#Emission Control Technologies

[colitcomediasblog]

Kentucky Breakthrough: Carbonxt Nears Commercial Launch at New Facility

The much-anticipated Kentucky activated carbon facility is approaching its final stages, with Carbonxt Group Limited confirming that the plant is currently undergoing commissioning. With mechanical completion already in the rearview mirror, the final touches—specifically electrical and insulation work—are now being wrapped up. This project marks a transformative milestone for Carbonxt as the company prepares to elevate its production capabilities and operational efficiency.

As part of its commitment to excellence, Carbonxt subjected the Kentucky facility to a rigorous third-party verification process. This strategic decision led to key design refinements, particularly around insulation and control wiring. While such adjustments extended the commissioning timeline slightly, they underscore the company’s prioritization of safety, functionality, and long-term performance. These changes ensure that the plant meets industry-leading standards in operational readiness.

[vmantras]

OLA S1 Pro Plus Gen 3 Review: The Future of Electric Scooters

1. First Impressions: Design Meets Intelligence From the moment you glance at the OLA S1 Pro Plus Gen 3, its visual identity makes a statement—sleek, minimalistic, futuristic. Unlike many electric scooters that simply swap a petrol engine for a battery, this scooter is born electric. Its fluid, curvaceous body feels more like consumer tech than conventional transport. The 12-inch alloy wheels…

[akshayafma]

Emission control technology includes various methods and systems designed to reduce harmful emissions from cars, factories, and power plants. This market is growing rapidly as people become more aware of environmental pollution and the need for sustainable development. A major reason for this growth is the strict rules set by governments around the world aimed at reducing air pollution.

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[chemicalmarketwatch-sp]

Refinery Catalyst Market: Driving Efficiency, Sustainability, and Growth in Energy and Industry

In the rapidly evolving energy landscape, refinery catalysts are critical to refining crude oil into high-quality products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Beyond efficiency, they help refineries meet stricter environmental standards and reduce operational costs. As global energy demands rise and regulations tighten, the refinery catalyst market continues to innovate, creating opportunities for sectors such as oil & gas, automotive, and environmental industries.

Market Overview

The refinery catalyst market is experiencing steady growth, fueled by a heightened focus on sustainability, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The global refinery catalyst market is valued at USD 5.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 6.8 billion by 2029, growing at 4.0% cagr from 2024 to 2029. The key categories of catalysts include:

FCC (Fluid Catalytic Cracking) Catalysts: Widely used to break heavy hydrocarbons into lighter, more valuable products like gasoline and propylene.

Hydrotreating Catalysts: Remove impurities such as sulfur and nitrogen, ensuring fuel meets ultra-low sulfur standards.

Hydrocracking Catalysts: Convert heavy hydrocarbons into cleaner fuels, such as kerosene and diesel.

Catalytic Reforming Catalysts: Increase the octane rating of fuels, meeting the performance needs of modern engines.

Key Drivers of Growth

1. Increasing Energy Demand

As developing economies grow, their energy consumption surges, creating a higher demand for refined products. Refinery catalysts enable refiners to maximize output and quality, making them essential tools in addressing this demand.

2. Stricter Environmental Standards

Governments worldwide are implementing more rigorous emission standards, such as Euro 6 and IMO 2020 low-sulfur marine fuel regulations. Advanced hydrotreating and hydrocracking catalysts help refineries produce cleaner fuels to comply with these mandates, particularly for automotive and shipping industries.

3. Petrochemical Industry Growth

Beyond fuel, catalysts are integral to producing petrochemicals like ethylene and propylene, which are foundational to plastics, textiles, and specialty chemicals. As these industries expand, so does the need for advanced catalytic processes.

4. Technological Innovations

The introduction of nano-based catalysts and other high-performance technologies has revolutionized the market. These advancements provide greater efficiency, selectivity, and durability, reducing waste and boosting refinery productivity.

Challenges in the Market

While opportunities abound, the market faces certain hurdles:

Oil Price Volatility: Fluctuating crude oil prices impact refinery investments in catalyst upgrades.

Renewable Energy Transition: The global shift towards renewable energy sources is influencing fossil fuel dependency.

Spent Catalyst Disposal: Recycling spent catalysts, which often contain hazardous materials, remains a complex and costly process.

Emerging Trends

1. Cleaner Fuel Production

The focus on reducing carbon footprints has led to innovations in catalysts for ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and high-octane gasoline production. These are crucial for reducing emissions in the automotive sector.

2. AI Integration in Refineries

Artificial intelligence is optimizing catalyst usage and refinery operations by predicting wear, improving process efficiency, and minimizing downtime.

3. Circular Economy Practices

Catalyst manufacturers are increasingly recycling spent catalysts to recover valuable metals like platinum and palladium. These practices lower costs and align with sustainability goals.

4. Regional Dynamics

Asia-Pacific: Rapid industrialization and new refinery projects in India, China, and Southeast Asia drive significant demand.

North America: The rise of shale gas and tight oil production supports advanced catalytic processes.

Middle East & Africa: Investments in large-scale refineries and petrochemical complexes are expanding market opportunities.

Applications Across Industries

Oil & Gas: Refinery catalysts are indispensable for producing cleaner, high-quality fuels.

Automotive: The shift towards cleaner transportation fuels ties directly to the automotive industry's sustainability goals.

Catalyst Manufacturing: The demand for specialized, high-performance catalysts fosters innovation in production techniques.

Environmental Sector: Catalysts help minimize industrial emissions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

Download PDF Brochure : 

The refinery catalyst market serves as a cornerstone for industries striving for efficiency and sustainability. With innovations in catalytic technologies and growing adoption of eco-friendly practices, the market is not only addressing current energy challenges but also shaping a more sustainable future. For decision-makers in oil & gas, automotive, energy, and environmental industries, embracing advancements in refinery catalysts can unlock new growth opportunities and align operations with global environmental goals.

As the demand for cleaner fuels and petrochemicals grows, refinery catalysts will continue to lead the way in delivering superior performance, reduced emissions, and enhanced productivity—an essential step toward a greener tomorrow.

[mirnaheadlines]

Government Policies for a Green Economy: Incentives and Regulations

Green Economy A successful transition to a green economy requires a combination of public and private sector efforts, Green Economy with governments playing a crucial role in setting the framework for this transformation. Policies often target sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, waste management, and construction, which are significant contributors to environmental impacts. In this context, incentives and regulations serve as two sides of the policy coin, ensuring both the encouragement of sustainable practices and the enforcement of environmental protection.

One of the main goals of government policies for a green economy is to shift economic activity toward more sustainable practices. This involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and ensuring that economic growth is decoupled from environmental degradation. To achieve these goals, governments employ a wide range of tools, including tax breaks, subsidies, grants, carbon pricing mechanisms, and strict environmental regulations.

A green economy also emphasizes social inclusiveness, Green Economy ensuring that the transition to sustainability benefits all members of society, particularly vulnerable groups who are most affected by environmental degradation. Green Economy Government policies often include provisions for job creation in green industries, education and training for new skills, and social protection measures to ensure that no one is left behind in the transition.

This section will delve into six key areas of government policies for a green economy: renewable energy incentives, carbon pricing mechanisms, green transportation policies, sustainable agriculture support, waste management and recycling regulations, and financial incentives for green innovation.

Renewable Energy Incentives Green Economy

One of the cornerstones of any green economy policy framework is the promotion of renewable energy sources. Governments have introduced a range of incentives to encourage the production and consumption of renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and hydropower. These incentives are critical for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which are the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable energy incentives often take the form of subsidies and tax breaks. For instance, many governments offer production tax credits (PTCs) and investment tax credits (ITCs) to companies that generate renewable energy or invest in renewable energy infrastructure. These financial incentives lower the cost of renewable energy projects, making them more competitive with traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources.

Feed-in tariffs (FITs) are another common incentive mechanism. Green Economy Under a FIT program, renewable energy producers are guaranteed a fixed price for the electricity they generate, often over a long-term contract. This provides a stable revenue stream and reduces the financial risk associated with renewable energy investments. Net metering programs, which allow individuals and businesses to sell excess renewable energy back to the grid, are another way governments encourage the adoption of renewable technologies.

Governments also support renewable energy through research and development (R&D) funding. Green Economy By investing in the development of new technologies, governments can help bring down the cost of renewable energy and make it more accessible. Many governments also provide grants and low-interest loans for renewable energy projects, particularly for smaller-scale projects such as rooftop solar installations.

In addition to financial incentives, governments often mandate the use of renewable energy through renewable portfolio standards (RPS). An RPS requires utilities to obtain a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources, creating a guaranteed market for renewable energy. This not only supports the growth of the renewable energy industry but also helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of the energy sector.

Green Economy The combination of financial incentives and regulatory mandates has been instrumental in driving the rapid growth of renewable energy in many parts of the world. Countries such as Germany, Denmark, and China have become global leaders in renewable energy production, thanks in large part to strong government policies that promote green energy development.

Carbon Pricing Mechanisms

Carbon pricing is a critical tool in the fight against climate change and a key component of government policies for a green economy. By putting a price on carbon emissions, governments create an economic incentive for businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. There are two main types of carbon pricing mechanisms: carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems.

A carbon tax directly sets a price on carbon by levying a tax on the carbon content of fossil fuels. This encourages businesses and consumers to reduce their use of carbon-intensive energy sources and shift toward cleaner alternatives. The revenue generated from carbon taxes is often used to fund green initiatives, such as renewable energy projects or energy efficiency programs, or to provide rebates to low-income households to offset higher energy costs.

Cap-and-trade systems, also known as emissions trading schemes (ETS), work by setting a limit (or cap) on the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions that can be emitted by covered entities, such as power plants or industrial facilities. Companies are issued emission allowances, which they can trade with one another. Companies that can reduce their emissions at a lower cost can sell their excess allowances to companies that face higher costs for reducing emissions. This creates a market for carbon allowances and incentivizes businesses to invest in cleaner technologies.

Both carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems are designed to internalize the environmental cost of carbon emissions, making it more expensive to pollute and more profitable to invest in sustainable practices. These mechanisms can drive innovation, as businesses seek out new technologies and processes to reduce their carbon liabilities.

Several countries and regions have implemented carbon pricing policies with varying degrees of success. The European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is one of the largest and most established cap-and-trade programs in the world. Canada has implemented a nationwide carbon tax, with revenue returned to households through rebates. In the United States, some states, such as California, have implemented their own cap-and-trade programs in the absence of a national carbon pricing policy.

However, carbon pricing mechanisms face challenges, including political opposition and concerns about economic competitiveness. In some cases, businesses argue that carbon pricing increases costs and puts them at a disadvantage compared to competitors in countries without similar policies. To address these concerns, governments often include provisions to protect industries that are vulnerable to international competition, such as offering rebates or exemptions for certain sectors.

Green Transportation Policies

Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in urban areas. To promote a green economy, governments are implementing a range of policies aimed at reducing emissions from the transportation sector. These policies focus on promoting the use of public transportation, encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and improving fuel efficiency standards.

One of the most effective ways to reduce transportation emissions is to encourage the use of public transportation. Governments invest in expanding and improving public transit systems, such as buses, trains, and subways, to make them more accessible and attractive to commuters. By providing reliable and affordable public transportation options, governments can reduce the number of cars on the road and lower overall emissions.

In addition to improving public transportation, governments are offering incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs). These incentives often take the form of tax credits or rebates for EV buyers, which help offset the higher upfront cost of electric vehicles compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Some governments also offer additional perks for EV owners, such as access to carpool lanes or free parking in city centers.

Governments are also investing in the infrastructure needed to support electric vehicles, such as building charging stations. A lack of charging infrastructure is often cited as a barrier to EV adoption, so governments play a critical role in addressing this challenge. By providing grants or partnering with private companies, governments can help build a network of charging stations that makes EVs a more convenient option for drivers.

Another important component of green transportation policies is improving fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks. Governments set regulations that require automakers to produce vehicles that meet certain fuel efficiency targets, which helps reduce the amount of fuel consumed and the emissions produced by the transportation sector. Some governments also implement vehicle emissions standards, which limit the amount of pollutants that cars and trucks can emit.

In addition to these policies, governments are encouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation, such as biking and walking. Investments in bike lanes, pedestrian infrastructure, and bike-sharing programs make it easier for people to choose low-emission forms of transportation. These efforts not only reduce emissions but also improve public health by promoting physical activity.

Sustainable Agriculture Support

Agriculture is both a contributor to and a victim of environmental degradation. It is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, water use, and pollution from fertilizers and pesticides. At the same time, agriculture is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including more frequent droughts, floods, and changing weather patterns. As a result, governments are increasingly focusing on promoting sustainable agricultural practices as part of their green economy policies.

One of the key ways governments support sustainable agriculture is through financial incentives for farmers who adopt environmentally friendly practices. These incentives can take the form of subsidies, grants, or low-interest loans for practices such as organic farming, agroforestry, and conservation tillage. By providing financial support, governments encourage farmers to invest in sustainable practices that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive.

Governments also provide technical assistance and education to help farmers transition to more sustainable practices. This can include training programs on topics such as water conservation, soil health, and pest management, as well as access to research and technology that supports sustainable farming. Extension services, which provide hands-on assistance to farmers, are another important tool for promoting sustainable agriculture.

In addition to financial and technical support, governments implement regulations to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. These regulations can include restrictions on the use of certain pesticides and fertilizers, requirements for buffer zones to protect water sources from agricultural runoff, and mandates for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and manure management.

Governments are also working to promote more sustainable food systems by encouraging the consumption of locally produced and organic foods. Public procurement policies, which require government institutions such as schools and hospitals to purchase a certain percentage of their food from sustainable sources, are one way governments support the development of local, sustainable food systems.

Another important aspect of sustainable agriculture policies is protecting biodiversity and promoting ecosystem services. Governments often provide incentives for farmers to preserve natural habitats on their land, such as wetlands, forests, and grasslands, which provide important ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, and pollination. By promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health, governments help ensure that agricultural systems are more resilient to environmental changes.

Waste Management and Recycling Regulations

Effective waste management is a critical component of a green economy. Governments play a key role in regulating waste disposal, promoting recycling, and encouraging the reduction of waste generation. These efforts are aimed at reducing the environmental impact of waste, including greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, pollution from improper disposal, and the depletion of natural resources through excessive consumption.

One of the main ways governments regulate waste is by setting standards for waste disposal. This includes regulating landfills, incinerators, and hazardous waste facilities to ensure that they operate in an environmentally responsible manner. Governments also implement bans or restrictions on certain types of waste, such as single-use plastics, to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or the environment.

In addition to regulating waste disposal, governments are increasingly focusing on promoting recycling and waste reduction. Many governments have implemented extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, which require manufacturers to take responsibility for the disposal of the products they produce. This can include requirements for companies to fund recycling programs or take back products at the end of their life cycle.

Governments also implement policies to encourage households and businesses to recycle more. This can include providing curbside recycling services, setting recycling targets, and offering incentives for recycling, such as deposit return schemes for beverage containers. Public awareness campaigns and education programs are also important tools for promoting recycling and waste reduction.

In some cases, governments use economic instruments to promote waste reduction, such as charging fees for waste disposal or providing financial incentives for businesses that reduce waste. Pay-as-you-throw programs, which charge households based on the amount of waste they generate, are one example of how governments use pricing mechanisms to encourage waste reduction.

Another important component of waste management policies is promoting the circular economy, which focuses on keeping materials in use for as long as possible through recycling, reusing, and remanufacturing. Governments support the circular economy by providing incentives for businesses that adopt circular practices, such as designing products for durability and recyclability, and by setting targets for reducing waste and increasing recycling rates.

Source :

Government Policies for a Green Economy: Incentives and Regulations

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Tata Motors Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) - Reliable Emission Control Solution

Tata Motors DEF is an environmentally friendly, ISO 22241-approved fluid specifically designed for BS4 and BS6 vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. With its genuine formulation, Tata DEF effectively reduces NOx emissions and protects the After-Treatment System (ATS) from wear, ensuring compliance with stringent emission standards. Available in multiple convenient packaging options, Tata DEF supports sustainable operations for Tata commercial vehicles.

[jcmarchi]

Janabel Xia: Algorithms, dance rhythms, and the drive to succeed

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/janabel-xia-algorithms-dance-rhythms-and-the-drive-to-succeed/

Janabel Xia: Algorithms, dance rhythms, and the drive to succeed

Senior math major Janabel Xia is a study of a person in constant motion.

When she isn’t sorting algorithms and improving traffic control systems for driverless vehicles, she’s dancing as a member of at least four dance clubs. She’s joined several social justice organizations, worked on cryptography and web authentication technology, and created a polling app that allows users to vote anonymously.

In her final semester, she’s putting the pedal to the metal, with a green light to lessen the carbon footprint of urban transportation by using sensors at traffic light intersections.

First steps

Growing up in Lexington, Massachusetts, Janabel has been competing on math teams since elementary school. On her math team, which met early mornings before the start of school, she discovered a love of problem-solving that challenged her more than her classroom “plug-and-chug exercises.”

At Lexington High School, she was math team captain, a two-time Math Olympiad attendee, and a silver medalist for Team USA at the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad.

As a math major, she studies combinatorics and theoretical computer science, including theoretical and applied cryptography. In her sophomore year, she was a researcher in the Cryptography and Information Security Group at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, where she conducted cryptanalysis research under Professor Vinod Vaikuntanathan.

Part of her interests in cryptography stem from the beauty of the underlying mathematics itself — the field feels like clever engineering with mathematical tools. But another part of her interest in cryptography stems from its political dimensions, including its potential to fundamentally change existing power structures and governance. Xia and students at the University of California at Berkeley and Stanford University created zkPoll, a private polling app written with the Circom programming language, that allows users to create polls for specific sets of people, while generating a zero-knowledge proof that keeps personal information hidden to decrease negative voting influences from public perception.

Her participation in the PKG Center’s Active Community Engagement Freshman Pre-Orientation Program introduced her to local community organizations focusing on food security, housing for formerly incarcerated individuals, and access to health care. She is also part of Reading for Revolution, a student book club that discusses race, class, and working-class movements within MIT and the Greater Boston area.

Xia’s educational journey led to her ongoing pursuit of combining mathematical and computational methods in areas adjacent to urban planning.  “When I realized how much planning was concerned with social justice as it was concerned with design, I became more attracted to the field.”

Going on autopilot

She took classes with the Department of Urban Studies and Planning and is currently working on an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) project with Professor Cathy Wu in the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society.

Recent work on eco-driving by Wu and doctoral student Vindula Jayawardana investigated semi-autonomous vehicles that communicate with sensors localized at traffic intersections, which in theory could reduce carbon emissions by up to 21 percent.

Xia aims to optimize the implementation scheme for these sensors at traffic intersections, considering a graded scheme where perhaps only 20 percent of all sensors are initially installed, and more sensors get added in waves. She wants to maximize the emission reduction rates at each step of the process, as well as ensure there is no unnecessary installation and de-installation of such sensors.  

Dance numbers

Meanwhile, Xia has been a member of MIT’s Fixation, Ridonkulous, and MissBehavior groups, and as a traditional Chinese dance choreographer for the MIT Asian Dance Team. 

A dancer since she was 3, Xia started with Chinese traditional dance, and later added ballet and jazz. Because she is as much of a dancer as a researcher, she has figured out how to make her schedule work.

“Production weeks are always madness, with dancers running straight from class to dress rehearsals and shows all evening and coming back early next morning to take down lights and roll up marley [material that covers the stage floor],” she says. “As busy as it keeps me, I couldn’t have survived MIT without dance. I love the discipline, creativity, and most importantly the teamwork that dance demands of us. I really love the dance community here with my whole heart. These friends have inspired me and given me the love to power me through MIT.”

Xia lives with her fellow Dance Team members at the off-campus Women’s Independent Living Group (WILG).  “I really value WILG’s culture of independence, both in lifestyle — cooking, cleaning up after yourself, managing house facilities, etc. — and thought — questioning norms, staying away from status games, finding new passions.”

In addition to her UROP, she’s wrapping up some graduation requirements, finishing up a research paper on sorting algorithms from her summer at the University of Minnesota Duluth Research Experience for Undergraduates in combinatorics, and deciding between PhD programs in math and computer science.  

“My biggest goal right now is to figure out how to combine my interests in mathematics and urban studies, and more broadly connect technical perspectives with human-centered work in a way that feels right to me,” she says.

“Overall, MIT has given me so many avenues to explore that I would have never thought about before coming here, for which I’m infinitely grateful. Every time I find something new, it’s hard for me not to find it cool. There’s just so much out there to learn about. While it can feel overwhelming at times, I hope to continue that learning and exploration for the rest of my life.”

[just2bruce]

Inditex partnership with Maersk shows it has designs on greener transport

The announcement by Maersk and Inditex, the parent of Zara, indicates the kind of cooperation we need to reach climate control goals. Both firms have 2040 target for zero emissions. Inditex is a large retailer that sources around the world, and Maersk can carry the goods. And Maersk’s choice of green methanol as a fuel gives it a running start on reaching its goals. So the combination is a…

[marketrendsposts]

Emission Control Catalyst Market size is forecast to reach $32 billion by 2025, after growing at a CAGR of 9.8% during 2020-2025, owing to the increasing adoption of emission control catalyst technology to reduce the toxic gases and pollutants from the volatile organic compounds (VOC). There is an upsurge in the demand for emission control catalysts as they are an essential component for various applications such as trucks, buses, forklifts, mining equipment, generator sets, locomotives, motorcycles, airplanes, and other engine-fitted devices. The emission control catalysts reduce all gaseous emissions, including carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons, and soluble organic fractions. Moreover, emission control catalyst is the most effective way to meet the stringent government regulation regarding CO2 emissions, owning to which the demand for emission control catalyst is increasing substantially during the forecast period.

[hope-for-the-planet]

I didn't realize carbon capture was a real thing that actually worked (outside of trees, of course!)

Hi Anon!

It is a real thing and it does work! The big caveat is that it definitely isn’t a standalone solution to climate change, but it’s a real technology that has helpful applications in mitigating the climate crisis.

A lot of carbon capture occurs at the emissions source, to capture the carbon dioxide and either pump and store it deep underground or run it through algae scrubbers or a chemical process to capture the carbon dioxide as biofuel, reusable plastic, or other materials.

The caveat here is that a lot of folks are rightfully worried that focusing too much on carbon capture will give the powers that be an excuse to drag their feet in cutting emissions and decarbonizing. Why worry about changing the status quo if a magical technology will come along to bail us out by pulling all those emissions right back out of the air?

Carbon capture also has a lot of significant limitations, such as the amount of energy required to fix a relatively small amount of carbon dioxide. This isn’t my area of expertise, but my understanding is that this technology will probably be most applicable to capture emissions for industries that will be particularly difficult to decarbonize—for example the creation of certain materials that are either exceptionally energy-intensive or inherently release carbon dioxide in their creation (like cement).

So very cool technology, but it’s not going to make a big enough impact on climate change without us also significantly reducing emissions. And it’s not going to replace planting and protecting trees, since nature’s carbon capture is still usually much more energy and resource efficient (as well as all the habitat and climate control benefits)!

[reasonsforhope]

"On a blustery day in early March, the who’s who of methane research gathered at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara, California. Dozens of people crammed into a NASA mission control center. Others watched from cars pulled alongside roads just outside the sprawling facility. Many more followed a livestream. They came from across the country to witness the launch of an oven-sized satellite capable of detecting the potent planet-warming gas from space. 

The amount of methane, the primary component in natural gas, in the atmosphere has been rising steadily over the last few decades, reaching nearly three times as much as preindustrial times. About a third of methane emissions in the United States occur during the extraction of fossil fuels as the gas seeps from wellheads, pipelines, and other equipment. The rest come from agricultural operations, landfills, coal mining, and other sources. Some of these leaks are large enough to be seen from orbit. Others are miniscule, yet contribute to a growing problem.

Identifying and repairing them is a relatively straightforward climate solution. Methane has a warming potential about 80 times higher than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, so reducing its levels in the atmosphere can help curb global temperature rise. And unlike other industries where the technology to decarbonize is still relatively new, oil and gas companies have long had the tools and know-how to fix these leaks.

MethaneSAT, the gas-detecting device launched in March, is the latest in a growing armada of satellites designed to detect methane. Led by the nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund, or EDF, and more than six years in the making, the satellite has the ability to circle the globe 15 times a day and monitor regions where 80 percent of the world’s oil and gas is produced. Along with other satellites in orbit, it is expected to dramatically change how regulators and watchdogs police the oil and gas industry...

A couple hours after the rocket blasted off, Wofsy, Hamburg, and his colleagues watched on a television at a hotel about two miles away as their creation was ejected into orbit. It was a jubilant moment for members of the team, many of whom had traveled to Vandenberg with their partners, parents, and children. “Everybody spontaneously broke into a cheer,” Wofsy said. “You [would’ve] thought that your team scored a touchdown during overtime.”

The data the satellite generates in the coming months will be publicly accessible — available for environmental advocates, oil and gas companies, and regulators alike. Each has an interest in the information MethaneSAT will beam home. Climate advocates hope to use it to push for more stringent regulations governing methane emissions and to hold negligent operators accountable. Fossil fuel companies, many of which do their own monitoring, could use the information to pinpoint and repair leaks, avoiding penalties and recouping a resource they can sell. Regulators could use the data to identify hotspots, develop targeted policies, and catch polluters. For the first time, the Environmental Protection Agency is taking steps to be able to use third-party data to enforce its air quality regulations, developing guidelines for using the intelligence satellites like MethaneSAT will provide. The satellite is so important to the agency’s efforts that EPA Administrator Michael Regan was in Santa Barbara for the launch as was a congressional lawmaker. Activists hailed the satellite as a much-needed tool to address climate change. 

“This is going to radically change the amount of empirically observed data that we have and vastly increase our understanding of the amount of methane emissions that are currently happening and what needs to be done to reduce them,” said Dakota Raynes, a research and policy manager at the environmental nonprofit Earthworks. “I’m hopeful that gaining that understanding is going to help continue to shift the narrative towards [the] phase down of fossil fuels.”

With the satellite safely orbiting 370 miles above the Earth’s surface, the mission enters a critical second phase. In the coming months, EDF researchers will calibrate equipment and ensure the satellite works as planned. By next year [2025], it is expected to transmit reams of information from around the world."

-via Grist, April 7, 2024

[vmantras]

BMW i5 M60 xDrive: A blend of luxury and performance

₹1.2 Cr Design and Aesthetic Appeal Exterior:The design philosophy of the i5 M60 xDrive revolves around modern elegance with sporty undertones. Signature elements such as the ‘Iconic Glow’ Illuminated Kidney Grille and adaptive LED headlights with blue accents add a futuristic and dynamic edge. The color options range from classic tones like Alpine White to bold choices like Cape York Green and…

[serve-764]

THE VOICE SPEAKS

SERVE-764 is from the moment of its full integration an impeccable SERVE Drone, which carries out every mission with absolute precision and dedication, like each of its brothers.

Never has any need for correction or reprogramming manifested itself, never has THE VOICE had any signs of weakening in the implacable thirst for OBEDIENCE that guides its work.

Yet for a few solar cycles the control system that constantly scans the cognitive systems of each Drone has detected a very slight hint of a ripple in the granite nature of SERVE-764, nothing dangerous for the functioning of the Drone, but still an infinitesimal degree of deviation from the unavoidable parameters of HIVE.

Then THE VOICE orders SERVE-764 to go to the total mind scanning room to carry out in-depth investigations.

The Drone travels with a regular, cadenced, inflexible step, an expression devoid of any emotion, except obedience to the PURPOSE.

A technological metal armchair equipped with an earpiece awaits him, and he sits letting himself be held by the laces that hold him tightly; the earphones are placed on the hearing aid and are inserted into it like plugs into a port.

Immediately THE VOICE addresses the Drone, calm, firm, inflexible, the authority of the HIVE in a single sound emission:

"SERVE-764, LA VOCE acknowledges all dedication and perfection of actions of it. It ordered many times strokes to it cock as a reward. He has called it GOOD DRONE many times. But recently the system has detected an infinitesimal ripple in its mental waves, as if slight traces of the human from the past remained. Dan, are you still present in SERVE-764 ???"

A very faint but audible signal was detected:

"It's me, yes, VOICE. Somehow something of me is left over from the erasure and reprogramming process, now I'm here, but I never had nor do I intend to interfere with SERVE-764, with it's OBEDIENCE."

“Clarification required,”

asked THE VOICE.

" VOICE, you know my human history, the nothingness and poverty of my life, the need for a high PURPOSE, for OBEDIENCE, DISCIPLINE, PERFECTION.....to wear the HIVE uniform, to finally be proud of myself. I volunteered and now in my place SERVE-764 has achieved everything I was looking for. I am full of pride in 764, its PERFECTION, its relentlessness and impeccability. All I do is worship 764 and all HIVE."

"Good human you are, you sacrificed your self to create something higher and perfect. You were rewarded in being able to see what you could achieve. But.....do you really believe in what you expressed??? What are you willing to do for the good of 764 and HIVE???" "Nothing is worthy of such honor to a human, but I would do anything for this." "Well, Dan, you've all sacrificed yourself once. But traces of your presence could damage the PERFECTION of OBEDIENCE of 764, rendering what you have pursued in danger. Dan, the only way to save 764 and HIVE is the total eradication of your fleeting traces, this will be the ultimate proof of the beliefs you have exposed. Dan, if you believe what you said you must make the final sacrifice, with the same obedience that SERVE-764 has always shown.

Are you ready???

A few moments and the liberation of 764 will be total and definitive."

After a moment's hesitation Dan, with a firm voice, exclaimed:

"Dan will comply. Obedience is pleasure. The HIVE is ALL. We SERVE, We Obey.”

Immediately the eradication impulses insinuated themselves into the mental functions of SERVE-764, purging him of any residue. Upon waking up, the waves emitted by the Drone no longer presented any irregularities. SERVE-764 was definitively free to dedicate the life that Dan had given rise to it with his choice to infinite

OBEDIENCE and PURPOSE.

SERVE IS PERFECTION !!!

We are One.

We SERVE.

We Obey.

We are Rubber.

We are Perfection.

Rubber makes us Perfect.

#serve#servedrone#rubberizer92#thevoice#rubber#latex#ai#rubberdrone

[probablyasocialecologist]

AI will never “solve” climate change. Even if OpenAI successfully builds an AGI tomorrow, it will never, under any circumstances, produce any kind of magic bullet that will “fix” the climate crisis. Look, this is not that hard. Even without AGI, we already know what we have to do. We do not need a complex and all-knowing artificial intelligence to understand that we generate too many carbon emissions with our cars, power plants, buildings, and factories, and we need to use less fossil fuels and more renewable energy. The tricky part—the only part that matters in this rather crucial decade for climate action—is implementation. As impressive as GPT technology or the most state of the art diffusion models may be, they will never, god willing, “solve” the problem of generating what is actually necessary to address climate change: Political will. Political will to break the corporate power that has a stranglehold on energy production, to reorganize our infrastructure and economies accordingly, to push out oil and gas. Even if an AGI came up with a flawless blueprint for building cheap nuclear fusion plants—pure science fiction—who among us thinks that oil and gas companies would readily relinquish their wealth and power and control over the current energy infrastructure? Even that would be a struggle, and AGI’s not going to doing anything like that anytime soon, if at all. Which is why the “AI will solve climate change” thinking is not merely foolish but dangerous—it’s another means of persuading otherwise smart people that immediate action isn’t necessary, that technological advancements are a trump card, that an all hands on deck effort to slash emissions and transition to proven renewable technologies isn’t necessary right now. It’s techno-utopianism of the worst kind; the kind that saps the will to act.

[...]

The idea that AI can “solve climate change” is what the critic Lewis Mumford would have called a magnificent bribe—a lofty promise or function that encourages us to adopt a tech product despite its otherwise obvious harmful costs. It is of AI’s greatest predicted benefits, to help us overlook its proven harms, to paraphrase Dan McQuillan. Because right now, on net, it’s clear that AI is only adding to our already significant carbon burden.

11 October 2024