Of this week Current Climatewhich brings you the latest news on the sustainability profession every Saturday. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every week.
China News Service via Getty Images
Eearlier this weekThe Biden government announced a two-year hiatus from imposing new tariffs and levies on solar panels imported from China, a move it said would create a “bridge” to boost construction of stalled solar projects in the United States . Response from the solar industry was mixed† Domestic manufacturers criticized the move, unhappy that the president ushered in unwanted competition. Solar installation companies, on the other hand, praised the move.
John Berger, CEO of Sunnova, said: Forbes that: “A two-year moratorium is a big step in the right direction. Tariffs are not only damaging to the US economy and consumers, they also stifle innovation and competition in the marketplace.”
The Great Lecture
covestro
This partnership will use Quantum Computing to make manufacturing more sustainable
The German industrial manufacturer Covestro wants to use QC Ware to develop software that would use quantum computing to create more efficient chemical reactions and better materials. Read more here.
Discoveries and innovations
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a photosynthesis-inspired process that can provide a pathway for: making basic chemicals with much less energy (and money.)
The federal government is consider a proposal for a California coastal reservation that would be run by the Chumash tribe.
Stella McCartney, Balenciaga and Hermes introduce handbags, shoes and jackets is made from mycelium leather – an alternative to animal skins made from mushroom roots.
monarch butterfly breeding populations have remained stable since 1993, finds a new studycountering earlier concerns by scientists that the butterfly species could face extinction as a result of declining winter colonies affected by climate change.
Sustainability deals of the week
Engineering and technology company Bosch North America announced it will be Investing $1.3 Billion in hydrogen technology by 2025.
Singapore State Enterprise Temasek Holdings shall invest $3.6 billion to establish GenZero, a wholly-owned investment platform that will invest in companies focused on conservation, carbon ecosystem development and other green technologies.
toy maker Mattel has expanded free toy recycling initiative to include Fisher Price Toys. The program, Mattel Playback, allows parents to return old toys for recycling.
Prime Infrastructure Holdings-controlled by billionaire Enrique Razon, Jr. – announced this week that it plans to build the world’s largest solar power plant in the Philippines, a project estimated to cost $3 billion.
on the horizon
Offshore wind energy is likely to be a bigger part of the future of Earth’s oceans. That in turn goes a race for ocean space†
What else are we reading this week
Floating solar could help fight climate change – let’s do it right (Nature)
As the Great Salt Lake dries up, Utah faces an ‘environmental nuclear bomb’ (The New York Times)
Google Earth Engine takes a closer look at how landscapes are changing (popular science)
Green transport update
Getty Images
On friday afternoon† tesla said: it plans to ask shareholders to approve a 3-for-1 stock split at its upcoming annual meeting, to be held on Aug. 4. years ago) “help to reset the market price”. The filing also revealed that Oracle founder Larry Ellison will be stepping down from the company’s board of directors and will not be replaced. Tesla shares were up 1.3% in after-hours trading when the split was announced, but stock prices are still down 42% this year.
The big transport story
AFP via Getty Images
Elon Musk has a lot to say about employees at Tesla, which continues to lead US automakers over safety violations
In the past three years, the billionaire entrepreneur’s electric vehicle company has received more OSHA citations and fines than 14 other auto companies combined, one Forbes research finds. Read more here.
More green transport news
Biden administration plan to use EV charging network, aiming to emulate gas station experience
Tesla shares could rise another 50% thanks to ‘superior’ growth in coming years, analysts say
European plan to ban new ICE cars by 2035 Irks manufacturers inspires environmentalists
Volta launches program to make electric vehicle charging more accessible and affordable