#heat mitigation strategies

[cselandscapearchitect]

Natural Turf vs. Artificial Grass: Battling the Urban Heat Island Effect in the Low Desert

The low desert region faces the challenges of the urban heat island effect, where urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and the built environment. As we strive to mitigate this heat island effect, one key consideration is the choice between natural turf and artificial grass. Both options have their own advantages and…

[reasonsforhope]

Paywall Free

"The protected land includes a one-acre fish hatchery at Unicorn Lake in eastern Maryland and the sprawling Green Ridge State Forest in the west. It includes shorelines, farms and woods around Naval Air Station Patuxent River, and the Chesapeake Forest Lands, some 75,000 wooded acres that are home to species like bald eagles and the once-endangered Delmarva fox squirrel.

None of it can be developed, and all of it has helped Maryland reach a landmark conservation goal six years ahead of schedule, before any other state that’s joined an effort known as “30 by 30.”

The program is part of a global initiative to protect 30 percent of the Earth’s land and waters by 2030. In 2023, Maryland joined the effort and a year later, Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, announced that the goal had already been met. Nearly 1.9 million acres of land has been permanently protected from development, and the state has set a new target, to conserve 40 percent of its land by 2040...

Officials, land trustees and environmentalists said a unique set of factors led to Maryland’s success.

Since 1969, Maryland has levied a 0.5 percent transfer tax on real estate sales and used it for Program Open Space, which enables the state to acquire green spaces from voluntary sellers and purchase conservation easements from private landowners.

Owners like farmers and forest managers can still work the land, but agree that it can never be developed, even if the land changes hands.

Crucially, conservation has bipartisan support at the state level, said Elizabeth Carter, a land protection director at The Nature Conservancy. She said federal and state agencies, nonprofit groups and land trusts have worked together with shared goals, which helped the state meet its target sooner than many expected.

“That’s something we celebrate, and it’s exciting,” she said...

Josh Kurtz, Maryland’s secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, said that while the state had to balance conservation needs with development pressures and housing demand, natural spaces were crucial to offsetting planet-heating greenhouse gas emissions and to protecting the Chesapeake Bay.

“Being able to sequester carbon and mitigate climate impacts makes us more resilient in the face of climate change,” Mr. Kurtz said. “It’s also one of our key water quality strategies.” ...

According to Mr. Kurtz’s office, land conservation measures have prevented about 85,000 pounds of nitrogen and 6,000 pounds of phosphorus, which fuel algae blooms and starve water of oxygen, from flowing into the bay each year. The University of Maryland calculated that the state’s trees and forests absorbed and locked away 6.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2023...

While the state is still pushing toward its 40 by 40 target, there’s been a setback. Facing a $3.3 billion budget shortfall, the Maryland General Assembly recently voted to take $100 million from Program Open Space and other state conservation programs over the next four years. But A.J. Metcalf, a spokesman for the state’s natural resources department, said the programs were projected to generate $468 million through fiscal year 2029, enough to continue to acquire land for conservation “at a normal pace.”

Mr. Kline said he hoped that the state surpassed its next goal. “I would certainly hate to see our foot come off the pedal after 40 percent,” he said. “We feel like we’ve got something pretty special that’s worth protecting.”"

-via The New York Times, April 21, 2025

[aesethewitch]

When Witching Goes Wrong: Basics

Not all spells that go wrong are “backfires.” A backfire occurs when a spell’s result is antithetical to the result you wanted to cause — it causes a negative outcome, often coming back onto you as the caster, but sometimes creating the opposite effect as was desired on the target. For example, casting a money attraction spell and losing a wallet full of cash as a result would be considered a backfire. A spell that fizzles, does nothing, or produces an unexpected (but not negative) side-effect wouldn’t be a backfire (in my opinion, that is).

Most spells that go wrong aren’t backfires. In general, you’re likelier to have a spell that acts unexpectedly or that simply fizzles than one that blows up in your face somehow. You shouldn’t be anxious about a backfire. But, as someone with lots of experience in the realm of worrying about worst-case scenarios, I understand the impulse.

The solution is to understand what can go wrong, how to prevent it, and what to do in the event of an actual worst-case scenario. My goal with this post (and with this WWGW series) is to help you feel less anxious about spells going wrong and more prepared to deal with whatever comes your way.

So, let’s start from the beginning.

Outcome Projection

Risk assessment, mitigation, and management. Fellow corporate drones (former or current) will know exactly what I’m talking about here. The idea is to predict possible ways that things can go wrong and either prevent them entirely or put strategies in place to deal with them ahead of time. It’s damage control before the damage occurs.

Now, the key here is to not go overboard. Fellow chronic worriers will know the horrible allure of going down every possible path of anxiety, only to find ourselves paralyzed entirely by the fear that something will go wrong. Remember that most spells do not backfire. In most cases, the worst thing (and most common negative outcome, in my experience) that can happen is that nothing happens. The next most common is unexpected side effects, but those are usually easily dealt with.

The goal is to ensure the success of the spell. For example, when you’re looking for a new place to live, you don’t want to just look for the number of bedrooms and the finishes in the kitchen. You want to account for the appliances, the heating/cooling systems, the quality of the flooring, signs of water damage, signs of mold… all sorts of things.

A similar concept applies to accounting for backfires/failures in spellwork. You want to close loopholes and think about the outcomes you specifically don’t want — and then incorporate ways to prevent those things from happening.

The Ways Spells Can Go Wrong

The spell fully backfires. By “fully backfires,” I mean that it completely fails and creates the exact opposite outcome to what you were going for. Using a love spell as an example, this could include the target leaving your life, forming negative opinions of you, or becomes interested in someone else (particularly if you were trying to pull attention from that someone else onto yourself).

The spell is bounced back to you. This is more unusual than you think! I often see the warning about spells being redirected back at the caster in arguments against hexing and cursing others. I’ve had exactly one spell reversed back at me, and it was because the target was 1. A witch, and 2. Expecting it.

The spell’s primary result is unexpected. Not necessarily bad, just not what you meant to do. For example, casting a spell to get a promotion at work and discovering that your close friend is getting a promotion instead.

The spell has unexpected side effects. Like casting a spell for good luck on yourself and having everyone around you experience good luck, too. Or casting a spell that successfully improves your workplace’s vibe, only to find out that the mean coworker nobody likes finally got fired, and that’s why everyone is more relaxed and cheerful. Or, more negatively, you do get that promotion you cast for, but now you’re saddled with more work than you can handle, because your bosses think you’re highly capable of it all!

The spell does absolutely nothing. Perhaps one of the more common ways a spell can go wrong, this is exactly what it says on the tin. You put the energy in, you did all the steps, but the spell just… doesn’t go anywhere. In other words, it fizzles and simply doesn’t work at all.

As with most topics in witchcraft, there’s an infinite amount of nuance to apply here. There are more ways spells can go wrong, and not all of these things would necessarily be considered “going wrong.”

It may be worth deducing why the spell went wrong. Was it the materials? The petition or incantation? A lack of energy, or maybe an overabundance? Spirit influence? Protections surrounding the target? Knowing what exactly went wrong can help you prevent the same issues in the future, but it can also help you to better fix the spell in the moment.

Preventatives

The particulars are going to depend heavily on your personal practice, the type of spell you’re doing, and how detailed you want to get. These suggestions are based on things I personally take into account when I’m trying to close loopholes and prevent unwanted outcomes.

Be specific in your wording. Especially if your spell has any kind of spoken or written component, be as specific as you can. “Draw money to me” is a general sentiment that could absolutely work, but what money is it bringing in? A bonus at work? A dollar on the street? A gift from grandma? Inheritance? It could be anything at that point. “Draw good, repeat customers to my small business to help me reach my profit goal of $10,000 before the end of the year” is specific, focused, and measurable. There isn’t much room for surprise side effects.

Choose ingredients carefully. Work with ingredients whose purposes you know. In my spell recipes, I list every ingredient’s correspondence, because in my practice, those things matter. Ensure that the “active ingredients” in your spell align with your goal properly. Rogue elements create rogue effects!

Include failsafe measures. As in, create ways you can cancel the spell at any point. This can have the side effect of making your spells easier to undo, particularly if your target is also a witch who understands how you construct your spells. If doing this, it’s best to create a method that is obscured and unique to you.

Add ingredients or instructions specifically to avoid particular side effects or outcomes. Find a component or two that can protect your working from unwanted effects, backfires, and interference. Include instructions for the spell for things it shouldn’t do. For example, trying to create issues for one particular person at work shouldn’t harm their innocent teammates.

Undo It

The first step to consider is undoing the spell. Not all paradigms allow for this, so it may not be possible for you. For me, it depends on the particular spell and how much change it’s created. The bigger the impact, the less likely a simple undo will work.

Still, it’s worth a try. Undoing a spell might take a few forms, depending on how you originally cast it:

Take the spell apart. Disassemble the spell into its components and cleanse them of the spell’s energy.

Destroy the vessel and components. Burning, tearing, burying, flushing, throwing away, and so forth. Be careful to not bury things that could harm the earth, animals, or people — including glass, salt, and plastics. Compost and recycle when you can.

Dismiss spirits working within the spell. End the contract around the spell’s working and request that the spirits stop powering it. You could also request their assistance in undoing the spell. You may have to make offerings either way, depending on the terms of your agreement.

Perform the spell in reverse. This includes speaking incantations backwards, performing all actions backwards, taking components apart, re-cleansing, and putting things away where you originally got them from.

Draw the spell’s energy/effects out of the target’s body and/or the affected area. Using energy work, absorb the spell’s energy into a vessel. Capture it and either allow it to dissipate or bottle it up to keep it in check. I don’t recommend absorbing the energy into yourself, as that may draw the spell’s unwanted effects to you (or make them worse).

I typically employ a combination of strategies to undo a spell, if it’s possible in the first place. If it’s a simple spell, performing it in reverse is the easiest method. I’ll then cleanse, destroy, and dispose of the materials.

But when it isn’t possible to simply undo the spell…

Cast Another Spell

…The answer might be to cast another one. In my mind, there are several ways to do this.

The first is to cast a spell to negate the original’s effects completely. I would approach this method the same way as any other spell. Focus on the effects you’re looking to negate, and cast accordingly. A banishing spell would work well for this to shoo away the spell’s energy, but a cleansing spell to clear the target would also work. Or, you can get more specific. For example, if a spell has generated a string of unlucky events, you could cast a spell for good luck in order to nullify the bad luck of the first spell. The goal would be to cancel out the original spell’s effects in some way.

The second way is to cast a spell to adjust the original’s outcome. There are a lot of ways to do this. You could directly modify the original spell by adding or removing ingredients that might’ve caused the negative outcome, redo written or spoken incantations/petitions, or cast a “companion spell” to redirect the original’s energy to a more favorable end. For example, in a money spell that’s giving everyone else good fortune, you could place a magnet with your personal information on it atop the spell vessel to draw money to you rather than the people around you. The idea here is not to end the original spell, but to realign it to your particular needs.

Another way is to cast a spell specifically to control side effects. Sometimes, a spell can’t be undone, and you can’t easily modify the main outcomes (particularly true if the negative events caused by the spell happen quickly or outside your control). Or maybe the bulk of the spell worked properly, but there’s one or two minor negative side effects you don’t want to continue. The method for this would be similar to adjusting the original spell’s outcome, but on a smaller scale and in a less direct fashion. For example, your job spell got you that promotion, hooray! But now you’re stressed out by training someone to take your place, and you’re learning your new position. You can cast a spell to reduce stress or prevent people from piling additional work on you while you adjust, controlling the side effects of the promotion.

A way I use for high-stakes spells is to cast wards or other protections before casting the main spell to prevent backfire or unwanted effects ahead of time. I often do this for spells surrounding situations that are delicate or that need extra care. In my case, it’s a general, long-term ward against bad luck on a wider scale, and it catches negative spell side effects as part of its job. You can set up temporary wards if you prefer, or make them for very specific purposes. Whatever works for you.

Cast the same spell again. This isn’t my usual go-to, unless I’m trying a new spell method or ingredient I’m unfamiliar with. I’ll usually recommend trying the same spell again when the first casting does absolutely nothing, since multiple castings can make a spell stronger and more effective. However, if a spell backfires or otherwise causes undesirable effects, I wouldn’t really recommend it, as the negative effects can compound, too, if it misfires again.

Ask for Help

If the problems caused by your spell are too big for you to handle on your own, it’s okay to reach out for help! Whether you’re looking for suggestions and advice or hands-on assistance, knowing when and how to ask for help is a critical skill.

Ask the witchcraft community (or your witchy friends) questions. Join a Discord, forum, Tumblr community, or other witchy space. Make a post to explain your situation and request suggestions, advice, and ideas to deal with the situation at large. Not all suggestions will be entirely helpful, but you’ll at least get some new perspectives to shed light on your situation. If people you know directly (in real life or online) practice witchcraft, see what they think.

Chat with spirits. Especially if you already work with spirits or if spirits helped you to cast/power the original spell, this can be a solid way to come up with a solution that will work. Use your preferred method of communication to discuss the situation. If possible, see if they’ll help you either undo or mitigate the spell’s unwanted results.

Ask non-witchy friends for advice. Their advice will probably be mundane, but sometimes, those are the best solutions. Outside perspectives are useful to recontextualize problems and come up with solutions you wouldn’t have otherwise considered.

Find books, videos, tutorials, blog posts, and other resources on the subject. When all else fails, or when you’re a little shy about asking for help directly, there are still resources out there to help you solve your dilemmas. Just remember to vet your sources before naively following instructions given to you.

Deal with Consequences Mundanely

Sometimes, there’s just nothing for it. Whether you don’t have time and energy or you’ve already tried more magic and had it fail, there are times when you have to turn to the mundane. Depending on the severity of the situation you’re in, solutions will vary in their successfulness. And honestly, that’s just how it is sometimes. Sometimes, things don’t wrap up nicely and easily and neatly.

With that said, here are a handful of mundane responses and solutions I’ve turned to after spells went wrong (and couldn’t be otherwise fixed):

Come clean and apologize. Particularly applicable when you’re doing a spell on or for another person, sometimes, there’s just nothing else to do but admit you fucked up. If the person impacted by the spell’s effects, directly or indirectly, isn’t a magical practitioner themselves, you could simply apologize for meddling in the situation. On the other hand, if you’ve harmed or offended a spirit with your spellwork, you might make an offering to apologize for the trouble you’ve caused.

Come up with mundane strategies for damage control. Depending on how severe the spell’s negative effects are, the level of effort for this is going to obviously vary. It could be anything from redoing your household budget to breaking out the toolbox for repairs to building an actual fence to making dinner. Your solution is going to depend on your problem. Think strategically.

Seek out new, improved coping mechanisms. Whether you’re looking to resolve feelings that are caused by the spell’s backfire or ones that made you cast in the first place, sometimes, a bit of self-care is the best solution. Consider why you cast the spell in the first place — lack of control, poor self-worth, low confidence? Or was it just because you felt it could help you with a little boost to the work you were already doing? It’s worth thinking about. What mundane safety nets do you have in place?

Let it go. Perhaps the most difficult option: Just letting the bad result be. Moving on from it. Taking the lumps and the lesson, and walking away. Giving up is a skill. It’s not a moral failing to let things go. If fighting will only make things worse, or if you’re tired of trying to fix it, it’s okay to just… let it be a failure.

Conclusions

Again, this is far from comprehensive. The suggestions here are basic ideas to help inspire you to form your own opinions and solutions. It’s smart to consider these things in advance! As my mother always says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

I have plans to expand the idea of “When Witching Goes Wrong” into a wider series of posts, each focusing on a very specific problem, spell type, or solution (like a post just about ways to undo a spell, for example). Those are likely to include true stories about things I’ve personally fucked up… which are always the best witchy stories, in my opinion. Lol.

If you're interested in more WWGW entries, check out the masterpost.

Anyhow! If you got something out of this post or my other work, consider tossing a couple dollars in my tip jar. Support goes toward bills and keeping our household fed and healthy, so it’s very much appreciated. Supporters got to see this post a full week early!

If there’s a particular subject you want to see covered, feel free to send me an ask or leave a comment on this post (or any of the posts in the series!). As long as it’s something I actually have experience with, I’m happy to cover just about anything.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Agroecology can delay effects of climate crisis on Brazilian crops

Excessive heat is impacting soybean, corn, and rice crops in southern Brazil, as well as coffee and fruit plantations in the southeast. Each year, climate change poses a growing threat to food production.

According to climatologist Francis Lacerda, a researcher at the Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco, agroecology strategies can help slow these effects and mitigate the risk of food insecurity—at least for now. “There are practices that can still reduce these impacts. I say ‘still’ because soon, they may no longer be effective,” warns the expert.

The first step is reforestation. “A common practice in agroecology is intercropping. You plant a fruit tree alongside legumes, beans, or corn—everything together. These plants interact in ways that benefit each other. Some have deep taproots that access water underground, while others do not. Plants that struggle with intense radiation thrive when grown alongside larger trees that provide shade. We need to reforest and implement this agroforestry system,” explains the expert.

She adds that crop diversification enhances soil fertility and protection while reducing the risk of pests and diseases. “This approach helps eliminate the need for pesticides and provides farmers with both environmental and financial benefits, including lower production costs and a more diverse harvest, which reduces economic risks associated with extreme weather conditions,” Lacerda states.

Continue reading.

[howlsofbloodhounds]

So I was doing some looking around and researching into possible real life equivalents for Color’s physical condition, such as his fragility to the point of possible death if he overexerts his abilities.

Color’s condition—which is characterized by physical fragility, fatigue, and the potential for severe physical deterioration—has similarities to several real-life conditions that affect energy levels, muscle strength, and overall physical integrity such as:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)

Symptoms: Extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, muscle and joint pain, cognitive difficulties, and post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion).

Like Color, individuals with CFS/ME have limited energy reserves and can experience significant physical and cognitive fatigue from overexertion. They need to carefully manage their activity levels to avoid severe consequences.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease)

Symptoms: Fragile bones that break easily, muscle weakness, and fatigue.

The physical fragility and risk of cracking or breaking with exertion in Color's body can be likened to the bone fragility in individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta. Managing physical stress and avoiding overexertion is crucial.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Symptoms: Hypermobile joints, skin that bruises easily, chronic pain, and fatigue.

The combination of fragility, easy bruising or tearing (cracking in Color’s case), and chronic fatigue can parallel the experiences of those with EDS, where physical stress can lead to significant issues.

Like individuals with CFS/ME, Color would need to pace his activities, taking frequent breaks and avoiding overexertion to prevent severe fatigue and physical damage. He might need to prioritize his activities, focusing on essential tasks and avoiding unnecessary exertion.

Similar to those with brittle bone disease, Color would need to avoid situations that could physically stress his body and lead to cracking or dusting.

He might use supportive devices or strategies to minimize physical strain, such as ergonomic tools for photography or mobility aids for traveling.

Techniques to manage chronic pain and discomfort, which could include medication, physical therapy, or other interventions. Ensuring adequate nutrition to support his body’s needs and potentially mitigate some of the fatigue and physical issues.

Developing coping mechanisms to handle the emotional stress of his physical condition, possibly through therapy or support groups. Relying on friends like Killer, Epic, Delta, and Beta for emotional support and understanding during difficult times.

Some supportive devices or strategies Color might make use of at his leisure, particularly with matters such as traveling and hiking, he could use things like orthopedic supports, mobility aids, things for pain management, adaptive equipment, assistive technology and more.

He could use braces and splints to support unstable joints and prevent injuries, and/or compression garments to help with joint stability and reduce pain.

Mobility aids such as walking poles or trekking poles to provide stability and reduce impact on joints during hiking. (His walking poles are definitely covered in stickers and drawings from all his friends.)

He could use portable heat and cold packs to help manage pain and inflammation as well as portable massager to relieve muscle tension and pain.

Adaptive equipment such as ergonomic backpacks designed to reduce strain and distribute weight evenly. Adjustable hiking sticks for customization based on height and terrain.

Voice-Activated apps and devices for navigation and reducing the need for physical interaction with devices. Smartphone apps for tracking symptoms, medication, and managing energy levels.

Stress- relief tools like stress balls, fidget toys, or calming apps to help manage PTSD symptoms or overstimulation.

Personal comfort items or sensory aids that provide emotional support during travel or hiking, such as all the evidence and trinkets of his loved ones back home or spiritual/religious items or symbols. Techniques and tools for managing fatigue, like scheduled rest breaks and planning shorter, manageable hikes.

Travel planning apps to help with organizing trips, finding accessible accommodations, and managing health needs.

(And of course this isn’t supposed to be me diagnosing color with anything, or saying what he does or doesn’t have. Mostly just to take some things this character experiences and link it to some real life equivalents, that could potentially help better understand him and what he deals with.)

[materialsscienceandengineering]

A potential new route to super-efficient carbon dioxide reduction: Catalyst offers 800-fold boost

One of the most promising strategies being investigated to mitigate emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2)—a byproduct of electricity and heat production, transportation, and other industries—is the process of electrochemical reduction. In this approach, electrical energy is used to convert recaptured CO2 into useable products and fuels, such as methanol and ethanol. But a challenge has been finding a catalyst that is efficient and fast enough to be practically used. Motivated by this goal, a group of researchers led by scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified an approach that can improve the speed of catalysis by a factor of 800. The work, a collaboration between Brookhaven, Yale University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is published in the August 27, 2024 online edition of the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Read more.

[usernyoom]

F1 tyres for rookies! Everything you need to know (and probably more)

Responding to @powerful-owl's call for primers with all of the knowledge I have gathered about TYRES in F1! This is hopefully super in-depth so you know what's going on all through the weekend!!

What are tyre compounds?

Pirelli's range of tyres has 5 different compounds, ranging from C1 - C5. Each weekend, Pirelli chooses 3 compounds from this range suited to the conditions of the track that weekend. These three compounds make up the 3 types used during the weekend - soft, medium, and hards.

Each tyre used in a weekend has different qualities:

Softs - softest compound. It has the most grip, but because of this heats up faster. This leads to degradation so the tyres wear more quickly and then need to be replaced earlier. Good for speed and often used in starts when a team wants a quick position gain. Qualifying is the soft tyre's natural habitat

Mediums - considered to be the allrounder. Less grip than the softs but longer lasting. Often used during the middle of the race as an intervening compound during a two-stop strategy, or as the tyre used in a long initial stint when a driver is on a one-stop strategy.

Hards - hardest compound. The least grip, but the longest lasting. Least likely to grain. Takes a lot of work to get the tyre up to the heat needed for suitable grip, so cool tracks like Spa, Zandvoort and Las Vegas can make these tyres disadvantageous. Also often used as a second tyre during a two-stop strategy

Pirelli also provide tyres with extreme grip to be used during rain. These tyres are designed to grip even when wet, but are also engineered to throw water up from the track to help dry it out quickly. There are two types:

Intermediates - more grip. Designed for use during light to intermediate rain

Wets - full wet tyres designed for use during downpours. Commonly sighted in Spa

Wait - if intermediate and wet tyres have more grip, why don't we use them during dry conditions?

The intermediate and wet tyres are designed to have enough grip that the cars can maintain speed even when the track has water on it. This amount of grip means that without water on the track to cool the tyre and mitigate the extra grip, the tyres overheat much more than they can handle. This can lead to severe graining, or the tyre beginning to fall apart (not good!)

What are slicks? Are they a secret third wet tyre?

Teams and commentators often refer to 'slicks' during wet conditions. These are just slick tyres - the usual compounds during a weekend but a bit wet. Teams often prefer to use these to intermediates or wets when it begins to rain, as switching to intermediates too early can be dangerous for a driver's position - if they overjudge the intensity or length of the rain, the driver will have to pit again for the usual compound, and their competitors may not have to. Some drivers have incredible instincts when it comes to these decisions - Fernando Alonso has made amazing judgement calls this season!

Why do Pirelli select 3 compounds from the range for each race? Can't we use the same 3 each time?

Lots of factors affect the way tyres heat up and degrade! Here's a list:

The general grip of the track - some tracks have loads of grip, so the tyres heat up quickly because of friction. This means they require less work, but can also degrade much more quickly - often, the harder compounds from the range are used for these tracks

Track temperature - the ambient temperature (air temperature) at a track can affect the track temperature. In warmer countries, we often see track temperatures at 40 - 50 degrees centigrade. This means the tyres warm up quickly, so they have loads of grip here too! However, in other places, the track temperature is super low, so it takes a lot of work to get tyres up to temperature

Configuration of the track - tracks have different combinations of straights, high speed corners and low speed corners, as well as different amounts of left and right turns. These factors can all put pressure on different parts of the tyre, so they'll degrade differently at different tracks

Support races - lower formulas like F2 often follow the F1 calendar. They have their feature races and practice sessions before the F1 drivers. They can help to rubber in the track, and clean up areas outside the racing line - dirt often accumulates on areas on the track that are not commonly used. This can affect grip and cause drivers to spin out when they stray into them!

How often the track is used - some tracks like COTA have several different types of motorsport use them, such as Moto GP. This means the track is much cleaner than other tracks used exclusively by the formulas etc.

To make things safe for the drivers, we need a wider range of compounds to account for all these conditions. Pirelli do analysis before the race weekend to pick which 3 compounds to use, accounting for these factors

What does it mean to 'get tyres up to temperature'?

Each tyre compound has different temperatures that they perform optimally at. To get the tyres up to this temperature, the heat provided by the friction of tyre against track is needed. At the right heat, the tyre performs at its best! This explains:

Why drivers weave during the formation lap/safety cars - weaving increases friction between the tyre and the track to heat them up faster. This gets them to/keeps them at a good temperature when the race gets going!

Why we have tyre blankets - you can often see mechanics on the grid warming tyres with heated blankets! The FIA regulations allow the heating up tyres up to 70 degrees centigrade for up to two hours before the tyres are used. This can be done for tyres used during pitstops in the race too! The FIA will likely disallow the use of tyre blankets in the 2024 season

What's a flat spot?

When drivers have a lock-up (the brakes cause too much friction and stop the tyres turning completely) the same spot on the tyre rubs against the track for an extended period of time. This is what produces the smoke you see. This causes a literal flat spot on the circumference of the tyre, which often causes bumps and is sometimes uncomfortable for the driver. Flat spots make lock-ups with that set of tyres more likely, which can make the flat spot worse over time. Teams often try to pit and change tyres with flat-spots to avoid this

Why do commentators say things like: "he has three sets left for the race"?

Each driver has a number of tyres of different compounds allocated to them for the weekend. These amount to 13 sets overall:

Softs: 8 sets

Mediums: 3 sets

Hards: 2 sets

Additionally; Intermediates: 4 sets

Wets: 3 sets

After each free practice sessions, teams are required to return two sets of tyres per driver back to Pirelli. This means all 20 drivers have only 7 sets available to them during qualifying. Additionally, the top 10 qualifiers (P10 - P1) have to hand back an additional set to Pirelli after qualifying. This means the back 10 drivers (P20 - P11) could have an extra advantage over the front runners. This means strategy for tyres during the rest of the weekend is important - teams don't only have the race to consider!

Sometimes this means drivers will use 'used' tyres during qualifying or the race. This just refers to tyres that have been used during previous sessions and haven't been returned to Pirelli. On some tracks, a tyre that has had a heat cycle run through before its second use is better than a fresh tyre! However, most of the time, it means the tyre has less grip than a new set of the same compound

If teams have all of this information, why do we need so much testing in free practice?

Although lots of analysis can be done before the weekend, conditions can be unpredictable and therefore its important to get all of the testing done in low-pressure sessions like free practice so the teams know what to expect during the race.

Different cars also affect how the tyres degrade! This season, the Ferraris and Haas are particularly notorious for gobbling up their tyres. This just means that the way their car is designed/set-up just applies more friction to the tyres than other cars, which affects degradation.

Ferrari have also found their tyres to particularly unpredictable this season. Charles Leclerc has said several times that he can't predict what each tyre is going to do in each corner. This is obviously problematic, so free practice sessions are important in helping drivers to become familiar with the way different tyres act with their car for this season at different tracks

I hope that helped! Send me asks if you have anymore questions :)

[lastimeexteriors-omaha]

Can Residential Metal Roofing Reduce Ice Build-Up?

Have you ever experienced the frustration of ice dams forming on your roof during winter? These pesky formations can cause significant damage to your home, leading to leaks and structural issues. If you’re looking for a solution that enhances your home’s appearance and helps manage ice build-up, you might want to consider residential metal roofing. In this article, we’ll explore how metal roofs can help reduce ice build-up and provide you with essential tips for effective winterization.

Understanding Ice Dams and Their Impact

Before discussing the advantages of residential metal roofing, let’s examine ice dams. Ice dams occur when heat escapes a home and melts snow on the roof. The melted water flows down to the eaves, where it refreezes, creating a dam of ice. This can lead to water backing up under the shingles, potentially causing leaks and damage to the home's interior.

Why is this a problem? Ice dams can lead to significant water intrusion, affecting insulation, electrical systems, and even the structural integrity of your home. That’s why finding effective solutions to mitigate ice build-up is essential.

Residential Metal Roofing: A Solution for Ice Dams

The Temperature Regulation Benefit

One of the most significant advantages of residential metal roofing is its ability to regulate temperature effectively. When installed correctly, metal roofs can help maintain a consistent temperature between the attic and the outdoor air. This reduced temperature fluctuation minimizes condensation build-up in the attic, a common issue contributing to the formation of ice dams.

Additionally, metal roofs tend to reflect more sunlight, which can keep your roof cooler in the summer. This reflective quality can also help maintain a more stable temperature in the winter, reducing the chances of snow melting and refreezing at the eaves.

The Insulation Factor

Proper insulation in your attic is vital in preventing ice dams, and residential metal roofing can enhance this. A well-insulated attic will keep heat from escaping, reducing the risk of snow melting on the roof. While metal roofs do not provide insulation, they work harmoniously with insulation systems to keep your home warm and energy-efficient.

Snow Retention Properties

Unlike traditional roofing materials, metal roofs have snow-retention properties. This means snow stays on the roof longer, providing an additional insulation layer. By keeping snow on your roof, you can prevent the thaw-and-freeze cycle that creates ice dams.

Tips for Maximizing Ice Dam Prevention with Residential Metal Roofing

While residential metal roofing has many benefits in reducing ice build-up, there are additional strategies you can implement to maximize its effectiveness:

1. Install an Ice and Water Shield

Consider installing an ice and water shield membrane along the eaves of your roof. This premium layer of protection can help prevent water from infiltrating your home in case ice damming does occur. Many building codes require this in areas prone to ice dams, and it’s a worthwhile investment.

2. Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation

Good attic ventilation is crucial to maintaining a consistent temperature and reducing condensation. Ensure your attic is well-ventilated to allow for proper airflow. This will help keep the roof temperature low and minimize the risk of ice formation.

3. Enhance Attic Insulation

Evaluate your attic insulation to ensure it meets recommended R-values for your climate. Proper insulation will help keep warm air from escaping into the attic, reducing the likelihood of ice dams forming.

4. Consider Snow Guards

If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, installing snow guards on your residential metal roofing can help manage snow accumulation. These systems prevent snow from sliding off the roof all at once, which can be both a safety hazard and a contributor to ice dam formation.

5. Regular Roof Maintenance

Routine maintenance is essential for any roofing system. Inspect your metal roof regularly for potential issues, such as loose seams or rus, that could affect its performance in winter weather. Keeping your roof in good condition will help it function optimally.

Myths About Residential Metal Roofing and Ice Dams

Myth 1: Metal Roofs Completely Eliminate Ice Dams

While residential metal roofing significantly reduces the likelihood of ice dams forming, it doesn’t eliminate the risk. Extreme weather conditions and inadequate insulation can still lead to ice build-up. Combinings are essential to combine metal roofing with other essential r preventive measures.

Myth 2: Metal Roofs Are Noisy in Winter

Many worry that metal roofs will be noisy when snow or ice slides off during winter. However, modern metal roofing systems are designed to be quieter than older models. Proper installation and insulation can further reduce noise levels.

Myth 3: Metal Roofs Are Only Suitable for Certain Climates

Residential metal roofing is versatile and can perform well in various climates, including snowy regions. Proper design and installation allow metal roofs to withstand the harshest winter conditions while providing energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

If you’re tired of dealing with ice dams and the damage they can cause, residential metal roofing may be the solution you’re looking for. With its temperature-regulating properties, snow retention capabilities, and overall durability, metal roofing can help reduce ice build-up and protect your home during winter.

While metal roofing offers numerous advantages, it must be combined with proper insulation, ventilation, and additional protective measures to maximize its effectiveness against ice dams.

Ready to explore the benefits of residential metal roofing for your home? Visit Lastime Exteriors today to learn more about our energy-efficient roofing solutions and how we can help you keep your home safe and stylish during the winter months. Don't let ice dams take away your peace of mind—invest in the right roofing solution today!

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

Organic farmers and environmental groups sued the Agriculture Department on Monday over its scrubbing of references to climate change from its website.

The department had ordered staff to take down pages focused on climate change on Jan. 30, according to the suit, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Within hours, it said, information started disappearing.

That included websites containing data sets, interactive tools and funding information that farmers and researchers relied on for planning and adaptation projects, according to the lawsuit.

At the same time, the department also froze funding that had been promised to businesses and nonprofits through conservation and climate programs. The purge then “removed critical information about these programs from the public record, denying farmers access to resources they need to advocate for funds they are owed,” it said.

The Agriculture Department referred questions about the lawsuit to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The suit was filed by lawyers from Earthjustice, based in San Francisco, and the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, on behalf of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, based in Binghamton; the Natural Resources Defense Council, based in New York; and the Environmental Working Group, based in Washington. The latter two groups relied on the department website for their research and advocacy, the lawsuit said.

Peter Lehner, a lawyer for Earthjustice, said the pages being purged were crucial for farmers facing risks linked to climate change, including heat waves, droughts, floods, extreme weather and wildfires. The websites had contained information about how to mitigate dangers and adopt new agricultural techniques and strategies. Long-term weather data and trends are valuable in the agriculture industry for planning, research and business strategy.

“You can purge a website of the words climate change, but that doesn’t mean climate change goes away,” Mr. Lehner said.

The sites under the department’s umbrella include those of the Forest Service, which is responsible for stewardship of forests and grasslands; the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which helps landowners implement conservation practices; and those of other divisions focused on farms and ranches, disaster recovery and rural development.

The directive to delete the pages came by email from Peter Rhee, the department’s director of digital communications, according to the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs allege the actions violated three federal laws and were “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.” They asked the court to compel the agency to restore the pages and to block it from deleting any others.

Wes Gillingham, president of the board of Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, said that farmers were just heading into planning for the summer growing season. He said taking information down because of a “political agenda about climate change” was senseless.

[axescryinwater]

in recognition of the ongoing environmental challenges, i would like to talk about the keeling curve. which serves as a reminder of how human activity has shaped the planet's atmosphere. this graph tracks the rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide (co₂) concentrations from 1958 to today, based on measurements taken at the mauna loa observatory in hawaii. charles david keeling began collecting this data in 1958, and it remains the longest continuous record of atmospheric co₂. keeling's measurements revealed a clear upward trend in co₂, increasing from about 313 parts per million (ppm) in 1958 to over 400 ppm by 2013. this rise is largely due to human activities, mainly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. the curve also shows seasonal fluctuations, with co₂ levels higher in winter due to reduced photosynthesis and lower in summer as plants absorb more co₂. the keeling curve has played a crucial role in demonstrating the link between human activity and climate change, providing solid evidence of the effect of fossil fuel emissions on the earth's atmosphere. it remains a key symbol in the scientific effort to understand and address global warming, reminding us that the actions we take today will directly shape the climate of tomorrow. without recognition of this data, the global response to climate change would likely have been much slower.

also, one of the most significant factors driving the acceleration of climate change is the albedo effect. which refers to how much sunlight is reflected by a surface, with darker surfaces absorbing more sunlight and lighter surfaces reflecting it. this effect plays a crucial role in the earth's climate system, particularly in how energy is absorbed or reflected by the planet's surface. when it comes to ice and snow, they have a high albedo, meaning they reflect a significant portion of the sunlight that hits them, helping to keep the planet cool. however, as global temperatures rise due to climate change, ice sheets and glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate, especially in polar regions. this melting exposes darker surfaces, like ocean water or bare ground, which have a much lower albedo compared to ice. these surfaces absorb more heat from the sun, which in turn accelerates warming in a feedback loop. as more ice melts, more dark surfaces are exposed, leading to further warming, which causes more ice to melt, and so on. this is a prime example of a positive feedback loop in climate change. for instance, the arctic is warming roughly twice as fast as the global average, a phenomenon known as arctic amplification, largely driven by this albedo effect. as sea ice melts, it exposes the darker ocean underneath, which absorbs more heat, warming the region even faster. this has major consequences for global sea levels, as the melting ice contributes to rising ocean levels. additionally, as ice sheets shrink, they reduce the earth's ability to reflect sunlight, further amplifying the effects of global warming. the albedo effect is not limited to the polar regions. as forests, urban areas, and even deserts expand due to human activity, they can also alter the earth’s albedo. for example, deforestation, which replaces lighter snow-covered landscapes or forests with darker surfaces like soil or crops, can exacerbate regional warming. this feedback loop is one of the many reasons why the loss of ice in the arctic and antarctica is such a crucial concern. the albedo effect not only accelerates warming in those regions but also has ripple effects on global weather patterns, ocean currents, and even weather extremes in places far from the poles. i think understanding the albedo effect is essential for predicting future climate change scenarios and for developing strategies to mitigate its impacts.

let this years earth day be a reminder that the health of our planet depends on the choices we make daily. real change comes from consistent effort, not just awareness. let’s act like we have a future to protect.

fix leaks, take shorter showers, choose products made from eco-friendly materials and ethically sourced. make it a habit to flick off the light switch when you leave a room. grow a plant: even a small houseplant helps clean the air! carry a refillable water bottle (and only own ONE reusable bottle). swap bottled products (i've been using bar soap for a few years now!). buy almost everything second-hand (besides underwear, socks, mattress, helmets, and cosmetics). upcycle your old clothes: instead of donating, repurpose them into something new, like a tote bag or pillow covers. stop using paper towels and opt for reusable cloth napkins in the kitchen. choose products with no plastic packaging, make your own cleaners. walk and ride a bike instead of public transportation and cars!!! support local farmers: buy seasonal produce from farmer’s market to reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainable agriculture. and i know you've heard these suggestions millions of times but they can help you make a difference. small changes add up, and every little bit counts .ᐟ

i would also like to add with the passing of pope francis, (rest in peace), that he has been a vocal advocate for addressing climate change, making it a central theme of his papacy. his landmark 2015 encyclical laudato si' was a groundbreaking moment in the intersection of faith and environmental advocacy. in it, pope francis called for urgent action to combat the climate crisis, highlighting the moral and ethical implications of environmental degradation. he framed climate change not only as a scientific issue but also as a deeply spiritual and social issue, emphasizing its impact on the most vulnerable populations. in laudato si', pope francis criticized the excessive consumerism and exploitation of natural resources, linking these practices to poverty and inequality. he argued that the destruction of the environment is a consequence of a "throwaway culture" that disregards the dignity of human life. the encyclical urged individuals, communities, and governments to take responsibility for protecting the planet and to recognize the interconnection between all living beings. in 2023, pope francis expanded on these themes in his apostolic exhortation laudate deum, further emphasizing the need for global action on climate change. he referenced laudato si' as a starting point and called for greater collaboration to address the environmental crisis, especially in the context of rising global temperatures and the ongoing loss of biodiversity. laudate deum reaffirmed his belief that the climate crisis is not just an environmental issue, but a moral and spiritual one, requiring a concerted global effort to ensure justice for the poor and the protection of future generations.

(credits to: @gifs-of-puppets @unknown-till @junabuggy)

[transsolar]

Tommaso Bitossi to Join International Experts at Conference in Rome

On July 3rd, LUMSA University and the Bioarchitecture Foundation will host an international conference in Rome titled “Study Day – Technical Seminar – Inauguration Exhibition: Bioclimatic Trees”. The event is dedicated to urban ecology, sustainable design, and passive cooling solutions for cities, aiming to inspire practical, low-impact strategies for climate-resilient urban environments. Organized in collaboration with the Order of Engineers of Rome and the National Order of Journalists, and held under the patronage of the Order of Architects of Rome, the conference will be conducted in both Italian and English. It is designed as a transdisciplinary platform bringing together architecture, engineering, landscape planning, and sustainable resource management—aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda.

The day is structured around two core sessions: Morning: Ingenuity Listening to Needs for Urban Spaces and Sociality Afternoon: Passive Measures to Address Climate Change

Speakers will present real-world examples and best practices using passive and CO₂-free systems to address climate change. The international keynote lineup includes:

Martin Haas – Design Innovation as a Tool for Physical and Mental Well-being

Tommaso Bitossi – Creating Bioclimate with Virtuous, Low-Cost and Durable Passive Systems

Gerhard Hauber – Intelligent Management of Rainwater: Collection and Reuse

Joachim Eble – The Green Project in Urban Settings: From the Whole to the Detail, Designing Well to Live Better

Wittfrida Mitterer – Sustainability as a Guide for Designing the Future

In conjunction with the event, the exhibition “Small Bioclimatic Trees Grow. Wellness in the Square” will be inaugurated. The exhibition showcases research findings and experimental work on cooling Rome’s public spaces using CO₂-free passive systems with zero energy consumption. Featuring nine illustrative panels, it will be on display in the Jubilee Hall from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, until July 14, 2025.

Also being presented is the Bioclimatic Tree project, conceived by architect Martin Haas and promoted by LUMSA University and the Bioarchitecture Foundation in anticipation of the Holy Year 2025. The initiative responds to the urgent need to mitigate urban heat islands with sustainable architectural structures—combining modern design with historical and contextual sensitivity.

The event promises to be a cornerstone in the ongoing dialogue on sustainable urban transformation, offering insight, inspiration, and actionable strategies for greener, healthier cities.

When? 03 July 2025. 9:00 to 17:30. Where? Università LUMSA – Sala Giubileo, Via di Porta Castello 44, Rome

[charles-leclerc-official]

what are your thoughts on our (charles’) odds for singapore?

I think good. I'd say better for Ferrari overall because this is a much better track for Carlos as well so he will be a lot more versatile in terms of strategy. Charles knows how to put it on pole here, so we are for sure going to be competitive.

Now it's going to be another close one with Mclaren.

The factor here can be the heat, which the night race mitigates but doesn't eliminate. So it will be interesting to see what tyre performance looks like.

Should be near or at the front, and as we have seen literally anything can happen. I expect this will also be a tense race and I'll be shocked if there isn't one DNF, which would bring flags into the mix and change the race drastically as well.

Assuming everything goes well I am saying top 3 finish, any of those positions are on the table.

[aobkorea]

DRY SKIN TIPS THAT REALLY WORKS.

Skin can become dry and dehydrated when it loses water too quickly—not unlike our bodies on a scorching summer day or after a grueling cardio workout. When our skin loses that water, it’s called transepidermal weather loss (TEWL). For those of us with dry skin, that means our skin cells have a hard time keeping water in. Add to that environmental aggressors like sun, wind, pollution, polar/cold climates and the skin barrier can also be compromised - making skin drier and more fragile and susceptible to cracking and irritation. A few common characteristics of dry skin include dullness, flakey-ness, tightness, itchiness, redness, and just (sigh) general discomfort. In short, dry skin is no fun. But it is common—and almost everyone will grapple with it at some point.

Some people are genetically predisposed to dryer skin and deal with it even as teenagers, when skin typically overproduces oil. Others battle parched complexions seasonally (particularly in the dry depths of winter) or situationally (e.g. long, hot showers, certain medications and even overly aggressive skincare can all cause excessive moisture loss). And of course, all skin becomes drier as we age, so even if you’ve never considered your skin on the dry side, it will be…eventually.

The good news is dry skin doesn’t have to stay dry. There are lots of simple, easy-to-adopt strategies that will soothe and soften almost instantly. Here are 7 dry skin tips to set you on the path to smoother, more supple skin.

1. Turn On A Humidifier

Dry skin can be caused—or exacerbated—by central heating, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. If you live in a climate that dips below 50 degrees during the winter, you’re likely well aware of this. Turning on a humidifier overnight—or placing a small one near your work space during the day—will consistently mist and hydrate the air, helping to mitigate the moisture-zapping properties of all that exposure to indoor heat.

2. Ease Up On The Steamy Showers

Yes, it does feel so good—especially on a frigid day. But too much time in a long, hot shower or bath can remove natural oils from your skin, as well as disrupt your skin’s protective barrier function (which can cause you to lose moisture even outside the shower). So, as a general rule, try to suds and rinse in less than ten minutes and keep the water temperature closer to warm than hot.

3. Choose A Gentle Cleanser

Using a harsh antibacterial soap, which is designed to remove sweat and oil, will also strip moisture from your skin, leaving it itchy and dry. This result is often worsened in the winter months when skin is most vulnerable. So, try to stick to body and face cleansers that are creamy and moisturizing, like Korean skincare , which effectively removes makeup and impurities, but does it without stripping moisture from the skin or disrupting the skin’s barrier function.

4. Slather On Moisture Asap

Layering on moisturizing serums and creams, immediately after cleansing will help seal water into the skin, as well as support the skin’s barrier function. Same goes for your body: Aim to always apply a hydrating cream right after showering or bathing—and massage in a nourishing hand lotion, Such as Korean skincare every time you wash up. Note: To maximize the hydrating potency of the aforementioned formulas, always blot, rather than rub, with a towel after showering or cleansing. Blotting gets rids of any dripping water but still leaves a light film of moisture for your serums and creams to seal inside the skin.

5. Slough With Care

Slathering on moisturizer is crucial in treating dry skin, but if the buildup of dead skin cells on your face has become nearly impenetrable, those formulas can’t permeate and nourish your skin. So, it’s also imperative that you use a gentle scrub or an exfoliating toner, such as K-Beauty to routinely remove dead surface skin cells. Do this step a few times a week after cleansing, but before moisturizing.

6. Take Cover

In bitter-cold climates, the skin can lose moisture at an accelerated rate—as much as 25 percent more than it does in a moderate climate. So, If your home state’s winter weather can become quite harsh, try to prioritize covering as much skin as possible whenever you head outdoors. Scarves, hats, knee socks and gloves should be considered as essential as shoes.

7. Drink Up

Keeping your skin hydrated starts with quenching your body’s thirst for water. So, try to down the expert-recommended 64 ounces of liquid each day (non-caffeinated beverages like tea or seltzer also count). And feel free to toss back more, if you're still thirsty. Also, try to limit both caffeinated and alcoholic drinks to no more than two per day, as both are diuretics and can accelerate water loss, undoing all the good-skin deeds, above.

Though we commonly discuss dry skin during the colder, drier winter months, it’s actually a year-round problem. The key to curbing your skin’s moisture loss is both making small lifestyle changes, and sticking to a soothing, hydrating skincare regimen.

#womenshealth #lipstick #eyemakeup #vitaminc #hair #shorthair #dermatology #sephora #lashes #makeupinspo #makeuplooks #lipgloss #kbeauty #antiaging #hairstyle #healthyskin #skinhealth #eyeshadow #glowingskin #skintreatment #skin products #koreanskincare #bodycare #curly hair #fashion #beauty #redhair #beautyproducts #beautytips #haircare #beautyproducts #skinfood

[posttexasstressdisorder]

The arc of justice finally bends against Big Oil

Sabrina Haake

April 14, 2024 6:15AM ET

An oil refinery blow off stack is seen, Sept. 16, 2008, in Texas City, Texas. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

This article was paid for by Raw Story subscribers. Not a subscriber? Try us and go ad-free for $1. Prefer to give a one-time tip? Click here.

In an historic ruling that could change the trajectory of a rapidly heating planet, a court of law with binding jurisdiction over most of Europe has ruled that governments can be held liable for inadequate responses to climate change.

The European Court of Human Rights determined that rising temperatures in Switzerland caused direct and tangible health consequences among Swiss citizens, and that governments failing to take adequate steps to mitigate and reduce greenhouse gas emissions could owe damages to people hurt by their inaction.

So what, in practical terms, does this mean for a planet that is literally burning in an increasing number of locations?

Europe could take climate cases in a new direction

The ECHR ruling is unprecedented in several respects, beginning with its reliance on principles of human rights.

The Court ruled that governments failing to do enough to address climate change were violating the European Convention on Human Rights, which holds as its first tenet that, “Everyone’s right to life shall be protected by law.” By failing to meet its own climate goals, the court held, the Swiss government impaired citizens’ fundamental rights to life.

The plaintiffs themselves were also unique. In climate cases pending around the world, including in the United States, the vast majority of plaintiffs are young people worried about how they will survive on a sweltering planet with rapidly disappearing habitats and resources.

ALSO READ: 15 worthless things Trump will give you for your money

The ECHR case, in contrast, was brought by elderly plaintiffs, most of whom were women in their 70s who proved that their age and gender make them particularly vulnerable to health risks linked to climate change. Heatwaves, in particular, can be deadly for the elderly as excessive heat triggers a strained cardiovascular response. Cognizant of their own time limitations, these women sued to benefit the next generation. One plaintiff told the BBC, “We know statistically that in 10 years we will be gone. So whatever we do now, we are not doing for ourselves, but for the sake of our children and our children's children.”

Because there is no avenue for appeal, the ECHR ruling will directly influence energy policy throughout the industrialized economies of Europe. Although it falls to Switzerland to comply with the ruling, its precedent is legally binding on all 46 member states, including Germany, the U.K., France and Italy — all fuel-burning heavy hitters.

Climate challenges in the U.S.

The European Court ruled that Switzerland’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions had been “woefully inadequate.” Although the ruling isn’t binding on U.S. courts, the domestic fossil fuel industry will be directly affected by it, since the U.S. has recently become the biggest supplier of crude oil to the European Union.

ALSO READ: Revealed: What government officials privately shared about Trump not disclosing finances

Climate litigants in the U.S. follow a different strategy. State and local governments are now suing fossil fuel companies and the American Petroleum Institute for damages caused by climate change — astronomical damages that inevitably fall to states, cities and towns that can’t afford to pay for them.

These climate cases name private fossil fuel companies as defendants, seeking to hold responsible various for-profit companies, including BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil and Shell, for increasing carbon dioxide and methane emissions caused by their products.

Big Oil’s campaign of deception

Legal claims and allegations pending in the U.S. focus largely on Big Oil’s deceptive practices. Like the tobacco disinformation cases from the 1990s, these cases allege fraud, nuisance, conspiracy and negligence arising from the industry’s long-standing public disinformation campaigns.

Congress has conducted numerous investigations into Big Oil’s pattern of deception. Despite conclusive evidence that oil executives have long known the causal connection between fossil fuels and climate change, industry executives have consistently lied about it to protect their profits.

Nearly 10 years ago, Democratic members of Congress addressed a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists concluding that “there was a coordinated campaign of deception” on climate science by ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, BP, Shell, Peabody Energy and other members of the fossil fuel industry.

Tanker drivers working for Shell in Grangemouth, Scotland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Big Oil’s targeted acts of deception over a decades-long campaign included “forged letters to Congress,” secret funding of allegedly independent but industry-controlled scientists, creating “fake grassroots organizations” to influence policy, and multiple, ongoing, and in-depth “efforts to deliberately manufacture uncertainty about climate science.”

Evidence of the industry’s deceptive practices could be pivotal in cases brought by state and local governments paying a staggering tab for intensifying storms, flooding, crop-destroying droughts, extreme heat events and, for states and towns on major bodies of water, coastal erosion.

In the meantime, the fossil fuel industry continues to profit outrageously from extracting, distributing and marketing dangerous products known to increase Earth’s already feverish temperature: March was the 10th month in a row to set a new monthly global heat record, both on land and in the oceans, as global reliance on coal — the dirtiest fossil fuel of all — continues to climb.

Landmark climate cases in Montana, Hawaii

The ECHR decision was the first to rule that governments are obligated under human rights laws to address climate change, but it won’t be the last. Cases pending in Montana and Hawaii also allege damages from unmet climate obligations by their respective state governments.

Last August, 16 young plaintiffs scored an unprecedented victory in Montana. They argued that the state violated a state constitutional provision that guarantees Montana citizens a healthy environment, and Judge Kathy Seeley agreed. She ruled that permitting coal, oil and gas production worsened the climate crisis, in violation of the “healthy environment” guarantees found in the Montana constitution.

In result, state regulators issuing permits for fossil fuel developments must now consider the effects of greenhouse gas emissions as part of their overall analysis of whether to grant or deny the permit. After the state appealed the maverick ruling, Montana’s Supreme Court, in a 5-2 decision, denied the governor’s request to block the ruling pending appeal.

In Hawaii, another pending climate case involves 14 youths. Plaintiffs in Hawaii allege that the state’s transportation department, by funding highway projects that increase fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, violated a constitutional duty to protect the environment.

A protestor holds a 'Polluters Pay Up' sign outside the Phillips 66 Los Angeles Refinery Wilmington Plant on Nov. 28, 2022, in Wilmington, Calif. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

After the state challenged plaintiffs’ standing, claiming they could not show particularized harm because climate damages are already “baked in,” the judge ruled that climate damages to plaintiffs “are not hypothetical,” and allowed the case to proceed.

When the state asked Hawaii’s legislators for more than $2 million to hire outside counsel to fight the case, one state legislator told Hawaii Public Radio that instead of “spending the millions of dollars we’re spending on some hotshot law firm,” Hawaii should apply that money toward emissions reductions instead.

The case was scheduled for trial this summer, but in February, the fossil fuel defendants petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court, claiming that federal law precludes damages claims against them.

Take heart, then take action

Climate activists should be uplifted and encouraged by the ECHR decision, particularly as its effects begin to ripple through the fossil fuel industry, industrialized economies and reluctant courts.

It won’t change the prognosis or the immediate future — today’s youth throughout the world will still live through the worst effects of climate destruction, even though they had nothing to do with the policies that caused it.

It’s the same lament heard from emerging economies in Asia and Africa. Struggling countries and coastal populations who had nothing to do with industrialization over the past 150 years are now paying the steepest price through their own rapidly disappearing habitats.

Thousands of school students join protesters in a Climate strike rally on September 20, 2019, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

But one major, outcome-determinative difference between these two rightfully aggrieved populations remains: the right to vote.

As enraging as it is for young Americans to hear oil-financed politicians deny climate change (“Drill baby, drill!”), we could fund the transition to clean energy — including an upgraded, nationwide grid of sufficient capacity — if every young adult simply voted.

Sabrina Haake is a columnist and 25 year litigator specializing in 1st and 14th Amendment defense. Follow her on Substack.

[autistic-clownfish]

Hypermobile and hEDS people! I am looking for your advice - I have joint hypermobility and this winter (Australian) I’ve been having regular joint pain for the first time. It’s always been random prior to this, but this time it’s the weather. Other than heating the house more, what strategies do you have for mitigating against painful joints and for soothing the pain? My hip was giving me a lot of issues the past few days and now one of my toes is very unhappy. My wrists have been bad for a while too. I recently had my 22nd birthday so I’m not really at an age you’d usually be having regular joint pain.

What do you do to soothe and prevent painful joints, especially when it’s cold?

[darkmaga-returns]

Although climate alarmists love to blame fossil fuels for the recent growth in methane emissions seen around the world, a new and very thorough study shows that microbes are the real culprit.

Methane is a very potent greenhouse gas that has made up around one third of the earth's warming since the time of industrialization. The atmosphere may not contain as much methane as it does carbon dioxide, but the key thing to note is that methane can trap around 30 times more heat than CO2 does across a century.

With the concentrations of methane in the air nearly tripling since the 1700s, this is a topic of great interest to climate scientists.

The research was carried out by scientists from University of Colorado Boulder, who analyzed air samples collected by Boulder’s Global Monitoring Laboratory at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from 22 sites around the world roughly every one to two weeks. By isolating different components of the collected air, including methane and carbon dioxide, they can use the carbon isotopes in each sample to identify its source.

NOAA reported the biggest jump in methane in 2020 since it started collecting this data in 1983, and the trend continued in 2021. Study lead author Sylvia Michel also noticed that the carbon-13 isotope in these samples has been dropping over 17 years, so she sought to identify the cause.

“Understanding where the methane is coming from helps us guide effective mitigation strategies. We need to know more about those emissions to understand what kind of climate future to expect,” Michel noted.

Her team modeled various emissions scenarios to find out which one would create the type of isotopic signature that actually took place, and they found that the dramatic rise in atmospheric methane recorded between 2020 and 2022 was actually the result of microbial sources. In fact, microbes have been playing a growing role in methane emissions since 2007; by 2020, they were making up an incredible 90% of these emissions.