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110 Million People in U.S. Under July 4 Heat Warnings and Advisories

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07 Jul, 2024

This post was originally published on Eco Watch

If you’re planning any outdoor activities this Fourth of July, be sure to hydrate regularly, wear sunscreen and watch for signs of heat stress, because it’s going to be a hot one.

A large portion of the United States — 110 million people across 21 states — will experience heat-related advisories and warnings in the West, southern Plains and Mid-Atlantic this Independence Day, reported Reuters.

“It’s really hot; I don’t know how else to put it,” said Jacob Asherman, a National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist, as Reuters reported. “We’re having excessively hot weather across a lot of the country.”

According to the NWS, the next several days are predicted to bring an extensive heat wave with temperatures well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.

“[W]ell above average temperatures over California and into southwest Oregon today before heat spreads further throughout the western U.S. this weekend,” the NWS forecast said. “Dozens of daily record high temperatures are possible, expressing the rarity of this early-July heatwave.”

The scorching temperatures are expected to continue into next week.

Portland, Oregon, was expected to edge toward 100 degrees Fahrenheit over the weekend — highly unusual for the Northwest city.

Jen Scott, a hardware store manager and native of Portland, said that, as a kid, “It was a big deal if it hit 90. But for the last few years, it’s been getting extra hot. But 100 is crazy.”

According to Scott, sales of fans and air conditioners have been booming.

“We’re not used to this,” she said.

The sizzling heat, low humidity and wind gusts in Northern California were exacerbating the state’s Thompson Fire, which had caused thousands to evacuate and grown to more than 3,000 acres since Tuesday, according to CalFire.

“Outdoor burning and especially fireworks are not recommended,” the San Francisco weather service warned before the holiday, as reported by CNN.

Construction workers build homes as temperatures reached 96°F in Fontana, California on July 1, 2024. Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times

Phoenix was predicted to reach 116 degrees Fahrenheit by Friday. Last year the capital of Arizona had a record-breaking 54 days in a row of temperatures of 110 degrees or higher, which included the entire month of July, Reuters reported.

“Heat impacts can compound over time, therefore it is important to remain weather aware and follow the advice of local officials… It is imperative to stay hydrated, out of direct sunlight, and in buildings with sufficient air-conditioning when possible. It is also equally as important to check on the safety of vulnerable friends, family, and neighbors,” NWS said on its website. “If planning to spend an extended amount of time outdoors this Fourth of July, be sure to use caution and act quickly if you see signs of heat-related illnesses.”

The post 110 Million People in U.S. Under July 4 Heat Warnings and Advisories appeared first on EcoWatch.

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Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks has become essential as businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability. IT operations contribute significantly to carbon emissions, energy consumption and electronic waste (e-waste). Organisations that embed environmental responsibility into their IT governance can reduce their ecological footprint, improve operational efficiency and strengthen their brand reputation.

Erica Smith, chief alliance officer and environmental, social and governance lead, Blue Connections IT, said, “Environmental stewardship supports financial performance, risk mitigation and brand differentiation. With rising energy costs, increased consumer demand for sustainable products and services, and growing pressure from investors and regulators, companies can no longer afford to overlook their environmental responsibilities.

“Poor sustainability practices in IT can lead to high operational costs, supply chain risks and reputational damage. Conversely, a proactive approach improves efficiency, attracts environmentally conscious customers and helps future-proof businesses against evolving policy and regulatory changes.

“Integrating environmental responsibility into IT governance integrates sustainability initiatives into decision-making systematically. Organisations can reduce waste, lower energy consumption and extend the lifecycle of technology assets while positioning themselves as responsible leaders in an increasingly climate-aware market.”

There are four key areas that present opportunities to embed environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks.

1. Device lifecycle management

A structured approach to managing the lifecycle of IT assets ensures devices are deployed efficiently, maintained properly and retired responsibly at the end of their useful life. Embracing a circular economy model, where equipment is refurbished, reused or ethically recycled, can significantly reduce e-waste and resource use. Companies that adopt this approach lower their environmental impact and unlock financial value by extending the lifecycle of IT assets.

Smith said, “Effective asset recovery strategies further support sustainability efforts. Integrating secure data erasure and refurbishment into IT governance policies lets businesses repurpose functional devices within the organisation or resell them to external buyers. Responsible e-waste recycling also supports companies to process materials ethically in instances where resale is not viable, reducing landfill contributions and preventing environmental contamination. The adoption of industry-certified data sanitisation methods also safeguards compliance with security and privacy regulations.”

2. Sustainable procurement

IT governance frameworks should prioritise the selection of technology vendors and partners committed to sustainable manufacturing, responsible sourcing and energy-efficient product design. This includes favouring IT hardware with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials and using minimal packaging. Additionally, employing Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) models optimises IT asset utilisation while reducing upfront investment and unnecessary hardware purchases.

Partnerships with sustainability-driven IT service providers can further enhance an organisation’s environmental impact. Working with partners that offer end-to-end IT asset management solutions, encompassing secure device deployment, certified data sanitisation and ethical recycling, simplifies the process of aligning IT operations with sustainability goals. Companies that prioritise environmental stewardship in their IT governance framework gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices.

3. Energy consumption

Data centres, cloud services and enterprise networks require substantial energy resources, making green IT practices essential. IT governance frameworks should include policies to reduce consumption by optimising server efficiency, reducing redundant infrastructure and using renewable energy sources. Cloud providers with strong sustainability credentials can support carbon reduction initiatives, while virtualisation strategies can consolidate workloads and improve overall energy efficiency.

4. Employee engagement

Educating staff on sustainable IT practices, such as energy-efficient device usage and responsible e-waste disposal, creates a culture of accountability. Organisations that implement green workplace initiatives, such as responsible end-of-life disposal programs, reinforce their commitment to sustainability at all levels.

“IT governance must also align with corporate environmental, social and governance commitments. Companies can contribute to broader sustainability objectives by embedding environmental stewardship into IT policies, such as net-zero emissions targets and responsible supply chain management. Clear reporting mechanisms and regular sustainability audits aid transparency, letting businesses track their progress and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders,” Smith said.

Government regulations and evolving industry standards are increasingly shaping the sustainability expectations for organisations. Aligning IT governance frameworks with best practices for environmental stewardship keeps companies ahead of regulatory requirements. Proactive adoption of sustainable IT practices positions businesses as industry leaders in environmental responsibility.

Smith said, “Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks is not just about meeting compliance obligations; it’s about futureproofing company operations and prioritising the broader environment. Taking a proactive approach to sustainability lets organisations drive efficiency, reduce long-term costs and contribute to a healthier planet. Businesses that lead in sustainable IT governance will be well-positioned for long-term success as environmental concerns continue to shape consumer and corporate priorities.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Petmal

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