environment-energy10.39 min read
Stuck in the Drawer: The surprising reasons we keep old gadgets and how to recycle them
23 days ago•Source: The Conversation
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10.9 min•27 days ago
Renters gain affordable climate control with window-mounted heat pumps
Window-mounted heat pumps offer a low-cost, DIY alternative to full split systems, delivering heating and cooling in apartments and older homes for about $3,000–$4,000 and avoiding major renovations; they can be moved to a new property but have limited capacity and lose efficiency in very cold weather. Federal subsidies for this equipment expired in 2025, though some utility programs may still help pay the cost; the NYC Housing Authority has begun installing them in some apartments.
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Green-tech mineral race could create water-scarce sacrifice zones for the world’s poor
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Paris quiets the streets, but urban birds still sing with higher pitches
New research shows Paris has become quieter over the past decade thanks to measures like cyclist-friendly streets, automated noise cameras, and Bruitparif monitoring, reducing noise by about three decibels. However, great tits in Paris still sing at higher pitches than birds in nearby quiet forests, indicating that further noise reductions are needed before urban birds can revert to their natural songs. The study also notes that quieter periods, such as COVID-19 lockdowns, briefly allowed some birds to lower their pitch, illustrating the potential for change when cities become quieter.
Historic Snow Drought Tests the West's Water, Power and Fire Season
Winter 2026 brought an unprecedented snow drought across the Western U.S., with most basins well below the 1991–2020 median and only a few near or above average. The reduced snowpack tightens water supplies and river flows, signals possible cuts to water rights allocations, and threatens Lake Powell’s hydroelectric power capacity. Warmer temperatures and sparse snow raise concerns about a fiercer fire season, making this drought a high-stakes stress test for the West and a potential glimpse of a warmer climate future.
Snow drought reveals West's hidden water and wildfire risks
The 2026 Western snow drought left most basins well below the 1991–2020 median snow water equivalent as unusually warm temperatures turned precipitation into rain, threatening spring runoff, water allocations, and hydroelectric power (notably Lake Powell). The drought also heightens wildfire risk and raises questions about subsurface water stores and future management across the Colorado, Columbia, and Missouri basins in a warming climate.
Rivers in Peril: Global Migratory Fish Declines Threaten Food and Culture
A global assessment finds migratory freshwater fish collapsing due to dams, overfishing, habitat loss and pollution; 97% of migratory species are at risk of extinction, mega-fish in the Mekong have declined ~95% since 1970, and cross-border cooperation under the Convention on Migratory Species is needed to restore river connectivity and protect livelihoods and diets across major basins.
Hot Cups Leach Microplastics: Temperature Key in Takeaway Coffee
A new study shows takeaway cups shed thousands of microplastic particles when hot, with temperature being the main driver. In Brisbane tests, all-plastic cups released more microplastics than paper cups with plastic linings at both cold and hot temperatures, and hotter liquids increased releases by about one third for plastic cups. The researchers estimate that sipping 300 ml daily from polyethylene cups could expose a person to roughly 363,000 microplastics per year. To reduce risk, use reusable cups or request cooler drinks, and avoid pouring boiling liquids into plastic-lined containers. While health impacts remain uncertain, the study highlights how material choice and heat affect microplastic exposure.
"Mitigating Wildfire Risk: Addressing Climate Change, Aging Power Lines, and Emergency Alert Systems"
Aging power infrastructure and the impacts of climate change are increasing the risk of utilities starting wildfires, as seen in the case of the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas. Many utilities lack the technology to detect overheating power lines, and climate change is exacerbating the risk with drier vegetation and hotter weather. While some utilities are investing in solutions like weather sensors and proactive shutoffs, others are not prioritizing wildfire prevention, which could impact both safety and the affordability of electric bills.