fabulous day

This morning we had fog and lovely light and this picture of my baby grape hyacinth comes closest to reflecting that. 

I fed more co-workers. We definitely should experiment on co-workers because we want the food to be completely safe for Kate. Four of us got together at a park and I had just enough time to make those delicious hummus quesadillas. They LOVED them. Each of them is a cool, very likable person.

The work day ended fabulously. I had a conversation with someone from the Department of Energy who wanted to know if there was anything I knew from international development that could be transferred to helping to bring electricity to rural American communities. How incredibly cool is that? If I had known it was going to be that interesting I would have met her sooner. She remembers me from some conversation we had by the metro before the pandemic. 

The US plans to sanction ~400 more Russian individuals and entities, including >300 lawmakers from the lower house of the Russian parliament. I listened to a podcast that said historically sanctions have not mattered because people continue to buy what they want under different identities but that these sanctions were different because we are going after people's property, ex. the seizing of their bank accounts and superyachts. 

Germany has committed 200 billion euros to accelerate its 100% renewable energy goal by more than a decade. Germany's investments in renewable energy are a huge part of why the cost of solar and wind fell so rapidly, Germany can absolutely accelerate the cost-effectiveness of green hydrogen.  

Speaking of, "After the past year's surge in the gas prices, hydrogen made from renewable energy has become cheaper than versions made with fossil fuel. As part of its climate agenda, the EU already planned to invest heavily in green hydrogen. Now it could go even further."  (Bloomberg)

Lowering thermostats by 1 degree C would cut demand for Russian gas by 7%. (International Energy Administration)

High gas and power prices have caused demand for solar panels to shoot up. 

Supposedly Russia's primary tank manufacturer, Uralvagonzavod, has stopped production because they've run out of parts. BTW, the UK froze the company's assets on Feb 24. 

"Rebel forces in Belarus, a key Russian ally, have partially severed a railway connection between the country and Ukraine, the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in its daily operational report on Wednesday, signaling opposition against Russia’s invasion among Belarusian citizens and some members of its military." (Forbes) 


Marie Yovanovitch, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, drinks her morning coffee out of a mug that says, "f you Putin." She bought the mugs in bulk. 


In Naples more than 200 teachers and students greeted Ukrainian children who joined the school. They cheered and clapped and waved Ukrainian flags. (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10639705/Beautiful-moment-little-Ukrainian-boy-hugged-new-classmates.html?ito=social-facebook&fbclid=IwAR2I1iCqbRqKKHdKfjEAA2BZpmpF2smHmzM9gTRwFXflC0GBzkxVxNDpg3I)