Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 1h

Researchers are now working on a framework linking tree cover, mental health, and healthcare costs. #urbannature

Earth Economics @eartheconomics.bsky.social · 1h

A recent Harvard and Stanford study shows that time spent in nature can significantly improve mental health. Urban forests were found to be particularly effective at reducing depression and anxiety. #urbannature

For city dwellers, even 15 minutes in nature can improve mental health | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

As the proportion of the global population living in cities rises to 70% by 2050, mental health challenges more common in urbanites — such as anxiety and mood

ow.ly

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Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 1d

NYC Is So Hot, It’s Classified As A Subtropical Climate—With This Week’s Temperatures Surpassing The Sahara

According to the U.S. National Climate Assessment, NYC is considered a humid subtropical climate—and this week we're really feeling it!

secretnyc.co

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Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 7d

Government shutdown means 90% of EPA staff won't be working

The EPA will pause research work, grants, permits and inspections while the government is shut down. Nearly all staff will stop working. Some may not be rehired.

www.latimes.com

Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 8d

Our work for the Natural Resources Defense Council showed that moderate levels of home hardening in high-risk zones could boost the California economy by $26.5B. #riskmitigation

Earth Economics @eartheconomics.bsky.social · 8d

Wildfire resilience is becoming a factor in California’s real estate market. Protecting homes stabilizes real estate prices—Tahoe area homeowners saw 39% lower premiums and 89% lower deductibles after implementing forest management practices. #riskmitigation

Wildfire Resilience Disclosures: A Strategic Investment Opportunity in California Real Estate and Insurance

ow.ly

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Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 8d

On October 8th, join WRI president & CEO Ani Dasgupta as he discusses his book with Jennifer Morgan, former Special Envoy for International Climate Action at the German Federal Foreign Office. #climateaction

Earth Economics @eartheconomics.bsky.social · 8d

WRI has published “The New Global Possible” to commemorate the signing of the Paris Agreement. It includes firsthand accounts of engaging with global climate leaders, showing powerful stories of hope and innovation across technology, nature-based solutions, and social movements. #climateaction

Evidence for Hope: A Conversation Exploring "The New Global Possible" | World Resource Institute Hub

Join us for a conversation with WRI President & CEO Ani Dasgupta as he explores the bold ideas behind his new book, The New Global Possible: Rebuilding Optimism in the Age of Climate Crisis. He will b...

ow.ly

Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 13d

Climate TRACE

We make meaningful climate action faster and easier by mobilizing the global tech community to track greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with unprecedented detail.

climatetrace.org

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Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 14d

10 Reasons Why Riding a Bike Makes People So Happy

Scientists have studied it, riders swear by it, and the truth is: riding a bike really does boost happiness. Here are 10 reasons why.

momentummag.com

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Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 14d

Satellites and Drones Are Unlocking Benefits ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ in Michigan

www.nytimes.com

Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 16d

I was incredibly fortunate to do my graduate work at the University of Maryland while Herman Daly taught there.

He was brilliant, funny, and focused … but above all, kind.

Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 16d

Conversations with Herman's family members, colleagues, friends, and others inspired by his life’s work emphasize Herman’s core humanity, humility, and his dedication to truth.

These conversations paint a vivid picture of a life well-lived, focused on making the world a better place. #hermandaly

Earth Economics @eartheconomics.bsky.social · 16d

Cities 1.5 is a podcast by the Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy, produced by the University of Toronto Press. This summer, their Editor-in-Chief David Miller hosted a short podcast series on the life and thought of a giant in Ecological Economics, Herman Daly. #hermandaly

Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 16d

Glacierless Peak? The icy realms of Washington’s North Cascades lose their cool

The ice fields that give Washington’s Glacier Peak its name are disappearing, though few people may have noticed.

www.kuow.org

Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 16d

Conversations with Herman's family members, colleagues, friends, and others inspired by his life’s work emphasize Herman’s core humanity, humility, and his dedication to truth.

These conversations paint a vivid picture of a life well-lived, focused on making the world a better place. #hermandaly

Earth Economics @eartheconomics.bsky.social · 16d

Cities 1.5 is a podcast by the Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy, produced by the University of Toronto Press. This summer, their Editor-in-Chief David Miller hosted a short podcast series on the life and thought of a giant in Ecological Economics, Herman Daly. #hermandaly

Going Steady with Herman Daly - A New Podcast Series

With cities across the world on the frontlines of escalating wildfires, floods, and political instability, driven by a global economy still hooked on fossil fuels, GDP growth, and failed neoliberal do...

ow.ly

1

Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 16d

Climate Change May Have Killed 16,469 People in Europe This Summer - Eos

Researchers warn that preventable heat-related deaths will continue to rise with continued fossil fuel emissions.

eos.org

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Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 19d

‘We’ve done it before’: how not to lose hope in the fight against ecological disaster

Some days it can feel as if climate catastrophe is inevitable. But history is full of cases – such as the banning of whaling and CFCs – that show humanity can come together to avert disaster

www.theguardian.com

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Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 19d

Going Steady with Herman Daly: 'The seeds Herman planted'

pca.st

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Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 19d

Who pays for wildfire damage? In the West, utilities are shifting the risk to customers

Utah laws cap wildfire damages and let utilities pass the cost onto customers. Utility lobbyists are pushing the model in other states.

grist.org

Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 21d

This new machine churns out carbon-storing biochar on the cheap

A worker-owned cooperative is deploying PyroTowers to produce biochar, which helps farmers in the developing world improve their yields.

grist.org

1

Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 23d

Lawsuits against federal government over Columbia Basin dams to resume • Washington State Standard

Northwest states, tribes and environmental groups will resume suing the federal government over its hydroelectric dam operations in the Columbia River Basin that have harmed endangered native fish spe...

washingtonstatestandard.com

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Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 23d

Trump administration wants to cancel Biden-era rule that made conservation a ‘use’ of public land

Adopted last year, the rule allowed public property to be leased for restoration in the same way that oil companies lease land for drilling.

www.opb.org

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Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 24d

Watching a country sundown in real-time.

E.P.A. To Stop Collecting Emissions Data From Polluters

www.nytimes.com

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Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 27d

‘There is only one player’: why China is becoming a world leader in green energy

As US reneges on climate breakdown pledges, China’s response to crisis will shape geopolitics and our future

www.theguardian.com

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Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 27d

The climate solution both the right and the left can get behind | Bill McKibben

Bill McKibben: We’re beyond Mel Gibson’s Mad Max era. We no longer need oil to make it through the apocalypse

www.theguardian.com

Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 28d

More than half of Northwest in severe, extreme drought, Oregon in historic dry period - The Bulletin

Between April and July, Oregon experienced its fourth driest period since record keeping began in 1895, according to the state’s climatologist Nearly 80% of the Northwest is in a drought this summer, ...

bendbulletin.com

Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 28d

First came the wildfire. Then came the scams.

As extreme weather becomes more frequent, so too have post-disaster contractor scams like excessive billing and shoddy repairs.

grist.org

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Reposted by Ken Cousins, PhD

Iain Soutar @isoutar.bsky.social · 29d

Much more of this kind of message, please!

Dave Vetter @davidrvetter.bsky.social · 29d

"My school saves thousands of pounds every year from those solar panels." The TUC directly takes on Reform, a party funded by the fossil fuel Industry. Posted on IG by tradesunioncongress

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Ken Cousins, PhD @kencousins.bsky.social · 29d

Map: These Oregon natural areas could be logged, developed if Trump rescinds roadless rule

Check out our map to find out what Oregon landmarks are included in the neary 2 million acres of Oregon wilderness that could open up to roadbuilding and logging.

www.oregonlive.com