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Written by: Caroline Kim March 27, 2023 According to the EPA, environmental justice is defined as “... the fair treatment… of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies” (Environmental Justice). This would mean equal protection and an opportunity to voice thoughts on policies (Environmental Justice). According to the CHE, data show that those classified in a lower socioeconomic status are at higher risk for pollution and disease factors (CHE). Overall, trends of premature death can be tied to socioeconomic environment. According to the NIH, “Overall, most North American studies have shown that areas where low socioeconomic status (SES) communities dwell experience higher concentrations of criteria air pollutants, while European research has been mixed” (Hajat). Multiple sources also confirm that lower socioeconomic status is correlated with more environmental hazards, higher susceptibility to poor health, and more psychological stressors (Hajat). Part of this may be due to occupation in which manual labor is more physically demanding than an office job indoors. While occupation can not be so easily changed, incorporating safer work environments on the field can help improve the health of those in a lower socioeconomic status. Outside of just everyday environmental health, disasters can also impact people differently based on their socioeconomic status. Differences in disaster preparation, response, and resources are all factors that can alter public health. Research actually indicates that those of a lower SES (Socioeconomic status) are less likely to have an emergency plan for disasters (Greater Impact). Poor housing would also indicate higher vulnerability to disaster, which causes more losses and damage. According to Greater Impact, “ Fothergill and Peek report on studies that found that groups including poor women; people with lower incomes; public housing residents; and women who were homeless, unemployed, and of low-income status lacked money and resources needed to evacuate—so, although they received warnings, they were less able to respond to them than people of higher SES” (Greater impact). After the disaster, difficulties can be sourced to “... barriers including lack of knowledge of the systems through which disaster survivors receive aid” (Greater Impact). In scenarios such as the last, simply promoting disaster awareness and informing the public can allow for a much safer response system. Sources: EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice#:~:text=Environmental%20justice%20is%20the%20fair,laws%2C%20regulations%2C%20and%20policies. “Socioeconomic Environment.” Collaborative for Health & Environment, https://www.healthandenvironment.org/environmental-health/environmental-risks/socioeconomic-environment. Hajat, Anjum, et al. “Socioeconomic Disparities and Air Pollution Exposure: A Global Review.” Current Environmental Health Reports, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4626327/#:~:text=The%20triple%20jeopardy%20hypothesis%20states,fewer%20opportunities%20to%20choose%20health. Greater Impact: How Disasters Affect People of Low ... - Samhsa. 2017, https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/dtac/srb-low-ses_2.pdf.

Written by: Caroline Kim March 19, 2023 The mushroom has more to it than what it may seem like at first glance. I, for one, never got a chance to learn much about mushrooms; they were just something I saw on trails and in nature. Mushrooms: with an estimation of over 3 million mushrooms being in existence, a mere 150,000 are said to have been scientifically described (Borunda). However, amongst such a mushroom bloom, Borunda comments that, “Because we don’t know what species exist and where, it’s challenging to see how climate and ecological change affects fungi” (Borunda). Turns out, the mushroom is a complex underground system known as a Mycelium, relating to mushroom cycles (see image below). A significant part of this cycle is the Mycelium, a network of thousands of root-like filaments, which support the growth of the “flower”. This core network is able to function for approximately 95% of the cycle, in comparison to the 5% functional duration of its counterparts (Host Defense). As the immune response for the mushroom, the many health benefits it has also been applied to human health in the form of supplements (Host Defense). Besides the multitude of health benefits that mushrooms offer, it also accommodates sustainability. In fact, “The products from Mycelium are biodegradable and require less water and land resources to be produced” (Benefits of Fungi for the Environment and Humans). Even throughout the growing process, mushrooms require minimal quantities of water and energy; they also have been shown to produce significantly less CO2 than most other vegetables (Rosenberg). Perhaps these little fungi can serve a larger environmental purpose in the future! Sources: Borunda, Alejandra. “Love Mushrooms? California Is Having an Epic 'Supershroom' Season.” Environment, National Geographic, 16 Feb. 2023, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/how-to-hunt-mushrooms-during-californias-epic-supershroom. Posted by Host Defense · March 10, 2021. “Why All Host Defense Supplements Are Powered by Mushroom Mycelium.” Host Defense Mushrooms, https://hostdefense.com/blogs/host-defense-blog/mycelium-explained. “Benefits of Fungi for the Environment and Humans.” UN Decade on Restoration, https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/stories/benefits-fungi-environment-and-humans. Rosenberg, Lizzy. “Mushrooms Are Considered to Be the Most Sustainable Vegetable.” Green Matters, Green Matters, 31 Dec. 2020, https://www.greenmatters.com/p/why-are-mushrooms-sustainable.

Written by: Caroline Kim March 13, 2023 Recently, I saw a video going around of a dark shadow floating in the air that left viewers entirely confused. Some people even joked about it being a dementor (shadowy evil ghosts from the Harry Potter fandom). But after scrolling through comments, a few people identified it as a “scud cloud”. This acronym stands for “Scattered Cumulus Under Deck” and are known for often appearing along with storms. They are characterized as being formed when, “moist, unstable air is lifted by strong winds, causing the water vapor to condense into clouds” (Timothy). They are also known by the name “fractus clouds”, and have irregular wispy shapes, explaining the similarity in appearance of a dementor. These unique clouds form as warm air rises from a thunderstorm. These clouds are often confused with funnel clouds but differ in the idea that scud clouds don’t rotate and are separate from the thunderstorm. There are a variety of clouds, which means a variety of effects and indicators. Some clouds may have a “warming effect”, while others have a “cooling effect” (Harvey). Climate change may cause a more frequent appearance of certain clouds, and is influenced by local climate and practices. Sources: Timothy. “Scud Clouds - Weather - Creepy Clouds That Form under Thunderstorms • Tim's Weird & Wonderful World.” Tim's Weird & Wonderful World, 5 Feb. 2023, https://timswww.com.au/scud-clouds-weather-creepy-clouds-that-form-under-thunderstorms/. Susko, Mike. “Weather 101: ‘Look! It's a Funnel Cloud’ or Is It? Difference between Funnel Clouds and Scud Clouds.” KNWA FOX24, KNWA FOX24, 20 Apr. 2021, https://www.nwahomepage.com/weather/weather-101/weather-101-look-its-a-funnel-cloud-or-is-it-difference-between-funnel-clouds-and-scud-clouds/. Wild, Sarah. “Cloud Shapes and Formations Impact Global Warming – but We Still Don't Understand Them.” Horizon Magazine, 9 Nov. 2020, https://ec.europa.eu/research-and-innovation/en/horizon-magazine/cloud-shapes-and-formations-impact-global-warming-we-still-dont-understand-them. Harvey, Chelsea. “Clouds May Hold the Key to Future Warming.” Scientific American, Scientific American, 27 Feb. 2019, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/clouds-may-hold-the-key-to-future-warming/.

Written by: Caroline Kim March 4, 2023 This past week, I came across a topic of environmental concern, and you’ve probably already heard about it: The Willow Project. Many news outlets have released statements, as this is a topic of serious concern to many environmentalists. According to CNN, The Willow Project, proposed by ConocoPhillips, is a massive and decades-long oil drilling venture on Alaska’s North Slope that the state’s lawmakers say will create jobs and boost domestic energy production… environmental groups have remained staunchly opposed to it, fearing the effect of the planet-warming carbon pollution from the hundreds of millions of barrels of oil it would produce” (Nilson). There is a heavy interconnected impact of this project on global health, global economies, and the environment. Concerns for environmental health include the large quantities of carbon emissions (9.2 million metric tons according to the Biden administration) as well as other emissions that could put the health of indigenous people/nearby residents at risk. While most residents are in favor of this project, several are still reluctant. Essentially, the project is meant to ensure energy security, but would have a detrimental environmental cost and add to the stress that is already on the Alaskan wildlife. Stances on this topic vary, as there is a major petition to prevent this project’s progression, but it is important that everyone research and stays informed in order to determine their thoughts on the topic. This project would impact so many, and its awareness is crucial. Sources: Nilsen, Ella. “Climate Advocates Are Rallying against the Willow Project. The White House Is Eyeing Concessions to Soften the Blow | CNN Politics.” CNN, Cable News Network, 3 Mar. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/02/politics/willow-project-petition-concessions-biden-climate/index.html. “The Willow Project.” Protect Our Winters, 22 Feb. 2023, https://protectourwinters.org/campaign/willow/.

Written by: Caroline Kim February 25, 2023 In light of recent events, it’s clear that earthquakes can leave severe damage to humans, wildlife, and the environment. Today, we’ll look into the initial and lasting damages of an earthquake on the ecosystems and global health. Fundamentally, earthquakes are characterized by a slipping of two transform boundaries; this slipped area is known as the “fault plane” and the point in which the earthquake starts is known as the epicenter (Wald). A series of earthquakes may consist of foreshocks, mainshock, and aftershocks which can continue on for as long as years (Wald). Fundamentally, these slipping plates and the friction are what cause the earth to shake and cause the damage that it does. There are certain factors that influence the impact and lasting effects of an earthquake, including magnitude, duration, geography, time, and intensity (Russell). Some environmental and geographical impacts include ground shaking, surface faulting, liquefaction, and tsunamis (earthquake hazards). Ground shaking is probably the most obvious, being the ground vibration from the seismic waves initiated by magnitudes of fault ruptures(earthquake hazards). Surface faulting refers to the “... differential movements caused by deep-seated forces in the Earth” (earthquake hazards). According to the U.S. Geological Survey, ”Liquefaction… is a physical process that takes place during some earthquakes that may lead to ground failure” and can result in clay free soil deposit (sand/silt) may behave as a thick liquid rather than solid (earthquake hazards). Some ground failures that may result include lateral spreads (movement of large soil chunks), flow failures , and loss of bearing strength (earthquake hazards). The question is, how do these ramifications of earthquakes tie into the environment? In terms of weather, “... the only correlation that’s been noted between earthquakes and weather is that large changes in atmospheric pressure caused by major storms… shown to occasionally trigger… “slow earthquakes,” which release energy over comparatively long periods of time and don’t result in ground shaking like traditional earthquakes do” (Buis). But a more inquiring connection to earthquakes is climate. A study by Lundgren mentions… “The largest climate variable that could change fault stress loads is surface water in the form of rain and snow” but that is only seen in microseismicity (tiny/unnoticeable earthquakes) (Buis). One thing that seems to impact earthquakes are alternating periods of drought and heavy precipitation as well as aquifers, which alter stress on earth’s crust (Buis). Other influences to tectonic activity include glaciation, which can impact “subsurface magma” (Buis). Even while further studies are necessary, many of these proposals and observations offer insight into our earth’s system. As we’ve seen, earthquakes have an enormous impact on global health beyond the environment. Structures, humans, and natures alike are all at risk. Potential infectious diseases from earthquakes include but are not limited to respiratory, water-borne, ski, and vector-borne illnesses (Mavroulis). According to a study, risk factors include damaged infrastructure that is left damaged for extended periods, prolonged exposure to contamination, poor education of disease prevention (Mavroulis). It’s clear that while prevention is challenging when it comes to earthquakes, efficient preparation and action can help improve safety for humans in the case of such a disaster. Sources: Wald, Lisa, and Earthquake Hazards. “The Science of Earthquakes | U.S. Geological Survey.” U.S. Geological Survey, https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/science-earthquakes. Russell, Jeffrey. “Earthquakes.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/health-topics/earthquakes#tab=tab_1. Earthquake Hazards. “What Are the Effects of Earthquakes?” What Are the Effects of Earthquakes? | U.S. Geological Survey, https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/what-are-effects-earthquakes. Mavroulis, Spyridon, et al. “Impact of Earthquakes and Their Secondary Environmental Effects on Public Health.” NASA/ADS, Apr. 2017, https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2017EGUGA..19.3884M/abstract. Buis, Alan. “Can Climate Affect Earthquakes, or Are the Connections Shaky? – Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet.” NASA, NASA, 29 Oct. 2019, https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2926/can-climate-affect-earthquakes-or-are-the-connections-shaky/.

Written by: Caroline Kim February 18, 2023 Based on the various uses of water and land by humans- it is clear that specific methods of extracting resources influences how the environment is impacted. The theory of the Trafedy of Commons captures the idea that resources are limited, and in the idea of self-interest, many humans end up depleting or nearly depleting resources. This might include overfishing, overgrazing, and pollution. These situations are allowed when there are no penalties for overuse and degrading these public resources, which is why many are in favor of setting limits on quantities of resources that can be used. In terms of overfishing, we already covered some aspects in the JSEP series, concerning arctic fishers. However, in the larger picture, issues still arise. Considering fishing accounts for 3 billion people, overfishing easily stems from poor management of fisheries (populations of fish used for commercial fishing). This can cause a fishery collapse, in which 90% of the population declines in a fishery; the population may not recover, biodiversity is lost, and there can be economic collapse. These effects can be minimized or amplified depending on the method of fishing. Bottom trawling drags the net across the ocean floor, causing bycatch (unintended species caught) and stirs ocean sediment causing turbidity, destroying coral reefs, and decreasing biodiversity. In terms of the land, timber operations also impact the environment through climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity. 73% of these operations are privately owned, and harvest is often conducted in exchange for revenue. Clearcutting involves removing most of the trees in a given area, is economically easiest to log, and is replanted for mere short term benefits; some consequences include erosion, sedimentation, flooding, increased temperatures, and loss of a carbon sink. Mining operations in an effort to extract ore (concentrated minerals) can have devastating impacts on the environment. Surface mining can include blowing up top portions of mountains, and causes overburden (soil/excess material removed). This results in dust, contamination soil removal, changed habitats, and a fragmented environment. Agricultural practices are important as it is a source of food; methods like monocropping can causes soil erosion and are unsustainable for long term use. Other methods might include plowing, tilling, and slash/burn (burn trees and reuse for nutrients). Irrigation systems account for 42% of all freshwater in the U.S. and the four main methods include drip, flood, furrow, and spray. Meat production is similar in ideas including concentrated animal feeding operations and free range grazing. In an effort to ease the impacts the Green Revolution comes into play: mechanization, fertilizer strategies, irrigation methods, and increased efficiency. Mechanization includes increased profit, but also increased fossil fuels. And while GMO’s can increase profit, due to their patented nature and genetic impact, the genetic diversity decreases in the organisms. Fertilizers/pesticides that are synthetic can increase yield, but lead to eutrophication, require fossil fuels, and allow for evolved pests. Irrigation methods like drawing methods from the ground to redistribute moisture can make agriculture viable in more places, but can also deplete necessary groundwater sources. As it would be unrealistic to eliminate all threats to the environment, as many are fundamental to our needs, effective and sustainable methods/technology are the key to safe and environmentally healthy ways of land and water use. Sources: College Board AP Environmental Science Samuel Lee

Written by: Caroline Kim February 11, 2023 Something that doesn’t receive as much attention as it should, I think, is the moon. We see it all the time, and it’s a normal part of our lives. However, it influences how we live and how earth functions at a much higher level than most may realize. Today, we’ll dive into what the moon does for earth and how changes to the moon can directly impact the earth. It’s the only extraterrestrial place humans have set foot on, maintaining earth’s axis tilt, climate, and tides (Earth’s Moon). At a size of about 27% of earth (Choi), it is theorized that the moon formed from the debris from a collision between earth and another small planet (Lotzof). It orbits earth every 27 days, is structured with a core, mantle, and crust (Earth’s Moon). Our moon is approximately 238,855 miles from earth and has a radius of 1080 miles (Earth’s Moon). In comparison to the earth, the moon has a much weaker atmosphere and magnetosphere, lacking any moons of its own (Earth’s Moon). A major impact the moon has on earth is tides- which are caused by the gravitational pull between the sun and moon (How does the Moon affect the Earth). Without the moon, tides would be much weaker and cause significant change to the intertidal zone; this would cause a balance to be thrown off in the way sea turtles and other marine organisms move, causing fishing to be more difficult (How does the Moon affect the Earth). In worst case scenarios, significant amounts of aquatic life will die off. Additionally, the wobble of earth’s axis would be amplified, becoming much more extreme; this would cause seasons to change dynamically (How does the Moon affect the Earth). While the moon isn’t going to disappear anytime soon, it is drifting farther away from earth at a rate of about 2.8 cm/year (Davies). While this isn’t happening, let’s explore what might happen if the moon were to get closer to the earth- the result is actually quite interesting. Coastline shores would be flooded as low tides get lower an high tides get higher due to an amplified gravitational pull; even major cities like New York would be engulfed by water (Lavender). This amplified gravitational pull would also impact the earth’s crust, which results in earthquakes and volcanic eruptions (Wendel). Earth’s rotation would slow down, leading to days and nights being longer, which would cause change in the patterns of animals and plants (Wendel). Interestingly, if the moon got close enough to the earth, about 11,185 miles, the moon would, “... pull apart and be shredded into a beautiful ring” (Cain). Of course, there would also be more meteors and stars in the night sky (What Would Happen if the Moon Exploded). In theory, this may sound incredible, but it’s safe to say it’s safest that the moon stays put. Sources: “Earth's Moon.” NASA, NASA, 15 Dec. 2022, https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/moons/earths-moon/overview/#:~:text=The%20brightest%20and%20largest%20object,humans%20for%20 thousands%20of%20 years. Lotzof, Kerry. “How Did The Moon Form?” Natural History Museum, https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-did-the-moon-form.html#:~:text=What%20is%20most%20widely%20accepted,Earth%20to%20form%20the%20Moon. Choi, Charles Q. “Moon Facts: Fun Information about the Earth's Moon.” Space.com, Space, 13 Dec. 2021, https://www.space.com/55-earths-moon-formation-composition-and-orbit.html. “How Does the Moon Affect the Earth? | Institute of Physics.” Institute of Physics, https://www.iop.org/explore-physics/moon/how-does-moon-affect-earth. Davies, Joshua, and Margriet Lantink. “Our Moon Has Been Slowly Drifting Away from Earth over the Past 2.5 Billion Years.” Space.com, Space, 17 Oct. 2022, https://www.space.com/moon-drifting-away-from-earth-2-5-billion-years. Lavender, Gemma. “What Would Happen If the Moon Moved Closer to the Earth?: Space Facts – Astronomy, the Solar System & Outer Space: All about Space Magazine.” Space Facts Astronomy the Solar System Outer Space All About Space Magazine, 10 June 2018, https://www.spaceanswers.com/solar-system/what-would-happen-if-the-moon-moved-closer-to-the-earth/. Wendel, JoAnna. “What Would Happen If the Moon Were Twice as Close to Earth?” LiveScience, Purch, 18 July 2021, https://www.livescience.com/what-if-moon-closer-to-earth.html. Cain, Fraser. “How Could We Destroy the Moon?” Universe Today, 27 Feb. 2017, https://www.universetoday.com/121421/how-could-we-destroy-the-moon/#:~:text=This%20is%20all%20based%20on,shredded%20into%20a%20beautiful%20ring. “What Would Happen If the Moon Exploded?: Facts & Impact on Earth.” The Nine Planets, 14 Nov. 2019, https://nineplanets.org/questions/happen-moon-exploded/.

Written by: Caroline Kim February 4, 2023 This past summer, I spent time researching the Arctic, and it was one of the most intriguing topics in environmental science. From that inspiration, today we’ll dive into the continent of Antarctica, and how the environment compares to that of the arctic region. Starting off, it’s important to note that Antarctica lacks an established human population, which may work in favor of its environmental health. The antarctic “... covers approximately 20% of the southern hemisphere… seven nations claim different parts of it” (Boudreau). The Antarctic ice sheet is the largest single ice sheet on earth, growing significantly (around 6.1 million miles) by winter (Boudreau). Comprising multiple mountain summits- “East Antarctica, is composed of older/igneous/metamorphic rocks… West Antarctica, is made up of younger, volcanic and sedimentary rock.. is part of the ‘Ring of Fire’” (Bourdreau). The islands are characterized as glaciated with deep waters (Boudreau). Naturally, Antarctica is a cool and dry region, and is even colder up in the mountains. It is so dry and cold that precipitation only comes in the form of snow and in quantities as small as 2-4 inches of water (Boudreau). Due to the antarctic’s ocean circulation (upwelling), warm waters and nutrients are regulated, allowing for a variety of organisms to thrive near antarctica (Bourdreau). While on opposite ends of earth, there are some key comparisons between the arctic and antarctic- “The Arctic is an ice-covered ocean basin surrounded by landmasses; Antarctica is a continent surrounded by a vast ocean” (Scott). Like the arctic, the antarctic plays a significant role in solar radiation distribution due to its high albedo. Therefore, warming and changes in the surface of the antarctic region can cause major changes in the solar absorption on earth. Additionally, warming in this region of the world is much more drastic: temperatures rose 3 degrees celsius within the second half of the 20th century (5x global average) (Antarctica: A Massive Frozen Landmass). And another similarity- ice shelves breaking off contribute significantly to global sea level rise both in from the arctic and antarctic (Scott). Both contributing to the balance of earth’s environment deserve proper research and technological innovation to maintain and recover environmental health. Sources: Boudreau, Diane. “Antarctica.” National Geographic Society, 6 Jan. 2023, https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/antarctica. “Antarctica: A Massive Frozen Landmass.” WWF, https://www.wwf.org.uk/where-we-work/antarctic#:~:text=Antarctica%20is%20the%20world%27s%20highest,darkness%20part%20of%20the%20year. Scott, Michon. “Antarctica Is Colder than the Arctic, but It's Still Losing Ice.” NOAA Climate.gov, 12 Mar. 2019, https://www.climate.gov/news-features/features/antarctica-colder-arctic-it%E2%80%99s-still-losing-ice.

Written by: Caroline Kim January 30, 2023 The Okavango Delta, located in Botswana, hosts a multitude species including the cheetah, african bush elephant, wildebeest, giraffe, nile crocodile, and lions. In fact, it’s home to 1500 plant species, 530 bird species, 160 mammals, and 190 reptile/amphibian species (Wildlife). But beyond the wildlife that relies on this basin network, the people living nearby also rely heavily on the water that flows from Angola through the Okavango. For example, local communities rely on herding, farming, and tourism (Ensor). To help protect the Okavango, National Geographic works with de beers to preserve this life source. Some concerns for the Okavango include the extraction of water for other, human uses; while this is not a major issue currently, the issue could very much grow over time (Cracks in the Kalahari’s Emerald). Additionally, the use of synthetic fertilizers, resulting in nitrogen/phosphorus runoff, can cause excessive plant growth. This, in turn, could create larger issues such as eutrophication, depriving fish or oxygen and other necessary nutrients (Cracks in the Kalahari’s Emerald). Sources: “Wildlife.” Okavango Delta, 18 May 2021, https://www.okavangodelta.com/the-okavango/wildlife/#:~:text=Wildlife%20of%20the%20Okavango%20Delta%20includes%20a%20myriad%20of%20species,White%20Rhinoceros%2C%20Plains%20Zebra%2C%20Warthog. Ensor, Kaya, and Jack Neighbour. “The People of the Okavango Delta.” National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/slideshow/paid-content-the-people-of-the-okavango-delta. National Geographic Society. “Cracks in the Kalahari's Emerald: Threats to the Okavango Delta.” National Geographic Society, 7 Sept. 2022, https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/cracks-kalaharis-emerald-threats-okavango-delta.

Written by: Caroline Kim January 21, 2023 Chances are, you’ve heard about underwater cities like Atlantis from fairy tales and movies like The Little Mermaid or Aquaman. Recently, Venice has been attracting significant attention due to its sinking. Though the idea of underwater cities may sound beautiful in stories, it our real world, there would be some major consequences. The thing is, it isn’t just Venice that’s sinking; multiple coastal cities around the world face the same threat. The technical term for this phenomenon is subsidence in which the makeup of earth’s surface changes, causing cities like Tianjin, Samarang, Venice, Miami, and Houstonto “sink” (Squires). Simply put, urban areas often have higher temperatures and are more prone to these events due to factors such as blacktops, human activity, factories, buildings, and more. In fact, one author writes, “... study found that groundwater pumping is a primary cause of subsidence in cities worldwide… while subsidence can’t be reversed, reducing extraction can at least slow it down” (Squire) . There are many other solutions that are being proposed as well: “Some cities are investing in new sea walls, dykes and polders, or high-tide gates – like London’s Thames Barrier – to hold back high waters” (Vince). While these efforts to fight subsidence exist, not all can afford or have access to them, in which people’s only option is to abandon their homes. Not only would many be without homes, the environmental impacts would include: “... permanent inundation of land, aggravates flooding, changes topographic gradients, ruptures the land surface, and reduces the capacity of aquifers to store water” (Holzer). Some solutions to promote safety and slow down subsidence include sustainable water management, restoring water ecosystems, waterproof planning (Steenfelt). However, solutions are specific to location and city- so here is what is happening in Venice. Some efforts in Venice involve the Experimental Electromechanical Module, which essentially is a “sea-based defensive barriers made up of 78 mobile gates” (Phelan). Unfortunately, this project is far from complete or perfect. Considering Venice is a popular tourist attraction for it’s coastal character, this project may be very unfavorable to the eyes of many. Subsidence in conjunction with seal level rise and global warming has potential to be catastrophic, and it is clear that these efforts to fight it could benefit from the attention. Sources: Squires, Camille. “The World’s Coastal Cities Are Sinking, but Not for the Reason You Think.” Quartz, 9 Apr. 2022, https://qz.com/emails/quartz-weekend-brief/1850011794/running-the-world-from-davos. Vince, Gaia. “The Rising and Sinking Threats to Our Cities.” BBC Future, BBC, 12 June 2013, https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20130613-the-rising-threat-to-our-cities. Thomas L. Holzer, Devin L. Galloway, 2005. "Impacts of land subsidence caused by withdrawal of underground fluids in the United States", Humans as Geologic Agents, Judy Ehlen, William C. Haneberg, Robert A. Larson Steenfelt, Jorgen S. “How Do We Stop Cities from Sinking.” COWI, 8 Feb. 2019, https://www.cowi.com/insights/how-do-we-stop-cities-from-sinking.

Written by: Caroline Kim January 14, 2023 One of the many consequences of climate change include increased algae blooms: warmer temperatures allow for more algal growth and its floating to the surface (Climate Change and Harmful Algal Blooms). The issue with this is that too much algae results in eutrophication, which prevents other organisms from access to oxygen and sunlight (Einzmann). In worst case scenarios, excess algae can result in deaths to organisms, including humans (Einzmann). However, Einzmann proposes that this algae could prove to be useful to our planet saying, “... algae is a crop that doesn’t need land, freshwater, or fertilizer to fill nutritional gaps” (Einzmann). Some proposed methods to repurpose algae include filtering water, fueling air travel, reducing methane emissions, fighting viruses, and promoting long term space travel (Einzmann). A previous study conducted in 2021 discovered that algae assists in filtering microplastics out of water; additionally, microalgae “... can also filter chemicals that can be used for fertilizer, like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and phosphorus” (Einzmann). In terms of air travel, algae is projected to be an efficient biofuel that can significantly reduce carbon emissions. It is predicted that over 80% of methane emissions from cows can be reduced just by feeding them food containing red algae traces; this same red algae can reduce virus replication, and brown algae strengthens immune systems (Einzmann). In terms of long term space travel, algae being high in protein can act as a food source and helps convert carbon dioxide exhaled from astronauts into oxygen (Einzmann). While it is clear that eutrophication poses many threats to wildlife, repurposing the excess algae to help fight the climate crisis could be significant. Instead of having to create a whole new set of technologies, the use of existing material to reduce emissions can efficiently promote environmental health. This connects most closely to our discussions of greenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide and methane, and eutrophication. It also relates to topics such as biodiversity, considering eutrophication can severely limit this through its cover from sunlight and oxygen from reaching other organisms. In terms of the solutions proposed, they align well with ideas of ecosystem services, specifically provisioning and regulating services (provisioning because obtained from the ecosystem, and regulating because of its purpose to reduce emissions). This article helps cover multiple ideas and issues in the environmental sciences and proposes reasonable solutions. Given the proposed alternatives described above, more experimentation and research could allow for even more applicable solutions. Although this idea has been around as ear;y as the 1950’s, researchers still continue to observe the functionality of the idea, one of them being the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation at Arizona State University (https://sustainability-innovation.asu.edu/news/archive/11515-2/ ) . However, collecting algae and making it so that it can be applicable to the solutions would require volunteers or an organization willing and able to repurpose algae after sufficient research proves the viability of repurposed algae. Sources: Einzmann, S. (2022, November 30). 5 surprising ways algae is driving innovation. Environment. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/5-surprising-ways-algae-is-driving-innovation?loggedin=true&rnd=1672773379079

Written by: Caroline Kim January 7, 2023 Happy new year- the first blog of 2023! But before leaving behind 2022, today we’ll recap all the environmental changes from last year- the good, the bad, and the plans in progress. According to Robinson, among the most significant environmental issues this year was due to “poor governance”, suggesting that “governments must not only massively increase funding for green innovation… also need to adopt a range of other policies that address each of the other market failures” (Robinson). An idea mentioned, in fact, aligns with that of Professor Lawrence (UVA) from an interview I conducted previously: taxing carbon. Globally, there are 27 countries that practice carbon taxing, and its success is promoted with the fact that Sweden has “reduced emissions by 25% since 1995, while its economy has expanded 75% in the same time period” (Robinson). Other issues noted include pollution, biodiversity loss, global warming, and sea level rise, which can be found in previous posts here! In terms of moving forward, however, the U.S. agreed to reduce/omit plastic pollution with a draft predicted to be complete by 2024 (2022: A Year of Environmental Milestones). The UNEP reached 50 years of environmental commitment, and the United Nations declared environmental health a “human right” (2022: A Year of Environmental Milestones). Additionally, the United Nations worked with the “landmark agreement to guide global action on nature through to 2030” to reduce biodiversity loss and reduce the extinction that has been caused by humans (2022: A Year of Environmental Milestones). A unique purpose that a non profit in Belgium holds is the repurposing of human hair to absorb environmental pollutants (Ferrer). Additionally, a 28 billion euro German renewable energy scheme has been approved, and solar power has increased nearly 50% in Europe (Ferrer). In terms of technologies, scientists have experimented with succulents in efforts to produce clean energy that is sourced from photosynthesis; even batteries are finding a more sustainable path through sodium sulfur (Ferrer). To serve a more sustainable lifestyle, France banned short airline travels, promoting public transport through trains (Ferrer). In the United States, an NGO has worked to ensure reef repair in Hawaii, research used egg whites to filter microplastics from water, and the Brazilian president pledges to end deforestation in the Amazon (Ferrer). All of these are accomplishments from just the more recent months of 2022- proof of growing efforts to protect environmental health. In 2023, we can hope and work towards further progression in these projects! Sources: Robinson, Deena. “The Biggest Environmental Problems of 2021.” Earth.Org, 17 Nov. 2022, https://earth.org/the-biggest-environmental-problems-of-our-lifetime/. “2022: A Year of Environmental Milestones.” UNEP, https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/2022-year-environmental-milestones. Ferrer, Marthe de. “Read over 100 Positive Environmental Stories from 2022.” Euronews, 3 Jan. 2023, https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/01/03/here-are-all-the-positive-environmental-stories-from-2022-so-far.