Once cleaned of heavy metals, microplastics, and sand, sargassum is finding many potential uses in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, particularly as biogas, but also biofertilizer, cellulose packaging, and even artificial vegan leather. But regulatory hurdles are delaying range of responses.
Reporting
Disaster & Disability: Federal Lawsuit Spotlights Lesser Seen Climate Challenges
As many as one in four U.S. residents live with a disability, increasing their risk of injury or death from climate-driven disasters. Yet disaster planning efforts have largely failed to account for the needs of those with greater physical or cognitive challenges.
Garbage In, Garbage Out: Tracking Texas Lege (Anti-) Environmental Actions
Deceleration breaks down the (mostly) very bad, no good bills grinding through the Texas Legislature, noting some stuff we’re happy to see expire, and things that could actually be good if Governor Abbott signed them.
Climate Change’s Mental Health Toll Demands Deepening Community Connections
Unprecedented heatwaves and increasingly violent storms kill outright. But researchers are also discovering the many ways the global climate crisis is affecting our mental health—and finding ways to respond creatively.
Texas Lege May Fine Texans for Making Environmental Complaints That Don’t Lead to Enforcement
Opponents say the bill would have a “chilling effect” on citizen reports of air and water pollution.
Abbott’s Border Wall Meets the Endangered Milkweed
While courts have concluded the federal government can waive virtually any laws it wants to build walls on the US-Mexico border, the same can’t be said for Texas Governor Greg Abbot’s promised state efforts.
VIDEO: ‘Decolonize the Future’ with Arturo Escobar
A community conversation with Colombian decolonial scholar/activist Arturo Escobar, produced by Deceleration in partnership with UTSA.
3 Billion Birds Lost: How to Halt the Staggering Decline?
In 2019 a staggering study revealed North America had lost nearly 3 billion birds since 1970 — almost 30% of the total population, with declines in both common and rare species. The figures floored even the researchers.