Issue 21

World

The El Niño wallop. Hang on to your hats.

• https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/03/a-perfect-storm-scientists-ponder-if-climate-has-entered-a-new-erratic-era
• I like the quote about being in “uncharted territory” followed immediately by a chart of that territory. https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/07/06/earth-record-heat-climate-extremes/

A chart of "uncharted territory".

Reducing C02

Storing more carbon in farmed soils:

• Let’s do the simple stuff first. I don’t care if it takes regulation. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/04/improving-farming-soil-carbon-store-global-heating-target

Solid state batteries are coming:

• I can seriously get behind a 745 mile range EV. That’s what you need in these big open spaces of the US West: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jul/04/toyota-claims-battery-breakthrough-electric-cars

US

The Big Sort. I’ve mentioned the book “The Big Sort” that Bob recommended years ago. Another example of this ongoing phenomenon:

• https://apnews.com/article/polarization-republicans-democrats-abortion-gender-colorado-idaho-406b5a841d4d47c8a08cf054c38bb2a0

United States, Northwest

Removing some Klamath River Dams. May the trend continue. May it expand world-wide.

• https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/the-massive-dam-removal-on-the-klamath-may-save-salmon-but-cant-solve-the-wests-water-crisis/?utm_source=marketingcloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Sunday+Morning+06-11-23_6_11_2023&utm_term=
• Pumped Hydro and Gravity Batteries. in areas of high relief, could help close the gap left by removing hydroelectric dams. They’re also prototyping gravity batteries in old mineshafts.
  • https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/pumped-storage-hydropower
  • https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220511-can-gravity-batteries-solve-our-energy-storage-problems
• Dam demolotion begins! https://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/environment/dam-demolition-begins-on-klamath-river/article_ed257004-8b81-5663-82e6-4b216c75639a.html

PNW Brewer Empire. McMenamins turns 40.

• We practically raised our first daughter in several McMenamins in Eugene, OR. I was so happy when they opened in Eugene, having been in the early Portland venues with Tyson, Dave, and Dan. There are iconic venues in lots of cities in the NW now. https://www.bendbulletin.com/business/mcmenamins-empire-40-years-and-counting-for-brothers-brian-and-mike-mcmenamin/article_707fc05a-1699-11ee-9a14-bfc43255bd36.html
• If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, go to your nearest McMenamins and celebrate them with a toast of their own fine brew. https://www.mcmenamins.com/