September 27, 2026

El Niño’s Strong Presence Predicted Until Spring 2027

El Niño’s Influence Extends Until Spring Current climate models reveal that El Niño will endure through fall, winter, and into spring 2027. In recent media briefings, Columbia University climate scientist Azhar Ehsan provided a chart demonstrating a near-certain probability of El Niño persisting until spring, noted at 100% to 99%. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center corroborates […]

September 27, 2026

Oregon’s Wildfire Crisis Calls for Change

Oregon has faced an unprecedented crisis this summer. A staggering 2.5 million acres were consumed by wildfires, setting a new record. This isn’t a cause for celebration but rather a wakeup call. The system needs repair. The burning occurred predominantly on public lands, accounting for 92% of the total affected area. In recent years, most […]

September 27, 2026

Plastic Pollution in the Great Lakes: A Looming Health Crisis

Microplastics Contaminating Drinking Water and Food Over 40 million people in the United States and Canada rely on the Great Lakes for their drinking water. Unfortunately, the treated water contains microplastics comprised of toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other serious health issues. This pollution also affects fish, a staple in many Midwestern diets and […]

September 27, 2026

Exploring Flax as a Sustainable Solution to Plastic Pollution

The Psychological Impact of Plastic Waste Documenting the spread of plastic waste in the Great Lakes had a significant psychological impact on Melissa Duhaime. As a biologist at the University of Michigan, Duhaime faced daunting challenges and limited solutions against influential corporations increasing fossil fuel-based plastic production. This journey led her to seek alternatives that […]

September 27, 2026

Impact of Intense El Niño on Global Food Prices

The effects of one of the most intense El Niños recorded are expected to worsen global food insecurity and increase agricultural commodity prices worldwide. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reported that global food prices in August rose to their highest level since 2022. This increase results from the impacts of the record El […]

September 27, 2026

Hurricanes in Pacific Affect Southern California Coasts

Two hurricanes, Polo and Odalys, swirling in the Pacific Ocean are pushing powerful waves toward Southern California. These waves are coinciding with unusually high tides, creating potential risks for beachgoers and the possibility of coastal flooding. Impact on California Polo, a Category 4 hurricane, is moving at sustained winds of 140 mph. It is set […]

September 26, 2026

Coastal Communities Brace for Rare September Nor’easter

In the early stages of a nor’easter, John Garrisi and Gaige Graf moved an outdoor table from the shorefront. This storm, affecting the mid-Atlantic to the coast of Maine, is causing significant concern. Talia Manno’s experience highlights the severity. Waves reached halfway up her front steps in Atlantic City, N.J. The last such incident was […]

September 26, 2026

Understanding the Impacts of a Super El Niño

What is a Super El Niño? El Niño is a climate pattern that impacts global weather. It influences rainfall patterns and ocean temperatures. A Super El Niño, sometimes referred to as a Godzilla El Niño, indicates an unusually intense episode. Global Effects A Super El Niño affects weather around the world. In the United States, […]

September 26, 2026

California’s Readiness for El Niño’s Impact on Water Supply

Preparing for El Niño’s Influence on California’s Weather Patterns With a strong El Niño increasing the likelihood of severe storms this fall and winter, California faces potential flooding. Despite this risk, heavy rains offer significant benefits by providing abundant water resources. The state’s readiness to capitalize on this opportunity is crucial. Progress in Stormwater Capture […]

September 25, 2026

Addressing Euonymus Scale in Pachysandra

Odd white spots on your pachysandra bed likely signal the presence of euonymus scale, a pest that pierces and sucks plant sap. Immediate action may not be necessary unless the infestation becomes significant. Understanding Euonymus Scale This pest employs piercing-sucking mouthparts, making insecticide use challenging due to the protective covering adults form. Predominantly, female insects […]