Washington Post – “A city is a science experiment. What happens when we separate human beings from the environment in which they evolved? Can people be healthy without nature? The results have been bleak. Countless studies have shown that people who spend less time in nature die younger and suffer higher rates of mental and… Continue Reading
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Category Archives: Environmental Law
What you need to know about the plastic crisis
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): “Global annual production of plastic has increased exponentially over the past 65 years, growing from 2 million metric tons in 1950 to 460 million metric tons in 2019. Much of this plastic quickly becomes waste, and plastic waste is found everywhere, including the farthest reaches of the Arctic, the deep seabed, and even… Continue Reading
Japan Gives Washington 250 Cherry Trees as Replacements
The New York Times [unpaywalled]: “Japan is giving the United States 250 cherry trees to replace more than 100 that will be torn up during construction around the Tidal Basin in Washington, the Japanese prime minister, Fumio Kishida, said on Wednesday. The gift honors the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,… Continue Reading
Virtual Reality and the ‘Virtual Wall’
EFF: “When EFF set out to map surveillance technology along the U.S.-Mexico border, we weren’t exactly sure how to do it. We started with public records—procurement documents, environmental assessments, and the like—which allowed us to find the GPS coordinates of scores of towers. During a series of in-person trips, we were able to find even… Continue Reading
Best Photos and Videos of the 2024 Solar Eclipse
Kottke: “Well, the total solar eclipse was once again completely awesome. I didn’t have to go chasing all over tarnation this time, the telescope worked out amazingly well, and I got to share it with a bunch of first-timers, both in-person and via text. I’m going to share some thoughts, photos, and videos from others… Continue Reading
We were very wrong about birds
PopSci – A sticky piece of DNA is rewriting the story of avian evolution–and shaking up the family tree: “An enormous asteroid crashed into the Earth about 65 million years ago. While terrestrial dinosaurs like the famed Tyrannosaurus rex were wiped out, many avian animals really began to flourish. Considering that there are more than… Continue Reading
2024 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Resource Guide
“The 2024 theme asks all of us—friends, family members, neighbors, colleagues, community leaders, victim service providers, criminal justice practitioners, and health professionals—how we can help crime victims. Are you prepared if someone confides in you about a victimization? Is your organization victim-centered and trauma-informed? Are you familiar with the services available in your community? The… Continue Reading
What’s the Cloud Forecast for Eclipse Day?
The New York Times – See if the Weather Is on Your Side [unpaywalled]: “April 8 will be your last opportunity to see a total solar eclipse in the contiguous United States or Canada until 2044. Mexico will have to wait longer. But if clouds fill the sky, or major storm activity emerges, your shot… Continue Reading
Forest Pulse: The Latest on the World’s Forests
World Resources Institute – How much forest was lost in 2023? The Forest Pulse draws on the most recent data and analysis to reveal the latest trends in global forest loss and deforestation. Tropical Forest Loss Drops Steeply in Brazil and Colombia, but High Rates Persist Overall – Between 2022 and 2023, Brazil and Colombia… Continue Reading
Key Ocean Current Contains a Warning on Climate
Nature – Five million years of Antarctic Circumpolar Current strength variability – Via Scientific Frontline:”It carries more than 100 times as much water as all the world’s rivers combined. It reaches from the ocean’s surface to its bottom, and measures as much as 2,000 kilometers across. It connects the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and… Continue Reading
WHO The state of the climate in 2023
WHO Climate Report – Climate change indicators reached record levels in 2023. The state of the climate in 2023 gave ominous new significance to the phrase “off the charts.” Key messages: State of Global Climate report confirms 2023 as hottest year on record by clear margin Records broken for ocean heat, sea level rise, Antarctic… Continue Reading
Climate change is shifting the zones where plants grow
Via LLRX – Climate change is shifting the zones where plants grow – With the arrival of spring in North America, many people are gravitating to the gardening and landscaping section of home improvement stores, where displays are overstocked with eye-catching seed packs and benches are filled with potted annuals and perennials. But some plants that… Continue Reading
