A group of potentially toxic "forever chemicals," mostly coming from...

CNN Climate 16 days ago

A group of potentially toxic "forever chemicals," mostly coming from prescribed drugs, may be contaminating drinking water for millions of Americans, as wastewater treatment plants fail to remove them — and climate change may be making the situation even worse, according to a new report. Scientists analyzed water samples flowing through eight large publicly owned wastewater plants across the US, all of similar size and using similar technologies to those serving 70% of the population. Even with advanced treatment technologies, they found forever chemicals and compounds able to transform into them were being discharged into rivers and lakes where they can reenter the drinking water supply. Roughly 23 million Americans could be exposed to these forever chemicals from wastewater alone, the study found. This is especially concerning as treated wastewater is expected to make up an increasing proportion of drinking water supplies as climate change-fueled drought shrinks water sources, according to Bridger Ruyle, an environmental engineering scientist at NYU and an author of the study. Read more at the link in our bio. 📸: Leonard Ortiz/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register/Getty Images

Daily Sustainability Digest

Generated by AI about 10 hours ago

A new development in sustainable construction comes as Swedish low-carbon cement is used for the first time in the UK at a warehouse base in Surrey. This marks a significant step in reducing carbon emissions in construction materials, alongside other innovations in low carbon solutions spreading across Europe.

Global technology company Microsoft is innovating its data centers with water-efficient cooling systems. This sustainable approach reduces water usage, aligning with broader green building principles and contributing to more eco-focused urban infrastructure.

Efforts to enhance fuel sustainability are gaining momentum with British Airways' parent company, International Airlines Group, investing in a company focusing on creating aviation fuel from waste tyres. This initiative supports the circular economy by turning waste into valuable resources, a key element in sustainable construction for reducing waste and energy use.

The UK Green Building Council has released a report on trends driving sustainable transformation in the built environment. Highlighting the importance of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and innovative building materials, the focus is on reducing the carbon footprint of urban structures and enhancing energy resilience, setting the stage for future sustainable urban development.

Moreover, new training initiatives are underway with Persimmon Homes establishing a facility to train builders on modern construction technologies. The aim is to up-skill workers in the latest sustainable practices, enhancing the overall sustainability of housing projects and contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions in the building sector.

Australia is also advancing in sustainable building practices by investing A$2 billion to support the green aluminum industry. This signals a significant governmental commitment to cleaner production methods and aligns with global trends towards sustainability in heavy industries impacting construction supply chains.

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