Mylar balloons, those shiny and colorful party favorites, come with a dark side. They might seem harmless, but they can cause big problems for both wildlife and power systems. These balloons can trigger fires and lead to massive power outages. Imagine a citywide blackout affecting hundreds of thousands of people, all because of a few balloons. It's not just a minor ...
Edmonds' big plan to turn sewage into energy has turned into a smelly mess. The city spent a lot of money on a new system called gasification. This was supposed to replace an old incinerator. But it hasn't worked out as planned. The system was supposed to destroy harmful chemicals and make energy. Instead, it just squeezes and cleans liquid from raw sewage. The solid...
Hydrogen blending is a hot topic, but is it a smart solution or just a distraction? Critics argue that instead of pushing for hydrogen, we should focus on speeding up electrification and helping workers in fossil fuel industries transition to cleaner jobs. Mixing hydrogen with natural gas sounds simple, but it's not without risks. Hydrogen is toxic and can eat away ...
In Tibet, a dazzling fireworks display turned into a hot topic online. The show, backed by outdoor brand Arc'teryx, caught the attention of netizens who questioned its environmental impact. The local government in Shigatse took notice and sent a team to look into the matter. Arc'teryx, owned by Anta Sports, faced criticism for not fully considering the consequences ...
Deep in the heart of Mexico's Sierra Gorda, a dangerous game is playing out. Miners like Hugo Flores are digging for mercury, a toxic metal that's becoming more valuable by the day. This isn't just any mining rush; it's a "mercury boom, " driven by soaring gold prices and a global demand for this hazardous substance. The miners work in narrow tunnels, following vein...
The fashion industry is a big part of our daily lives. But it's also a major source of pollution. Every year, the U. S. alone throws away a huge amount of textiles. This is not just a problem of waste. It's also about the resources used to make these clothes. The industry emits a lot of greenhouse gases and uses a lot of water. It also relies on harmful chemicals and...
The waters around Philadelphia are facing a new challenge: the invasive Northern snakehead fish. These fish, originally from China, Russia, and Korea, were first spotted in Pennsylvania in 2004. They have since spread rapidly, causing concern among environmentalists and scientists. The snakeheads are known for their ability to survive in harsh conditions. They can l...
The Trump administration is making big changes to how science and energy are handled in the U. S. These changes could have lasting effects on the environment and public health. First, let's talk about science. The administration has been cutting back on research and data collection. This includes reducing the role of scientists in decision-making. For example, they ...
A dangerous bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, is making a comeback. It's a germ that loves warm, low-salt water and can cause a serious illness called vibriosis. This bacteria is not new, but it's becoming more common, and experts are worried. Vibrio vulnificus is often found in brackish waters, where fresh and saltwater mix. People can get infected by eating raw or unde...
AI is everywhere, but its environmental impact is often overlooked. Every AI interaction consumes energy, mostly from fossil fuels, leading to significant greenhouse gas emissions. Data centers, the backbone of AI, are energy-intensive and require vast amounts of water for cooling. Larger centers can use up to 5 million gallons daily, equivalent to a small town's wat...