Climate Change
New EPA carbon dioxide standards
In a big win for the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency recently released a plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Specifically, it calls for existing power plants to cut their emissions to 30 percent below 2005 levels by the year 2030.
Shrinking salamanders
For the first time, a scientific study has concluded that climate change can alter the body size of a species. It was previously speculated that such a connection may exist, but a new study from the University of Maryland has provided concrete support. [Read more…] about Shrinking salamanders
Paintings and pollution
It’s not often scientists make oil paintings a subject of their inquiry, but that is what researchers from Greece and Germany have done in an attempt to understand air pollution through the ages. [Read more…] about Paintings and pollution
Where we stand with climate change
Despite overwhelming evidence of climate change, more than half of Americans still believe there is a debate over whether it is happening and whether it is caused by humans. [Read more…] about Where we stand with climate change
Climate change and Coca-Cola
Most corporations are primarily concerned with their bottom line. Even companies with good values must protect their interests and their profits. So at first, many corporations were less concerned with climate change than with keeping their costs down. [Read more…] about Climate change and Coca-Cola
Is the Atlantic a re-circulating bathtub?
From the shore, we are likely to overlook the real dynamics of the Atlantic Ocean. Surface and deep ocean currents stir its waters in a global circulation that each year carries more water than all the rivers of the world combined. [Read more…] about Is the Atlantic a re-circulating bathtub?
The U.S. is emitting less carbon
In 2012, carbon dioxide emissions from energy use in the US reached the lowest level since 1994 and were 12% lower than their peak in 2007. This is certainly good news, but just how good? [Read more…] about The U.S. is emitting less carbon
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
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
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
Bad news for butterflies
The familiar orange monarch butterfly is famous for its southward fall migration. It flies from the United States and southern Canada to its wintering grounds in Mexico and coastal California, only to return northward in the spring. This journey takes three to four butterfly generations to complete. At one time, a billion or more monarchs took part in the 2,500-mile journey. [Read more…] about Bad news for butterflies
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
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
Exotic greenhouse gases
Most of the public believes that our climate is changing, and that we are at least partially responsible. Our activities release huge quantities of greenhouse gases, which trap heat radiation trying to leave Earth’s atmosphere. Our emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are causing the planet to warm. [Read more…] about Exotic greenhouse gases
Climate injustice
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As nations around the world grapple with the challenges of climate change, traumatic events such as the devastating typhoon in the Philippines can focus our attention on the complex issue of climate injustice. [Read more…] about Climate injustice
Food and climate change
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A leaked draft of a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that global warming may cause a world food shortage in coming years. [Read more…] about Food and climate change
Seawater: It’s just not the same anymore
We know that carbon dioxide concentrations are increasing in Earth’s atmosphere, and that this will increase temperatures on our planet. But, rising CO2 will have another effect—making the oceans more acid. [Read more…] about Seawater: It’s just not the same anymore
Carolina wrens, daffodils, and other climate canaries
