EarthTalk
EarthTalk: Why does Lyme Disease seem to be increasing?
Dear EarthTalk: Does the rise in diseases like Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever mean tick populations are on the rise? Are there eco-friendly ways to control ticks? —J.B. via email Feb. 14. Common tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Lyme disease is the most well-known, caused by […]
EarthTalk: What’s up with atmospheric rivers?
Dear EarthTalk: What’s the connection between climate change and an increase in so-called atmospheric rivers? —John H., Bridgeport, CT Feb. 7. Atmospheric rivers are narrow bands of water vapor that form in the mid to high latitudes. These can span several miles and carry immense amounts of water—up to 27 times the flow of the […]
EarthTalk: Can we store CO2 in building materials?
Dear EarthTalk: Is it really possible to store large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) in building materials like concrete and plastic? If so, why don’t we do more of it already? —P.L., via email The construction industry, a major contributor to carbon emissions, has an untapped potential to become a powerful ally in […]
EarthTalk: What is congestion pricing?
Dear EarthTalk: What exactly is congestion pricing as just implemented in New York City and how will it help the environment? Should other cities also adopt this policy? —H.M., San Diego, CA Jan. 24. New York City recently became the first U.S. city to implement congestion pricing, a strategy aimed to reduce traffic in extremely […]
EarthTalk: Could bamboo be the future of sustainable construction?
Dear EarthTalk: Why are some people in the green building industry so bullish on bamboo? —Tim Carey, Puyallup, WA Jan. 17. Bamboo, one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, is well-known as a rudimentary building material used for many centuries. Today, although the resource is often limited to scaffolding or remote housing projects, advocates […]
EarthTalk: What is Jimmy Carter’s environmental legacy?
Dear EarthTalk: What is Jimmy Carter’s environmental legacy? —B.N., Athens, GA Jan. 10. Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. President, made a lasting impact on environmental policy. His robust initiatives to protect natural resources and advance clean energy established the foundation for environmental policy in subsequent decades. Despite obstacles, his efforts in land preservation, energy efficiency […]
EarthTalk: Attention cranberry sauce lovers
Dear EarthTalk: Is climate change decimating the cranberry industry? —D.K., Chico, CA Dec. 20. Cranberries are a vital crop in the U.S., deeply intertwined with the nation’s agricultural economy and cultural identity. Grown predominantly in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Wisconsin, cranberries significantly contribute to regional economies. However, the industry now faces growing challenges due to […]
Chloride-based de-icers have a chilling effect on vegetation
Dear EarthTalk: Are road salts and other de-icing chemicals bad for the environment? And if, so are greener alternatives available? —Jane Willis, Fairfield, IA Nov. 15. Traditional de-icers, particularly chloride-based compounds such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, can have various detrimental effects on the environment. According to the Minnesota Stormwater Manual, chloride-based […]
Video games can educate young people about environmental issues
Dear EarthTalk: What are some video games that educate young people about environmental issues? —Concerned parent, Skokie, IL As the climate crisis gets more pressing, video games are emerging as powerful tools to educate young people about environmental issues. Games offer an interactive, engaging platform where players can explore complex challenges like climate change, conservation […]
EarthTalk: What do bees know?
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that bee populations are healthier in and around organic farms than elsewhere and if so, why? —Martin Mason, St. Louis, MO Oct.4. According to experts from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, bees are responsible for a third of the world’s food production. Flowering plants, which make up about […]
