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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
In Florida, citrus growers are planting new trees modified through gene-editing technology to resist the destructive citrus greening disease. This condition, caused by a bacterium spread by the Asian citrus psyllid insect, has devastated many citrus trees in the state. Traditional methods such as protective tents and sprays have failed to halt the infection’s spread, […]