Traditional hard rock lithium mining is energy- and resource-intense. But lithium is a key component of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, like those used in electric vehicles. We spoke with Dr. Pat Dobson of the Geothermal Systems Program at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory about his work with alternative mining techniques used in the Salton Sea, in Southern California.
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Corporate lobbying, sometimes viewed skeptically, is increasingly being considered as a useful tool for advancing science-based climate policies. The effectiveness of this strategy hinges on overcoming several challenges, including workforce mobilization and the powerful corporate interests that lobby against environmental action.
The “30 by 30” conservation movement aims to conserve 30 percent of the Earth’s land by 2030. California is among the first jurisdictions to implement a comprehensive 30 by 30 strategy and has invested $11 billion towards the effort. The movement focuses on protecting biodiversity, engaging local communities, and building resilient ecosystems, while also navigating challenges like land use conflicts and climate change adaptation.
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Concentrated beer formulas that minimize water content and transportation emissions are reducing the carbon footprint of the beer industry. This groundbreaking approach presents an opportunity for both producers and consumers to make more environmentally responsible choices when consuming beer.
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How does improving access to education act as a climate solution? And why focus on educating girls? Education can contribute to the climate resilience of girls–and of their communities. We spoke with Dr. Christina Kwauk about the connections among climate change, education, and gender.
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In an effort to combat the increasing use of non-recyclable plastics, Martin Bourque and the Ecology Center in Berkeley advocate for laws and programs that reduce plastic consumption. Their strategies, including a bag reduction initiative and a disposable foodware ordinance, have been adopted at state levels and by other cities.
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Air travel accounts for about 2.5 percent of global carbon emissions. To reduce emissions from aviation, ZeroAvia is seeking to build the world’s first zero-emission passenger jet powered by hydrogen fuel, which offers three times more energy per kilogram than jet fuel and emits no toxic fumes when combusted. Hydrogen fuel’s higher energy density and capacity for consistent electrical power make it a promising potential energy source for aircraft.
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The human health effects of air pollution and climate change can exacerbate each other and some air pollutants, like black carbon, are both hazardous to human health and powerful greenhouse gasses. We spoke with Dr. Collins Gameli Hodoli about the importance of increasing awareness of poor air quality–through the use of a mobile app he developed–to developing policies to improve air quality in Ghana.
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How can insights from geophysics help us to make better use of rainwater? Geophysicists, like Stanford’s Dr. Rosemary Knight, can identify ancient, buried riverbeds called paleo valleys. We spoke with her about how such geologic structures can help us recharge aquifers deep below the Earth’s surface.
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Electric motorcycles and battery swap technology can improve livelihoods and reduce emissions in Africa and around the world. Ampersand, an African electric vehicle company, provides affordable electric motorcycles (called “e-motos”) in East Africa and operates a convenient battery swap system. These e-motos are replacing polluting gas motorcycles with a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.
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