Earth Wise
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
[audio:http://wamcradio.org/EarthWise/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/EW-04-10-14-Communities-Protecting-Wildlife.mp3|titles=EW 04-10-14 Communities Protecting Wildlife]
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
Salt-water fish save water
An estimated 80% of the water used in the U.S. supports crop and livestock production. Resource managers are increasingly concerned about the excessive amount of water required to satisfy our nation’s appetite for beef. Using conservative estimates, it takes 441 gallons of water to produce one pound of conventionally raised beef. [Read more…] about Salt-water fish save water
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
Evolutionary traps
It’s no secret that humans affect wildlife in a myriad of ways. But scientists are discovering that even seemingly benign human activities can have enormous consequences when they create evolutionary traps. [Read more…] about Evolutionary traps
High tower decisions
Each year, when migratory North American birds attempt their flight to Central and South America, more than seven million die in collisions with communications towers. Only house cats result in more human-induced bird deaths. [Read more…] about High tower decisions
Golfers can breathe easy
A lot of Americans take to the golf course on Saturday afternoons. There must be something about beating on a little white ball and then chasing it across the countryside that is soothing after a week at work. Across the U.S., prodigious amounts of fertilizer, irrigation water, and pesticides are used to keep golf courses green. Today, let’s focus on the pesticides. [Read more…] about Golfers can breathe easy
Consider going DEET-free
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DEET, also known as N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, was developed during World War II to protect our troops during military operations in the tropical Pacific from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. It undoubtedly saved thousands of lives. At war’s end, it was commercialized for public use. Countless families have slathered on DEET to ward off bugs on weekend picnics, camping trips, and nature walks. [Read more…] about Consider going DEET-free
Coping with a changing grid
California is on the cutting edge of a transformation in its electricity grid. Solar power in the state has grown tenfold since 2006 – presenting its power system with unprecedented challenges. [Read more…] about Coping with a changing grid
Dirty drinking water
A new government study is raising red flags about the safety of our drinking water. EPA and U.S. Geological Survey scientists analyzed treated water samples from 25 U.S. utilities. They found that more than 1/3 contained chemicals not regulated by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. [Read more…] about Dirty drinking water
The U.S. is emitting less carbon
In 2012, carbon dioxide emissions from energy use in the US reached the lowest level since 1994 and were 12% lower than their peak in 2007. This is certainly good news, but just how good? [Read more…] about The U.S. is emitting less carbon
What’s all the talk about mute swans?
In the late 1800s, mute swans were brought from Europe to the eastern U.S. to enhance the beauty of ponds on private estates. Unlike the dark-billed native swans that migrate through our region in the spring and fall, mute swans are easily distinguished by their pinkish-orange bills. They also spend the entire year here. [Read more…] about What’s all the talk about mute swans?
Renewable energy sources in the Caribbean
A number of Caribbean islands are experimenting with the use of renewable energy and hope to provide a model for other nations. The effort is being led by the Carbon War Room, a nonprofit organization founded by billionaire Richard Branson to help fight climate change. [Read more…] about Renewable energy sources in the Caribbean
The costs of a warmer Arctic
As the Arctic warms in response to rising concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere, some eagerly anticipate the opening of the Northwest Passage for ship navigation. Others applaud the potential to ramp up petroleum exploration and fishery efforts in the Arctic Ocean. But, there are real costs to Arctic warming. [Read more…] about The costs of a warmer Arctic
Phthalates: A toxic swap
A nationwide study of the controversial group of chemicals known as phthalates has shown human exposure is still high, despite bans. [Read more…] about Phthalates: A toxic swap
A boom in sun and wind
Recently, the media reported that installations of solar power will overtake those of wind power for the first time. This year, new wind farms are forecast to add some 35 gigawatts of new capacity, but new solar installations will add almost 37 gigawatts. [Read more…] about A boom in sun and wind
Plastic bag ban
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California is poised to become the first state to enact an official ban on plastic shopping bags, with a measure currently before the state legislature. [Read more…] about Plastic bag ban
Allocating carbon emissions
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