#environmentalimpact — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #environmentalimpact, aggregated by home.social.
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https://www.europesays.com/uk/959589/ Birds avoid wind turbines painted like venomous snakes #EndangeredSpecies #Environment #EnvironmentalImpact #JohannaMappes #MigratoryBirds #Science #UK #UnitedKingdom #WindBlades #WindFarms #WindPower #WindTurbines
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https://www.europesays.com/ie/484271/ Birds avoid wind turbines painted like venomous snakes #Éire #EndangeredSpecies #Environment #EnvironmentalImpact #IE #Ireland #JohannaMappes #MigratoryBirds #Science #WindBlades #WindFarms #WindPower #WindTurbines
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Avoiding and reducing microplastic false positives from dry glove contact
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2026/ay/d5ay01801c
#HackerNews #microplastics #environmentalimpact #research #gloves #safetyscience
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Atmospheric warming contributions from airborne microplastics and nanoplastics
Thompson, R. C. et al. Twenty years of microplastic pollution research—what have we learned?. Science 386, 6720 (2024).…
#NewsBeep #News #Environment #Atmosphericchemistry #ClimateChange #ClimateChange/ClimateChangeImpacts #Climate-changeimpacts #environment #Environmentalimpact #EnvironmentalLaw/Policy/Ecojustice #general #Science #UK #UnitedKingdom
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/574451/ -
An other one of those "who would have thought 🤔" news.
Scientists raise concerns over hyperscale data center impact on ecology | KSL.com
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Mid-Holocene retreat of the Greenland Ice Sheet indicated by subglacial methane release
Wadham, J. L. et al. Ice sheets matter for the global carbon cycle. Nat. Commun. 10, 3567 (2019).…
#Conflict #Conflicts #War #CarbonCycle #Cryosphericscience #Danmark #denmark #EarthSciences #EarthSystemSciences #Environmentalimpact #general #Geochemistry #geology #Geophysics/Geodesy #Greenland
https://www.europesays.com/2970324/ -
Atmospheric warming contributions from airborne microplastics and nanoplastics
Thompson, R. C. et al. Twenty years of microplastic pollution research—what have we learned?. Science 386, 6720 (2024).…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Science #Atmosphericchemistry #climatechange #ClimateChange/ClimateChangeImpacts #Climate-changeimpacts #Environment #environmentalimpact #EnvironmentalLaw/Policy/Ecojustice #general
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/624121/ -
Iran war could leave a lasting toxic legacy
Key insights The Iran war has led to emissions of harmful air pollutants and soil and water…
#NewsBeep #News #BreakingNews #airstrike #breakingnews #contaminants #Environmentalimpact #humanhealth #Iran #iranwar #OilSpill #Pollution #toxins
https://www.newsbeep.com/512612/ -
https://www.europesays.com/africa/187840/ South Africa Launches Nature-Linked Bond as RMB Ties Returns to Water Outcomes #EcologicalRestoration #EnvironmentalImpact #ESG #LouiseStafford #MartinPotgieter #RMB #SouthAfrica
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#VeganismDebate #EthicalEating #EnvironmentalImpact #FoodChoices #SustainableLiving #PlantBasedDiet #AnimalWelfare #ConsciousConsumerism #FoodEthics #Debate #VeganismDebate #EthicalEating #EnvironmentalImpact #FoodChoices #SustainableLiving #PlantBasedDiet #AnimalWelfare #ConsciousConsumerism #FoodEthics #Debate https://mastodon.social/@biohackingpathway/116329612904260220
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Ordinary Lab Gloves May Have Skewed Microplastic Data
https://nautil.us/ordinary-lab-gloves-may-have-skewed-microplastic-data-1279386
#HackerNews #Ordinary #Lab #Gloves #May #Have #Skewed #Microplastic #Data #microplastics #labresearch #environmentalimpact #science #news
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Scientists have found an alarming #EnvironmentalImpact of vast #DataCenters
Story by Laura Paddison, March 30, 2026
Excerpt: "They found surface temperatures increased by an average of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit after a data center started operations. In extreme cases, nearby temperatures increase by up to 16.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
"These increases were consistent across the globe, the researchers found. In #Mexico’s #Bajio region, for example, which has become a data center hub, the study found unexplained temperature rises of around 3.6 degrees over the last 20 years. A similar situation was seen in #AragonSpain, a European center for #hyperscale #AIDataenters, which recorded a temperature increase of 3.6 degrees which was not replicated in neighboring provinces.
"Strikingly, the impacts weren’t limited to a data center’s immediate surroundings; temperature increases affected areas up to 6.2 miles away, the research found, affecting more than 340 million people.
"The findings are particularly alarming, the scientists say, because AI data centers are set to boom over the next few years, and these temperature rises come as planet-warming pollution is already making #HeatWaves more extreme around the world."
#HeatIslands #DataCenterMoratorium #GlobalWarming #NoisePollution #AISucks #SurveillanceState #NoDatacenters #HyperscaleDatacenters
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Overestimation of microplastics potentially caused by scientists' gloves
#HackerNews #microplastics #scientificresearch #gloves #environmentalimpact #researchstudy
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Pioneering Spanish experience in climate shelters practice
A.T.A.-M. and M.O.’s research is funded by the European Union (ERC, IMAGINE adaptation, 101039429). A.T.A.-M. and M.O.’s research…
#NewsBeep #News #Environment #AU #Australia #Climatechange #ClimateChange/ClimateChangeImpacts #Climate-changeadaptation #EnvironmentalHealth #Environmentalimpact #EnvironmentalLaw/Policy/Ecojustice #general #Science
https://www.newsbeep.com/au/562428/ -
Pioneering Spanish experience in climate shelters practice
A.T.A.-M. and M.O.’s research is funded by the European Union (ERC, IMAGINE adaptation, 101039429). A.T.A.-M. and M.O.’s research…
#NewsBeep #News #Environment #ClimateChange #ClimateChangeAdaptation #ClimateChange/ClimateChangeImpacts #environment #environmentalhealth #Environmentalimpact #EnvironmentalLaw/Policy/Ecojustice #general #Science #UK #UnitedKingdom
https://www.newsbeep.com/uk/490998/ -
A #Pew Research Centre survey reveals mixed public opinion on #datacentres. While a majority recognise their #economicbenefits, concerns are higher regarding #environmentalimpact, home #energycosts, and #qualityoflife for nearby residents. Democrats and younger adults express more negative views. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2026/03/12/how-americans-view-data-centers-impact-in-key-areas-from-the-environment-to-jobs/?eicker.news #tech #media #news
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Human pressure and biodiversity modify forest resilience after extreme multi-year droughts
Seidl, R. et al. Forest disturbances under climate change. Nat. Clim. Change 7, 395–402 (2017). Article Google Scholar …
#NewsBeep #News #Environment #BiologicalandPhysicalAnthropology #CA #Canada #Climate-changeimpacts #Ecology #Environmentalimpact #EvolutionaryBiology #general #LifeSciences #Naturalhazards #Paleontology #Science #Zoology
https://www.newsbeep.com/ca/515930/ -
Human pressure and biodiversity modify forest resilience after extreme multi-year droughts
Seidl, R. et al. Forest disturbances under climate change. Nat. Clim. Change 7, 395–402 (2017). Article Google Scholar …
#NewsBeep #News #Environment #AU #Australia #BiologicalandPhysicalAnthropology #Climate-changeimpacts #Ecology #Environmentalimpact #EvolutionaryBiology #general #LifeSciences #Naturalhazards #Paleontology #Science #Zoology
https://www.newsbeep.com/au/519779/ -
Japan punk rock lawyer leads climate justice fight | Nation
Japan’s punk rock lawyer Akihiro Shima was belting out songs at a pack…
#Climate #ClimateChange #Climate-Change #afp #climatechange #climatevariabilityandchange #Environmentalimpact #environmentalimpactoffossilfuels #EnvironmentalIssues #globalenvironmentalissues #globalwarming #Greenhousegasemissions #humanimpactontheenvironment #japan #lawsuit #naturalenvironment #netzeroemissions #societalcollapse
https://www.europesays.com/2723914/ -
The #environmentalimpact of #AIcodingagents like #ClaudeCode is significantly higher than typical LLM queries. A single Claude Code session involves numerous tool calls and long prompts, leading to substantially more energy consumption. The author estimates the energy cost of a Claude Code session by analysing token usage and applying pricing data from Anthropic’s API. https://www.simonpcouch.com/blog/2026-01-20-cc-impact/?eicker.news #tech #media #news
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https://www.evshift.com/384779/how-honda-achieved-carbon-neutrality-at-its-u-s-sales-hq/ How Honda Achieved Carbon Neutrality at its U.S. Sales HQ #achieved #carbon #CarbonNeutral #CarbonNeutrality #decarbonization #ElectricCars #ElectricVehicles #EnvironmentalImpact #EV #Honda #HondaInnovationSite #HondaSustainability #neutrality #Sales #U.S
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Media be like: "Jumbo jet is the worst in human history." "Even jumbo jets, which are sophisticated technology, are a failure." Lol. I think it's more accurate to say that world aviation is aware of the need to be more efficient.
#Aviation #SustainableAviation #GreenTech #ClimateAction #AirTravel #Efficiency #SAF #SustainableAviationFuels #AviationInnovation #NetZero #EcoFriendlyTravel #FutureOfFlight #AviationTech #EnvironmentalImpact #SmartAviation #AirlineIndustry #ClimateSolutions
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Media be like: "Jumbo jet is the worst in human history." "Even jumbo jets, which are sophisticated technology, are a failure." Lol. I think it's more accurate to say that world aviation is aware of the need to be more efficient.
#Aviation #SustainableAviation #GreenTech #ClimateAction #AirTravel #Efficiency #SAF #SustainableAviationFuels #AviationInnovation #NetZero #EcoFriendlyTravel #FutureOfFlight #AviationTech #EnvironmentalImpact #SmartAviation #AirlineIndustry #ClimateSolutions
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Media be like: "Jumbo jet is the worst in human history." "Even jumbo jets, which are sophisticated technology, are a failure." Lol. I think it's more accurate to say that world aviation is aware of the need to be more efficient.
#Aviation #SustainableAviation #GreenTech #ClimateAction #AirTravel #Efficiency #SAF #SustainableAviationFuels #AviationInnovation #NetZero #EcoFriendlyTravel #FutureOfFlight #AviationTech #EnvironmentalImpact #SmartAviation #AirlineIndustry #ClimateSolutions
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Why EPDs Matter for Modern Construction & Manufacturing
Understand how EPDs improve transparency, reduce environmental impact, and boost certification scorecards.
https://www.envirolink.me/environmental-product-declaration-epd-understanding-its-importance/#EPD #SustainableMaterials #GreenBuilding #EnvironmentalImpact #Transparency
EPD, Environmental Reporting, Green Materials, Sustainability, LCA Documentation -
Widespread distribution of bacteria containing PETases across global oceans
https://academic.oup.com/ismej/article/19/1/wraf121/8159680?login=false
#HackerNews #WidespreadDistribution #Bacteria #PETases #GlobalOceans #MarineScience #EnvironmentalImpact
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No deal yet on EU climate targets as COP30 looms | National https://www.byteseu.com/1512686/ #afp #ClimateChange #ClimateChangeMitigation #ClimateChangePolicy #ClimateVariabilityAndChange #EnvironmentalImpact #EnvironmentalImpactOfFossilFuels #EnvironmentalPolicy #Europe #EuropeanUnion #GlobalEnvironmentalIssues #NaturalEnvironment #NetZeroEmissions #ParisAgreement #Politics #SocietalCollapse
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Equinix’s £4B UK Data Center Fuels AI Growth Amid Environmental Concerns https://www.byteseu.com/1496893/ #AiInfrastructure #DataCenterInvestment #EnergyC #environment #EnvironmentalImpact #UKTechInnovation
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Air pollution directly linked to increased dementia risk
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-02844-9
#HackerNews #AirPollution #DementiaRisk #HealthScience #EnvironmentalImpact #PublicHealth
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Pylon of Permanence Showcases Water-Filled Glass at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025
Water House 2.0 in Taichung, Taiwan, WFG Built Project. Image © Matyas Gutai Share Share F…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Artsanddesign #Architecture #Arts #ArtsAndDesign #carbonfootprint #Design #energy #Entertainment #environmentalimpact #glass #glazing #insulation #Sustainability #thermalinsulation #venicearchitecturebiennale2025 #water
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/95228/ -
Pylon of Permanence Showcases Water-Filled Glass at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025
Water House 2.0 in Taichung, Taiwan, WFG Built Project. Image © Matyas Gutai Share Share F…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Artsanddesign #Architecture #Arts #ArtsAndDesign #carbonfootprint #Design #energy #Entertainment #environmentalimpact #glass #glazing #insulation #Sustainability #thermalinsulation #venicearchitecturebiennale2025 #water
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/95228/ -
https://www.europesays.com/uk/357381/ Pylon of Permanence Showcases Water-Filled Glass at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 #Architecture #Arts #ArtsAndDesign #CarbonFootprint #Design #Energy #Entertainment #EnvironmentalImpact #glass #glazing #insulation #Sustainability #ThermalInsulation #UK #UnitedKingdom #VeniceArchitectureBiennale2025 #Water
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🐝🔬 Oh, look! Scientists finally uncovered the mastermind behind the bee apocalypse, but apparently, you need to be a JavaScript wizard to unveil this earth-shattering revelation. 😂🖱️ Because, naturally, the fate of the bees hinges on cookie settings! 🍪🌐
https://www.science.org/content/article/scientists-identify-culprit-behind-biggest-ever-u-s-honeybee-die #beeApocalypse #JavaScriptScience #cookieSettings #environmentalImpact #beeConservation #HackerNews #ngated -
🐝🔬 Oh, look! Scientists finally uncovered the mastermind behind the bee apocalypse, but apparently, you need to be a JavaScript wizard to unveil this earth-shattering revelation. 😂🖱️ Because, naturally, the fate of the bees hinges on cookie settings! 🍪🌐
https://www.science.org/content/article/scientists-identify-culprit-behind-biggest-ever-u-s-honeybee-die #beeApocalypse #JavaScriptScience #cookieSettings #environmentalImpact #beeConservation #HackerNews #ngated -
🐝🔬 Oh, look! Scientists finally uncovered the mastermind behind the bee apocalypse, but apparently, you need to be a JavaScript wizard to unveil this earth-shattering revelation. 😂🖱️ Because, naturally, the fate of the bees hinges on cookie settings! 🍪🌐
https://www.science.org/content/article/scientists-identify-culprit-behind-biggest-ever-u-s-honeybee-die #beeApocalypse #JavaScriptScience #cookieSettings #environmentalImpact #beeConservation #HackerNews #ngated -
🐝🔬 Oh, look! Scientists finally uncovered the mastermind behind the bee apocalypse, but apparently, you need to be a JavaScript wizard to unveil this earth-shattering revelation. 😂🖱️ Because, naturally, the fate of the bees hinges on cookie settings! 🍪🌐
https://www.science.org/content/article/scientists-identify-culprit-behind-biggest-ever-u-s-honeybee-die #beeApocalypse #JavaScriptScience #cookieSettings #environmentalImpact #beeConservation #HackerNews #ngated -
https://www.europesays.com/uk/201109/ Goldman Sachs Launches Green Bonds ETF for Emerging Markets #ActiveManagement #AffordableHousing #Business #CarbonReduction #CleanEnergy #ClimateFinance #EmergingMarkets #EnvironmentalImpact #ESGInvesting #FixedIncome #GEMSETF #GlobalDevelopment #GoldmanSachs #GREENBonds #GreenInfrastructure #ImpactInvesting #Markets #RenewableEnergy #SocialBonds #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #SustainableFinance #UCITSETF #UK #UnitedKingdom
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Towards A Simpler Assessment Of The Environmental Impact Of Hydrographic Echosounders
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https://ihr.iho.int/articles/towards-a-simpler-assessment-of-the-environmental-impact-of-hydrographic-echosounders/ <-- shared paper
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https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/s3/2024-05/NMSFAcousticGuidance-DraftTECHMEMOGuidance-3.0-FEB-24-OPR1.pdf <-- shared NOAA 2024 guidance
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https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2020.0070 <-- shared paper
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#GIS #spatial #mapping #communityhydrography #echosounder #environmentalimpact #hydrography #marinemammals #whales #cetaceans #survey #impacts #humanimpacts #logistics #management #planning #ecosystems #seafloor #sonar #remotesensing #marine #animals #risk #hazard #multibeam #model #modeling #impactassessment #riskassessment #auditory #fish #habitat #strandings -
Investors value green labels — but not always for the right reasons
#GreenFinance #SustainableInvesting #GreenBonds #Finance #GreenBonds #Greenwashing #RetailInvestors #GreenLabel #SustainableFinance #ClimateAction #Investment #EnvironmentalImpact
https://the-14.com/investors-value-green-labels-but-not-always-for-the-right-reasons/ -
Investors value green labels — but not always for the right reasons
#GreenFinance #SustainableInvesting #GreenBonds #Finance #GreenBonds #Greenwashing #RetailInvestors #GreenLabel #SustainableFinance #ClimateAction #Investment #EnvironmentalImpact
https://the-14.com/investors-value-green-labels-but-not-always-for-the-right-reasons/ -
The 5 Asian flims Gems of 2024
https://vibesmagazine.blog/the-best-of-asian-cinema-in-2024-a-showcase-of-quality-and-vision/
#india #femalefriendship, #drama, #CannesFilmFestival, #PayalKapadia, #evocativevisuals, #intimatestorytelling, # #extraordinaryintheordinary, #Japanesecinema, #ecologicaldrama, #environmentalism, #RyusukeHamaguchi, #VeniceFilmFestival, #slowburn, #ruralsetting, #humanvsnature, #environmentalimpact, #rurallife #CannesFilmFestival, #turkishcinema #introspection, #longtakes, #chinesecinema #ZhangLu #FamilyDrama , #LossAndGrief #tibetan
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The 5 Asian flims Gems of 2024
https://vibesmagazine.blog/the-best-of-asian-cinema-in-2024-a-showcase-of-quality-and-vision/
#india #femalefriendship, #drama, #CannesFilmFestival, #PayalKapadia, #evocativevisuals, #intimatestorytelling, # #extraordinaryintheordinary, #Japanesecinema, #ecologicaldrama, #environmentalism, #RyusukeHamaguchi, #VeniceFilmFestival, #slowburn, #ruralsetting, #humanvsnature, #environmentalimpact, #rurallife #CannesFilmFestival, #turkishcinema #introspection, #longtakes, #chinesecinema #ZhangLu #FamilyDrama , #LossAndGrief #tibetan
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The 5 Asian flims Gems of 2024
https://vibesmagazine.blog/the-best-of-asian-cinema-in-2024-a-showcase-of-quality-and-vision/
#india #femalefriendship, #drama, #CannesFilmFestival, #PayalKapadia, #evocativevisuals, #intimatestorytelling, # #extraordinaryintheordinary, #Japanesecinema, #ecologicaldrama, #environmentalism, #RyusukeHamaguchi, #VeniceFilmFestival, #slowburn, #ruralsetting, #humanvsnature, #environmentalimpact, #rurallife #CannesFilmFestival, #turkishcinema #introspection, #longtakes, #chinesecinema #ZhangLu #FamilyDrama , #LossAndGrief #tibetan
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Why Stewardship, Not Just Sustainability, for Farmers and the Planet
#Stewardship #SustainableFarming #Agriculture #FarmingESG #EnvironmentalImpact #Farmers #LandCare #Sustainability #ClimateAction #CommunityImpact #ResilientAgriculture
#SustainableFarming
https://the-14.com/why-stewardship-not-just-sustainability-for-farmers-and-the-planet/ -
A corporate lobby swayed Centre’s decisions while its members filled BJP’s coffers
Over the years the Association of Power Producers got government to make favourable policy changes while its members and entities linked to them together donated at least Rs 516 crore to BJP.
#ElectoralBonds #BJP #APP #CorporateLobby #AdaniGroup #vedanta #SanjivGoenkaGroup #TorrentGroup #essar #power #mining #environment #EnvironmentalImpact #UnionGovt #corruption #india
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Why Kashmir’s activists are turning to the National Green Tribunal to save its forests and wetlands
From sharply reprimanding the government to fining construction companies, the green court has backed conservation efforts in the Union territory.
#kashmir #environment #NGT #mining #forests #wetlands #EnvironmentalImpact #UnionGovt #JKGovt #india
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Understanding Wildlife Behavioral Responses to Traffic Noise and Light to Improve Mitigation Planning
Product Type: Policy Brief
Publication Date: June 09, 2020"As roads and other developed land uses proliferate, the resulting habitat fragmentation and loss of wildlife connectivity hinder animals’ ability to forage, establish new territories, and maintain genetic diversity. Wildlife crossing structures such as culverts and bridges theoretically can reduce these impacts by allowing species to effectively cross highways. However, previous research has shown that traffic presence and density can disrupt wildlife use of highway crossing structures, and that noise and light from human activities can affect animal behavior. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, Road Ecology Center measured traffic noise and light levels and placed motion- and heat-triggered cameras at 26 bridges and culverts along four interstate highways, 11 state highways and one major county road across California. The presence and behavior of animals at these highway crossing structures were compared to those detected at sites unaffected by roads to understand the effects of noise and light from a highway on wildlife behavior. This policy brief summarizes findings from that research and provides policy implications.
"Traffic moving on transportation corridors affects wildlife connectivity. Many wildlife species move across road surfaces, or through culverts and bridges, with varying levels of success depending on species, infrastructure and traffic levels. As roads and other developed land uses proliferate, the resulting habitat fragmentation and loss of wildlife connectivity hinder animals’ ability to forage, establish new territories, and maintain genetic diversity. Wildlife crossing structures such as culverts and bridges theoretically can reduce these impacts by allowing species to effectively cross highways. However, the physical roadway barrier may not be the only deterrent. Previous research has shown that traffic presence and density can disrupt wildlife use of highway crossing structures, and that noise and light from human activities can affect animal behavior."
#GorhamConnector #SaveSmilingHillFarm #SaveRedBrook #SaveTheForest #WorkingFarms #MaineTurnpikeAuthority #Sprawl #InducedDevelopment #GorhamSpur #Wetlands #Meadows #EnvironmentalImpact
#SaveTheWoods #Maine #GorhamMaine #ScarboroughMaine #WestbrookMaine #RapidTransit -
I'm planning on submitting a summary of these studies as part of my arguments against the #GorhamConnector. I grew up near a 4-lane highway, and the vibrations and noise pollution were constant -- I hadn't realized how bad it was until I went back home a few years ago and camped in my old backyard -- and felt every speeding tractor trailer truck going by.
Evidence of the impact of noise pollution on biodiversity: a systematic map
By Romain Sordello, Ophélie Ratel, Frédérique Flamerie De Lachapelle, Clément Leger, Alexis Dambry & Sylvie Vanpeene
Environmental Evidence volume 9, Article number: 20 (2020)
"Ecological research now deals increasingly with the effects of #NoisePollution on #biodiversity. Indeed, many studies have shown the impacts of #AnthropogenicNoise and concluded that it is potentially a threat to the persistence of many species. The present work is a systematic map of the evidence of the impacts of all anthropogenic noises (industrial, urban, transportation, etc.) on biodiversity. This report describes the mapping process and the evidence base with summary figures and tables presenting the characteristics of the selected articles."
https://environmentalevidencejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13750-020-00202-y
#SaveSmilingHillFarm #SaveRedBrook #SaveTheForest #WorkingFarms #MaineTurnpikeAuthority #Sprawl #InducedDevelopment #GorhamSpur
#Wetlands #Meadows #EnvironmentalImpact
#SaveTheWoods #Maine #GorhamMaine #ScarboroughMaine #WestbrookMaine #RapidTransit -
Opinion: #GorhamConnector plan threatens river #Ecosystem, #HeritageTrout
Building a new road along the banks of #RedBrook will render barren a unique stretch of riparian #shoreline – with all the adverse consequences you might expect.
by C. Ian Stevenson
February 27, 2024"While proponents tout the toll-road Gorham Connector as promising to shorten commutes and relieve traffic pressure in #GreaterPortlandMaine, there has already been substantial pushback to the concept. Regardless of how much (or for how long) travel-based advantage the new roadway might bring, as proposed it will have pronounced, unambiguously negative effects to the area.
"Maine is known for its sense of place. Many components contribute to what makes the state unique and desirable. Among these is the built environment, such as the 13th-generation Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook, which the proposed route threatens to erode, if not entirely extinguish, as an economically viable vestige of Maine’s once robust agricultural heritage. Others have amply sounded the alarm about this issue.
"But the route introduces other threats to the more naturalistic landscape. Starting at #SmilingHillFarm and running south-southeasterly to I-295 is a five-mile section of Red Brook that mostly nestles in #DenseForest. Between County Road and Running Hill Road, in particular, Red Brook occupies one of the few contiguous #undeveloped #Riverine stretches in #SouthernMaine. While unassuming in scale, Red Brook is nevertheless remarkable for supporting one of the last remaining native populations of #BrookTrout in this part of the state.
"The proposed road will immediately abut the river, sitting nearly on its banks, for as much as a mile south of the County Road Interchange. This will degrade habitat, destroying the trees whose overhanging foliage provides shade and cooling effects for these temperature-sensitive fish and creates shelter from predators. It will make barren riparian shoreline that supports the aquatic and terrestrial insects that provide the primary trout food sources. The road itself will also contribute oil, salt and other #runoff to the river, #polluting the water. As a result of these factors, this connector will likely #exterminate this population of brook trout.
"Why should we care about a small river and its brook trout? Although this is not the official state fish, the fishing community widely considers it the prize species to catch, with so-called wild populations assuming even more cherished status. Brook trout provide a link across generations and cultural traditions and belong to everyone. Human inhabitants of Maine – from the original #Wabanaki to European colonists to modern Americans – have been catching these 'native' fish for millennia. Other parts of Maine, especially further north and west, have healthy native brook trout fisheries, making Maine highly regarded nationally as a destination to catch them.
"The fact that Red Brook, in the heart of #GreaterPortland, belongs to this orbit is no small feat. Most of the area’s waterways have already succumbed to habitat loss, development, predatory introduced species, warming temperatures and increased flooding due to #ClimateChange. Red Brook provides an opportunity for future #Mainers who might not have access to brook trout streams further afield to enjoy this natural amenity. Even if you do not care about fishing, this road promises to annihilate a population of one of our state’s heritage species, as well as its scenic habitat that also contributes to #Maine’s sense of place.
"#PeterMills, the executive director of the #MaineTurnpikeAuthority, claims his organization has 'gone to great lengths to minimize impacts to Red Brook,' but clearly it hasn’t gone far enough under the current proposal. There are yet solutions.
"Citizens can express concerns at a hearing planned for March or via the Maine Turnpike Authority’s online portal. If the connector is to be built, planners need to re-route to establish a buffer zone between the connector and river – even a few hundred feet would have a positive impact. While less ideal than a complete reworking of the route, this would at least retain the primary shoreline flora and fauna and allow for run-off infrastructure. And we could re-route the road to save Smiling Hill Farm at the same time. Or better yet, we could re-consider the whole project’s merit entirely."
MTA website (make your opinion known!):
https://www.maineturnpike.com/Projects/Planning/Gorham-Connector.aspx#WorkingFarms #Sprawl
#GorhamSpur #InducedDemand #GorhamConnector
#Wetlands #Meadows
#EnvironmentalImpact #Extinction #Ecosystem
#SaveSmilingHillFarm
#SaveTheWoods #SaveTheFarms #Maine #Wetlands #Woods #LessCars #MoreLightRail
