Alto Mayo's Marvels! (OLAM BASHAVUA 1.29) - JANUARY 1, 2025
ALTO MAYO'S SECRET SPECIES
A 38-day expedition in Peru's Alto Mayo region uncovered 27 new species, including a blob-headed fish, an amphibious mouse, and a tree-climbing salamander, while documenting over 2,000 species of wildlife and plants. Despite human pressures, the region’s biodiversity thrived, with four new mammals, seven new fish, and a host of other unique species! The findings emphasize the area's rich and often unexplored ecosystems, some of which are in urgent need of protection. (The Guardian)
Biodiversity in the Torah: In this article, the author explores the value of the continuity of species (from plants, to animals, to insects) in Jewish texts and traditions, including and beyond halachic imperatives.
GrowTorah Value: 🦋 Compassion for Creatures 🦋
UK UNIVERSITIES SEE RISE IN FOSSIL FUEL RECRUITMENT BANS
A new survey reveals a 30% surge in universities barring fossil fuel companies from graduate fairs, a milestone in the push to divest from big oil after years of staff and student advocacy. (The Guardian)
Impact Accountability in the Torah: In this article, the author discusses the biblical and talmudic obligation to “be a good neighbor” and the emphasis on avoiding causing any harm or damage to others. (Torah Article)
GrowTorah Value: ⚖️ Tzedaka ⚖️
WIND AND SOLAR SURGE AHEAD OF COAL IN 2024 U.S. POWER GRID
In a historic shift, wind and solar energy outpaced coal in U.S. electricity generation from January to November 2024, contributing a record 17% compared to coal's 15%, marking a continued decline in coal's dominance as renewables rise across the country and globally. (Canary Media)
Energy in the Torah: In this article, the author discusses what we can learn from the Jewish tradition about how to use energy responsibly (Torah Article)
GrowTorah Value: 🌎 Stewarding the Earth 🌎
SEAWEED TO THE RESCUE: CUTTING CATTLE METHANE BY 40%
A UC Davis study shows that adding seaweed to grazing cattle diets can reduce methane emissions by nearly 40%, without affecting their health or weight. The seaweed contains a compound that blocks enzymes responsible for methane production, providing a promising solution to reduce livestock-related greenhouse gases. (EcoWatch)
Awe in the Torah: In this Jewish text, the author elaborates on a statement of awe and wonderment from Tehillim at the brilliance of Hashem’s creations.
GrowTorah Value: ✡️ Incubating Emunah ✡️
