The COVID-19 pandemic triggered massive disruptions in energy use as lockdowns led to deserted office buildings while remote work and school surged electricity demand at home. Smart home technology helped manage these unpredictable shifts by balancing residential energy needs with grid stability.
Now as societies reopen but remote activities persist, smart homes provide the ideal solutions to match energy supply and demand in real-time. Their intelligent efficiency and flexible energy management capabilities are powering the evolution to a more dynamic, resilient grid.
Let’s explore how smart home innovations like rooftop solar, batteries, intelligent thermostats, electric vehicle chargers and appliance controls are driving the post-pandemic energy transition. Their aggregated potential positions homes as virtual power plants that mitigate grid strain. Utilities and homeowners embracing smart home technology can lead the charge toward a smarter, decentralized grid for the 21st century.
Managing the Pandemic Power Rollercoaster
COVID-19 unleashed unprecedented turbulence in energy consumption as social and business activities abruptly shifted from centralized to home-based. Grid operators confronted a wild seesaw between overloaded residential grids and plummeting commercial demand almost overnight.
Smart home devices helped balance the extremes by reducing home peak loads while maximizing self-generated solar power. Intelligent thermostats like Alphabet’s Nest adjusted cooling based on occupancy patterns and weather data. Batteries supplied overnight power once sunlight diminished.
Utilities utilized incentives so smart chargers only drew EV power during off-peak times. The collective impact avoided dangerous residential peaks that could crash local distribution grids.
“The pandemic provided a rapid scaled experiment revealing how networked smart homes can stabilize the grid during major demand swings,” says Ronny Mo, Head of Energy Solutions at Google.
This proven value of smart homes to dynamically manage usage is now pivotal as the world transitions to a new normal with hybrid remote and in-person activities. Intelligently balancing residential and commercial power flows remains imperative.
The Solutions Under One Roof
While each smart home device offers specific benefits, their full potential comes from orchestrating energy use across them in unison. This is where artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) enter the picture.
IoT sensors throughout smart homes feed appliance performance, user behavioral and weather data into cloud AI platforms. In turn, machine learning algorithms optimize energy levels based on priorities set by homeowners while staying responsive to grid conditions.
For instance, a sudden cold snap may trigger high electricity demand. But cloud AI can preheat connected homes and shift discretionary loads to off-peak times using historical data. This prevents outages from residential demand spikes.
Agile coordination also makes it easier to integrate intermittent renewable power into the grid. Solar forecasts help cloud AI predict available sunlight to align rooftop system output with other home devices. Any excess solar can be stored in batteries or EVs to dispatch later when renewable generation declines.
Utilities are taking notice of how turnkey smart home platforms create virtual power plants encompassing thousands of homes. Some offer discounted connected devices and superior rate plans to incentivize enrollment in residential energy management programs.
The Grid of the Future is Distributed and Dynamic
Standard power generation and transmission models rely on centralized fossil fuel plants to push electricity one-way to passive consumers. But smart homes enable a decentralized grid where flexible users dynamically interact with the grid to share resources.
Homeowners become proactive “prosumers” who both consume and produce power depending on conditions. Meanwhile utilities operate smarter local microgrids rather than unwieldy centralized grids.
For example, a neighborhood microgrid could pool household solar, batteries, EVs and generators to disconnect from the main grid during outages and sustain itself independently. Exchanging energy peer-to-peer between homes opens new possibilities as well.
Grid architects are also increasingly focused on managing demand rather than expanding supply. The cleanest, cheapest energy is wasted energy. Federal initiatives like the Grid Modernization Lab Consortium back innovations in smart buildings to curb usage during peak periods when power costs surge.
As renewables expand, maximizing their intermittent potential requires a nimble grid using smart homes as a cornerstone. Home energy hubs can help smooth out renewables’ variability when clouds block sun or winds die down.
While still early, smart homes form the backbone needed for the decentralized, decarbonized grid essential to reach sustainability targets. Their responsiveness unlocks greater efficiency and reliability than fossil fuel plants can provide.
Mainstreaming the Smart Home Revolution
Of course, these sweeping modern grid visions rely on smart home technology permeating widely enough to make an impact. Though adoption is accelerating, connected devices remain out of reach for many households.
But project manager Daria Nepriakhina sees recent trends in consumer interest, energy policies and utility incentives aligning to tip smart homes into the mainstream within a decade.
She highlights how fear of climate change is compelling homeowners to monitor energy use more closely for conservation. Evolving building codes and rebates for electrifying homes are removing adoption barriers further.
Nepriakhina also notes innovations like Google’s new Nest Renew aimed at simplifying home energy management through AI and automation. By integrating renewables seamlessly into daily routines, products like this make energy optimization accessible to general consumers.
As costs decrease, user experience improves and grid incentives expand, smart home technology adoption should build momentum. Given the clear value proposition the pandemic illuminated, our homes appear well on their way to powering the emerging energy paradigm.
The Road Ahead
While challenges remain, from cybersecurity risks to data privacy concerns, the path toward decentralized, clean energy supported by smart homes seems inevitable.
Expect the convergence of intelligent homes and IoT to accelerate as urbanization raises energy demands and climate consequences escalate. Smart communities with networked homes, offices, vehicles and public spaces optimized in unison will become tomorrow’s energy imperative.
Powering the planet more sustainably starts with empowering homes to manage their own energy footprint dynamically. The humble home stands poised to transform into the engine driving the next-generation grid. Unlocking its full potential means embracing technology that can amplify the home’s capabilities.
Through innovation, the dwellings we retreat to for shelter can now provide solutions that nourish the collective future. The pandemic offered a glimpse of this possibility as our castles became drivers of energy resilience. With smart homes as the cornerstone, the possibilities ahead for our grids appear limitless. The power lies within reach.


Frequently Asked Questions about EatOils™ Products and How the Cleaning Magic Works
All of our EATOILS™ products are safe to use, containing no solvents or other harmful chemicals. Our microbes are all naturally occurring microorganisms that are both effective and safe for humans, animals, and the environment. Our products are all listed on the DSL by Environment Canada and are considered safe for use in Canada.
EATOILS™ are listed with the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) for the safe use in Food Processing facilities.


We invited water policy expert Kim Delfino to speak with us at a webinar about changes she anticipates to water policy in the Biden administration. Delfino reviewed the Biden administration’s top four priorities: Covid-19, economic recovery, climate change, and racial equity. “These priorities,” she said, “will have a profound impact on water policy.” In her presentation, Delfino laid out the changes that are already underway and what we can expect to see going forward.
Delfino teaches in McGeorge’s MSL and LLM Water & Environmental Law programs. She is also the founder and president of Earth Advocacy, a firm that provides policy and advocacy guidance to nonprofits and foundations. Prior to her work with Earth Advocacy, Delfino was a California program director for Defenders of Wildlife and a member of the California Water Commission. Her policy expertise lies in state and federal endangered species, land use planning, water, and other natural resource laws.
Importance of the Federal Government to Water Policy
Professor Delfino began the conversation by emphasizing the enormous influence the federal government plays in setting water policy. In California, for example, the federal government is a critical player through its role in the Central Valley Project, which is a system of dams, reservoirs, canals, hydroelectric power plants, and other facilities that spans 400 miles. Dams in the system—and thus water supply—are operated by the US Bureau of Reclamation. The federal government administers the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and numerous other federal laws that have implications for water policy.
Federal agencies play a significant role in state water management, explained Delfino. Key agencies include the Department of Interior, which houses both the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Reclamation. The EPA, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Energy are others. These and other agencies all control water policy, and thus the President and the federal administration play a very large role in water issues in California and in other states.
Water Policy under the Trump Administration
Professor Delfino reviewed actions the Trump administration took to dismantle major climate policies and weaken or repeal (“rollback”) rules that govern clean air, water, wildlife, and toxic chemicals. She shared a chart from the New York Times that identified over 100 rollbacks intended to weaken environmental protection that were complete or in progress at the end of the Trump administration. “You can see,” she said, “that a lot happened in four years under the Trump administration with respect to water policy.”
|Air Pollution & Emissions
|Drilling & Extraction
|Infrastructure & Planning
|Toxic Substance & Safefy
As the chart indicates, the Trump administration took nine actions to roll back protections that affect water pollution. Beyond the actions captured in the chart, said Delfino, actions taken elsewhere also affected water supply and quality.
Under Trump, for example, changes were made to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, making it harder for states to object to federal projects that don’t meet state water quality standards. The Trump administration weakened coal ash disposal rules, and rules about what coal companies and power plants can dump in water. Rules protecting groundwater from certain uranium mines were relaxed. And regulatory changes to federal land management in support of the expansion of oil and gas leasing significantly decreased protections for fish and wildlife that rely on water.
“With the Biden administration we’re seeing a complete change in priorities,” said Delfino. And even though some of the Biden priorities may at first appear unrelated to water policy, she explained, they come together in a way that significantly affects environmental and water policy.
Reversing Trump-Era Rollbacks
One way that the Biden administration’s priorities affect water policy is through reversals of regulatory changes adopted by the Trump administration. For example, the Trump administration significantly narrowed the class of waters protected by the Clean Water Act. Delfino expects the Biden administration to take actions that will result in expanded federal protections for an expanded class of waterways nationwide.
Another rollback of Trump-era policies, Delfino explained, relates to the Safe Drinking Water Act and a rule that establishes a maximum contaminant level of zero for lead in drinking water. The Trump administration updated the rule to require cities to notify consumers who may be exposed to lead in their drinking water, but the rule also gave those people a very long time, potentially up to 30 years, to actually replace the infrastructure that caused the contamination. The Biden administration has a strong interest in tightening these rules so that infrastructure is replaced more quickly, thus increasing protections for drinking water and affected communities, including disadvantaged and underrepresented communities.
Another change to Trump-era policies is evident in an executive order from the Biden administration that directs the Department of the Interior to pause new oil and gas leasing on public lands and offshore waters, and to perform a comprehensive review of the federal oil and gas program. The targeted pause does not impact existing operations or permits for existing leases, Professor Delfino explained, but it will nonetheless have an impact. “This action is significant,” she said, “because fossil fuel extraction on public lands accounts for nearly 25 percent of all US greenhouse gas emissions.” Such extraction also affects access to clean air and water, impacts wildlife habitat, and can degrade cultural and sacred sites.
Finally, Professor Delfino stated that she expects to see a reversal of Trump-era modifications to Migratory Bird Treaty Act rulemaking that narrowed the application of the Act. Because migratory birds use water sources in their migration, the Act has surprising implications for water policy. “If you’re not able to protect birds,” explained Professor Delfino, “that often translates to impacts on bird habitat, which means impacts to water sources.”
Climate Change and Its Effects on Water Policy
Climate change is another area where Professor Delfino anticipates significant changes to water policy. Quoting water and climate research scientist Brad Udall, Professor Delfino said that “climate change is water change.” In other words, she said, the most obvious and dire impacts of climate change are evidenced in the changes we see to our waters and rivers. “This is very evident in the floods and droughts that California is experiencing,” she said. “The droughts are becoming deeper and longer, and California may be on the precipice of another long-term drought. This uncertainty destabilizes the economy and people’s lives, showing that climate change has a profound impact.”
Professor Delfino discussed President Biden’s “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad” executive order as one example. This order will have a significant impact on water policy. The order directs the entities that review regulatory and budget actions to require that federal permitting decisions consider the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change. “This means,” she said, “that agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency will need to undo Trump-era rules, and it also means that the [U.S.] Army Corps will have to rethink the Trump administration’s fast-track permits for a number of water-destroying activities.”
Furthermore, the administration announced a $2 trillion climate plan that will provide significant funding to shore up our natural infrastructure. This money, said Professor Delfino, will go into drinking water improvements, flood protection, and cleanup of abandoned oil and gas wells. Delfino explained that the administration’s plan proposes that the predominantly low-income communities and communities of color that have disproportionately been impacted by pollution should receive 40% of the benefits of this spending.
These actions are some of many that reinforce climate change as a cornerstone of the Biden administration. The associated regulations and investment decisions will have a very big impact on water policy.
Greater Access to Clean and Affordable Drinking Water
California has taken a lead in pushing for access to clean and affordable drinking water, and Professor Delfino said she expects the Biden administration to take measures that support and further the existing work of environmental justice organizations.
“We see an intersection between Covid and equity issues driving a greater effort to provide clean and affordable drinking waters to communities,” said Delfino. “With Covid, you have to wash your hands. You need access to clean water in order to be able to do that. And you need access to clean drinking water.”
Biden’s relief measures include large amounts of money that can be directed to address the problems of access to clean and affordable drinking water in the United States, including the emphasis on directing the funds to communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.
A Dynamic Time for Water and Environmental Law
This is a dynamic time to be involved in water and environmental law, said Professor Delfino. The interplay between water policy and Biden’s priorities of economic recovery, racial equity, climate change, and Covid are complex and fascinating. “My class touches on lots of these issues, and it’s exciting to talk about them and to see a change in administration and a significant shift in how the statutes and regulations are being interpreted and revised and applied.”
“We’ve had executive orders that revoke rules and past policy decisions,” said Delfino. “We’ve had executive orders that announce new proactive policies and proposed investments. We’ve seen a freeze on all pending regulations until a full review is done. There’s review of ongoing litigation being conducted by the Department of Justice, and we have new personnel leading the federal agencies that signal a 180-degree change in the direction of the administration and how it will affect water.”
The full webinar provides additional detail about water policy implications, including an in-depth discussion of how California, in particular, is likely to be affected by the priorities of the Biden administration.
About McGeorge’s Online MSL & LLM Programs
McGeorge offers two fully online part-time programs in Water & Environmental Law:
- The Master of Science in Law (MSL) is designed for land use planners, engineers, environmental consultants, public information officers, lobbyists, public agency and legislative staff, and others who seek expertise in this continually evolving field but do not require a law degree.
- The Master of Laws (LLM) is for attorneys, recent law school graduates, or foreign-educated legal professionals to develop depth of knowledge in a specialized area of environmental, water resources, regulatory compliance, and public agency law.
Students build marketable expertise with the guidance of expert faculty chosen for outstanding teaching as well as depth of knowledge in water and environmental law. Courses emphasize real-world knowledge and development of practical skills. The programs are convenient and are specifically designed for students and professionals who need flexibility due to work, professional, or other obligations, and who want to further their education and advance their career.


Spring is the perfect time to start your wildlife recording journey. Whether you are watching wildlife from your window or out for a walk there is always plenty to see if we slow down.
Wildflowers are showing up all along the lanes in Jersey. Whilst social distancing doesn't mean you can't get outside to enjoy the fresh air. There are plenty of walks to enjoy out in the countryside.
Join us for this years Simply Spring event where we will be hosting a wildlife themed craft workshop.
10:30-11:30 Caterpillar bookmarks and leaf art
11:30-12:30 Make an insect hotel
13:30 -14:30 Origami agile frogs
14:30-15:30 Bird nest creation


Did you know that we spend 85% of our lives inside?
However, we rarely think about what impact our homes and workplaces have on us. If you managed to watch The Secret Life of Buildings recently, you’ll know that a lack of light can even affect your health.
We all want a light, bright kitchen but how can you tell how lit the room really is? Guess what? There’s an app for that. Even better, it’s free.
The Megaman LuxMeter uses the camera on your phone to measure the brightness of any space, telling you in ‘lux’ how lit the room is.
As a rough guide, an overcast day is about 1,000 lux, whereas office lighting comes in at about 320 – 500 lux.
The app doesn’t stop there, however, as it also gives you tips and recommendations for the ideal lighting solution. There’s even an energy saving function to help identify where you could be saving by fitting alternative bulbs or LEDs. Considering that it’s Energy Saving Week, that’s pretty handy.


What is a Tree Farm?
A Tree Farm is woodland that is managed to produce forest products with the added benefits of improving wildlife habitat, water quality, recreation, and scenic values. While most Tree Farms are privately owned, there are also municipal, school, and other public forests certified as Tree Farms.
A Tree Farm must be at least 10 acres in size, have and actively use a written management plan, and demonstrate a commitment to forest stewardship. There are approximately 1,500 Tree Farms in New Hampshire.
What the NH Tree Farm Program Does:
The NH Tree Farm Program promotes the growing and harvesting of renewable forest resources while protecting the environment and increasing public understanding of the benefits of productive forestry.
Our goals include:
- Accomplishing excellent forestry by educating and motivating forest landowners to grow, harvest, and renew forest resources on a sustainable basis in an environmentally sound manner.
- Providing working demonstrations of forest stewardship so that other landowners can follow best practices.
- Promoting better public understanding of the role of forest lands in meeting human needs for wood, water, wildlife, and recreation.
- Protecting and promoting the rights of Tree Farmers to manage their forest resources according to best practices.
What is the American Tree Farm System?
The American Tree Farm System is a program for woodland owners who are committed to managing their property for wood, water, wildlife, and recreation.
The NH Tree Farm Program is run by volunteers and co-sponsors, including the New England Society of American Foresters – Granite State Division, the N.H. Division of Forests and Lands, the N.H. Timberland Owners Association, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. At the core of the NH Tree Farm Program is a flourishing network of people who care deeply about the environment. Certification by the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) indicates that a Tree Farm member is among the best woodland stewards in America. Certified members have access to an affordable certification system available for private landowners. ATFS certification is internationally recognized and meets strict third-party verification and auditing standards.
A Tree Farm sign is the sign of good stewardship and can be displayed with pride.
Who are Tree Farmers?
Tree Farmers share a unique commitment to protect wildlife habitat and watersheds, to conserve soil, to promote stewardship values, and to provide recreation for their communities while producing forest products. These individuals are key to the kinds of forests, forest activities, and forest resources that future generations will enjoy. New Hampshire Tree Farmers are your neighbors all over the Granite State. You can be a Tree Farmer, too!
What is Sustainable Forestry?
Sustainable forestry has been defined as the “art and science of managing or tending forests over the long term in such a way as to maintain or restore high levels of ecosystem health while also providing the forest products and amenities humans both need and enjoy.”
This definition combines elements of traditional “sustained-yield management” – which focuses on continuing the flow of forest products – and “ecologically sustainable forestry” – which focuses on the condition of the forest, including soil productivity, biodiversity, landscape patterns, and other ecological processes.
Sustainable forestry – also called “sustainable silviculture” – embraces both approaches by focusing on sustaining the ecological processes that maintain the flow of forest products. This subtle, yet significant, adjustment acknowledges the importance of sustaining forests in all their complexity.


Goma Greens is all about bringing fresh seasonal veggies to your doorstep, while at the same time supporting the local communities that supply the products. We work with local farmers, which are selected and trusted, to provide fresh, seasonal and healthy products. We are committed to paying the farmers a fair price for their produce. In return, we trust that they deliver high quality products and are transparent and accountable for their farming methods. It is our ambition that Goma Greens will help drive a positive societal development in the local communities that supply the products. 10% of our earnings will be paid back to the local communities to projects that will inspire organic farming.
Goma Greens was established by Christina Freddie in 2016. Christina is from Denmark where she worked with Corporate Social Responsibility for a global healthcare company for more than 13 years. She lives in Shanghai with her husband and three children.
When I first moved to Shanghai, I started selling apples from the Shandong province together with a Chinese friend. The purpose was to help farmers selling their products outside their local community, while at the same time bringing fresh and healthy products to urban families. As many other parents, I am concerned about food safety and care about knowing where my food comes from and how it has been treated. I liked the idea of buying apples direct from the farms in Shandong, and the idea emerged to distribute weekly boxes with fresh, seasonal products to families in Shanghai.


How Stone is Formed
Stone is a natural solid formation of one or many minerals. There are thousands of types of stone that have been quarried through the centuries. Quarries are located all around the world. A majority of natural stone comes from Italy, Spain, Turkey, United States, Mexico, China, Taiwan, India, Greece, Canada, France, and Brazil.
The minerals in stone came from the same liquid and gas minerals that formed the earth. The Earth developed as a massive body of gas and liquid minerals that slowly cooled and condensed to a solid core. Through pressure, the Earth's crust began to form and heavy minerals were forced down to the core of the Earth where they were trapped. As the crust got thicker, it squeezed around the inner core which created intense pressure and heat from within the Earth. Crystals and other solid forms began to grow from the mineral vapors that were being released. As the Earth's crust began to expand and erode, heat and pressure pushed the solid minerals up to the Earth's surface which formed colossal rock beds. It took up to one-hundred million years to form some of these beds. Many of the beds are now used as quarries where the stone is mined.
Most of these minerals can be identified by their color, hardness, and crystal formation. Crystals come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The wide array of these minerals is often difficult to identify. Many stones look very similar to each other; however, they are all very different.
It is imperative to know the exact type of stone that is to be maintained. Stone is natural and may have adverse reactions to certain cleaning chemicals and procedures. Most stones are also natural alkalis and so are dirt and soil; therefore, stone and dirt are attracted to each other which often makes cleaning very difficult. This makes the proper selection of cleaning procedures and chemicals for stone very complex.


Although several Caenorhabditis species are now studied in laboratories in great detail, the knowledge of the ecology of most Caenorhabditis species is scarce. In this chapter we present data on the habitat, animal associations, and geographical distribution of the eighteen described and five undescribed Caenorhabditis species currently known to science. The habitats of these species are very diverse, ranging from rotting cactus tissue to inflamed auditory canals of zebu cattle. Some species, including C. elegans , have only been isolated from anthropogenic habitats. Consequently, their natural habitat is unknown. All Caenorhabditis species are colonizers of nutrient- and bacteria-rich substrates and none of them is a true soil nematode. Dauer juveniles of many Caenorhabditis species were shown to be associated with terrestrial arthropods or gastropods. An association with invertebrates is also likely for the remaining species. The type of association is either phoresy (for transport to a new habitat) or necromeny (to secure the body of the associated animal as a future food source). There are also some records of Caenorhabditis species associated with vertebrates. The Caenorhabditis stem species was probably a colonizer of nutrient-rich substrates and was phoretic on arthropods. Some evolutionary trends within the taxon are discussed.


Meteorological winter has arrived! You can always count on IQ Weather to explain the difference!
You see, December 1st is the first day of meteorological winter. Typically, that is when you start seeing the colder air starting to push farther south more frequently as the daylight grows shorter. It is also a convenient way for meteorologists to keep track of climate data during the cold months of December, January and February. By using the same days each year for climate calculations, you can compare data year to year and know you are always looking at the same time frame. That allows for more accurate information. The beginning and end dates of astronomical winter can vary year to year so using astronomical winter as the time frame makes it much more difficult to compare!
December 21st is the first day of Astronomical winter, which is the date most people recognize as the first day of winter. On that day the sun is in its most southern position directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. It is also the day of the year with the least amount of daylight in the northern Hemisphere. The first day of winter, however, is not the coldest day of the year, since the lakes, oceans, and other large bodies of water have not fully released the heat that they stored up over the summer. That is why there is always a lag time between the beginning of the dark days of winter, and the coldest days of the year.
Aside from the more frequent outbreaks of cold air in December, another factor that starts to come into play is snow cover. During December more snow starts falling across the northern parts of the U.S. and over the mountains of the west.
Snow cover plays a major role in chilling the air as it reflects a lot of sunlight. The reflective quality of snow is called its albedo…and snow reflects almost 95% of the sunlight that strikes it, which makes it difficult for snow to melt, even on sunny days, if the temperature is below freezing. Even with temperatures above freezing, fresh white snow is slow to melt, thanks to its high albedo! With the shorter amount of daylight and most of the daylight being reflected back to space, the air remains colder in areas where snow is on the ground. Plus, snow also helps chill the air faster at night, setting up a cycle of colder air that becomes harder to break as winter wears on.
Here is the latest map showing the snow cover over the United States today:
Here is the map of the same date last year:
And here is what it looked like by the end of December last year:
Notice the difference!
You can keep track of the daily snow cover in the United States on this website. It is a handy tool for tracking areas where cold air builds up, and you can also compare data from various dates in the past!
As always, our goal here at IQ Weather is to give you the tools to become your own weather forecaster! And it’s easier if you understand what to look for!


Salmon fishing in Norðurá this summer has been plentiful. Over 386 salmon have been landed which is similar to average catch for the same period in previous years according to the river warden. This years salmon migration numbers have reached some of the largest runs recorded. Plenty of salmon have entered the upper regions of the valley already. The water-temperature is ideal and water-levels remain good.
The tide has been high this week with plenty of catches much to the joy of anglers fishing in the river. At the lower reaches numerous trout have been caught. All in all this is shaping up to being an excellent angling summer.


TSP Purpose & Reason
Over the past several years and especially the summer of 2020, the Wallowa Whitman National Forest (WWNF) has witnessed a significant increase in use by locals and out-of-area visitors. Multiple user groups have local trailheads, campgrounds, and parking areas at capacity most summer weekends, and RVs and tents could be found in primitive areas as well. The summer of 2020 was memorable on many levels, but the amount of people recreating on the WWNF stands out.
Understanding that the bulk of the USFS budget has moved from recreation to fire, as well as understanding the significant impact outdoor recreation has on our local economy, The Trailhead Bike and Ski shop in Baker City has initiated the Trailhead Stewardship Project (TSP). The TSP was created to facilitate the need for human and monetary resources on the WWNF, helping to mindfully and effectively bolster Outdoor Recreation for our locals and visitors.
While the trail systems throughout the Elkhorns and southern Wallowas are remarkable to say the least, these trails have deteriorated significantly (some are even unpassable), in large part due to lack of funding. The Trailhead is partnering directly with the WWNF to spearhead trailhead maintenance and repair, wayfinding, and coordination of all user groups to identify trail user needs. The TSP will not be specific to biking and hiking trails, but include all user groups; biking, hiking, equestrian, ATV/OHV, etc.
The TSP will encompass all trails within the Elkhorns, Southern Wallowas, and other trails in and around Baker County. The Trailhead plans to invest in this project and hire one seasonal full-time (to start) employee specific to this project. As grant opportunities present themselves, we will continue to invest in trail infrastructure, in our community, and hopefully be able to move to additional staffing dedicated to trail maintenance and repair.


The first week of July 2019, I spent in the Victorian Alps for a masterclass on field recording. This setting was specifically chosen as the conditions above the snowline mirror those of the polar regions. The masterclass was held by the Bogong Centre for Sound Culture, and led by Philip Samartzis and Douglas Quinn. Both Phil and Doug have spent time in Antarctica field recording and creating art from the sounds.
Five full days of field recording and learning about field recording. I managed to accumulate a fair amount of material and released three albums of the soundscapes of the Bogong High Plains.
On one of the days I was out with a kalimba. I improvised to the environmental sounds of the YMCA Howman’s Gap Alpine Centre, that provided us accomodation. These recordings were made using two ZOOM H6 Handy Recorders and a contact microphone.
Other days I was just recording the environments of a few places around the area. Including the Howman’s Gap Alpine Centre, we also travelled to the McKay Creek Hydroelectric Power Station, and up to the Rocky Valley Dam around Falls Creek. These recordings also used the Zoom H6 recorders but also a JrF hydrophone, a shotgun microphone, and a Priezor VLF antenna.
Snow Line is the recordings from the environment above the official snowline on the alps.
Meltwater Valley is recordings from up around the Rocky Valley Dam, where there was a fair amount of snow everywhere. The sun was out most of the time during the week so the snow was starting to melt.


With a background in design engineering, Roger first became involved in food protection and processing while working as an Account Manager for Intralox. In this role, he advised meat-, poultry-, and seafood-processing customers on selecting conveyance solutions and services in order to ensure product quality and safety. In his current role, Roger combines a thorough knowledge of the machinery and equipment used in food processing plants with field-tested experience in food safety practices to assist customers in enhancing sanitation efficiency while meeting regulations.
Roger supports customers in Europe and South Africa in a variety of areas. These areas include sanitation downtime reduction, cleaning sequencing, sanitation program analysis for continuous improvement, equipment design reviews, development of SSOPs and associated documentation, and sanitation and hygiene training.


About Kyrenia Nature
Kyrenia is a nature lover’s paradise and is home to a wide range of birds and plant life. There are a number of native birds and these include the crested cormorant, scarlet vulture, kestrel, canary, goldfinch, Cyprus warbler, and great titmouse to name but a few. During migration seasons many birds flock in from Turkey and in spring these will include the manx shearwater, quail, cuckoo, kingfisher, and hummingbird. In summertime more birds follow and these include squacco heron, grey and purple heron, and dove falcons. Winter also brings some birds including flamingo, geese, gulls, and whitethroats. The best times for bird watching are spring and autumn and there are some excellent locations in which to do this.
Serious birdwatchers will find the Karpas Peninsula ideal and there is also a national park here that is home to a large number of birds, wild donkeys, turtles, and rare flora. There are also some beautiful beaches.
Northern Cyprus is a haven for a variety of wildlife and there are over 1600 species of plants, 350 species of birds, and 26 different species of reptiles and amphibians. Orchids are probably the most famous of the plant species found in Northern Cyprus and there are found almost everywhere. There are 32 different species of orchid found in Northern Cyprus and these include species such as the pyramidal orchid and the exotic violet limodore. Tulips, narcissus, crocus, and rose are also some of the flowers you can see on your travels.
Nature begins to come alive in November and the Island of Cyprus is covered with fresh growth. Every season in North Cyprus brings different wonders and a rainbow of colors. Nature lovers will love the range of wild flowers and the best time to see all this wonder is between November and May. Summer visitors to Northern Cyprus will miss out on this.
Source – www.allaboutkyrenia.com


Air Conditioner Electricity Consumption Calculator
Your Daily Consumption for the AC: 0 units
Your Monthly Consumption for the AC: 0 units
Calculate your electricity bill here.
Note: The calculations above are derived from various sources, encompassing user feedback among others. Once you’ve estimated your monthly unit consumption using the provided calculation, you can utilize our “Electricity Bill Calculator” to project your upcoming monthly bill post AC installation. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of your anticipated electricity expenses for the next month.
10 Tips to Save Power from Air Conditioners
Optimal Temperature Settings: Set your thermostat to an efficient temperature. The recommended range for cooling is typically between (23°C to 27°C) for tropical country like Sri Lanka. Each degree below this range can increase energy consumption by about 3-5%.
Use Energy-Saving Modes: Most modern air conditioners come equipped with energy-saving modes. These modes adjust the compressor speed and fan settings to maintain a comfortable temperature while consuming less energy. Activate these modes during periods of lower cooling demand.
Regular Maintenance: Keep your air conditioner in top condition by regularly cleaning or replacing filters. Dirty filters reduce airflow, making the system work harder and use more energy. Schedule professional maintenance to clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure optimal performance.
Utilize Programmable Thermostats: Programmable thermostats allow you to set temperature schedules based on your daily routine. For example, you can program the thermostat to increase the temperature when you’re away or sleeping and lower it before you return or wake up.
Proper Insulation: Ensure your home is adequately insulated. Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the workload on your air conditioner. Check and upgrade insulation in attics, walls, and crawl spaces.
Seal Leaks and Gaps: Seal any gaps or leaks in windows, doors, and ductwork to prevent cooled air from escaping and warm air from entering. Weather-stripping and caulking can be effective in minimizing air leaks.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances: When purchasing a new air conditioner, look for the Energy Star label or other energy efficiency certifications. These units are designed to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines, leading to lower electricity consumption.
Use Fans Wisely: Ceiling fans help distribute cool air more efficiently, allowing you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.
Install Window Shades or Blinds: Block out direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day using window shades or blinds. This reduces the heat entering your home, lessening the load on your air conditioner and helping maintain a cooler environment.
Consider ‘Bravo KillerWATT QRO’: The ‘Bravo KillerWATT QRO’ product utilizes patented technology to significantly reduce electricity consumption for air conditioners. It acts as a smart energy-saving device that optimizes the AC’s performance, resulting in substantial cost savings. Consult with the manufacturer or a professional for proper installation and integration.
Implementing these tips collectively can contribute to substantial energy savings and lower electricity bills while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Tailor these strategies to your specific circumstances and the features of your air conditioning system.


What does the environment have to do with parking?
Most hospitals and medical centers make it a goal to be conscious of the environment. And many have issues with patients and employees circling for parking spots and struggling to find them. But how are the two connected? And how can parking guidance help?
Are Parkers Really Wasting That Much Fuel?
When drivers circle looking for somewhere to park, they’re wasting more than just time. The emissions their vehicles give off are unnecessary- and not only waste fuel but pollute the environment and affect air quality too. But how much fuel is actually wasted just by looking for a spot? Surprisingly, quite a lot. The average driver spending 17 hours a year, and much more than that in some cities, looking for a spot. That translates into a whole lot of extra fuel in the air.
How Can Parking Guidance Help?
Parking counting systems like OpenSpace help people avoid the wasted time and fuel of searching for parking. OpenSpace keeps track of how many spots are available in each of your lots in real time via smart sensors. That data can then be shared with patients and parkers in a variety of ways. LED signage outside lots keep them informed. Moreover, you can give them access to that data via parking apps and your website.
A Smaller Footprint
OpenSpace is parking guidance that can help you get patients out of their cars and into your facility faster. That translates to less traffic congestion and emissions in and around your campus. But we help you reduce your footprint even more than that. While other parking guidance systems require lengthy installations and wiring each spot, OpenSpace does things smarter. It is a plug-n-play solution that is up and ready within just a few hours, no installation required.


The Honey Bee
Honey Bee, the common name for any of several species of highly social bees known for their honey-hoarding behavior and their use as a domesticated species. The European honey bee is important in modern agriculture and in nature, providing pollination for many valuable crops and wild plants. It is native to Asia and the Middle East and was introduced to North America by early European colonists. By the mid-1800s honey bees had become widespread. Today, they are naturalized on every continent except Antarctica. Honey bees can be easily reared, are adaptable to many climates and to laboratory conditions, and have a complex social life. They are among the most studied and best known insects.
In addition to the familiar European honey bee, there are six other recognized species of honey bees, including the Indian honey bee, Koschevnikov’s honey bee, the dwarf honey bee, the andreniform dwarf honey bee, the giant honey bee, and the mountain giant honey bee. The European, the Indian, and to some extent the dwarf honey bees are the species that have been domesticated, although the European honey bee is by far the most widespread domesticated bee and the only species kept in North America. There are many races of the European honey bee. The ones most popular in modern beekeeping are the Italian, Carniolan, and Caucasian. Most honey bees used in hives today are mixtures of these and sometimes other races. Africanized honey bees, also known as killer bees, are a hybrid of African and European races naturalized in the western hemisphere.
The honey bee is a social insect that can survive only as a member of a community, or colony. The colony inhabits an enclosed cavity, its nest. Domesticated colonies are kept in artificial containers, usually wooden boxes, known as hives.
The honey bee community consists of three structurally different forms-the queen (reproductive female), the drone (male), and the worker (non-reproductive female). These castes are associated with different functions in the colony; each caste possesses its own special instincts geared to the needs of the colony.
The queen is the only “egg laying” productive female in the colony and thus is the mother of all drones, workers, and future queens. Her capacity for laying eggs is outstanding; her daily output often exceeds 1,500 eggs, the weight of which is equivalent to that of her own body.
Anatomically, the queen is strikingly different from the drones and workers. Her body is long, with a much larger abdomen than a worker bee. Her mandibles, or jaws, contain sharp cutting teeth, whereas her offspring have toothless jaws. The queen has a curved, smooth stinger that she can use repeatedly without endangering her own life. In contrast, the worker honey bees are armed with straight, barbed stingers, so that when a worker stings, the barbed, needle-sharp organ remains firmly anchored in the flesh of its victim. In trying to withdraw the stinger, the bee tears its internal organs and dies shortly thereafter. The queen bee lacks the working tools possessed by worker bees, such as pollen baskets, beeswax-secreting glands, and a well-developed honey sac. Her larval food consists almost entirely of a secretion called royal jelly that is produced by worker bees. The average lifespan of the queen is one to three years.
The Worker Bee
Worker bees are the most numerous members of the colony. A healthy colony may contain 80,000 worker bees or more at its peak growth in early summer. Workers build and maintain the nest and care for the brood. They build the nest from wax secreted from glands in their abdomen. The hexagonal cells, or compartments, constructed by the workers are arranged in a latticework known as the comb. The cells of the comb provide the internal structure of the nest and are used for storage of the developing young bees and all the provisions used by the colony. Comb used for storage of honey is called honeycomb. Workers leave the hive to gather nectar, pollen, water, and propolis, a gummy substance used to seal and caulk the exterior of the nest. They convert the nectar to honey, clean the comb, and feed the larvae, drones, and the queen. They also ventilate the nest and when necessary, defend the colony with their stings. Workers do not mate and therefore cannot produce fertile eggs. They occasionally lay infertile eggs, which give rise to drones.
As with all bees, pollen is the principal source of protein, fat, minerals, and vitamins, the food elements essential for the growth and development of larvae of all three castes. Adult bees can subsist on honey or sugar, a pure carbohydrate diet. Besides gathering and storing food for all the members of the colony, the workers are responsible for maintaining the brood at 33.9? C (93? F), the optimum temperature required for hatching the eggs and rearing the young. When the nest or hive becomes too hot the workers collectively ventilate it by fanning their wings. During cool weather, they cluster tightly about the nursery and generate heat. The eggs, which are laid one per cell, hatch in three days. The larvae are fed royal jelly for at least two days and then pollen and nectar or honey. Each of the hundreds of larvae in a nest or hive must be fed many times a day.
For the first three weeks of their adult lives, the workers confine their labors to building the honeycomb, cleaning and polishing the cells, feeding the young and the queen, controlling the temperature, evaporating the water from the nectar until it thickens as honey, and many other miscellaneous tasks. At the end of this period, they function as field bees and defenders of the colony. The workers that develop early in the season live extremely busy lives, which, from egg to death, last about six weeks. Worker bees reared late in the fall usually live until spring, since they have little to do in the winter except eat and keep warm. Unlike other species of bees, honey bees do not hibernate; the colony survives the winter as a group of active adult bees.
The Drone Bee
Drones are male honey bees. They are stingless, defenseless, and unable to feed themselves-they are fed by worker bees. Drones have no pollen baskets or wax glands and cannot secrete royal jelly. Their one function is to mate with new queens. After mating, which always takes place on the wing in the open air, a drone dies immediately. Early investigators of the mating habits of the honey bee concluded that a queen mates only once in her life. Recent scientific studies, however, have established that she usually mates with six or more drones in the course of a few days. The motile sperm of the drones find their way into a small, saclike organ, called the spermatheca, in the queen’s abdomen. The sperm remain viable in this sac throughout the life of the queen.
Drones are prevalent in colonies of bees in the spring and summer months. As fall approaches, they are driven out of the nests or hives by the workers and left to perish.
Reproduction and Development
The queen controls the sex of her offspring. When an egg passes from her ovary to her oviduct, the queen determines whether the egg is fertilized with sperm from the spermatheca. A fertilized egg develops into a female honey bee, either worker or queen, and an unfertilized egg becomes a male honey bee, or drone.
The queen lays the eggs that will develop into more queens in specially constructed downward-pointing, peanut-shaped cells, in which the egg adheres to the ceiling. These cells are filled with royal jelly to keep the larvae from falling and to feed them.
Worker bees are raised in the multi-purpose, horizontally arranged cells of the comb. Future workers receive royal jelly only during the first two days, compared to future queens, who are fed royal jelly throughout their larval life. This difference accounts for the great variation in anatomy and function between adult workers and queens. On average, the development of the queen from egg to adult requires 16 days; that of the worker, 21 days; and that of the drone, 24 days.
Field honey bees collect flower nectar. On entering the hive with a full honey sac, which is an enlargement of the esophagus, the field bee regurgitates the contents into the mouth of a young worker, called the house, or nurse, bee. The house bee deposits the nectar in a cell and carries out the tasks necessary to convert the nectar to honey. When the honey is fully ripened, the cell is sealed with an airtight wax capping. Both old and young workers are required to store the winter supplies of honey.
Pollen is carried into the nest or hive on the hind legs of the field bees and placed directly in the cells. The pollen of a given load is derived mostly from plants of one species, which accounts for the honey bee’s outstanding role as pollinator. If it flew from one flower species to another, it would not be effective in the transfer of pollen, but by confining its visits on a given trip to the blossoms of a single species, it provides the cross-pollination required in many varieties of plants.
An amazing symbolic communication system exists among honey bees. In studies of bees begun in the early 1900s, the Austrian zoologist Karl von Frisch determined many of the details of their means of communication. In a classic paper published in 1923, von Frisch described how after a field bee discovers a new source of food, such as a field in bloom, she fills her honey sac with nectar, returns to the nest or hive, and performs a vigorous but highly standardized dance. If the new source of food is within about 90 m (about 295 ft) of the nest or hive, the bee performs a circular dance, first moving about 2 cm (about .75 in) or more, and then circling in the opposite direction. Numerous bees in the nest or hive closely follow the dancer, imitating her movements. During this ceremony, the other workers scent the fragrance of the flowers from which the dancer collected the nectar. Having learned that food is not far from the nest or hive, and what it smells like, the other bees leave the nest or hive and fly in widening circles until they find the source.
If the new source of nectar or pollen is farther away, the discoverer performs a more elaborate dance characterized by intermittent movement across the diameter of the circle and constant, vigorous wagging of her abdomen. Every movement of this dance seems to have significance. The number of times the bee circles during a given interval informs the other bees how far to fly for the food. Movement across the diameter in a straight run indicates the direction of the food source. If the straight run is upward, the source is directly toward the sun. Should the straight run be downward, it signifies that the bees may reach the food by flying with their backs to the sun. In the event the straight run veers off at an angle to the vertical, the bees must follow a course to the right or left of the sun at the same angle that the straight run deviates from the vertical. Bees under observation in a glass hive demonstrate their instructions so clearly that it is possible for trained observers to understand the directions given by the dancers. Certain aspects of the dance language, such as how attendant bees perceive the motion of dancers in the total darkness of the nest or hive, are still unknown. The dance language is an important survival strategy that has helped the honey bee in its success as a species.
Problems of Survival
Honey bees are subject to various diseases and parasites. American and European foulbrood are two widespread contagious bacterial diseases that attack bee larvae. A protozoan parasite, Nosema, and a virus cause dysentery and paralysis in adult bees. Two species of blood-sucking parasitic mites are particularly troublesome for beekeepers and are currently affecting wild honey bees worldwide. The honey bee tracheal mite lives in the breathing tubes of adult bees; the varroa mite lives on the outside of larvae and adults. These mites have killed tens of thousands of honey bee colonies in North America during the past ten years. Scientific breeding programs are attempting to develop tolerant strains of domestic honey bees to replace the mite-susceptible ones currently used. Tracheal mite infestations can be reduced by fumigation of the hive with menthol fumes. Varroa mites are controlled with a miticide or, in some European countries, with fumes of formic acid. Certain hive management techniques also can reduce infestations.
Many other animals prey upon individual honey bees, which may sometimes weaken colonies. Examples are cane toads and bee eaters (birds), which pick off foragers near the colony entrance; robber flies, which take individual foragers as they visit flowers; and hornets and bee wolves (wasps), which may enter the nest or hive and steal larvae. Bears have an insatiable appetite for honey and bee larvae and may destroy many nests or hives in a single raid.
Honey bee colonies used in commercial pollination and those kept in urban areas are exposed to pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals and are frequently poisoned by accident. This is a major concern of modern beekeepers.
Honey bees have become the primary source of pollination for approximately one-fourth of all crops produced in the United States and some other countries. The value of the crops that rely on such pollination has been estimated as high as $10 billion annually in the United States. Examples of fruit crops that rely on honey bees are almonds, apples, apricots, avocados, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupes, cherries, cranberries, cucumbers, pears, raspberries, strawberries and watermelons. The seeds of many vegetables are also produced with honey bee pollination; examples include alfalfa, asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, clover, cotton, cucumbers, onions, radishes, squash, sweet clover, and turnips.
Many species of wild pollinators have disappeared from the land as their habitats have been destroyed or altered by humans. The honey bee has taken over as pollinator of many of the wild plants that remain; its ecological value in this regard is tremendous.
Honey bees are the sole source of honey and beeswax, a fine wax with unusual qualities. Honey bees also produce propolis, a gummy substance made from tree sap that has antibacterial properties, and royal jelly and pollen for human consumption. Honey bee venom is extracted for the production of antivenom therapy and is being investigated as a treatment for several serious diseases of the muscles, connective tissue, and immune system, including multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
Scientific classification: Honey bees comprise the genus Apis in the family Apidae, order Hymenoptera. The European honey bee is classified as Apis mellifera, the Indian honey bee is A. cerana, Koschevnikov’s honey bee is A. koschevnikovi, the dwarf honey bee is A. florea, the andreniform dwarf honey bee is A. andreniformis, the giant honey bee is A. dorsata, and the mountain giant honey bee is A. laboriosa. The Italian race of the European honey bee is A. m. ligustica, the Carniolan race is A. m. carnica, and the Caucasian race is A. m. causcasia.
Contributed by: Kenneth A. Chambers


A recent report by First Insight and the Wharton School found that 75% of Gen Z participants would opt for sustainable goods over brand-name goods. Their concern for sustainability is influencing other generations as well.
The consumer technology industry has been slower than other sectors to get greener products in the hands of customers. The reasons behind this slow progression are numerous, layered, and complicated, but the business case for green technology is finally improving.
“If you look to other industries, you actually see more sustainable behavior, and a bit more transparency,” says Eva Gouwens, CEO of Amsterdam-based Fairphone, a small sustainable-smartphone manufacturer. “The electronics industry has been a bit of a laggard.”
For years, consumer tech companies have been resistant to adopting greener practices because they were costly. But they alone are not to blame: Consumers have traditionally wanted only the latest and greatest gadgets regardless of the impact on the environment, and government regulations regarding repairability and recyclability have been minimal.
As each of these factors changes, consumer technology is beginning to shift. Katie Green, a sustainability experience planner for the client product group at Dell, equates the slow evolution of sustainable consumer electronics to a human life cycle.


ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam on Monday conveyed Pakistan’s consent to the EU and US governments that the country is joining the ‘Global Methane Pledge’ to support global efforts to fight climate change.
The response came on the invitation of European Union and US governments to Pakistan to join the pledge, a global effort to be launched this year on the sidelines of the United Nations annual climate summit in Glasgow later this month, according to an official statement.
“The pledge is a US and EU-led global effort to jointly cut methane emissions 30% by 2030 by 2030, boosting the emerging global partnership a momentum for slowing down global warming ahead of its launch at the UN climate summit,” he explained.
“We have informed the EU and US administrations that Pakistan would join the Methane Pledge to help global efforts to combat climate change,” Amin added.
Now Pakistan is among the 24 new signatories to the Global Methane Pledge first announced by the United States and the EU in September with the aim to boost rapid climate action prior to the onset of the two-week-long global climate change summit starting from Oct 31.
The nine original partners include UK, Mexico, Indonesia, Japan and Nigeria that signed on to the pledge when it was announced at the Major Economies Forum in September this year.
The partnership of the signatories of the methane pledge now covers 60% of global GDP and 30% of global methane emissions.
“It could have unprecedentedly a powerful bearing on the energy, agriculture and waste sectors responsible for the largescale emissions of methane gas,” the PM’s aide added.
Methane is a powerful flammable and colourless greenhouse gas, about 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in warming the planet and causing climate change. Being the biggest component of natural gas and used for fuel, its leakages are caused by poorly constructed conventional drilling operations, shale gas wells, gas pipelines and other fossil fuel infrastructure.
The SAPM recalled that Pakistan received a special invitation to join the methane pledge club thanks to its successful and globally acclaimed green initiatives and programmes for climate change mitigation and adaptation – including the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme, e-vehicle, renewable and ecosystem restoration projects.
PM’s aide Amin recalled that at a recent meeting, US Special Climate Change envoy John Kerry has vehemently lauded the climate change-related green initiatives launched in Pakistan under PM Imran Khan’s vision for a clean green and climate-resilient Pakistan.
“It’s one of those tools which can really assist us in avoiding the tipping point on climate change. This is a fast track solution,” he added.
Explaining about the sources of methane emissions, the PM’s aide said that countries represent a range of different methane emissions profiles, and as far as sources of the methane emissions in Pakistan is concerned agriculture is a major source that emits a significant quantity of the highly climate-potent odourless gas.
Several recent studies have already called for the need for governments to clamp down upon methane to slow down global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, an overarching goal of the global climate agreement signed in 2015 in Paris, he said.
Referring to a landmark UN scientific report released in August this year, Amin said that strong, rapid and sustained reductions in methane emissions and slashing CO2 emissions could have a far-reaching impact on the climate.
He also said that the Global Change Impact Studies Center (GCISC), a climate change research arm of the climate change ministry, has prepared the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory for the year 2017- 2018 for Pakistan’s First Biennial Update Report (BUR1) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The estimation under the inventory shows the total emissions from Pakistan stand at around 489.87 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2eqv.) for the year 2018, with the energy sector contributing 218.94, industrial processes 25.76, agriculture, forestry and land use 223.45 and waste 21.72 MtCO2 equivalent, respectively, the PM’s aide spelt out.
Out of the total 489.87 Mt CO2 eq, as much as 135.89 Mt CO2 eq emissions are from methane, which includes 6.88Mt CO2 eq from the energy sector 2.95 MtCO2 eq from fuel combustion activities and 3.93 Mt CO2 eq are fugitive emissions from fuel, Malik Amin Aslam added.
The new signatories include Canada, the Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Micronesia, France, Germany, Guatemala, Guinea, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malta, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Rwanda,
Sweden and Togo, the U.S. State Department and EU confirmed on Monday.
The US special climate change envoy said he hoped to have more than 100 countries signed up in time for the COP26 climate summit. “We look forward to welcoming all governments that are ready to tackle methane as the single fastest strategy that we have to keep a safer 1.5C future within reach,” Kerry said. More than 20 philanthropic organizations, including ones led by Michael Bloomberg and Bill Gates, said on Monday they would mobilise over $223 million to support countries’ methane-reduction efforts. The countries involved represent a range of different methane emissions profiles.
“We all have different starting points and different local situations. But we also all have the possibility to reduce our methane emissions substantially,” European Commission Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans said.
A government official told Reuters the United States will engage with India and China to urge them to join the pledge in the weeks leading up to the UN climate summit.
Russian climate envoy Ruslan Edelgeriev said the country would analyse the initiative but did not confirm if it would join.
‘One move left’
Methane has a higher heat-trapping potential than CO2 but breaks down in the atmosphere faster.
The United States is due to release oil and gas methane regulations in the coming weeks, and the European Union will unveil detailed methane legislation later this year.
Canada will also bring forward regulation to cut methane emissions from the oil and gas sector at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels, climate minister Jonathan Wilkinson said on Monday.
Larry Kramer, president of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, which contributed to the $200 million fund, told Reuters the money will “help catalyze climate action” and that reducing methane is the quickest way to help carry out the 1.5-degree goal.
Durwood Zaelke, president of the Washington-based Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, said the partnership was a “great start” for focusing the world’s attention on the need to slash methane.
“There’s one move left to keep the planet from catastrophe – cutting methane as fast as we can from all sources,” he said by email ahead of the announcement.


Wednesday, 19 September 2012
On Saturday I biked to a conservation area located near my apartment. My main goal was photos of birds, but I ended up leaving with this as my only picture. It's a Wooly Bear Caterpillar.
I adore these little guys and move them to safety if I discover them in a place where they can be squashed.
While walking the trail, my companion and I heard a strange call. I thought of a list of birds that were spotted in the area and exclaimed "it's a gray catbird". He thought that I was making it up until I pulled out my birding app and showed him. We never got a clear look at the bird but the area it was found in matched and the call was unmistakable. (It sounded like a Siamese cat.)
The total distance biked that day was about 15 miles plus all the walking we did in the conservation area. Not too bad.


Air exchange is an important hygienic requirement for the room in which we sleep. Air exchange in the bedroom is carried out using various methods and devices. The simplest and most affordable for everyone is airing.
Ventilation – removing polluted air and replacing it with clean air. Modern industry currently offers a wide range of ventilation systems, in other words, air conditioners. But ventilation is the simplest and most natural means of air exchange in our rooms. Airing is carried out through vents and windows and transoms. Good air exchange is achieved by through ventilation. In the cold season, we ventilate the bedroom in the absence of people.
A jet of fresh air will not only not harm your sleep, but will also help to strengthen it. A person who is constantly in a warm room is usually pale and has poor sleep. Dry and hot air dries moisture in the nose and contributes to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. This is troublesome during sleep. You also need to give up indoor plants in the bedroom. On hot summer days, you can use a regular fan, the uniform sound of which also helps you fall asleep quickly.
Naturally, you sleep much better in the fresh air. It is enough to sleep 5 or 6 hours outside the city, and this will be equivalent to 9-10 hours of sleep in an urban setting. This is due to the fact that while sleeping in the open air, the sleeper receives signals from numerous receptors: “Everything is fine, life support is normal.” There is no hypoxia (oxygen starvation), which helps to restore the normal rhythm of rest and wakefulness, eliminate cardiac disorders and get rid of insomnia.
Therefore, during sleep, it is necessary to leave the windows open, the ideal temperature for a bedroom is 16-17 degrees. Don’t forget to take cover, and in winter you even need to wear warm socks.
Remember the golden rule: “Keep your head cold and your feet warm.”


Storing large quantities of wholesale calcium hydrogen phosphate, also known as dibasic calcium phosphate or dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO4·2H2O), requires careful consideration of environmental factors to maintain product quality.Here are guidelines for proper storage:
Store calcium hydrogen phosphate in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Maintain a stable temperature to prevent the product from deteriorating.
Keep the storage area well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to clumping or caking of the powder.
Use appropriate containers that provide a barrier against moisture and environmental contaminants.Sealed, airtight containers, such as drums or bags, are commonly used for bulk storage.
Ensure that the containers are made of materials compatible with calcium hydrogen phosphate to prevent any chemical reactions.
Protection from Contaminants:
Store calcium hydrogen phosphate away from substances that may cause contamination, such as strong acids, bases, or incompatible chemicals.
Implement a system to avoid cross-contamination with other products stored in the same facility.
Monitor and control humidity levels in the storage area.High humidity can lead to the absorption of moisture by calcium hydrogen phosphate, affecting its flow properties and causing clumping.
Consider using desiccants or other humidity control measures in the storage space.
Implement proper handling procedures to minimize the introduction of contaminants during loading and unloading processes.
Train personnel on the correct procedures for handling and storing calcium hydrogen phosphate to prevent accidents and ensure product integrity.
Clearly label containers with product information, including batch numbers, expiration dates (if applicable), and handling instructions.
Ensure that safety data sheets (SDS) are readily available for reference.
Implement a robust inventory management system to track the movement of calcium hydrogen phosphate and monitor stock levels.
Rotate stock based on the "first in, first out" (FIFO) principle to use older inventory first and minimize the risk of product deterioration over time.
Implement security measures to prevent unauthorized access to the storage area and protect against theft or tampering.
Conduct regular inspections of the storage area to identify and address any issues promptly.
Check for signs of moisture, contamination, or damage to containers during inspections.
Emergency Response Plan:
Develop and communicate an emergency response plan that includes procedures for handling spills, leaks, or other incidents that may impact product integrity.
Consult with the supplier for specific storage recommendations based on the characteristics of the calcium hydrogen phosphate product you are handling.Additionally, adherence to relevant safety regulations and guidelines is essential to ensure the health and safety of personnel and the integrity of the stored product.


GEDI is the first italian editorial group to achieve Carbon Neutrality
Turin, June 5, 2022. GEDI announces that it has achieved Carbon Neutrality - being the first Italian publishing group to reach this goal - through a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions, using energy produced from renewable sources, and by offsetting 2,375 residual tons of CO2 through quality carbon credits recognized by the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and certified by the VCS, the main International Standard.
GEDI is assisted by Carbon Credits Consulting, an Italian company specializing in the development and management of forest projects with a high environmental, social, and biodiversity impact in the most sensitive areas of the planet.
The fight against climate change and the commitment to the energy transition, also through the reduction of emissions harmful to the environment, is a priority of GEDI's ESG policy, which is accelerating the implementation of concrete and measurable initiatives, reported in its Report of Sustainability (available on www.gedi.it).
GEDI's commitment to environmental protection will now continue with the expansion of the scope of analysis of its Carbon Footprint: the next goal, on which GEDI is already working, will also be to offset the indirect emissions of its supply chain (the so-called Scope 3). Furthermore, the Group, which is currently purchasing certified recycled paper already, also plans to complete the certification process of the Chain of Custody by 2022, to guarantee a virtuous purchase process of the raw material on which its editorial products are printed. The paper used will therefore come exclusively from either sustainably managed forests or recycled paper.


Lecturer: Dr. Michael Kunz
Audience Discussion: You
When: November 12, 2017
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
120 N. Hall Visalia, CA 93277
Time: 2:30 p.m.
This event is part of ClimateKeys, a global initiative launching with over thirty concerts in nine countries during October & November 2017 to raise public engagement with CoP23, the 2017 United Nations climate talks taking place in November in Bonn, Germany. ClimateKeys, founded by London-based composer/pianist Lola Perrin, features concert pianists and climate change experts collaborating in performances that include a conversation with the audience about positive response to climate change. To date, over a hundred concert musicians and guest speakers in twenty countries have joined ClimateKeys. More concerts are being planned through 2018.
The environmental music project ClimateKeys invites pianists and climate experts from all over the world to come together to raise public awareness on climate change. The is a series of concerts, starting in autumn 2017, it combines piano performances and open discussions on climate, empowering the audience to better understand the issues and the opportunities behind climate change.
“Artists are useful for filtering climate messages in ways that can be processed more readily through emotions, and direct interaction with experts can inspire the public to make climate change part of their conversations,” say ClimateKeys founder, Lola Perrin.
While climate change and its effects increasingly impact every aspect of our daily lives, public occasions to engage with climate specialists remain limited. Creating opportunities for discussion with experts, as part of cultural events such as piano concerts, can contribute to boosting public engagement with climate change issues and mobilizing citizens around the Paris Climate Change Agreement.
John Hord, a pianist from Fresno, and Michael Kunz, a professor at Fresno Pacific University, have combined to create a local ClimateKeys program. This Sunday, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Visalia, the two will come together with their music and their science expertise to create an opportunity for discussion about the local impact of climate change.


Welcome to Sugnall Hall and to our world of healthy horticulture.
The two-acre walled garden was designed and built over 275 years ago in order to help feed the family and small army of servants living in and around the original Sugnall Hall. These days it still produces food for the more recent house, but it also supports the Tea Room, where our jams, chutneys, soups, tarts and quiches are sold there and through the Farmers’ Market.
However, the biggest change that a time-traveller would see is that the walled garden is now a venue for a wide range of events, including parties, weddings, country fairs and car rallies. The historic garden has become a living, breathing rural business that welcomes visitors. Indeed, we welcome private and corporate events, food and plant fairs, and we also do talks and tours. In addition to the walled garden there are other spaces in and around the estate where we hold events and other parts of the estate are also open, notably various walks in the woods that take in a series of pools.
Although we have annual snowdrop and bluebell walks, the season really starts after Easter when the marquee goes up and the first of our plant fairs takes place. From then on, the routine is opening to the public on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays (we are in the National Garden Scheme’s Yellow Book); Saturdays are generally set aside for events (though these can be booked on other days as well), and weekdays are for group visits and our own Garden School. The garden really comes to life in May and June, and looks flourishing and exuberant in July, August and September. We are still picking apples in October, but the garden pavilion comes down that month, prior to the autumn mists, dew and drizzle.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sugnall.
Karen & David Jacques
Have a look at our What’s On section for details of forthcoming events.


Restoring the historic Nakina Trail.
The T’akhu Â Tlèn Conservancy supports the maintenance of the historical Nakina Trail. The Nakina Trail is of great cultural significance to the Taku River Tlingit First Nation since it remains the only overland route from the interior boreal plateau into the Taku River Watershed. Historically, Tlingit traveled the trail each year to connect with families residing in the Taku River Watershed and to harvest the abundant wild salmon found in tributaries of the Taku River. The enforcement of Government Indian Reservations significantly reduced the use of the Nakina Trail and led to parts of the trail becoming overgrown. However, the trail was reopened in 1998, based on direction from the TRTFN Elders Council, and continues to be an important symbol of cultural revitalization for the Taku River Tlingit people.
The Nakina trail starts at Kuthai Lake, south of Atlin, and leads to a historic Tlingit village site (Canoe Landing) at the confluence of the Nakina and Sloko Rivers. Kuthai Lake is an important spawning area for sockeye salmon and the TRTFN operate a salmon monitoring camp here. This camp provides a comfortable starting point to the trail, and a unique place for hikers to learn about salmon and Tlingit land stewardship.
Kuthai Lake is reached by driving south from Atlin about 38km to the O’Donnell River. From the O’Donnell, an ATV track leads 12km to Kuthai Lake. Hikers usually park at the O’Donnell, ford the river or take the cable crossing, and hike along the ATM track to Kuthai Lake. From Kuthai, the trail leads through open boreal forest, through meadows and along a series of small lakes before dropping into the Sloko River drainage. Here the vegetation changes; certain boreal species disappear and hikers enter a transition zone influenced by the coast. Devil’s club dominates the forest under story. The trail crosses a number of creeks, cuts through rocky gullies, crosses avalanche paths, and traverses below a talus slope before descending into the Sloko drainage. Due to the challenging terrain and vegetation that grows quickly, the trail needs to be frequently maintained so that it remains accessible for hikers.


Safe Hydrogen's markets consist of current users of merchant hydrogen as well as the emerging market of mobile, transportable and off-grid (stand alone) applications served by fuel cell generated electric power.
Renewable power generation is facing two big problems. First is that regions where the
wind blows most powerfully and the sun shines most consistently
are not served by power lines. Second is that the wind does not
blow or the sun shine when the consumers most need the power. A
prime example is the news in July 2009 that T. Boone Pickens has
scaled back his plans for wind farms because he was unable to run
power lines to the prime wind location. Slurry can solve these problems.
Electricity can split water through electrolysis into hydrogen and
oxygen. Hydrogen can be stored in a slurry and transported to where
it is to be used. The slurry is heated to release the hydrogen which
can fuel gas turbines which drive generators. The discharged slurry is then returned to be recharged at the renewable energy farms.
Safe Hydrogen technologies offer a lower cost and vastly safer alternative to transporting hydrogen in liquid or compressed form via dewar or tube truck.
The fuel cell driven applications include backup power stations, battery replacement, portable power generation, electric vehicles, and marine power stations. The company's patented and unique hydrogen generation and storage system, using either chemical or rechargeable slurries, is capable of meeting fuel cell needs for kilowatt to megawatt applications.
- Kilowatt applications include electric power for remote and marine applications and standby or backup power for industrial, commercial, and residential applications.
- Megawatt applications include electric power for commercial ships and for backup power generation at commercial and industrial sites.
- Gigawatt applications include large scale power generation requiring carbon neutral and CO2 free, fuel. Slurries enable cost effective transportation of appropriately generated hydrogen to these facilities.
The fuel cell industry has been marked by a longer than expected
development stage, but certain fuel cell designs are very close
to commercialization. While significant fuel cell penetration of
the automobile market is likely to take another 3 to 6 years, backup
power and power generation for remote locations currently use fuel
For extensive information about fuel cell technology and applications, please visit http://www.fuelcells.org/


Organic, the only way to grow
At Cinacia, we believe growing the organic way produces a better tasting potato, and we take pride in farming the way nature intended. Cinacia fingerlings are grown at 7,000 feet in the San Luis valley of south central Colorado. The flavor, texture and eye appeal of our fingerlings can't be beat. Maybe it's the thin air or the rich, fertile soil that makes them grow so well, naturally. Or, perhaps it's the attention we pay to the varieties we select and how we grow each potato. We like to think it's all those things.