by Abby Simpson Increased water temperatures, decreased ice cover, droughts, wildfires, floods, and stronger weather patterns caused by climate change are having a detrimental effect on the United States’ freshwater lakes and reservoirs. We must take urgent action now before the negative effects become irreversible. The U.S. is home to about 250 massive freshwater lakes […]
How climate change is affecting freshwater lakes Read More »
by Haley Morrison It’s time for the United States, the largest historical contributor to global climate change, to take a leading role in climate action and accountability, especially by reducing its use of natural resources. According to the World Bank the U.S. made up only about 4% of the global population as of 2020.1 When we
by Ellie Crone Flash floods have become just one example of the countless catastrophes exacerbated by climate change. These floods, caused by record-breaking rains, have led to widespread destruction and loss of lives. Such was the case with the floods that swept across Kentucky1 in July 2022, killing at least 38 people, and those that hit
Fossil fuel divestment – The role of universities in combating climate change Read More »
by Abby Simpson It is apparent that to prevent the worst effects from climate change, the Earth’s temperature must stay below 1.5 degrees Celsius.1 But even at current rates we are witnessing increased ocean temperatures, rising ocean levels, species extinction, more record hot days, and harsher weather patterns. Swift, urgent action is necessary to avoid
How colleges can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions Read More »
by Jill Poskanzer As an avid zoogoer and lifelong cat lover, the highlight of a visit to any new Association of Zoos & Aquariums-accredited institution, for me, is the big cats. I love to watch jewel-bright tigers stalking along the edge of their enclosure, mouths open, hungry for their eager fans just beyond their reach;
The missing lynx – One species’ survival story Read More »
by Jill Poskanzer When my friend’s parents came to visit her in Los Angeles a few months ago, I was invited to tag along with them to the zoo, an opportunity I never turn down, no matter where I am in the world. “I told them you’re very good at spotting animals,” my friend told
We can do something about climate-caused extinctions. Our animal friends can’t. Read More »
by Christine Carlton Ford, Porsche, Nissan, Chevrolet, Jaguar, Hyundai, Tesla, Kia, Mercedes, Audi, Mazda, Volvo, Mini Cooper, Polestar, Rivian, GMC, Volkswagen. The common factor in that list of vehicle brands? Each currently offers at least one all-electric model, with three – Tesla, Rivian, and Polestar – only producing electric vehicles (EVs). That’s not an exhaustive
Electric vehicles are great but they can – and will – be even better Read More »
by Jill Poskanzer After over a year spent primarily inside due to world events, it felt good to wake up every Saturday morning, make coffee, gather my necessary survey materials, and drive an hour down to Marina del Rey, California, to survey the endangered California least terns. A subspecies of the smallest member of the
On shorebirds, and offshore drilling, and losing shorelines Read More »
by Richard Rollins As a team, we worked very hard during 2021. One of the motivating (and rewarding) aspects of this work was that it was recognized by the Grassroots Network. The award of a 2021 GN Grant enabled us to leverage our work (and resources) through volunteers in multiple locations throughout the country while
2021 Year-end Report – Climate Emergency Mobilization Team Read More »
by Christine Carlton “It is an axiom of science communication that you cannot convince a science denier with facts alone; most science deniers don’t have a deficit of information, but a deficit of trust. And trust has to be built, with patience, respect, empathy and interpersonal connections.” (Lee McIntyre for Nature) Science denial is nothing new (just
How to convert a climate denier (spoiler alert, stop trying to convert!) Read More »
