New study links pollution and autism
UCLA study is the first to link autism to ozone pollution. Sample of over 80,000 children in Los Angeles over many years found that ‘babies with higher exposure to toxins were 8 to 10 percent more at risk of autism than those who were not. Of the toxins, ozone and fine particulates had the strongest correlation with autism.’ Findings illustrate just one of the negative externalities of our economic processes and support the need to examine and internalize the environmental and health costs. With the highest ozone levels in the U.S., the correlation between pollution and autism should be comprehensively addressed in Los Angeles, but is a global issue that needs to be researched further. According to CDC autism now affects 1 in 68 children in the U.S. and other study puts the rate in Europe at 1 in 15o; however, numbers vary widely by area and also depend on methodologies used to collect data and the familiarity that parents and physicians have with autism to diagnose in the first place. Article on green ideal, study published in the peer-reviewed Environmental Health Perspectives.
Yes, drones really can help the environment
The debate against drones becomes more complex by looking at ways they could be used to overcome challenges associated with the monitoring of various environmental and agricultural processes. More specifically, drones could be used to monitor cropland to identify potential problems such as areas not receiving enough water or bug infestations. Drones could replace people conducting risky and expensive inspections on buildings and equipment such as wind turbines and solar farms. The collection of data to track environmental changes and endangered animals in specific areas over time could also be facilitated effectively and with fewer resources through drones. By Martin LaMonica on Greenbiz.com.
G7 leaders back 2015 climate deal, aim to build on U.S. momentum
After President Obama unveiled new U.S. climate regulations on Monday, the G7 at a summit in Brussels ‘affirmed their strong determination to adopt a new global deal in 2015 that is ambitious, inclusive and reflects changing global circumstances.’ The G7, which includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, also confirmed their commitment to introduce cuts that would limit temperature rises to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. By Barbara Lewis and Jeff Mason at Reuters.
The nine things you need to know about Obama’s new climate rules
We already included this link on our post on President Obama’s new proposed regulations, yet we felt like it should be included again in the Sustainability Reads of the Week, just to inform readers of exactly what these new rules entail. By Ben Adler at Grist.org.
The Sustainability Co-Op 