Andrew Haffner

3 weeks ago | thecooldown.com | Andrew Haffner

Ag-tech startup Qualterra is doubling down on biochar — a carbon-rich soil booster — as it scales up operations in Eastern Washington.  The company has developed a cutting-edge process and technology to help farmers enhance crop yields while transforming common organic waste into useful material. As reported by GeekWire, Qualterra is significantly expanding after recently raising $4.5 million in new investments.

3 weeks ago | thecooldown.com | Andrew Haffner

A growing number of African motorists are converting their traditional gas-powered vehicles to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). While the switch is saving drivers money, climate organizers worry the trend may be a form of greenwashing that will hurt goals to slash air pollution. As reported in Climate Home News, thanks partly to rising gas prices and government subsidies, the demand for CNG and other gas alternatives is growing in many African countries.

3 weeks ago | thecooldown.com | Andrew Haffner

Thanks to a simple, water-repelling substance, scientists may have just solved a major problem hindering the development of carbon capture technology. According to their study published in the journal Nature Energy, researchers from Rice University and the University of Houston have found a new method to tackle salt buildup β€” a significant issue in systems that convert carbon dioxide pulled out of the air into useful products such as chemicals and fuels.

4 weeks ago | thecooldown.com | Andrew Haffner

An off-grid resident of Alaska impressed Redditors with images of their home — with a perhaps unintended reminder of how climate change may affect even the northernmost stretches of the world. "Crazy warm winter here in Alaska," wrote the original poster, who also maintains a YouTube channel documenting his life in the state's Talkeetna mountain range. "Only one big snowfall over a two day period in late January. Around [five-and-a-half] feet of snow.

1 month ago | thecooldown.com | Andrew Haffner

The European Union is driving forward with a new plan to improve the global competitiveness of its automotive sector while accelerating the transition to electric vehicles. The Industrial Action Plan unveiled in March focuses broadly on fostering innovation and creating more market flexibility, with a special emphasis on reducing Europe's reliance on external suppliers.