VRN: Amphibian road kill, Energy transition, Tracking town ARPA funds, Postpartum depression, Plastics' emissions outstrip coal

Energy transition has unequal benefits

A new study suggests that gaps in Vermont’s renewable energy policies are leaving behind vulnerable people. Using nearly 600 surveys and interviews, the study shows that low-income, non-white and renting Vermonters are less likely to have access to renewable energy systems and the other related benefits. The study suggests that Vermonters in these categories don’t see the same benefits from energy transitions as wealthier and whiter residents.

Postpartum depression

A new study suggests that during the pandemic, Vermont women with private insurance have experienced greater postpartum depression than those on Medicaid. The study, which looked at 300 postpartum patients, showed that women on Medicaid scored lower on a postpartum depression screen. Women on private insurance reported “more depression symptoms six weeks postpartum during the pandemic.” Researchers believe further study is needed to see whether the trend is related to specific economic factors or employment status.

Plastics' emissions outstrip coal

A new report by the Bennington College based Beyond Plastics finds that plastic production will produce more carbon than coal by 2030. Fossil fuel companies are turning to plastic production as a new source of revenue the report finds, with current emissions from plastics production equivalent to 116 coal-fired power plants.

The Forest Ecosystem Monitoring Cooperative, based in Burlington, has launched a new online tool focused on forests across the northeastern U.S. The tool allows users to filter the programs based on a set of climate-change indicators across categories like aquatic systems, forest systems, trees and wildlife. The tool includes details about 350 programs in Vermont, New York and greater New England. Part of the goal is to give landowners, land managers and researchers standard protocols that they can use in their own monitoring programs.

Vermont's future?!

After an extensive public process, the Vermont Center for Rural Development -- with many collaborators -- has published a list of ten topics and ideas on the big issues facing the future of Vermont, called the Vermont Proposition. Find the list here. And watch the Vermont Futures Project's interviews with some of of the state's economic thought leaders here.

New book: On Being a Vermonter

A new book by Panton author David Holmes probes what it means to be a Vermonter through chronicling the history of his family’s multigenerational farm on the state’s frontier. The book, “On Being a Vermonter and the Rise of Fall of the Holmes Farm 1822-1923,” is a case study of a Vermont farm from the early 1800s to the early 1900s. The book draws on first-hand documents, photos and more to piece together a family history. The books are available at your local book store, on the web, or from the Center for Research on Vermont – email Emily Anderson. Have a book you want to publish?

Vermont Events

Haunted Halloween Hayrides - October 22
The Mountaintop at Weston Playhouse - through October 23
Halloween Howl at North Beach - October 23
Rock Solid at Studio Place Arts - through October 30
14th Star Monster Mash - October 30
Rutland Halloween Parade - October 30
Burlington Halloween Bike Ride - October 31