The latest trending economic, environmental and demographic news curated for you by The Balmoral Group
In this week's edition of the The Economic Perspective, we cover additional investments in conservation easements in Florida, a new pilot program from FDOT that aims to improve work zone safety, a new study on the insight of health in the Gulf of Mexico from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and more. Our data visualization covers the cost of climate change on economic growth. Please feel free to forward this to anyone you think would be interested. If you'd like to view previous editions please click here, or to subscribe please click here! Have a fun and safe weekend!
New Report Links Gene Alterations to BP Oil Spill
Researchers turned to bottlenose dolphins in a new study to provide insight on the health of the Gulf of Mexico. The report, published this week in PLOS ONE evaluated the health of 71 specimens of bottlenose dolphins by gathering blood or tissue samples from those impacted by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. These samples were utilized to identify alterations in gene expression – a marker for health impacts. Researchers discovered that, from the 2013 to 2018 samples, thousands of gene expressions had been changed including those related to lung problems, reproductive failure, inflammation, and immune response. Those from 2013 exhibited the greatest alteration in gene expression. Dolphins absorb toxins in the water, making them more vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances. Phys.org
Additional 19,000 Acres Conserved in Southwest Florida
This week, the Florida Cabinet and Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a series of land deals including $37.8 million to conserve nearly 12,000 acres in southwest Florida. The conservation easement purchase from Carlton Horse Creek Partners, LLC in DeSoto and Hardee Counties will protect in perpetuity the wildlife and water through the ranch property and shield the land from development. The Southwest Florida Water management District is also acquiring over 4,300 acres as part of the project. Across all conservation projects, about 19,800 acres across the state was approved. Read More
Renewable Energy Comprises 22% of Electricity Generated in 2022
On Thursday the California Air Resources Board issued a new rule that will ban the sale of new-gasoline-powered vehicles starting in 2035. This will force automakers to speed up production of cleaner vehicles beginning in 2026. By 2026 35% of total new vehicle sales must be powered by batteries or hydrogen, and 68% by 2030. This rule will not ban people from driving gas-powered cars, or from selling and buying them on the used market, and it will still allow automakers to sell up to 20% plug-in hybrids. The decision is likely to spread to other parts of the country, as 15 states have adopted California’s vehicle standards in years past. There will be challenges, such as global economic factors and installing enough charging locations in California, but this new rule will lead to a 50% reduction in pollution from vehicles by 2040. Read more
FDOT Announces Pilot Program for Lane Closure Notification System
The Florida Department of Transportation announced this week the official start of a one-year statewide technology pilot program to establish a new Lane Closure Notification System (LCNS). The LNCS is the first of its kind in North America and aims to improve the safety of workers in active work zones or lane closes and aid drivers through the zones. Additional benefits anticipated includes improved travel time reliabilty and reduced congestion as well as reduced work zone crashes, fatalities and serious injuries. The pilot program is in partnership with the Florida Transportation Builders Association and oe.network and utilizes GPS and mapping technologies to provide advanced notices through leading apps and services. FDOT.gov
Data Visualization of the Week
A study from the University of California, Davis, uses an empirical approach to revisit the effect of rising global temperatures on Gross Domestic Product and whether this is temporary or permanent. Using data from the World Bank and population-weighted temperature and rainfall data from University of Delaware between 1961 and 2017, researchers found that economies are sensitive to persistent temperature shocks over at least a 10-year time frame and these shocks impacts economic growth in about 22% percent of the countries. Science Daily
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