Economy and Policy
Beefalo
In the early 1900s, a rancher conducted a breeding experiment that resulted in a cattle-buffalo hybrid called beefalo. Also known as cattalo, the unruly animals still exist and are now causing major problems in Arizona. [Read more…] about Beefalo
Untapped hydroelectric power
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Hydroelectric power is still the largest renewable energy source in the US, providing about 7% of our electricity generation. In New York, where Niagara Falls has been providing power for over a century, hydropower provides 17% of the state’s electricity. [Read more…] about Untapped hydroelectric power
Chemical plants and schools
Just over a year ago, the town of West, Texas drew national attention when a fertilizer facility exploded, killing 15 people and injuring more than 300. The blast destroyed whole neighborhoods, apartment complexes, and schools. And unfortunately, it’s far from the only destructive incident that’s occurred recently as a result of hazardous chemicals. [Read more…] about Chemical plants and schools
Just how safe are our parks?
Our national park system enjoys almost universal bipartisan support in Congress. True, the parks don’t get all the money they need, but there is no obvious constituency that seeks to dismantle the park system. We all believe that the parks preserve at least a token of the natural heritage of this country, and certain parks, like the Grand Canyon, are iconic. [Read more…] about Just how safe are our parks?
Nurturing some nature in all of us
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I grew up with a butterfly net in hand. Not that my parents appreciated it. My mother dreaded most things in nature—rodents, poison ivy, and bugs. Even my rock collection was regarded as dirty. But my early comparisons of butterflies taught me about the variation within species; there was no perfect specimen of the cabbage butterfly. [Read more…] about Nurturing some nature in all of us
Eagles and wind farms
Wind power has long faced criticism for the threat it poses to birds – specifically endangered species. Experts estimate anywhere from 140,000 to 328,000 birds are killed each year by wind turbines. [Read more…] about Eagles and wind farms
Oil on the water
Marine scientists have spent considerable time tracing the fate of the oil from the BP Deep-Water Horizon oil spill in April 2010. Some was skimmed or burned at the surface. Some was carried in a plume under the water. And, unfortunately, some moved to shore. [Read more…] about Oil on the water
Refuge for bees
Throughout the country, efforts are underway to cultivate habitat for bees. Recently, the federal government committed $3 million dollars to support honeybees in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North and South Dakota. And in California’s Central Valley, researchers are encouraging ranchers and farmers to grow plants that attract pollinators. [Read more…] about Refuge for bees
Progress on offshore wind
After more than a decade of debates and delays, offshore wind in the United States is on the move. The controversial Cape Wind project in Nantucket Sound and the Deepwater ONE farm, off the coast of Rhode Island, are both moving closer to fruition. [Read more…] about Progress on offshore wind
Starbucks cups
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It seems impossible to walk a city block without encountering a Starbucks. Just as ubiquitous as Starbucks are its disposable coffee cups, billions of which are thrown away every year. Starbucks recently announced it will not meet the recycling goals it set for itself in 2008 – not now, and possibly not ever. [Read more…] about Starbucks cups
How green is your commute?
According to New York City’s Earth Day website, the average American drives twenty-nine miles a day, spends fifty-five minutes behind the wheel, and uses nearly one-fifth of the household income on transportation. Can we change our commuting habits to save time, money, and the environment at the same time? [Read more…] about How green is your commute?
Echinacea
Echinacea supplements are a staple in many American medicine cabinets, especially during cold and flu season. The plant is thought to boost the immune system and help ward off illness. [Read more…] about Echinacea
One word: Plastics
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Plastics, Mr. Robinson advises the young Ben Braddock, played by Dustin Hoffman, in the Graduate more than 40 years ago. And, he was right: the production of plastics increased from 1.7 to 280 million tons per year during the past 60 years. Plastics are found in nearly all products we buy, either as central components or in the packaging that contains them. [Read more…] about One word: Plastics
Scarce water
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Water poverty – the lack of access to clean, fresh water – is a much-discussed problem in the developing world. However, problems with water scarcity are in no way limited to third-world countries. [Read more…] about Scarce water
Oil-palm in Africa
Palm oil is in demand. It’s found in nearly half of the processed foods in our supermarkets, from ice cream and cookies to canned soup and baby formula. But plans to cultivate the oil palm tree in its native Africa are raising concern about deforestation and the protection of primates. [Read more…] about Oil-palm in Africa
California's water
We’ve all seen the news reports of this winter’s devastating drought in California. Last year was the state’s driest in more than a century, resulting in a water shortage with dire consequences, especially for farmers. Even recent rain and snow storms have made only a minuscule improvement in the severe water deficit. [Read more…] about California's water
Local wildlife protection
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As of 2012, national governments have designated over 177,000 protected areas around the world for the long-term conservation of nature. These areas cover an amazing 12.7% of the earth’s land surface. In fact, over the past 20 years or so, such protected acreage has increased by 48%. [Read more…] about Local wildlife protection
U.S. business goes solar
America’s largest companies are embracing solar technology in a big way. As of the middle of 2013, there were nearly 33,000 commercial buildings in the US deploying solar technology totaling more than 3 gigawatts of generating capacity. This represents an amazing 40% increase over last year. [Read more…] about U.S. business goes solar
High tower decisions
