Deforestation in Amazonia

Paul RacetteAgriculture, Biodiversity, Economy

Tropical forests in Amazonia are being cleared rapidly, representing an important contribution to land-use and land-cover change. This is a thoughtful article of the history, economic and environmental impacts of Amazonia deforestation.

How Do You Ski if There Is No Snow?

Paul RacetteClimate, Economy

Imagine a ski resort whose chairlifts are in the lower reaches of mountains without decent snow. Or a scuba club whose reefs succumbed to warmer and stormier seas. Or a golfing hotel in a district where water shortages made it impossible to keep fairways green. Climate change is affecting the world’s tourist industry.

Human Behavior, Global Warming, and the Ubiquitous Plastic Bag

Paul RacetteEconomy, Energy

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

Economic Impact of Great Lakes Shrinking

Paul RacetteEconomy, Water

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.