Search Results for: Pollution

Sargasso Sea surveys find vulnerable sperm whales and elusive pygmy sperm whales, as Greenpeace calls for ocean sanctuary

Stuart Mitchell

The presence of elusive pygmy sperm whales, as well as vulnerable and near-threatened species, has been detected in the Sargasso Sea using innovative environmental DNA sequencing and acoustic surveys, boosting calls for it to be declared an ocean sanctuary under the Global Ocean Treaty.  Greenpeace’s ship Arctic Sunrise spent three weeks on a voyage through the Sargasso Sea in May 2024, taking samples of seawater for ‘eDNA’ analysis[1] and carrying out an acoustic survey using hydrophones[2]. Greenpeace UK campaigners collected the samples, with help from British band Bastille’s frontman Dan…

New Rice Farming Methodology From Global Heat Reduction Initiative Zeros In on Projects That Reduce Climate Super Pollutants

Stuart Mitchell

The Global Heat Reduction Initiative (GHR) released a first-of-its-kind methodology that will measure and reward the reduction in climate super pollutants achieved through more sustainable rice cultivation practices. In addition to covering the full range of greenhouse gases including the powerful climate pollutants, methane and nitrous oxide, it also accounts for black carbon emissions associated with burning and equipment operations. The methodology also enables users for the first time to assess the global heat reduction value of reducing these emissions over near-term timeframes, such as between now and 2030 or…

Ceres urges EPA to maintain the Endangerment Finding to keep American businesses competitive and economy strong

Stuart Mitchell

Ceres Senior Director of Federal Policy Zach Friedman testified today in front of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in support of preserving the greenhouse gas Endangerment Finding to protect the stable policy environment that businesses need to invest confidently in critical 21st industries. Rolling it back would not only undermine existing investments but also send shockwaves through the economy and threaten U.S. competitiveness, Friedman emphasized in his testimony.   “By providing policy certainty, these standards have supported U.S. economic growth, driven private investment, and accelerated clean, cost-effective technologies that strengthen America’s competitiveness…

UNEP and ICAO launch $82.5 Million project to eliminate harmful firefighting foams in African airports

Stuart Mitchell

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have jointly launched the Fortifying Infrastructure for Responsible Extinguishment (FIRE) project, which aims to phase out the use of toxic fluorinated firefighting foams and replace them with safer alternatives at major airports in Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.   FIRE – a $82.5 million initiative with a $10 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and $72.5 million in co-financing from partners – will phase out firefighting foams containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), hazardous “forever…

American Lung Association Urges Schools to Test for Radon to Protect Students and Staff

Stuart Mitchell

 With more than 55 million children and 6 million adults spending their days in K–12 school buildings across the country, the American Lung Association is urging school administrators to prioritize indoor air quality by testing for radon, a leading cause of lung cancer and a hidden threat in many schools. Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, tasteless, and colorless radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors, including in schools. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and is responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths annually. The only…