california
Storing Energy As Ice
One of the challenges of operating the electricity grid is that there are times when everybody wants more electricity than usual – like during a hot afternoon in August – and the system struggles to keep up with the increased demand.
Snowpack Loss
A recent study showed that this year the snowpack in California, which is suffering an ongoing drought as well as long-term warming, reached its lowest point in 500 years. Snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains fills reservoirs that provide a third of all of the drinking water for the state of California, as well as water used to fight fires and generate electricity.
Local Food In A Global World
In the Northeast, many are enjoying the last of autumn’s bounty. When we grow fruits and vegetables, we can choose to forgo pesticides, GMOs, or industrial fertilizer. When we shop at farmer’s markets, we support family farms and help maintain open space that we all enjoy.
California Mountain Lions
The mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains of California aren’t faring well these days. Three more have been found dead recently, highlighting just how difficult it is for the big cats to survive in an urban park. Although the Santa Monica Mountains recreational area is rugged, it’s hemmed in by several busy freeways and lots of homes. Officials now believe there are just 10 to 15 mountain lions left roaming the park.
Whine While You Can
There are lots of potential impacts associated with global climate change – shifts in the distribution of plants are among them. Most plant species are adapted to a range of climate conditions. If the climate changes, their habitat can shift as well. This is true for crop and forestry plants, as well as native species.
The Wind Boom Continues
Wind power continues to increase its contribution to the US power grid. The second quarter of this year saw almost 1.7 GW of new turbines come on line and there are almost 14 GW under construction.
Los Angeles’ Shade Balls
The worst drought in California history is leading to some creative ideas for saving water. The city of Los Angeles turned its primary reservoir into a giant ball pit.
A New Labeling Initiative
Hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – is a well-stimulation technique in which rock is fractured by a pressurized liquid to free otherwise trapped natural gas or oil.
The Really Big One
Most people have heard of the San Andreas fault line. It runs the length of California, and is perpetually rumored to be to be on the verge of unleashing a big earthquake. But there’s a much lesser known fault line located just north of the San Andreas that’s predicted to trigger an even larger quake.
A Giant Red Tide
