Troy Sambajon

2 days ago | csmonitor.com | Cameron Pugh |Troy Sambajon

A Texas airport is harnessing the wind power of jets at takeoffThe American company JetWind Power uses giant turbines to capture forceful air from planes and transform it into electricity. Dallas Love Field has served as a testing ground since 2021. Five solar-powered turbine “pods” on the tarmac collect wind, which started powering device-charging stations in the terminal in November. Eight more pods will follow.

1 week ago | csmonitor.com | Troy Sambajon |Jacob Turcotte

The United States is seeing a sudden drop in overdose deaths. The country saw a 25.7% decline in drug overdose deaths in 2024 compared with the previous year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It was the lowest number of overdose deaths in a 12-month period since 2020. Some 46 states reported a decline from 2023 to 2024. Virginia observed the most drastic reduction in deaths – a 41.6% decline.

1 week ago | csmonitor.com | Cameron Pugh |Troy Sambajon

Removals of small dams are restoring rivers across the Northeast U.S.Though smaller than those found in the West, more than 31,000 dams from Maryland to Maine nevertheless block fish migration and degrade waterways. American Rivers, an environmental nonprofit, estimates that 85% of U.S. dams – many built in the 19th century to support manufacturing – are unnecessary. Studies have found that removing dams can boost fish passage, improve water quality, and build watershed resilience.

2 weeks ago | csmonitor.com | Cameron Pugh |Troy Sambajon

How rating people’s job performance could be more fairSimplifying performance ratings can make them more equitable, a study found. Women and employees of color are often given lower marks than their white and male counterparts, which can impact their pay. In a recent paper by researchers in the U.S. and Canada, more than 70,000 ratings were analyzed from an online platform where customers hire workers for home services.

3 weeks ago | csmonitor.com | Cameron Pugh |Troy Sambajon

In Argentina, a law requires climate change class for public officialsNamed Yolanda’s Law in honor of Argentina’s first secretary of environment, the legislation requires at least 16 hours of instruction on topics including biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development. Since the law’s passage four years ago, 7,000 people – judges, office assistants, and a former president – have received training. Officials can be fined for noncompliance.