“What is the driving force behind most water rights in the Western U.S?”
Water is much more scarce in the Western U.S than in the East. Many times water has to be taken from a source to be applied somewhere far away. This leads to conflict about who gets to divert the water and when. Before 1914, all one had to do was physically divert the water to use it! To regulate this, the U.S has established the concept of Appropriative Water Rights. Here, a potential water diverter has to apply to a state water resource control board to divert the water. The application must include where the water will be used, the time length of diversion, what purpose the water is being used for, and the type and point of diversion. People with older riparian rights trump those with newer ones.
“What is the most common form of water rights in the Eastern U.S?”
The right to use water is always a vexing legal question. In the Eastern United States, the most common approach is Riparian Water Rights. If a landowner holds property adjacent to a body of water, then they are allowed to make reasonable use of it. The right to this water cannot be transferred independently of the land. The rights travel with the land when it is bought and sold.
Showing People in the Global North That a Lower-Carbon Lifestyle May Be a Better Choice
11/13/22
“How can convincing people in the global north that a lower carbon lifestyle is more fulfilling benefit the world?”
Many people in the global north believe that a lower-carbon lifestyle is inherently a worse one. However, many choices that provide benefits such as using public transportation, eating healthier, and watching less television actually lead to a more fulfilling life. If more people in the Global North are convinced of this, then the world’s carbon levels will go down. This is why Showing People in the Global North That a Lower-Carbon Lifestyle May Be a Better Choice.
Why a Global Tax on the Wealthy Could Be Used to Fight Climate Change
11/10/22
“Why could a global tax on the wealthy be used to fight climate change?”
Wealthy people often put their money in tax havens to avoid helping the rest of society. However, if all of the nations impose a global tax on them, then their money could be redistributed to fight climate change. This would be a masterclass of international cooperation showing Why a Global Tax on the Wealthy Could Be Used to Fight Climate Change.
Why Daylight Savings Time Changes Can Cause Headaches
11/09/22
“Why can daylight savings time changes cause headaches?”
Daylight savings time changes lead to an abrupt shift in the day’s flow. This can cause an effect similar to jetlag in many people. One of the side effects of this is the onset of headaches. This is Why Daylight Savings Time Changes Can Cause Headaches.
Air pollution harms human health. Air pollution harms building quality. But did you know that air pollution also harms fruit being grown? Research from Ontario Canada has shown that when agriculture is exposed to air pollution, it can develop bruises, markings, and even die! This is Why Air Pollution Harms Local Fruit.
People often think of cities as having a uniform climate. However, some cities are so large or have geographic features that lead to variations of climate within themselves. One example is San Francisco California, where its proximity to the ocean and dozens of hills lead to multiple microclimates throughout the town.
Why Climate Change Will Cause More Weeds to Grow in Formerly Cold Areas
11/04/22
“Why will climate change cause more weeds to grow in formerly cold areas?”
Weeds often have trouble growing in low-temperature areas. But with the advent of climate change, these places are going to get warmer. This will allow more weeds to grow, harming the local ecosystem. This is Why Climate Change Will Cause More Weeds to Grow in Formerly Cold Areas.
“How will places advertise to attract climate migrants in the future?”
Climate change is going to force entire communities to move. Some cities will fare better than others and may want to take in more people. They can spread this message through Climate Migration Destination Advertising. Notable examples include Duluth Minnesota and Buffalo New York.
Isaac's Science Blog 