I am going to follow two themes today. First, a series of headlines with links to the articles providing specifics about some consequences of global warming that we may not have been considering, or realized previously. Then, some others that reiterate topics that I have been following with you for some time. Secondly, I am going to cover the continuing transition to electric vehicles.

Let me address the EV situation before getting to all the articles. Yes, the growth of the EV market has slowed. I have said all along that EV adaptation is not going to be linear. The growth rate is going to vary. As I see it, we are currently in a period of slower growth which will accelerate again as certain variables develop. What are these variables? First, price. One thing that has become clear: lower prices will drive (yes, pun intended) volume. Big surprise, huh?!!? As some electric models have accumulated on dealers’ lots, the manufacturers have offered incentives to lower transaction prices and it has worked! Thus, as prices continue to fall volume will accelerate (yes, pun intended again!). Second, looking closer at the data another reality emerges. That is that the lower growth rate is entirely due to Tesla. Tesla sales have dropped pretty significantly. Bear in mind that all of their models are now quite old and dated. Almost every other brand is seeing dramatic increases in sales volume.

Additionally, as the articles will show, not only is the price barrier crumbling, so is the range anxiety issue as well as charging times. Technology is on a relentless path driven by competition and profit opportunities. And charging options are gradually improving as well.

So mark my words, the pace of growth will increase especially with the non Tesla brands and eventually, overall.

Now on to the other headlines.

The New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/02/climate/climate-change-bridges.html?mc_cid=3e65b487c6

Climate Change Can Cause Bridges to ‘Fall Apart Like Tinkertoys,’ Experts Say

Extreme heat and flooding are accelerating the deterioration of bridges, engineers say, posing a quiet but growing threat.

September 2, 2024

A silver bridge spans the Harlem River, with train tracks in the foreground and many brown and beige buildings on the other side of the river.

E&E News from Associated Press

https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2024/08/20/heat-at-colorado-airshow-sickens-100-sends-10-to-hospital-00174646

Heat at Colorado Airshow Sickens 100, Sends 10 to Hospital

Colorado Springs Fire Chief Randy Royal said the “quick actions” of organizers and emergency officials prevented serious injuries at the event.

August 20, 2024

E&E News

https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2024/08/21/viruses-like-heat-how-climate-change-is-boosting-west-nile-00175009

‘Viruses Like Heat’: How Climate Change is Boosting West Nile

Houston’s warm, wet spring was a boon for mosquitoes and West Nile virus.

08/21/2024

E&E News

https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2024/08/20/cruel-and-unusual-lawsuit-takes-on-extreme-heat-in-texas-prisons-00174374

Lawsuit Takes on Extreme Heat in Texas Prisons

Air conditioning is uncommon for inmates, and the heat index inside many of Texas’ 100 prison buildings can exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

08/20/2024

E&E News

https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2024/08/21/auto-insurance-gets-pricey-as-climate-disasters-increase-00174694

Auto Insurance Gets Pricey as Climate Disasters Increase

Damage from hailstorms accounted for nearly 12 percent of comprehensive auto claims in 2023.

08/21/2024

E&E News

https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2024/09/05/28-states-require-home-sellers-to-disclose-flood-info-00177155

28 States Require Home Sellers to Disclose Flood Info

It’s the highest number of states in a growing trend. But some have inadequate laws, according to a new analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council.

09/05/2024