Engineers from UCLA Samueli School of Engineering have been actively involved in recovery efforts and mitigation strategies following the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles in January 2025. Their efforts have included field reconnaissance, soil and water testing, and infrastructure mapping to better understand the fires' lasting effects and enhance preparedness for future disasters. Professor Sanjay Mohanty and students have conducted soil testing on over 1,000 properties to analyze levels of toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and hexavalent chromium, providing valuable data for ongoing recovery and prevention efforts.
Category: Uncategorized
-
ecoAmerica Awarded $40,000 Grant to Expand Climate Justice Leadership Across Florida
EcoAmerica has received a $40,000 grant from Allegany Franciscan Ministries to support climate justice efforts in Florida, specifically focusing on expanding the Climate Ambassadors Program. With a current base of over 150 active Climate Ambassadors in the state, the funding will allow for the development of new training modules and the translation of materials into English and Spanish. This initiative aims to increase resilience to extreme heat and promote community-led climate action, reaching more Floridians with trusted information and tools for addressing climate risks faced by vulnerable populations. The overall goal is to build safer, healthier, and more just communities in Florida in response to the challenges of a changing climate.
-
Maersk explores more ethanol use to cut reliance on China for green fuel
The article provides comprehensive digital access with exclusive insights and in-depth industry analysis on any device, giving readers the flexibility to cancel during their trial period. Climate solutions experts can access valuable information and data to stay informed on the latest developments in addressing climate change. This resource allows experts to stay up-to-date on innovative solutions and strategies for combating climate change, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.
https://www.ft.com/content/5fe10686-7c46-4a93-8372-7c1356659f54
-
Environmental News Network – Drone Monitoring Helps Dolphins
A new study from Flinders University utilized drone-based thermal images to measure dolphin surface temperature and respiration rates non-invasively, aiming to provide reliable tools for monitoring dolphin health in the face of environmental pressures. Traditional health checks for dolphins can be stressful due to capture or invasive probes, but drones equipped with thermal cameras offer a less invasive and more accessible method for monitoring dolphin populations and supporting conservation efforts.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77639-drone-monitoring-helps-dolphins
-
Scientists go global in attempt to better predict atmospheric rivers
The Atmospheric River Reconnaissance Program, a collaboration between NOAA and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, aims to improve forecasts and weather predictions for destructive weather events caused by atmospheric rivers on the West Coast. This global research effort will launch international campaigns to observe these events in Canada, Ireland, Hawaii, and California. Research flights will gather data to enhance understanding and prediction of atmospheric rivers, which have led to floods and fatalities. By improving forecasting capabilities, experts hope to mitigate the impact of these extreme weather events and enhance climate resilience.
-
Court upholds New Jersey’s landmark environmental justice rule
In 2023, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection implemented a rule aimed at preventing pollution in low-income and communities of color, making it more difficult for industries like power plants to obtain permits in overburdened areas. Despite challenges from industrial groups claiming officials exceeded lawmakers' intent, a state appeals court upheld the rule. One contentious issue was the exclusion of job creation and economic activity as compelling public interests for developers seeking project approval. This decision highlights the ongoing efforts to prioritize environmental justice and address pollution disparities in marginalized communities.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/court-upholds-new-jerseys-landmark-environmental-justice-rule/
-
“We Don’t Deserve This”: Survivors of Super Typhoon Odette File Claims Against Shell
Survivors of Super Typhoon Odette in the Philippines are taking legal action against Shell, alleging the company's contribution to climate change made the event more likely and severe. The lawsuit, filed in UK courts, aims to hold Shell accountable for its role in the climate crisis and the resulting damages. This case is part of a larger movement seeking to attribute climate harms to fossil fuel companies and seek justice for vulnerable communities impacted by extreme weather events. The survivors' legal action highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on regions like the Philippines, where communities face continuous destruction and struggle to recover. This case represents a significant step in holding major oil and gas producers accountable for their role in climate damages, particularly for those in the Global South.
-
Ordinary people can’t keep paying for a crisis they didn’t create
Chloé Sublet and Léa Renault, participants in the Tax Their Billions campaign by 350.org, advocate for billionaires to pay their fair share for climate solutions. The campaign has influenced public opinion in France towards taxing extreme wealth to fund environmental action, emphasizing the need for accountability and a just transition. 350.org encourages followers to join their climate movement for a safe and equitable future, highlighting the power of ordinary people coming together to push boundaries in the fight against climate change. Climate justice, according to Chloé and Léa, can only be achieved when responsibility is placed where it belongs.
-
Investing in Clean Air: How Multilateral Development Banks Are Accelerating Access
The World Bank's report underscores the widespread problem of unsafe air quality affecting 99% of the global population, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It proposes a feasible and cost-effective goal of reducing exposure to hazardous PM2.5 levels by half by 2040 through integrated strategies. Multilateral development banks are demonstrating their support in assisting nations in combating air pollution through knowledge sharing, innovative funding mechanisms, and partnerships. The event stressed the significance of collaboration among MDBs, governments, and the private sector to achieve cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable development.
-
Turning Ambition into Action: How Japan Advanced Sustainable Finance…
In 2025, Japan demonstrated significant progress in sustainable finance, focusing on policy innovation, market development, and large-scale capital mobilization to support new climate policies and national goals. The country's GX Acceleration Agency aims to mobilize over JPY 150 trillion in green investment over the next decade, with partnerships with organizations like IGES and JICA strengthened to advance green and transition finance. Tokyo issued a landmark resilience bond, attracting strong investor interest in credible, resilience-focused investment opportunities. Key developments included the translation of Climate Bonds Resilience Taxonomy brochure and the launch of the Team Sapporo–Hokkaido Green Finance Framework, highlighting the need for investment in grid infrastructure and methane abatement to support renewable energy growth and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Japan is positioned as a regional leader in sustainable finance, with further milestones expected in 2026 to advance the Green Transformation agenda and strengthen global climate finance leadership.