A bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. Senate proposes mandatory, not voluntary, limits on greenhouse gases with the goal of reducing the nation’s emissions more than 60 percent by mid-century. Is this too little? Too late?
Human Behavior, Global Warming, and the Ubiquitous Plastic Bag
Americans use 100 billion plastic bags a year that require an estimated 12 million barrels of oil to produce. What can be done to curb America’s insatiable desire to consume disposable waste products? I confess… I too fail to use alternatives when going to the store, although I usually decline and give back the plastic bags when I can carry … Read More
Grim Outlook for Polar Bears
If emissions of greenhouse gases and resulting global and Arctic warming continue apace, the study said, two-thirds of the 22,000 or so bears will disappear by midcentury. Some bear experts see that prognosis as overly dire.
Australian Fires Add to Fears on Climate Change
Extreme weather, including a drought that has persisted in some places for six years, has focused the Australian public on climate change, and it is shaping up as a major issue in the general elections that are expected to be called in the next few weeks.
U.N. Warns of Rapid Decay of Environment
Climage change, the rate of extinction of species, and the challenge of feeding a growing population are putting humanity at risk, the United Nations Environment Program says in its fourth Global Environmental Outlook since 1997.
Dozens of Species of Primates Are Under Threat, Study Finds
A new report from the World Conservation Union states nearly a third of known primatesare listed as threatened with extinction.
The Mississippi Mesonet
Over the past five years, Jackson State University has taken a leading role in the development of a world-class mesoscale observing network in Mississippi for research, education, and operational use: The Mississippi Mesonet (White and Matlack 2005). Broadly speaking a mesonet can be considered to be a network of automated weather observing stations whose spatial distribution facilitates near-real time description in between the standard “synoptic” observing stations of the National Weather Service (NWS) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In many cases, they are characterized by improved temporal resolution and supplemental sensors compared to the synoptic network.
GPS experts suggest new approach for high-tech satellites
Experts testify that the Air Force should focus on developing more affordable high-tech satellites for the next-generation Global Positioning System instead of developing the super-high tech “Battleship Galactica.”
Economic Impact of Great Lakes Shrinking
Water levels in the Great Lakes are falling. For example, Lake Ontario is about seven inches below where it was a year ago. As water levels fall shipping companies face millions in additional costs.
South Struggles to Cope With Drought
Georgia’s governor declared a state of emergency for 85 counties