Erin Whalen

Rainforest-dwelling freelance copywriter and closet pantheist who wants to know everything about everything. I love #startrek #scifi #fantasy #philosophy #science #ebikes #evs #urbanism #sustainability #walkablecities #greentech and believe there is no "us vs. them," there's only US.

Public Key

npub1efe5sns4nfq7nxut488mrt6f6m5azk8c0mrxvkjn0yl2sfwy73aqvuv5p0

NIP-05 Address

erinwhalen_at_mindly.social@mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqsv5u6gfc2e5s0fnw96nna34ayad6w3tru8a3nxtffhj04gyhz0g7spz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumt0wd68ytnsw43qx9unvj

Publishing to

relay.mostr.pub

Author Public Key

npub1efe5sns4nfq7nxut488mrt6f6m5azk8c0mrxvkjn0yl2sfwy73aqvuv5p0

Show more details

Last Notes

2024-02-25 16:59:07

#SilentSunday
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/993/171/497/868/718/original/0f30b7a87f3a26c3.jpg

2024-02-24 16:41:13

- reply

@npub1gr8…c639 - yes! If only to be able to say, "I have the Ark of the Covenant! Fall to your knees and worship me!!"
It'll be a huge hit at cocktail parties, I'm certain of it.

2024-02-23 17:02:47

- reply

@npub1axa…t44n - nice! It does seem pretty sci-fi, doesn't it?

2024-02-23 00:16:40

This headline just made me laugh out lout. Let's hear it for scooter batteries made with water that don't go boom!! 😆
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2418258-batteries-made-with-water-could-power-e-scooters-without-exploding/
#batteries #sustainability #environment #transportation

2024-02-22 23:13:46

As someone who's recently become involved with a local non-profit that's advocating for better active transportation infrastructure in our community, I've gotta say that Guilbeault's remarks that (according to this article) "ignited a countrywide frenzy among premiers and media commentators angry over a perceived threat to the dominance of cars in Canadian society," warmed the cockles of my heart. 😆 🚴 💪
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/02/20/analysis/why-steven-guilbeault-roadway-remarks-car-crazy-culture-war
#bike #environment #sustainability #transportation

2024-02-18 15:30:38

- reply

@npub1gu5…mzsp - thank you! He certainly thinks so. 😸

2024-02-18 15:29:36

#SilentSunday
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/953/188/298/550/309/original/f58bd0fc356c3341.jpg

2024-02-18 03:59:56

- reply

@npub1cmd…m4ve - I'm sorry to hear that!

2024-02-18 03:30:58

The Prince of Cats hope you love something in your life as much he loves his favourite chin pillow.
#caturday
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/950/350/235/310/400/original/0623cb44cec716f0.jpg

2024-02-18 03:25:31

- reply

@npub1pke…lntf - nice! Thanks for the link!

2024-02-14 22:33:51

Canadian environment minister Stephen Guilbeault says the federal government plans to stop investing in large road projects because "they're intent on moving people out of their cars and into public transportation" and because they want to encourage more active transit (ie, riding bikes & walking).
It sure would be nice to see more federal $$$ invested in building better active transportation infrastructure here on the Coast...🚶‍♂️🚴‍♀️🌲
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/guilbeault-no-new-roads-1.7114867
#canada #environment #sustainability

2024-02-10 18:18:45

Marceline the Vampire Queen is not impressed with my attempts to immortalize her beauty.
#caturday
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/908/547/858/472/565/original/8469922479ea1808.jpg

2024-02-09 17:08:30

You love to see it...
“I hope this verdict sends a message that falsely attacking climate scientists is not protected speech,” Mann said in a statement.
Sadly, I don't know if this message will be received, but I DO hope the verdict inspires more scientists who have been defamed by climate deniers to seek justice. 🌎 ✊
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/02/08/michael-mann-bloggers-defamation-trial/
#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #science

2024-02-05 18:15:19

Here's an interesting stat if true: apparently 1.2 million EVs were sold in the States last year, amounting to 7.6% of all vehicles sold – and electricity consumption *declined*.
The article credits improvements in efficiency to the decrease in electricity use, which to me is the biggest point. So much of our transition to a sustainable future has to involve figuring out better ways to do more with less. 🌎
https://cleantechnica.com/2024/02/02/the-us-added-1-2-million-evs-to-the-grid-last-year-electricity-use-went-down/
#energy #sustainability #EV

2024-02-04 16:16:08

(Not so) #SilentSunday
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/874/089/684/735/549/original/18446ec74ec3186e.jpg

2024-02-03 16:49:59

The Prince of Cats ponders the problems of the world and decides they can wait until tomorrow to be solved.
#caturday
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/868/564/669/070/748/original/2dbcd0f4ace85b25.jpg

2024-02-03 05:10:35

You eat a lot of acid, Miller, back in the hippie days?
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/865/816/874/094/422/original/1738269604527b39.jpg

2023-12-22 14:13:10

- reply

@npub1u82…e9ts @npub1l20…0c0w @npub1jmh…s6g0 - very cool! Thanks for sharing!

2023-12-22 06:24:03

- reply

@npub1l20…0c0w @npub1jmh…s6g0 - yes, I've read quite a bit about BYD! I think they may now be the largest seller of EVs in the world. Interesting to see they're backed by Warren Buffett. I wonder if that means we will eventually see them in America one day?
https://fortune.com/asia/2023/10/03/byd-china-ev-maker-backed-warren-buffett-close-overtaking-tesla-battery-sales/

2023-12-21 21:16:03

- reply

@npub1ual…34tj - Your comment immediately made me think of Sammy Hagar's "I can't drive 55!" 😆
I suppose the speed demons of the world will have to make do with getting 700-800 km instead of 1000 km on a single charge – until the batteries become even more efficient, which I'm guessing will happen in the next decade or so.
https://media.giphy.com/media/fQfSsWpzAdEJ0ZGIEi/giphy.gif

2023-12-21 21:08:53

- reply

@npub15hc…mtng - yep, I hear you on that. But being that this technology is still very much in its infancy, I have faith/hope that they will be able to improve upon it over the next 10+ years and get more bang with a smaller battery. 🤞

2023-12-21 20:52:02

Oh hey, lookee here – a Chinese EV with a semi-solid state battery has apparently just traveled 1,044km on a single charge in -2° C to -12° C weather.
(This one goes out to anyone spending the holidays with people who insist that EVs couldn't ever possibly be suitable for cold and remote rural environments – even in 12-20 years' time. Happy debunking! 😁🎄🎁)
https://www.engadget.com/a-chinese-ev-squeezed-650-miles-of-range-from-its-150-kwh-battery-092427301.html
#environment #ev #sustainability

2023-12-20 16:27:06

- reply

@npub1470…4490 - thanks for sharing your insights! In terms of energy storage solutions, the heated rock or ceramic brick models like what Rondo in California is doing seem most interesting and viable to me. But I'm not a scientist so there may be a lot I'm missing.

2023-12-19 19:47:46

- reply

@npub1qjs…xp6v – awesome, thanks for sharing!

2023-12-19 18:58:48

Oooh, this documentary on the power of regenerative farming sounds amazing! Hopefully we'll get a chance to see it on a streaming network or in theatres in Canada.
https://chicagodefender.com/common-ground-is-a-testament-to-the-power-of-film-to-change-hearts-and-minds/
#regenerative #farming #environment #sustainability

2023-12-19 17:15:56

- reply

@npub18xd…ruae - thanks, I'll check it out!

2023-12-19 16:36:04

- reply

@npub16tt…e96m - Thanks so much for weighing in with your thoughts! I really appreciate it.
I actually live on the outskirts of a town of less than 5,000 on the BC coast that's accessible only by ferry.
I hear you on the lack of infrastructure throughout most of Canada, which is why I am excited to see the federal government set a deadline on the sale of new gas cars, as I suspect it will provide serious impetus to kickstart the development of that infrastructure. ✌️

2023-12-19 01:50:08

Here we goooooo!! Canada is expected to announce this week that all new cars must be zero emissions by 2035. Only 12 years left to buy a gas guzzler, people!
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/canada-announce-all-new-cars-must-be-zero-emissions-by-2035-report-2023-12-17/
#canada #ev #emissions

2023-12-18 22:07:22

- reply

@npub1axa…t44n - Planet Hoth 🥶😆

2023-12-18 22:06:32

- reply

@npub18xd…ruae - ooh, thanks for letting me know! If you have any favourites, please share. 🙏🌱

2023-12-18 19:33:57

Look at these cute little guys I saw on my walk the other day. So tiny!
#MushroomMonday
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/603/082/987/222/973/original/5a08fa34eed54714.jpg

2023-12-18 18:22:16

Loved this article about an urban gardener who planted a food forest in her small backyard. She lives in Australia but I imagine the multi-layer forest idea could be adapted for any environment.
(Urban food forests make me think of how the Amazon was proven to be a human-cultivated food forest, with most of the edible plants deliberately planted 4,500 years ago. Living in a biodiverse food forest sounds pretty dreamy to me! 🌲 🌳 )
https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/creating-a-mini-urban-food-forest-in-my-small-backyard/103218416
#environment #urban #food #forest

2023-12-17 16:21:34

#SilentSunday
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/596/663/403/124/043/original/f4f642fd576e13c7.jpg

2023-12-16 18:24:11

Got a monkey on my back and I can't shake it off!
#caturday
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/591/481/324/624/063/original/f06c031693bd46f6.jpeg

2023-12-16 04:12:45

- reply

@npub1g4p…he2w - beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

2023-12-16 02:24:51

Happy Friday! Here's a little sailor's delight to kick off the weekend.
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/587/708/981/258/396/original/acf4f3b4cf9c17cc.jpg

2023-12-15 02:49:02

YESSSSS this is amazing!! Congrats, @npub1yyd…vgmq - I can't wait to see Murderbot brought to life - by a Skarsgard, no less!!
https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/apple-murderbot-series-alexander-skarsgard-1235838405/

2023-12-14 20:23:47

- reply

@npub1fvn…sghp - I hear you on that! Maybe using an ad blocker help?

2023-12-14 17:39:52

James Ball over at GreenBiz has put together a list of the most valuable guides for decarbonizing the building industry.
Buildings and construction account for more than 1/3 of global energy and process-related carbon emissions, so this seems like good information to share! The sooner this industry starts shrinking its emissions, the better.
https://www.greenbiz.com/article/most-valuable-guides-building-decarbonization-2024
#decarbonization #building #sustainability

2023-12-14 05:17:12

The Fairphone 5 just received a perfect 10/10 score on repairability from iFixit. 😍
OH, how I wish Fairphones were available in Canada. Tech that isn't built to be easily repairable is some serious BS.
https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/ifixit-gives-fairphone-5-perfect-repairability-score
#tech #repair #sustainability

2023-12-13 06:11:39

- reply

@npub1vyv…fsps - thanks for sharing this! My relatively conservative in-laws who live on Vancouver Island in Canada have had a heat pump in their home for over 15 years. They got it purely for the cost savings. Boggles my mind that such useful tech has been so successfully demonized recently. But I guess for some, any energy-efficient tech is bad tech. 🤷‍♀️

2023-12-13 04:18:44

The new #COP28 draft agreement was just released!
The updated text calls for member countries to commit to: "Transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science."
All 198 countries must agree for there to be a deal. Think they'll make it happen? Or that it will make a difference?
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-67674841
#COP28 #environment #FossilFuels

2023-12-12 19:23:11

- reply

@npub147e…gxch - Thanks for sharing! I suppose it shouldn't be surprising that mining companies are electrifying for the cost savings. I feel like more/all industries will eventually? Though I hear you on the US railroads history with electrification. I've only read a bit about it but what I've seen is 😬 😬 .
Here's hoping the new electric rail projects announced last week by the Biden Administration come to fruition! Once the lid is cracked, I'm guessing more will follow.
https://www.axios.com/2023/12/08/high-speed-rail-white-house

2023-12-12 18:39:40

The US and Canada have created a task force to develop a common vision for decarbonizing the rail sector by 2050. Their goal is to have a net zero climate model in place by 2025.
Yes! Bring on the electric trains! 🚅 Though it does smack of “we’re making plans to create a plan” when what we really need is concrete action now. But still! I guess it’s better to have a plan to make a plan than to have zero plans to do anything at all.
https://www.energy.gov/articles/joint-statement-us-department-energy-us-department-transportation-and-transport-canada
#environment #trains #ClimateCrisis

2023-12-12 03:50:40

- reply

@npub1af2…qr04 - thank you so much for the offer to help! You could share the link to Our Awesome Future with anyone you think might be interested in the latest news and developments in green tech and sustainability.
You could also subscribe if you're interested in receiving regular articles and "Links of the Week" emails in your inbox. It's free! 🙏 🌎
https://www.ourawesomefuture.net/

2023-12-11 22:46:39

- reply

@npub16yd…mu6a - Any forest is a good forest in my books!

2023-12-11 22:08:04

- reply

On the topic of Paris planting its first urban forest – when I wrote the article below suggesting we turn our cities into gardens, even *I* thought I might sound naively over-optimistic. 😅 Yet here’s Paris actually DOING it.
And as the benefits of using nature to protect urban environments from climate-change-intensified extreme weather become increasingly apparent, I’m guessing other cities will follow.
https://www.ourawesomefuture.net/lets-turn-our-cities-into-wild-nature-gardens/
#paris #urban #environment #ClimateChange
2/2

2023-12-11 22:02:33

Here’s another article about Paris’s ongoing efforts to become a “garden city.” 😍🌳🌷
The city is creating its first urban forest by planting 478 trees on the Place de Catalogne, where a busy car roundabout was transformed into a "Dutch-style" bicycle junction in an effort to reduce noise and pollution and combat global warming. The forest will located at the start of a greenway bike lane that leads to the city’s southern suburbs.
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/paris-plant-first-urban-forest-busy-roundabout-drive-build-garden-city-2023-12-06/
1/2
#paris #urban #environment

2023-12-11 18:53:54

- reply

@npub1qfg…f8mt - I know!! Time flies, hey?

2023-12-11 18:08:30

I didn’t realize that Quebec was so committed to phasing out fossil fuels! Last week the province joined Denmark and Costa Rica as co-chairs of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA) — “a coalition of countries and sub-national governments that have committed to banning the exploration and development for new oil and gas.”
Way to go, Quebec! Here’s hoping more provinces and states follow in your footsteps. 🌎🙏
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/12/07/news/quebecs-mission-end-oil-and-gas
#environment #quebec #cop28 #FossilFuels

2023-12-11 05:14:34

- reply

@npub136m…aamd - so glad to hear it!

2023-12-11 05:13:51

- reply

@npub1cja…rqkq - very true!

2023-12-11 05:13:15

- reply

@npub1xdd…e9jk - you're so welcome - thanks for reading it! 🙏

2023-12-11 04:34:13

- reply

@npub1h9y…cr0d - we're about an hour south of Egmont - but I wouldn't be at all surprised if your friend Doug and I have friends in common!

2023-12-11 00:18:10

- reply

@npub1qf5…kv79 - that is excellent to hear! When I went to San Francisco in October I so wanted to go by train but the time, hassle, and additional expense made it so not worth it.

2023-12-10 21:34:36

I joined Mastodon back in November 2022 and decided to write a piece about what my experience here has been like.
(Spoiler: it's turned me into a local activist. 😆 ✊ )
https://www.ourawesomefuture.net/mastodon-a-gateway-drug-for-activism/
#mastodon #activism #environment #sustainability

2023-12-10 21:28:41

It’s been a year since I joined Mastodon so I figured now would be a good time to reintroduce myself. 😁
I’m a copywriter & content strategist living on the Sunshine Coast BC, Canada. I share photos of the forest and ocean and post a lot about green tech and sustainability because I believe we have the potential to solve our biggest environmental challenges – and the more attention we pay to possible solutions, the faster we'll be able to create a sustainable future for all. ✌️ 🌎
#introduction

2023-12-10 16:24:35

#SilentSunday
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/557/041/982/358/930/original/c086a0170155d59a.jpg

2023-12-09 23:16:09

- reply

@npub1fw3…dfpe @npub1akw…p9eq - I'm sorry to hear that! Keep making noise about it – as high-speed rail gets built in other places it will be harder for them to ignore the benefits, I think. ✊🤞

2023-12-09 18:56:19

OMG I LOVE THIS: The Biden Administration has announced $8.2 billion in new funding for high-speed rail and other passenger train projects – including a high-speed electric train connecting Los Angeles to Las Vegas, with another from LA to San Francisco eventually in the works.
YES! North America needs high-speed electric rail. Here's hoping they extend the California line all the way north to Vancouver! 🚅
https://www.axios.com/2023/12/08/high-speed-rail-white-house
#trains #environment #transportation #sustainability #EV

2023-12-09 05:01:12

- reply

@npub1qf5…kv79 - yes, that's a great point. The emissions cap is only for extraction and not for CO2 released by burning the fossil fuels. Teeny tiny baby steps. 🙄

2023-12-08 20:21:16

- reply

@npub1pah…uxz7 - those are great questions!

2023-12-08 20:20:11

- reply

@npub1qfg…f8mt - yes, agreed. It's frustrating to see that the purpose of the offset credits is to ensure the industry can keep growing. (The bones we throw to Alberta, sigh... 🙄 ) Unless/until the industry can figure out a way to make carbon capture actually feasible (without just pumping captured CO2 back into the ground to push out more gas/oil) the emphasis should be on shrinking, not growing.

2023-12-08 19:33:59

The Trudeau government has announced its plan for capping emissions in Canada's oil & gas sector. The goal is to reduce emissions 35-38% below 2019 levels by 2030 – but the expectation is industry will only achieve a reduction of 20-23% then use offset credits or penalties paid into a decarbonization fund to make up the difference.
I mean, yay for finally getting some targets down on paper. But it still seems kind of meh?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/liberal-government-unveils-oil-gas-cap-1.7051803
#canada #FossilFuels #emissions #environment

2023-12-08 04:47:09

Another rainbow sherbet sky! Loved the streaks and clumps of cloud this evening.
#BritishColumbia #December #sunset
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/542/967/715/773/804/original/9adf25abecd4a91f.jpg

2023-12-07 19:07:54

The EU Council and Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on new ecodesign rules that will make products sold within the EU greener and easier to repair. The new agreement sets environmental sustainability requirements for almost all categories of products (e.g., dishwashers, televisions, windows, car chargers) and introduces a ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear.
Yay for more sustainability and less waste! 🌎
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/12/05/products-fit-for-the-green-transition-council-and-parliament-conclude-a-provisional-agreement-on-the-ecodesign-regulation/
#EU #sustainability #green #environment

2023-12-06 04:01:01

- reply

@npub15gt…703j - I don't think I've seen anything suggesting the process would actually be carbon negative, but it does sound like it could be more environmentally friendly than most other types of lithium extraction. Sounds like the big hurdle to overcome is creating the technology and process that will actually do it in a profitable way. Here's hoping!

2023-12-06 03:47:57

- reply

@npub10gh…2h5s - Mmmm... beer-battered lithium & chips... 😋

2023-12-06 02:29:15

Looks like December is coming for November's drama queen crown...
#BritishColumbia #December #sunset #beauty
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/531/102/517/862/756/original/352f694727efecb7.jpg

2023-12-05 18:36:59

Researchers are saying that California's Salton Sea has much more lithium than previously thought – enough to power 382 million EV batteries – and that it can be extracted in an environmentally friendly way.
Sounds like a number of companies are racing to make that happen but none of them have developed the technology and infrastructure to do it profitably yet... here's hoping one of them figures it out! 🌎🤞
https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2023-11-28/the-salton-sea-has-even-more-lithium-than-previously-thought-new-report-finds-boiling-point
#california #EV #environment #energy

2023-12-04 22:43:52

- reply

@npub1rhw…6j73 - I do believe that Ukraine has the right to support itself against Russia. And I care about the lives and livelihoods of others. AND I think it’s abhorrent that the world spent $2.2T on military defence last year.
If countries agreed to spend that kind of money for just one year on climate change, imagine the progress we could make – and the impact THAT would have on lives and livelihoods. Especially when you consider the geopolitical impacts of unchecked climate change. 🌎 ✌️

2023-12-04 20:14:15

Saw these cuties on one of my weekend walks and had to share. So perfectly umbrella-shaped!
#MushroomMonday #BritishColumbia #nature #mushrooms
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/523/960/548/637/408/original/e0ccb18f08a8b838.jpg

2023-12-04 19:51:04

An international climate advocacy group is calling for the world's countries to reallocate five percent of their military funding to help combat climate change.
I mean, diverting ONE HUNDRED percent of military funding to combat climate change would be a better idea, but sure. Let's start with five.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/02/cop28-climate-change-military-funds
----------
#cop28 #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #ClimateJustice

2023-12-03 20:22:29

Another day, another energy storage solution being touted as the next best thing to facilitate the clean energy transition... 🤞
Italian startup Energy Dome stores energy by compressing gaseous CO2 into liquid during times of peak power, then releases the energy by allowing the CO2 to expand back into gas. Apparently Bill Gates has thrown a bunch of money at it so it will be interesting to see if and how the technology develops.
https://cleantechnica.com/2023/12/02/carbon-dioxide-co2-long-duration-energy-storage-wisconsin-italy/
#energy #EnergyTransition #environment

2023-12-03 20:05:28

#SilentSunday
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/518/274/236/399/489/original/da5521d1b5aafd0e.jpg

2023-12-02 19:26:07

- reply

@npub1pke…lntf - thanks for sharing and tagging me on this. 😁

2023-12-01 02:02:22

Today is rainy and grey so I'm posting this picture from a couple of days ago as a reminder of the hidden beauty that lies beyond the clouds.
#BritishColumbia #VancouverIsland #November #sunset #beauty
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/502/675/495/875/517/original/9f619ca448320954.jpg

2023-11-30 20:35:34

- reply

@npub1uq8…qe05 - Thanks so much for sharing! I've learned a lot about lawn mowers since posting about that article – not the least of which is that a lot of people like talking about lawn mowers! 😁 ✌️

2023-11-29 21:07:27

- reply

@npub1lh7…q86h @npub1cuh…nj2y - thanks for sharing your experiences! We have a Ryobi chainsaw and pruning sheers and love them.
As for the rescue boats – makes sense. I wonder if the electric motor technology will improve or if we'll eventually turn to hydrogen as a fuel?

2023-11-29 20:40:04

- reply

@npub1uq8…qe05 - this recent Grist article offers more detailed info and includes a link to a report with a bunch of stats on the types of pollutants etc.
https://grist.org/technology/lawn-equipment-pollution-report/

2023-11-29 20:37:48

- reply

@npub1ay8…hx6t - those are great questions! This recent Grist article seems to offer more info. It says that lawn equipment apparently was responsible for "more than 68,000 tons of smog-forming nitrous oxides, which is roughly on par with the pollution from 30 million cars. Lawn equipment also spewed 30 millions tons of climate-warming carbon dioxide, which is more than the total emissions of the city of Los Angeles."
The report linked in the article includes more stats re: types of pollutant. ✌️

2023-11-29 20:28:27

- reply

@npub1mmj…4qpk
- beautiful!

2023-11-29 20:26:09

- reply

@npub1sxa…vlxh - I think most people have them because they've typically been the norm and people aren't in a hurry to replace what works and maybe don't trust the electric technology enough. Gas mowers still tend to be a lot cheaper and more powerful than electric ones as well.
But if you care about emissions, electric ones for sure sound like the way to go.

2023-11-29 20:19:12

- reply

@npub1cuh…nj2y - thanks for sharing! It's so noticeable when you go from a place with really clean air to one with poor air quality, isn't it?

2023-11-29 20:17:18

- reply

@npub1sup…pqq7 - yes, agreed. Governments and industry should make it as affordable as possible for regular people to make the transition to clean energy. ✌️

2023-11-29 04:02:41

- reply

@npub1pl5…a2pf - thanks so much for sharing - appreciate the info!

2023-11-28 22:34:45

I was reading this article on California's plans to ban gas-powered lawn mowers in 2024 and came across a claim that blew my mind: apparently "1 hour use of a gas-powered lawn mower releases as much pollution as a Toyota Camry does over 300 miles."
What??
I did a quick search and found a few other sources that said the same thing. Gas-powered lawn mowers pollute WAY more than cars do. Phasing them out seems like a no-brainer?
https://carboncredits.com/californias-bold-shift-say-goodbye-to-carbon-emission-gas-powered-lawn-mowers-by-2024/
#california #environment #gas

2023-11-27 22:38:37

Futurism.com says they caught Sports Illustrated publishing articles by fake, AI-generated authors – and when caught they deleted the fake author bios and presumably rocked back and forth on their heels while whistling innocently at the sky and periodically mumbling, "Who, us??"
The funny thing is how hysterically fake the author bio photos are. I imagine we'll be seeing a lot more of this in the months to come.
https://futurism.com/sports-illustrated-ai-generated-writers
#ai #future #fake #technology #sports #news

2023-11-26 15:41:53

#SilentSunday
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/477/596/744/650/252/original/942b981cae325dc8.jpg

2023-11-25 18:32:33

- reply

@npub1knz…sz5a - that is entirely possible! Though, given that he IS a cat, I'm pretty sure he would never pass up an opportunity to judge me. 😆

2023-11-25 18:24:48

- reply

@npub1w9n…hhj6 - I agree! I don't think anyone would try to argue that the transition to renewables is fossil-fuel free (and not the point of the article, which is about mining).
It takes a lot of energy to fuel a global energy transition and it makes sense that the soon-to-be outmoded fuel would be used to power it – in the early years, at least.
Also, it's worth mentioning that China, along with its coal plants, is also building more renewables than any other country in the world. ✌️

2023-11-25 17:57:49

The Prince of Cats is judging me for my messy drawers and thinks I should spend the day refolding all my clothes for his comfort and convenience.
#caturday
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/472/434/350/466/902/original/380395d1765aafe7.jpeg

2023-11-25 01:39:53

Happy weekend! Here's the setting sun giving a couple of rowboats and a dinghy a lovely glow-up for you.
#BritishColumbia #VancouverIsland #November #sunset
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/468/609/801/377/926/original/4865a9c25b82bc48.jpg

2023-11-25 01:32:29

I appreciated this Foreign Policy article that talks about how the green transition will mean LESS mining, not more.
Though I wouldn't call the argument that renewables require an unacceptable amount of mining an "emerging narrative" – seems like people have been making that claim for years now.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/11/23/renewable-energy-climate-change-cop28/
#RenewableEnergy #green #energy #environment

2023-11-24 18:38:45

Stellantis says it will lift its 2030 revenue target for its "circular economy" recycling unit after revenue grew 25% this year. The company, which owns brands such as Chrysler, Jeep, and Maserati, said it aims to generate $2.2 billion by 2030 from its circular economy unit. The announcement was made at the company's new recycling hub in Turin, Italy.
What do you think – meaningful action or greenwashing? (Or, dare I suggest, both?) 🤔
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/stellantis-revise-up-revenue-target-circular-economy-unit-2023-11-23/
#cars #environment #Recycling

2023-11-24 01:41:49

Once again, Mother Nature came to SLAY.
(I love the streak of yellow in the cloud above.)
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/462/950/784/732/405/original/5e61e28f825d4825.jpg

2023-11-23 18:57:24

- reply

@npub1gcn…wyn9 - agreed! Paywalls are the worst. Economic barriers shouldn't prevent people from accessing information that's vital to their wellbeing.

2023-11-23 18:52:40

- reply

@npub15j7…76pj - thanks for sharing! So do you think this means it's merely a token effort on their part as opposed to the first launch of solid-state battery EVs being more of a small beta launch so they can test the technology before producing in huge numbers?
What I'm interested in (more than Toyota itself) is the development of solid-state batteries – which seem to be getting a lot of buzz lately? –and whether they will live up to the longer range/shorter charging time/fewer resources claims.

2023-11-23 18:35:36

TransitionZero has published a report that claims building out transmission grids could save $3 trillion in the global transition to a green energy future.
I like what the report says about creating “corridors of clean energy flow” and the regional maps showing where these corridors could be developed.
Think we'll be able to make it happen? 🤔 ⚡
https://www.transitionzero.org/insights/interconnector-report-feo
#energy #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition

2023-11-22 22:21:44

Trees. Ocean. Island. And somewhere way WAY beyond, the sun.
https://a.mindlycdn.com/media_attachments/files/111/456/520/374/543/580/original/a53a631241556f2f.jpg