Air and Water
The costs of a warmer Arctic
As the Arctic warms in response to rising concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere, some eagerly anticipate the opening of the Northwest Passage for ship navigation. Others applaud the potential to ramp up petroleum exploration and fishery efforts in the Arctic Ocean. But, there are real costs to Arctic warming. [Read more…] about The costs of a warmer Arctic
Allocating carbon emissions
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The recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has adopted a different way of looking at reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Since carbon dioxide largely stays in the atmosphere for centuries, the emphasis needs to be on our cumulative emissions over time rather than on tracking yearly totals. [Read more…] about Allocating carbon emissions
Crude oil: It’s not fish food
When British Petroleum’s Deep Water Horizon oil well blew out in April 2010, many of us saw pictures of crude oil pouring into the sea. Much of that oil never made it to the ocean’s surface, where it might have been skimmed or burned off. Instead, it was dispersed using chemicals that were poorly tested for their effect on marine life. It seems we must live and learn. [Read more…] about Crude oil: It’s not fish food
Water supply and beer
Water has historically been undervalued – at least in those regions with a plentiful supply. It’s seen as natural, abundant and limitless. But climate change and human consumption have put a strain on this natural resource. [Read more…] about Water supply and beer
Treating roads with cheese
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Local governments across the country are always experimenting with cheaper and more environmentally responsible ways of keeping roads passable during icy and snowy conditions. Rock salt is the long-standing way to get the job done, but it is harmful to cars, washes away easily, pollutes waterways, and kills vegetation. [Read more…] about Treating roads with cheese
Hot nights in the greenhouse
Physicians have long noted that deaths spike during heat waves. Compared to periods of normal temperature, more people die of heart attack and stroke during hot periods. And hot periods are also associated with the greater formation of ozone and other air pollutants that exacerbate respiratory illnesses such as asthma and emphysema. Electricity generation for air conditioning peaks on hot summer days. [Read more…] about Hot nights in the greenhouse
Trains and oil spills
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During the past five years, U.S. domestic oil production has risen 50 percent. This surge has outpaced the pipeline infrastructure needed to move oil to consumers. [Read more…] about Trains and oil spills
Cold weather – Warm climate
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For pretty much everyone living east of the Mississippi River, this winter has been cold, snowy, and icy. We’ve all heard about the Polar Vortex and many of us have spent untold hours with our shovels and snow blowers. All in all, it seems like global warming has gone on vacation. [Read more…] about Cold weather – Warm climate
A mosquito fever expands its range
A mosquito-borne virus that causes fever, headaches, and severe joint pain has spread to the Caribbean. Experts fear it’s only a matter of time before it makes its way to the U.S. Chikungunya gets its name from an East African word meaning ‘that which bends,’ due to the posture of its sufferers. [Read more…] about A mosquito fever expands its range
Outsourced pollution
China has the unfortunate reputation of having some of the dirtiest air in the world. Much of the pollution results from the enormous amount of manufacturing that goes on there, often earmarked for countries around the world that have essentially outsourced their own pollution to China. [Read more…] about Outsourced pollution
Salty streams and rivers
By the looks of it, we’re in for quite a winter this year. Here in the Northeast, we’ve seen several heavy snowfalls, freezing temperatures, and icy roads. [Read more…] about Salty streams and rivers
The answer is blowing in the wind
For some time now, scientists and medical experts have been investigating whether air pollution compromises human health, particularly cardiovascular function and respiration. And recent studies are strengthening the evidence that polluted air is bad for our health. [Read more…] about The answer is blowing in the wind
Trees and indoor pollution
Living on a tree-lined street is not just idyllic, but good for your health. New research from England has shown that the presence of street trees can mitigate indoor air pollution stemming from vehicle traffic. [Read more…] about Trees and indoor pollution
Horseshoe crabs & red knots
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For 475 million years, horseshoe crabs have inhabited the Earth. Currently, their largest numbers are on the Eastern Seaboard, particularly in the Delaware Bay off the coasts of Delaware and New Jersey, where horseshoe crabs lay their eggs each spring. [Read more…] about Horseshoe crabs & red knots
Early warning for climate disasters
Climate scientists talk about “tipping points” for the calamitous consequences of global climate change. These are triggers for abrupt changes in the climate that could bring about a variety of disasters. [Read more…] about Early warning for climate disasters
Coming from a barnyard near you
Atmospheric scientists recognize the long-distance transport of air pollutants. When we used leaded gasoline, we saw elevated levels of airborne lead in cities, but also in the Greenland ice pack, thousands of miles away. And past shutdowns of coal-fired power plants in the Midwest resulted in lower nitric oxide concentrations in the eastern U.S. [Read more…] about Coming from a barnyard near you
Drones provide a window into the deep ocean
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With the advance of science and technology, few corners of the Earth remain unexplored. But much of what goes on beneath the surface of our oceans remains a mystery. [Read more…] about Drones provide a window into the deep ocean
Let’s quit carping about it
In the 1960s, grass carp were brought to the U.S. from Asia to control weeds in southern fish-farming operations. Unfortunately, like so many other exotics, these fish escaped into the wild, and have been moving northward. As of last month, they were found to be reproducing in Lake Erie. [Read more…] about Let’s quit carping about it
Clearing the stage
