Arctic Permafrost & Pleistocene Park
By Arden Benner The American Geographical Society has a long history with the Arctic. Our conception centralized around the rescue of Sir John Franklin, an Arctic explorer who disappeared in 1851 (we were unsuccessful). Since then the AGS has contributed immeasurable time and resources toward the understanding and development of…
The Lasting Effects of Coronavirus
With the Coronavirus lockdown in full effect almost worldwide, the cities and places that are usually bustling with people and activity have come to a standstill. The impact that this had on the environment came almost immediately; animals have begun migrating back into spaces that are usually full of people,…
The “15 Minute City:” The Reality of Urban Sustainability and Convenience
The "15 Minute City:" The Reality of Urban Sustainability and Convenience Written by Maya Garcia Fisher The idea of a “15-minute city” automatically sounds like something very unrealistic, but Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, this idea is not only a possibility but a promise if reelected. Hidalgo’s vision includes the restructuring…
Teflon and Forever Chemicals
Written by Jake Rogers In 2001 a class action lawsuit was brought against DuPont Chemicals Company claiming that Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), commonly known as C8, was the cause of six different illnesses that were a result of contaminated drinking water due to chemical waste being dumped…
Bee Brains Busted
By Arden Benner A study released by the Imperial College London’s Department of Sciences last week illustrated the long-term effect pesticides can have on Bumblebee colonies. Neonicotinoids are a water-soluble type of pesticide widely used in global agriculture (although restricted in the EU and some American states). The study found…
Opportunities for Organic Farming in Developing Regions
[caption id="attachment_2397" align="aligncenter" width="728"] Cocoa producer in Ecuadorian Amazon. Image: World Economic Forum[/caption] Written by Jessica Devous With nearly 30% of the global workforce in agriculture, the impact of sustainable farming practices is crucial to the health of people and the planet. The organic food industry and growing agri-environmental practices…
Robots Saving Rhinos and the African Elephant
Written by Jake Rogers Artificial Intelligence continues to be a very controversial issue fueling a multitude of ethical questions on surveillance, data security, the potential loss of human jobs, and, in the most extreme, the fear of “the rise of the robots”. Could this same technology that is alarming to…
#OceanOptimism: Growing Positivity Among Rising Pollution
Fear, anxiety, and hopelessness are growing to define the age of the anthropocene. Mired in climate change, the prospects of a future suitable for children and grandchildren to come seem bleak. What stands out among threats of change and collapse for many is the threat to the ocean. The ocean…
Water Sustainability in Desert Cities
By Katelyn Neff Desert cities like Phoenix and Tucson face an increasing likelihood of severe drought conditions. Most likely to affect rising temperatures are concrete buildings emerging rapidly in urban sprawl, and the heat island effect in which urban temperatures spike higher than they do in the surrounding rural areas,…
Biodegradable Gel Can Prevent Wildfires
By Nathaly Garzon Wildfires have surged in recent years due to climate change. In 2018 alone, 1.8 million acres were burned by wildfires in California. Just last week, more wildfires broke out in the state as well. Scientists have predicted that the number of wildfires will continue to rise as…