Sustainable Living
The high cost of congestion
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The Texas A&M Transportation Institute has been studying traffic patterns in the U.S. for more than thirty years. They recently issued their annual Urban Mobility Report and the results are eye-opening. [Read more…] about The high cost of congestion
Land snails and forest disturbance
There’s no universally accepted definition of an ‘old growth forest’ – but most scientists agree they’re characterized by large old trees, multi-layered canopies, and dead wood that provides habitat for a variety of animals, from cavity nesting birds to invertebrates. [Read more…] about Land snails and forest disturbance
Corn ethanol and greenhouse gases
Ninety-five percent of all gasoline sold in the United States contains ethanol. This is the result of the Renewable Fuel Standard established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. These laws require renewable fuel to be blended into transportation fuel in increasing amounts each year through 2022. [Read more…] about Corn ethanol and greenhouse gases
Improving water, improving lives
Add water pollution to the list of ills suffered by under-served urban communities. Economically-depressed neighborhoods are hotspots for water contamination due to aging sewer and storm-water systems. Optimistically, a new study suggests that water cleaning and community greening can go hand-in-hand. [Read more…] about Improving water, improving lives
The future of woodland pools
Woodland pools are temporary wetlands that provide important habitat to forest wildlife. They also help mitigate floods. While land development is a major threat to woodland pools, there are also subtle changes that undermine their health. [Read more…] about The future of woodland pools
What is a woodland pool?
While walking through the forest in early spring, you might hear a raucous quacking off in the distance. Make your way toward the sound, and you’ll likely find a small pool of water bustling with activities. [Read more…] about What is a woodland pool?
Clean water for the future
The Clean Water Act was enacted in 1972 with bipartisan support to protect our nation’s waters from pollution and other forms of degradation. [Read more…] about Clean water for the future
An update on offshore wind
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The planned wind farm in Nantucket Sound known as Cape Wind was the first offshore wind energy project proposed in the United States, back in 2001. Since that time, the project has been through a bewildering permitting, approval, and assessment process involving multiple federal and state agencies. It has also been the subject of numerous lawsuits. [Read more…] about An update on offshore wind
Hydroelectric dams and carbon sequestration
One of the key ways of mitigating climate change is to keep carbon away from the atmosphere where it is found as carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas. Carbon that is stored in trees and other woody plants, in soils, and in the oceans is said to be sequestered. [Read more…] about Hydroelectric dams and carbon sequestration
A seasonal change we can live without
Spring weather brings with it the unwelcome bloom of roadside litter. Colorful cans, bottles, and wrappers sprout from the melting snow every year at this time. [Read more…] about A seasonal change we can live without
A tale of birds and buildings
The average bird can cruise between three-inch openings in dense woodlands at upwards of 20-30 mph—so it may seem safe to assume they can easily maneuver around giant city buildings. Unfortunately for our feathered friends, that’s just not the case. [Read more…] about A tale of birds and buildings
The problem with coal
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Coal is by far the most plentiful and cheapest fossil fuel we have. Burning coal generates more than 80% of the world’s electric power and its use is growing steadily. [Read more…] about The problem with coal
Fuel from the sun
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We’ve learned to harvest some of the sun’s energy with solar hot water heaters and photovoltaic panels. These green technologies serve us well when the sun is shining. But neither compares to the ability that plants have to convert sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates – the process known as photosynthesis. [Read more…] about Fuel from the sun
Who shares the planet with us?
Today conservation biologists, much like the early explorers of North America, strive to describe the variety of life living on Earth, from plants and animals to microbes. [Read more…] about Who shares the planet with us?
Curbing carbon pollution
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Congress seems unable to tackle the problem of global climate change, driven by rising concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in Earth’s atmosphere. Some feel that a carbon tax would stifle the weak economy. Others don’t like regulations or taxes at all. [Read more…] about Curbing carbon pollution
Chronic lead exposure packs a toxic punch
Lead is a potent neurotoxin; exposure to lead can lead to reduced IQ and cognitive problems, among other ills. In the 1970s, lead was removed from household paint. And in the 1990s, we phased out leaded gasoline. In recent years it seemed like we had almost won the public health battle against lead exposure. [Read more…] about Chronic lead exposure packs a toxic punch
Drowning in fossil fuels
The need to wean ourselves off of fossil fuels has been driven by at least three distinct considerations: the impact of fossil fuels on the environment, the geopolitics of oil, and the increasing scarcity of fossil fuel resources. [Read more…] about Drowning in fossil fuels
Reconciling the needs of humans and animals
We’ve talked a lot on this program about the importance of biodiversity. Diverse populations of birds, animals, and insects provide important services to people, including pollination, pest control, and nutrient cycling. [Read more…] about Reconciling the needs of humans and animals
Will more people really improve the environment?
