environment
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 […]
EarthTalk: Is dish soap really that bad?
Dear EarthTalk: Are mainstream dish soaps really that bad for the planet? And if so, what are some greener alternatives? —P. McGrath, Boulder, CO Dec. 13. Popular dish soaps often claim to easily tackle grease, leave dishes sparkling clean and uphold commitments to sustainability and safety. But the promises are often misleading. These products may […]
EarthTalk: Is glass recycling worthwhile?
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that glass recycling isn’t worthwhile and that some municipalities are stopping doing it? —R. Bigelow, Houston, TX Dec. 6. Glass recycling has long been touted as a sustainable way to reduce waste and conserve resources. But in recent years—while glass remains theoretically recyclable and environmentally friendly—a growing number of municipalities […]
EarthTalk: Where are the ‘climate refuges’ in light of the devastation in Western NC?
Dear EarthTalk: Have extreme weather events in places like Asheville made people rethink where they consider to be good “climate refuges” as the world warms? —K.L., Raleigh Nov. 22. The concept of the “climate refuge,” or a location relatively unaffected by extreme weather phenomena, arose in response to the growing frequency of tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, […]
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 […]
