A recent study shows that addressing methane waste, a $2 billion issue, presents new job prospects in Utah and other energy-rich states. Methane waste, which comes from oil and gas operations, results in around 16 million metric tons of methane being released each year due to venting, flaring, and leaks.
According to research from the Environmental Defense Fund, the industry focused on reducing methane leaks has expanded by 88% in the last ten years. Isaac Brown, who leads the Center for Methane Emissions Solutions, emphasizes the advantages of tackling methane waste. He states, “It’s beneficial for the environment, public health, and the oil and gas industry itself.” Addressing these leaks could also lead to more high-quality jobs.
Methane is significantly more harmful to our climate than carbon dioxide, possessing 80 times its warming potential. It accounts for over 25% of climate change impacts in the U.S. Right now, Utah’s methane mitigation sector includes 11 companies, contributing millions to the state’s economy and providing jobs for thousands of residents.
Ashley Miller from Breathe Utah highlights the importance of reducing methane emissions to combat the winter “brown cloud” over the Wasatch Front, which affects air quality. She points out that effectively dealing with methane is crucial for maintaining a thriving oil and gas sector in Utah.
Brown mentions that there are established methods to stop methane leaks and other harmful pollutants like benzene. “Ten years ago, the options were quite limited,” he reflects. “Now, we have much better tools to identify and fix these leaks.”
Small family farms have been a staple in Mississippi for generations, but they are facing increasing challenges, especially minority-owned farms. Black farmers particularly struggle due to barriers in accessing loans and resources.
Henry Bell, who runs Old Country Farm with his daughter, shares that delays in loan approvals have impacted their farming seasons. “When funding is late, it throws off our planting schedules,” he explains. In contrast, many white farmers often receive timely loans, sometimes for amounts they don’t even need.
Bells have seen the rise of corporate farms that seem to have the upper hand on resources. The Biden administration has attempted to address this issue by providing over $2 billion in direct payments to minority farmers who faced discrimination from the USDA.
Climate change further complicates farming in Mississippi. The Bells recall how a harsh freeze in 2001 wiped out their livestock and severely impacted their farm’s production. Nowadays, extreme weather, including heatwaves and unpredictable freezes, is a constant concern.
Brittany Bell Surratt notes how their rural lifestyle makes it difficult to access modern technology. “My father doesn’t even have Wi-Fi,” she says. This digital divide makes it tough for older farmers to get vital information during climate challenges.
Despite these obstacles, the Bells are committed to sustainable farming and advocate for policies that support small farms and address past discrimination. They also seek to inspire the next generation, as seen when Bell’s granddaughter became the first African American girl to win the “Dairy Goat Queen” title.
Maryland faces higher energy costs than the national average, leading to a proposal to build new dispatchable power plants. However, environmentalists are pushing back against this approach.
Maryland’s Democratic leaders believe that these plants can help meet energy demands, but critics argue that natural gas plants undermine the state’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. Mike Tidwell from the Chesapeake Climate Action Network states that building gas plants would derail progress in renewable energy.
A study from Google indicates that new gas plants might be the least economical solution. In contrast, virtual power plants, which harness small energy resources like solar panels and batteries, might provide a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option.
Tidwell emphasizes a lack of data supporting the economic benefits of new gas plants, while there is significant evidence backing renewables. Smaller energy sources can be adjusted to meet current demands, allowing for greater flexibility in energy production.
As the year begins, health media outlets are once again focusing on improving diets and living healthier. This year, the spotlight is on the issue of ultra-processed foods. While the push for a healthier diet is encouraging, there are gaps in how the media is reporting on food choices and their impacts.
Many articles correctly advise limiting ultra-processed foods and increasing plant-based options in our diets. However, there’s often a lack of discussion on the environmental implications of our food choices, especially regarding meat consumption.
Matthew Hayek from New York University notes a general unawareness of the resource demands of meat and dairy farming. He believes that combining discussions about health and sustainability could benefit public understanding. He insists that healthy eating and sustainable diets can often overlap.
Media coverage is heavily focused on ultra-processed foods, leaving readers confused about what constitutes healthy eating. For instance, while there’s evidence suggesting that consuming these foods could correlate with health issues, there is still disagreement on what qualifies as ultra-processed.
The concept of “healthier” ultra-processed foods is also growing. Some experts argue that not all processed foods are harmful, and the focus should be on the ingredients rather than the processing status.
As concerns around the environment grow, it’s essential that coverage of healthy eating includes discussions on how dietary shifts can positively impact the climate, particularly by encouraging plant-based diets.
Coverage of seafood, especially in diets like the Mediterranean, often fails to mention how overfishing and climate change are threatening fish populations. As fish stocks dwindle, this makes reliance on seafood less sustainable.
Additionally, some fish farming practices lead to significant environmental problems, like pollution and disease among wild fish. Addressing these issues should be a vital part of the conversation surrounding healthy eating and dietary guidelines.
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