Category Archives: Environment

As Scientists Have Long Predicted, Warming Is Making Heatwaves More Deadly

Twenty years ago the IPCC warned of summer heatwave deaths in unprepared temperate regions like the Pacific Northwest.

Are We Prepared for Pandora’s Box of Climate Catastrophes?

There’s still time to avoid the climate catastrophe we have set in motion, but it’s going to take drastic behaviour change and huge grassroots pressure on governments.

World’s Coral Scientists Warn Action is Needed Now to Save Even a Few Reefs from Climate Change

Coral reefs are the canary in the coal mine. The collapse of these ecosystems is the first unequivocally tied to climate change.

What’s in Wildfire Smoke? A Toxicologist Explains the Health Risks

An environmental toxicologist outlines steps to take to mitigate the effects of wildfire smoke.

PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Ban: As Maine Goes, So Goes the Nation?

A PFAS survey: chemistry, products, harms, exposure, remediation, regulation, and Maine’s pioneering PFAS legislation

Pacific Salmon and Heat, along with Beavers, Bears — and Nitrogen

Beavers and bears as ecosytem engineers. But can salmon be saved?

The U.S. Shale Revolution Has Surrendered to Reality

The funding for shale production in the US has dried up as moneybags finally realize that there’s no profit to be had.

The Conflict Within OPEC Is Far From Over

Another byproduct of inflation generally and rising gas prices in particular is more eyes on OPEC.

Industry Calls the Climate Shots in the Biden Administration

And you believed Biden on climate change?

‘Wake Up Call’: Rapidly Thawing Permafrost Threatens Trans-Alaska Pipeline

Thawing permafrost is undermining the supports that hold up an elevated section of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, putting in danger the structural integrity of one of the world’s largest oil pipelines.

Book Review: The History of Animal-Based Medicine in China

Even critics of animal-based potions in China don’t understand its origins….which means they may be easier to contain than is now assumed.

War on Science Persists Within Biden EPA as Staffers Allege Chemical Reports Altered

Whistleblowers charge that Trump-style doctoring of scientific reports is continuing under Biden.

An Independence Day Reflection: How the Rich Plan to Rule a Burning World

How do the rich intend to carry on as general conditions deteriorate?

‘Historic Moment’: ‘Ecocide’ Definition Unveiled by International Lawyers

If adopted, the draft law would mean individuals could be prosecuted in the International Criminal Court for causing ‘widespread or long-term damage to the environment’.

Prairie Dogs as Ecosystem Engineers and and Sentient Beings

“If a lion could speak, we could not understand him” –Wittgenstein. Wrong!