption of plant-based proteins as a way to reduce overall meat consumption.   The government has declared they strive for “plant-based foods to play a meaningful role in benefiting the development of the food industry and the health of people and the planet.” The theory is that as more people get their daily protein from plants, they demand less beef and pork, and fewer methane-producing farm animals will be needed.   Nitrogen fertilizers, used by a majority of farmers, when excessively used, leach into inland and coastal waters, causing algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels, thus creating “dead zones” for aquatic life.   The Green Tripartite Agreement also includes funding for restoring natural habitats and reducing nitrogen pollution from agricultural practices. According to the UN Environment Programme, nitrogen fertilizers , used by a majority of farmers, when excessively used, leach into inland and coastal waters, causing algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels, thus creating “dead zones” for aquatic life. These fertilizers release nitrous oxide, a potent global warming gas, and disrupt natural ecosystems by favoring certain plant species over others due to excess nitrogen availability. Denmark is paying  its farmers the equivalent of $100 per ton to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.   Farmland to Forest Denmark is keen to restore some of its farmland to carbon-storing woodlands. The Green Tripartite Agreement aims to set aside  more than 15% of the nation’s agricultural land to create 250,000 hectares (600,000 acres) of new forest  and re-flood 140,000 hectares (336,000 acres) of currently farmed peatlands to make them wetlands  once again.   Plants within such ecological zones remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, incorporating it into their wood and leaves as they grow. When these plants die, the carbon remains stored in the soil due to slow decomposition rates in these environments, effectively acting as a carbon sink. The government will offer landowners incentive schemes to sell their land to accomplish this restoration to nature, which is expected to improve biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. Nature restoration at Skjern Enge, Denmark. It took 20 years to recreate the meadow area and the original path of the stream Skjern å, but the results were worthwhile. The need for fertile agricultural land meant that a large area was drained in the 50s and 60s, but the area has now been restored to its former self.  ©stateofgreen.com Biochar Initiative The Green Tripartite Agreement includes a pilot biochar initiative. Biochar  is organic matter—like food waste, corn stalks, and sewage—that has been turned into something akin to fine-grained, porous bits of charcoal by pyrolysis (high heating under low-oxygen conditions). Biochar locks carbon in place so it will not return to the atmosphere for centuries or millennia. Danish government agencies will promote the spreading of biochar on agricultural land because it improves soil fertility by increasing the soil's ability to retain nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus.   Biochar’s porous charcoal-like particles have a large surface area that acts as a physical trap for these elements, preventing them from leaching from the soil. They enhance water retention, provide habitat for beneficial microbes, and can slightly adjust soil pH depending on the type of organic waste originally used, creating a more optimal environment for plant growth. (See the article " Biochar—Is It Time to Give 'Black Carbon' the Green Light? " The Earth & I, April/May 2023.)   Mixed Reactions A Danish group called Bæredygtigt Landbrug  or Association for Sustainable Agriculture said they were not involved in the green agreement’s negotiations, do not stand behind it, and see the plan as a “ sad day ” for agriculture in Denmark.   “We recognize that there is a climate problem, and Danish agriculture will help solve it. But we do not believe that this agreement will solve the problems because it will put a damper on green investments in agriculture,” Bæredygtigt Landbrug Chairman Peter Kiær told  media outlets in June 2024 when the agreement was released.   Environmentalists are generally pleased with the agreement, but some see a few weaknesses :   The rate of the livestock tax may be too low—only a higher tax will lead to truly structural and cultural changes in Denmark’s entrenched industrial livestock production system. Although intensive negotiations were held over nitrogen fertilizer use, the agreed reduction is feared to be not nearly enough to clean up the country’s eutrophic coastal and inland waters plagued with excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants. The restoration of currently used agricultural land to forest and wetland relies on an incentive system that may not be robust enough to encourage farmers to participate. The reliance on technological solutions like feed additives and biochar that reduce methane could incentivize increased industrial livestock farming.   Despite these issues, a broad coalition of Green Tripartite Agreement backers believe it can be a bold and seminal step toward a truly sustainable agriculture, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and an improvement in national biodiversity. *Robert Selle  is a freelance writer and editor based in Bowie, Maryland.

Waste Storage and Radiation from Uranium are Main Concerns *By Robin Whitlock Ranger Uranium Mine in Kakadu National Park, Australia, in 2009.  © Flickr /Greens MPs ( CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ) Nuclear power is already part of 32 nations’ renewable energy portfolio. This is because nuclear power is free of carbon emissions, generates phenomenal levels of energy, and is reliable [see “ A ‘Current’ Case for Nuclear Energy ,” The Earth & I , December 2023 / January 2024], given that it is not weather-dependent like other kinds of renewable energy. Promising developments in nuclear energy include making smaller “modular reactors” that can provide affordable energy to hard-to-reach areas and nuclear energy applications that can be used in space, the US Department of Energy  says. Also, most uranium used in nuclear energy can be recycled in productive ways. However, the challenges  to nuclear energy remain, even if mostly in public perception. These include building costs, safety, and disposal of nuclear waste, plus fears of radiation leaks, contamination of water, and nuclear weapons proliferation . Are the risks of nuclear energy worth the rewards of clean energy? The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident is a good example of why this question is difficult to answer. Fukushima: A Real-Life Example The nuclear plant on Japan’s Pacific Coast “was constructed in 1967 to supply electricity to nearby Tokyo as the population and economy boomed. It was first praised for creating jobs and bringing money into the prefecture,” The Diplomat says in a 2023 article . This all changed on March 11, 2011, when a massive earthquake caused a tsunami to slam into the Fukushima Daiichi plant. The seawater “disabled the power supply and cooling of three Fukushima Daiichi reactors,” causing the cores to “largely melt” in the first three days, says the World Nuclear Association . Members of the IAEA’s Remediation Expert Mission examining Reactor Unit 3 at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.  Photo : Giovanni Verlini ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) The reactors were stabilized in two weeks, but the accident caused the release of radiation over three days. This caused a mass evacuation, years of careful cleanup efforts, and left behind a few “no go” zones. But 12 years after the accident, although China has voiced concerns about contaminated water from the area, the “decontamination of the towns outside the no-go zones has been largely completed,” The Diplomat article says. Status of Nuclear Energy The Fukushima Daiichi plant has been decommissioned, but Japan currently has 14 other nuclear power reactors in operation. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) , there are currently 417 nuclear power plants in operation across 32 countries around the world. France and China both have 57. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), there are currently 417 nuclear power plants in operation across 32 countries around the world. In the US, there are 94 nuclear power reactors  in operation with a total net capacity of 96,952 MWe (megawatt-equivalent) as of 2023. Nuclear power accounted for 18.6%  of US electricity generation (4.178 trillion kWh) in the same year, only second as a single source to natural gas with 43.1% of the total. The IAEA says 62 nuclear power plants are under construction, which shows the durability of interest in this renewable energy technology. However, the dangers of improper nuclear waste disposal and the mining and handling of radioactive uranium keep debate alive about whether the risks are worth the rewards. Uranium Mining Concerns Nuclear energy depends on uranium, a mildly radioactive metal that is mined, refined, and enriched to make fuel. Enriched uranium-235 has high energy density, which makes it a strong contender for energy production: 1 uranium pellet  (the size of a pencil eraser) has as much energy as 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas, 120 gallons of oil, or 1 ton of coal. Uranium has three isotopes (based on the number of neutrons in their nuclei). These are uranium-238 (U-238, with 146 neutrons), uranium-235 (U-235, with 143 neutrons), and uranium-234 (U-234, with 142 neutrons). To produce energy, fuel is placed in nuclear reactors, in which atoms are split, producing heat. The heat is used to bring water to high temperatures and produce steam; the steam is used to move turbines that power an electric generator. While U-235 is easily split (“fissile”), thereby producing a lot of energy, U-238 can be fissioned  only with high-energy neutrons. These distinctions are important because in mined uranium, less than 1% or about 0.7%, is the highly desired U-235. About 99.3% is U-238 , while a trace, less than 0.01%, is U-234. Mining uranium comes with environmental and health concerns. The Navajo Nation in the US operated uranium mines from 1944 to 1986  but now has over 500 abandoned uranium mines. Despite the cessation of operations, uranium was found in the dust of 85% of 600 homes and in the urine of 700 Navajo mothers and 200 babies decades later, according to a 2017 article . According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA ), it has “removed contamination from 60 residential yards and completed removals of 47 structures,” but more cleanup efforts are needed. An aerial view of Northeast Church Rock Mine, an abandoned uranium mine in the Navajo Nation.  Photo: US EPA . Public Domain The EPA states that contact with uranium can cause  kidney damage and increase the risk for high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and reproductive issues. The EPA states that contact with uranium can cause kidney damage and increase the risk for high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and reproductive issues. Meanwhile, radiation from uranium and other natural elements can cause lung cancer, bone cancer, and kidney function issues. In a 2000 study  of lung cancer incidence in Navajo men from 1969 to 1993, 63 of the 94 cancer incidents occurred in former uranium miners, and “smoking did not account for the strong relationship between lung cancer and uranium mining,” according to the study’s authors. Smoking is done for ceremonial and cultural purposes  by the Navajo outside of personal use, however. While there is a large concentration of uranium sites in the Navajo Nation, other locations include eastern Washington, southwestern Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, and southern California. See Stanford University’s map  of US uranium sites in 2020 for details. Concerns about uranium mining continue. Utah’s White Mesa Uranium Mill  is the “only fully licensed and operating conventional uranium mill” in the US. But in October 2024, there was a protest by members of the Ute Mountain Ute tribe. “[The mill] is only five miles north of our reservation,” says Yolanda Badback , organizer of the White Mesa Concerned Community. “I want a clean … environment for our community.” In response, Energy Fuel Resources, the operator of the mill, stated that  “there is no evidence that points to the Mill causing any adverse health or environmental impacts. It is disheartening to see opposition to the Mill and our recycling programs that is based on myths, outdated beliefs and outright falsehoods, which activist organizations use to create unfounded fear in the community.” A view of the White Mesa Uranium Mill in 2014.  ©Flickr/Nuclear Regulatory Commission (CC BY 2.0) Uranium Fission Products and Health Risks IAEA indicates that spent nuclear fuel  is about 96% uranium (with less than 1% of uranium-235), 1% plutonium, and 3% of high-level radioactive products. The uranium and plutonium can be reprocessed and used as fuel, while the high-level radioactive products are converted into a type of glass (through vitrification) and disposed of at a high-level waste disposal facility. Out of various fission products, several—iodine-131, strontium-89, and samarium-153—are used in nuclear medicine . Other high-level radioactive products include cesium-137 and strontium-90, which are managed by the US Department of Energy. However, there are various environmental and health-related adverse impacts if exposed to elements like these. Plutonium, for example, is dangerous if inhaled , as it can contribute to lung cancer  and kidney damage, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In contrast, ingesting  plutonium through food or water “does not pose a serious threat to humans,” as it “passes out of the body in the feces,” the CDC says. Strontium-90 … is a human carcinogen and causes bone, bone marrow, and soft tissue cancers, the CDC says. A strontium chloride injection by GE Healthcare in England. © Flickr /IAEA ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) Strontium-90, meanwhile, is a human carcinogen and causes bone , bone marrow, and soft tissue cancers, the CDC says. Leukemia  has also been seen in people exposed to “relatively large amounts” of radioactive strontium. People can be exposed to radioactive strontium by breathing air, eating food, or drinking water contaminated with it. Ironically, some products have medical use: Strontium-89 is used as strontium chloride sr 89 , a radioactive agent injected for pain relief from bone cancer; it temporarily decreases white blood cell and platelet counts. This also applies to samarium-153, which is used in the form of the injection samarium sm 153 lexidronam . Other elements, such as cesium-137 , can cause burns, acute radiation sickness, and death when exposed to large amounts, as well as increasing risk for cancer if inhaled or ingested. On the plus side, cesium-137 is used in medical radiation therapy devices for treating cancer and some industrial devices for detecting liquid flow or thickness of materials. Nuclear Waste Radiation Nuclear waste itself can also take thousands of years to degrade. For this reason, if mishandled, it is highly injurious to the environment , adversely affecting agricultural land, fishing waters, freshwater sources, and human health. Gamma radiation  is the most dangerous form of radioactivity, as it has the ability to penetrate human tissue and damage DNA. It is able to travel throughout the human body, causing numerous cancers and interfering with cellular structure. Gamma radiation is the most dangerous form of radioactivity, as it has the ability to penetrate human tissue and damage DNA. [It] is blocked, however, by a few inches of dense materials like lead or several feet of concrete. Gamma radiation is blocked, however, by a few inches of dense materials like lead or several feet of concrete . Beta radiation can similarly penetrate the skin, damaging DNA, and tissue. It, too, can be efficiently blocked by a thin sheet of metal, a block of wood, or a layer of aluminum . Disposal of Nuclear Waste The usual way to dispose of nuclear waste is to store it in or near inactive nuclear power plants . Sellafield in the UK is an example of nuclear waste processing, decommissioning, and storage. Storage in this manner is highly expensive, with the cleaning up of Sellafield projected to cost UK taxpayers €136 billion  ($142.5 billion). Sellafield is owned by the taxpayer-funded Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. European countries are also preparing to store nuclear waste underground. Sweden is preparing an €8.4 billion  ($8.8 billion) underground storage site in Forsmark, which is expected to be fully functional by the 2030s. Meanwhile, Finland has been building the Onkalo repository on Olkiluoto Island at a depth of 400 to 430 meters  (about 1,312 to 1,411 feet), with a trial run currently in progress. Radioactive waste can be reprocessed to provide more fuel  for other nuclear power plants, as done in Russia, China, and Japan. Recovered plutonium can be used for nuclear weapons production and any unused uranium adds around 25% to 30% more energy from the original mined stock of uranium fuel. The US is not currently active in this arena: According to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission  (NRC), there are no commercial reprocessing facilities of spent nuclear reactor fuel in the US. There is “limited interest expressed or expected from potential applicants for reprocessing facilities, including advanced reactor designers, in the near-term use of reprocessed spent fuel, the agency said in a 2021 memo  about discontinuing rulemaking about reprocessing spent fuel. The NRC noted that stakeholders’ concerns about “proliferation” were a reason to cease the rulemaking process; this may be part of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons , with its three pillars of “non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.” While nuclear waste disposal still remains a challenge, developments such as generation IV nuclear reactors and aqueous and pyro-chemical approaches by the Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme in the UK, can be a step forward toward improving nuclear power as a continued source of energy in the future. *Robin Whitlock is an England-based freelance journalist specializing in environmental issues, climate change, and renewable energy, with a variety of other professional interests, including green transportation.

Infant with lollipop. Shutterstock Research has already shown that adults who ate sugary foods in their childhood are at greater risk for tooth decay  and its associated health impacts.   Now a study —based on an extraordinary cohort of people who were born during wartime sugar rationing—is showing that eating excess sugar in early childhood is associated with higher risks for diabetes and hypertension.   The study, published in Science  by University of Southern California (USC) researchers, used data from UK Biobank —a large biomedical database with health statistics from half a million UK participants.   During World War II, the UK rationed sugar for its population from 1942 to 1953. The USC researchers used this data to study the impact of “early-life sugar restrictions on health outcomes of adults conceived in the UK just before and after the end of wartime sugar rationing.   The team found that a reduced sugar exposure during pregnancy and an infant's first two years of life could substantially reduce the risk of mid-life development of diabetes and hypertension.   Indeed, children who experienced sugar restrictions a full 1,000 days out from conception had a 35% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and up to a 20% lower risk of developing hypertension in adulthood.   The team added that sugar-rationing in-utero accounted for about one third of the risk reduction.   "Studying the long-term effects of added sugar on health is challenging,"   the study’s corresponding author, Tadeja Gracner, said in a report  on the study in Science Daily.   "It is hard to find situations where people are randomly exposed to different nutritional environments early in life and follow them for 50 to 60 years. The end of rationing provided us with a novel natural experiment to overcome these problems," said Gracner, senior economist at the USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research.   Science Daily noted that UK diets during the rationing period “generally appear[ed]” to have fallen within today's US Department of Agriculture and World Health Organization guidelines of no added sugars for children under age 2 and not more than 12 teaspoons (50g) of added sugar daily for adults.   In the Science Daily report, study co-author Claire Boone, assistant professor at McGill University, noted the significance of the study’s findings: “Parents need information about what works, and this study provides some of the first causal evidence that reducing added sugar early in life is a powerful step towards improving children's health over their lifetimes.”   Sources: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241031185320.htm https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn5421

‘Citizen Science’ and ‘BioBlitz’ Team Up to Foster Hands-on Environmental Education   *By Rick Laezman Shane Herrington, Aboriginal ranger, National Parks and Wildlife Service, showing school children how to identify scats and tracks during the S2S BioBlitz 2013 , Woomargama National Park, New South Wales, Australia.  Photo: Esther Beaton/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0  The growing concern about the world’s natural surroundings and the need to gather and share environmental information have fostered the growth of two innovations: so-called “citizen scientists” and “BioBlitzes.” Citizen scientists aid their professional counterparts by contributing valuable information to support the scientific research of phenomena in the natural world. In a “BioBlitz,” professional and amateur scientists collaborate on data-collection in a fun and engaging way to understand and preserve the natural environment as it faces increasing threats from human activity. The Rise of BioBlitzes In 1970, during the first Earth Day , 20 million people across the US participated in rallies, marches, and educational events, raising awareness about the environment and the importance of its conservation and protection. The event marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement. Twenty-six years later, in 1996, the first BioBlitz was sponsored by the National Park Service and the National Biological Service. It was organized by Sam Droege and Dan Roddy from the US Geological Survey at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, DC. Susan Rudy, also of the National Park Service, coined the term  bioblitz  (also written  BioBlitz ) to describe the 24-hour event, according to a 2023 article in BioScience . About 90 scientists, joined by the public and media, documented over 900 species in the gardens during that event. It demonstrated that urban, densely populated areas contained biologically rich ecosystems and merited study and protection just as much as state and national forests, parks, and preserves. [A]mateur enthusiasts now flock to many scientific fields, bringing a unique level of energy and engagement. Since then, BioBlitzes have gained in popularity, not just in the US but around the globe, and amateur enthusiasts now flock to many scientific fields, bringing a unique level of energy and engagement. Engaging and Educating BioBlitzes have contributed to the growth of and benefitted citizen science, which the National Geographic Society defines as “the practice of public participation and collaboration in scientific research to increase scientific knowledge.” As citizen scientists, untrained individuals observe and record the behavior and survival of species in their natural environment. Although they are not professionals, their information is no less helpful because it adds valuable data for aggregate analysis. Part of the citizen science Cascades Butterfly Project Team poses on Sauk Mountain, Washington.  Photo: NPS/Karlie Roland Citizen science has a side benefit: Contributing to the collection of scientific information, and sharing those findings with fellow participants, expands the number of people who are engaged with and enthusiastic about scientific discovery. Moreover, citizen science encourages active participation. This is especially true for children—working with dirt, rocks, plants, and other natural elements generates enthusiasm, encourages support for science and conservation, and motivates more young people to take up science careers. Citizen science aligns well with the goals of science education, and more specifically with ESD—Education for Sustainable Development. Citizen science aligns well with the goals of science education, and more specifically with ESD—Education for Sustainable Development—because it engages people in the act of scientific discovery. This not only increases their knowledge but also changes their values, attitudes, and most importantly, their behavior. Young BioBlitzers in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, 2015.  Photo: NPS Resources The United Nation's Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)  promotes ESD to “empower people with the knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and behaviors to live in a way that is good for the environment, economy, and society.” Citizen Science in the Digital Age Citizen science is aided by the growing use of digital applications (and smartphones) that have found their way into almost every aspect of modern life. Scientific observation is no exception. One tool stands out— iNaturalist , an app and social media platform, which is distinct from Facebook or Instagram because it focuses on natural observations. What started out as a master's degree project for some students in the UC Berkeley School of Information has evolved into a globally used social media platform. iNaturalist identifies, records, and organizes nature findings. It also gives users a place to meet (online) and share information with other nature enthusiasts like hikers, hunters, birders, mushroom foragers, park rangers, ecologists, people who fish, and others. Cari Seltzer, PhD, is the head of engagement for iNaturalist. She explains that the platform separates itself from other popular social media platforms because users engage with it through a “unit of sharing that is based on observation.” This gives them a jumping-off point for discussion. iNaturalist is valuable for more than just its unique fusion of social media and citizen scientists. It also is contributing valuable data to the scientific study of the natural world. The [digital] platform [iNaturalist] has amassed “the world's most diverse biodiversity set.” According to Seltzer, the platform has amassed “the world's most diverse biodiversity set." It shares its data with more than 5,000 publications. By incorporating geolocation technology, the information is used to chart animal behavior and to model ranges for a number of species. It has helped rediscover lost species and even helped identify new species. BioBlitzes in Action A social media tool in the digital age is almost a given, if not a necessity. However, at some point, citizen scientists need to be out in the field. There is no better way to engage citizen scientists and to advance the goals of ESD than with a BioBlitz. For instance, in 2013, several local mushroom enthusiasts and other members of the local scientific community organized the first ever BioBlitz on the Upper Delaware River where it travels along the border between the states of Pennsylvania and New York. The Upper Delaware BioBlitz took place over the course of two days in June 2013. Professional scientists and volunteers listened to talks conducted by local experts and collected specimens together over a 24-hour period, from noon Friday until noon Saturday. They camped overnight on the location. Over 200 people participated, and more than 1,000 species were collected and identified. Steve Schwartz is an environmental consultant who helped organize the event. He and his team have helped organize five more events since the first blitz. Organizers hold an event at about the same time on a different site in the area every other year. The events are a “little bit of a frenzy," says Schwartz, but they are successful. Schwartz adds that one of their primary goals is to “excite kids about science” and “it happens.” The Upper Delaware blitzes’ ... observations included over 40 first-occurrence mosses, several algae diatoms, and even eDNA, or genetic traces, of the very rare and endangered American eel. The Upper Delaware blitzes have also been successful at contributing to the scientific goal of collecting valuable data about biological life, including many so-called “first occurrences.” These are the first recorded observation of a species in a particular habitat. Their observations included over 40 first-occurrence mosses, several algae diatoms, and even eDNA, or genetic traces, of the very rare and endangered American eel . The next Upper Delaware BioBlitz is planned for 2026. Rocky Mountain BioBlitz Glacier National Park's ‘Weed Warriors” proudly stand behind the results of their Noxious Weed Blitz by collecting invasive, noxious weeds.  Photo: NPS About 2,000 miles and several mountain ranges to the west, another BioBlitz engages citizen scientists in the Rocky Mountains. The Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center (CCRLC) is a National Park Service-affiliated operation dedicated to research in several parks along the continental divide. It supports research activities in Glacier National Park, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, and Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. The center, based in West Glacier, Montana, has an extensive citizen science program that includes monitoring endemic species like the common loon, mountain goats, and small, furry mammals known as pikas. Tara Carolin, director of the CCRLC, is responsible for organizing and promoting the center's activities. She explains that before it launched the BioBlitzes, the center was “lacking a robust inventory” of data. At the time, they asked “How can the public be helpful?” in filling this gap. In 2011 and 2012, the CCRLC began hosting events to monitor alpine aquatic insects. In 2014, it conducted a count of dragon fly nymphs as part of the National Park Service's Dragonfly Mercury Project , a nationwide study that works with citizen scientists to collect dragonfly larvae for the analysis of mercury contamination in water. In 2017, the center hosted a more formal BioBlitz that included a butterfly count. Since then, the center has hosted BioBlitzes with different emphases, including a mushroom BioBlitz and BioBlitzes to count alpine birds and nocturnal pollinators (moths). In 2024, the center hosted a noxious weeds BioBlitz. The center's BioBlitzes draw anywhere from 12 to over 100 participants, including “kids of all ages," according to Carolin. One of her favorite memories was watching a 5-year-old girl hold a butterfly during the butterfly count. “Mushrooms are crazy … there is something different every year.” The event that draws the biggest praise from the center's director is perhaps the mushroom BioBlitz. “Mushrooms are crazy … there is something different every year,” she says, adding, “there is a phenomenal amount of material even in a dry year." Finding Nearby BioBlitzes Whether it is to gather and identify “crazy” mushrooms, slithery American eels, or noxious weeds, BioBlitzes are helping to encourage volunteers, young and old, to engage with science and their natural surroundings across the continent and the globe. Beyond their own involvement and enthusiasm, these Citizen Scientists are also contributing to the collective gathering of valuable information, heightened awareness, and increased understanding of natural ecosystems and modern society's impact on their survival. They are also using modern digital tools to gather and share the information that they collect. During this critical time when environmental systems are universally vulnerable, this convergence of engagement, enthusiasm, and active participation is more important than ever. So, if there is BioBlitz near you, what are you waiting for? Go out and collect something. To find and conduct a BioBlitz, check these online resources: BioBlitzes: Bridging the Gaps and Inspiring Future Stewards (U.S. National Park Service) , iNaturalist ,   SciStarter , and others. Furthermore, local nature centers, environmental groups, parks and recreation departments, and educational institutions with biology or environmental science programs sometimes host BioBlitzes or are aware of upcoming events. *Rick Laezman is a freelance writer in Los Angeles, California, US. He has a passion for energy efficiency and innovation. He has covered renewable power and other related subjects for over 10 years.