Author Archives: Ivan Martinovic

Google is using AI to predict floods — and sending cash to people before disaster hits

The tech giant is partnering with GiveDirectly and the International Rescue Committee. It’s one example of using AI for good. When a disaster hits, it usually takes time for aid to arrive. But Google is now using AI to predict severe flooding in advance—and the company’s nonprofit arm is working with humanitarian organizations to give […]

Posted by Ivan Martinovic on June 30, 2024

Recent reductions in aerosol emissions have increased Earth’s energy imbalance??

The Earth’s energy imbalance is the net radiative flux at the top-of-atmosphere. Climate model simulations suggest that the observed positive imbalance trend in the previous two decades is inconsistent with internal variability alone and caused by anthropogenic forcing and the resulting climate system response. Here, we investigate anthropogenic contributions to the imbalance trend using climate […]

Posted by Ivan Martinovic on April 16, 2024

New Sustainable Building Materials Developed from Trees

Researchers have identified two tree species that they think are a good source of wood for a new sustainable type of building material that could promote a more environmentally friendly construction industry. Spread the word

Posted by Ivan Martinovic on February 25, 2024

The Monitoring and Evaluating Climate Communication and Education Project

This project is an ambitious international research partnership of over 100 leading scholars and agencies. Our goal is to advance global climate literacy and action through improving the quality and quantity of climate change education, training, and public awareness. Spread the word

Posted by Ivan Martinovic on June 15, 2023

Three Myths About Renewable Energy and the Grid, Debunked

Renewable energy skeptics argue that because of their variability, wind and solar cannot be the foundation of a dependable electricity grid. But the expansion of renewables and new methods of energy management and storage can lead to a grid that is reliable and clean. As wind and solar power have become dramatically cheaper, and their […]

Posted by Ivan Martinovic on March 17, 2023

The Secret to Making Concrete That Lasts 1,000 Years

Scientists have uncovered the Roman recipe for self-repairing cement—which could massively reduce the carbon footprint of the material today. Currently, concrete is second only to water as the world’s most consumed material, and making it accounts for about 7 percent of global emissions. Patents have now been secured by MIT. Masic says a company will […]

Posted by Ivan Martinovic on February 6, 2023

As the Planet Cooks, Climate Stalls as a Political Issue

Summers in Maricopa County, Ariz., have become at times unbearable, Kyle Hawkinson said on Friday. Smog and haze hung heavily over Phoenix, and residents were bracing for fire season, when the heat and air pollution would only grow worse. Climate change, he said, is at least partly to blame. Spread the word

Posted by Ivan Martinovic on July 21, 2022

Transforming Cities for People and Planet

We live on a rapidly urbanizing planet, but our cities are struggling to provide basic services to their people – from clean air and water to reliable public transport and safe, affordable housing. As a result of this unprecedented urban growth, carbon emissions are on the rise and pressures on vital ecosystems are intensifying. Spread […]

Posted by Ivan Martinovic on May 17, 2022