ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE
Redefining careers: Sustainability becomes core requirement across industries
Sustainability used to live in silos — a department, a consultant, a checkbox. Now it’s cracking open the walls of every industry. From logistics to law firms, data science to design, environmental responsibility is no longer a bonus trait — it’s part of the job description. And with that shift comes a surge in what were once called “green careers” but are now just… careers. The roles are expanding, the expectations are rising, and the old divide between mission-driven work and practical labor is blurring. This isn’t about becoming an activist. It’s about staying employable in a world where every organization is judged by the impact it makes — or fails to make. Green is no longer a specialty. It’s the default.
Sustainability Has Left the Silo
Sustainability isn’t a niche anymore. It’s not a department, not a job title tucked into a single team, not a side panel on a quarterly report. It’s a shift — global, messy, urgent — pulling every sector into its gravity. The acceleration is real: companies once hesitant to discuss climate commitments now race to outdo each other in transparency and accountability. And behind that acceleration is a workforce pivoting fast, as more professionals enter roles shaped directly by environmental impact. The result? A labor market increasingly defined by a growing demand for sustainability professionals — not just in energy or agriculture, but across finance, logistics, tech, fashion, and education.
Business Education Gets a Sustainability Makeover
While MBAs were once geared purely toward profit maximization, more programs now include coursework in sustainable finance, supply chain decarbonization, and circular business models. Many professionals, mid-career and otherwise, are returning to school to reposition…
CURRENT EDITION
WEATHER
TODAY
RH
WASHINGTON BUREAU
U.S. Treasury Takes Action Against Iranian Regime’s Operatives in Iraq
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced significant
Hamas Accepts Trump’s Peace Deal Bringing Hope for Hostage Release and End to Gaza Conflict
In a historic turn of events, Hamas has accepted a peace deal put forth by
U.S. Department of Energy Report Challenges Conventional Climate Change Narratives
In a striking new report, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has evaluated existing literature and data on the impact of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions on climate change, positing that the economic damages from CO2-induced warming may be less severe than widely believed. The report, titled *A Critical…
Global Leaders Fail to Enact Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium at ISA Assembly
Weeks after government leaders pledged to take significant action for ocean protection at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice in June 2025, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council and Assembly concluded without a moratorium on deep-sea mining. This has resulted in a growing discrepancy between promised environmental stewardship and…
Declining Aerosol Levels Linked to Increase in Urban Heatwaves, Study Warns
Recent research from The University of Texas at Austin reveals alarming findings about the impact of declining aerosol levels on heatwave occurrences in populated regions. As heatwaves become more frequent worldwide, this study—published in Environmental Research Letters—highlights how reducing aerosols, which contribute to air pollution, may be exacerbating…
Global Call for Moratorium on Deep-Sea Mining to Protect Ocean Ecosystems and Future Generations
The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) is calling for the international community to urgently establish a moratorium on destructive deep-sea mining to prevent irreversible harm to ocean ecosystems and protect the rights of current and future generations.
Over the next three weeks, States will convene in Kingston, Jamaica, for…
First spotted in the 1980s, Bartram’s and Altamaha bass now officially distinct species
A team of ecologists from the University of Georgia has made a significant discovery, identifying two new species of black bass: Bartram’s bass and Altamaha bass. This breakthrough is detailed in a new paper, expanding the understanding of these riverine fish.
Though these species are newly described, they have been known to local ecologists for years. Bud Freeman, the lead author of the study and a senior public service associate emeritus at the UGA Odum School of Ecology, first encountered what is now known as Micropterus pucpuggy, or Bartram’s bass, in the 1980s. Remarkably, a couple he met showed him the distinct fish in their cooler, but they declined his offer to buy it, opting instead to take the bass home for dinner.
Freeman’s interest was piqued by the fish’s unique characteristics, prompting years of research. The study involved collecting samples from 14 locations in the Savannah and Saluda River basins for Bartram’s bass and 14 locations in the Altamaha and Ogeechee River basins for Altamaha bass.
The two new species, previously thought to be the same as the redeye bass, display notable physical and genetic differences. Bartram’s bass are light gold with dark brown blotches, a rosy-pink fin, and striking red…
Bacteria that ‘shine a light’ on microplastic pollution
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles often too small to see, have become a significant environmental concern found in our air, soil, and water. Measuring their presence is crucial for directing cleanup efforts, yet current detection methods are often slow, costly, or overly complex. In a groundbreaking study published in ACS Sensors, researchers have introduced a novel living sensor that attaches to plastic and generates green fluorescence, allowing for the quick identification of microplastics in real-world water samples.
Traditionally, scientists have relied on advanced microscopy or analytical tools like infrared and Raman spectroscopy to detect microplastics in water. While these techniques are accurate, they involve multiple steps for sample preparation and can be pretty time-consuming. In an effort to simplify the process, a team led by Song Lin Chua has engineered a living microplastics sensor using the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is commonly found in the environment and capable of forming biofilms on plastic surfaces.
The researchers modified a non-infectious strain of P. aeruginosa by incorporating two genes: one that activates when the bacterium comes into contact with plastic and another that produces a green-fluorescent protein in response. Laboratory tests revealed that the engineered bacteria glowed in the presence of various plastics,…
Bodybuilding in Ancient Times: How the Sea Anemone Got Its Back
A new study from the University of Vienna reveals that sea anemones use a molecular mechanism known from bilaterian animals to form their back-to-belly body axis. This mechanism (“BMP shuttling”) enables cells to organize themselves during development by interpreting signaling gradients. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest that…
In Memoriam: Kristina Washer, 30, Environmental Science Pioneer and Advocate for Planetary Health
The environmental science community mourns the loss of Kristina Comley Washer, a gifted and compassionate environmental scientist whose life was tragically cut short by Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on June 9, 2025. She was 30 years old.
Kristina was more than a scholar—she was a force for change. A master’s…
New Study Reveals Alarming Rise in Methane Emissions Linked to Arctic Warming
A groundbreaking study published in the prestigious journal Nature highlights the escalating methane emissions from the Arctic, underscoring a troubling feedback loop that may further exacerbate climate change. Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) reported significant findings that reveal the…
Climate Change Increases Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Rising temperatures increase the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a large new study published at the ATS 2025 International Conference. The study also found that, under the most likely climate change scenarios, the societal burden of OSA is expected to double in most countries over…
Investing in local communities: Clean Power Alliance invites applications for the 2025-26 Community Benefits Grant
By Sandy Di Angelis / Associate WriterThe Clean Power Alliance (CPA) announced the opening of its 2025-26 Community Benefits Grant application period. This unique program, launched in 2021 in collaboration with Calpine Community Energy, aims to support nonprofit organizations that are advancing clean energy initiatives and promoting sustainability across Southern California.
This year, CPA has earmarked a total of $339,000 for this grant cycle. Of this funding, $50,000 was previously allocated to assist four local organizations in response to the recent Eaton and Palisades fires. The remaining $289,000 will be awarded to between nine to 12 organizations spread across Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Gina Goodhill, Senior Director of Government Affairs at CPA, stated, “At Clean Power Alliance, our mission is to enhance Southern California’s resilience and sustainability through improved access to clean energy and community-driven initiatives. We aim to partner with nonprofit organizations that have a deep understanding of their communities’ needs. This grant is an opportunity to create a significant and positive impact on the lives of those we serve.”
Eligible projects may focus on five main pathways: 1) Research 2) Education 3) Environmental and Social Justice Communities 4) Workforce Development 5) Resilience. The grants, ranging from $15,000 to $30,000, will be available to nonprofits operating in at least one of the 38 communities served by CPA.
Josh Brock, Vice President of CCA Commercial Operations at Calpine Community Energy, expressed pride in the continuing partnership: “Community-based organizations are pivotal in addressing local needs, providing essential services, and fostering community development. This funding enables us to enhance their efforts and strengthen CPA’s positive…
MORE ARTICLES
Mendenhall Glacier’s Seasonal Flood Mitigation Efforts Yield Positive Results
New Research Highlights Strategies for Water Conservation and Pollution Mitigation
Panama Takes Aim at ‘Invisible’ Owners in Fight Against Illegal Fishing
The Government of Panama today strengthened its commitment to a transparent and sustainable ocean future by announcing new efforts to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).
The announcement, made at Our Ocean Conference, in Busan, Republic of Korea, spotlights Panama’s ambitions to establish clearer and more accessible vessel…
Solar Power is Transforming Home Energy in 2025—and Define Solar is Leading the Way
As 2025 unfolds, solar power is no longer just a trend—it’s a revolution. Homeowners are switching to solar in record numbers across the United States, especially in forward-thinking states. The reason is clear: today’s solar technology is more efficient, affordable, and impactful than ever.
Breaking the Forever Bond: Why PFAS Destruction Is the Next Frontier in Clean Water Innovation
Even as states race to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—the so-called “forever chemicals”—and consumers flock to PFAS-free products, the truth remains: PFAS is already deeply embedded in our environment.
It’s a challenge that startup H2Plus is aiming to solve. While most existing technologies focus on filtering PFAS out…
Temporary barriers prove effective during glacial flooding in Alaska
Last week, Juneau faced the annual challenge of the Mendenhall Glacier’s lake outburst flood as glacial waters streamed towards the city. Thankfully, extensive preparations made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) helped mitigate the potential threats to local infrastructure and public safety.
In an effort to protect the community from the risks posed by the flood, the USACE provided temporary flood barriers last winter. According to Army Brig. Gen. Joseph “Clete” Goetz, commanding general of the USACE – Pacific Ocean Division, these barriers played a crucial role in safeguarding property, significantly reducing damage compared to previous years.
“As we continue to evaluate the performance of the barriers, I’m confident they prevented a lot of property damage compared to 2024,” Goetz stated.
During the winter and spring of 2025, an extensive shipment from the USACE National Flood Fight Materiel Center in Illinois brought in approximately 37,800 linear feet of barrier wall, alongside 400 supersacks, 112,000 sandbags, and 25,000 linear feet of polyethylene sheeting. The installation of these materials, completed in two phases, was strategically designed to protect the areas most at risk.
EDITOR'S
CHOICE
New Research Highlights Strategies for Water Conservation and Pollution Mitigation
Spring Break is Fire for Students Conducting Prescribed Burns in Georgia
Students from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) chose to spend spring break in Georgia, engaging in prescribed burns — a forestry management practice that involves intentionally setting fires to promote forest health, support wildlife biodiversity, and increase resilience to future wildfires.
Led by graduate students Maria…
New Research Uncovers Evolutionary Secrets Linking Birds to Their Dinosaur Ancestors
Modern birds are the living relatives of dinosaurs. Take a look at the features of flightless birds like chickens and ostriches that walk upright on two hind legs, or predators like eagles and hawks with their sharp talons and keen eyesight, and the similarities to small theropod dinosaurs like…
The Role of Climate Data in Predicting Natural Disasters With Insights From Dr. Philippe Smith
Natural disasters are occurring more frequently, disrupting lives and economies worldwide. With these events becoming harder to predict, reliable climate data has never been more essential. Advanced analysis of weather patterns, historical trends, and environmental changes provides valuable insights that can save lives. Dr. Philippe Smith discusses how…