California is expected to see a "deadly heat wave" from Friday to Monday over Labor Day weekend that could fuel wildfires throughout the state, per the National Weather Service.
Why it matters: The heat wave comes after a gust of cooler temperatures gave California a lifeline last week, quelling blazes that had scorched the state. Thousands of residents have faced evacuation orders and Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared a state of emergency last month.
The world's transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles will require unprecedented amounts of copper from potentially new mining operations that may harm vulnerable species and ecosystems.
Why it matters: The global need for copper could increase by an estimated 350% by 2050, with current reserves depleting sometime between 2035 and 2045, as wind and solar energy generate an increasing percentage of electricity and more people adopt electric vehicles.
The promise of a new generation of low-cost, long-lasting batteries is catalyzing a long-awaited shift to electric vehicles.
Why it matters: Two big obstacles stand in the way of widespread EV adoption: cost and driving range. But steady advancements in battery technology are already helping to mitigate both issues, and could make electric cars more affordable and desirable to consumers within just a few years.
