Paris Agreement Without the U.S.: Can the World Still Meet Its Climate Goals?

Heads of delegations at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. (Wikipedia)

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump, on his first day back in office, signed an executive order initiating the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. This landmark accord, established in 2015, unites nations in the effort to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with aspirations to stay within 1.5°C above pre-industrial … Read more

Understanding Greenhouse Gases and Their Global Impact

A high resolution print illustrating how increased greenhouse gasses effect global warming. Source: NASA

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) might make up less than 1% of the atmosphere, but their impact on Earth’s climate is monumental. These gases have the unique ability to absorb heat energy radiating from the planet’s surface and re-radiate it, effectively trapping warmth in a process akin to how a greenhouse retains heat. This delicate balance is … Read more

Trump’s War on Science: How Public Health & Environment Paid the Price

President Trump and Alex Azar at the signing of Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 into law

In an era where truth was increasingly muddled, Donald Trump’s first administration took a stance that many would describe as a “war on science.” This war wasn’t waged with bullets or bombs but with misinformation, deregulation, and silencing the very experts tasked with protecting public health and the environment. What emerged from this conflict is … Read more

What Made Hurricane Milton So Devastating? Here’s the Science

Hurricane Milton as it exhibited a distinct pinhole eye on the afternoon of October 7, 2024.

Overview of the Storm Hurricane Milton has surprised meteorologists with its rapid intensification, marking one of the swiftest escalations in hurricane history. With wind speeds surpassing 175 mph, this storm has set new records for October hurricanes. The unusually warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico facilitated Milton’s development, while the process of eyewall replacement … Read more

Brazil’s Plan to Dredge the Amazon: A Desperate Move with Ecological Consequences?

Guiana Amazonian Park in French Guiana by Melanie Dinane

The Amazon, often referred to as the “lungs of the planet,” is not only the world’s largest river by volume but also a crucial lifeline for millions of people and countless species. However, this mighty waterway is now shrinking, and the implications are severe. Due to record-low water levels and a devastating drought, Brazil is … Read more

Solar Updraft Towers: A Solution for Clean Energy and Water

The Solar power technology that can also produce fresh water In the race to combat climate change, innovative solutions are being developed to harness renewable energy. One of the most intriguing and often overlooked technologies is the Solar Updraft Tower (SUT). Unlike conventional solar power plants, SUTs combine the principles of convection and solar radiation … Read more

Fires, Fossil Fuels, and Fury: A Year of Rising Heat

Record-Breaking Heat: According to a recent analysis by non-profit organization Climate Central, the past 12 months have been the hottest ever recorded on Earth. Researchers examined global average temperatures from November 2022 to October 2023 and discovered that they were 2.4 degrees Fahrenheit above preindustrial levels, equivalent to 1.32 degrees Celsius. Global Impact This unprecedented … Read more

Unpredictable Climate and Vulnerable NYC Infrastructure

New York City’s infrastructure is struggling to cope with the impact of climate change, as evidenced by the recent flooding that occurred due to heavy rainfall. The city, known for its high population density, is not adequately equipped to handle intense downpours, with its drainage system unable to handle more than two inches of rain … Read more

Survival Strategies: How Plants Speak the Language of Climate Change

The impact of climate change on plant species, particularly those found in California’s coastline and coastal mountains, is becoming increasingly severe. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are pushing many trees to their limits. To save these trees from extinction, Lawren Sack, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UCLA, suggests that if they … Read more

Is Earth Running Out of Freshwater Resources?

How much fresh water does our planet have left? This crucial resource is in limited supply, with only 1% of the world’s water accessible for human consumption. Unfortunately, population growth and pollution are exacerbating water degradation in developing countries, posing threats to fisheries, agriculture, and public health. Additionally, climate change is intensifying droughts, further compounding … Read more