Energy

Fossil fuels are narcotics.

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Fossil fuels are narcotics. ⛽

I bet within fifty years that fossil fuels will be widely accepted as the most powerful and dangerous narcotic ever invented. No other narcotic is as contagious or mind altering as the enengy services provided by fossil fuel. The heat, light, speed from fossil fuels have rewired the brains of an entire species. No other narcotic is as socially acceptable or widely sold. No other compound numbs and blinds humans understanding of the natural world as powerfully as fossil fuels.

NPR

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Why the link between tornadoes and climate change is hard to draw : NPR

Scientists know that warm weather is a key ingredient in tornadoes and that climate change is altering the environment in which these kinds of storms form. But they can't directly connect those dots, as the research into the link between climate and tornadoes still lags behind that of other extreme weather events such as hurricanes and wildfire.

That's at least in part due to a lack of data — even though the U.S. leads the world in tornadoes, averaging about 1,200 a year.

NPR

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New York City Council votes to ban natural gas stovetops in new buildings : NPR

In a vote Wednesday, New York's city council approved a ban on natural gas in newly constructed buildings, joining cities like San Jose and San Francisco that have made similar commitments to reduce emissions.

Moving away from natural gas means that stoves and heat pumps will be powered by electricity instead, cutting down on carbon emissions. Nearly 40% of carbon emissions in the country — and more than half of New York City's emissions — come from buildings.

The new ban, with 40 votes in the affirmative and seven votes against the measure, applies to buildings that are seven stories or shorter by the end of 2023; buildings that are taller have an additional four years to comply. There are some exceptions in the bill, including hospitals, laundromats and crematoriums.