Climate Change
Let's reflect on our success stories
Sometimes people find me depressing to be around. I endlessly point out the impacts of rising human population and resource use, extinction of Earth’s biodiversity, air and water pollution, and climate change. When I really get going, I point out that these human impacts on our planet may threaten the continued persistence of our own species. [Read more…] about Let's reflect on our success stories
Declining moose populations
As a part-time resident of Maine, I can attest that seeing moose in the wild is a memorable experience. I’m fortunate that Maine boasts a healthy moose population. But in other parts of the U.S., sightings are becoming rare. [Read more…] about Declining moose populations
We're making it tough for Santa Claus
It used to be that young children wondered about the reality of Santa Claus. Would Santa show up on Christmas Eve? Parents turned the controversy to good ends by threatening us that Santa would not show up unless we were good. [Read more…] about We're making it tough for Santa Claus
New records for greenhouse gases
According to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization, the three most significant greenhouse gases in the atmosphere all hit record levels in 2012. Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide levels all reached new highs last year. [Read more…] about New records for greenhouse gases
It’s in the air you breathe
Medical evidence continues to pour in showing a strong link between air pollution and increased human mortality. The big players are ozone and small particles, known as PM2.5, in the atmosphere. Both have been under scrutiny by the EPA for years. [Read more…] about It’s in the air you breathe
Rising Sea Level 101
One of the most significant impacts of rising global temperatures will be melting of the polar ice on Greenland and Antarctica. These are known as continental ice packs, since the ice rests on underlying land. Their melt-water contributes to sea level rise, the same way adding another cube of ice to a full glass of soda will cause it to overflow. [Read more…] about Rising Sea Level 101
Methane: It’s a gas
Methane, also known as natural gas, is found at a concentration of nearly 2 parts per million in Earth’s atmosphere. It comes from a wide range of natural sources, including decay in swamps and seepage from the Earth’s crust. [Read more…] about Methane: It’s a gas
Climate change, oysters, and super-sized crabs
Super-sized crabs may be the next side effect of climate change, according to scientists at the University of North Carolina’s Aquarium Research Center. Researchers analyzed Chesapeake Bay blue crabs kept in both high-carbon and low-carbon tanks. Crabs in the high-carbon tanks grew at almost four times the rate of the other crabs. [Read more…] about Climate change, oysters, and super-sized crabs
The latest word on climate change
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, also known as the IPCC, recently released its latest assessment of the current state of scientific understanding regarding climate change. This is the fifth in the series, which began in 1990. At more than 2000 pages and with more than 250 authors, the report is a monumental attempt to bring the world’s best scientists together to see where we stand in regard to human impacts on Earth’s climate. [Read more…] about The latest word on climate change
A bad year for the Arctic
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2012 was one of the warmest years since global temperatures have been recorded. This was especially evident in the Arctic, where the effects of warmer temperatures led to several records being broken. [Read more…] about A bad year for the Arctic
Crowdfunding energy
Crowdfunding has become very popular for musicians, artists, and even inventors. Recently, 1,700 Dutch households set a crowdfunding record by raising $1.8 million in just 13 hours. What did they get for their money? A 2-megawatt wind turbine. [Read more…] about Crowdfunding energy
Methane on the rise
In coastal ocean sediments, methane produced by decaying organic matter can collect in solid form. Known as a hydrate, this form of methane is stable at cold temperatures and high pressures. But when it’s brought to the surface, it converts from solid to gas, and the escaping methane can be ignited with a match. [Read more…] about Methane on the rise
Tracking disease in a warming world
Understanding how infectious diseases respond to climate change would help public health officials and environmental managers predict and mitigate disease impacts. [Read more…] about Tracking disease in a warming world
Fighting climate change with trees
Researchers are looking at many approaches to mitigate the effects of increasing carbon dioxide on the climate. A group of German scientists has proposed a technique that they call carbon farming, which may help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. [Read more…] about Fighting climate change with trees
How hot is your smartphone?
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Recent studies suggest that rising temperatures are likely to be associated with changes in mortality in urban areas. Winter deaths may decline, as the severity of flu and the incidence of slippage on ice both decrease when winters are warmer. [Read more…] about How hot is your smartphone?
Turning climate change concern into action
A recent survey shows half of Americans consider environmental impacts when making a purchase. However, far fewer are actively engaged in the fight against climate change. [Read more…] about Turning climate change concern into action
Trapping carbon in rock
Fossil fuels like coal are relatively cheap and abundant, which is a huge motivation for finding a way to burn those fuels without releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The most obvious approach is sequestration – capturing the CO2 during combustion and storing it away. While simple in concept, carbon sequestration is a huge challenge to accomplish on a large scale, and at an acceptable cost. [Read more…] about Trapping carbon in rock
Swamp rats: Coming to a neighborhood near you
There are many consequences of climate change, but here’s one you probably haven’t considered: swamp rats. As winters warm, large, semi-aquatic rodents called nutria have been expanding their range. [Read more…] about Swamp rats: Coming to a neighborhood near you
Global dimming
