Watch 1PM Weekly News - April 1st, 2024
This week Nicki covers 5 sustainable news stories from plane fuel being made from garbage and other oddities to saving seals with viral videos.
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Plane Fuel Made From Garbage & Other Oddities
Planes might soon fly using fuels made from weird stuff like fat, sugar, and even bacteria poop. Regular jet fuel causes a lot of global carbon emissions; however, electric alternatives aren't possible yet for commercial jets due to battery limitations. Now, airlines aim to use cleaner fuels called sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). To reduce emissions, SAF is crucial, but current production is insufficient. So, airlines are looking at new fuel sources like fat, corn ethanol, grass, and even trash. While corn ethanol faces certain sustainability concerns, grass and trash show great promise but do require refining. Hydrogen-based fuels could also be a game-changer, but they’re pretty pricey. If developed rapidly, SAF could very well meet U.S. jet fuel demand as early as 2050.
Saving Seals with Viral Videos
Ocean Conservation Namibia is doing an incredible job rescuing seals tangled in marine garbage. Namibia isn't afraid of calling attention to the growing crisis of marine trash, but they do so with a feel-good approach that's gone viral. The founders, Katja and Naude Dreyer, began rescuing seals over a decade ago and turned their business into a nonprofit. Since 2020, they've saved around 3,000 seals. Their videos show dramatic seal rescues from harmful debris like miles of fishing line, plastic bags, gill nets, steel cables and fishing gear. The organization highlights the global plastic crisis while making a real difference locally. Despite challenges, their work inspires positive change in how we treat our oceans and its inhabitants.
Fracking Ban Passes in New York State
New York State lawmakers decisively passed a bill banning carbon dioxide fracking, building on an hydraulic fracking ban that is already in place, all while emphasizing environmental protection and public health. The bill swiftly passed the state Assembly and Senate, and is awaiting the state Governor's signature. This ban stemmed from Southern Tier CO2 to Clean Energy Solutions' proposal to use liquid carbon dioxide instead of traditional fracking fluids, claiming it’s a greener alternative. But this proposal faces opposition, with advocates highlighting the dangers of injecting concentrated CO2 underground, citing health risks and severe environmental damage. The bipartisan support and mobilization reflect the growing public awareness of fossil fuel impacts.
US Government Spends Billions on Cutting Carbon
Under current U.S. government initiatives, $6 billion has been allocated for 33 projects intended to tackle industrial emissions. This landmark investment, made possible through recent climate and infrastructure legislation, specifically targets sectors that are notorious for their carbon footprint, such as steel and cement production. These efforts also indirectly impact other industries that include cheese production, by promoting sustainable practices and energy-efficient technologies throughout the supply chain. With significant private sector contributions totaling $14 billion, the projects aim to eliminate approximately 14 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually. This comprehensive approach underlines the commitment to green initiatives and economic revitalization across various industrial sectors.
States Sue Feds over Natural Gas Exports
16 US states, including Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, challenge the Federal Government's current ban on approving liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, arguing that the government lacks the authority to impose such a restriction. The lawsuit targets a pause announced by the administration to review the economic and environmental impacts of LNG projects. Concerns arise over the future of planned gas export terminals along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. If approved, these projects could result in emissions equivalent to the entire European Union's output. While the administration views the pause as crucial for addressing the climate crisis, the lawsuit claims it harms the economy and jeopardizes LNG supplies to our European allies.