Keeping up with climate
AI and robots are helping researchers build better batteries. Researchers used a machine learning model called Dragonfly and a robot called Clio to help them design new electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. (Electrolyte is the liquid that helps move charge around in a battery.) Better electrolytes could mean faster charging for EVs. (MIT Technology Review)
The Nord Stream pipeline methane leaks are a climate disaster, but fossil fuels production emits more. The Russian pipelines have leaked about 300,000 metric tons of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Global oil and gas production emits that amount every 1.5 days. (Bloomberg $)
Another electric plane company is running test flights. Eviation’s prototype, Alice, took to the skies over Washington state last week. (Seattle Times) But batteries are still a long way from powering the planes of the future—for more on why, check out my article from August on the topic.
Here’s how communities should rebuild after Hurricane Ian. Climate change is making hurricanes more intense and more common—hurricane-prone areas can help limit future damage by building more shore defense, following smarter building codes, and in some cases, moving on. (New York Times $)
Just for fun
It’s officially fat bear week!! Each year, Katmai National Park in Alaska invites us all to judge which of their brown bears is plumpest. So make your voice heard—vote here, and enjoy this delightful data visualization from the Washington Post on just how fat these bears really are.
That’s all folks! Thanks so much for reading, and if you have ideas or suggestions for this newsletter, feel free to drop me a line. Until next time!
Casey
