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Daily Personalized Newsletter

Earth Catalyst gathers & hand-filters the most recent updates from over 1,000 green tech and sustainability organizations. Here are all of the updates; if you subscribe to our free newsletter, we'll send you 3 each weekday we think will be meaningful to you.

Writer's pictureMarshall Kirkpatrick

10/4/24 - Regenerating Kids

How’s this for inspiration? Check out the work of volunteers and kids at Taniala Regenerative Camp in Madagascar, where deforested land is being transformed by forest gardens. There’s a group photo below as our visual of the day. I’m going to be thinking about these kids for the rest of the day while I do my work.


We selected 63 updates today, email subscribers got 3 personal ones selected just for them.


Ok, here we go!

-Marshall Kirkpatrick, principal consultant, EarthCatalyst



Table of Contents


  • Agriculture (4 stories)

    MonitorML expands regenerative agriculture data; Leiden University studies soil-gut health link; Madagascar's Taniala Camp pioneers agroforestry; La Via Campesina's global peasant activism


  • Carbon (3 stories)

    Digital twins, CO2 products, and Carbon Removal Day highlight innovations, while carbon contracts for difference face scrutiny


  • Circular (3 stories)

    Fjällräven launches "Pre-Loved" marketplace; Reconomy's recycling cuts emissions; circular plastic goals face industry hurdles


  • Ecosystems (10 stories)

    Hurricane Helene intensification, Way Kambas MPA creation, and ETH Zurich tree research highlight climate impacts and conservation efforts across global ecosystems


  • Efficiency (1 stories)

    Historic John Gumm building renovation in Columbia County prioritizes energy efficiency and preservation


  • Finance (4 stories)

    RMI's internship program and FINESTJAP initiative boost green workforce, as Climate Week NYC highlights demand and Active Impact gains prominence in climate tech investing


  • Grid (4 stories)

    Federal investment in transmission projects, Texas grid demand surge from data centers, AI's impact on gas consumption, and solar+storage resilience during Hurricane Helene


  • Indigenous (6 stories)

    Indigenous knowledge crucial for conservation, medicine, and climate solutions; PetroPerú crisis threatens Amazon communities


  • Policy (12 stories)

    EPA mentorship, 45X tax credit guidance, Climate Justice Fellowship, and Hurricane Helene resilience strategies shape policy landscape


  • Renewables (5 stories)

    SPP, CAISO, and Clean Power Alliance drive market expansion; REC introduces new panel; Climate Week NYC highlights corporate initiatives; solar farms boost biodiversity


  • Transport (11 stories)

    EV adoption surge: IAA showcases commercial advancements, cities earn Bronze Charging Smart status, politicians advocate for clean standards and infrastructure, managed charging shows promise


Agriculture

Climate Week NYC discussions underscore the critical role of regenerative agriculture, with MonitorML technology now providing data on 80% more fields and 60% more acres across the continental US.

 

Leiden University researchers explore connections between soil and gut health across eight Herenboeren farms, with findings anticipated in spring 2025.

 

Innovative agroforestry techniques at Madagascar's Taniala Regenerative Camp aim to restore deforested areas and offer sustainable livelihoods in the Menabe region.

 

Global peasant movement La Via Campesina reports on September 2024 actions, including anti-free trade protests, peasant rights advocacy, and the launch of women's training schools in Africa and Asia.

 

Carbon

RMI's October newsletter spotlights digital urban replicas, CO2-derived household goods, and strategies for extreme weather resilience.

 

Carbon Removal Day, set for October 3, 2024, seeks to spotlight carbon removal technologies' vital role in reaching net-zero emissions, as part of ongoing climate action efforts.

 

Carbon contracts for difference could hinder climate policy progress and sustain carbon-intensive industries, despite their potential to spur emissions-reducing investments, experts warn.

 

Circular

Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven introduces "Pre-Loved," a U.S. peer-to-peer marketplace for second-hand gear, reinforcing its sustainability commitment and recent top ranking in circular brand reports.

 

Reconomy's recycling efforts achieve a 32% decrease in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to industry norms, annually preventing 800 kilotonnes of CO2-equivalent from entering the atmosphere.

 

Despite ongoing efforts by leading brands and plastic producers, companies' circular plastic ambitions face setbacks due to rising costs, material sourcing difficulties, and recycling infrastructure challenges.

 

Ecosystems

Hurricane Helene's rapid intensification and inland flooding exemplify climate change effects, as tropical cyclones have likely intensified over four decades, underscoring the need for enhanced adaptation strategies.

 

Sarah Fisher, with 32 years of wildfire management experience, takes helm of world's largest wildland fire organization, overseeing treatment of 1.5 million acres across 21 priority landscapes.

 

Indonesia establishes the Way Kambas Marine Protected Area, combining biodiversity conservation and sustainable fishing objectives to meet Global Biodiversity Framework targets.

 

Costa Rican ranchers partner with conservationists, implementing novel farm management and deterrent technologies to mitigate jaguar and puma attacks on livestock.

 

The escalating Middle East crisis has inflicted widespread environmental damage, impacting ecosystems, water resources, and emissions across multiple countries, with lasting implications for health and livelihoods.

 

Research from ETH Zurich identifies four primary tree life strategies and suggests tropical trees can match the longevity of boreal species, informing conservation and climate efforts.

 

Plant stylist Hilton Carter emphasizes the significance of houseplants in personal development during a "Plants as Liberation" interview at the New York Botanical Garden.

 

California's Prescribed Burn Association leaders gather to discuss community engagement and strategies for expanding beneficial fire practices statewide, while sharing resources to enhance wildfire prevention efforts.

 

A long-term Arctic study by Colorado State University suggests shrub growth could aid soil carbon retention, potentially altering projections of permafrost carbon release due to climate change.

 

A study reveals 1,600km of untapped green corridors in Melbourne, offering opportunities to create biodiverse habitats and public spaces while combating ecosystem decline and boosting climate resilience.

 

Efficiency

Columbia County's renovation of the historic John Gumm building enhances public services and supports economic development while preserving a cherished community landmark.

 

Finance

Climate Week NYC 2024 underscores surging green workforce demand, with employers seeking twice as many skilled workers as available to meet net zero targets.

 

The Summer 2024 Internship Program at RMI equipped 48 participants with practical climate and energy project experience, fostering the next generation of sustainability leaders.

 

Finnish-Estonian initiative FINESTJAP aims to enhance cleantech exports to Japan, commencing with a Helsinki event on October 9, 2024.

 

Climate Week NYC underscores climate risk urgency and grid flexibility challenges, while Active Impact gains recognition in climate tech investing.

 

Grid

The government invests $1.5 billion in four transmission projects across six states, potentially saving $270 billion by 2050 through accelerated grid expansion, according to a new study.

 

Texas electricity demand is set to surge, with data centers and crypto mining driving a 60% increase in large flexible load from 2024 to 2025, accounting for 10% of ERCOT's total forecast consumption.

 

TC Energy asserts that AI-driven data centers are driving natural gas demand to unprecedented levels, contradicting tech firms' commitments to renewable energy sources.

 

Nearly one million Southeast residents lost power due to Hurricane Helene, while solar+storage systems deployed by partners provided emergency relief and resilience hubs demonstrated effectiveness during recent storms.

 

Indigenous

Peru's state-owned oil company PetroPerú faces a financial crisis, jeopardizing the nation's economy and threatening Indigenous communities and the Amazon rainforest amid mounting debt and global decarbonization efforts.

 

Researchers discover Indigenous expertise vital in identifying 52 plant species with medicinal value for both gorillas and humans in Gabon's Moukalaba-Doudou National Park.

 

The 9th Annual Black Sustainability Summit, set for October 11-13, 2024, will offer a hybrid experience with online and Atlanta-based events, including workshops, panels, art exhibits, and a marketplace.

 

Indigenous leaders from Brazil and California convened to discuss carbon programs and community consultation, emphasizing the crucial role of traditional knowledge in benefit-sharing processes.

 

The 9th annual Black Sustainability Summit, set for October 11-13 in Atlanta, will feature environmental presentations, networking events, and unveil the State of Black Sustainability Report.

 

At a multilingual event in New Haven, Connecticut, Matt Scott emphasized the crucial role of language, culture, and community-led engagement in addressing climate challenges.

 

Policy

As Hurricane Helene approaches, colleges implement resilience strategies, with Warren Wilson College offering weather updates, a recovery fund, and a Mobile Microgrid Work Vehicle initiative.

 

The Climate Justice Policy Fellowship provides paid advocacy opportunities for young people of color across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., fostering diverse voices in environmental activism.

 

A new e-book outlines the 45X Production Tax Credit's specifics for clean energy manufacturers and buyers, detailing qualifications, calculations, benefits, and risks under the Inflation Reduction Act.

 

EPA alumni offered virtual career guidance and mentoring to HBCU and MSI students aspiring to work in environmental protection, fostering diversity in the field.

 

Institute's policy chief envisions an economy prioritizing affordability, prosperity, resilience, and justice for historically marginalized communities.

 

Professor Áine Ryall's lecture explores the Aarhus Convention's impact on public environmental participation, its compliance system, and the hurdles in applying international environmental laws at national levels.

 

Conservative leadership hopeful Kemi Badenoch's manifesto cites U.S. climate denial group research to attack net zero policies and push for more fossil fuel extraction.

 

Experts predict climate-induced extreme weather, such as Hurricane Helene, will compel millions of Southern Americans to migrate to less vulnerable regions.

 

Climate Week NYC showcases systemic solutions, global survey findings, and future scenarios for economic and planetary change, as reported by Earth4All.

 

Phoenix's real estate market grapples with Hurricane Helene's effects, underscoring the complex interplay between extreme heat, property development, and climate adaptation measures.

 

California passes SB 1221, enabling neighborhood-scale decarbonization, as the Building Decarbonization Coalition highlights recent policy developments and upcoming events in building electrification.

 

Climate Week NYC showcased pivotal events and job prospects for environmental experts, featuring a new Climate Career Boot Camp collaboration with Terra.do.

 

Renewables

SPP and CAISO vie for WECC market expansion, with $50 billion in project financing assessments, as renewable growth and policy shifts reshape price transparency and transactions.

 

Clean Power Alliance, serving over 3 million customers in Southern California, seeks renewable energy offers for CAISO Queue Cluster 15 projects to fulfill procurement obligations and environmental goals.

 

REC will unveil its new Alpha Pro M panel and discuss product range, yield benefits, and policy backing during an October 10 webinar.

 

Climate Week NYC showcases a surge in corporate climate initiatives, with UK renewable energy hitting record levels, new electric vehicle investments, and increased global funding for nature-based solutions.

 

Research reveals solar farms incorporating native plants can boost insect populations threefold within five years, aiding pollinators and potentially cutting maintenance expenses.

 

Transport

Clean transportation standards are set to boost electric vehicle adoption, with projections indicating 67% of new light- and medium-duty vehicle sales will be electric by 2032.

 

IAA Transportation 2024 highlighted key advancements in commercial vehicle electrification, featuring cutting-edge battery technology, expanded charging networks, eco-friendly supply chains, and self-driving electric fleets.

 

Expanding charging networks, enhanced batteries, and cost-effective operations bolstered by government incentives signal a bright outlook for commercial electric trucking's future.

 

Southfield, Michigan, and Dayton, Ohio have become the inaugural cities in their respective states to receive Bronze Charging Smart designations for their electric vehicle readiness efforts.

 

Georgia State Rep. Sandra Scott advocates for electric vehicles and clean air during an EV awareness tour, calling on Congress to prioritize these initiatives.

 

Pennsylvania State Rep. Napoleon Nelson endorsed EPA clean car standards during EOPA's Northeast electric vehicle awareness tour, as part of the Region 3 HBCU Symposium supported by EPA alumni.

 

Georgia State Senator Gail Davenport backs Congressional delegation's environmental initiatives during EOPA's electric vehicle tour promoting EPA standards.

 

Councilwoman Danyelle Blackwell highlights the crucial role of federal backing for electric vehicles and emission reduction during EOPA's Northeast EV awareness tour.

 

Pennsylvania State Rep. Mary Jo Daley calls on Senators Casey and Fetterman to back federal EV infrastructure funding and EPA standards during EOPA's Northeast electric vehicle awareness tour.

 

New York Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara backs Senator Schumer's push for clean car standards during Elected Officials to Protect America's Northeast electric vehicle tour.

 

New research reveals managed EV charging can shift 60% of on-peak charging to off-peak times, reducing EVs' peak demand on distribution assets by up to 30%.

 

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