The term “environment” refers to the surrounding conditions, influences, and factors that affect the life and development of organisms, including humans. It encompasses both the natural and built elements that make up a habitat, including air, water, land, flora, fauna, and other physical resources. The environment can be understood at various scales, ranging from local ecosystems to the global biosphere, and includes both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components. It plays a crucial role in shaping the characteristics, behavior, and interactions of living beings. The concept also extends to the socio-cultural and economic contexts in which individuals and communities exist, influencing their quality of life and well-being. In recent discussions, environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss highlight the importance of safeguarding the environment for sustainable development and the health of the planet.
Westfield, Massachusetts, faces environmental challenges from PFAS contamination and a proposed lithium-ion battery storage project. PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," came from past firefighting practices, posing a long-term threat to…
Moss Landing in California faces controversy over fires at the world's largest battery storage plant operated by Vistra Energy, stirring community and legal challenges. Two major fires at the facility…
The European Commission has updated the List of Waste, reclassifying "black mass" from shredded batteries as hazardous waste to strengthen environmental protections. This reclassification aims to retain valuable materials within…
Batteries essential for green energy are not as eco-friendly as believed; mining for materials like nickel and cobalt has significant environmental and health impacts. A study reveals pollutant emissions from…
Lithium-ion batteries pose a hidden fire risk in recycling facilities, especially when camouflaged among paper materials. Improper disposal can lead to intense fires, endangering workers, equipment, and impeding recycling efforts.…
A massive fire at Moss Landing, the largest lithium-ion battery storage site, forced over 1,200 residents to evacuate in January 2025, leading to a significant legal battle. The lawsuit alleges…
Gasoline cars didn't rely on government funding for gas stations; similarly, EV charging stations could thrive through market innovation. Integrating EV charging with popular businesses like McDonald's, Starbucks, and Burger…
Residents of Manor Heights, Staten Island, are concerned about the construction of a lithium-ion battery energy storage system close to their homes. Community fears center around safety issues, including potential…
Australia's grid-scale battery projects are projected to reach 16.8 GW in the next three years. Battery capacity is expected to grow to 14.5 GW by 2027, a sevenfold increase from…
Chile is actively advancing its renewable energy portfolio with a surge in battery energy storage system applications. Six major projects have been proposed, totaling over 3.4 GWh of energy capacity.…