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Not All Hydroelectric Generators are Created Equal

Hydroelectric Generator

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A new study by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) analyzed the climate impacts of 1,500 facilities across the globe that account for about half of hydropower generation worldwide. Many release almost no greenhouse gases, but some can be worse than burning fossil fuels. The team looked at whether the facilities behave as a greenhouse gas sink or as a source by investigating the components that determine emissions such as the reservoir itself, when vegetation and soils are submerged underwater in the dam used to generate power.

Ilissa Ocko, a senior climate scientist at EDF and co-author of the study in Environmental Science & Technology, notes that as the submerged vegetation decays, it releases methane or carbon dioxide. “The larger the surface area of the reservoir, the more greenhouse gases are going to be emitted from that reservoir. Also, the temperature plays a role, as well; how warm the reservoir is will affect how much greenhouse gases are produced and emitted from the reservoir.” Some facilities perform just as well as do wind and solar, but shockingly, more than 100 facilities turned out to be worse for the climate than fossil fuels.

 

 

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The Tick Tackler Tutor: Three Impactful Tick Remediation Strategies for the Homeowner

By Jennifer Meisenbacher

Did you know most tick bites occur in and around the home—and that ticks spend more than 95% of their life off a host?

With more than 19 years of field experience, Tick Tackler offers a practical, easy-to-follow approach that empowers homeowners to significantly reduce tick activity on their properties. From gardening and yard work to children’s play areas, this guide outlines essential adjustments to help protect your outdoor spaces from ticks.

The Tick Tackler Tutor introduces three impactful strategies designed to identify high-risk areas and minimize exposure. These methods are versatile and adaptable—whether you’re a homeowner, pet owner, beekeeper, or managing a larger property such as a doggy daycare or horse farm.

Inside, readers will discover how education leads to confidence, how small changes can yield visible results, and how breaking tick control into manageable steps restores a sense of control. The book simplifies complex concepts into three core strategies, guiding readers in creating a personalized plan to reduce tick activity effectively.

For those eager to reclaim their yards but unsure where to begin, this guide delivers clear, actionable solutions. Transform your outdoor environment into a safer, more enjoyable space for family, pets, and everyday living.

Available now on Amazon.

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