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German politicians from the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens on Wednesday proposed raising the value added tax (VAT) on meat to the standard rate of 19%. Currently, meat is taxed at a reduced rate of 7%.
"I am in favor of abolishing the VAT reduction for meat and earmarking it for more animal welfare," said Friedrich Ostendorf, agricultural policy spokesperson for the Greens.
His SPD counterpart Rainer Spieging added that: "a meat tax, such as increasing the VAT to 19%, could be a way forward."
The lawmakers proposed using the additional funds raised by the tax increase to support animal welfare in the country at a time when the meat industry is coming under increased scrutiny for how it treats livestock.
The agriculture spokesperson from Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) was open to the plans. Under one condition:
"Such a tax can be a constructive proposal," said Albert Stegemann. "However, the additional tax revenue should be used to support livestock farmers to help them restructure."
Controversial Measures
Meat consumption has come under increased scrutiny over the past decade, with meatless diets, such as vegetarianism and veganism, gaining traction across the globe.
Scientists have labeled the meat industry one of the highest emitters of CO2, a key contributor to climate change. They have called for bold measures to decrease meat consumption as part of a holistic approach to combating climate change.
Opposition parties, including the Left Party and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), have rejected the proposed measures, according to German media.
3 Reasons a Meat Tax Is a Good Idea https://t.co/azkVrDbXyc @peta @OrganicConsumer @regeneration_in @ewg @foodandwater #MeatTax
— EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) January 29, 2018
Reposted with permission from our media associate DW.
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This Beetle Can Survive Being Run Over by a Car. Could It Lead to Crash-Proof Human Designs?
1h
Animals
A diabolical ironclad beetle. Heather Broccard-Bell / iStock / Getty Images Plus
The aptly named diabolical ironclad beetle (Phloeodes diabolicus) has an exoskeleton so strong, it can survive being pecked by birds and even run over by cars. When early entomologists tried to mount them as specimens, BBC News explained, that exoskeleton would snap or bend their pins.
<p>"This beetle is super tough," Purdue University civil engineer Pablo Zavattieri told <a href="https://apnews.com/article/beetle-armor-stronger-planes-cb50dd9573d65437de4b5209ccd4a2d8" target="_blank">The Associated Press</a>.</p><p>Now, in a study published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2813-8" target="_blank">Nature</a> Wednesday, Zavattieri and a team of <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/scientists" target="_self">scientists</a> have discovered exactly what makes the diabolical ironclad beetle so strong.</p><p>The diabolical ironclad beetle is found in the forests of North America's Pacific coast. It has lost the ability to fly, so its super-strong exoskeleton is evolution's compensation for the fact that it can't flee its predators.</p>
<p>To understand how this exoskeleton works, the researchers first determined how much stress it could take. The answer? Quite a lot. The beetle can withstand a load of around 39,000 times its own body weight. To put that in perspective, it would be the equivalent of a 90 kilogram (approximately 200 pound) person surviving the weight of around 280 doubledecker buses, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/21/scientists-reveal-diabolical-ironclad-beetle-bear-huge-weights" target="_blank">The Guardian explained</a>.</p><p>"We were impressed. Especially given that this beetle does not contain any mineral – just organic components," study coauthor and University of California, Irvine professor David Kisailus told The Guardian.</p>
<p>The team then examined how the beetle was able to withstand such a heavy load. They used electron microscopes and CT scans to look at it up close, The Associated Press explained. The beetle's elytra, which are normally protective casing for wings, had hardened. This is common for flightless beetles, but the diabolical ironclad beetle's elytra were unique. They had a greater number of interlocking sections than those of other beetles, resembling a jigsaw puzzle, The Guardian explained. This helps the elytra to distribute the stress of heavy loads.</p><p>Further, the elytra was protein-rich and made of layers. When stress was put on one join, the layers would peel apart to relieve the pressure.</p><p>"When you pull them apart," Zavattieri told The Associated Press, "it doesn't break catastrophically. It just deforms a little bit. That's crucial for the beetle."</p>
<p>The scientists are hoping to take inspiration from the beetle's strength to improve human designs. In fact, the study was part of a U.S. Air Force-funded project to learn from nature in order to make materials that better resist impact.</p><p>As part of the experiment, the scientists made joints from metal and composite materials based on the beetle's elytra, BBC News explained. Their designs did make the materials stronger.</p><p>"Given that nature has been optimising and performing experiments for hundreds of millions of years, there are abundant resources to provide inspiration for next-generation materials," Kisailus told The Guardian.</p>
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World's Largest Solar Farm in Australia Will Also Supply 20% of Singapore's Electricity
18h
Renewable Energy
Sun Cable hopes to start construction of the world's largest solar farm in 2023. Sun Cable
A large expanse of Australia's deserted Outback will house the world's largest solar farm and generate enough energy to export power to Singapore, as The Guardian reported.
<p><br/></p>
<p>The massive solar farm, which will be visible from space after it's constructed, will lie halfway between Alice Springs and Darwin, two cities in Australia's Northern Territory. The solar farm will occupy more than 46 square miles and cost $20 billion to build, according to <a href="https://www.unilad.co.uk/technology/worlds-largest-solar-farm-to-power-singapore/" target="_blank">Unilad</a>.</p><p>The remote area of the Outback where the solar panels will work is currently a massive cattle ranch, but the owner of the project, Sun Cable, hopes to start construction in 2023 with the aim of exporting energy by 2027. According to Unilad, the solar farm is expected to generate so much energy that not only will it power all of the Northern Territory, but two-thirds of the electricity will be exported via underwater cables that run 2,800 miles to Singapore, a city-state on the tip of the Malay peninsula.</p>
<p>Sun Cable has initiated the project by evaluating its environmental impact and making sure its project complies with regulation from the Northern Territory's Environment Protection Authority, as the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-10-20/newcastle-waters-station-nt-set-for-worlds-biggest-solar-farm/12785256" target="_blank">Australian Broadcasting Corporation</a> (ABC) reported.</p><p>"We'll be using thousands of hectares of land, and we need to closely examine the impact on the ground at the solar farm end," Sun Cable CEO David Griffin said, as ABC reported. "There's a lot of black soil in that country, but that's a bit problematic for us, so we're [planning to build] on a substantial area of soil that's a bit different and a bit friendlier for us to construct on."</p><p>Despite those challenges, Griffin believes the massive cattle farm called Newcastle Waters is an ideal location for the solar farm because it meets several critical requirements.</p><p>"It's on the Adelaide to Darwin rail corridor, which is brilliant for our logistics given the enormous amount of material we'll have to transport to the site," he said to The Guardian. The location is also just 18 miles off the main highway that runs the length of the sparsely populated Northern Territory.</p>
<p>The weather also provides ideal conditions for producing energy.<br></p><p>"It's a bit of a balancing act too, because it's far south enough to get away from the main patch affected by the wet season, so it's a steady solar resource throughout the year," Griffin told The Guardian. "There's plenty of sun and not many clouds."</p><p>The massive project is expected to supply 10 gigawatts of electricity. The sustainable energy will help the remote areas of the Northern Territory, which usually have to use energy from diesel-powered generators. The exported energy will supply 20 percent of Singapore's energy needs, according to Unilad.</p><p>The solar farm, which is three times larger than the world's current largest solar farm in northern China, is also expected to provide thousands of jobs related to construction and hundreds of jobs once construction is done. Griffin told The Guardian that many of the jobs will go to local <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/indigenous-peoples">Indigenous</a> communities.</p>
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We pet owners know how much you love your pooch. It's your best friend. It gives you pure happiness and comfort when you're together. But there are times that dogs can be very challenging, especially if they are suffering from a certain ailment. As a dog owner, all you want to do is ease whatever pain or discomfort your best friend is feeling.
<p>Like us pet owners, dogs can have a variety of ailments like chronic pain, bowel disease, inflammation, anxiety, and many others. Along with that, there can be many treatment options that you can choose from, one of which is the use of CBD oil or products.</p><p>The use of CBD oil for dogs has been recently a hot topic due to much anecdotal evidence that reveals how much of a miracle CBD oil products can be for dogs. Although it is not a cure to all, it's still amazing to look at the many angles on how the best CBD oil for dogs can help with any typical dog ailment. Let's find out below, including the best products that we have reviewed.</p>
<h3>Editor's Choice</h3><p><a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-honestpaws/?s1=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Honest Paws CBD For Dogs</a></p><ul><li>Outstanding Quality</li><li>Tested by Third Party</li><li>Organic Ingredients</li></ul>
<h2>Top 10 Best CBD Oil for Dogs 2020</h2><ol><li><a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-honestpaws/?s1=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Honest Paws Dog Oil</a> - Top Pick</li><li><a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-treat-honestpaws/?s1=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Honest Paws CBD Dog Treats</a> - Best Treats</li><li><a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-spruce/?subid=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spruce CBD</a> - Best Subscription</li><li><a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-pure/?subid=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CBD Pure</a> - Most Affordable</li><li><a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-cbdfx/?source=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CBDfx</a> - Most Potent</li><li><a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-joy/?source=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Joy Organics</a> - THC-Free</li><li><a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-med/?source=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Medterra</a> - Best Variety</li><li><a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-petly/?source=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Petly CBD Oil</a> - Best Organic</li><li><a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-americanshaman/?source=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CBD American Shaman</a> - Best Flavor</li><li><a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-royal/?campaign=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Royal CBD</a> - Most Sustainable</li></ol><p>Note: Use coupon code "HEALTHCANAL" to get 15%-20% off</p>
<h2>Is CBD Safe for Dogs?</h2><p>It's normal to ask questions on whether or not CBD oil is safe for dogs, especially if it's your first time to introduce CBD oil to your pets.</p><p>At present, CBD oil and products derived from it are considered to be a low-risk option for your dog with very minor adverse effects. Of course, we cannot dismiss the ongoing debates in the veterinary community on how efficient CBD oil is for your dog, but it certainly won't hurt your dog.</p><p>Based on <a href="https://www.healthcanal.com/best-cbd-oil/dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Health Canal's Best CBD For Dogs List</a>, here are our choices.</p>
<h2>Top 10 Best CBD Oil For Dogs</h2><h3>1. <a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-honestpaws/?s1=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Honest Paws Dog Oil</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ft4YfiVXjKJiaFsXEjBXM_BRvooDJe_V8Tha4aqnXHo_6zgZWA0M6WSBVWUlUzjApciRjxnfHUOm5Ur0MJEQed6Fo2cYWPmSqj_E3JZokqOtLxuhMc0mI5xQFuxG6-prcTL8Oh5KLlIlP8Rs8Q"></p>
<h4>Pros</h4><ul><li>Product Options Are Impressive</li><li>Third-Party Lab Tested</li><li>Organic Ingredients</li></ul>
<h4>Cons </h4><ul> <li>A Little Expensive</li></ul><p>Our best pick from our list is the Honest Paws CBD Oil for Dogs. Not only is their CBD oil potent enough to treat whatever ailment or condition your pooch is feeling, they also come in five variations. Depending on what your dog feels or what you think your dog needs, you have a choice from their product list.</p><p>You'll surely love Honest Paws CBD Oil because all of their products are heavily focused on dogs' health and wellness, thus the name Honest Paws. Each product piece has undergone a third-party lab testing for efficacy, purity, and safety. The ingredients used are also organic to ensure the utmost potency along with the product's full-spectrum format.</p><p>Aside from that, you will also enjoy the discount you can get when you subscribe on their monthly delivery. Plus, you can utilize their 30-day money-back guarantee in case you're not happy with the products when they arrive.</p><div></div>
<h3>2. <a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-treat-honestpaws/?s1=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Honest Paws Dog Treats</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k9GhYLTbJdkyFnskKoSo2WdZG4ScqEwvbqqMhHCQlEBzyvFuTLOCLFFbBPLJr-mEGDiq_oVPcDKoGPAxadkVIkKPbSf-m4Q3n7YfgF5_flHsoiHTM6PtZcCH3c2YrdBetDXIaQHRQ5vw3woRw"></p>
<h4>Pros</h4><ul><li>Product Options Are Impressive</li><li>Third-Party Lab Tested</li><li>Organic Ingredients</li></ul>
<h4>Cons </h4><ul><li>A Little Expensive</li></ul>
<p>Dogs certainly love dog treats! What also makes dog treat time even better is offering CBD oil-infused dog treats. At Honest Paws, they offer not only the best CBD oil for dogs, but also dog treats that are infused with CBD oil goodness. Each pack contains a <a href="https://www.extractlabs.com/cbd-guides/what-does-full-spectrum-mean/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full-spectrum CBD</a> made from organic ingredients.</p>
<p>Honest Paws offers two types of dog treats in various flavors. If your dog prefers a classic crunch, then the Bites packs are the perfect option. The Bites packs come in two options, Calm Bites and Relief Bites, both of which offer a calming and relieving aid for your dog's joint health. You would also surely tap yourself on the back after de-stressing your pooch in the healthier way possible.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if you have a dog who's smaller or on the older side, then you may prefer the Soft Chews Packs that come in three options: Mobility Soft Chews, Wellness Soft Chews, and Calm Soft Chews.</p>
<h3>3. <a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-spruce/?subid=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spruce CBD</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/9WWQBPMGDGdqGSlWf86PaVhkpp0J-D6edAQ2rDFPJu7d7b_ch0KkwOUQ1xA4oY22aP6DwW13N75iw91a9fxPvONRphq083ecpM1lLpUD3s8-1nmmJpRhpJGPecM_cCyThs_J0ioQT0YXTWN_9w"></p>
<h4>Pros</h4><ul><li>100% Natural</li><li>Third-Party Lab Tested</li><li>Low THC / Zero High</li></ul><h4>Cons </h4><ul><li>Hefty Price Tag</li></ul><p>What we love about Spruce CBD oil for dogs and other pets is the thoughtful preparation behind every bottle. Did you know that Spruce CBD purposely chose coconut oil as the carrier oil for their CBD oil for dogs because they found out that it is easier for the dog's digestion than the hemp carrier oil? Plus, the taste coconut oil brings about is milder which makes it bearable for dogs. The "no added flavor" also highlights the lovely taste of their oils.</p><p>Although there's not many product options for dogs on the Spruce CBD oil website, still we praise them for coming up with a highly effective CBD oil. Several dog owners have also testified how the Spruce CBD oil made their dog's coat healthier and shinier than ever. What's more, their products are also ultimately safe since there is a very low THC content in every bottle. We truly find Spruce CBD oil for dogs as one of the best CBD oil for dogs on the market these days.</p>
<h3>4. <a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-pure/?subid=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CBD Pure</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/0dn-En9NYJhM0TjRK05Vn8em6OhSlXSXt_IduCsWPOAOEN3strR0-hmVDnsdiy9B8uNt_OWCAIcod3HGko9FfAWhBIClGsk1rbdIxhAsOfEwQ5usQfJR2fmxDMvRBfieZRi2E2ydwYsaV2dJAw"></p>
<h4>Pros</h4><ul><li>Simple Concentration</li><li>Organic and Non-GMO</li><li>Money-Back Guarantee</li></ul><h4>Cons </h4><ul><li>Limited Product Option</li></ul>
<p>If you're looking for a fusion of affordable pricing and simple dosage, then look no further since the CBD Pure oil for dogs is the best choice. Its dosage recommendation is pretty basic. Their 100-milligram bottle can be consumed by getting a 1/2 dropper for every 10 pounds of weight of your dog. Plus, it has a very low THC content and it does not contain overwhelming flavors that usually distract a dog's palate.</p>
<p>Aside from enjoying the simplicity of the CBD Pure oil for dogs, you would also benefit from its affordability. For only around $24, you can get one bottle for your pooch. For added discount, you can purchase either the set of 3 or the set of 6 for a discounted price. Even better, CBD Pure also offers a whopping <a href="https://www.cbdpure.com/guarantee.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">90-day money-back guarantee</a> to give you ease and comfort.</p>
<h3>5. <a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-cbdfx/?source=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CBDfx</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/vtINDF7fAqUGcpBgUiMFPDfRo6cQRTPqoKIEIpZMZKoNMIo6PAn6yg2S-eVnvQpYaLcl-Lb7Jaj94H9cO9fqabM2m8e2gT8SJidguV90dRJ0D_YFO1Hdc4UyybjYHKAay9iXyKvqVmCmopSwfg"></p>
<h4>Pros</h4><ul><li>Non-Toxic and All-Natural Ingredients</li><li>Broad-Spectrum Format</li><li>Third-Party Lab Tested</li></ul>
<h4>Cons </h4><ul><li>A Little Expensive</li></ul>
<p>CBDfx is known for their organic CBD oil products, with many other reviewers also tagging them as having the best CBD oil for dogs in terms of most organic product lines. Considering that their oils are non-GMO and broad-spectrum, you can expect only the best effects for your beloved pooch, including pain relief from usual dog inflammation.</p>
<p>The dosage in CBDfx CBD oil is also simple. One drop of oil can be administered for every 20 pounds of weight and just do the math if your dog requires more. The very minimal traces of THC also makes this CBDfx CBD oil a lot safer for your pooch.</p>
<p>When it comes to the product choices, you can easily find one that fits your dog. The oils are the same, with only differences in potency level. They offer three oil options for small breed, medium breed, and large breed. How can that get any better?</p>
<h3>6. <a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-joy/?source=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Joy Organics</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_fTVZxgDEuPU8D8YKCVePFDwrVH6evzMwGAavdTCe6nYMM6N-cdMVQqkdr_CBSWxQV58riF4WVPI8XBgkwbCBAqd-PGo2lrNMRyPL072DP5_GzQ1l0kWTBPI6NlRR_BUDjXWoU7xhjrHMPV9Qw"></p>
<h4>Pros</h4><ul><li>Organic</li><li>Broad-Spectrum Format</li><li>Money-Back Guarantee</li></ul>
<h4>Cons </h4><ul><li>Limited Product Options</li></ul>
<p>If you're looking for a CBD oil that's completely free from THC, then the Joy Organics CBD oil that comes in 225 milligrams and 400 milligrams are the best choices for you. These oils are also made from premium hemp obtained through a process of CO2 extraction. Aside from that, Joy Organics also offers free shipping and a money-back guarantee for added ease to your purchase!</p>
<p>At Joy Organics, you also have the option to either use an oil tincture or a dog treat for your dog. Some dogs cannot tolerate oils, so you might want to add the typical CBD oil taste by offering dog treats infused with water-soluble CBD powder. Each chew of the treats is also free from THC and contains 2 milligrams of CBD oil per chunk. For such an affordable price, you wouldn't go wrong with the Joy Organics CBD oil for dogs, especially if you don't want any single hints of THC.</p>
<h3>7. <a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-med/?source=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Medterra CBD</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/61jTQyLKbkBlJE0kyO2QnPigXxChZMfp0uZ8RYvkNTGJx18i6rxca4YsyPvYfhxFYPqUVE0slDe6-H8XArwIuKSmiGa8BPx8_AUou8BzXlnbcQLgZ9qtjh5IigHZHYqRVSf_RxMq6JgzU4kaIQ"></p>
<h4>Pros</h4><ul><li>Wide Variety of Products</li><li>Completely THC-Free</li><li>30-Day Money-Back Guarantee</li></ul>
<h4>Cons </h4><ul><li>A little expensive</li></ul>
<p>Medterra CBD products are guaranteed safe and pure since the brand is also <a href="https://ushempauthority.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority</a>. You can try their best-seller CBD oil tincture in beef flavor. We bet your dog will take so much pleasure from it! The dropper is also easy to use so you can either directly pour it into your dog's mouth or add it onto his food, whichever feels right.</p>
<p>We especially love the product options at Medterra CBD because the choices are straightforward. They also offer for both cats and dogs. Their CBD oil for dogs comes in three flavor variations: chicken, beef, and unflavored. For dogs who can't stand the taste of the typical CBD flavor, just go for the unflavored version. The other flavors are also great, too, for dogs who are quite palate-sensitive. Moreover, there are dog treats available in two variations depending on the typical pet condition you want to treat. For joint pain, there's a Dog Treat for Joint Support while a Dog Treat for Calming Effects is the best choice for de-stressing your anxious pooch.</p>
<h3>8. <a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-petly/?source=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Petly CBD Oil</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/swKVGHr7KAAUMn_lfzX_qYdIGX3QBT3iMuZ0j8aNijVydH-_2_zn-VrTn-ma6yK3SDiczJLJw80Zg2J6WNrRGbPbrAdfaVI5BBDZrjIICvC_Of0NSLYiZm_pPk2iQ0lCeCZSiYU54lkngDt2pQ"></p>
<h4>Pros</h4><ul><li>Non-GMO, Vegan, and Gluten-Free</li><li>Third-Party Lab Tested</li><li>Amazing Bundle Discount Offers</li></ul><h4>Cons </h4><ul><li>Only One Flavor Available</li></ul>
<p>What makes Petly CBD oil products different from other CBD oil products for dogs is its source. Each product is made of Petly's natural proprietary strains of phytocannabinoid-rich hemp plants that are grown in nutrient-rich soil cultivated with 100% organic farming practices. The procedure Petly follows starts by distilling the hemp plants to separate the hemp extract from the ethanol incorporated during the <a href="https://www.coleparmer.com/tech-article/supercritical-co2-extraction-method" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CO2 extraction method</a>. After this, the hemp extract is refined through a proprietary technology to remove all THC traces.</p>
<p>The Petly CBD oil comes in three potency levels to match your dog's size and needs: 125 milligrams, 250 milligrams, and 500 milligrams. For added health benefits, these CBD oils are mixed with MCT coconut oil as the carrier oil. If you're looking for dog treats, you would also find the dog treats sumptuous for your dog's palate since they are beef-flavored. They are also water-soluble, making their bioavailability higher than the oil-based CBD oil dog treats.</p>
<h3>9. <a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-americanshaman/?source=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CBD American Shaman</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/J_MZvBV75uB22rGwWIRtQB4PDxds2TOYv9to8i5lD6I-cLm3s8AD38DJHqbOt-C0CapXabPxH4ZEo19OS7yfzBxYrBkvwCz-F85x5FaWhAnnFKwb2hUzCCUTRXbqP9DwhTmhpgAfx5Lrqqq0GA"></p>
<h4>Pros</h4><ul><li>Certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority</li><li>Variety of CBD Oil Products for Dogs</li><li>Interesting Dog Treat Flavors</li></ul>
<h4>Cons </h4><ul><li>A Little Expensive</li></ul>
<p>Is your dog looking for new flavors and other forms of dog treats for more fun moments? American Shaman apparently has one of the most interesting flavors for CBD oil products for dogs. They have CBD oil tinctures, CBD oil dog treats, water-soluble hemp oils, and doggy nugs. They also offer products for cats and horses. </p>
<p>Since American Shaman has palatable flavor options, your dog will surely enjoy them every now and then. From their interesting flavor choices, you can try their doggy snacks available in peanut butter and turkey flavors, soft treats in beef flavor, and doggy nugs in chicken flavor.</p>
<p>Their CBD oil products for dogs are also high-quality and made from non-GMO hemp plants grown in the U.S. for a much controlled process. Also, these products may be for dogs but they are guaranteed to be tested in independent laboratories for ensured efficacy, purity, and safety.</p>
<h3>10. <a href="https://jglobalhealth.org/product/ecowatch-dog-oil-royal/?campaign=ecowatch-cbd-dogs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Royal CBD </a></h3>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/77A6P1TEq4kQygHQshDWldyMoTva4C0HxK-7KjL9OWX9jU562hjkT6LtPMDwl4kqmElJ7fzq-JvgnohKiFDK_qF2IPYZ8_nk2zDKhMVTXL6ea0vSj10dvOrUDcRIJSnrp2YK4rOtYNru9ZbXNg"></p>
<h4>Pros</h4><ul><li>Non-GMO and Natural</li><li>Available in Different Sizes and Potencies</li><li>With Save Option</li></ul>
<h4>Cons </h4><ul><li>A Little Expensive</li></ul>
<p>Royal CBD remains consistent with their premium quality regardless of the type of CBD products they offer. Their CBD products for dogs are no exceptions, too! They are made of high quality, organic, and non-GMO ingredients that are considered safe for your beloved pooch!</p>
<p>Because dogs are natural-born carnivores, Royal CBD has made sure that their CBD products for dogs taste meaty. The flavors available in the Royal CBD product line for dogs are chicken and beef, just the regular flavors your pooch will love. Also, because dogs have different sizes and breeds, Royal CBD has put that into consideration by providing different potency levels ranging from 300 milligrams to 1,000 milligrams. That way, you can make adjustments on the dosage depending on your dog's breed and size.</p>
<p>Above all, the products are tested by an independent laboratory for safety and potency. Plus, you can take advantage of the <a href="https://royalcbd.com/return-policy/" target="_blank">30-day money-back guarantee</a> they offer in case you're unhappy with any of their products.</p>
<h3>What Is CBD Oil?
</h3><p>Cannabidiol or CBD oil is one of the 100+ phytocannabinoids found in a cannabis plant and it is said to account for more than 40% of the plant's extract. Unlike the other cannabis compounds like <a href="https://www.livescience.com/24553-what-is-thc.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tetrahydrocannabinol or THC</a>, CBD oil does not cause intoxication or psychoactive experiences. This makes CBD a much preferred and sought-after compound because of its multiple health benefits without the "high" effect.</p>
<p>Because it is known to be a potent compound, many people turn to it for help with anxiety, pain, epilepsy, cancer, and other conditions. Even pets like dogs, cats and more have been found to benefit from the use of CBD oil.</p>
<h3>How Can CBD Help Dogs?
</h3><p>CBD can do wonders when your dog is suffering from a certain kind of pain and anxiety. It contains compounds that can alleviate pain from particular ailments. But of course, we still recommend that you seek medical advice from your pet's veterinarian. Nevertheless, once CBD is utilized along with traditional methods, the possibility of side effects is mitigated.</p>
<p>Below are also some of the typical dog ailments that can be treated by the best CBD oils for dogs:</p>
<ol><li>Anxiety</li><li>Chronic Inflammation</li><li>Autoimmune Disease</li><li>Inflammatory Bowel Disease</li><li>Regular Pain</li></ol>
<p>CBD contains compounds that interact with receptors responsible for certain inflammations in the body. When it comes to anxiety, CBD can also moderate the impulses often manifested as tension, stress, and restlessness. </p>
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<p><strong>Question:</strong> What is the best CBD product for dogs?</p><p><strong>Answer:</strong> While dog treats can be very mouthwatering for your pooch, CBD oil is still the best form of CBD that your dog can take since the level of potency is high, especially if you're looking for your dog to truly benefit from CBD.</p>
<p><strong>Question:</strong> How much CBD should I give to my dog?</p><p><strong>Answer:</strong> We recommend you administer 2 to 5 milligrams of CBD for every 25 pounds of weight on a daily basis. </p>
<p><strong>Question:</strong> When is the best time to give CBD to my dog?</p><p><strong>Answer:</strong> You can give him CBD every day, but special occasions would also count, like if your dog is suffering from a certain discomfort or pain. You can also give him CBD hours before you go to the groomer or to the vet since dogs are most likely anxious during that time.</p>
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Construction on the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric station in 2015. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
By Tara Lohan
In 1999 a cheering crowd watched as a backhoe breached a hydroelectric dam on Maine's Kennebec River. The effort to help restore native fish populations and the river's health was hailed as a success and ignited a nationwide movement that spurred 1,200 dam removals in two decades.
<p>The era of building large dams in the United States, which defined so much of the 20th century, is over. The prime spots for development were cemented decades ago, and the ensuing harm to fish and other wildlife has been well documented. Attention is <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/climate/environmentalists-hydropower-dams.html" target="_blank">now focused</a> on removing obsolete dams and retrofitting existing hydroelectric dams to reduce ecological harm and increase energy efficiency.</p><p>Many other countries are in the same boat. Across Europe and North America "big dams stopped being built in developed nations because the best sites for dams were already developed, and environmental and social concerns made the costs unacceptable," found a <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/115/47/11891" target="_blank">2018 study</a> in the <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>.</p>
<p>Canada appears to be the exception to that.</p><p>Large dams are still being built across Canada, from Muskrat Falls in Labrador to the generically titled "Site C" in British Columbia, despite <a href="https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/inquiry-slams-nalcor-s-c-12-7b-muskrat-falls-hydro-project-as-misguided-57533638" target="_blank">cost overruns</a>, outcry from some <a href="https://thenarwhal.ca/i-dont-see-why-anything-should-be-secret-first-nation-rejected-28-million-in-site-c-dam-deal-court-docs-reveal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">First Nations</a> and even <a href="https://thetyee.ca/News/2017/03/13/UN-Calls-for-Site-C-Review/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">environmental concerns</a> from the United Nations.</p><p>Hydroelectric power already supplies 60% of the country's energy. But the dam building isn't just to feed Canada's power needs. It's also become a hot export commodity.</p><p>As U.S. states look to meet new clean energy targets, imported low-carbon hydropower from across the northern border has become a larger part of the conversation — and the grid. New England already gets 17% of its energy from Canadian hydropower, Midwest states around 12% and New York 5%.</p><p>That number is likely to jump.</p><p>A new transmission project to bring 250 megawatts of Canadian hydropower to the United States <a href="https://renewablesnow.com/news/minnesota-power-brings-online-250-mw-hydro-wind-transmission-line-702303/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">just came online in Minnesota</a>. Two more are in the works for Massachusetts and New York.</p>
<p>Proponents say we need large-scale hydro to grease the wheels of the clean energy transition. Others caution that it comes with a larger environmental cost compared to wind and solar and could open the floodgates for more dam building.</p><p>There's one shared bit of common ground, though: We need to act quickly and wisely to tackle the climate crisis.</p><p>"This is the decade for getting 50% of the way there on renewables, but also proving out the pathway to get to net-zero by mid-century, if not before," says Peter Rothstein, president of the <a href="https://www.necec.org/" target="_blank">Northeast Clean Energy Council</a>.</p><p>How hydro figures into that process is still a complicated issue.</p>
<h3>Clean Energy Demand Surges</h3><p>The Northeast is one place where the energy transition is off and running.</p><p>All six New England states have pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80% over 1990 levels by 2050, and some are aiming higher.</p><p>Neighboring New York is also keeping pace. Last year the Empire State committed to achieving an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and 70% renewable electricity by 2030.</p><p>How will those goals be achieved?</p><p>For some, imported Canadian hydropower looks poised to play a big role, and two new projects appear close to breaking ground.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDU1MjYxMi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNjUyNDkzNH0.WEBhGwZFIFhubp42RzciMPmzWdfDC9o24akvVcl1a40/img.jpg?width=980" id="56920" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c79b6e5712b1b6f73a4d875536a2a4e3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Transmission lines from the Churchill Falls generating station in Labrador. Douglas Spott / CC BY-NC 2.0
<p><a href="https://chpexpress.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Champlain Hudson Power Express</a>, a 330-mile-long transmission line, would deliver 1,000 megawatts of hydropower from Quebec to the New York metro area and could supply about a million homes — helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.</p><p>The project — a joint venture of the province-run Hydro-Québec and Transmission Developers Inc., a subsidiary of the private equity firm Blackstone Group — has already received the necessary permits for construction, but no contracts for the power have been signed.</p><p>Construction, however, could still start next year, with the project scheduled to come online in 2025.</p><p>Massachusetts has an even bigger project in the works. <a href="https://www.necleanenergyconnect.org/project-overview" target="_blank">New England Clean Energy Connect</a> would bring 1,500 megawatts of capacity through a 145-mile-long transmission line running through Maine from Canada to Massachusetts. It too would come from Hydro-Québec, this time working in conjunction with Central Maine Power.</p><p>The project, which is projected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 3 million tons a year in New England, has received its necessary permits from the state of Maine but still awaits federal permits from the Department of Energy and the Army Corps of Engineers.</p><p>Opposition groups, including some environmental organizations, are also <a href="https://www.nrcm.org/programs/climate/proposed-cmp-transmission-line-bad-deal-maine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">challenging various aspects of the project</a> in court. And a coalition of First Nations communities that have seen dams built on their ancestral lands have voiced their opposition. (You can read more about that transmission line in <a href="https://therevelator.org/hydropower-necec/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Part I of this series</a>.)</p><p>More could be on the way. Nalcor Energy — the province-run hydro company of Newfoundland and Labrador — is nearing completion on its 824-megawatt <a href="https://muskratfalls.nalcorenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Muskrat Falls hydro project</a> on the Churchill (or Grand) River. Costs have just <a href="https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/business/regional-business/muskrat-falls-costs-top-131-billion-503057/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">surpassed $13 billion</a> — twice what was first estimated.</p><p>Some of the energy is already slated to be sent to other parts of Canada and then — hopefully, <a href="https://muskratfalls.nalcorenergy.com/project-overview/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to Nalcor</a> — to New England.</p>
<h3>Environmental Considerations</h3><p>What's the net impact of these planned projects? That's hard to say. Tallying the environmental benefit or harm from large-scale hydro is complicated.</p><p>One of the biggest metrics of assessing environmental impact is greenhouse gas emissions.</p><p>The first phase of emissions comes just from building its infrastructure. Large-scale hydropower involves the construction of generating stations, and often accompanying dams and reservoirs. And then there are hundreds of miles of transmission lines that need to be constructed to move that power.</p><p>What comes next, once a project comes online, depends on multiple factors. Research has shown that hydropower emissions vary widely based on the location, climate and area of land flooded. Hydro emissions are also highest when a reservoir is first flooded and then decrease in the following years.</p><p>All told, over the life cycle of a project, most hydropower is cleaner than fossil fuels, although not always as clean as wind and solar. A <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-017-0032-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">study</a> in <em>Nature Energy</em> on the projected life-cycle emissions of energy sources put solar at 6 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt hour and wind at 4. The researchers estimated typical hydro at 97, but there's great variation between sites.</p><p>A 2014 <a href="https://www.hydroquebec.com/data/developpement-durable/pdf/comparing-power-generation-options-and-electricity-mixes.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">report</a> prepared by the research group CIRAIG on behalf of Hydro-Québec found the average life-cycle emissions of the company's fleet of 62 generation stations was between 6 and 17 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt hour.</p><p>Alain Tremblay, Hydro-Québec's lead scientist on greenhouse gas emissions, says tracking from their most recent complex of dams on the Romaine River shows emissions between 5 and 10 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt hour.</p>
<p>There are other environmental considerations beyond greenhouse gas emissions.</p><p>The nonprofit Natural Resources Council of Maine opposes the New England Clean Energy Connect, in part out of concern about fragmented habitat and critical wildlife populations, including brook trout. The transmission line would require clearing a 53-mile stretch of forest through the North Maine Woods.</p><p>In New York the nonprofit <a href="https://www.riverkeeper.org/" target="_blank">Riverkeeper</a> reversed its earlier support for the Champlain Hudson Power Express and has now <a href="https://www.riverkeeper.org/news-events/news/energy/riverkeeper-statement-regarding-the-champlain-hudson-power-express/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">come out against that project</a>, which would send its electrical cable down the length of the Hudson River.</p><p>"This sets a precedent that the Hudson is a conduit for extension cords from Canada or from anywhere," says John Lipscomb, Riverkeeper's vice president of advocacy. "It should be off limits to that kind of thing."</p><p>The Hudson contains legacy pollution from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) dumped decades ago and other contaminants that could be turned up as the cable is dug in the riverbed. Over the years some of that pollution has been remediated, but not all. And plans to avoid putting cable in the areas of the worst-known contamination aren't sufficient to protect the ecosystem, he says.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDU1MjYzNS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNzAyMzAzNX0.8in_ymMRAcp03rlSx96nunmf8TUnwEfoKFPpn1Fhmqc/img.png?width=980" id="926a2" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3e71d0055729b3ec7582ade7e2129da6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Atlantic sturgeon were brought to the brink of extension in the 20th century and are now are listed as an endangered species. NOAA
<p>There's also concern that imperiled fish species, like endangered shortnose sturgeon and Atlantic sturgeon, could be harmed by the electrical cable. The river was designated as critical habitat for Atlantic sturgeon, but no <a href="https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/regulators-warned-of-champlain-hudson-power-express-projects-environmental-impact-2020-10-08/" target="_blank">Endangered Species Act review</a> has been initiated to assess if the cable could threaten fish populations.</p><p>"Both of these fishes have nervous systems similar to that of sharks, which are incredibly sensitive to electric signals," says Roger Downs, conservation director of the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. "It's a huge experiment to suddenly put an electrical signal down the backbone of this river."</p><p>Lipscomb shares this concern. After all the work that's been done in recent years to help restore the Hudson and its estuary, he says "it's heartbreaking that we still think of this river as a resource."</p><p>Hydropower may be renewable, he says, but from an environmental perspective it isn't sustainable. "Unless a river's value is zero," he says. "If a river has any value as an ecosystem, as a host for life, then hydropower isn't even a consideration."</p>
<h3>Upstream Justice Concerns</h3><p>In 1990 a group of Cree and Inuit protestors paddled the Hudson River to Manhattan to ask New Yorkers to <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-wednesday-edition-1.3044034/commemorating-25th-anniversary-of-historic-odeyak-voyage-1.3044498" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">oppose a power purchase</a> agreement between the state and Quebec and the construction of a second dam in the James Bay hydroelectric project in northern Quebec.</p><p>They were successful. Now, 30 years later, a different group of First Nations is making a similar plea.</p><p>On October 7 the First Nations of Pessamit, Wemotaci, Pikogan, Lac Simon and Kitcisakik sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Energy stating their opposition to the Massachusetts transmission line. The groups wrote that one-third of Hydro-Québec's installed power is "produced in our respective ancestral territories from reservoirs, dams, power plants and various other installations, without prior consultation, without our consent and without compensation."</p><p>Over the decades of hydropower buildout in Canada many First Nations communities — but not all — have been consulted on projects and struck agreements with power companies.</p><p>Major hydroelectric projects have altered the flow of rivers and in some cases, the food and cultural resources used by Indigenous communities.</p><p>There are also health concerns.</p><p>A 2016 <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.6b04447" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">study</a> by Harvard University researchers, published in <em>Environmental Science and Technology,</em> found that flooding reservoirs for hydroelectric projects in Canada would increase the risk of mercury poisoning in Indigenous communities at 90% of the dam sites.</p><p>When land is flooded for a reservoir, the microbes in the soil convert naturally occurring mercury into more dangerous methylmercury, which then works its way up the food chain. That puts anyone who relies on local wildlife such as fish, birds and seals at risk. In the northern reaches of Canada, that's largely Indigenous people.</p><p>The researchers looked at how three Inuit communities downstream of Nalcor's Muskrat Falls project would fare. And they found that, on average, risk of exposure for community members would double after the area was flooded. That could translate to higher risks for cardiovascular disease and neurodevelopmental delays for children.</p><p>The more people rely on local food sources, the more harm they're exposed to. And in this remote region where store-bought food is very expensive, that's a serious concern.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDU1MjYzOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTA1Mzc0MH0.QuQG5HVESeGCC-l0a561BfaZMDy-FUWAql5aCjCkhOc/img.jpg?width=980" id="c5668" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="055402f58261cdd4c3addaa56347c8f9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Near Happy Valley-Goose Bay on the Churchill (Grand) River downstream from Muskrat Falls. Douglas Sprott / CC BY-NC 2.0
<p>"People have a very high prevalence of economic insecurity and that translates into insecure access to Western foods at the grocery store," says Ryan Calder, a co-author of the study and now an assistant professor of environmental health and policy at Virginia Tech. "Traditional food systems account for a smaller and smaller fraction of overall calories, but a wildly disproportionate fraction of nutrient intake."</p><p>Despite this, he doesn't think their research should be taken as a commentary on whether hydroelectric power itself is good or bad. "We really just criticized [the company's] risk assessment," he says.</p><p>Earlier studies by Nalcor claimed the effect on the Inuit would be negligible as the mercury would quickly dilute in downstream waters.</p><p>"They had no basis for saying there was going to be no impact," says Calder. "It was clear that they were trying to ignore their obligations — if not legal, then certainly moral — to Indigenous people."</p><p>The researchers also found that about half of the other sites they studied would have equal or greater concentrations of methylmercury than Muskrat Falls.</p><p>Roberta Frampton Benefiel of <a href="http://www.grandriverkeeperlabrador.ca/" target="_blank">Grand Riverkeeper Labrador</a>, who lives near the Muskrat Falls project, says she wasn't surprised by Nalcor's position. "Aboriginal people don't count to this government and so we have to make the Aboriginal people count," she says.</p><p>She has spoken to environmental organizations in the United States to help raise awareness about some of the local effects of dam development in Canada.</p><p>"I want people in the United States to understand that when they flip their light switch, if they accept these power lines from Canada, they're poisoning northern communities," she says.</p>
<h3>More Dams?</h3><p>New York and Massachusetts have been eager for hydropower from Canada as long as it doesn't mean the construction of new dams for the transmission projects.</p><p>Hydro-Québec says it has enough reserves for export to New York and Massachusetts without redirecting power from its existing United States or Canadian customers.</p><p>It's nearly finished with the last dam in the complex of four generating stations on the Romaine River, which along with other projects, has added 5,000 megawatts of capacity over the last decade. Although it does has the <a href="https://www.nerc.com/pa/RAPA/ra/Reliability%20Assessments%20DL/NERC_LTRA_2019.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lowest reserve margin</a> of utilities in the region, according to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation's 2019 assessment.</p><p>In previous years Hydro-Québec did preliminary work to explore the possibility of new dams on the Little Mécatina River, but company spokesperson Lynn St-Laurent says they currently have no plans for new dams and that project is no longer in their strategic plan.</p><p>Gary Sutherland, director of strategic affairs for northeast markets at Hydro-Québec, says that additional energy demand for export could be met with increased energy efficiency in Quebec and more wind projects. Quebec Premier François Legault <a href="https://twitter.com/francoislegault/status/1316155854610001920" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tweeted last week</a> that the province's next addition of capacity, if needed, would be the 200-megawatt <a href="https://energycentral.com/news/quebec-interest-wind-power-projects-back-horizon" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apuiat wind farm</a>.</p><p>Elsewhere in Canada, however, dam building continues.</p><p>Manitoba Hydro and four First Nations are in the process of building the <a href="https://www.enr.com/articles/45695-mega-canadian-hydro-project-moves-forward-despite-surprises-bitter-cold" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Keeyask project</a>, a 695-megawatt hydroelectric generating station on the Nelson River.</p><p>British Columbia also continues to muddle along on development at Site C, a 1,100-megawatt dam on the Peace River that has faced mounting problems and protests.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDU1MjY0MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNzkxNTIzN30.qQ8Ig5mi290gQcTE_vwWxHVQE2VEHK_kU4C07jHBS0U/img.jpg?width=980" id="f4830" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="60e9b436682d334050473e4f446c730c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
Construction of the Site C dam in British Columbia in 2017. Jason Woodhead / CC BY 2.0
<p>This includes, according to a report in <em><a href="https://thenarwhal.ca/topics/site-c-dam-bc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Narwhal</a></em>, legal challenges from "landowners and First Nations who oppose flooding 128 kilometers of the Peace River and its tributaries, putting Indigenous burial grounds, traditional hunting and fishing areas, habitat for more than 100 species vulnerable to extinction and some of Canada's richest farmland under up to 50 meters of water."</p><p>Construction has also <a href="https://vancouversun.com/business/site-c-still-scaling-up-construction-to-meet-important-milestone-while-remains-up-in-the-air" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">uncovered geological issues</a> that could make parts of the foundation unstable, prompting <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/site-c-letter-1.5741443" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">numerous calls</a> to stop development.</p><p><a href="https://1694d3a6-ec13-42ea-a8f0-a29cda354660.usrfiles.com/ugd/1694d3_b5baab11560f4bf4a3910e992c608509.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New research</a> by energy analyst Robert McCullough, who runs a Portland, <a href="https://www.mresearch.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Oregon-based consulting firm</a>, found that if the project continues its likely to have surplus energy that will need to be sold outside the province at a loss to ratepayers.</p><p>But a poor financial outlook doesn't always mean the end of dam projects in Canada.</p><p>In Labrador Nalcor also has another large project planned — the 2,250-megawatt Gull Island dam, farther upstream from Muskrat Falls, which could be built if there's a buyer for the power.</p><p>It's a prospect Benefiel finds shocking, considering the company's most recent project was so over budget that it prompted a provincial <a href="https://www.muskratfallsinquiry.ca/" target="_blank">Commission of Inquiry</a>, which found that Muskrat Falls put the financial health of the entire province at risk.</p>
<h3>Is Hydro Needed?</h3><p>Considering all the complexities of hydro projects and the related transmission infrastructure, is it necessary to move U.S. states off fossil fuels and toward clean energy goals?</p><p>That depends on who you talk to.</p><p>Despite investment in wind and solar, "hydro has a couple of things going for it," says Rothstein of the Northeast Clean Energy Council. The first is that it's able to compete on costs, and second is the "dispatchability."</p><p>Thanks to decades of dam building, Canadian hydropower is ready to go — pending transmission capacity. It's also seen as less variable than wind and solar, although hydropower does fluctuate by season and by year, depending on precipitation.</p><p>"I think hydro will play a role, but it's not going to be the only resource," says Rothstein. Offshore wind holds the biggest potential for large-scale projects in the region, he says.</p><p>New York has already awarded contracts to procure <a href="https://www.utilitydive.com/news/new-york-awards-record-1700-mw-offshore-wind-contracts/559091/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">1,700 megawatts of offshore wind</a> and in July <a href="https://renewablesnow.com/news/new-york-opens-procurement-round-for-4-gw-of-renewables-707197/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">put out a call</a> to solicit another 2,500 megawatts of offshore wind and 1,500 megawatts of land-based, large-scale renewables.</p><p>Massachusetts is making strides toward wind energy, too. In 2016 Gov. Charlie Baker signed an energy bill requiring the state's utilities to<a href="https://www.wbur.org/earthwhile/2019/05/31/more-offshore-wind-power-massachusetts" target="_blank"> procure 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind</a> and could soon double that.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDU1MjY2NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NzE5MTUwNX0.qJN9i3xJcDJ9GrKI8cM8v0WIFkWcMGzNFzvn5yz0p54/img.jpg?width=980" id="cc8a4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c558d5f64337d0e12e7603c52be882b2" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
The Block Island Wind Farm off the coast of Rhode Island is the first U.S. offshore wind farm. Dennis Schroeder / NREL / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
<p>All told around a half a dozen major projects now await a green light, pending permitting decisions by the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.</p><p>All down the East Coast, "there's a whole constellation of projects close to breaking water," says Rothstein.</p><p>In the past offshore wind has been stymied by NIMBYism, but he says both the public perception of wind has changed and so have costs. New projects being proposed are farther offshore and out of view. And more established, global wind developers are competing for projects, helping to bring down prices.</p><p>Sierra Club's Downs thinks northeast states could meet their goals without imported hydro. Instead he'd like to see more focus on large-scale solar installations in upstate New York on brownfields or fallow farmland, and more offshore wind.</p><p>"And then we need to be doing more and more programs for smaller, community-based wind and solar," he says.</p><p>Whatever mix of low-carbon power is secured, Downs hopes it doesn't turn rivers into transmission corridors and does account for the full environmental and social costs of power generation.</p><p>"We have an obligation to protect cultural rights, Indigenous rights and also the vast Canadian wilderness," says Downs. "We shouldn't be exporting our environmental problems."</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://therevelator.org/hydro-dams-transmission/" target="_blank">The Revelator</a>.</em></p>From Your Site Articles
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A new study has revealed that Earth's biggest mass extinction was triggered by volcanic activity that led to ocean acidification. Illustration by Dawid Adam Iurino (PaleoFactory, Sapienza University of Rome) for Jurikova et al (2020)
The excess carbon dioxide emitted by human activity since the start of the industrial revolution has already raised the Earth's temperature by more than one degree Celsius, increased the risk of extreme hurricanes and wildfires and killed off more than half of the corals in the Great Barrier Reef. But geologic history shows that the impacts of greenhouse gases could be much worse.
<p>In fact, <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/scientists" target="_self">scientists</a> from <a href="https://news.st-andrews.ac.uk/archive/great-dying-what-caused-earths-biggest-mass-extinction/?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=twitter&utm_term=univofstandrews&utm_content=research&utm_campaign=research" target="_blank">Scotland's University of Saint Andrews</a> and two major German research centers have for the first time determined a "conclusive picture" of the initial trigger and subsequent processes responsible for Earth's biggest mass <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/extinction" target="_self">extinction</a>. The answer? Massive amounts of carbon dioxide spewed into the atmosphere from a volcanic eruption.</p><p>"We are dealing with a cascading catastrophe in which the rise of CO2 in the atmosphere set off a chain of events that successively extinguished almost all life in the seas," study lead author Dr. Hana Jurikova told <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/mass-extinction-greenhouse-gas-triassic-carbon-dioxide-volcanoes-b1183299.html" target="_blank">The Independent</a>.</p>
<p>The study, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-020-00646-4" target="_blank">Nature Geoscience</a> Monday, sought to understand the mechanisms behind an event known as the "Great Dying," the University of Saint Andrews explained in a press release. This was a period around 252 million years ago between the Permian and Triassic epochs in which 95 percent of marine species were wiped out within tens of thousands of years. It is the closest life on Earth has come to total extinction.</p><p>Scientists have advanced many theories for what caused this turn of events, including a release of methane from the seafloor and volcanic activity, but this is the first time a group has determined the exact cause, the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, one of the research centers involved in the new study, <a href="https://www.geomar.de/en/news/article/ausloeser-fuer-groesstes-massenaussterben-der-erdgeschichte-identifiziert" target="_blank">said</a>.</p>
<p>The extinction process went something like this, as Saint Andrews explained.</p><ol><li>A volcanic eruption in what is now Siberia sent 100,000 billion tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere.</li><li>This release led to <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/ocean-acidification" target="_self">ocean acidification</a> and warming, which was especially deadly to <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/marine-life" target="_self">marine life</a> that requires calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons.</li><li>The atmospheric warming increased the rates of chemical weathering on land.</li><li>This caused more nutrients to run off into the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/ocean" target="_self">ocean</a>, depleting it of oxygen and perhaps also poisoning it with sulphide.</li></ol><p>"It took several hundreds of thousands to millions of years for the ecosystem to recover from the catastrophe, which profoundly altered the course of evolution of life on Earth," Jurikova said.</p>
<p>The researchers, who also included members of the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, were able to reach their conclusions by examining the shells of fossil brachiopods.</p><p>"These are clam-like organisms that have existed on Earth for more than 500 million years," Jurikova explained in the GEOMAR press release.</p><p>The researchers were able to assess the pH levels in the ocean based on the different isotopes of boron in the fossilized shells. Because oceanic pH levels are tightly linked to atmospheric carbon dioxide, the team could then create a model of the atmosphere at the time.</p><p>"With this technique, we can not only reconstruct the evolution of the atmospheric CO2 concentrations, but also clearly trace it back to volcanic activity," study coauthor Dr. Marcus Gutjahr of GEOMAR said in the press release.</p>
<p>The amount of carbon dioxide released by the Siberian volcano was more than 40 times all the carbon dioxide currently held in fossil fuel reserves, including everything that has been released since the start of the industrial revolution, according to Saint Andrews.</p><p>Still, the researchers told The Independent that the study offered "bleak lessons" for humanity as we face the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/sixth-mass-extinction-accelerating-land-animals-2646147181.html" target="_self">sixth mass extinction</a>.</p><p>"Ancient volcanic eruptions of this kind are not directly comparable to anthropogenic carbon emissions, and in fact all modern fossil fuel reserves are far too insufficient to release as much CO2 over hundreds of years, let alone thousands of years as was released 252 million years ago," Jurikova told The Independent. "But it is astonishing that humanity's CO2 emission rate is currently fourteen times higher than the annual emission rate at the time that marked the greatest biological catastrophe in Earth's history."</p>
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