Study: In most cases entities behind Renewable Energy Certificates are not doing much for the climate

A small team of researchers at Concordia University, working with a colleague at the University of Edinburgh Business School, reports that many companies' environmental claims are exaggerated due to their reliance on the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) that do not represent as much mitigation as they claim. In their paper published in the journal Nature Climate Change, the researchers describe their study of publicly available corporate documents from 115 large companies. The same team has also published a Policy Brief in the same journal issue outlining recommended changes to rules governing emissions by corporations and other large entities.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/study-in-most-cases-entities-behind-renewable-energy-certificates-are-not-doing-much-for-the-climate

Nuclear energy is wildly uncompetitive without a high price on carbon dioxide emissions

The idea of nuclear power in Australia has been hotly debated for decades. Most of this discussion has been unproductive, focusing on symbolism and identity politics rather than the realities of energy policy. For that reason alone, we should welcome the commitment by opposition party leaders David Littleproud and Peter Dutton to a mature conversation about nuclear power, free of political taboos.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/nuclear-energy-is-wildly-uncompetitive-without-a-high-price-on-carbon-dioxide-emissions

Climate research now looks at the carbon footprint of artificial intelligence

For three decades now, carbon emissions from cars have been a political and social issue; there are reporting obligations for manufacturers, government regulation, and much accompanying research. A similar approach might be taken with a modern product that is spreading at an enormous pace and also has an impact on the climate: "artificial intelligence" (AI), software based on adaptive algorithms for various purposes, from self-driving cars to automatic image recognition and translation tools to optimizing logistics. Here, too, climate research is now beginning to measure the carbon footprint. A framework for this is provided by a new study with contributions from the Berlin-based climate research institute MCC (Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change). The study is published in the journal Nature Climate Change.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/climate-research-now-looks-at-the-carbon-footprint-of-artificial-intelligence

Graphene charge-injection photodetectors with a broader detection bandwidth

Photodetectors, sensors that can detect light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation, are essential components of imaging tools, communication systems, and various other technologies on the market. These sensors work by converting photons (i.e., light particles) into electrical current.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/graphene-charge-injection-photodetectors-with-a-broader-detection-bandwidth

Old tricks, new crises: how US misinformation spreads

With gun control under debate and monkeypox in the headlines, Americans are facing a barrage of new twists on years-old misinformation in their social media feeds.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/old-tricks-new-crises-how-us-misinformation-spreads