evels of widespread extreme fire risk which used to occur once every 100 years will now occur every 5

MONTREAL /PRNewswire/ — Deep Sky, the Canadian carbon removal project developer, has published original research on wildfire risk in the United States. A new report shares findings from Deep Sky Research and its Wildfire Risk Model on how wildfire risk is changing due to climate change. The model unveiled four key findings:

1. Maximum Fire Risk Has Grown Approximately 15X Across North America
   1. The model shows that Extreme Fire Weather conditions previously seen once every 100 years will now happen on average every 7 years. 
2. Frequency of Extreme Fire Risk has Grown 20X
   1. The frequency of Extreme Fire Weather – exceeding the 95th percentile in that area – has grown even more sharply than severity. Levels of widespread extreme fire risk which used to occur once every 100 years will now occur every 5.  
3. Some Regions Face Even Faster Growing Risks
   1. Central Colorado and Northern New Mexico are seeing much more extreme fire weather today than in previous years, and Central California is facing staggering increases in extreme fire weather, for example.
4. The Increase is Accelerating
   1. One startling finding from the Wildfire Risk Model is that the increases in Extreme Fire Weather are not linear. These risks are not only growing but have begun accelerating.

One way to understand the increase in wildfire destruction is to look at the underlying conditions that lead to wildfires. Fire Weather Index (FWI) is a measure developed by the Canadian Forestry Service but used globally to assess fire risk. It combines temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation to give a holistic view of landscape flammability.

Climate change, which directly impacts each of these inputs, is causing more frequent and more destructive wildfires. Deep Sky Research analyzed trends in fire weather across North America and found sharp increases in the probability of extreme conditions.

“Deep Sky Research uses a novel approach for predicting the impact of climate change,” said Max Dugan-Knight, Deep Sky Climate Data Scientist. “A risk assessment approach, just like the insurance industry uses, can help us predict disasters ahead of time. In the case of wildfires, an increase in frequency and severity is being driven by changes in extreme fire weather.”

Deep Sky Research developed a map to show how fire weather is changing in each county of the continental US. It shows how Extreme Fire Weather is becoming more frequent and more severe. The darker red the county, the greater the increase in fire weather. The few blue counties are actually seeing decreases in risk.

This is what climate scientists refer to as a “vicious cycle.” Climate change is causing worse fire weather conditions, which cause larger, more destructive wildfires, which cause huge carbon emissions, which themselves contribute to more climate change. If the death and destruction caused by wildfires is not reason enough to act on climate change, avoiding vicious cycles and tipping points surely is.

To read the full report, visit Where Will the Next Extreme Wildfire Be? on deepskyclimate.com/research.

About Deep Sky:
Montreal-based Deep Sky is the world’s first IP agnostic carbon removal project developer aiming to remove gigatons of carbon from the atmosphere and permanently store it underground. As a project developer, Deep Sky brings together the most promising direct air and ocean carbon capture companies under one roof to bring the largest supply of high quality carbon credits to the market and commercialize carbon removal and storage solutions like never before. With $75M in funding, Deep Sky is backed by world class investors including Investissement Québec, Brightspark Ventures, Whitecap Venture Partners, OMERS Ventures, BDC Climate Fund, and more. For more information, visit deepskyclimate.com.

SOURCE Deep Sky

Boom Supersonic, the pioneering company in supersonic aviation, recently marked a significant milestone with the completion of the Overture Superfactory. Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Overture Superfactory is the first supersonic airliner factory in the United States. With the capacity to produce 33 Overture aircraft per year, this state-of-the-art facility will not only strengthen American leadership in aerospace manufacturing but also revolutionize global air travel. Let’s take a closer look at the impact of this remarkable achievement.

A Paradigm Shift in Air Travel:

The Overture aircraft, developed by Boom Supersonic, is set to transform the aviation industry. Capable of flying twice as fast as current commercial planes, the Overture airliner will usher in a new era of speed, efficiency, and sustainability. Boom’s commitment to using up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) ensures a greener future for air travel. This technological breakthrough attracts key industry players, such as United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines, who have already placed orders for these innovative supersonic aircraft.

Boosting the Economy and Job Creation:

North Carolina, renowned for its aviation legacy, is thrilled to host Boom Supersonic’s groundbreaking manufacturing program. The full implementation of the Boom program is projected to contribute a staggering $32.3 billion to the state’s economy in the next 20 years. Moreover, the Overture Superfactory alone will generate over 2,400 jobs, establishing the region as an economic powerhouse and bolstering North Carolina’s position as the top state for business.

Sustainable and Cutting-Edge Facility:

The Overture Superfactory sets a new standard for environmentally conscious manufacturing facilities. Built by BE&K Building Group and designed by BRPH, this facility aims to achieve LEED certification, highlighting its commitment to sustainability. Anticipated to be at least 40% more energy-efficient than comparable manufacturing facilities, the Overture Superfactory demonstrates how economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Operationalizing Production and Continuous Progress:

With construction complete, Boom Supersonic’s focus now shifts to operationalizing the production floor at the Overture Superfactory. Working in collaboration with tooling supplier Advanced Integration Technology (AIT), Boom will commence the installation of cutting-edge tooling, starting with a test cell unit. This advanced test cell will play a crucial role in refining manufacturing processes, optimizing assembly line flow, and preparing staff for Overture production.

Collaborative Partnerships and Major Milestones:

Boom Supersonic’s journey towards reshaping aviation is marked by crucial milestones. Most recently, the successful inaugural flight of XB-1, the supersonic demonstrator aircraft for Overture, exemplified the company’s commitment to safe and efficient supersonic air travel. As the flight test program progresses, the XB-1 will validate the aircraft’s performance and handling under supersonic speeds. Collaborations with industry leaders like Northrop Grumman, Aernnova, Collins Aerospace, and others reinforce the comprehensive approach that Boom is undertaking.

Boom Supersonic’s completion of the Overture Superfactory is a momentous achievement that sets the stage for a new chapter in aviation. With its innovative design, sustainable practices, and partnerships with renowned industry players, Boom Supersonic is revolutionizing air travel as we know it. The Overture aircraft produced at the Superfactory will not only deliver vital innovation to aviation but also provide millions of passengers around the world with the opportunity to experience supersonic flight. Get ready to soar to new heights with Boom Supersonic. The future of air travel is here.

About Boom Supersonic

Boom Supersonic’s mission is to make the world dramatically more accessible through flights that are faster, more affordable, more convenient, and more sustainable. 

Boom is developing Overture, the world’s fastest airliner – optimized for speed, safety, and sustainability. Overture will fly at twice the speed of today’s airliners and is optimized to run on up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Overture’s order book stands at 130 aircraft, including orders and pre-orders from American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines. Boom is working with Northrop Grumman for government and defense applications of Overture. Suppliers and partners collaborating with Boom on the Overture program include Aernnova, Aciturri, Collins Aerospace, Eaton, Honeywell, Latecoere, Leonardo, Safran Landing Systems, and the United States Air Force.

Symphony™ is the propulsion system that will power Overture, a Boom-developed engine with world-class suppliers including Florida Turbine Technologies (FTT), a business unit of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., Colibrium Additive – a GE Aerospace Company, and StandardAero. 

XB-1 is Boom’s technology demonstrator aircraft and the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet. The aircraft first took flight in Mojave, CA in March 2024. For more information, visit https://boomsupersonic.com.  

Connect with Boom Supersonic on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

Source: Boom Aerospace

In a significant move underscoring the increasing intertwining of technology and national security, the US Commerce Department has announced a ban on the sale of Kaspersky’s antivirus tools to new customers in the United States. This action, leveraging a Trump-era authority, comes amidst heightened concerns over national security threats.

Effective July 20, Kaspersky, the prominent Russian cybersecurity firm, will be prohibited from selling its products to new US customers. Existing users will only receive software updates until September 29, after which Kaspersky’s operations in the US will effectively cease. This decision marks the first exercise of the powers granted to the Commerce Department in 2019, reflecting ongoing fears within the US intelligence community regarding the potential misuse of Kaspersky’s all-encompassing antivirus software by the Russian government.

A Technological Battlefield

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the evolving nature of national security threats, highlighting how technology and data have become central components of contemporary defense strategies. “When you think about national security, you may think about guns and tanks and missiles,” Raimondo remarked. “But the truth is, increasingly, it’s about technology, and it’s about dual-use technology, and it’s about data.”

The decision to ban Kaspersky followed an exhaustive investigation into the company’s operations. Raimondo stated that the US had explored “every option” to mitigate the risks posed by Kaspersky but ultimately concluded that a complete ban was necessary. This conclusion was driven by the ongoing cyber capabilities of the Russian government and its potential influence over Kaspersky.

Don’t forget to check out the story from the Associated Press! https://apnews.com/article/kaspersky-russia-cyber-security-ban-28f087b4395129e2f09bdb68eb13e2b1

Geopolitical Ramifications

The ban on Kaspersky software is set against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the US and Russia. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, coupled with other provocative actions by Russia, such as testing a nuclear-powered anti-satellite weapon and forging a strategic alliance with North Korea, has further strained relations. The prohibition of Kaspersky’s products underscores the US’s commitment to countering perceived threats from Russia.

Impact on American Businesses

While the ban aims to safeguard national security, it also poses immediate challenges for American businesses currently relying on Kaspersky’s software. These companies will lose access to critical antivirus updates within three months, potentially exposing them to heightened cybersecurity risks. The necessity for a swift transition to alternative cybersecurity solutions is now imperative for affected organizations.

Looking Ahead

The Kaspersky ban signals a broader trend of scrutinizing and restricting foreign technology firms that may pose national security risks. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, governments worldwide are likely to implement similar measures to protect their national interests. For American companies and consumers, this development serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and adaptability in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

In conclusion, the US’s decisive action against Kaspersky reflects a broader recognition of the vital role technology plays in national security. As geopolitical tensions persist, the intersection of cybersecurity and international relations will undoubtedly remain a critical area of focus for policymakers and businesses alike.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/tech