Welcome to The Compost, a weekly newsletter dedicated to providing you with the latest environmental news affecting Southern California. Subscribe now to receive it directly in your inbox!
In today’s edition, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the villain in the latest installment of the “Mission Impossible” franchise was played by artificial intelligence (AI). Just the day before, I had written a story on the potential of machine learning to help us combat climate change by improving resource management, emission tracking, and weather prediction. However, it’s important for technology companies to consider the thoughtful deployment of AI to reap these benefits fully. Unfortunately, a recent study from UC Riverside suggests that they have not been doing a great job in this regard.
This isn’t the first time that a movie has coincided with my environmental coverage. Back in December, I wrote about concerns over plans to test hydrogen energy at UC Irvine, only to watch a movie where hydrogen played a negative role. I enjoy movies not just for their entertainment value but also for their ability to expand our minds, ignite important conversations, and even drive movements. And with great power comes great responsibility. Ignoring environmental issues can allow the public and policymakers to overlook them as well, while misrepresentation can create harmful lasting impressions.
Since starting my work in this field last summer, I’ve been meticulously observing how climate change and environmental topics are portrayed in both mainstream and independent films and TV shows. I have highlighted notable Oscar-nominated films that touched on these issues and mentioned that documentaries have done a better job addressing them. Additionally, a genre known as cli-fi has emerged in literature, focusing on science fiction stories set in a world affected by climate change. I personally recommend Allegra Hyde’s “Eleutheria” as a standout in this category.
In the meantime, if you have any favorite films, shows, or novels that tackle climate change or environmental issues in a clever way, please send your recommendations to [email protected]! Your suggestions might just make an appearance in a future edition of The Compost.
Now let’s dive into the latest environmental news affecting California:
1. Hot labor summer: California remains one of the three states that require heat breaks for outdoor laborers. Recent negotiations between 340,000 UPS workers and their employer highlights how climate change is already impacting various aspects of our lives.
2. Cool paint job: Pacoima, one of the hottest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, has been experimenting with “cooling paint” in specific areas to help combat the heat. Find out the results of this project from Erin Stone’s in-depth investigation.
3. Water canals go solar: The installation of solar panels over canals in water-scarce regions with abundant sunlight has the potential to reduce evaporation and generate electricity. Discover the progress and impact of such projects in California in a report by The Associated Press.
4. Blackouts may be a bridge too far: The Los Angeles Times’ Sammy Roth delves into a thought-provoking question: Should we prioritize keeping the lights on constantly or focus on solving the climate crisis? He explores the concept of potential “more blackouts” as one of the personal sacrifices necessary to combat climate change.
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In the transportation sector:
1. Sun sets on solar car challenge: Unfortunately, the pandemic has once again disrupted high school solar car teams from Palmdale and Pasadena, impacting what would have been their final high school experience. Nevertheless, they have gained invaluable skills, lessons, and memories from their involvement.
2. Another perk to EVs: Addressing concerns about electric vehicles potentially straining the energy grid, Alejandro Lazo’s in-depth analysis explores the potential for bidirectional charging from EVs to contribute to boosting electricity supply in the state.
If you’re considering an electric vehicle, check out my previous explainer article that addresses common consumer questions.
In environmental protection:
1. Mountain lions monitored: Recent encounters between residents and mountain lions in and around Orange County have prompted officials to partner with UC Davis for a better understanding of mountain lion behavior.
In water-related news:
1. Earmarks mixed bag for water projects: The return of Congressional earmarks has redirected $660 million in federal aid for water projects away from states. However, California’s two Democratic senators played a significant role in securing over $32 million in water-related earmarks.
2. New restrictions could protect sea turtles: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration plans to designate protected zones along the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to help struggling green sea turtles. These zones aim to safeguard their habitat, migration routes, and foraging areas along the Southern California coast.
Noteworthy developments:
1. Warehouses near school draw protest: The proposed construction of three warehouses near Jurupa Hills High School in Fontana is facing opposition from groups like the Sierra Club, who deem it a risk to the community’s health and safety.
Let’s end on a positive note:
1. The miracle of 2023: California witnessed a record-setting wet winter without the severe flooding that was initially feared. Scott Dance explores how this phenomenon occurred, what it means for California’s future, and the implications for climate change.
2. Emissions drop speeds up: Thanks to the federal Inflation Reduction Act’s investments in solar, wind, electric vehicles, and other green technologies, greenhouse gas emissions in the United States are now projected to decrease by 32% to 51% by 2035. Prior to this act, the projected emissions reduction was 26% to 41%.
In the world of nature:
1. Virtual bird watching: Explore the captivating world of bird watching with our talented photographer, Paul Bersebach. Take a look at his stunning photos and discover how you can participate in the next bird watching session.
That’s it for this edition of The Compost. Stay informed by signing up for our newsletter to receive weekly updates on climate and environmental news.
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