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'Humanity will have to use every tool available to have a shot at reversing climate change. Forests and farms could play a big role in that effort, if the people [...]

Products Products using using silk-based silk-based microcapsules could be commercially available in a few years if BASF implements them, he adds. When tested tested on on corn corn plants plants for for six six days, days, silk-based silk-based microcapsule spray damaged the plants less than an existing commercial product. Millennia have passed since humans discovered silk and began harvesting it from silkworm cocoons, but scientists are still finding new uses for this remarkable material. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a timeline of the legal threats faced by cities and states that have implemented natural gas bans. The main question at the center of these legal challenges is whether federal regulations preempt local and state building electrification rules. In 2023, there were both advances and setbacks in the implementation of gas bans, with some jurisdictions mandating all-electric construction while others faced lawsuits from gas and construction groups. The article highlights specific cases, such as the overturning of Berkeley, California's gas ban and the passing of a law banning gas in most new buildings in New York. The outcome of these legal battles will have significant implications for cities and states aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. [Extracted from the article]

A policy brief released by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy highlights the high energy burden faced by low-income households in the United States. The analysis reveals that low-income households spend a median of 8.3% of their annual income on energy bills, surpassing the 6% threshold considered a high energy burden. The burden is particularly high in Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic cities. The ACEEE calls for increased government action to prioritize low-income households for energy efficiency investments, remove barriers to accessing energy programs, and increase funding for energy efficiency and weatherization. Other advocacy groups have also called for better support for low-income individuals, especially in the face of climate change-driven heat waves. The U.S. needs more state and local programs to improve housing quality, but even existing programs may not be sufficient to meet the demand. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s launch of a new website designed to help applicants secure federal funding for climate-resilient projects. Topics include resources for navigating complex funding programs, tools for assessing climate risks, and information on how federal grants can support adaptation and resilience initiatives.

The article reports on the plan proposed by Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta, Georgia and the city council to direct 60 million dollars in funding to address homelessness in city.

The article focuses on Birmingham, Alabama's initiative to deploy a homelessness response team for nonemergency situations, reducing the reliance on police intervention. Topics include the city's collaboration with Urban Alchemy to run the program, the team's efforts to de-escalate crises and connect individuals to resources, and the challenges seen in similar programs in cities like San Francisco.

The article focuses on a new California bill that permits natural gas utilities to pilot neighborhood-scale decarbonization projects as an alternative to replacing old gas pipelines. Topics include the requirements for pilot project approval, the potential climate and cost benefits of decarbonization, and the implications for utility regulation and public funding.

The article focuses on Portland, Oregon's adoption of its first Housing Production Strategy to address rising housing costs and meet future needs. Topics include the strategy's 35 proposed methods for increasing housing supply and affordability, Portland's approach to overcoming development challenges, and the city's collaboration with Los Angeles to explore effective housing policies.

The article focuses on California's introduction of two new laws aimed at addressing the state's housing and homelessness crises. Topics include the expansion of shelter options using hotels and motels, streamlined permitting for junior accessory dwelling units, and the broader challenges of housing affordability and homelessness in the state.

The article focuses on the need for increased funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to better support households requiring cooling during extreme heat. It highlights a policy brief by the Natural Resources Defense Council and WE ACT for Environmental Justice, which argues that LIHEAP is "chronically underfunded" and suggests that Congress should boost funding and improve eligibility and public participation in fund allocation.

The article focuses on the U.S. Department of Energy's allocation of over 240 million dollars to enhance state and local building energy codes. Topics include funding for innovative building codes, the development of Building Performance Standards (BPS) to reduce emissions, and technical support provided to cities for implementation and compliance.

The article focuses on the rise of local laws granting tenants the right to functional cooling equipment amid increasing temperatures due to climate change. Topics include the implementation of cooling rights laws in various U.S. communities, the public health impact of extreme heat, and the challenges these new regulations present for local governments and tenants.

The article focuses on New York City's plans to implement a policy by 2030 requiring landlords to provide air conditioning in rental units to address rising temperatures and public health concerns. Topics include the city's commitment to developing a cooling policy as part of its PlaNYC sustainability plan, the challenges faced by low-income and vulnerable populations in managing heat, and the need for additional state and federal support to make cooling affordable for these residents.

The article offers information on the Seattle's, Washington, use of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant to install air conditioning in five public libraries. Topics discussed include the libraries being designated as cooling and clean-air centers during extreme heat and wildfire smoke; the grant's impact on Seattle's climate adaptation efforts; and the broader context of public cooling centers amid rising temperatures and climate change.

The article discusses Montgomery County's landmark law requiring landlords to provide air conditioning from June to September, 2024 to address health risks from extreme heat. Topics include the initial implementation challenges, the impact on tenants, and potential lessons for other jurisdictions considering similar policies.

The article covers the U.S. President Joe Biden administration's launch of new university-based climate resilience centers to address local risks from climate change-induced extreme weather. Topics discussed include the centers' role in translating research into actionable tools, the increasing intensity and impact of extreme weather events, and the broader context of federal investments in climate resilience.

The article highlights the urgent need to improve funding for urban forests, which are vital yet often underfunded. Topics include new financing strategies such as revolving funds and carbon credits, the challenge of maintaining forested areas compared to other green spaces, and innovative funding approaches used by various cities across the U.S.

The article focuses on the emerging trend of cities implementing rental cooling standards to address the rising temperatures and protect tenants. Topics include recent policies requiring landlords to provide air conditioning, the challenges and limitations of these cooling standards, and the need for complementary support programs to assist with energy costs and address equity issues.

The article focuses on FEMA's extension of the application period for its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to assist disaster-affected communities. Topics include the new 15-month application window and 240-day extension, the agency's response to feedback from state and local governments about previous deadlines, and the impact of these changes on improving access to resilience funding.

The article focuses on the release of the first-ever national heat strategy by the U.S. to address the rising dangers of extreme heat. Topics include the strategy's science-based solutions and resource expansion for communities, a challenge for local governments to design heat emergency drills, and the federal agencies' roles in supporting heat resilience initiatives.

The article focuses on HUD's 100 million U.S. dollars grant program aimed at reducing barriers to affordable housing development. Topics include the Biden administration's efforts to address the housing shortage, the challenges faced by communities in building affordable homes, and the political opposition from congressional Republicans.

The article focuses on the Softwood Lumber Board's initiative to support U.S. cities in adopting mass timber construction, which is considered a more climate-friendly alternative to traditional building materials like steel and concrete. It highlights the funding opportunities available for cities to develop mass timber accelerator programs, noting recent efforts in Boston, New York City, and Atlanta to promote mass timber use.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has denied Berkeley, California's request to reconsider its decision to overturn the city's ban on natural gas hookups in new construction. The court initially struck down Berkeley's ordinance in April, stating that it violated federal law. This decision has prompted other jurisdictions to reconsider their own building electrification rules. Berkeley may now appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court if it wishes to continue pursuing the case. [Extracted from the article]