Category: Uncategorized

Watch CBS News
By Li Cohen
March 27, 2024 / 11:43 AM EDT / CBS News
Your favorite wines may soon cease to exist. Some of the world’s traditional wine regions, from Europe to Southern California, are at risk of almost completely disappearing within decades, researchers found, as the conditions necessary to produce their grapes grow more unfruitful due to climate change. 
As humans continue to burn fossil fuels, the planet is getting warmer. And those increasing temperatures — which impact everything from the water cycle to locations where people can safely live — are fueling more extreme weather. In a new literature review published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment on Tuesday, scientists found that climate change’s impact in the coastal and lowland regions of Spain, Italy, Greece and Southern California — all home to some of the world’s most traditional wine producers — is significant. 
By the end of the century — just 76 years — they found roughly 90% of these specific regions “could be at risk of disappearing.” Specifically, they found that excessive drought and more frequent heat waves fueled by climate change are responsible for the threat. An area’s temperature, precipitation, humidity, radiation and carbon dioxide levels are also vital components of wine production, and are all altered by climate change. 
Overall, the study says, “We estimate a substantial risk of unsuitability (ranging from moderate to high) for 49-70% of existing wine regions, contingent on the degree of global warming.”
Southern California, for example, has a moderate risk of being unsuitable for producing wine with 2 degrees Celsius of global warming, compared to pre-industrial levels. if average temperatures rise between 2 and 4 degrees, however, the region faces a “high risk of unsuitability.” This could pose a major problem for the U.S. West Coast, which produces most of the wine in North America and 10% of the global supply. 
“Overall, the net suitable ara for wine production in California could decline by up to 50% by the end of the 21st century,” researchers said. “Similar risks exist for Mexico, the southwestern United States and those regions of the east coast south of New Jersey.” 
That shift is seen across much of southern Europe as well. 
But all hope isn’t lost for wine itself. The rising temperatures may make other regions more suitable for growing the grapes, such as Washington State, Oregon, Tasmania and Northern France. That suitability, however, will “strongly” depend on how much temperatures rise, the researchers say, and there may be risks to environmental preservation. And even though it could bring a new form of economic growth to those areas, people will still be facing extreme weather and its costly impacts. 
A changing climate also brings the risk of areas experiencing new pathogens and insects that can impact agriculture and overall environmental and human health. Drier conditions would make some grapevine issues, like downy mildew, less likely, but when it does happen, the outbreak would likely occur earlier and spread faster, the study found.
As with all elements of climate change, adaptation is “mandatory,” researchers said. Wine producers will need to consider grape varieties that are better suited for their changing regions and harvest times. It’s not just essential for global supply, but for overall wine quality. 
For example, climate factors affect the levels of pH, alcohol content and acidity, researchers found. While the alcohol and pH levels are increasing in wines, the acidity levels are decreasing, which makes the microbiology within the beverage more unstable. That can lead to “increased risk of microbiological spoilage,” researchers said, and lead to an “overripe and/or cooked fruit aroma.” 
Scientists have warned that current global efforts to slow global warming are not enough. Last year was the warmest on record, and the beginning of 2024 has already seen record-breaking heat as well as weather extremes ranging from unusually large blizzards to out-of-season warmth. 
Already, global temperatures are 1.35 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial average overall. And the world just recently surpassed for the first time 12 consecutive months where the global average was 2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial average — a fact that doesn’t mean we’ve permanently crossed the critical 2-degree Celsius threshold that experts warn could have disastrous implications, but means we are well on the way there. 
“One thing is certain,” researchers say in the end of their analysis, “climate change will drive major changes in global wine production in the near future. Having the flexibility to adapt to these changes will be essential.” 
Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.
First published on March 27, 2024 / 11:43 AM EDT
© 2024 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright ©2024 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.

source

Natural resources-environmental sustainability-socio-economic drivers nexus: Insights from panel quantile regression …  ScienceDirect.com
source

Verdigris Ensemble has been using its music to raise awareness about environmental justice and for the final concert of its seventh season, the Dallas-based choral ensemble is turning its focus on home. Mis-Lead is a 60-minute multi-media musical work about the residents of West Dallas who have suffered chronic diseases and death due to abnormally high levels of lead from local industry for several decades. Verdigris Ensemble will present Mis-Lead at Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas April 5-7.
The development of the piece began in 2020 when Sam Brukhman, Verdigris Ensemble’s artistic director, met Keri Mitchell, the executive director of Dallas Free Press. While she was working on a story about the Verdigris Ensemble, Brukhman discovered her passion for Dallas history and proposed this project.
“Verdigris’ mission is to transform the world through immersive storytelling and with West Dallas, we are doing just that. Every city has a mixed history that provides context into its character. The good and bad about a city builds characteristic elements amongst its residents. I would argue that West Dallas is one of the most representative communities of the city, particularly in terms of resilience, courage, bravery, and never backing down. In my opinion, on a human level, we must tell these stories to everyone because people not only need to know the history of this area but also their people. Hopefully, it will spark people into action,” Brukhman said.
Brukhman commissioned Kirsten Soriano to compose the music.
“I am not from the Dallas area originally; I am from Minnesota where the first house I remember living in was a log home my father built himself in a pristine forest. As a result, I developed a deep connection to nature from an early age. I have now lived in the DFW area for the past eleven years and while here, learning that children in West Dallas were growing up playing in yards contaminated by lead and breathing unsafe air deeply saddened me. It impacted me to the extent that I wanted to be a part of this project,” Soriano said.
“Not being originally from the region, I felt that this was not my story to tell. I wanted to hear this story from West Dallas residents themselves, so I contacted a documentary film director, Michael Flanagan, with whom I have collaborated before on the feature film, Breaking the Code, to see if he would film interviews with residents of West Dallas who had been impacted by heavy industry, in some cases, for generations. In the Mis-Lead production, the audience will have the opportunity to hear from inspirational heroes such as Luis Sepulveda, who has dedicated his life to the West Dallas community through activism, advocacy, and community outreach, and Janie Cisneros, who is the leader of the West Dallas community group Singleton United/Unidos. The narrative for the production is largely chronological and the narrative and texts that the choir sings come from a wide range of sources including lyrics that were inspired by Luis Sepulveda’s testimony in Washington D.C., articles, dissertations, air sensor readings, interviews with people in the film, and poetry that I found with similar themes and concepts that help provide context and expression to the narrative.”

Flanagan was intrigued about the concept of Mis-Lead.
“The story of environmental justice in Dallas is powerful and resonates more broadly as an issue that people around the world can relate to. The proactive examples of activists like Luis Sepulveda serve as an inspiration and reminder that perseverance does in fact yield results even when you are up against daunting odds. Verdigris Ensemble is tackling these issues in a uniquely creative way that incorporates a variety of technologies while involving the local community,” Flanagan said.
Flanagan’s process of creating the film aspect of Mis-Lead started much like his previous projects but resulted in being part of a unique team effort.
“The process consists of immersing myself in a subject through research and beginning to make connections with individuals in the community. The Dallas Free Press has done a lot of great work writing about the history of environmental issues in Dallas and these writings were a particularly valuable resource. The research component of working on this film is very similar to the work that went into Breaking the Code. The most significant difference is that I am collaborating with Kirsten on the narrative and guided by the fact that the film is only one part of a live multi-media performance,” Flanagan said. 
Musically, Soriano focused on the community’s determination.
“The conceptual themes for Mis-Lead are about enduring hardships, facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, resilience, advocacy, and ultimately coming together as a community to solve problems. There are musical motives and themes associated with these ideas that are presented and return later in the production but are transformed and ultimately transcend by the end of the show,” Soriano said.
The spirit of the West Dallas community inspires Brukhman, Flanagan and Soriano.
“West Dallas has had one of the most toxic environments in the United States which has largely not been publicized. It took many decades to even acknowledge that there was a problem in that area. The citizens in that area have displayed an inordinate amount of perseverance and resilience amidst literally having poisonous lead in their bodies. Additionally, families in that area have to check air quality every day to make sure whether they need to wear masks or not. This is eerily similar to our storytelling of Dust Bowl,” Brukhman said.
“I was struck by the fact that West Dallas residents are dealing with a history that spans more than a century in their struggle for environmental justice. The fact that blatantly racist decisions regarding zoning and city planning made by individuals decades ago continue to affect present-day communities in clearly tangible ways is especially concerning. It’s one thing to read about these issues, but they really struck a chord when I visited the Singleton neighborhood and realized just how close in proximity it is to the GAF shingle manufacturing plant,” Flanagan said.
“I feel incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with West Dallas residents on this production and found so much passion, dedication, commitment, and good-will with the people we collaborated with on this project,” Soriano said.
Through music, people can connect to a darker chapter of Dallas’s history and start a conversation.
“Music, by design, is a medium that allows for a meditative and deep space, much deeper than just speaking about an issue. The inherent spirituality of the poetry we are using, both by Octavio Paz and Maya Angelou, lend themselves to be interpreted with deeper meaning when combined with music. Music can both serve as relief but also as a reflection space, and using these two major emotional pillars, it allows the story to hit deeper into the heart. Our goal is not political, it is human. No one can argue with the human experience because it transcends the political left and right, the democrat and republican,” Brukhman said. 
Learn more: Verdigris Ensemble

source

India is terribly unprepared for the next climate disaster  Deccan Herald
source

Apr 1, 2024, 7:58 AM
Vanderbilt University will harness its global expertise in scientific discovery, technological innovation, public policy, law and education to launch the Vanderbilt Center for Sustainability, Energy and Climate (VSEC).
The multimillion-dollar investment follows a recommendation by an interdisciplinary working group to address the crucial societal challenge of ensuring a sustainable world. It is the latest center to be launched through Discovery Vanderbilt, an initiative of the Office of the Provost and one of three pathways in the university’s Dare to Grow campaign to support and extend the resources underpinning Vanderbilt’s most innovative research and education.
Previously announced centers include the Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator, and the Vanderbilt Center for Research on Inequality and Health.
“One of the defining hallmarks of Vanderbilt is our spirit of ‘radical collaboration’ where researchers across a wide range of disciplines join together with local and global partners to tackle some the most urgent issues of our time,” Provost C. Cybele Raver. “VSEC exemplifies this spirit, where this group of brilliant faculty members are taking on and solving complex and pressing challenges for climate, energy, and sustainability. It makes me so proud to see Vanderbilt so powerfully positioned to make tremendous contributions in these areas.”
Raver added that the university is embarking on a global search for an accomplished researcher and administrative leader to direct the center.
VSEC’s primary mission will focus on advancing multidisciplinary research that includes partnerships with communities, government, industry, national laboratories and other research universities. The center will also engage Vanderbilt’s world-class engineering, science, law, policy and education expertise to investigate areas such as:
“Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering is the ideal setting for this forward-thinking cross-disciplinary center,” said Hiba Baroud, who co-led the strategic planning committee that recommended the creation of VSEC and who is serving as its interim director, said the center is unique because it tackles complex challenges that require advances in basic science as well as broad interdisciplinary applied research.
“We are taking a holistic approach to achieve sustainable development by examining how different aspects of climate change mitigation and adaptation affect each other,” said Baroud, who is the A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation Faculty Fellow and Associate Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering. “We envision the center doing this not just in terms of making advances in different focus areas, but by pairing scientific discoveries and transformative technologies with implementation and policy adoption.”
Jonathan Gilligan, who was vice chair of the strategic planning committee and is director of the Vanderbilt Climate and Society Grand Challenge Initiative, said it is imperative for VSEC to view sustainability solutions through a wide lens, engaging all the schools and disciplines of the university on equal footing, as well as connecting with community, industry, and government partners.
“VSEC’s success will be measured by how deeply it engages the expertise of the entire university, including engineering, natural and social sciences, humanities, and professional disciplines such as law, management, and healthcare,” said Gilligan, professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences whose work explores the intersection of the natural sciences, social sciences, engineering, and public policy. “Its success will not be measured solely by the number of academic papers published or the amount of grant money it attracts, but on its ability to draw upon Vanderbilt’s distinctive strengths in trans-institutional and trans-disciplinary collaboration in order to advance the frontiers of transdisciplinary research on sustainability, to provide students with a world-class holistic education on climate change and environmental sustainability, and to apply the results of its research to delivering tangible benefits to society.”
Already, the center’s strategic planning committee has identified opportunities to perform rigorous testing of novel concepts and technologies by leveraging existing testbeds at Vanderbilt and developing new ones that address sustainable transportation, materials science, microgrid energy development and biomanufacturing.
The university seeks to hire a permanent director. Interested candidates should contact hiba.baroud@vanderbilt.edu.
Nashville, Tennessee 37240
615-322-7311 • Contact Us
Vanderbilt University’s Online Privacy Notice
Vanderbilt University is committed to the principle of equal opportunity. Vanderbilt University does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of their race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, or genetic information in its administration of educational policies, programs, or activities; admissions policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic or other University-administered programs; or employment. Accessibility information. Vanderbilt®, Vanderbilt University® and the Vanderbilt logos are trademarks of The Vanderbilt University. Site Development: Digital Strategies (Communications and Marketing.) © 2024

source

Advertisement
Newsletter
Ambitious projects are trying to engineer the atmosphere.
By David Gelles
Lead author of the Climate Forward newsletter.
Infusing clouds with sulfur dioxide to block the sun. Vacuuming carbon dioxide out of thin air. Adding iron to the ocean to draw greenhouse gases down to the sea floor. As recently as a few years ago, technologies designed to change Earth’s atmosphere — what is broadly known as geoengineering — were considered too impractical, too expensive and too outlandish to be taken seriously.
But, as I write in a new article, some of these technologies are being deployed. One is already in place.
The effects of climate change are becoming worse. And nations aren’t meeting their collective goal of slashing greenhouse gas emissions. The stakes are very real: Last year was the hottest in modern history. Oceans around the world are shockingly warm. Floods, fires and droughts are growing more intense.
So investors and entrepreneurs are trying — sometimes unilaterally — to fix that. In today’s newsletter, I’ll explain some of those efforts.
Many scientists and environmentalists worry about the safety and efficacy of geoengineering. And some of the best-funded projects are bankrolled by the very oil and gas companies most responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions. Still, plans to intentionally tinker with the planet’s atmosphere are racing ahead.
On a warm winter day last month, I traveled to a massive construction site outside Odessa, Texas. There, Occidental Petroleum is building the world’s largest direct air-capture plant. The company plans to turn it on next year.
We are having trouble retrieving the article content.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Advertisement

source

We use cookies to ensure that we provide the best user experience on our website. By using TravelWires.com, you agree to our use of cookies.
sustainability aviation industry Korean Air ground handling eco-friendly uniforms airline staff safety wear Sympatex Bluesign OEKO-TEX
By Herman Nolan | 2024-04-01 12:52:59
Korean Air announces the launch of new sustainable uniforms for its maintenance, aerospace, cargo, and ground handling teams, focusing on safety, functionality, and environmental responsibility.
Korean Air Innovates with New Eco-Friendly Uniforms for Ground Staff
Korean Air has taken a significant step towards enhancing the working conditions of its maintenance, aerospace, cargo, and ground handling staff with the introduction of new eco-friendly uniforms. Set to be distributed starting April 1, these uniforms blend safety, functionality, and sustainability, addressing the specific needs of various ground staff roles.
The redesigned uniforms incorporate specialized fabrics to prevent electrical accidents and feature designs that allow for the addition of knee pads for added protection. Understanding the physical demands of their employees’ roles, Korean Air has introduced mesh patches for breathability and reflective tape for increased visibility in low-light conditions. The collection includes a range of clothing suited to different weather conditions and job requirements, from t-shirts and vests to windbreakers and heavy jackets.
A standout feature of the new uniforms is their commitment to environmental sustainability. The winter jackets are crafted from Sympatex, a material known for its excellent thermal insulation, waterproofing, and windproof qualities, without compromising the planet’s health. The fabric has earned the prestigious Bluesign and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications, indicating it meets some of Europe’s highest environmental standards for textiles. This eco-friendly approach ensures the uniforms can be recycled or naturally decomposed, leaving no toxic residues.
This uniform update, the first in 38 years for Korean Air’s ground staff, was meticulously designed with employee feedback to ensure the final products meet their needs effectively. Features such as practical pocket arrangements were included to accommodate the tools and equipment staff use daily. The airline conducted a comprehensive trial fitting event across multiple locations, including its Seoul headquarters, the Busan Tech Center, and the Incheon Hangar, to gather insights and preferences directly from the staff.
Following the successful implementation of safety footwear last year, this initiative underscores Korean Air’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of its employees and the environment. Through thoughtful design and sustainable practices, Korean Air continues to lead by example in the aviation industry, prioritizing both its personnel and the planet.
TravelWires delivers immediate press release distribution services and travel industry news exposure to a global on-line audience network. Featuring special events and destinations, our website covers updates on the tourism sector news, consumer information, as well as releases about company performance and latest products on the market.
Company
Most Read Topics
Services
Contact Us
Social

source

European Wind Energy: Soaring High in 2023, But Can Grids Keep Up?

The European wind energy sector has experienced a much-needed revival in 2023, according to a report by industry group WindEurope. This positive shift follows a turbulent 2022 marked by inflation, rising interest rates, and an energy market destabilized by the war in Ukraine.

Key Findings:

• Record-breaking year: The EU installed a record-high 16.2 gigawatts (GW) of new wind energy capacity in 2023, exceeding previous benchmarks. This translates to an 80% increase in onshore wind farms compared to the previous year.
• Investment surge: Investments in offshore wind projects also saw a significant leap, jumping to €30 billion in 2023, a vast improvement from the mere €0.4 billion invested in 2022.
• Policy impact: WindEurope attributes this positive shift partly to new EU policies aimed at streamlining project permits and facilitating access to financing for wind projects. Additionally, government renewable energy auctions now incorporate price indexing, making investment more attractive.
• National leaders: Germany and Spain stand out for permitting 70% more onshore wind in 2023 compared to the previous year, demonstrating significant national-level contributions.

Table: Key Statistics for European Wind Energy in 2023

Looking Ahead:

• Meeting targets: WindEurope now predicts an average annual installation of 29 GW from 2024 to 2030, potentially reaching a total capacity of 393 GW by 2030. This brings the sector closer to achieving the EU’s ambitious target of 425 GW of wind energy capacity by 2030.
• Challenges remain: Despite the positive outlook, WindEurope identifies grid upgrades as the most significant challenge hindering further European wind energy expansion. The rapid growth of renewable energy sources necessitates robust grid infrastructure to handle the fluctuating power generation inherent to these resources.

This year marks a significant turning point for the European wind energy sector, with renewed investment and policy support paving the way for a more sustainable future. However, addressing the need for grid upgrades remains crucial to ensure the sustainable and efficient integration of wind energy into the European energy mix and achieve the ambitious 2030 clean energy targets.

Additional Considerations:

• The report highlights the impact of the war in Ukraine on the European energy sector and the subsequent emphasis on renewable energy sources for long-term energy security.
• WindEurope emphasizes the need for continued policy support and streamlined permitting processes to maintain the positive momentum in the sector.
• Research and development efforts in energy storage solutions are crucial for further integrating renewable energy sources like wind power into the grid effectively.