September 2026 Update

09/06/26 UPDATE: Infant Cognition Improves with Cleaner Air

Re: Chapter 6.6 POLLUTION MITIGATION: SUCCESS STORIES

Manhattan skyline in 2023. Photo by Jakub Hałun via Wiki.

EARTH WISE noted (p. 103) that asthma among Los Angeles children diminished as anti-smog measures were put into effect. Now a study of infants in New York City¹ over a 20-year period shows there was improvement in cognitive test scores as the city implemented policies limiting air pollution from vehicles and buildings. The test scores tracked the measured decline in PM2.5 particles, ozone, and nitrogen oxides.

References

1. Perera, F.; Miao, Y.; Wang, S.; Algermissen, M.; Herbstman, J. “Less Air Pollution Previously Related to Clean Air and Climate Policies Is Linked to Improved Cognitive Scores Over Time in NYC Children.” Environmental Health 2026, 25, 72. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-026-01328-1.

June 2026 Update

6/14/26 UPDATE: Iran War Spurs Cleantech

Re: Chapter 3.5.D A RACE AGAINST TIME

Solar electric system installation on the Minneapolis Convention Center. Photo by U.S. DOE, via Flickr.

The Iran war has created economic hardship around the world as supplies of oil, gas, and synthetic fertilizer (made from gas) run short and prices skyrocket. But it also accelerated the transition to renewable energy sources. Countries are increasing their commitment to solar and wind power, battery storage, and electric vehicles in order to diminish dependence on oil and gas. Half the gas shipments that had been passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which was blocked by the war, was headed for Asia, which experienced the worst price shocks.

South Korean president Lee Jae Myung declared the conflict a "great opportunity to rapidly and comprehensively transition to renewables."[1] 

Vietnam, Southeast Asia’s largest electric vehicle market, has targeted 47% renewable electricity generation by 2030.[2] Thailand has advanced its net zero target by 15 full years, to 2050. And in Europe rooftop solar demand has more than doubled since the Iran War began in February.[2]

References

1. Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis. “Impact of Middle East Crisis on Global Energy Markets.” May 2026. https://ieefa.org/impact-middle-east-crisis-global-energy-markets.

2. Kennedy, Danny. “Elite Cognitive Dissonance and the Asian Energy Disruption.” ProElectrica, May 28, 2026. https://proelectrica.substack.com/p/elite-cognitive-dissonance-and-the.

May 2026 Update, Part 2

5/28/26 UPDATE: POPs

Re: Chapter 8.5. WHAT ARE POPs?

Some more good news:

Levels of some of the most dangerous PFAS “forever chemicals” (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have dramatically fallen in Canadian seabird eggs, showing that regulation has been effective.

Gannet cradling egg with foot. Source: Wiki

Starting from 2006, the US Environmental Protection Agency had worked with major chemical manufacturers to phase out the most common and toxic compounds PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) by 2015.[1]

Researchers have analyzed eggs collected from a large gannet colony on Canada’s remote Bonaventure Island, located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence,[2] and found that PFAS levels rose to toxic level for the birds as the widely used chemicals drifted through the atmosphere and entered the birds’ food chain. But the levels dropped by 40–74% by 2024. Manufacturers shifted to smaller PFAS molecules, which do not accumulate as much in wildlife, although they may still be toxic.

References

1. EPA, United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Risk Management for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Under TSCA.” March 26, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/risk-management-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas.

2. Fournier, Anaïs, Anaïs Kerric, and Raphaël A. Lavoie. “Half a Century of Per‐ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Northern Gannet Eggs: Impact of Regulations.” Journal of Applied Toxicology, March 27, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1002/jat.70175.