This week’s Current Climate brings news that the Environmental Protection Agency has set national limits for forever chemicals in drinking water for the first time. These forever chemicals, also known as PFAS, are difficult to destroy and have been linked to various health issues such as cancer and thyroid diseases. The new limits aim to prevent thousands of deaths and reduce serious illnesses, with key chemicals like PFOA and PFOS limited to four parts per trillion in public drinking water. The EPA estimates that between 6% and 10% of the country’s water systems will need to make changes to meet these new limits, and $1 billion will be made available to help states with testing and treatment.
A concerning development highlighted in the Big Read section is the illegal sale of super-polluting greenhouse gases on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. These greenhouse gases, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), contribute significantly to climate change and are banned or heavily restricted. Bipartisan legislation aims to phase down HFCs by 85% by 2036, with the EPA cracking down on individuals and companies engaged in illegal smuggling of these gases. Instances like the San Diego man indicted for attempting to sell toxic greenhouse gases point to the ongoing challenges in enforcing regulations and combating climate-related crimes.
In a Hot Topic interview, Cody Finke, CEO of Brimstone, discusses the process of scaling up green cement production. By utilizing alternative raw materials and focusing on decarbonization efforts, the company aims to reduce the environmental impact of traditional cement manufacturing. With significant funding from the Department of Energy as part of a program to decarbonize industry, Brimstone is set to build a pilot plant in Reno, with plans for future commercial and full-scale production facilities. The company’s innovative approach to green cement production highlights the importance of sustainable practices in the construction industry.
Swiss women winning a landmark climate case, urgent calls for a bigger grid in the U.S., and the growth of coal power in China are among the additional articles covered in this week’s sustainability news roundup. The settlement of a derailment lawsuit by Norfolk Southern, challenges facing banks in meeting climate promises, and the IPO problem in climate tech are also featured. The increasing focus on green energy, record-breaking ocean heat, and the exploration of climate solutions by scientists further emphasize the global efforts to address climate change and promote sustainability across various sectors. For more sustainability coverage, readers are encouraged to explore additional articles featured on Forbes.
Overall, this week’s Current Climate highlights the EPA’s efforts to set national limits for forever chemicals in drinking water, the challenges posed by the illegal sale of super-polluting greenhouse gases, and the innovative approaches to green cement production in the construction industry. Various news articles also shed light on ongoing climate-related developments, legal settlements, and challenges facing industries in meeting sustainability goals. The intersection of environmental protection, regulatory enforcement, and technological innovation underscore the complex landscape of sustainability efforts globally, emphasizing the need for collaborative and multifaceted approaches to address climate change and promote sustainable practices.
