Is a net-zero-carbon atmosphere something worth pursuing?

Atmospheric carbon neutrality which is another way of saying “net-zero carbon emissions within the atmospheric medium,” at first blush sounds really awesome. But, is it really – all that awesome, that is? Before attempting to answer this question one way or the other, at the very least in order here is a review of carbon/carbon … Read more

Fuel-cell technology used to power food distribution center in Stockton, Calif.

The below Oct. 27, 2020 press release is from KeHE Distributors. As part of the company’s quadruple bottom line, focusing on people, purpose, planet and profit, KeHE Distributors announced today it will power its food distribution center in Stockton, California with Bloom Energy Servers to provide clean and reliable electricity. By adding Bloom Energy fuel … Read more

Glad for people who see the light; sad for those who don’t

In The Fresno Bee on Oct. 17th published was an article (fourth article in the grouping) bearing the following title: “Do you want to improve Fresno streets and transit system? This agency wants your ideas.” I must say I was intrigued. Now, based on what I read, I cannot help but feel – and perhaps … Read more

Onboard testing of airborne bacteria/virus/particle-destroying system on two NYC commuter-rail operations begins

The below Oct. 15, 2020 press release is from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of New York. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road are piloting a new technology to filter and purify air inside rail cars using an electrical field to generate a wave of … Read more

Why the current Air Quality Index tool should go the way of analog T.V.

The public needs and deserves AQI simplification – why? When I was teaching a digital electronics principles class at California State University, Long Beach during the 1987-’88 academic year, this is the class I liked the best – I taught three different electronics classes in all. The students, besides being taught material that in comparison … Read more

Q&A: Stanford researchers discuss wildfire-smoke impacts. What this may mean for patients with COVID-19

The below Aug. 26, 2020 press release is from Stanford University. The cloak of wildfire smoke that has descended across huge swaths of Northern California is a visible reminder of air pollution’s health threats. For people at high risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms, the bad air presents a new challenge. For firefighters and others exposed … Read more

The great L.A. smog that really no one saw coming

The summer of 1943 was a season that Los Angeles citizens would do well to always remember. For it was during this time that the L.A.-area’s first major smog episode occurred. According to the California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board (CARB), associated fallout from this event included, among other things, upset stomachs and “burning … Read more

Catastrophe alone should not be what forces our hand to step up to save air

Catastrophic events like the massive wildfires burning in the western U.S. alone should not be the impetus that gets the world to pay close attention to air pollution’s presence, that and the dangers such pollution presents. Smoke from fires pouring into cities like Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco and Seattle have caused skies there to … Read more