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esglatestmarketnews · 1 year

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Solar Energy Generation Industry: Leaders Create a Sustainable Future—an ESG Perspective

The Growth of the solar energy generation industry will depend on the proactive and relentless efforts of forward-looking companies to navigate the risks posed by climate change. Current and predicted issues expected to arise due to climate change have brought a paradigm shift in the ways businesses assess risk, and plan and deploy resources. Sustainability, security compliance, safety, business growth, and innovation have become instrumental to progress toward implementing best practices in environmental, social, and governance portfolios. The trend for green, sustainable, and safe pathways is likely to pay off and help make better economic sense in the long run. Prominently, solar energy generation has garnered popularity as one of the cheapest forms of electricity and will be a solid proposition to tap potential in energy generation.

In common parlance, solar energy plays an invaluable role in boosting sustainable development energy solutions. Solar energy generation applications are likely to play a vital role in fostering an environmentally friendly energy agenda. In essence, solar panels have gained ground to generate clean power and contain the cost of electricity. To illustrate, in June 2022, the U.S. Solar Buyer Consortium announced an infusion of USD 6 billion to bolster the domestic solar panel ecosystem with the supply of around 7 GW of solar modules per year from 2024. It is worth mentioning that the Solar Energy Industries Association asserts that the U.S. installed 23.6 gigawatts of solar capacity in 2021. The federal investment tax credit, along with renewable energy credits, advanced technologies, reduced installation costs, and financing arrangements, offers promising opportunities for stakeholders to emphasize solar power as an indispensable part of the ESG goals across the U.S.

Exelon Corporation Harnesses the Potential of ESG

With environmental issues spurring governance and social practices, investors are curious to know how businesses minimize their carbon footprint. Stakeholders are responding to these trends through ESG strategies. Several companies have come to the fore to inject funds into renewable energy to propel ESG sustainability goals. For instance, the Exelon Corporation reportedly avoided 78 million metric tons of GHG emissions with its zero-carbon nuclear generation. The company witnessed 161 million MWh zero-carbon generation, around two-fold more compared to the next largest producer. In July 2022, Exelon released the 2021 Corporate Sustainability Report and noted that it poured USD 6.6 billion in energy infrastructure in 2021 and is contemplating raking in USD 29 billion from 2022 through 2025. On the environmental front, the company claims to be working to minimize impacts on biodiversity and watersheds. It has also spurred sustainability through corporate governance—assessing accountability and risk.

Understand how key industry participants like Exelon Corp., E.On S.E., and Duke Energy Corp. are understanding and mitigating ESG risks and ensuring compliance

E.ON SE at Pole Position in ESG Disclosure; Emphasizes Green Electricity

Sustainability strategies and disclosures have come on the horizon amidst ESG being tasked with the goal of decarbonizing the global economy. When it comes to ESG disclosure, E.ON SE is at the helm, followed by Exelon Corporation and Equinor ASA. It is gearing to be climate-neutral by 2040 and its corporate governance is increasingly linked to its ESG management aspects. CDP, an international association of investors that independently assesses the transparency and detail of companies’ climate reporting, lauded E.ON as a Supplier Engagement Leader in 2021. In a bid to bolster the green-power community across Europe, E.ON Home, an energy management app, was introduced in the U.K. Similarly, it claims over 10 million customers received certified green electricity products in 2021.

Incumbent players have reinforced their efforts to underpin the decarbonisation of Europe. The company contemplates investing €1 billion (around USD 1 billion) annually through 2026 to significantly boost the infusion of funds into energy networks. It is geared to foster sustainable homes, work, and lifestyles with innovative solutions, including self-generated green electricity. It aims to install approximately 5,000 new charging points through 2026. The Germany-based company plans to pour €27 billion into energy transition through 2026. Furthermore, the company has also upped investments to provide green energy to take carbon neutrality and sustainability to the next level. For instance, in April 2022, E.ON inked a deal with Solar Market to create Green Cloud to offer green energy to corporate customers across Hungary.

The competitive landscape alludes to an increased focus on ESG framework and sustainable policies from forward-looking companies, such as E.ON SE, Adani Green Energy Limited, Equinor ASA, Nextera Energy, Inc., Exelon Corporation, Duke Energy Corporation, Solaria Energía y Medio Ambiente and ReNew Wind Energy (Jath) Limited. Besides, organic and inorganic growth strategies have become pronounced, underscoring solar energy generation market share. To illustrate, in November 2022, Equinor announced the acquisition of BeGreen, a Danish solar developer, to propel the solar PV portfolio. Meanwhile, in April 2022, the Norway energy giant forayed into the Australian market through investments in RayGen to provide impetus to solar energy. In November 2022, Equinor expressed contemplation to augment investment in renewables by two-fold and that renewable energy will account for approximately 20% of the company’s investments in 2022. Amidst the trilemma of the Russia-Ukraine war, energy security, and affordability, emphasis on renewable energy sources could be a game-changer with considerable environmental upsides in solar energy generation.

Is your business one of participants to the Global Solar Energy Generation Industry? Contact us for focused consultation around ESG Investing, and help you build sustainable business practices

About Astra – ESG Solutions by Grand View Research

Astra is the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) arm of Grand View Research Inc. – a global market research publishing & management consulting firm.

Astra offers comprehensive ESG thematic assessment & scores across diverse impact & socially responsible investment topics, including both public and private companies along with intuitive dashboards. Our ESG solutions are powered by robust fundamental & alternative information. Astra specializes in consulting services that equip corporates and the investment community with the in-depth ESG research and actionable insight they need to support their bottom lines and their values. We have supported our clients across diverse ESG consulting projects & advisory services, including climate strategies & assessment, ESG benchmarking, stakeholder engagement programs, active ownership, developing ESG investment strategies, ESG data services, build corporate sustainability reports. Astra team includes a pool of industry experts and ESG enthusiasts who possess extensive end-end ESG research and consulting experience at a global level.

For more ESG Thematic reports, please visit Astra ESG Solutions, powered by Grand View Research

#Solar Energy Generation Industry ESG #Solar Energy Generation Industry #Solar Energy Generation Market #Solar energy generation companies #Duke Energy Corporation #ESG energy

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reportwire · 1 year

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Power may be back for thousands on Wednesday night as authorities continue to go through tips on electric substation attack | CNN

CNN — The tens of thousands of customers in central North Carolina who haven’t had power since two weekend attacks on utility substations should see the lights come on by late Wednesday, a spokesperson for Duke Energy said at a news conference. The two substations in Moore County were damaged by gunfire Saturday night in what investigators believe were “intentional” and “targeted” attacks,…

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dataseries · 6 months

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Duke Energy Corporation: A Comprehensive Enterprise Tech Analysis

In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the technological prowess of Duke Energy Corporation Digital Transformation Strategies, one of the foremost leaders in the energy sector. We scrutinize the intricate details of their enterprise tech strategies, innovations, and the digital landscape, seeking to provide readers with unparalleled insights into the company's tech ecosystem.

Transforming the Energy Landscape

The Role of Digitalization

Duke Energy has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, leveraging digitalization to enhance its operational efficiency and customer experience. The adoption of cutting-edge technologies has enabled Duke Energy to streamline its processes, reduce downtime, and enhance its energy distribution services.

Smart Grid Implementation

One of the notable initiatives undertaken by Duke Energy is the implementation of a smart grid system. This system relies on advanced sensors and data analytics to optimize energy distribution, reducing energy wastage and lowering operational costs. The result is a more sustainable and reliable energy grid that benefits both the company and its customers.

Innovation and Sustainability

Renewable Energy Integration

Duke Energy has taken bold steps to embrace renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. By diversifying their energy sources, they contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. Through meticulous planning and technological innovations, they've managed to integrate these sources seamlessly into their energy portfolio.

Energy Storage Solutions

In a rapidly evolving energy landscape, energy storage solutions are becoming increasingly important. Duke Energy has invested heavily in cutting-edge energy storage technologies. These systems ensure a steady power supply, even during peak demand and adverse weather conditions.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Advanced Analytics

Duke Energy relies on advanced data analytics to make informed decisions. By processing vast amounts of data from various sources, the company gains insights into customer behavior, energy consumption patterns, and operational performance. This data-driven approach allows for proactive decision-making, which is crucial in the energy sector.

Predictive Maintenance

The implementation of predictive maintenance strategies has been a game-changer for Duke Energy. By using sophisticated algorithms, the company can predict equipment failures before they occur. This not only reduces downtime but also saves on maintenance costs, ultimately benefiting customers.

Ensuring Cybersecurity

Protecting Critical Infrastructure

With the increasing reliance on digital technology, cybersecurity is paramount. Duke Energy has invested significantly in securing its critical infrastructure. Robust cybersecurity measures safeguard the energy grid, ensuring it remains impervious to cyber threats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Duke Energy Corporation stands as a beacon of innovation and technological advancement in the energy sector. Their commitment to digitalization, renewable energy integration, data-driven decision-making, and cybersecurity has positioned them as a trailblazer. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the inner workings of Duke Energy's tech landscape, showcasing their dedication to shaping a sustainable energy future.

#Duke Energy Corporation Digital Transformation Strategies

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todaysbird · 2 years

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if you’re interested in protecting individuals from corporate greed & misuse of natural resources, please sign this petition by Audubon - whether or not you’re from NC.

it’s in regards to Duke Energy’s drafted Carbon Plan, which majorly falls short of making positive change. in addition, Duke Energy has faced many past lawsuits for misleading information, negligent operations (leading to flooding), and safety concerns. NC desperately needs change and whether or not you’re able to spread the message in person, this petition is really important to the future of clean energy.

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cobragardens · 6 months

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Aziraphale's Ascot: An Analysis

What's most interesting to me about the ascot Aziraphale is wearing when he turns up in Crowley's car in 1967 is that it's very fashionable.

An ascot (American), or day cravat (British), is a band of material meant to be worn inside the shirt collar, terminated on each end with a long wide tongue of that same fabric.

The band goes around the back of the neck, and the tongues are tied in the front and tucked into the open neck of a collared shirt. An ascot displays a wide sweep of color just below the wearer's face to flatter their complexion and show their personality.

And the late 1960s was the ascot's peak of popularity. The Duke of Windsor wore them; the mods wore them; British Invasion bands wore them. Fred wears an ascot in the Scooby-Doo cartoons. Lance Corporal Shadwell wears one. They were a huge trend.

On the surface this doesn't seem like Aziraphale at all. His previous appearances indicate his stylishness in ancient Rome is merely serendipitous overlap of Roman fashion with his personal preferences for white robes, blond hair in a Brutus cut, and gold wing-themed jewellery. In 1601, 1793, 1941, and all contemporary scenes, his style is decades to more than a century off the fashion of its time. We know he's into bow ties by 1941, and he's hardly one to adopt a style merely because it's popular; so why the ascot in 1967?

One possible explanation is that Aziraphale misses the clothing of the Victorian period and leaps at the chance to wear something that harks back to a time when he felt at home, sartorially speaking.

I don't think that's it, though, at least not in Show Omens. For one thing, traditional ascot ties (what a British person would call an ascot or an ascot tie, rather than a day cravat) are not at all the same accessory as the ascots of the 1960s: they're formal rather than semi-casual daywear; they're made of thicker silk, often with a woven rather than printed pattern; and they're worn outside the shirt and collar. More importantly, we've got two scenes of Aziraphale in the Victorian period, and he's not wearing an ascot tie in either of them: he's wearing a long cravat tied in a wide bow, a precursor to his bow ties.

I therefore propose a different explanation for the ascot of 1967.

As Aziraphale has clearly never been anywhere near a polyester fibre in the whole of his celestial existence, and as he always affects an appearance of idle hereditary wealth, we must presume that this--

--is silk. (In fact in the 1960s, a silk ascot in light colors was a signal of upper-class status.)

And we know Aziraphale likes silk, because by 2023 he's been wearing a silk velvet waistcoat for 200 years.

I again advance the argument that, despite himself, Aziraphale is a voluptuary by nature: a person who directs their energies toward the pursuit and enjoyment of pleasure, especially (but not solely) sensual pleasure.

He can control his appearance at will, and yet he has a barber; that means he enjoys the pleasure of a haircut and maybe a hot shave. (I have similar suspicions about his manicured hands.) The barber has recommended new cologne, which means Aziraphale has an old cologne, which means he likes to smell beautiful scents. He eats for sensual pleasure. He drinks for sensual pleasure (much more so than Crowley, who drinks for the pleasure and escape of inebriation). He listens to music for sensual pleasure. He attends the theater for pleasure. Reading is as much a sensual pleasure inside your own head as it is intellectual self-stimulation (which is its own kind of pleasure in turn); and believe me, collecting books is as much a sensual pleasure as a logistical and a philosophical one.

Aziraphale even agrees to an Arrangement with a demon to give himself more spare time for his pursuit of human pleasures. And then he and the demon become friends, because what could be a greater pleasure than indulging yourself in the good company of someone clever and kind and beautiful, who flirts with you and tells wicked jokes you mustn't laugh at--except perhaps for the pleasure of making that person smile in return?

Fun fact: The silk of which casual ascots are made is finer than the silk of either traditional ascot ties or neckties, because ascots/day cravats are made to be worn inside rather than outside the collar.

In 1967, instead of his usual crisp bow tie around his usual tightly buttoned collar, Aziraphale wears an open collar and a day cravat because the fashion of the 1960s lets him keep silk against his skin.

And there's one other thing, too. Compare Aziraphale's ascot to Lance-Corporal Shadwell's, or to the standard ascot knot:

The edge of Azirapale's ascot sits below the edge of his shirt collar where it should sit above, and the cascade spills almost an inch in front of his Adam's apple instead of flush against his neck. Aziraphale has tied his ascot low and loose.

It allows him to bare more of his throat to Crowley than has been sanctioned by custom for 2,000 years.

How long after Aziraphale reverted to bow ties did Crowley think about that?

#good omens #good omens 2 #ineffable husbands #aziracrow #aziraphale #aziraphale's ascot #good omens 1967 #good omens s2 #aziraphale's day cravat

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artbyblastweave · 2 years

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So one unremarked-upon difference between the Marvel and DC universes is that Superheroes in the Marvel Universe are foundationally more concerned with Branding.

Marvel superheroism evolved directly out of show business. The original Human Torch debuted in a theatre. Captain America was both a super-soldier and a publicity stunt, and his exploits in World War 2 alongside The Invaders were the stuff of Newsreels. Spider-Man and Hawkeye both got their starts as entertainers before segueing into heroism. Daredevil’s father was a showcase athlete which absolutely impacts the guys approach to heroism. Iron man was a corporate mascot associated with Stark Industries, not something inseparable from Tony’s personal celebrity. The Fantastic Four were the result of a deliberate PR blitz by Reed Richards, intended to make sure that his error wouldn’t result in his best friend Ben Grimm getting the Frankenstein treatment. The X-Men wear costumes as a very deliberate (but largely failed) attempt to court celebrity and spectacle, to be seen as heroes just like the rest. One of the founding members of the Avengers was a celebrity fashion designer who picked the team name out because it sounded flashy and adventurous, and she constantly used herself as a billboard for her day job with a parade of new costumes. You have capes like Wonder Man who try to use their heroism as a spring-board to break into actual celebrity. And all of this extends to out of universe, as well- the Marvel Flavor was heavily tied to Stan Lee’s circus-barker energy, the dialogue and gutter commentary and descriptive captions all have that “step-right-up-step-right-up” verbal patter. Contrast with the DCU, where everyone in the core lineup of the Justice League is so overwhelmingly powerful that they can just do that. They can just go out dressed in absurd costumes in their spare time and pull off insane, physically impossible feats, fight armies to standstills, and the world just kind of has to get used to the fact that these people are here now and they’re doing this. Superman and Batman comics have a lot of commentary about how their costumes act as branding, how it conveys their respective mission statements, but the process of cementing themselves in the public opinion as The People Who Are Here To Help involves comparatively less interface with the PR machine; for DC capes, the proof is in the pudding.

Case in point; Civil War is a plot that would have a much harder time functioning in the DCU than in the MU. That kind of conflict over the monopoly of force exists, to be sure, but it’s not a conflict litigated in the court of public opinion the way it was at Marvel. At DC the government is just gonna start up the killer robot machine and duke it out with the heroes. A Dark Reign style plot where a villain with a slick grasp of PR takes the reigns and plunges the country into repressive tyranny isn’t impossible, they’ve gestured in that direction a few times, but DC has fundamentally never really had it’s heroes ride or die based on public opinion, while many, many Marvel heroes do.

#marvel #dc #meta #marvel meta #dc meta #dc comics #thoughts #comic books #marvel comics #DCU #superheroes #justice league #avengers #civil war

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preciousthingsareprecious · 2 years

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Countdown

Hi everyone! You may or may not have seen but myself and a few others decided to challenge ourselves to write a fic based on a piece of art that inspired us all. The piece was too good not to write a fic about, so here is my entry into this delightful cake is cake adventure. Please enjoy and thank you so much @terracyte for creating such a fun piece to inspire us all.

The art in question was created by the amazing @kiyterra / @terracyte and you can find it here.

Summary: From drama to disasters just about anything that can go wrong will at one of Gotham's Galas. Especially when Bruce can manage to wrangle his entire family to one. So it's his job to keep an eye on each and every one of them, come good times and bad. It's a good thing they also think the same thing about him.

AO3 Link

Bruce sipped at his Shirley Temple and shifted his attention from the painting in front of him to the crowd brushing past him. People milled around picking at hors d'oeuvres and swirling their drinks as they scanned the various items on display. Gotham’s Museum of Art had pulled out all the stops for this charity gala, setting up a special exhibition featuring pieces donated by attendees. It was a varied collection featuring paintings, jewelry, statues, busts, and even articles of clothing.

The Waynes had donated many things to the museum over the years, and Bruce was planning to cut them another large check gala or no gala. Damian had expressed specific interest in the museum, and Bruce had promised him they wouldn’t have to worry about funding.

The thought of Damian had Bruce scanning the crowd not just for his youngest, but the whole gaggle of children he’d brought this evening. If there was one type of gala he could get his kids to go to, it was one with art and free food, both of which were plentiful here.

One: he found Dick, standing closest to him and chatting with an older woman –the newest head of an energy corporation. Dick was relaxed, hands waving as he told a story, the woman obviously amused.

Two: Cassandra was raiding the snack table like Alfred hadn’t fed her a perfectly good and large meal not a couple hours earlier.

Three and four: Tim and Damian were tag teaming Jacob Len, the latest city councilman to try and push anti-homeless measures in Gotham’s parks masquerading as ‘upgrades’. Bruce almost felt sorry for him at the mercy of his most terrifying duo of children, but he wasn’t going to complain if they took him down a couple notches.

Five, and six: Stephanie, and Duke had pulled themselves to the far end of the room and were completely ignoring the guests in favor of staring down at something. Bruce couldn’t make out what it was from his location, but he’d put money on it being a tablet snatched from Tim who’d been told not to bring it.

Seven: If he had to guess Jason was probably actually enjoying some of the art, but not immediately visible. Bruce scanned the crowd once, then twice, shifting and moving to make sure he didn’t have any blind spots and –Bruce’s heart skipped a beat. Jason wasn’t there. He wasn’t anywhere.

Bruce’s hand twitched towards his phone, ready to start texting to find out where his second oldest was when behind him someone said, “A Shirley Temple, old man? Isn’t that more Damian’s speed?”

The spike of fear ruling Bruce’s heart eased and he turned to find Jason standing beside him, grin plastered on his face like he knew the almost heart attack he’d just given Bruce. He also, coincidentally, was carrying a Shirley Temple of his own.

“If it is then why do you have one too?” he asked, taking a sip of his own.

Jason’s grin widened, “Snatched it off the kid himself when he wasn’t looking. It was easy since he was laying into old Len about how his company had quietly stopped donating to Gotham’s therapy pet project. Poor guy, I’d feel sorry for him if he didn’t deserve every razor sharp word.”

“Jason.” Bruce’s tone held a warning, but he couldn’t help but smile. His children were passionate, and didn’t try to hide it.

“Bruce.” his son responded.

Bruce just sighed, “Did you see Damian before or after Tim arrived?”

“After, they were still together when I swung by.” Jason checked his watch, “Though, I’m pretty sure it’s almost time for Timmy to cycle out and start patrol.”

Bruce hummed in agreement. They’d staggered leave times and stashed uniforms close by so as not to raise suspicions about the whole family leaving together. Though, they did have plans for that which mostly involved Damian throwing up or pitching a particularly spectacular fit. He hadn’t been as excited about either idea as Bruce had assumed he’d be. It made sense, if any of his kids genuinely wanted to enjoy this gala it would be Damian.

Jason had volunteered to take Damian’s place but Bruce had shot it down, there was a difference between a twelve year old being overly tired or having an upset stomach from too many snacks at a gala and his grown son doing the same.

“Anything here catch your eye tonight?” Bruce asked, shifting the subject off vigilante work and onto more mundane things.

“To steal? Bruce I didn’t think you approved of that. I’d better tell Selina about the change of heart.”

“You know what I–” Bruce was cut off as the ground beneath their feet began to rumble and shift.

Jason swore, people began to scream, and an ominous crack followed the rumbling. Bruce looked up, searching for the source and caught sight of a crevice splitting the domed ceiling.

“It’ll collapse at this rate.” Bruce said, turning to Jason, “We have to get everyone out.” His son nodded and they split up, both already calling out directions in the chaos.

People responded quickly to firm direction and soon the chaos was beginning to find some order. Still, the ground hadn’t stopped shaking and bits were starting to fall, glass and tile from the decorative ceiling crashing around them.

Bruce was sure they’d get the majority of people out safely. Anyone left he’d head in as Batman to find just as soon as he could get into uniform.

Of course it was that moment that everything went from bad to worse. The ground gave a heave like nothing Bruce had felt since the Cataclysm, his legs gave out under the shaking of the ground. Before he could even think about righting himself the whole world exploded.

Bruce came to slowly. To say he was fully awake was gracious, his vision blurry, head throbbing, and body begging for him to fall back asleep. Bruce fought the feeling, and blinked in the dim room. There was no power around but there was something lighting the room he was in. Slowly his brain remembered there was a full moon that evening.

A full moon always meant a better patrol. Had he been on patrol, he couldn’t quite remember?

He shifted, dragging his arm forward to press a hand against his pounding head. A tattered jacket sleeve and dirtied cuff met his eyes. Fancy clothes, and not suitable for patrol. So where?

The gala, he’d been at the gala with his kids. Panic shot through his chest. His kids.

Bruce tried to push himself up, and learned the next issue: something was weighing him down. The fact that it had taken him this long to realize it was bad. Thankfully his head was clearing with every beat of his racing heart.

Both arms were free, but his lower back and legs were pinned. Experimentally he wiggled his toes in his shoes. Pain sparked through them and up his legs. So he could still feel them, that was good.

He shifted a bit and caught sight of just what had hit him in the explosion. One of the statues on display had collapsed on him. Bruce hadn’t even realized he’d been so close to one, but he’d been moving fast directing people and trying to handle the disaster.

He coughed on a laugh, this was a disaster.

Bruce didn’t have time to wallow in all the ways he could have better prepared for this, or handled the situation in the moment. He had to find his kids. He could hear the occasional groan from around him, the museum had still been too full when the explosion hit. Iif he knew his children they’d have done the same thing he and Jason had been doing: directing panicked civilians.

He shoved images of each of them crushed, impaled, or otherwise dead from his mind, even as every terrible possibility raced through it. It wouldn’t do to dwell on what ifs.

With a grunt, Bruce tried to push himself up. Depending on how the statue had landed maybe he could shift it. The thought lasted about as long as the strength in his arms did. With an oof he hit the ground again. He shoved the pain in his body further back and reconsidered his plan.

Again, he shifted to more or less face the statue as best as he could. With two arms free he might be able to shove it off.

Bruce managed to get both hands on the statue. He was at a terrible angle to do anything but shove, and shove he did. As he strained something in his side pulled. Bruce gasped, falling forward again and jerking forward.

“Come on.” Bruce growled.

There was a crash from somewhere beyond him. It sounded like a fight and once he’d caught the sound he couldn’t stop hearing it. Crashes, yells, and booms were distant, like from another room or even outside. Someone had caused this mess. Probably idiots trying to dig under the gala or Gotham’s costumed baddie of the week causing chaos.

It only made him want even more to get out from under this stupid statue and figure out just what was going on. And find his kids.

A light, bright and sharp flashed by him, making him hiss.

“Oh! Jimmy, here’s another!”

The light flashed in Bruce’s face and he had to press his eyes closed to keep it from blinding him. He already had a migraine, he didn’t need another.

“Shoot, sorry.”

The light turning his eyelids red shifted and Bruce tentatively cracked his eyes open. Two men stood above him, in equally tattered clothes as Bruce’s were. He didn’t recognize them, but they were on the younger side and could have either been working the event or plus ones to ladies Bruce hadn’t had a chance to meet yet.

“Just hold still Mr. Wayne, we’re going to get that off you.” the first one said.

They moved together around behind him, and after a count of three lifted the statue. Bruce yanked himself forward, getting clear of the weight in case they accidentally dropped it. They didn’t, instead laying it down further away.

Then the taller of the two helped him stand, and Bruce got his first really good look at the remains of the entrance hall where the gala had been held. The roof had partially collapsed, along with an entire wall, blown out from the explosion. There wasn’t a single display case or standing piece still upright.

The floor had buckled in places, but seemed surprisingly whole for the ordeal. The fact that the whole building was still standing was testament to the fact that its builders had taken the possibility of future earthquakes seriously. Though Bruce was growing more and more certain this had been caused by someone, not nature.

He counted three other sets of people helping others unburie themselves, stand, or crouched to aid someone unable to get up. But he didn’t see his kids. His head and heart were rushing, and he tried to shove away from the man holding him. The man’s grip tightened.

“Whoa there, you’re pretty banged up, take it easy.”

“I can’t.” Bruce said, and pushed away. The pain in his side started again, and he had to press a hand close. Sticky warmth flowed under his palm, the least of his concerns.

“Mr–”

Bruce shook his head, “My children–Please are my kids okay?” he interrupted, looking at both men.

Their faces fell, and the first said, “I’m sorry we haven’t seen any of your kids.”

“No.” he stumbled forward, “No, that’s not–they can’t.”

His vision swam, he didn’t have time for this.

Another hand went to his arm, “Way we need to get you out of here, Mr. Wayne. It’s too dangerous to stick around long.”

Bruce shook his head, “I have to find them.”

The other man said, “They could be outside already, and if not we need to get you medical attention before we can keep looking for them here.”

As if to respond to the warning in the man’s voice, one of Bruce’s knees started to buckle. Thankfully, the hand steadying him hadn’t let go yet, and he didn’t fall back down.

The sound of fighting was getting closer. Bruce caught both men look at each other as if having a silent conversation about carrying Bruce out of there or talking him into leaving himself. There was no way he was leaving until he knew his children were fine.

“Go on, help the others. I’ll be fine.” he tried.

This only made the look between them more incredulous. Well it had been worth a shot. Not that it ever worked on him when one of his kids tried it. Especially Damian. He’d learned fast with Damian that line was a lie at least ninety percent of the time.

Really, none of his children were okay when they uttered the words “I’m fine”. Which was exactly why he needed to find them now.

“Please Mr. Wayne–”

“You don’t understand!” he yelled, “I have to find my kids!”

Something heavy crashed and three sets of eyes turned towards the sound.

One and two: Nightwing and Red Robin stood mouth’s agape at them, having just shifted a particularly large slab of wall out of the way to reveal a hallway behind them.

Bruce felt a little bit of his heart return to them seeing at least two of his kids fine, breathing, and even in uniform. How long had he been out initially?

“Why have you stopped, there are civilians to–”

Three: Robin’s head appeared from behind the wall, hair mussed and coated in dust from the crumbling structure but blissfully free of blood.

He scrambled forward as if to run to Bruce then stopped himself remembering he was in uniform, “How many more are trapped?” he called out, voice about as professional as he could make it.

Nightwing and Red Robin followed him in as the taller of Bruce’s rescuers responded with a suggested number. Bruce should have been paying more attention to the information passed between them and his children but he was too preoccupied with the simple fact that some of his kids were fine. His mind raced with the question of where the rest were. Jason, Cassandra, Duke, and Stephanie were still unaccounted for and he wouldn’t rest easy until they were found.

“--so I thought maybe you could talk some sense into him. Nightwing has more clout than just another victim after all.” the man holding Bruce’s arm seemed to be saying.

His eyes focused back on the here and now, and caught the concerned turn of Nightwing’s mouth.

“Of course, leave him to me.” he said.

Bruce was shifted from one rescuer to another. He’d be lying if he didn’t admit to relaxing into his eldest’s hold far more than he’d let himself relax into the other man’s steadying arm.

“You good, B?” Dick’s voice was quiet and concerned.

“Where are the others?” Bruce asked instead of answering.

His son chuckled, “Good enough then. Spoiler and Signal are outside directing rescue teams. Hood and Black Bat are finishing up with the idiot would be hostage takers we found drilling and blasting their way up through the floor. They’re lucky they didn’t blow themselves up in all this.”

“I want–”

“You are going outside and being handed over to the first medical practitioner I see.” Nightwing told him, voice firm.

“Hnn.” Bruce grunted, but couldn’t really argue. The warmth at his side was concerning, and the panic keeping him on his feet had lessened with a verbal confirmation of everyone’s whereabouts.

Still.

“Send Hood and Black Bat out to see me when they’re done.” his tone was low enough the others wouldn’t hear him, and only at Dick’s small nod did he unroot his feet from the ground and let himself be hauled outside.

Bruce focused on Dick’s warmth until they’d picked their way over debris and out of the ruined museum. Once he was blinking away spots from street lamps and flashing lights his head was back on a swivel searching out Spoiler and Signal.

Four: “Hey, hey, hey stop right there mister, you can’t leave with a fancy necklace just because the whole place got blown sky high.” Spoiler was crouched beside a child gently prying what looked to be a pretty old necklace from his fingers. They passed by with Nightwing giving them both a thumbs up and Spoiler’s eyebrows shooting up her forehead seeing Bruce.

“Now see, Mr. Wayne isn’t trying to sneak stuff out. Don’t you want to be like him.” she continued as they inched their way past, turning Bruce into an object lesson as quickly as she’d learned he was fine.

Dick had managed to drag Bruce all the way to a waiting set of tents with tables and chairs, buzzing with people before it clicked to ask, “How long was I out?”

“We’ve been at this an hour now at least. How long were you awake?”

“Just a couple minutes.”

Dick’s look went from open to concerned, “Good to know.” his attention turned to the first woman in scrubs he could find in the tent, “Excuse me! Mr. Wayne needs attention right away he’s bleeding pretty bad and has most likely sustained a concussion.”

“I have not–” Bruce tried to argue, but didn’t really believe it even as he spoke. His head had been pounding since he woke up.

Again Bruce was shifted from one arm to another, this time only for the few moments it took to get him situated on a bed. He refused to lay down just yet, and no one seemed to be insisting as Nightwing gave the woman a more detailed run down of Bruce’s possible injuries.

For his part, Bruce’s gaze shifted across the tent, it was slowly filling up with people being brought in from the building, some partially bruised, others in worse shape than himself. They’d mobilized quickly, more proof that his pressure for better disaster plans was showing fruit.

Five: Signal’s bright yellow uniform caught his eye as he helped a woman hobble into the tent. Bruce locked eyes with him for a moment. Duke gave him a bright, relieved smile.

Bruce was well into being looked at when Signal passed by again, close this time. He stopped by Bruce and the nurse.

“Everything going okay here?” he asked, eyes mostly on Bruce rather than the woman.

“Yes, thank you all for your help so far.” she responded.

“I’m fine.” Bruce added.

Duke’s brow turned down at that, but since Bruce was quite literally being treated he couldn’t very well argue.

“Good, good. I’ll be on my way then. Just checking in.”

So far, his kids had all looked fine. A few scrapes or bruises here or there, but they’d seemed spectacularly lucky compared to himself.

Bruce found it easier to relax and let himself be taken care of knowing he’d seen most of them already.

Six: Her hand found his before he saw her, but he knew all the same who’d broken him out of the doze he hadn’t meant to fall into.

Bruce blinked up at Black Bat who gave his hand a tight squeeze.

“I’m fine.” he promised, “You okay?”

“Yes.” she said, “We’re wrapping up soon.”

That was good to know. It meant most everything had been delt with. Bruce hoped his kids would all find him by the end of the night and they could go home together.

Six of the seven had been seen, and this time Bruce did let himself drop into a doze. He’d insisted on not going to the hospital because he hadn’t yet found all his children. Since ambulances were in high demand and he wasn’t actively dying he’d been allowed to stay under watch.

Seven: His second doze was interrupted by angry shouting.

Jason’s voice came clear and upset as he insisted, “I’m fine. There’s a hundred other people more in need of all this than I am.”

Bruce blinked surprised at him, then waved both his boys over to the bed he was propped up at, awaiting a further check up from a doctor, leaky side patched about as well as it could be for the moment.

“Jay! Here.” he called.

Jason’s eyes brightened seeing him, “And there’s one of the poor souls.” he said.

“Hush and just let them take a look at you.” Tim scolded.

He shoved Jason down at the edge of Bruce’s bed with a, “Please make sure he doesn’t bolt.” Before leaving to find a nurse.

Jason’s arm was soaked red, stark proof of the reason for Tim dragging him over. He was back in his party outfit, sleeves rolled high, and coated in dirt and he looked severely put out.

“I thought you were dealing with the diggers?” Bruce asked.

“We did that. Black Bat’s making sure they get into custody. I was told to take care of myself.” he punctuated the last bit with air quotes.

“And?”

“And I wanted to keep helping.”

Bruce shook his head, “I see your brother’s didn’t agree.”

“Timmy’s going to pay for backstabbing me like that. Next week every one of his uniforms are going to be coated in glitter.”

Jason looked Bruce over, “Dick said you were bleeding out.”

Bruce raised his arm, showing off the thick bandage, “Not as bad as all that.”

His son scoffed, “Well I gave the idiots an extra helping of justice for you.”

“Jay–”

“They’re still breathing.” Jason confirmed, “Just having a harder time at it. And don’t give me that look. Cass gave them the same. No one blows up our dad.”

Bruce opened his mouth, and then the word dad properly registered in his brain. He blinked at Jason, who blinked back then swore, and went to shove himself off the bed.

“No, you’re staying.” Bruce’s shock was broken long enough to grab at the back of Jason’s shirt, “Or I’ll start yelling.”

“Cheater.” Jason huffed, and plopped back down.

Their staring contest was broken by a higher young voice, “Father! Jason!” Damian trotted over, rumpled but out of uniform himself. Bruce looked for any of the others, which made Damian shake his head.

“They are filtering back in. It will garner less suspicion if they’re found or stumble out. I–” he hesitated, “I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I had not realized Todd had found you already.” his disappointment at not being the first to join Bruce causing him to slip back into using Jason’s last name.

“Speaking of which, why have you not been treated yet?” he rounded on Jason and his still bleeding arm.

“Because everyone’s busy and this is just a scratch.”

“A shrapnel wound is not a–”

“Damian, why don’t you take a seat? I believe Red Robin was getting some help.” Bruce said, attempting to quell an argument. That and get his obviously exhausted son off his feet. If given long enough Damian might actually have that planned outburst for real from the sheer stress of the whole night.

“Ah, I–fine, Father.”

Bruce reached a hand out to take Damian’s and gave it a little squeeze, “I'm okay, doing much better.”

And he was. Especially as everything worked itself out. A nurse was found for Jason. Then Cass and Duke made their way over, soon followed by Dick, with Stephanie hot on his heels. Finally Tim arrived after having to extract himself from a last minute detour to help carry someone onto an ambulance.

They were all healthy. There, and chatting quietly as the tent slowly emptied out and Alfred continually buzzed their phones on his way through city choked traffic to pick them up. They were healthy and happy all seven of them. Bruce had counted. Again, and again, like sheep flitting around him. The relief with each confirmation making his eyes heavier and heavier.

“Someone wake me when Alfred gets here.” He murmured at last, Jason still at his side, “And don’t start any fights while I sleep.”

With that he let himself at last drift again, confident that his family was there. Safe and sound.

#Bruce Wayne #Dick Grayson #Jason Todd #Tim Drake #Cassandra Cain #Stephanie Brown #Duke Thomas #Damian Wayne #Batfamily #Bruce is a good dad #and his kids love him lots #They all worry about each other #no editing we die like robins #precious posts #fanfiction

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kp777 · 10 months

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By Oliver Milman

The Guardian

July 5, 2023

Exclusive: new database shows 1,500 US lobbyists working for fossil-fuel firms while representing universities and green groups

More than 1,500 lobbyists in the US are working on behalf of fossil-fuel companies while at the same time representing hundreds of liberal-run cities, universities, technology companies and environmental groups that say they are tackling the climate crisis, the Guardian can reveal.

Lobbyists for oil, gas and coal interests are also employed by a vast sweep of institutions, ranging from the city governments of Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia; tech giants such as Apple and Google; more than 150 universities; some of the country’s leading environmental groups – and even ski resorts seeing their snow melted by global heating.

The breadth of fossil fuel lobbyists’ work for other clients is captured in a new database of their lobbying interests which was published online on Wednesday.

It shows the reach of state-level fossil fuel lobbyists into almost every aspect of American life, spanning local governments, large corporations, cultural institutions such as museums and film festivals, and advocacy groups, grouping together clients with starkly contradictory aims.

For instance, State Farm, the insurance company that announced in May it would halt new homeowner policies in California due to the “catastrophic” risk of wildfires worsened by the climate crisis, employs lobbyists that also advocate for fossil fuel interests to lawmakers in 18 states.

Meanwhile, Baltimore, which is suing big oil firms for their role in causing climate-related damages, has shared a lobbyist with ExxonMobil, one of the named defendants in the case. Syracuse University, a pioneer in the fossil fuel divestment movement, has a lobbyist with 14 separate oil and gas clients.

“It’s incredible that this has gone under the radar for so long, as these lobbyists help the fossil fuel industry wield extraordinary power,” said James Browning, a former Common Cause lobbyist who put together the database for a new venture called F Minus. “Many of these cities and counties face severe costs from climate change and yet elected officials are selling their residents out. It’s extraordinary.

“The worst thing about hiring these lobbyists is that it legitimizes the fossil fuel industry,” Browning added. “They can cloak their radical agenda in respectability when their lobbyists also have clients in the arts, or city government, or with conservation groups. It normalizes something that is very dangerous.”

The searchable database, created by compiling the public disclosure records of lobbyists up to 2022 reveals:

Some of the most progressive-minded cities in the US employ fossil fuel lobbyists. Chicago shares a lobbyist with BP. Philadelphia’s lobbyist also works for the Koch Industries network. Los Angeles has a lobbyist contracted to the gas plant firm Tenaska. Even cities that are suing fossil fuel companies for climate damages, such as Baltimore, have fossil fuel-aligned lobbyists.

Environmental groups that push for action on climate change also, incongruously, use lobbyists employed by the fossil fuel industry. The Environmental Defense Fund shares lobbyists with ExxonMobil, Calpine and Duke Energy, all major gas producers. A lobbyist for the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund also works on behalf of the mining company BHP.

Large tech companies have repeatedly touted their climate credentials but many also use fossil fuel-aligned lobbyists. Amazon employs fossil fuel lobbyists in 27 states. Apple shares a lobbyist with the Koch network. Microsoft’s lobbyist also lobbies on behalf of Exxon. Google has a lobbyist who has seven different fossil fuel companies as clients.

More than 150 universities have ties to lobbyists who also push the interests of fossil fuel companies. These include colleges that have vowed to divest from fossil fuels under pressure from students concerned about the climate crisis, such as California State University, the University of Washington, Johns Hopkins University and Syracuse University. Scores of school districts, from Washington state to Florida, have lobbyists who also work for fossil fuel interests.

A constellation of cultural and recreational bodies also use fossil fuel lobbyists, despite in many cases calling for action on the climate crisis. The New Museum in New York City, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Sundance Film Institute in Utah all share lobbyists with fossil fuel interests, as does the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Florida Aquarium. Even top ski resorts such as Jackson Hole and Vail, which face the prospect of dwindling snow on slopes due to rising temperatures, use fossil fuel lobbyists.

Cities, companies, universities and green groups that use fossil fuel-linked lobbyists said this work didn’t conflict with their own climate goals and in some cases was even beneficial. “It is common for lobbyists to work for a variety of clients,” said a spokesperson for the University of Washington.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art said it had retained a lobbyist on the F Minus database “for a period during the pandemic … We are not currently working with the company.”