Scientists have discovered a way to convert carbon dioxide into ethanol. They were trying to figure out a way to turn carbon dioxide into fuel through various reactions and accidently turned it into ethanol first, which worked for their purposes. The technology is still in its early stage but scientists hope to be able to use it to balance a renewable energy grid and eventually use the technique for large scale carbon capture.
 This technique could aid in the fight against climate change, if developed. Carbon Capture as well as reducing emissions is essentail to fighting climate change. Technolgies like this are encouraging because they are what will solve the climate problem.  

The US will be putting its first offshore wind farm composed of 5 turbines into operation. Europe has had these for a while but the US has had trouble establishing them and them. Many have been planned but electricity companies rather pay the cheaper alternatives of natural gas or hydroelectric plants and there is not US producer of turbines. This particular farm is set to produce  30 megawatts of electricity. Due to the volatility of other electricity sources, wind farms are expected to become a growing industry. 

Wind power like solar power is severely underutilized. Like solar power it is cheap in the long run but expensive to start up. It is time to front these short term costs. Not only it is a sound financial decision but renewable energies need to be further developed. The use of fossil fuels is contributing to climate change and making the US dependent on other countries for energy. Wind farms like this one may be the next step in making the country energy more energy efficient and independent.        

 

A thick smog has set in New Delhi, the capital of India. The particles in the air increase the likelihood of stroke, respiratory problems and heart failure. The article says “Levels of the most dangerous particles, called PM 2.5, reached 600 micrograms per cubic meter in different parts of the city this week”  Citizens are being advised to stay inside. Everyone it seems is sick and coughing. Over 1800 primary schools closed for over one  million kids. 

This is an awful occurrence. Pollution is taking away the ability for people to get fresh air. People are getting sick and the general productivity and life of the capital is in decline. This event shows that there are real consequences to not treating the environment. It’s not just for aesthetics. The air has and the water impacts how we live tremendously. We need them to live after all.    

Carbon dioxide in the air has passed the dreaded 400 parts per million milestone. An increasing amount of carbon in the air is a huge problem. Even with the Paris Agreement and other movements to lessen emissions, carbon that is already in the air stays there for thousands of years. Scientists are still debating when the problems is irreversible and whether or not we’ve already passed that point but everyone agrees 400 parts per million is a terrible sign. The earth keeps getting warmer and warmer. 

It’s discouraging to see this number hit. While the progress that is being mad is promising, it is way to slow. Nature will not wait for governments and businesses to find a solution at their own speed. Effects of climate change are already present and they’re only getting worse. Hopefully this landmark alerts society that change is needed.   

This article regarded the work of Ada Szczepaniec. She studied why the use of common pesticides caused a huge boom of spider mites in some areas. She concluded in one study that the pesticides killed insects that ate the mites but there are other factors that are yet unknown. The mites damage trees and crops.  There are various conflicting studies and a conclusive answer has yet to be reached. 

There is a lesson in science because multiple studies are cited, each with varying results. It shows how difficult it is to find answers in science. The article also educates readers about pesticides. They’re often overused and their side effects are not well known and sometimes worse at what they prevent. Farmers and individual must take more care in using products that interfere with the environment, as shown with the unexpected spider mites.  

Musk hopes the better design will get more people to install solar roofs. This would help in battling climate change tremendously. Solar Power is a vastly underused resource. Scientists are still determining how to capture it effectively. Additionally, while solar power is cheap in the long run these tiles show installing the infrastructure can be epsiece. Still, this is a promising sign for solar power.