Emissions of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) tetrafluoromethane (TFM) and hexafluoroethane (HFE) reported by industry accounted for only around half actual levels measured in the atmosphere between 2002 and 2010, new research reveals. The semiconductor and aluminium production industries, the two main sources of these gases, have reported success in their voluntary efforts to control these emissions. However, this does not match ‘top-down’ atmospheric monitoring, the researchers say.

Groups of chemicals used as flame retardants were present in the bodies of Antarctic rock cod (Trematomus bernacchii), young gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua), and brown skua seabird (Stercorarius antarcticus) collected from King George Island, Antarctica. This study is the first to find some of these chemicals in Antarctica, confirming that they undergo long-range transport and can reach isolated areas where they are not widely produced or used.

Hydrocarbons are precursors to hazardous air pollutants including ozone and particulate matter. Hydrocarbons from diesel make up over 50% of all hydrocarbons in the air in London, a new study has found. The authors also estimate that they contribute up to half of total ozone production potential in London, and say future air quality control strategies must focus more on these pollutants.

In September 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) alleged that Volkswagen (VW) violated the US Clean Air Act by fitting ‘defeat devices’ in their light-duty diesel vehicles to falsify the results of emissions tests. According to a study assessing the potential impact of this decision, an extra 59 early deaths in the US are likely to be caused by exposure to PM2.5 and ozone.

Pollutants emitted by human activities have caused declines in air quality and drastic changes to climate. Despite being inextricably linked, these two major environmental issues tend to be viewed separately by policy. However, in certain instances, considering these issues together could lead to strategies that benefit both, according to a newly published review.

Researchers have estimated that, annually, almost 3 000 deaths (i.e. 20% of mortality) in Barcelona, Spain, are premature, and would be preventable if residents lived in urban environments that met international exposure recommendations for physical activity, air pollution, noise, heat and access to green spaces. The results emphasise the need to reduce motorised traffic, promote active and public transport, and provide adequate green space to encourage exercise and mitigate the impacts of environmental hazards in cities.

No cities are yet fully car-free, but many have managed or plan to restrict access to city centres for privately owned combustion-engine passenger cars. Health benefits will come from reduced traffic-related air pollution, less noise and lower levels of heat emitted from vehicles. The greatest health benefit, however, is likely to come from increased physical activity as people walk, cycle and move to catch public transport, according to a review of the potential health benefits of car-free cities.

Subjective perception of air pollution can have important implications in terms of health-protective behaviours and citizen and stakeholder engagement in cleaner-air policies. A recent study, conducted under the EU-funded PASTA¹ project, has analysed the link between level of concern over health effects of air pollution and personal and environmental factors in seven European cities. Overall, 58% of participants were worried over health effects of air pollution, with large differences between cities. On a city scale, average levels of concern over health effects of air pollution had a good correlation with average NO₂ levels and a lower correlation with average PM_2.5 levels. Individual level of concern was found to be linked to gender, having children in the household, levels of physical activity, and NO₂ levels at the home address. These findings can be used to inform future policymaking.

In order to manage its environmental footprint, Switzerland should act on a number of key issues identified by the ‘planetary boundaries’ framework, says a Swiss study, with priority given to the areas of climate change, ocean acidification, biodiversity loss and nitrogen loss. This quantitative framework identifies nine bio-physical limits of the Earth system that, if exceeded, may lead to societal and ecological changes unfavourable to human development and stability. These are upper thresholds rather than targets. The researchers suggest that the concept and their methodology could be used together to think differently about environmental issues, and change the way related assessments and policies are implemented at both global and national levels.

A new analysis calls for clear policy guidelines to be adopted in developing countries to direct the development of genetically modified crops which could help contribute to greater food security in developing countries.

A species faced with extinction is more than a potential tragedy for the species concerned. Human wellbeing and economy depend on the world’s biodiversity and ecosystem services, but human actions are damaging the environment and threatening the existence of countless organisms that have, or could provide, humankind with valuable medicines, according to a recent publication.

Growing demand for biorenewable chemicals could lead to conflicts with food production and unwanted environmental impacts. Against this context, this study investigated different types of feedstock and conversion technologies. The authors recommend use of only non-edible feedstock alongside green and carbon neutral conversion technologies, such as algal fermentation.

How can we better anticipate environmental changes? In our rapidly changing world, risks occur from ongoing changes (such as those occurring in the climate), to more sudden-onset risks, such as mutating microbial pathogens. This Future Brief explores some of the tools and approaches that can be used to identify emerging risk, including strategic foresight tools, citizen science and state-of-the-art monitoring technologies.

Assessments of the effects on organisms likely to come into contact with genetically modified (GM) plants have been reviewed in a recent study. The researchers say such assessments help to understand the potential ecological impacts within the environment and are an important part of the risk assessments for GM plants.

High-throughput ‘omics’ technologies, which allow exact and synchronised study of thousands of DNA, RNA, proteins and other molecules, are rapidly becoming more advanced and affordable. As these technologies develop, it is becoming quicker, easier and more affordable to generate unprecedented amounts of biological data, much of which could usefully inform environmental management. So far, however, the application of omics information in environmental management has failed to keep pace with the rapid development of omics-based research, meaning there is untapped potential. A recent study highlights the value of bringing omics information into environmental management and outlines practical ways in which omics can contribute to the risk assessment and management of chemicals.

A BT One Enterprise Cisco solution makes voice calls between the UK and India simple and immediate. In most cases they’re free of charge too. Best of all, the employees feel as one with the BT global team.

An ongoing investigation by Australian authorities into the sexual abuse of children in the Philippines, including suspected live distance abuse committed by an Australian citizen, has resulted in the rescue of three children and the arrest of one woman in the Philippines.

SUFFOLK– As Hurricane Florence approaches the coast, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District continues to monitor...

VIRGINIA BEACH – The Virginia Department of Transportation Hampton Roads District continues to monitor interstate and rural road conditions while...

The enchanting world of CBeebies’ hit animated series Sarah & Duck comes to life on stage in Radlett this week. Featuring a host of characters from the BAFTA Award-winning TV show, Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday plays three performances at the Radlett Centre on Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7.

ENVIRONMENT Secretary, George Eustice, says fast-food restaurants like KFC, McDonald's and Burger King can re-open for deliveries and take-aways, but stressed the need for safety and social distancing.

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The post Flying car race series attracts investment appeared first on The Lead SA.

The post South Australian game companies tout technology at international showcase appeared first on The Lead SA.

Spirit, determination and quality on the ball all came to the fore as Watford Ladies claimed a breathless 5-4 victory at Plymouth Argyle to keep them at the summit of the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division.

Watford Ladies started the new year with a flourish in their resounding 5-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the Women's FA Cup third round.

Watford Ladies head coach Clinton Lancaster has been praised by general manager Grace Williams after he was named FA Women’s National League Premier Division Manager of the Month for December.

Watford’s Women’s FA Cup hopes ended in the fourth round as Sunderland prevailed in the clash of the National League high-flyers with a 2-0 victory in the north east.

Watford Ladies game against Hounslow in the FA Women's National League has been postponed due to constant heavy rain.

Middlesbrough stand between Watford Ladies and a place in the FAWNL Plate final after the Golden Girls swept aside Chichester City 4-0 to march into the last four.

Watford Ladies captain Helen Ward has been called up for international duty by Wales for a friendly with Estonia.

The bad weather has caused yet more frustration for Watford Ladies after their FAWNL Plate semi-final at Middlesbrough tomorrow was postponed.

Watford Ladies will face West Bromwich Albion in the final of the FA Women's National League Plate after beating Middlesbrough 2-0 in the semi-final on Sunday.

Watford Ladies have had their season declared null and void by the football association after it was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The post Strong Cooper Basin production helps oil and gas companies in tough time appeared first on The Lead SA.

If The Florist is cool and charming, its new downstairs neighbour, Las Iguanas, is all about fun and colour.

The post Shrinking returns on research sparks South Australian inquiries appeared first on The Lead SA.

The post ‘Golden goose’ of salt tolerant wheat varieties to begin field trials appeared first on The Lead SA.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 1 – 2pm

Online Event

If you want a career in healthcare, Pathways are a great place to start. Pathways are FREE 5-12 week training programs that will prepare you for specific occupations in the healthcare industry. Employer partnerships are a key part of the programs and will connect you with multiple job opportunities in the healthcare sector.
Current programs available include Nursing Assistant, Medical Administration, Pharmacy Tech, Medical Call Center and Medical Office Support.

Join us on May 13th from 1-2pm to learn about upcoming Pathways in the Twin Cities and how to apply!

Hosted by Minneapolis College in coordination with the City of Minneapolis Health Hire.

Event type: Job and Career Fairs
Filter by Location: Twin Cities Metro
Event Audience: For Job Seekers, For Veterans
Registration link: www.eventbrite.com…
Accommodation Request: 612-673-5187
CareerForce Sponsored Event: CareerForce sponsored event

SALEM – The recent flooding and heavy rainfall has resulted in several slope and shoulder failures along Route 220 in Roanoke and Franklin Counties. During the next week, crews will be working to repair the damage and commuters and travelers will be impacted. Route 220 Southbound between Buck Mountain Road and Yellow Mountain Road in Roanoke County The right lane of southbound Route 220 is closed due to a slope failure on the right shoulder of the road between Buck Mountain and Yellow Mountain Road in Roanoke County.  High water from the heavy rains caused a rock slide that impacted the shoulder of the roadway. The weight caused the shoulder to collapse resulting in the road being pushed out and giving way. The right lane closure will remain in place through Monday evening, weather permitting. Crews are developing a plan to repair the pipe and plan to begin work over the weekend.   Route 220 Southbound at Franklin County Line The left lane of southbound Route 220 has been closed due to a slope failure in the median just south of the Franklin County line. VDOT crews have been working to determine how a pipe under the road has failed and how to proceed with repairs. At this time, the ground continues to settle and move, therefore, the lane will remain closed through the weekend and into Monday . The lane closure is located approximately one mile prior to the Roanoke County and Franklin County line and just north of the intersection with Route 613 (Naff Road).  Route 220 Shoulder Repairs There will be alternating right and left lane closures on southbound and northbound Route 220 next week, weather permitting, to repair shoulders that have been damaged by the heavy rainfall. Drivers using Route 220 southbound and northbound should plan ahead for significant delays during this time until repairs can be made and lane closures are removed. Drivers should plan ahead accordingly. For updates on this lane closure, visit www.511Virginia.org .

 
 000
 FONT15 KNHC 250232
 PWSAT5
 
 POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE SEBASTIEN WIND SPEED PROBABILITIES NUMBER  23
 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL       AL202019
 0300 UTC MON NOV 25 2019
 
 AT 0300Z THE CENTER OF POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE SEBASTIEN WAS LOCATED
 NEAR LATITUDE 41.0 NORTH...LONGITUDE 28.9 WEST WITH MAXIMUM
 SUSTAINED WINDS NEAR 50 KTS...60 MPH...95 KM/H.
 
 Z INDICATES COORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME (GREENWICH)
    ATLANTIC STANDARD TIME (AST)...SUBTRACT 4 HOURS FROM Z TIME
    EASTERN  DAYLIGHT TIME (EDT)...SUBTRACT 4 HOURS FROM Z TIME
    CENTRAL  DAYLIGHT TIME (CDT)...SUBTRACT 5 HOURS FROM Z TIME
 
 WIND SPEED PROBABILITY TABLE FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS
 
 CHANCES OF SUSTAINED (1-MINUTE AVERAGE) WIND SPEEDS OF AT LEAST
    ...34 KT (39 MPH... 63 KM/H)...
    ...50 KT (58 MPH... 93 KM/H)...
    ...64 KT (74 MPH...119 KM/H)...
 FOR LOCATIONS AND TIME PERIODS DURING THE NEXT 5 DAYS
 
 PROBABILITIES FOR LOCATIONS ARE GIVEN AS OP(CP) WHERE
     OP  IS THE PROBABILITY OF THE EVENT BEGINNING DURING
         AN INDIVIDUAL TIME PERIOD (ONSET PROBABILITY)
    (CP) IS THE PROBABILITY OF THE EVENT OCCURRING BETWEEN
         00Z MON AND THE FORECAST HOUR (CUMULATIVE PROBABILITY)
 
 PROBABILITIES ARE GIVEN IN PERCENT
 X INDICATES PROBABILITIES LESS THAN 1 PERCENT
 PROBABILITIES FOR 34 KT AND 50 KT ARE SHOWN AT A GIVEN LOCATION WHEN
 THE 5-DAY CUMULATIVE PROBABILITY IS AT LEAST 3 PERCENT.
 PROBABILITIES FOR 34...50...64 KT SHOWN WHEN THE 5-DAY
 64-KT CUMULATIVE PROBABILITY IS AT LEAST 1 PERCENT.
 
 
   - - - - WIND SPEED PROBABILITIES FOR SELECTED LOCATIONS - - - -
 
                FROM    FROM    FROM    FROM    FROM    FROM    FROM
   TIME       00Z MON 12Z MON 00Z TUE 12Z TUE 00Z WED 00Z THU 00Z FRI
 PERIODS         TO      TO      TO      TO      TO      TO      TO
              12Z MON 00Z TUE 12Z TUE 00Z WED 00Z THU 00Z FRI 00Z SAT
 
 FORECAST HOUR    (12)   (24)    (36)    (48)    (72)    (96)   (120)
 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 LOCATION       KT
 
 SANTA CRUZ AZO 34 99   X(99)   X(99)   X(99)   X(99)   X(99)   X(99)
 
 PONTA DELGADA  34  5   X( 5)   X( 5)   X( 5)   X( 5)   X( 5)   X( 5)
 
 $$
 FORECASTER LATTO
 

Vital Strategies VP of policy, advocacy and communication Steve Hamill joins The PR Week to discuss his work on the Quit Big Tobacco campaign and the latest industry news.

Some creditors of bankrupt energy drillers may want to freeze their court fights awhile.

The Trump administration may announce as soon as Thursday a plan to offer loans to the ailing oil industry.

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