Climate Change
Methane—it’s not laughing gas.
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EW-05-29-12-Methane.mp3|titles=EW 05-29-12 Methane]
Methane concentrations are rising in Earth’s atmosphere, more than doubling since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Like carbon dioxide, methane contributes to global warming. In fact, it is 25 to 35 times more effective at warming our atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Trouble is, we’re not sure what’s causing methane levels to rise. [Read more…] about Methane—it’s not laughing gas.
Most air pollutants come from the fuels we burn, but one comes from the air we breathe
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EW-05-21-12-Nitrogen-Cascade.mp3|titles=EW 05-21-12 Nitrogen Cascade]
Nitrogen forms three-quarters of our atmosphere. In its principal atmospheric form, it is inert. A process called nitrogen fixation, which is accomplished by soil microbes or by combustion, converts nitrogen to reactive compounds. In these reactive forms, such as nitrogen oxides, nitrogen is an important plant nutrient. [Read more…] about Most air pollutants come from the fuels we burn, but one comes from the air we breathe
Wake up and smell the coffee
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EW-05-10-12-Coffee.mp3|titles=EW 05-10-12 Coffee]
We can add high quality coffee to the growing list of crops being destabilized by our changing climate. The Union of Concerned Scientists recently reported that Arabica coffee yields are down and prices are rising. This isn’t just bad news for coffee shops. It threatens the economy in places like Ethiopia, Costa Rica, and India. [Read more…] about Wake up and smell the coffee
If you are allergic to pollen, you should worry about climate change
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/EW-05-09-12-Pollen-.mp3|titles=EW 05-09-12 Pollen]
As part of a field experiment in North Carolina, scientists bathed a pine forest with elevated levels of carbon dioxide, or CO2. This is one of the greenhouse gases that is contributing to global warming. CO2 is emitted when we burn fossil fuels, and it stays in the atmosphere where it traps heat on the earth’s surface. [Read more…] about If you are allergic to pollen, you should worry about climate change
For a few weeks in 2008, the city of Beijing reduced its notorious air pollution
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EW-05-01-12-Beijing-Olympics-.mp3|titles=EW 05-01-12 Beijing Olympics]
Like most developing countries, China has prioritized economic development over environmental protection. But after winning the right to host the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, the country made a commitment to address its pollution problem. Olympic organizers promised blue skies over Beijing. [Read more…] about For a few weeks in 2008, the city of Beijing reduced its notorious air pollution
Honeybees are critical to U.S. agriculture, and they’re in trouble
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/EW-04-26-12-Honeybees.mp3|titles=EW 04-26-12 Honeybees]
At least a third of U.S. crops are pollinated by commercial beekeeping operations, including apples, blueberries, cucumbers, almonds, pumpkins. In the year 2000, the value of these bee-assisted crops was about fifteen billion dollars. [Read more…] about Honeybees are critical to U.S. agriculture, and they’re in trouble
According to the birds, spring is arriving earlier
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/EW-03-22-12-Migration-Changes.mp3|titles=EW 03-22-12 Migration Changes]
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
Denial: It’s not just a river in Egypt anymore
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/EW-03-20-12-Climate-Denial.mp3|titles=EW 03-20-12 Climate Denial]
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
Plant trees, save the planet?
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/EW-03-16-12-Tree-Planting.mp3|titles=EW 03-16-12 Tree Planting]
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?
Remember the canary in the coal mine?
Worldwide, bird populations are in decline. Their shrinking numbers are an unfortunate reminder of the negative impact that humans are having on the planet. [Read more…] about Remember the canary in the coal mine?
Acidity: it’s just not good for forests
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/EW-03-09-12-Acid-Rain.mp3|titles=EW 03-09-12 Acid Rain]
Every now and then I run into someone who believes that acid rain is a hoax. No use in pointing out that the rain in the eastern United States is more acidic than the rain in California—an area not downwind of major power plants. [Read more…] about Acidity: it’s just not good for forests
Let’s not put the last log on the fire
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/EW-03-07-12-Woody-Biomass.mp3|titles=EW 03-07-12 Woody Biomass]
In an attempt to wean the nation from coal—an unhealthy source of energy that drives global warming, several policy groups have suggested switching to wood. Existing coal-fired power plants could be converted to burn wood with relatively little cost and expense. And trees have the benefit of being a renewable resource. [Read more…] about Let’s not put the last log on the fire
Is the weather getting weirder?
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/EW-03-01-12-Weird-Weather.mp3|titles=EW 03-01-12 Weird Weather]
This past year held some weather extremes—drought in Texas, floods in the Midwest, and an early snowstorm in New England. Neighbors who do not believe in climate change love to point and laugh at me whenever there is a deep snow in our small northeastern town. [Read more…] about Is the weather getting weirder?
The sap is rising
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/EW-02-28-12-Maple-Sugar.mp3|titles=EW 02-28-12 Maple Sugar]
It will soon be spring—warmer days and cold nights. Along the back roads of New England states, you can see that the maple sugaring season has begun. [Read more…] about The sap is rising
What do the generals know that we don’t?
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/EW-02-27-12-Military.mp3|titles=EW 02-27-12 Military]
Some political candidates vehemently deny global climate change. And several conservative think-tanks have an agenda focused on discrediting the scientific evidence for human effects on climate. But deep inside the U.S. Pentagon, officials take climate change very seriously. [Read more…] about What do the generals know that we don’t?
Frogs are dying – And it looks the culprit is a fungus caused by illegal wildlife trade
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/EW-02-21-12-Frogs.mp3|titles=EW 02-21-12 Frogs]
Forests normally humming with the chorus of calling frogs are falling silent and the forest floor is covered in dead or dying frogs. The animals seem to be losing their skin. This sounds like the makings of a science fiction movie – but it’s the stuff of real life. And it’s occurring in forests around the world. [Read more…] about Frogs are dying – And it looks the culprit is a fungus caused by illegal wildlife trade
Carbon Dioxide: Is this the path to the valley of the Jolly Green Giant?
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/EW-02-20-12-Carbon-Dioxide.mp3|titles=EW 02-20-12 Carbon Dioxide]
Plants need carbon dioxide to grow. It’s nature’s plant food. Look around you – every plant that you see is taking carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and using it to make the carbohydrates and cellulose needed for growth. So, beyond all the talk about carbon dioxide leading to global warming, is it possible that more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere might be good for plants? [Read more…] about Carbon Dioxide: Is this the path to the valley of the Jolly Green Giant?
From garbage baiting to climate change, humans continue to shape grizzly bear survival
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/EW-02-17-12-Grizzly-Garbage-.mp3|titles=EW 02-17-12 Grizzly Garbage]
While the grizzly’s impressive stature renders them top predators, in the wild bears dine mostly on berries, plants, and insects. Outside of breeding and cub rearing, they are solitary animals. But they congregate around rich food resources and, if challenged, can pursue at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour. [Read more…] about From garbage baiting to climate change, humans continue to shape grizzly bear survival
Warming your home with wood—an old idea becomes new again
