Environment 6 August 2025 - 2 February 2026

Road salt is making the GTA lights flicker — Alectra warns more outages may hit Vaughan and Peel
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Road salt is making the GTA lights flicker — Alectra warns more outages may hit Vaughan and Peel

Alectra Utilities reported power outages and voltage flickers in York and Peel, blaming salt and de-icing residue as temperatures rise. The company warned more outages could occur and has deployed extra crews. In a separate move, Mississauga City Council approved expanded development-charge breaks for new rental units to encourage apartment construction.
February 18, 2026
Japan pulls rare earth mud from 6,000-metre deep seabed as China export curbs bite
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Japan pulls rare earth mud from 6,000-metre deep seabed as China export curbs bite

A Japanese mission has retrieved rare-earth-rich seabed mud from nearly 6,000 meters deep near Minamitori Island, marking a global first, officials said. The drill ship Chikyu will return to Shimizu port on Feb. 15 for analysis. The operation comes as China tightens export controls, prompting Japanese firms like TDK to seek alternative supply sources. Japan plans full-scale mining trials in 2027 if tests are successful.
February 2, 2026
US threatens to hold back Gavi cash unless it drops mercury preservative thimerosal
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US threatens to hold back Gavi cash unless it drops mercury preservative thimerosal

The U.S. is withholding a $300 million pledge to Gavi unless the group starts phasing out thimerosal-containing vaccines, officials said. Gavi confirmed the request but said changes require board approval and must align with scientific consensus. Experts warn a rapid shift from multi-dose vials could raise costs and disrupt immunization efforts in low-income countries.
January 29, 2026
Greta Thunberg Banned from Venice After Grand Canal Turns Bright Green in Climate Protest
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Greta Thunberg Banned from Venice After Grand Canal Turns Bright Green in Climate Protest

Greta Thunberg and 36 Extinction Rebellion activists were banned from Venice for 48 hours and fined €150 each after pouring fluorescent dye into the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge on November 22. The protest, part of a nationwide “Stop Ecocide” campaign, turned the water bright green. Authorities found the dye non-toxic and filed no pollution charges, but cited the group for an unauthorized demonstration.
November 25, 2025
The Future of Artificial Blood, Organs, and Tissues - Breakthroughs and the Road to Transplantation
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In late 2022, UK researchers transfused lab-grown red blood cells into humans for the first time. The cost per unit dropped below $5,000 but remains higher than donated blood. In December 2024, the FDA approved Humacyte’s lab-grown blood vessel graft for trauma repair. Over 100,000 people in the U.S. await organ transplants; nearly 20 die daily.
August 13, 2025
Guide to Satellite Earth Monitoring
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Complete Guide to Satellite Earth Monitoring: How Space Tech Is Watching Our Planet Now

Landsat-1, launched in 1972, began continuous satellite mapping of Earth's land. By 2008, over 150 Earth observation satellites were in orbit, collecting more than 10 terabits of data daily. ESA’s Copernicus program, active since 2014, delivers over 25 terabytes of free data each day. NASA-ISRO’s NISAR radar mission is scheduled for launch in late 2024 or 2025.
August 10, 2025
How Global Companies Are Leading the Green Computing Revolution
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Eco-Tech Titans: How Global Companies Are Leading the Green Computing Revolution in 2025

Digital technology generates 2-4% of global carbon emissions, with projections reaching 14% by 2040 if trends continue. Data centers use up to 1.5% of the world’s electricity. Major tech firms including Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple, and others have set targets for net-zero emissions and increased renewable energy use, with several already powering operations with 100% renewable energy in multiple regions.
August 6, 2025