Maine Presses Pause on Large Data Centers. Will Other States Follow Its Lead?
Maine has become the first state to enact a moratorium on the development of large data centers, passing legislation that halts approval of facilities with electricity demands of 20 megawatts or more until at least October 2027. The bill, LD 307, was approved by both the Maine House and Senate and now awaits the governor’s signature. This move reflects growing concerns over the environmental and community impacts of large data centers, particularly their substantial energy and water consumption. The moratorium aims to provide state and local governments time to establish regulations addressing the rapid expansion of data centers, which have raised alarms about strain on electricity grids and rising costs for consumers. U.S. data centers currently demand over 50 gigawatts of power—roughly twice the peak demand of the entire six-state New England grid, including Maine. With even larger facilities in planning stages, questions remain about how the grid will accommodate future growth and how to protect residential ratepayers from escalating electricity bills. Maine’s legislative action comes amid a broader national debate, as about a dozen states consider similar measures to pause or restrict data center development. Community opposition often centers on concerns about intrusive industrial projects and the environmental footprint of these facilities. Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence, which relies heavily on data center infrastructure, has sparked fears about job displacement and economic shifts. Analysts suggest that states like Minnesota and Illinois may soon follow Maine’s lead, although Illinois has yet to introduce formal legislation. The bill’s passage also highlights the partisan dynamics surrounding energy and technology policy. Democrats, who hold majorities in Maine’s legislature, framed the moratorium as a necessary pause to develop thoughtful regulations. The vote margins—79-62 in the House and 21-13 in the Senate—indicate some bipartisan reservations but overall legislative support for addressing the challenges posed by large-scale data centers. Maine’s decision could set a precedent for how states balance technological growth with environmental sustainability and community interests.
Critical Atlantic current significantly more likely to collapse than thought
New research indicates that the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (Amoc), a crucial component of the global climate system, is significantly more likely to collapse than previously estimated. By combining real-world ocean observations with climate models, scientists found that the most realistic models predict a slowdown of 42% to 58% by 2100, a level that almost certainly leads to collapse. This finding raises serious concerns due to the potentially catastrophic impacts on Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The Amoc functions by transporting warm tropical water northwards to Europe and the Arctic, where it cools and sinks, driving a deep return current. Its weakening, already at a 1,600-year low due to climate change, threatens to disrupt this circulation. A collapse would cause severe shifts in the tropical rainfall belt, jeopardizing food production for millions, trigger extreme cold winters and summer droughts in western Europe, and contribute an additional 50 to 100 centimeters to sea level rise along the Atlantic coastlines. Scientists have long used a variety of climate models to predict the future of the Amoc, but these models produced widely varying outcomes, from no significant slowdown to a drastic 65% deceleration. The new study narrowed this uncertainty by validating models against observed ocean data, revealing that the more pessimistic projections are the most accurate. Researchers warn that the Amoc is approaching a tipping point, beyond which collapse becomes inevitable. Experts emphasize the urgency of this discovery, highlighting the need for immediate climate action to mitigate further damage. The potential shutdown of the Amoc represents a critical threat to global climate stability, with profound implications for weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems across multiple continents.
Climate Activists Stage Mock Funeral for Landmark Climate Rule
Climate activists held a symbolic funeral procession outside the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 9 headquarters in San Francisco to mourn the repeal of a pivotal climate regulation. The event, organized by Scientist Rebellion Turtle Island and other climate advocates, marked the EPA’s decision to rescind its 2009 “endangerment finding,” which classified carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as threats to public health and welfare. The repeal, effective April 20, removes the legal basis for regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. Participants in the demonstration wore sackcloth and ash, traditional symbols of mourning, and represented various climate crises such as sea level rise, melting permafrost, and ecocide. Organizers conducted a moment of silence, sang dirges, and recited poems and eulogies to emphasize the gravity of losing this regulatory tool. Michelle Merrill, an evolutionary anthropologist and one of the event’s coordinators, described the endangerment finding as a foundational measure that was “taken from us too soon.” The repeal has sparked concern among scientists and environmentalists who warn it will hinder efforts to curb emissions from vehicles, power plants, and other major polluters. Experts like Paul English, an environmental epidemiologist volunteering with Scientist Rebellion, highlighted the broader implications of the repeal, linking it to an increased risk of heatwaves, extreme weather, wildfires, habitat loss, and adverse public health outcomes. The endangerment finding had empowered the EPA to set emissions standards critical to the U.S. climate strategy. Its removal signals a significant rollback in federal climate policy, raising fears about the country’s ability to meet its climate goals and protect vulnerable communities from escalating environmental hazards. While no EPA employees participated in the protest, some reportedly expressed appreciation for the public’s support of climate regulations. The event underscores the ongoing tensions between environmental advocates and regulatory agencies amid shifting political priorities, and it highlights the urgent debate over the future of climate governance in the United States.
Ant smuggler sentenced to a year in jail by Kenyan court
A Nairobi court sentenced Chinese national Zhang Kequn to one year in prison and fined him $7,700 for attempting to smuggle over 2,200 ants out of Kenya. The ants, including 1,948 Messor cephalotes, were discovered in test tubes in Zhang’s luggage at Nairobi’s international airport, destined for China. Zhang was initially charged with wildlife trafficking and conspiracy but pleaded guilty after the conspiracy charge was dropped. The judge emphasized the need for a deterrent sentence due to the ecological harm caused by such illegal trade. The smuggling of ants has emerged as a lucrative but illicit business in East Africa, with the insects primarily exported to China, the US, and Europe where they are sold as exotic pets, sometimes fetching prices of around $100 each. This case follows a similar incident last year involving two Belgian teenagers caught with nearly 5,000 ants, who were also fined $7,700. Zhang had evaded capture until his arrest in March and was linked to a previous case involving two other suspects, one Vietnamese and one Kenyan. Judge Irene Gichobi criticized Zhang for showing no remorse and described him as “not an entirely honest person.” She ordered that after serving his sentence and exhausting his 14-day appeal period, Zhang would be referred back to China. The ruling highlights growing concerns over the illegal wildlife trade in Kenya, particularly the trafficking of garden ants, which poses significant ecological risks. Meanwhile, a Kenyan national, Charles Mwangi, accused of selling ants to individuals convicted in the previous case, has pleaded not guilty and remains under investigation. The ongoing prosecutions underscore Kenya’s efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade and protect its biodiversity from exploitation for international pet markets.
$30m an hour: big oil reaping huge war windfall from consumers, analysis finds
Exclusive: Climate action blockers including Saudi Arabia, Russia and major fossil fuel firms set to make extra $234bn by end of 2026Middle East crisis – live updatesThe world’s top 100 oil and gas companies banked more than $30m every hour in unearned profit in the first month of the US-Israeli war in Iran, according to exclusive analysis for the Guardian. Saudi Aramco, Gazprom and ExxonMobil are among the biggest beneficiaries of the bonanza, meaning key opponents of climate action continue to prosper.The conflict pushed the price of oil to an average of $100 (£74) a barrel in March, leading to estimated windfall war profits for the month of $23bn for the companies. Oil and gas supplies will take months to return to pre-war levels and the companies will make $234bn by the end of the year if the oil price continues to average $100. The analysis uses data from a leading intelligence provider, Rystad Energy, analysed by Global Witness. Continue reading...
Hurricane Helene ravaged farmers’ topsoil. They’re still fighting to build it back.
Hurricane Helene unleashed devastating floods across southern Appalachia, severely damaging farms and eroding vital topsoil in a region where agriculture is a key economic and cultural pillar. In northeast Tennessee, Will Runion’s 736-acre cattle and hay farm along the Nolichucky River was inundated when the river swelled to nearly 1,200 feet wide, about ten times its normal size. The floodwaters destroyed equipment, swept away structures, and gouged deep holes in his pastures, leaving fields buried under up to eight feet of sand and silt. Runion, who was also developing a riverfront campground, faced massive losses and a long road to recovery. The storm dropped up to 30 inches of rain across parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, and Virginia, triggering historic flooding and landslides. These events caused widespread destruction in a largely rural area where farms are often small and located on flood-prone bottomlands valued for their fertile soil. In North Carolina alone, agricultural damages from Helene were estimated at $4.9 billion, with Tennessee’s losses reaching $1.3 billion. Thousands of farmers lost crops, livestock, machinery, and infrastructure, compounding the economic toll on the region’s agricultural communities. More than a year after the hurricane, farmers like Runion are grappling with the long-term impact on their soil, a critical but often overlooked resource. The floodwaters not only washed away topsoil but also deposited thick layers of sand and debris, severely degrading the land’s fertility. This loss threatens the viability of farms and the broader agricultural economy, as soil restoration is a slow and costly process. The disaster highlights the increasing vulnerability of Appalachian agriculture to extreme weather events, raising concerns about future resilience amid climate change. Efforts to rebuild are underway, but the scale of damage underscores the challenges faced by farmers in adapting to more frequent and intense storms. The disruption to farming operations and the loss of productive land could have lasting effects on food production, rural livelihoods, and the cultural fabric of the Appalachian region. As communities work to recover, the need for targeted support and sustainable land management practices has become more urgent to safeguard the future of agriculture in this vulnerable landscape.
Trump and the Illinois governor keep feuding over an invasive fish
An escalating dispute has emerged between former President Donald Trump and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker over the management of a critical project aimed at preventing invasive Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. The $1.15 billion Brandon Road Interbasin Project, located on the Des Plaines River near Chicago, involves a series of barriers designed to block the carp’s spread, including electric, acoustic, and bubble curtain deterrents. The Trump administration recently announced plans to transfer control of the project from Illinois to Michigan, citing concerns about Illinois’ reliability and influence over the initiative. The Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees the project, stated it would shift management to its Detroit office, emphasizing the need for cooperation among Great Lakes states and accusing Illinois of being delinquent on payments and real estate commitments. Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle framed the move as necessary to prevent one state from exerting undue influence and to ensure the project’s progress. Trump has positioned himself as a strong advocate for protecting the Great Lakes from the invasive carp, which have been spreading since their accidental release into the Mississippi River decades ago. Governor Pritzker responded sharply on social media, asserting that Illinois has fulfilled its financial and land acquisition obligations and accusing the Trump administration of engaging in a political stunt. He warned that Illinois is prepared to pursue legal action, emphasizing that the state owns the land designated for the project and cannot simply have it reassigned. Illinois had committed approximately $50 million toward design and early construction and secured key riverbed property as part of a July 2024 agreement with Michigan and the Army Corps. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has expressed support for the project and collaboration among the states and federal government to advance the barrier’s construction. The dispute highlights the complex intergovernmental challenges in managing environmental threats that cross state boundaries, with the Great Lakes’ ecological health and regional economies at stake. The outcome of this conflict could influence future federal-state partnerships on invasive species control and infrastructure projects.
More than half of Britain’s butterfly species in decline, monitoring scheme shows
More than half of Britain’s native butterfly species have experienced declines over the past five decades, according to data from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS). The scheme, which has collected over 44 million butterfly sightings since 1976, shows that out of 58 native species, 33 have decreased in number while 25 have increased. Notably, the pearl-bordered fritillary has declined by 70%, the high brown fritillary by 66%, and the white-letter hairstreak by 80%, highlighting significant losses among habitat specialist butterflies reliant on specific environments such as woodlands, wetlands, and flower-rich grasslands. While some species have benefited from warmer temperatures linked to climate change—such as the purple emperor, red admiral, and comma butterflies, which have expanded their range northwards—many specialist species have suffered due to habitat loss, pollution, and indirect effects of global heating. The decline of woodland butterflies like the pearl-bordered and high brown fritillaries is attributed to the reduction of traditional woodland management practices like coppicing, which once maintained the sunny, flower-rich habitats these species require. Additionally, nitrogen pollution from vehicles and changes in rainfall chemistry are altering plant communities, negatively impacting caterpillars that depend on specific host plants. Experts emphasize that although the overall picture is not one of complete insect collapse, the loss of butterfly diversity is a clear concern. Richard Fox, head of science at Butterfly Conservation, noted that while the so-called “insect Armageddon” has not occurred, the data reveal significant long-term declines, particularly among habitat specialists. Conservation efforts are informed by extensive research on the habitat needs of these species, and there is consensus that increased and targeted habitat management could help reverse some of the declines. The UKBMS dataset, managed collaboratively by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, the British Trust for Ornithology, and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, also highlights some conservation successes. These underscore the potential for recovery if appropriate measures are implemented more widely, reinforcing the importance of habitat restoration and pollution control in safeguarding Britain’s butterfly diversity.
Butterfly numbers are dropping but here are five species you may see more of
Data from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) reveals a complex picture of butterfly populations in the UK over the past five decades. While overall numbers are declining for many species, several butterflies have shown significant increases, driven in part by warmer and sunnier weather linked to climate change. Among those thriving are the Orange tip, whose numbers have risen by more than 40% since 1976, the Red admiral, which now winters in the UK, and the Black hairstreak and Large Blue, both benefiting from targeted conservation efforts. The UKBMS, one of the world’s largest and longest-running citizen science projects, has collected over 44 million records from nearly 800,000 volunteer surveys since 1976. Of the 59 native butterfly species monitored, 33 have declined, 25 have improved, and one has insufficient data for assessment. The data highlight a growing divide between adaptable species that can thrive in diverse environments such as farmland, parks, and gardens, and specialist species that depend on specific habitats like woodland clearings or chalk grasslands. The latter group is experiencing steep declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation, limiting their ability to expand their ranges despite warming conditions. Experts emphasize that butterflies, being cold-blooded, generally benefit from warmer climates, allowing some species to extend their northern ranges into northern England and Scotland. However, specialist species are struggling to survive as their habitats face increasing pressure from land use changes and environmental degradation. Notable declines include the white-letter hairstreak, down 80%, and the pearl-bordered fritillary, which has fallen by 70%. Even adaptable species like the small tortoiseshell have suffered significant losses, with an 87% decline. The findings underscore the urgent need for continued conservation efforts and habitat restoration to support vulnerable butterfly populations. They also serve as an important indicator of broader environmental health, reflecting the impact of climate change and habitat management on biodiversity in the UK.
New footage shows moment Orion capsule hatch is opened at sea
Newly released footage captures the moment recovery teams opened the hatch of NASA’s Artemis II Orion capsule after its successful splashdown at sea. The video shows the joyous reunion between the recovery crew and the four astronauts aboard: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. All astronauts were confirmed safe and in good health following the historic mission, which marked the first time humans traveled farther from Earth than ever before. The Artemis II mission represents a significant milestone in NASA’s Artemis program, aiming to return humans to the Moon and eventually establish a sustainable presence there. The crew’s safe return after venturing beyond low Earth orbit demonstrates the effectiveness of the Orion spacecraft’s design and recovery procedures. The mission’s success builds confidence for future Artemis missions, including Artemis III, which plans to land astronauts on the lunar surface. The recovery operation took place in the ocean, where specialized teams quickly secured the capsule and ensured the astronauts’ well-being. The mission’s achievements highlight advancements in space exploration technology and international collaboration, as Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen joined his American counterparts. This milestone also serves as a critical step toward NASA’s broader goals of deep space exploration, including eventual missions to Mars. The footage and mission success have been widely celebrated as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance in space exploration. As Artemis II paves the way for more ambitious endeavors, the world watches closely, anticipating the next chapters in humanity’s return to the Moon and beyond.