The Weekly Dive #42
Join Mission Blue tomorrow to talk Everything Sharks! China builds a new 2.8 GW pumped hydroelectric storage facility. We can now make soap from discarded plastics. Scientists want to "dim the sun" to prevent ice from melting. Amazon keeps positive on 2030 water stewardship plans. Matter gets $10M to filter out microplastics one washer at a time. A group of youth wins trial against Montana for the right to a clean environment. Scientists find nine kinds of microplastics in human hearts. Lead exposure in childhood may be linked to future crimes. This week, we are highlighting Melissa Meeker, one of HydroDAO's member.
Your weekly Bonus - Paris is cleaning the Seine to host the Olympics in it!
This week's quote:
In every drop of water, there is a story of life
Partner Update from Mission Blue
Everything Sharks! A Virtual Event with Eastern Tropical Pacific Shark Experts, Hosted by Mission Blue and MigraMar
Join Mission Blue on August 25th to hear from their panel of Hope Spot Champions with MigraMar who are shark researchers and conservationists on the latest in shark research in the region and current developments to protect them.
What's New with Water Innovations?
China builds new 2.8 GW pumped hydroelectric storage facility
China has begun construction on its Qinghai Warang pumped hydro electricity storage power station in northwestern China to store excess renewable power.
Soap made from discarded plastics? This is upcycling at its best
Scientists have developed a way to recycle plastic waste by transforming it into soap.
Geoengineering: ‘Dimming the sun’ could prevent ice sheet melting
Study finds that artificial influence dims the sun only via decarbonizing but entails high risks.
New study enhances hydrogen production efficiency from water
Hydrogen production has faced many challenges, but water-splitting seems to be promising. Is it what we've been looking for?
What's New in the Industry?
AMAZON KEEPS POSITIVE ON 2030 WATER STEWARDSHIP PLANS
While Amazon Web Services (AWS) has faced criticism in the past for its environmental practices, the e-commerce giant is now proactively seeking transformative solutions to address these concerns.
Matter filters out microplastics, one washer at a time and raises $10M
Matter is attempting to do so using a new type of reusable filter that catches microfibers.
Landmark US Trial Rules Young People Have a Right to a Clean Environment
A Montana court ruled in favor of a group of youths who accused the state of violating their rights.
GroGuru Closes $2.3M Financing Round
GroGuru is a San Diego, CA-based leader in strategic water management for commercial farmers.
What's New in the Science?
Tiny Drops of Water Trapped in Salt Hold 150 Million Years of Ocean History
Scientists have just probed into the last 150 million years of Earth's geological history by analyzing the chemistry of microscopic pockets of water preserved in crystals of sea salt.
Pivotal discovery in sensor technology to combat water contamination
Major step toward large-scale manufacturing of uniform and reliable smart sensors.
Scientists find nine kinds of microplastics in human hearts
The largest microplastic measured 469 μm in diameter.
Lead Exposure in Childhood Linked to Future Crimes, Study Finds
From awful convulsions in wildlife to miscarriages in humans, the dangers of lead are well known.
Melissa is the Chief Executive Officer of The Water Tower at Gwinnett and The Water Tower Institute, two nonprofits focused on enabling solutions in research, technology, training, and engagement around water. She has more than 30 years of experience in water resources management with an emphasis on water supply diversity and resiliency through alternative sources including reuse, stormwater and desalination.
Having worked in public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, Melissa’s broad range of expertise covers public policy, regulation, and management with a focus on innovative technologies, workforce development and public engagement.
Melissa views The Water Tower as the culmination of her diverse professional experiences, including running the largest water management district in Florida and multiple water-related research foundations. In 2022, Melissa was recognized with the One Water, Water Innovation Award, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Moxie Influence Award.
Thank you Melissa for your leadership and passion for water innovations and solutions, and for your support to our HydroDAO community.
What's in the Future?
REVIVING THE SEINE: PARIS' CLEAN-UP EFFORTS FOR THE 2024 OLYMPICS
Paris, the ‘City of Love’, with the Seine River flowing through it, is known for its romantic ambiance. However, the river's beauty hides a troubling reality of pollution tainting its waters. In a remarkable effort, the city is now working to clean up the Seine before hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics.
