Welcome to this week's episode of Environmentally Speaking. In today's episode, hosts Marisa Desautel and Clarice dive into the topic of reclaiming abandoned, unloved, and unpopular golf courses. They discuss the dwindling number of golf course openings since 2006 and explore the efforts made by organizations to reclaim these spaces and restore biodiversity. They also touch on the controversial notion of reclaiming golf courses as a solution to combat climate change. Tune in as they delve into the environmental implications of golf course development and share examples of successful reclamation projects. Plus, they discuss the movement to make home lawns more diverse and the benefits of leaving leaves on the ground. Get ready for an episode packed with thought-provoking insights on how we can rethink and repurpose our outdoor spaces for a more sustainable future.

Welcome to this week's episode of Environmentally Speaking, where we delve into the pressing issues surrounding renewable energy and its challenges. In this episode, our hosts Marisa and Clarice continue their discussion on the unforeseen consequences faced by wind farm projects, both offshore and onshore. They examine a recent article highlighting the struggles of Simon's Energy, a foreign company operating an onshore wind farm in Germany, and the parallels it shares with previous cases. With mounting losses and the need for government assistance, the hosts explore the implications of supply chain disruptions, financial considerations, and the concerns for the environment. Join us as we delve into the complexities of renewable energy projects and their impact on the global stage.

On this week's episode of Environmentally Speaking, Marisa and Clarice tackle the controversial topic of offshore wind. They dive into recent news articles highlighting the financial troubles faced by offshore wind companies, including declining stock values and expiring government subsidies. As they explore the implications of these obstacles, they discuss the potential impact on ratepayers and the challenges faced by these companies in securing rate increases. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of offshore wind financing and the implications for the industry's future.

Welcome to the 100th episode of Environmentally Speaking! Today our hosts Marisa and Clarice dive deep into the fascinating topic of AI and its environmental effects. As an environmental attorney, Marisa shares her insights on how AI has been discussed in her field and its potential applications. Meanwhile, Clarice, always one to accessorize appropriately, brings a tiny, shiny party hat to the celebration. Together, they explore the concept of AI, its ability to generate predictive words, and the impact it has on the environment. Tune in as they discuss the positive and negative effects of AI and its energy consumption. Join Marisa and Clarice as they navigate this complex and timely topic on this milestone episode of Environmentally Speaking. Let's get started!

Reference Articles:

https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/10/23911059/ai-climate-impact-google-openai-chatgpt-energy

https://environment.upenn.edu/events-insights/news/hidden-costs-ai-impending-energy-and-resource-strain

Questions for the listener: Do you use AI and does this info effect how you plan to search in the future?

Welcome to another episode of Environmentally Speaking. In today's installment, we delve into the world of environmental assessments and due diligence in commercial real estate transactions. Our guest, Mark, has over 15 years of expertise in this field and will shed light on the often overlooked aspects of compliance with lending institutions' requirements. We'll explore the different levels of due diligence, including the standard ASTM phase one assessment and the Transaction ASCM transaction screen. From asbestos and lead paint concerns to subsurface data and even super fund sites, we'll cover it all. So grab your headphones and get ready to expand your knowledge on the crucial decision-making processes surrounding environmental risks in commercial real estate. Let's dive in!

Welcome to this week's episode of Environmentally Speaking! In today's episode, our hosts Marisa and Clarice dive into a fascinating topic - beavers! Prepare to be amazed as our hosts uncover how beavers are being recruited to fight drought and wildfires. These furry engineers are proving to be essential in restoring ecosystems and replenishing water sources. Join us as we explore the innovative ways that researchers and wildlife organizations are harnessing the power of these industrious animals. From analog dams to habitat relocation projects, we'll uncover the remarkable impact that beavers are having on combating climate change. So grab your headphones and get ready to learn about these furry friends on another exciting episode of Environmentally Speaking!

Welcome to this week's episode of Environmentally Speaking! In today's episode, Marisa and Clarice dive into the topic of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the recent reforms that have taken place. They discuss the intention behind these reforms, the changes that have been made to streamline the NEPA process, and the potential implications of these modifications. Join Marisa and Clarice as they unravel the complexities of NEPA and shed light on the impact of these reforms on environmental regulations.

On this week’s episode of Environmentally Speaking our hosts Marisa and Clarice dive into the topic of tree planting and the opportunity for homeowners in Rhode Island to receive free trees. They discuss the benefits of smartly planted trees, including managing storm runoff and improving air quality. However, the conversation takes an interesting turn as Marisa shares her passionate opinion about cutting down trees and the importance of preserving their habitat. The controversy deepens when they discover that the free trees being offered are actually non-native species, leading to a discussion on the balance between biodiversity and ease of planting. Tune in as they explore the details of this program and the challenge of finding more information about how to obtain these free trees. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode of Environmentally Speaking.

Coming up on this week's episode of Environmentally Speaking, Marisa and Clarice dive into the world of climate change and its impact on the growing seasons. They discuss how the erratic weather patterns are affecting farmers in Rhode Island and the challenges they face in adapting to these changes. From extended growing seasons to disrupted planting schedules, the hosts explore the various ways in which climate change is turning the agricultural world upside down. So grab a cup of coffee and join Marisa and Clarice as they take you on a journey through the highs and lows of the evolving landscape of farming in the face of climate change. You won't want to miss this eye-opening episode of Environmentally Speaking!

In today's episode, we dive into a very local topic: the ongoing construction of a solar project in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Join hosts Marisa and Clarice as they discuss their thoughts, concerns, and questions surrounding this solar farm. From the size of the project to the impact on the surrounding environment, they explore various aspects of this development. Tune in as they examine the zoning issues, changes in net metering laws, and the potential alternatives that could have been considered. Get ready for an insightful discussion on the challenges and benefits of solar energy projects in local communities.