EDITOR'S CHOICE

US Study Finds China's Tech Innovation "Much Stronger" Than Previously Understood

19 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"A 20-month investigation into the innovation performance of 44 Chinese firms across key technologies - including nuclear power, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and materials science - revealed a troubling yes for the US.

"China is likely 10 to 15 years ahead of the US in deploying fourth-generation nuclear reactors at scale...China manufactured a mere 5,200 cars in 1985 and this year is expected to churn out 26.8 million."

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'Criminally Insane': Subsidies That Harm the Environment Reach $2.6 Trillion Per Year

19 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"...the research group Earth Track...found that harmful fossil fuel subsidies top $1 trillion annually and harmful agricultural subsidies top $600 billion...The $2.6 trillion total, which the report authors said was likely an underestimate...International Monetary Fund working paper last year estimated that fossil fuel subsidies alone amount to $7 trillion annually.

"It is the combined effect of subsidies to these sectors that compound to drive loss of nature and biodiversity resources."

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Data Centers Reportedly 600+ Times Worse for Environment Than Claimed

18 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"The Guardian reports that the actual emissions made by data centers owned by AI leaders including Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Apple, are about 662 percent higher than what they've officially reported...a truer reflection of the actual toll would be 'location-based emissions.

"Meta's official emissions from in-house data centers was just 273 metric tons of CO2. But using location-based data, that soars to 3.8 million metric tons..."

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FORECAST: Transforming Urban Transportation with Compact Micromobility Solutions

18 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"The global micromobility market was valued at $44.13 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $214.57 billion by 2030...Asia-Pacific was the highest revenue contributor

"Micromobility refers to a range of small, lightweight vehicles operating at a speed of not more than ~15 miles per hour (25 kmph) and considered ideal for commuting within ~10 km range...ncludes the usage of different types of vehicles such as bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters, electric skateboards, shared bicycles, and electric pedal assisted bicycles ..."

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This Guy's Hummer EV Finance Deal Is The Worst I've Ever Seen

18 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"Anthony, the Hummer EV owner, owes $168,000 on a used Hummer EV...Anthony is paying $3,300 per month to drive this inefficient electric monster, and paying a massive 10 percent rate for the privilege...current values can only swing a seemingly-generous $89,000 offer

"Anthony made some real bad choices...After sinking that 25 grand into the truck, and paying at least 30 grand more in monthlies, he still owes more than he paid for the damn thing."

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CATL Electric Bus Batteries Set For One Million Miles, Megawatt Charging

18 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"CATL Tectrans Bus Edition pack...is designed for longer-distance passenger buses, and it has an energy density of 175 watt-hours per kg - higher than other lithium iron phosphate (LFP) bus batteries..claims will last up to 15 years - a 20% extension based on tech improvements - or 1.5 million km (nearly a million miles)...In a Superfast Charging Edition, CATL claims a 70% charge in just 15 minutes...would require megawatt charging."

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Dutch Farmer Develops Revolutionary, Solar-Powered 'E-Horse' Tractor

18 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"Bastian van der Veen, a farmer in the Netherlands, decided that solar power was the way...the E-Horse can put in a respectable six to eight hours of crop care tasks including hoeing, harrowing, and seeding...maximum driving speed of eight miles per hour and a working speed of five...

"...a 20-kilowatt-hour battery onboard the thin-framed tractor...with eight solar panels on top to gather the sun's energy, although it can accommodate up to 12"

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Kristof: The Climate Peril That America Keeps On Overlooking

18 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"We all focus on the apocalyptic scenarios, but hotter temperatures dangerously impact our daily lives as well

"...over the last couple of decades, we've accumulated evidence that the more mundane effects of heat are already upon us...hotter temperatures may reduce student learning in the United States by about 10% over the course of a year...Researchers estimate that in the United States, wildfire smoke claims 5,000 to 15,000 lives"

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How Kamala Harris Is Making Climate Action Patriotic

17 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"...'fundamental freedoms' are at stake in the November election, including 'the freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water and live free from the pollution that fuels the climate crisis'

"A new study suggests Harris might be onto something...Researchers at New York University found that framing climate action as patriotic and as necessary to preserve the American 'way of life' can increase support for climate action among people across the political spectrum in the United States."

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BYD Buys Mercedes-Benz Stake In Denza Joint Venture

17 Sep 2024 | Synopsis

"...Denza...was co-founded by the Chinese and German companies in 2010...was originally a 50:50 joint venture between BYD and Mercedes, but the former upped its stake to 90% two years ago.

"Its acquisition of the [remaining] 10% share (for an undisclosed amount) means it has taken full control of the premium electric car brand..."

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