Kottke.org: “Using data from the United States Geological Survey, River Runner visualizes the path taken by a raindrop from its landing spot to its eventual endpoint. Just click on any spot in the US and it maps out the path the drop would take, complete with a satellite fly-through of the route…” See also The… Continue Reading
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Category Archives: Climate Change
Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress
CRS Report – Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress. Updated May 17, 2021: “The diminishment of Arctic sea ice has led to increased human activities in the Arctic, and has heightened interest in, and concerns about,the region’s future.The United States, by virtue of Alaska, is an Arctic country and has substantial interests… Continue Reading
NOAA High Tide Bulletin
Summer 2021: When you may experience higher than normal tides between June and August, 2021. “Tides are the regular rise and fall of the sea surface caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun and their position relative to the earth. There are some factors that cause the tides to be higher than… Continue Reading
More than 1000 rivers account for 80% of global riverine plastic emissions into the ocean
Research Article. Environmental Studies. [Full text is Free] More than 1000 rivers account for 80% of global riverine plastic emissions into the ocean. J. J. Meijer, Tim van Emmerik, Ruud van der Ent, Christian Schmidt and Laurent Lebreton. Science Advances 30 Apr 2021:Vol. 7, no. 18, eaaz5803 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz5803 See also – The Ocean Cleanup:… Continue Reading
Report – Twenty firms produce 55% of world’s plastic waste
The Guardian – Plastic Waste Makers index identifies those driving climate crisis with virgin polymer production. Twenty companies are responsible for producing more than half of all the single-use plastic waste in the world, fuelling the climate crisis and creating an environmental catastrophe, new research reveals. Among the global businesses responsible for 55% of the… Continue Reading
Net Zero by 2050
International Energy Agency press release – “The number of countries announcing pledges to achieve net-zero emissions over the coming decades continues to grow. But the pledges by governments to date – even if fully achieved – fall well short of what is required to bring global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions to net zero by 2050… Continue Reading
This map of the U.S. heating up is horrifying
Fast Company – “Was it a hot day? Or is the world actually getting hotter over time? It’s hard to be sure on a day-to-day basis. Isn’t summer always a little too sweltering? Aren’t there always a few unseasonably warm days in winter? A new map proves it’s not just you: The U.S. really is… Continue Reading
Climate Change Indicators in the United States
BBC – US environmental agency releases climate report delayed by Trump: “The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said for the first time that climate change is being driven at least in part by humans. The agency made the acknowledgement in a new report that had been delayed by the Trump White House since 2017.… Continue Reading
First comprehensive review of the global response to COVID-19
The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (WHO): “Since September 2020, the Independent Panel has systematically, rigorously and comprehensively examined why COVID-19 became a global health and socio-economic crisis. In May 2021, the Independent Panel presented its findings and recommendations for action to curb the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure that any future infectious disease… Continue Reading
The Case for Letting People Work From Home Forever
Wired – “Do you want happier, productive, more engaged, and more fulfilled employees and coworkers? Well, you should campaign to let them work remotely. Here’s why. “In 2020, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, almost 70 percent of full-time employees worked from home. Many employers that perhaps may never have considered offering a remote work option… Continue Reading
Science and Technology Issues in the 117th Congress
CRS Report – Science and Technology Issues in the 117th Congress. May 5, 2021: “The federal government supports scientific and technological advancement directly by funding and performing research and development, and indirectly by creating and maintaining policies that encourage private sector efforts. Additionally, the federal government regulates many aspects of S&T activities. This report briefly… Continue Reading
This map shows the climate impacts on every county in the Western US
Fast Company – “…Climate change looks different everywhere. A new interactive map shows a detailed list of likely impacts by county, starting with the Intermountain West, the region bounded by the Rocky Mountains on the east and the Cascades and Sierras on the west. The tool was designed specifically for people who manage parks, and… Continue Reading
