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Boiling Hot Water Found in Frigid Arctic Sea Well inside the Arctic Circle, scientists have found vents of water more than twice as the boiling point rising out of the seafloor.
How Smart Homes Could Power the Future A third of energy consumption is in the home. Many opportunities exist to make houses more efficient, as a new European initiative plans to show with several demo homes.
Dear EarthTalk: I was intrigued to hear that there were a number of ways one could modify or construct a roof on a house or office facility that would provide great environmental benefit. Can you enlighten? -- Bill Teague, Menlo Park, CA
Forget Jaws. The scariest thing about sharks is their tenuous future.
Though often misperceived as villainous denizens of the deep, these top predators play an important role in preserving the balance of the ocean's ecosystems by keeping their prey's populations in check.
Dear EarthTalk: Should we expect to see “plug-in” hybrid cars anytime soon? I’ve been hearing they are on the horizon but I wonder if that means in one year or 10.-- Bill A., Stratford, CT
[The following is an exact transcript of this podcast.]
When you think about an ecosystem, you usually think of the big animals that live there. The Serengeti’s ruled by lions. And estuaries are populated by fishes, birds, snails and maybe the occasional otter. But there’s more to an ecosystem than meets the eye. Because a team of scientists from the US and Mexico has found that parasites constitute a sizeable chunk of the biomass of an ecosystem.
Confronting a World Freshwater Crisis [In-Depth Reports] As the global population grows--and freshwater supplies dwindle--ensuring that everyone has sufficient supplies of life-giving H2O has become an enormous challenge. Here's how to start. [More]
A friend of mine lives in a middle-class neighborhood of New Delhi, one of the richest cities in India. Although the area gets a fair amount of rain every year, he wakes in the morning to the blare of a megaphone announcing that freshwater will be available only for the next hour. He rushes to fill the bathtub and other receptacles to last the day. New Delhi’s endemic shortfalls occur largely because water managers decided some years back to divert large amounts from upstream rivers and reservoirs to irrigate crops.
My son, who lives in arid Phoenix, arises to the low, schussing sounds of sprinklers watering verdant suburban lawns and golf courses. Although Phoenix sits amid the Sonoran Desert, he enjoys a virtually unlimited water supply. Politicians there have allowed irrigation water to be shifted away from farming operations to cities and suburbs, while permitting recycled wastewater to be employed for landscaping and other nonpotable applications.
Many of us use water thoughtlessly; it seems as abundant as the air we breathe and a free swig is available almost anywhere. But fresh, potable water is already a precious commodity in many drier parts of the world, and as it grows rarer--and thus, dearer--in developed countries, the true value of H2O is beginning to seep in.
Until water shortages impact more of us directly it is likely that this liquid resource will continue to be poorly managed. Whether it's the inefficient flooding of farm fields or hosing down our cars every weekend, people find many ways to waste water.
Although Earth is known as the "Blue Planet," very little of that which makes it blue is of much use to us. Fully 97 percent of the world's water is too salty for us to use to slake our thirst, grow our food or wash our clothes.
Global freshwater resources are threatened by rising demands from many quarters. Growing populations need ever more water for drinking, hygiene, sanitation, food production and industry. Climate change, meanwhile, is expected to contribute to droughts.
Policymakers need to figure out how to supply water without degrading the natural ecosystems that provide it.
Even with all of the water in Earth's oceans, we satisfy less than half a percent of human water needs with desalinated water.* We currently use on the order of 960 cubic miles (4,000 cubic kilometers) of freshwater a year, and overall there's enough water to go around. There is increasing regional scarcity, though.
So why don't we desalinate more to alleviate shortages and growing water conflicts?
Scientific American editor, Steve Ashley, talks about the future of fresh water and the steps we can take to ensure that we all have potable water in the years ahead. Steve Mirsky reports.
The text transcript is currently not available. Transcript will be posted about a week after the podcast airs.
In a dramatic call to action in April, United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon--backed by the African Union, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, ExxonMobil, the World Bank, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, among other key international organizations and businesses--set a timetable for comprehensive malaria control in Africa by the end of 2010. Secretary-General Ban has thrown down the gauntlet: there is no reason why a million or more children should die every year of a largely preventable and wholly treatable disease.
The operational objective is to ensure that crucial interventions are taken continent-wide and at the appropriate scale within the next two and a half years. As I described in this space in October 2007, the package of technical control measures is now settled. There should be restriction of the mosquito vector (especially through the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying of insecticides); timely treatment of every clinical case with effective medicines; preventive treatment for pregnant women; and trained community health workers who will link clinics and communities in rural areas. In view of the lives to be saved and the economic benefits of reining in the disease, the total cost of around $3 billion a year is one of the world’s great bargains.
Human Genome Head ResignsOn August 1, Francis S. Collins, the face of the Human Genome Project, was scheduled to have stepped down as director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), after some 15 years of leadership. While announcing his plans, Collins said that he is proud of his accomplishments and those of his colleagues--most notably, the mapping of the human genome [see “Deciphering the Code of Life”; SciAm, December 1999]. On leaving his post, the 58-year-old geneticist stated that he wanted the freedom to write books and explore opportunities that are off-limits to federal employees.
Good news for the world's vanishing corals: a new study shows that commercial fishing bans in Australia's Great Barrier Reef kept a lid on coral-gobbling starfish.
"This is definitely good news for coral," says John Bruno, an associate professor of marine science at the University of North Carolina (U.N.C.) at Chapel Hill.
Global warming is bad for your health, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency last week warned in a report that more people will die during heat waves, freshwater supplies will shrink, and diseases will spread in coming years, among other impacts of increasing global temperatures. Just weeks ago, it cautioned that a warming climate will also spawn more smog, which is linked to heart disease and respiratory ills. [More]
What begins in the bathroom often ends in the water supply. No, not that, the drugs in your medicine chest--and that, a new study suggests, could have a significant impact on aquatic life. [More]
Online associate editor David Biello arrived in China this past May with the intention of reporting for Scientific American’s Web site on the country’s daunting environmental and health challenges. Those subjects suddenly redefined themselves on the afternoon of May 12, however, when a massive magnitude 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake tore apart Mianyang, Chengdu and other communities in the western province of Sichuan. Nearly 70,000 people were killed, and millions were abruptly left homeless.
Biello’s reports on the tragedy, which are available at www.SciAm.com, describe some of the resulting chaos. In the wake of such disasters, the most desperate physical needs--for food, drinking water, sanitation, shelter and medicine--grab priority: efficiently addressing the needs of the hungry, injured and homeless has to be the focus of any aid. Unfortunately, such acute concerns can pull attention away from more persistent catastrophes brewing in the environment, and China will have an abundance of those long after the last traces of this recent quake’s damage have been cleaned up. In its rush to industrialize and raise its economy, China has incurred nightmarish air and water pollution hazards, among other environmental burdens.
Scientific American - Earth & Environment Science news and technology updates from Scientific American
A Directory for Locals Living Sustainably GenGreen's ambtion is to become an invaluable resource for green people looking to live a locally-focused, sustainable lifestyle. They plan to accomplish this through growing a network and providing a directory listing over 25,000 resources to help you green your life. Nonprofits, Businesses and individuals are invited to join the community.
An Initiative to Reduce IT Energy Consumption The aim of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative is to increase the energy efficiency of computers and to promote the development, introduction and adoption of clean technologies for reducing IT energy consumption. The Initiative is a non-profit organization established by environmentally aware consumers, corporations, and environmental protection organizations.
Seeking All Things Green EcoSeek is a search engine for all shades of green, from appliances and clothing to office supplies and personal care. Besides providing and directory and search, their site features consumer information, definitions, green tips, a blog, green products and merchants, an online auction, and other eco-friendly resources. EcoSeek helps to promote sustainable choices and create a green marketplace.
A Green Social News Site EcoURLs ranks the most prominent green stories from a number of environmental categories and enables you to submit your green content. The site was developed by two respected figures in the online green community—Muhammad Saleem and Hank Green (EcoGeek.org).
Entrepreneurialism and Sustainability Ecopreneurist commends innovators for their entrepreneurial spirit—publishing news and helpful tips for social and sustainable entrepreneurialism. Discover new green products and services for the Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) demographic, and get branding and marketing advice for starting a green business.
A Green World Tumblelog Ecoscraps, part of Green Options Media's network of sites, offers a collection of green clippings—a virtual scrapbook with a hodge podge of light-hearted musings that inspire readers to reflect on greener living. The editorial team invites its community of readers to share offbeat photos, videos or stories—they call ecoscraps.
Gr33n Community and Stories Glaci3r, part of the Loud3r Network of topic-oriented sites, aggregates environment news from various sources. The site also offers a community and ranked news content. Besides sharing stories, you can use the site to share questions, get answers and meet like-minded people. Other sites in their network cover politics, wines, gadgets, etc.
Source for Environmental Media Online Times Online's Environment news section covers the environment and environmental issues, climate change, global warming and other green topics. In addition to green media (videos, photos, podcasts, etc.) they also feature a blog entitled Green Central. More than 200 years old, The Times and The Sunday Times are two of the world's well-known and respected media brands.
Among the Longest-running Green Blogs Since July 2003, sustainablog has been informing readers about environmental and economic sustainability, green politics, and sustainable and eco-friendly business. The blog features environmental leaders, alternative energy and green technology experts, and real individuals attempting to reduce their environmental impact.
Prizes for Reducing Oil Dependency The Freedom Prizes are cash awards totaling more than $4 million for innovative, near-term applications of existing oil displacement technologies and strategies in America. The Freedom Prize Foundation was co-founded by Jack Hidary and Josh Becker. The Freedom Prize is administered by Freedom Prize Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to reducing the nation's dependence on oil.
Explore a Green Social Network Gaia, powered by Zaadz, is an online community and social network for eco-conscious and spiritually attuned individuals. Search for friends who share the same interests and collaborate on projects that make a positive impact. Explore Gaia's Green section for the latest green content and to connect with community members.
Clean Affordable Solar Energy Headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley, Calif., SolarCity matches solar power technology with installation services. The company's offerings help remove the technical, regulatory and financing barriers to solar power, so customers can make smart renewable energy choices that can save money. SolarCity serves communities throughout California, Oregon and Arizona.
SF Bay Area Living Sustainably SFGreen from SFGate.com covers living green in the San Francisco Bay Area. Topics for the site include outdoors, food, home and garden, events and news, community, travel, and resources. Create a forum or a blog, view events, find recycling locations and learn green tips.
Green Technology Movement GreenTech Pastures, a green tech blog presented by ZDNet's Harry Fuller and Heather Clancy, covers alternative energy start-ups, green data center projects and other high-tech and political developments shaping the green technology movement. ZDNet, a technology media property and network, is owned by CNET Networks.
Green Loyalty Rewards Program Green Rewards is a loyalty rewards program that offers its members the opportunity to earn points for their everyday shopping. As a member, you can earn points across selected eco-friendly stores which can be found under The Shops or in thier own store, The Green Shop. Every time you make a store purchase you will automatically earn Green Rewards Points.
The Extent of Global Climate Change The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and California Institute of Technology hosts this section of their website titled Global Climate Change: NASA's Eyes on the Earth. The section features a number of interactives, stories, mission and role information, multimedia, a widget to track vital signs of the planet, and more.
Solar Electricity as a Service Based in San Francisco, SunRun is a residential solar electricity provider. SunRun offers a low-cost, less-hassle way for homeowners to go solar and is also the only company that lets homeowners lock in an electricity rate that is lower than utility rates and never increases. SunRun Solar Service includes installation of a rooftop system plus free maintenance and monitoring.
Creating a Low Carbon World ClimateCare is part of JPMorgan's Environmental Markets group. Their origination team provides advice and support to companies and project developers in emerging markets to create carbon emissions reduction credits from projects that successfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The team specializes in renewable energy, municipal waste management, industrial gases, energy efficiency and forestry.
Green People Living in the City The Little Green People Show, a weekly podcast on green living in the city, is hosted by two of Chicago's respected environmental voices—Jill Riddell and Laurene von Klan. Each podcast episode answers listener questions, offers expert advice, and delivers commentary on all the opportunities and challenges faced by the average urban dweller attempting to live sustainably.
Environmental Web Directory Promotes Green Green Light Plays is a green environmental web directory. Categories in the directory include architecture, energy, education, art, parks and recreation, agriculture, animals & wildlife, products and services, society, government, environmental issues, science, home and garden, health, forestry & land, magazines and news, internet, databases & directories. Their goal is to promote a "green Planet" and sustainability.
Angel Investor in Social Entrepreneurship As an angel investor in social entrepreneurship, Echoing Green identifies, funds and supports the worlds emerging leaders and the organizations they launch. Named after a William Blake poem, Echoing Green opened its doors in 1987.
Media for Living a Green Lifestyle Founded in 1847, Chicago Tribune is the flagship publication of the Chicago Tribune Media Group—a multi-product, multi-channel news and information source. chicagotribune.com publishes a green living section with quizzes, photo galleries, videos, a carbon calculator, and stories on green automotive, celebrities, home & garden, places, and much more.
Green Media, Reviews and Tools Smart Planet's mission is to deliver news, reviews and tools that facilitate a greener and eco-friendlier world. They cover ten categories in News and eight in Reviews, including beauty, business, fashion, finance, food, household, leisure and travel, people, tech and transport. They are affiliated with CNET.
A Line of Non-Toxic Household Products Seventh Generation's green products are healthy and safe for the air, surfaces, fabrics, pets, and people within your home—and for the community and environment outside. They offer cleaning, paper, baby and feminine personal care products.
An Eco-Friendly Company Directory EcoFirms.org is a green business directory that supports ecological solutions. Add your eco-friendly company, create a profile, and upload images into their gallery. Browse a number of eco-categories, including: business, products, services, tourism, issues, media, trade, health, foods, energy and more.
The Science of Home Improvement Sustainable Spaces is a licensed California contractor specializing in home performance testing and retrofitting. They help bring homes up to today's high standards of energy efficiency, comfort and health. They can help you squeeze the most out of your home improvement budget by suggesting the appropriate technologies and contractors for the project.
Your Home and the Environment The Eco Options brand, available at Home Depot, helps shoppers identify products that have less of an impact on the environment than competing products. Eco Options products offer one or more of the following benefits: Sustainable Forestry, Energy Efficient, Healthy Home, Clean Air and Water Conservation.
Environmentally-friendly Home Goods Recycline, a pioneer in green product design, has produced environmentally-friendly home goods—that lessen the impact on the environment—for more than 10 years. Originally founded in 1996, their mission is to deliver consumer products that are stylish, that perform and are more sustainable than alternative products.
Environmental Social Media Founded in 2008, WeEarth began as an idea for an environmental resource and evolved into a social network that aims to bring everyone together. Besides social networking, they also offer an environmental web-zine and soon will feature environmentally and socially responsible green products.
Low-Cost Ethanol Using Algae Algenol's technology produces industrial-scale, low-cost ethanol using algae, sunlight, CO2, and seawater. Algenol's DIRECT TO ETHANOL™ technology can produce ethanol at an affordable price.
Earth & Economy
Wildfire season may slow global warming The annual North American wildfire season could provide the Arctic with temporary relief from global warming, according to a new study.
