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The most dangerous climate feedback loop is speeding up
The new study released on January 16th of this year is the first “globally consistent assessment of permafrost temperature.” Four dozen researchers from around the globe found that the ground temperature tens of feet below the surface “increased in all permafrost zones on Earth”—in the Northern Hemisphere, the mountains, and Antarctica…
How one heatwave killed ‘a third’ of a bat species in Australia
We often hear concerns about windmills killing lots of birds and bats. And they will, and do, kill some. You’ll hear people talking about hundreds, or even a few thousand, getting killed. That said, technology is advancing so the impact is smaller.
And climate change? It’s accelerating and wiping out bats, as well as birds, in vast numbers…and we are only just beginning to see the destruction. unless we slow it down.
Flying foxes (bats) are no more sensitive to extreme heat than some other species, experts say. Researchers from Western Sydney University finalized their conclusion that about 23,000 bats died in two days: on the 26th and 27th of November, 2018.
But, because these bats often gather in urban areas in large numbers, their deaths can be more conspicuous, and easily documented. “It raises concerns as to the fate of other creatures who have more secretive, secluded lifestyles,” Dr. Welbergen says…
Does talking to people about climate change make any difference?
Let’s say I was able to visit one high school per week for the next year and give a talk about what young people can do to fight climate change. Say I also try to reach adults by giving presentations at local community centers, churches, and international centers.
Would any of these efforts, if I undertook them over the next three or five years, make ANY difference in curbing the current rise in carbon dioxide emissions, reducing the number of species going extinct every day (which I’ve read is 200), and decreasing the amount of Arctic sea ice melt?
All hands on deck to understand, predict, prevent abrupt ecological change
“In 2011, Lake Erie turned into a toxic pea soup. One-sixth of the lake harbored a thick and deadly algal bloom that killed fish, closed beaches and struck a blow to Toledo, Ohio’s tourism industry. The bloom was three times larger than any algal bloom ever recorded there.
Then, in 2014, toxic algae suddenly contaminated Toledo’s water supply, preventing half a million people from consuming, cooking or bathing with their tap water…”
With fire, warming, and drought, Yellowstone forests could be grassland in 30 plus years
A recent study calls into question assumptions on the relationship between fire, tree growth, and how forests can be a major part of slowing down climate change…
“It wasn’t just a small reduction,” says University of Wisconsin–Madison Professor of Integrative Biology Monica Turner, “it was a failure to establish at the lower elevations.”… The park’s forests may be on the brink of abrupt change, where their resilience may suddenly be overwhelmed.
Climate change makes farming harder
Climate change is increasing a risk to farm and ranch survival, given extreme weather, blights, water challenges, and changes in soil. That’s one of the reasons why farmers are embracing renewable energy to help buffer potential losses and help restore the land.
The Young Farmers Coalition speaks here with Yale Climate Connections about what this means to young farmers. This could be something you could share with folks who care about farming and farmers, with a link to how they can slow down climate change. This is short—probably even too short—but it’s a good snippet.
10 groups to watch in 2019
LET’S BE FRANK: 2018 was not exactly a banner year for the planet. Nearly every major environmental assessment presented grim results: crucial habitats like tropical forests continue to disappear; wildlife populations declined 60% over the last 40 years; and perhaps most alarming, we’re failing to make the progress we need to keep the climate within safe boundaries.
We still have a chance to turn things around, though. A major body of research led by The Nature Conservancy shows it is still possible to achieve a sustainable future for people and nature—if we take massive action in the next 10 years.
That means we need strong leadership, and not just from the usual suspects—saving the planet must be an all-hands-on-deck effort. So below, in no particular order, we present 10 groups to watch in 2019…
Did you see the dramatic hands trying to save Venice from drowning?
The power of art often cuts through silence, grief, and denial. Local conservationists can—and do—connect with artists to portray the importance of sense of place, community, social justice, and the fragility of the landscape around us. Perhaps this year you can find an artist to collaborate with on climate change.
Check out this art installation. It’s inspiring…
16 sustainability leaders weigh in: How YOU can help reverse global warming
“The next few years are probably the most important in our history.” That’s a quote from Debra Roberts, Co-Chair of International Panel on Climate Change Working Group II. If you are wondering how you can share climate change news with your neighbors, friends, and other conservationists, this article might be one to consider…
Not all environmentalists eat tofu; hunters fighting climate change
If conservation groups want to be inclusive, and impactful, finding shared values no matter the party affiliation will be important. That means talking about climate change in ways that resonate and finding partnerships to create change.
“I’m one of those rare Republicans that believe that if you don’t take care of your environment, your environment can’t take care of you,” says Charlie Phillips, owner of Sapelo Sea Farms in Georgia. Phillips makes his living growing clams, so water quality is crucial to him, which is why he serves on boards and tries to help scientists and fishermen find common ground…