Cities as ecosystems?
Ecologists define an ecosystem as a unit of the landscape—a forest, a lake, or a river. Often, they are interested in the movement of materials through that area. For instance, rain may deposit nitrogen in a forest, while a stream may carry nitrogen away from the forest and into a river. [Read more…] about Cities as ecosystems?
Herring – little fish of the sea
The springtime herring run in New England is legendary. Two species of small fish, known collectively as river herring, return to the rivers, streams, and creeks of their birthplace, to breed again. After a few months in freshwater, their young return to the sea. [Read more…] about Herring – little fish of the sea
Have you thanked a green plant today?
In a few weeks, spring will arrive with a profusion of plant growth—buds will burst and seemingly overnight, leaves will expand to their summer fullness. Containing chlorophyll, leaves conduct photosynthesis, the combination of carbon dioxide and water to produce carbohydrates, known as sugars, which are the basis of life on Earth. [Read more…] about Have you thanked a green plant today?
Remember heavy metal?
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One of the biggest success stories of the environmental movement was getting the lead out of gasoline. Tetra-ethyl lead was first put into gasoline in the 1920s to improve engine performance and eliminate “knock.” Of course, it was necessary to get the lead out of the engine, so potassium bromide was added to the gas as well, and the lead was emitted as a lead bromide aerosol. Most of this fell beside the road. [Read more…] about Remember heavy metal?
Saying no to DDT
DDT became a household name in the 1960s, when Rachel Carson’s ‘Silent Spring’ drew national attention to the impact the pesticide had on breeding birds. The EPA banned its use in 1972 and affected wildlife, such as bald eagles and pelicans, have made a remarkable recovery.
Recently, there have been calls from the international community—most notably the World Health Organization—to revisit using DDT to combat mosquito-borne disease. Malaria claims almost a million lives each year, with losses concentrated in the world’s poorest countries. Dengue, encephalitis, and yellow fever are also concerns.
DDT is inexpensive and good at killing mosquitoes. But let’s remember, it was banned in developed nations because it has been linked to serious health concerns, including breast cancer, diabetes, reproductive impairment, and neurological damage in children. Spraying it in homes and near living areas is a risky proposition.
When we release DDT to the environment, we give up control of where it goes, what it does, and how long it persists. DDT accumulates in the food chain, making top predators—like people—especially vulnerable. Residues are found in Antarctic penguins, thousands of miles away from its application. They are also found in all of us.
We need to combat mosquito-borne disease without entering into a chemical arms race that harms future generations and creates pesticide resistant insects. Instead, let’s set our brightest minds to understanding how management practices and native predators can help keep mosquito populations in check.
Photo, taken between 1945-1946, courtesy of John Tewell via Flickr.
When it comes to cell phones, we're talking about a lot of toxic trash
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18 months. That’s the average lifespan for a cell phone in the US. Most carriers let customers upgrade their phones after a year and a half, and most customers opt to do it. The bulk of discarded cell phones end up mixed in with household garbage. Less than 10% are recycled. [Read more…] about When it comes to cell phones, we're talking about a lot of toxic trash
Cancer: not a word we want to hear
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Last year, 1.6 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer, and more than a half million died from it. The process is protracted and painful.
But, how does cancer arise anyhow? Cancer begins with a change in the activity of our genetic material, or DNA. Normal cell division is compromised, and tumors form. Some people are genetically predisposed to certain cancers. For instance, inherited mutations in the BRCA genes, are linked to a family history of breast and ovarian cancers.
A widely-cited study in Scandinavia found that among nearly45,000 pairs of identical twins—individuals with identical genes— breast, colorectal and prostate cancers had a strong genetic link. But the results of this exhaustive study also revealed environmental factors are linked to twice as many cancers as genetic factors.
We are exposed to carcinogens through smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, breathing industrial pollution, radiation exposure, and infections like hepatitis. Carcinogens are also in a wide range of products designed to make our lives easier: insect repellants, cleaning materials, solvents, and personal care products.
The rates of environmentally-induced cancers speak strongly for the regulation of toxic substances. Unfortunately, only about 200 of the nearly 80,000 chemicals being used in the U.S. have been assessed for their potential to cause cancer.
Knowledge is power. Let’s make analyzing our chemical inventory a priority, so that we can identify substances like dioxin, which need to be eliminated from production.
Photo, taken on December 11, 2007 using a Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, courtesy of Jose Goulao via Flickr.
Succession – it isn’t just a change in government
In New England, many of our ecosystems are recovering from past disturbances, such as clearing for agriculture. When economic conditions caused farms to move westward, land was left fallow, allowing nature to take over again. [Read more…] about Succession – it isn’t just a change in government
Wet spots have lasting value
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Each spring, after snowmelt, the landscape becomes dotted with pools of standing water. It’s easy to dismiss these wet spots as puddles, but they play a vital role in preventing flooding, protecting groundwater, and providing habitat to wildlife. [Read more…] about Wet spots have lasting value
A chicken in every pot?
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Americans are gobbling up chicken, which has replaced red meat as the number one source of animal protein in our diet. Nearly 9 billion chickens are sold each year, about 30 for each of us. [Read more…] about A chicken in every pot?
Sustainability – let’s say what we mean
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Every day, I am pitched something about sustainability: sustainable forests, sustainable agriculture, sustainable energy. Look closely, and you’ll find there is no consistent meaning for this adjective. [Read more…] about Sustainability – let’s say what we mean
Ecologists are talking about ecosystem services – but what do they mean?
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Briefly, ecosystem services are things that nature does for us that have a real dollar value. Some, such as providing food and timber, are obvious. When queuing up at our local supermarket or bookstore, the goods we are buying are products of agriculture and forestry. [Read more…] about Ecologists are talking about ecosystem services – but what do they mean?
According to the birds, spring is arriving earlier
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From blooming to breeding, the lifecycle of plants and animals are closely tied to seasonal variations in climate. In fall, shorter, cooler days stimulate the onset of fall colors and eventual fall. In spring, following snow-melt, warm, wet nights herald the mating rituals of peepers. [Read more…] about According to the birds, spring is arriving earlier
Rethinking wild boars
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Wild boars are a problem in more than twenty states. These invasive animals are prolific breeders with voracious appetites. They cause tremendous damage to crops and native plant communities and they spread diseases, such as pseudorabies, from feral hogs to domestic livestock. [Read more…] about Rethinking wild boars
Denial: It’s not just a river in Egypt anymore
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A number of Presidential candidates are trying to cast doubt on the reality of climate change. Some point to a handful of weather stations that have seen little change in temperature, despite the thousands of others that have recorded increases. [Read more…] about Denial: It’s not just a river in Egypt anymore
Can we weed out the truth about atrazine?
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Atrazine is the second most widely used herbicide in the United States. Last year some 75 million pounds of the weed killer were applied to sugar cane and corn crops, as well as lawns and golf courses. Sales topped a billion dollars. [Read more…] about Can we weed out the truth about atrazine?
Plant trees, save the planet?
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Renewable energy is a small part of our nation’s energy portfolio. In 2011, only 14% of our electricity came from renewable sources. As we wean off fossil fuels, trees can be an important ally in offsetting associated carbon emissions. [Read more…] about Plant trees, save the planet?
Somewhere in West Virginia, a mountain is missing its top
When we turn on the air conditioner this summer, few of us will think about mountain forests and the streams that drain them. We simply want to be cool. But, air conditioning comes at a cost to the central Appalachian Mountains. [Read more…] about Somewhere in West Virginia, a mountain is missing its top
Remember the canary in the coal mine?
