Human Poop Powers Trains? GOP Climate Change Generation Gap, “All We Can Save”–A Great Read, 12 New EV’s Coming to Market

ALL WE CAN SAVE IS A BOOK WE ALL SHOULD READ

Dozens of books on the climate crisis, the environment and on the decarbonization movement were released in 2020. While all of them are worthwhile, I’d like to take a moment to highlight one in particular. It’s called All We Can Save, a collection of essays and poetry edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine Wilkinson.

The collection sets out to highlight a wide range of women’s voices in the environmental movement, most of whom are from North America.The book represents a wide range of essays, and creative works by over 50 women involved in climate change activism, science, and policy and  focuses on building a feminine and feminist voice in the climate movement.

One of the essayists is Abigail Dillen, president of Earthjustice. I was privileged to interview her recently about her essay, the book and other important topics. I look forward to bringing you that interview soon here at The Climate. Many commentators focused on the broad range of perspectives included in the book. Sierra magazine commentator Wendy Becktold called the book a “big tent” and “grab bag” approach to communicating the climate crisis — one that “feels like just what we need right now.” 

Smithsonian Magazine named it one of the top 10 best science books for 2020. Ms. magazine reviewer Sarah Montgomery focused on the urgency of the collection in light of the climate crisis, calling it a “sorely needed glimmer of hope—a reminder that there is a way out of this mess: collective action.”

That’s “All We Can Save,” a collection of essays and poetry by over 50 women involved in climate change activism, science, and policy. 

DEEPER DIVE: EarthJustice, All We Can Save

TURNING METHANE FROM HUMAN WASTE INTO ELECTRICITY TO POWER TRAINS

Here on The Climate Daily, we’ve reported on how a team of researchers at Oxford University is developing an experimental procedure that could turn carbon dioxide, one the largest greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, into jet fuel for airplanes. 

Well, how about turning methane from human waste into electric fuel for trains. Developed by engineers with WOH-STER-based Ultra-Light Rail Partners, a newly developed train called BioUltra can turn biomethane gas into electricity to power a train. Reported by India Times, the roughly 12 ton demo train is compatible with regular tracks and will offer a maximum range around 2,000 miles between refueling stations. 

Unlike diesel, the trains powered by biomethane do not release greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. While the majority of trains around the world are still powered by diesel, this new technology is an exciting sign for what the future could bring.

Deeper Dive: India Times

GOP FACES GENERATIONAL GAP ON CLIMATE CHANGE 

A recent Pew Research Center survey brings more evidence of a generational divide among Republicans on climate change and energy policy. 

49% of Republicans who are millennials or younger say the federal government is doing too little to reduce the effects of climate change. That’s compared to 38% of Republicans in Generation X and 25% of Republicans who are baby boomers and older. The poll also shows generational divides among Republicans on conservation and wildlife protection.

Among Democrats, there are hardly any gaps in views on these questions by generation or gender. In a similar poll taken by Pew Research regarding alternative energy, majorities amongst both political parties support expanded implementation of solar and wind power: 94% of Democrats and 84% of Republicans surveyed favor expansion of solar; and 90% of Democrats and 75% of Republicans think an increase in wind power technology is the right way to go.

These polls bode well for the Biden Administration, which may be able to harness the power of Millennial and Gen Green New Deal Republicans to create bipartisan leverage to push through his Green New Deal agenda.

DEEPER DIVE: Pew Research, Axios

12 NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLES TO HIT THE MARKET 

A wave of new electric vehicles are set to hit the market in 2021. Carbon pollution from transportation is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and around the world, big brand auto manufacturers have pushed to produce electric vehicles – a move exciting for the market, but also for the environment.

Reported by Rolling Stone, eyes are on 12 electric vehicles in 2021. Here’s a few of them.

The Mustang MOCK-E by Ford

The GMC Hummer EV SUT

The Tesla Cybertruck

The Polestar 2 by Volvo

The Mercedes-Benz EQC

The Volkswagen ID.4

The Audi e-tron GT.

The Hundai Ionic Electric, and

The BMW iNext.

The transition towards more affordable and accessible electric vehicles is certainly an exciting step towards a more sustainable future and one that we will be sure to keep you up-to-date on this year.

Deeper Dive: Rolling Stone