Category: Ecology

Why Plastics Take A Long Time to Decompose

Why Plastics Take A Long Time to Decompose

Why Plastics Take A Long Time to Decompose

05/23/24

“Why do plastics take a long time to decompose?”

Our current understanding of physics dictates that everything in this universe will eventually decompose. However, some materials take even longer. Plastics are a notorious example. Even seemingly benign items like plastic straws can take up to two centuries to decompose. But why is this the case? Well, it has to do with the fact that plastics are not found in nature. Because of their relatively short existence and lack of organic makeup, there are barely any bacteria that can decompose them. This is Why Plastics Take A Long Time to Decompose.

Why Humans Can Learn About Climate Migration From Animals

Why Humans Can Learn About Climate Migration From Animals

Why Humans Can Learn About Climate Migration From Animals

04/16/23

“Why can humans learn about climate migration from animals?”

Climate migration is becoming a more pressing topic with each passing day. People are concerned about where will be unlivable and where they should call home. Trying to understand these questions can be very difficult given the complexity of the topic. However, if we look at the animal kingdom we’ll find some thought-shifting lessons. Animals of all kinds from tiny bees to massive whales are moving to new ground in the face of a disrupted climate. By looking at their trends, we’ll be better able to understand ours. This is Why Humans Can Learn About Climate Migration From Animals.

Wildfire Buffer Vertical Spacing

Wildfire Buffer Vertical Spacing

Wildfire Buffer Vertical Spacing

03/09/23

“Why do we need to keep space between shrubs and trees to prevent wildfires?”

Wildfires can travel from flammable material to flammable material. This isn’t limited to one direction and can scale from the ground or shrubs to trees if they’re close enough. For this reason, it is recommended that planners implement Wildfire Buffer Vertical Spacing. This commonly comes in the form of ensuring all tree branches are at least six feet from the ground and/or four times the height of the shrubs beneath them. If done properly, this vertical spacing can make a place much more resilient to fires.

Urban Waterfronts

Urban Waterfronts

Urban Waterfronts

03/07/23

“What are urban waterfronts and how do they contribute to a city’s wellbeing?”

Many cities are built next to bodies of water, whether it be oceans, seas, rivers, or lakes. This creates a boundary that urban planners have to deal with differently than other parts of the cities. This ends up in the creation of Urban Waterfronts, or the interface between the city and a body of water. Urban waterfronts have a wide range of forms, from industrial zones to walking paths to commercial activity. Famous examples of waterfronts include Lake Merritt in Oakland, the Coney Island Theme Park in New York City, and Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro.

Image credit lakemerrittinstitute.org

Why Torrents of Winter Rain in California Can Make the State More Fire-Prone in The Dry Season

Why Torrents of Winter Rain in California Can Make the State More Fire-Prone in The Dry Season

Why Torrents of Winter Rain in California Can Make the State More Fire-Prone in The Dry Season

01/02/23

“Why do torrents of winter rain in California make the state more fire-prone in the dry season?”

As of writing, California is undergoing rain patterns of almost biblical proportions. The City of Oakland has received more rain in a single day than its entire history since records began. Road closures, power outages, and property damage can be seen throughout the Golden State. There are some upsides, such as the easing of the drought. While intuition may say that another benefit will be a safer fire season, the reality is much more complicated. Plant overgrowth is bound to happen after these rains, and if the moisture is not kept up for the rest of the wet season then much of this new flora going to die off. This in turn will lead to more combustible fuel during fire season, making the state a living match. This is Why Torrents of Winter Rain in California Can Make the State More Fire-Prone in The Dry Season.

U.S. Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad

U.S. Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad

U.S. Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad

12/31/22

“What was the executive order that rolled back much of the Trump environmental policies and provided a course correction roadmap?”

A week into taking office, U.S. President Joe Biden signed U.S. Executive Order 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. This lengthy executive order not only rolled back much of the previous administration’s environmental policies but also set a course correction roadmap. Specifically, it tried to organize the U.S. federal agencies to reduce carbon broad-scale carbon emissions in the economy, promote climate adaptation, protect public health, lands, waters, and biodiversity, and spike union jobs and economic growth by driving the clean energy sector.

The U.S National Environmental Policy Act

The U.S National Environmental Policy Act

The U.S National Environmental Policy Act

12/14/22

“Why do U.S federal agencies have to evaluate environmental impacts for every major decision?”

Any major action humanity takes can have drastic environmental impacts. For this reason, The U.S National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA was passed by congress in 1970. NEPA binds all federal agencies to factor in environmental impacts during decision-making. Furthermore, federal agencies must warn the public about their actions. NEPA also established the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), a part of the Executive Office of the President to ensure NEPA is implemented in federal agencies.

<strong>Why Tree Planting Programs in Redlined Neighborhoods Would Build Heat Equity</strong>

Why Tree Planting Programs in Redlined Neighborhoods Would Build Heat Equity

Why Tree Planting Programs in Redlined Neighborhoods Would Build Heat Equity

09/07/22

“Why would tree planting programs in redlined neighborhoods build heat equity?”

Redlined neighborhoods in the U.S have fewer trees, shade, and foliage, causing them to become much warmer during heat waves. But by committing to programs to plant more trees, progress can be made in correcting this decades-long inequity. This is Why Tree Planting Programs in Redlined Neighborhoods Would Build Heat Equity.