by admin | Mar 31, 2025 | environmentalism, geology, great salt lake, science, world
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EXPLORE FURTHER: California Getaway Marred by Intense Odors
Following many years of unsuccessful efforts to maintain
California
‘s endlessly troubled
120-year-old Salton Sea
A variety of new proposals aimed at rescuing the saline-filled lake are emerging.
Scientists discovered a monumental
18 million tons of lithium lie beneath the waters of Southern California’s ocean.
In late 2023—a significant discovery of $540 billion—however, they now must hurry as the saline body of water is rapidly disappearing.
The unintentional inland sea, situated 120 miles away from San Diego, came into existence around 120 years ago when the
Colorado
An irrigation canal east of Palm Springs was breached by a river.
The abrupt appearance of shimmering waters led to a temporary surge in tourism lasting through the 1960s; however, over most of that fifty-year period, the lake was more aptly characterized as an ‘ecological catastrophe.’
Currently, a fresh surge of conservation initiatives, fueled by substantial federal funds amounting to millions of dollars, has emerged, inspiring optimism among many who believe that the ensuing industrial development could catalyze economic growth—assuming everything unfolds as anticipated.
During the preceding presidential term, California saw significant financial support for conservation efforts. However, with the new Trump administration taking office, the previously approved funding now faces potential risks.
Introducing further instability into an environment that was already fragile, the massive discovery of lithium worth billions of dollars has sparked a competition between government entities and businesses aiming to harness this precious resource at breakneck speed—potentially jeopardizing the well-thought-out strategies designed to protect the dwindling water source.
Moreover, if a significant threat to funding weren’t sufficient, the very passage of time is exacerbating the decline of the sea due to its distinctive geographical features.
As the salt content in the leftover water keeps rising, the endorheic basin – which has no outlet for drainage – is vanishing at an accelerated pace, posing challenges for the local fauna.
The area surrounding the lake, known as a ‘sump,’ experiences contamination due to polluted runoff originating from adjacent agricultural lands. Additionally, this water body has been linked to the release of hazardous dust particles, which have led to degraded air quality and higher rates of asthma among residents living in proximity.
If left unaddressed, these problems could ultimately render the whole area ‘ uninhabitable,’ warns the Salton Sea Authority.
Nevertheless, aid for the needy region has arrived in numerous guises.
In 2022, the Bureau of Reclamation, under the Department of the Interior, unveiled a $250 million initiative aimed at speeding up the restoration efforts for the Salton Sea.
A year later, in late 2023, a $70million check designated towards ongoing conservation efforts landed, with more just like that in line.
The initial installment among numerous millions will partly fund the expansion of the state’s Species Conservation Habitat Project.
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the extensive initiative aims to establish a system of ponds and wetlands covering more than 4,000 acres designed to offer habitats for fish and birds as well as reduce dust emissions.
Another $2 million was obtained for the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians nearby to assist with the execution of the programs.
In November 2024, the far-westernmost state approved Proposition 4 — the Climate Security Bond — securing more than $10 billion for numerous conservation and climate initiatives.
The substantial contribution spurred another $170 million towards the ‘Salton Sea Restoration’ initiative, which also encompasses an extra $10 million for establishing the Salton Sea Conservancy.
Large amounts of money have similarly motivated the bird-focused Audubon Society, which has acquired more than 560 acres to help with ‘securing, protecting, and improving the current developing wetlands’.
SFGate
reported.
“This conservancy serves as an example of the state’s dedication to significant and enduring rehabilitation of this ecologically stressed area,” stated California Senator Steve Padilla.
California, together with various agencies, has been granted an extension until January 2026 to select over a dozen individuals for membership in the conservancy.
CalMatters
reported.
Nevertheless, owing to the recent wave of budget cuts initiated by the Trump administration, the anticipated increase in funding might still change course.
However, according to Department of Interior officials, these funds are currently ‘allocated’ for Salton Sea initiatives.
“Led by President Donald J. Trump, the Department of the Interior aims to reduce administrative waste and guarantee that taxpayers’ money is utilized effectively,” stated Michelle Helms, the Bureau of Reclamation’s Regional Communications Chief.
Reclamation has declared and committed $250 million for the Salton Sea under the IRA [Inflation Reduction Act of 2022]. So far, $35 million has been spent. The organization is collaborating with California state officials to secure funding for ongoing initiatives, according to the email sent to SFGate.
Now a competition has begun for the rights to the world’s biggest “white gold” deposit.
Various firms, both big and small, have flocked to the Salton Sea seeking affordable methods to retrieve lithium from the beleaguered body of water.
Research supported by the Department of Energy revealed that the basin contains an even larger quantity of lithium—referred to as “white gold” due to its soft, silver-white appearance—than was initially calculated.
The research, released in November 2023, revealed that approximately 18 million tons of recoverable metal may reside within the saline ocean, sufficient to fulfill America’s requirement for this critical element for several decades.
Governor Newsom has formerly referred to the ‘salty sea’ as the Saudi Arabia of lithium extraction.
This change would position the reservoir as the biggest globally, surpassing Chile’s capacity of nine million metric tons.
Currently, one ton of lithium costs $29,000, which means the resource in the Salton Sea has an estimated value exceeding $540 billion.
The DOE stated that this billion-dollar supply has the potential to support more than 375 million electric vehicle batteries.
Lithium is an essential element for battery production that
control anything from cellphones to EVs and solar panels
– And China has been dominating the market for years since 90 percent of the extracted metal is processed within the country.
Jeff Marootian, the principal deputy assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy, stated: “Lithium plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and achieving President Biden’s objective of having electric vehicles make up 50% of all sales by 2030.”
This report highlights the rare chance to establish a domestic lithium sector domestically, concurrently boosting clean and versatile power production.
‘Leveraging American ingenuity, we can spearhead the clean energy revolution, generate employment opportunities, build a robust local supply chain, and enhance our nation’s energy security.’
Located in Riverside and Imperial counties at the southern tip of California, the Salton Sea spans 35 miles in length and 15 miles in width with a depth of 51 feet.
Read more
by admin | Mar 30, 2025 | batteries, ecology, electric batteries, environmentalism, technology
Electric vehicle batteries include hazardous substances that may endanger human health. However, battery researchers are addressing this issue, albeit in laboratory settings.
-
The risk of contamination of soil and water from EV batteries is huge, if improperly disposed at the end of their lifespan.
-
Batteries do not just incorporate rare earth elements; they also feature ” Forever Chemicals” within both their cathodes and electrolytes.
-
Scientists at the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering are developing a battery that avoids using those hazardous chemicals from the outset.
The global demand for lithium-ion batteries is forecast to increase from 700 gigawatt-hours in 2022 to a whopping 4.7 terawatt-hours by 2030, according to
Mckinsey & Company
. That’s because battery usage is not just growing in electric vehicles, but also in electrical appliances, drones, grid-level energy storage and dozens of other applications. But their dirty secret of using harmful chemicals hasn’t been addressed yet.
In addition to rare earth materials in EV batteries and traction motors, these components also use dangerous chemicals called PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They’re in everything, right from our clothes to the non-stick kitchen pans, according to the
National Resources Defense Council
. They don’t break down in the environment and can even infiltrate human bodies through food and water, hence the name “forever chemicals.”
Currently, scientists at the University of Chicago are developing advanced electric vehicle batteries that do away with the use of PFAS. In conventional lithium-ion batteries, both the cathode and the electrolyte contain PFAS, which serve to maintain the integrity of the battery’s inner components. However, the team from UChicago asserts that these fluorinated compounds aren’t essential for either part. They believe they’ve found an alternative approach that maintains optimal performance without relying on PFAS.
“We are asking for higher standards from our batteries. We desire both low-temperature efficiency and high-temperature capability. Additionally, rapid charging and the use of lithium metal batteries are among our expectations,” stated Professor Chibueze Amanchukwu from the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.
blog post
.
What the current scientific literature suggests is adding more fluorinated compounds to the electrolyte,” he explained. “Most of these additions would likely fall under the category of PFAS.
To tackle this problem, they created a distinctive “non-fluorinated solvent” without PFAS for use in the electrolyte. However, simply doing this isn’t enough to resolve everything. The real test is demonstrating that the new material can maintain or enhance the performance standards expected from conventional electric vehicle batteries.
Photo by: Mercedes-Benz
It turned out that the cells without PFAS showed improved ion pairing, indicating higher energy density. These cells exhibited greater resilience to temperature extremes, maintaining stability during cycling between 60°F and -40°F. Additionally, these batteries displayed superior capacity retention, ensuring prolonged durability along with sustained high performance over time.
Certainly, these batteries are currently only part of laboratory experiments and have not come close to starting production. However, the aim of this research is to demonstrate that environmental issues related to EV batteries can indeed be tackled during the initial design process.
As millions of electric vehicle batteries reach their end-of-life stage and move into recycling and secondary use processes by the end of this decade, there is significant potential for environmental contamination, particularly if these batteries are not managed correctly. According to studies, PFAS exposure has been associated with serious health issues such as developmental problems in children and adverse reproductive impacts in women.
Environmental Protection Agency
.
Currently, the worldwide electric vehicle (EV) industry is following the “move-fast-and-break-things” strategy common among major technology companies based in Silicon Valley. The priority lies in being the first to enter the market rather than addressing the possible long-term environmental harm caused by EV batteries several years or even decades down the line. Ideally, through tougher regulatory measures and innovative approaches such as these, upcoming advancements in battery technologies could adopt a more careful and environmentally conscious path.
Got a tip? Reach out to the author:
suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com
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by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | controversies, environmental pollution, environmentalism, soccer, sports
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FANS HIT OUT AT ‘MOST TERRIBLE NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMANCE’ ON OPENING DAY
The
Los Angeles
The Dodgers intended for the spotlight of Opening Day to shine exclusively on their recent World Series win. Nonetheless, demonstrations from supporters targeting team owner Mark Walter marred the event.
Scores of Los Angeles fans gathered outside Dodgers Stadium as part of an organization known as Dodger Fans Against
Fossil Fuels
, objecting to the team’s sponsorship agreement with Phillips 66.
Considered a major oil firm, Phillips 66 possesses the 76 gas stations, known for their promotional presence at Dodger Stadium.
“And what we’re seeing here is just greenwashing,” group co-founder Zan Dubin told the audience.
Los Angeles Times.
It tries to link the positive emotions and memories and loyalty we hold for our cherished champion team with major oil companies, thus normalizing them and making their presence seem insignificant. Obviously, we understand that oils, gases, and fossil fuels play a role in this issue.
climate change
, and we have reached a critical juncture.'”
The scientists are informing us that we’ve entered a phase where certain impacts of climate change will be unstoppable for hundreds of years. Our campaign began last summer in 2024 with an open letter addressed to Mark Walter. This initiative has since garnered signatures from more than 27,000 individuals.
Dubin mentioned that the organization also has backing from California.
Senate
Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez penned a letter to Walter requesting the removal of the sponsorship. Neither the fan group nor Gonzalez has received any response as reported.
My cofounder of the campaign, Lisa Kaas Boyle, isn’t present with us today as she resides in Pacific Palisades. Previously, she lived in Pacific Palisades but had to leave due to losing her house during the LA wildfires. We should remember that experts have confirmed these fires became more severe because of climate change.
We’re here addressing climate change and encouraging the Dodgers to take the correct path. Next year, the World Cup will be held in Los Angeles, where the organizers are backed by Saudi Aramco oil. Additionally, we know that the Olympics are set to arrive in LA soon. My query is: When the Olympics reach LA, will Dodger Stadium stand as an emblem of environmental responsibility, or serve merely as advertising space for major petroleum companies?
More to come.
Read more
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | carbon emissions, climate change, environmentalism, global warming, greenhouse gases
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EXPLORE FURTHER: Scientists sound alarm as Earth’s glaciers deemed unlikely to endure through 2050s
Our ancestors in the near future might face a challenging journey – even if we succeed in reducing our carbon output, according to a recent research paper.
The Earth might heat up by as much as 7°C (12.6°F) by the year 2200, even with moderate carbon dioxide emissions, researchers have found.
Germany
The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).
The extreme heat conditions would make it difficult for typical crops to thrive, leading to worldwide food shortages and potentially famine.
In the meantime, increasing sea levels from thawing ice sheets could compel individuals to abandon coastal urban areas because of inundation.
Furthermore, in this scenario, severe extreme weather occurrences like droughts, heat waves, wildfires, tropical storms, and floods would become frequent.
Particularly during summertime, temperatures might soar to alarmingly high degrees, presenting a fatal risk to individuals of every age group.
Christine Kaufhold, who led the study at PIK, stated that the results underscore the critical necessity for more rapid actions aimed at reducing and extracting carbon from the environment.
“We discovered that the maximum temperature increase might be significantly greater than earlier anticipated for low-to-moderate emissions,” she stated.
Planetary-heating greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane are predominantly emitted through the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas for energy purposes.
However, greenhouse gases also originate from natural processes like volcanic eruptions, plant respiration, and animal breath — which is precisely why their contribution must be considered.
carbon reduction technologies
.
In this research, the group employed a recently created computer model they developed, named CLIMBER-X, to mimic potential future global warming situations.
CLIMBER-X combines crucial physical, biological, and geochemical mechanisms, encompassing atmospheric and oceanic factors related to methane.
Stronger even than carbon dioxide (CO2), methane originates from landfills as waste breaks down and naturally emits from wetlands.
The model examined three scenarios referred to as ‘Shared Socioeconomic Pathways’ (SSPs). These were grounded in low, medium, and high anticipated global emission levels spanning the remainder of this century.
As per the experts, many climate studies up to this point have only projected outcomes as far ahead as 2300 — a timeframe that might not capture the peak of warming.
Based on the research, there’s a 10 percent probability that our planet could still heat up by 3°C (5.4°F) by the year 2200, even if we halted all emissions immediately.
Methane: A potent atmospheric warming agent
Methane is a colorless, odorless combustible gas, and it forms the primary component of natural gas.
Methane is a greenhouse gas, ranking as the second largest contributor to climate change following carbon dioxide.
It serves as the main element in natural gas, utilized for warming our residences.
When methane is used as a fuel and combusted, it releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and thus is not immediately released at that instance.
Nevertheless, throughout every stage of the extraction, transportation, and storage processes, there are leakages of natural gas that add to greenhouse gas emissions.
The team believes that global warming throughout this millennium might surpass earlier predictions because of ‘carbon cycle feedback loops,’ where one alteration in the climate intensifies another, processes that are currently not receiving adequate attention.
For instance, wet weather encourages the proliferation of specific inflammable grasses, which
once they dry out, they can lead to wildfires spreading uncontrolled
.
An additional instance occurs when CO2 dissolves in rainwater, leading to the breakdown of rocks and possibly freeing more CO2 into the atmosphere.
Alarming as it is, cutting down future emissions might not suffice to curb these feedback mechanisms, since greenhouse gases already released could still exert prolonged impacts on global temperatures.
Furthermore, meeting the objective of the Paris Agreement to restrict the global temperature increase to less than 2°C (3.6°F) is realistic solely under conditions involving significantly lower emissions.
The significant legally-binding international agreement signed in 2015 seeks to ensure that global temperature rise stays under 2.7°F (1.5°C).
However, the team asserts that the opportunity to restrict global warming to under 2°C is swiftly diminishing.
“Accelerated carbon reduction is necessary at an even faster pace than initially anticipated to maintain the goals of the Paris agreement within our grasp,” stated Matteo Willeit, a researcher from PIK and co-author of the study.
The latest research, featured in
Environmental Research Letters
, emphasizes “the uncertainties involved in forecasting future climate change.”
“Our study unequivocally shows that the choices we make today will shape the course of life on Earth for generations to come,” stated co-author and PIK director Johan Rockström.
We are already observing indications that the Earth’s systems are becoming less resilient, potentially leading to feedback mechanisms that could heighten climate sensitivity, hasten global warming, and widen discrepancies from projected trends.
‘For a habitable future, we need to swiftly intensify our actions to decrease emissions.’
The objective of the Paris Agreement is not merely a political aim; it is an essential physical boundary.
Read more
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | environmentalism, government, politics, society, united nations
A UN representative has called upon Thailand’s authorities, business sectors, and local populations to collaborate in order to secure the nation’s sustainable development for the future.
During a media event, Kanni Wignaraja, who serves as the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the UNDP, stated that these sectors of society should work together to guarantee inclusiveness.
She likewise offered her perspectives on Thailand’s advancement towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She highlighted that the nation still encounters difficulties in attaining certain objectives, particularly those concerning biodiversity conservation and enhancing the welfare of particular communities.
Last month, Ms. Wignaraja visited Thailand to take part in the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, which took place from February 25th to 28th at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok.
While visiting, she also had meetings with multiple ministers, business delegates, and members of the local community.
She mentioned that Thailand, along with numerous other nations in the Asia-Pacific area, encounters difficulties concerning Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) linked to climate action, biodiversity preservation, and gender equality. She highlighted that women and girls are particularly impacted by environmental deterioration and contamination.
As she explained, when we address the interconnected challenges of climate change and natural disasters alongside the consequences of environmental degradation, waste management issues, and contamination, women and girls frequently face the most severe repercussions throughout all stages of life.
These challenges appear as problems related to education, employment, and fair compensation, impacting women and girls across all stages of their lives.
She emphasized that every sector should participate in a joint endeavor to promote inclusive development, with special attention to how environmental issues affect women and girls.
Ms. Wignaraja similarly urged Thailand to utilize its abundant biodiversity via strategies such as sustainability-linked finance. This would guarantee that investments focus on both environmental preservation and societal well-being, including areas like educational initiatives, social safety nets, and support for marginalized communities such as girls, women, and seniors.
“When working with policies related to financing, it’s crucial to examine how sustainable finance connects. Essentially, you leverage your natural resources and identify the sustainability indicators. The expense of obtaining loans for these natural assets must be factored in too. This applies regardless of whether you’re an individual household, a small business, or even at a national scale,” she explained.
She emphasized the significance of cooperation between the government and the private sector to bring about lasting transformation. She highlighted that major corporations should particularly assume accountability for their ecological footprint and play a role in restoring Thailand’s natural resources.
“Larger corporations bear significant responsibility to avoid causing damage to our planet and depleting natural resources, as well as to restore and enhance the environmental wealth that Thailand possesses,” stated Ms. Wignaraja. She further urged financial institutions and small business owners to participate in these collaborative initiatives.
She stated that government policies should focus on improving citizens’ daily lives and addressing their requirements. Adopting this strategy guarantees that progress is both fair and enduring.
While visiting Thailand, Ms. Wignaraja went to Phetchaburi where she observed the signing of an agreement between the UNDP and Phetchaburi province aimed at promoting bioeconomy initiatives that would advantage both communities and the environment.
Phetchaburi serves as an exemplary case of successful collaboration between public and private sectors for enhancing biodiversity, thanks to alliances formed among entities such as the UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative, Krungthai Bank, and Onep. Additionally, this region holds recognition from UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy and boasts Kaeng Krachan National Park, which stands as a designated World Heritage site.
She pointed out Phetchaburi as a case where the government, enterprises, and local residents worked together to boost economic development while safeguarding the environment. Initiatives such as birdwatching tours and shrimp aquaculture in the province have contributed to equitable progress within the community.
Ms. Wignaraja stated that Thailand exemplifies how linking different industries can result in both wealth creation and environmental preservation. She pointed out that the distinct circumstances of each province present chances for novel ideas and advancement.
Thailand has implemented novel approaches within its policy development procedures to involve citizens in decision-making processes via the Thailand Policy Lab. Established by the National Economic and Social Development Council in partnership with the UNDP, this initiative seeks to foster inclusivity in tackling the nation’s intricate issues, particularly as Thailand progresses towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy.
“I observe a fresh enthusiasm and significant dedication from Thailand towards advancing the sustainable development goals,” she stated. “As these objectives become integrated into Thai policy, it’s essential that they prioritize the needs of individuals, taking into account their interconnectedness and changing circumstances. This approach ensures that all stakeholders—including businesses, municipal authorities, and global collaborators—are engaged in shaping a more sustainable future.”
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, climate, climatology, environmental science, environmentalism
Research conducted on Lake Sebkha el Melah in Algeria associates the replenishment of old Sahara lakes with atmospheric patterns from Morocco, particularly storm systems originating over the Atlantic Ocean. This study emphasizes that intense rainfalls, not an overall rise in rainfall levels, primarily drive these refilling occurrences.
The Sahara Desert was not always as dry and barren as it is today. Experts suggest that in earlier times, it might have had more moisture and vegetation, including actual lake systems. To gain insights into this previously moister era, researchers have been examining ancient lakes in Algeria along with climate records from the west coast of Morocco.
In an earlier study released in March published in
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences
Researchers from Switzerland and Israel aimed to connect contemporary hydrological occurrences with historical climate conditions in the Sahara region.
The research team concentrated their efforts on Sebkha el Melah lake located in northwestern Algeria, which stands as proof of the Sahara’s formerly moister history. This investigation seeks to uncover additional details regarding the timing and reasons behind the filling of lakes within the Sahara Desert, with this particular body of water serving as a primary case study.
The research aimed at achieving this objective by analyzing both heavy precipitation events (HPEs) and lake-filling episodes (LFEs). Heavy precipitation events involve significant rainfall occurring over an area, whereas lake-filling episodes denote times when bodies of water become full due to inflow. To accomplish their analysis, scientists utilized satellite imagery to monitor changes in the lake’s water level. They then integrated these observations with meteorological information to identify the atmospheric circumstances responsible for intense rains and subsequent lake overflow.
Furthermore, they utilized information from weather models (“weather reanalysis”) to identify the origin of moisture in the precipitation and understand how these atmospheric systems evolve.
The research connects the refilling of old lakes to climatic patterns in Morocco. It shows that heavy rainfalls stemming from the Atlantic Ocean correlate with recent instances of lake replenishment in the northwestern part of the Sahara Desert. The study points out that low-level cyclones—big, swirling storms developing offshore near Morocco—are crucial elements in this process. Additionally, these cyclones interact with high-altitude air currents and tropical humidity as they travel across Morocco towards Algeria, leading to optimal circumstances for lakes to refill during periods of precipitation.
The research indicates that moisture movement includes the interplay between extratropical cyclones close to the North African Atlantic shoreline and high-altitude weather systems, leading to an environment favorable for intense precipitation. An essential aspect of these occurrences is what’s termed the “recycled domino effect,” wherein water vapor gets increasingly moved and intensified across the Sahara prior to arriving at the lake’s catchment area.
The research indicates that the accumulation of water in lakes within the Sahara is more strongly connected to the severity and occurrence of particular meteorological phenomena, such as intense downpours, rather than an overarching rise in general precipitation levels.
