Service lines containing lead are found in every state and total roughly 6.1 million nationwide, according to a 2016 American Water Works Association study, and replacing them has been slow, partly due to a poor understanding of the scope of the problem. This article examines efforts to reduce lead in drinking water, as well as how lead line replacements could grow under the Biden administration.

Carbon emissions from the energy sector are expected to climb 3.5% in 2021 and 2.5% in 2022, as electricity demand rebounds from the pandemic, reports the International Energy Agency. "Renewable power is growing impressively in many parts of the world, but it still isn't where it needs to be to put us on a path to reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century," said executive Keisuke Sadamori.

Monsoon rains represent a crucial element of the water cycle in many equatorial areas by replenishing groundwater aquifers, benefiting crops and keeping temperatures in check. However, recent research indicates that monsoon seasons' timing is being delayed because of a rise in greenhouse gases and a decline in human-generated aerosols.

The Environmental Protection Agency will gather input from diverse stakeholders as it seeks to develop a lasting definition for federally protected waterways in the US, says water official Radhika Fox. The definition affects every stakeholder and "[i]f we don't reflect on that, and really understand the on-the-ground implementation challenges, I don't think we can get to a durable definition," says Fox.

Senate Democrats are proposing a $3.5 trillion budget resolution for fiscal 2022 that includes a clean electricity standard and other provisions to meet President Joe Biden's 80% renewables by 2030 goal. The budget, which may be funded through higher taxes and stronger enforcement, also includes clean energy and electric vehicle tax credits.

Athens, Copenhagen, Los Angeles, Paris, Tokyo and 26 other cities have committed to expand green infrastructure by 2030 under the C40 Cities Urban Nature Declaration. Signatories can pledge to build green or blue infrastructure across 30% to 40% of developed surface area and/or ensure 70% of a city's population can walk or bike to spaces with blue or green infrastructure.

In an evolving crisis, companies that made decisions quickly and communicated directly set themselves up for success.

Aon's Technology & Communications Industry Practice hosts a monthly roundtable each month to discuss topics that are of primary interest to technology and communication companies. In this session, Scott Takaoka, vice president of the Cyber Solutions Group, and Keeley Sidow, vice president and West Region leader, Cyber Solutions, discuss mitigating ransomware attack vulnerabilities and insurance implications.