Strange things are happening at the top of the Earth
The Arctic Ocean, which is normally blanketed in sea ice, is losing more and more of its ice cover. Since satellites began to monitor Arctic in the 1970s, sea ice has been steadily retreating, with ice cover declining by as much as 50%. Adding to the problem, newly formed ice is much thinner, making it prone to melting. [Read more…] about Strange things are happening at the top of the Earth
We humans have an appetite for freshwater
Globally, human demand for freshwater is tremendous. We capture half of the available water flowing to the ocean. Several of the world’s greatest rivers—including the Nile, the Ganges, and the Colorado— are so tapped by human demands that they experience dry periods where they no longer flow to the sea. [Read more…] about We humans have an appetite for freshwater
Is The Air We Breathe Worth Paying For?
Rancorous public debate surrounds the Clean Air Act and whether the EPA should have strict authority to regulate the emission of air pollutants. Opponents call the EPA the “job-killing” agency, since it costs power plants significant money to remove pollutants from the air we breathe. [Read more…] about Is The Air We Breathe Worth Paying For?
More wildlife diseases are making the leap to humans
Research has found that when humans modify the environment, fragmenting habitat and reducing species diversity, we are more likely to contract diseases normally confined to wildlife. [Read more…] about More wildlife diseases are making the leap to humans
In our nation’s quest for non-renewable energy, we’re blowing up mountains!
Some of the most scenic mountain views in our nation are being transformed, with dire consequences for wildlife, freshwater, and humans. Lush forests are being razed, leaving behind what looks like desert mesas from the Southwest, separated by barren streams filled with broken rock. Welcome to mountaintop removal coal mining. [Read more…] about In our nation’s quest for non-renewable energy, we’re blowing up mountains!
What Happened To All The Bats?
About six years ago, biologists in New York State noticed that bats were missing in large numbers from the evening sky. Mystified at first, they soon discovered a disturbing trend. Deceased bats had a strange white fungus on their muzzles. [Read more…] about What Happened To All The Bats?
The Other One Percent
The world’s population is growing, but resource supply isn’t. [Read more…] about The Other One Percent
Invasive species and pollution have dealt a double blow to the Great Lakes
Runoff from farming operations and other sources has resulted in an excess of phosphorus in Great Lakes waters. [Read more…] about Invasive species and pollution have dealt a double blow to the Great Lakes
Cleaner air gets held up in court
The Environmental Protection Agency has embraced a new program that will substantially reduce air pollution and acid rain in the Northeast. [Read more…] about Cleaner air gets held up in court
Green Packaging Cuts Costs and Material Use
Cutting out styrofoam and eliminating shrink-wrap. Here’s a look at some more eco-friendly packaging [Read more…] about Green Packaging Cuts Costs and Material Use
How Fast is the Water Rising?
The price tag on protecting our beaches and coastal properties from rising seas could be tremendous. [Read more…] about How Fast is the Water Rising?
Saving the World While Videogaming: Not Just Fantasy Anymore
Using Facebook to save the Gorillas and connect with conservation efforts continents away. [Read more…] about Saving the World While Videogaming: Not Just Fantasy Anymore
All the Salt We Put On Our Roads in the Winter Has To Go Somewhere
Winter has descended upon us with its snow and ice. With it has come the familiar sight of snow plows and de-icing trucks. [Read more…] about All the Salt We Put On Our Roads in the Winter Has To Go Somewhere
Little Science Fuels Fracking Debate
Few studies have been conducted on the impacts of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, but there should be. [Read more…] about Little Science Fuels Fracking Debate
Start-Stop Technology Could Be Major Part of Higher Fuel Efficiency
One of the simplest fuel-saving technologies for automobiles involves what’s happening when they’re not moving. [Read more…] about Start-Stop Technology Could Be Major Part of Higher Fuel Efficiency
Warming Temps Create Double Threat for Whitebark Pine Trees
A major source of food for the endangered grizzly bear could soon end up on the endangered species list itself. [Read more…] about Warming Temps Create Double Threat for Whitebark Pine Trees
The Pipeline is Smoking Hot
Protest is Swirling around Possible New Pipeline. But What Are The Environmental Impacts? [Read more…] about The Pipeline is Smoking Hot
Burning Wood for Heat Has Benefits If Done Right
Wood stoves offer a quaint, off-the-grid way to heat your home in the cold winter months. But is burning wood better for the environment? [Read more…] about Burning Wood for Heat Has Benefits If Done Right
Not Just Hot Summers, Climate Change Will Affect Winter, Too
