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July 9, 2022 Written by: Caroline Kim In this second part of our JSEP series is the topic of arctic fisheries and the impact of the industry on Greenland. While having record profits this year from the fishing industry, Greenland still faces many challenges and concerns. This year, policies have been changed so that fishing quotas are not being raised as needed. Though this might help prevent overfishing, many fishermen are left unemployed once they reach their quotas (which are set on a quarterly basis). Fishing is an important part of Greenlandic culture, and a valuable hunting ground is Icefjord (a glacier). There are several issues within the fishing industry that affect overfishing; some examples include bycatch and illegal fishing. Bycatch is the capturing of unwanted sea life, which is often paired with unsustainable fishing practices such as bottom trawling. The illegal fishing industry is also a major cause of harm to the economy/ecosystems, which can result in shifts in the reproduction/maturation of sealife. In Greenland, the Royal Greenland is the largest fishing company and holds a monopoly over fishing in Greenland. The energy usage in this fishing industry is often for cooling systems, water, and transportation. Fortunately, sustainable fishing is in demand, so based on the willingness of consumers, higher prices paired with sustainable fishing may be part of the solution. Some solutions to conserve this energy is passive fishing: location specific fishing stations to decrease transportation energy usage. Additionally, fishing companies spread out and independent would allow for less concentrated ecological impact, and reduce the need for any transportation of fish/seafood. In terms of climate change, the thinning of the ice has increased the dangers associated with fishing. As a result, the fishing time periods are much more limited than before; however, along with this climate change is a shift in the sea life- more cod, bigger seals, and newer/unique forms of aquatic life. Another issue within the fishing industry is the wastewater that commercial fisheries dump outside factories, contributing to pollution in the water nearby. To accommodate thinning ice, satellite images have been used to check/ensure safety though locals/indigenous tribes have a deeper understanding of the ice and are not as reliant on these technologies. Taking in consideration the water systems, overfishing disrupts not only habitats, but also the watershed systems, increased permafrost thaw due to pollution/black carbon, noise pollution from boats, greenhouse gasses, and increased warming due to positive feedback. Finding a balance between maintaining economic stability and maintaining a healthy ecosystem is key. Overall, quotas should be focused more on major fishing companies, and monthly quotas would allow for more flexibility and assurance that individual fishers have a job. The social/food related ramifications stemming from fishing quotas include limited exports, but in the long run it will help manage overfishing and allow chances to promote sustainable fishing practices. Sources: Joint Science Education Project (Graduate Students/high school students): Alyssa Pantaleo Amelia Fitch Jonathan Loos Shauna Bulger Mayan S. Srinidhi G. Caroline K. Alex G. Paarth N. Kaviya C. Jeremy W.

July 2, 2022 Written by: Caroline Kim This summer, one of the opportunities I am taking part in is the Joint Science Education Project. I’ve had the chance to learn from graduate students, students from other parts of the U.S. and Greenland, as well as from a National Geographic photographer (Jeff Kerby). In a 4 part series, I’ll be discussing the topics covered from the two weeks ranging from the different experiments at home to real issues in Greenland regarding the environment. Today, to kick-off this series, we’ll be discussing the interconnected web of climate, food, energy, and water in the arctic. In regards to climate, some major aspects of the arctic include, albedo, the ability of a surface to absorb/reflect heat. This comes into play later when considering the implications of climate change. For example, surfaces with lower albedo (more absorbance of light) melt faster and absorb more energy. Other big ideas include the impact of climate on phenology (when biological things depend on climate). A rise in temperatures can cause the melting of a glacier that a polar bear may have relied on as a habitat, or a change in sea life in a given location due to global warming could result in a species lacking prey. A similar idea can be observed in what is known as trophic mismatch: interacting species change the timing of regularly repeated phases in their life cycles. A major concern in the arctic is the melting of permafrost in which significant quantities of CO2, methane, oxide, etc. can be released into the atmosphere. And as we all know- these greenhouse gasses are a top contributor to global warming and the impacts known as climate change. Because Greenland is an island nation, the food system is something to take note of. This can include the various means of obtaining food, the culture, and the values. Some domestic Greenlandic food includes reindeer, muskox, seal, fish, veggies, and wild berries. While the climate has been becoming warmer, the dry nature of the environment actually causes a decrease in farming productivity. Since future parts in this series will dive deeper into the concerns of food/fishing in Greenland, it is important to take note of the fact that the Greenland ice sheet melts 7x faster than it was 30 years ago. The isolated nature of Greenland also happens to influence the energy system; much of the Greenlandic/Arctic energy is implemented for heat, fishing, and obtaining fresh water. Some concerns include the fossil fuels used in the transportation of goods in/out of Greenland, so finding alternatives that allow the nation to be more independent may be beneficial. The arctic energy infrastructure is built so that most are diesel-dependent, which are efficient, reliable in the cold, and easily operable. Additionally, the polar days/nights improve solar efficiency. Hydropower appears to be the most common form of renewable energy in Greenland, though experimental wind turbines are also used. Some solutions presented in the discussion included electrification via heat pumps and desalination to save overproduced energy. In this last category of water, we’ll start off with a few fundamental ideas: watersheds. Essentially, these watersheds are a landscape unit of water drainage that are both on and below the surface of the earth. They can include streams, lakes, rivers, and eventually oceans. It is expected that the arctic will experience increased precipitation, air and stream temperatures, permafrost thawing, and sediment as well as decreased ice cover, and a shift in the watershed network. Future parts will cover a more in depth review of these ideas, but it’s safe to say that understanding how these 4 subcategories affect one another is crucial to maintaining the Arctic/Greenlandic environment. Sources: Joint Science Education Project (Graduate students/educators): Alyssa Pantaleo Amelia Fitch Shauna Bulger Jonathan Loos

June 27, 2022 Written by: Caroline Kim In the next two weeks, I’ll have the opportunity to work with other students from across the U.S. and Greenland to research and learn more about the environment. In preparation, one of the topics discussed was watersheds, which is an aspect of the environment I feel as though I haven’t thought about since 7th grade. However, these watersheds are important for ecological function and are defined as “a land area that channels rainfall and snowmelt to creeks, streams, and rivers, and eventually to outflow points such as reservoirs, bays, and the ocean” (NOAA). For example, rainfall might flow into a neighborhood stream, flow into a lake, and eventually reach the ocean. Ultimately, it works to “transport water” and “collect sediment” along the way (Introduction to Watershed Ecology). Not only does this network sustain our water supply, it also provides recreational activity, manufacturing, and agriculture (How We Protect Watersheds). It is clear that this complex web of water is a necessary asset for survival, and so efforts to protect it are crucial. Drainage basins are often polluted from chemicals, urban runoff, and wastewater. Some simple ways you can protect drainage basins by not pouring toxic chemicals down the drain, cautious or no fertilizer use, not littering, using environmentally friendly transportation (How We Protect Watersheds). In turn, healthy drainage basins result in increased biodiversity, nutrient cycling, lowered economic costs, and lower illness rate (Benefits of Healthy Watersheds). Overall, a healthy watershed system is crucial for habitat connectivity, quality, and invasive species. Sources: US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “What Is a Watershed?” What Is a Watershed?, 30 Nov. 2017, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/watershed.html. “Introduction to Watershed Ecology.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://cfpub.epa.gov/watertrain/moduleFrame.cfm?parent_object_id=586#:~:text=Because%20a%20watershed%20is%20an,watersheds)%20onward%20to%20the%20ocean. “How We Protect Watersheds.” The Nature Conservancy, https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/protect-water-and-land/land-and-water-stories/how-we-protect-watersheds/. “Benefits of Healthy Watersheds.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 5 Apr. 2022, https://www.epa.gov/hwp/benefits-healthy-watersheds.

June 18, 2022 Written by: Caroline Kim Here I am, right before leaving for a week of hanging out at the beach- excited but I wanted to learn more about the environment that I’ll be visiting. A topic that comes up quite often in environmental discussion is coral reefs, but what’s so significant about them? What are they? They are described as “large underwater structures composed of the skeletons of colonial marine invertebrates called coral” (Ross). They are described as “fish nurseries” and key to the ocean’s biodiversity- “rainforest of the ocean” (Coral Reefs). In fact, they are much more unique than I initially thought, “... corals are extremely ancient animals that evolved into modern reef-building forms over the last 25 million years. Coral reefs are unique (e.g., the largest structures on earth of biological origin) and complex systems” (NOAA's Coral Reef Information System (Coris) - What Are Coral Reefs). “Pollution, overfishing, destructive fishing practices using dynamite or cyanide, collecting live corals for the aquarium market, mining coral for building materials, and a warming climate are some of the many ways that people damage reefs all around the world every day” (US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Other human interaction that damages these structures include “quarrying, destructive fishing practices and gear, boat anchors and groundings, and recreational misuse (touching or removing corals)” (Threats to Coral Reefs). Essentially, the debris and waste can cover the coral reefs and eventually break it down. Artificial coral reefs can often be beneficial in restoring reefs/building homes for sea life, but it can also have its negative effects such as the material becoming toxic or not suitable for sea life (Goni). Additionally, human practices such as reducing waste and pollution, using reef safe sunscreen, and eco-friendly transportation can help preserve these ocean homes (What You Can Do to Help Protect Coral Reefs). Sources: Ross, Rachel. “What Are Coral Reefs?” LiveScience, Purch, 24 Sept. 2018, https://www.livescience.com/40276-coral-reefs.html. “Coral Reefs.” National Geographic Society, https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/coral-reefs. “NOAA's Coral Reef Information System (Coris) - What Are Coral Reefs.” NOAA Coral Reef Information System (CoRIS) Home Page, 12 Oct. 2007, https://www.coris.noaa.gov/about/what_are/. Goni. “Artificial Coral Reefs - Types, Reasons, Pros and Cons.” More Fun Diving, 13 Feb. 2017, https://morefundiving.com/artificial-coral-reefs/. US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “Anthropogenic Threats to Corals - Corals: NOAA's National Ocean Service Education.” Human Threats to Corals: Corals Tutorial, 1 June 2013, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_corals/coral09_humanthreats.html#:~:text=Pollution%2C%20overfishing%2C%20destructive%20fishing%20practices,around%20the%20world%20every%20day. “Threats to Coral Reefs.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/coral-reefs/threats-coral-reefs. “What You Can Do to Help Protect Coral Reefs.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 2 Aug. 2021, https://www.epa.gov/coral-reefs/what-you-can-do-help-protect-coral-reefs.

June 11, 2022 Written by: Caroline Kim This summer, I plan to spend 2 weeks learning about the environment in the Arctic and Greenland alongside other students and educators. So, here are some quick basics and interesting aspects of the Arctic circle. I recently saw a video on social media of a woman explaining that it was ten thirty p.m. in Alaska, yet it was bright outside. She further explained that they often got near 24 hours of daylight, and that daylight was a strange concept where she lived. This video immediately grabbed my attention, and turns out, the Arctic, which is near this zone, experiences something similar. This is due to the tilt of earth, and the way in which the sun reaches the arctic; essentially, there are times when the sun does not reach the arctic as well as times when the sun constantly reaches the arctic. The unique factors of the climate and characteristics of the arctic cause many deviations such as this as well as more urgent environmental concerns. For example, the Arctic tends to heat up two times as fast as other places around the world due to “... the net radiation balance of Earth, and this produces a larger change in temperature near the poles than the global average…” (Turton). The issue with this is that if ice melts, not only does it cause sea level change globally, it also causes a chain reaction of more heat being absorbed by waters. Another result of warming is the melting of permafrost (soil that has been frozen for 2+ years). “As permafrost thaws, plants and animals that were frozen in the ground begin to decay. When they decay, they release carbon dioxide and methane back to the atmosphere that can contribute to further warming” (National Snow and Ice Data Center). On top of the environmental challenges, many communities near the Arctic, such as Siberia and Alaska, are also at risk: “Many northern villages such as Tuktoyaktuk are built on permafrost, which when frozen is harder than concrete. But as the planet rapidly warms – the Arctic at least twice as fast as other regions – the thawing ground erodes and can trigger landslides” (Climate and Environment). Sources: “National Snow and Ice Data Center.” Climate Change in the Arctic | National Snow and Ice Data Center, NASA National Snow and Ice Data Center Distributed Active Archive Center., 2020, https://nsidc.org/cryosphere/arctic-meteorology/climate_change.html. “Climate and Environment.” United Nations, United Nations, 30 Jan. 2022, https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/01/1110722#:~:text=Many%20northern%20villages%20such%20as,erodes%20and%20can%20trigger%20landslides. Turton, Steve. “Climate Explained: Why Is the Arctic Warming Faster than Other Parts of the World?” International Science Council, 8 Dec. 2021, https://council.science/current/blog/climate-explained-why-is-the-arctic-warming-faster-than-other-parts-of-the-world/.

June 5, 2022 Written by: Caroline Kim Plants in nature might almost always seem like a great thing in nature, but some species aren’t so beneficial to the environment. These would be invasive plant species: non-native plants that cause harm to the ecosystem; they often spread quickly, are difficult to manage, and costly (Invasive Plants in Virginia). These plants are often able to spread so quickly because they have many seeds which also are distributed by birds/on accident, have aggressive root systems, and produce chemicals which hinder the growth of nearby plants (Invasive Plants). Subsequently, invasive plants can cause a decline in overall plant diversity (competition for sunlight, space, nutrients), ruin water quality, cause soil erosion, and damage the habitat of organisms (Invasive Plants). The top invasive plants in the U.S. include Tree of Heaven, Spotted Knapweed, Canada thistle, and Alligator weed among many others (Virginia Invasive Plant Species List). Management can be difficult and costly, but everyone can pitch in. It’s always good to leave plants where they are, especially if you can’t identify them. Consider hand weeding, mowing, girdling, or cutting/stumping, the invasive species; sometimes herbicides can also be used (applying to the plants’ leaves) (Invasive Species and Plant Management). Sources: “Invasive Plants in Virginia.” Virginia Department of Forestry, 14 Apr. 2021, https://dof.virginia.gov/forest-management-health/forest-health/invasive-plants-in-virginia/#:~:text=Some%20examples%20of%20common%20invasive,Japanese%20stiltgrass%2C%20and%20multiflora%20rose. Invasive Plants, https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/invasives/index.shtml. “Virginia Invasive Plant Species List.” Invasive Plants Species List, 26 Feb. 2021, https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/invsppdflist. “Invasive Species and Plant Management.” Native Resource Preservation, https://www.nativeresourcepreservation.com/invasive-species-and-plant-management.

May 31, 2022 Written by: Caroline Kim Recently I planted some veggies and herbs in my school’s garden. I love little plants and the whole idea of gardening is so interesting to me, but something I didn’t love about this whole ordeal were the worms. I’m not a fan of bugs, and if I could I would remove all bugs from all gardens, but it’s fair to say I can’t do that, because they are essential to plant nutrients. Sweetser lists the three main categories of bugs that benefit gardens as pollinators (bee), predators (ladybug), and parasitizers (wasps) (Sweetser). In terms of pollinators, “... they serve as pollinators for many different flower species, enabling them to produce fruit… can potentially be harmful while in the larval stage as caterpillars since they eat away at leaves” (Myers). These pollinators have their pros and cons, but overall benefit the garden significantly more. As for wasps, they seem to benefit the garden by reducing the harmful insect population in your garden: “... ultimately ends in the demise of the hornworm and more wasps to hone in on your other pests” (Myers). Each coexist in a way that maintains a balance within the garden. Nutrition in the garden is also key in starting up a garden. The main nutrients to pay attention to are nitrogen for leaf development, phosphorus for the roots, potassium and calcium for growth, magnesium for coloring, and sulfur for disease resistance (White). In starting up a garden, Stinchcombe suggests starting small, ensuring that sunlight actually shines in the location of the garden, and knowing which plants are best suited to certain areas (Stinchcombe). Another writer Neveln advises gardeners to be aware of ideal pruning times and plant behavior among several other tips (the page can be found on the home page). Summer is around the corner- consider building a garden that you care for and get food out of! Sources: Sweetser, Robin. “Beneficial Insects in the Garden.” Almanac.com, 24 Jan. 2022, https://www.almanac.com/beneficial-insects-garden. Myers, Vanessa. “Beneficial Insects You Want in Your Garden.” Western Garden Centers, 2 Nov. 2016, https://westerngardens.com/beneficial-insects-garden/. White, Adrian. “Plant Nutrients: What They Need and When They Need It.” Gardener's Path, 7 Apr. 2022, https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/composting/plant-nutrients/. Stinchcombe, Colleen. “10 Simple Tips for Growing Your Own Food, Even If You Can't Keep a Plant Alive.” SELF, 16 June 2020, https://www.self.com/story/gardening-tips. Neveln , Viveka. “25 Gardening Tips You'll Wish You'd Known Sooner.” Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2021, https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/garden-care/gardening-tips-for-every-gardener/.

May 22, 2022 Written by: Caroline Kim Oil extraction is crucial to contemporary society- mainly that it fuels vehicles such cars, trucks, and buses. However, the environmental impacts of oil extraction aren’t so eco-friendly. The burning of gasses contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and because it is a non-renewable source, it will eventually run out (National Geographic Society). Oil often collects in certain reservoirs beneath the earth’s surface, and scientists implement the use of “seismic reflection” to find these pockets (National Geographic Society). While new technology has proven useful, they still have unwanted consequences. It has been shown that seismic waves cause disruption not only to marine life but also to terrestrial life- in extreme cases resulting in death (Griffin). Furthermore, a method of drilling is often used for oil extraction, but the practice puts the environment at high risk: “…Oil spills have a devastating effect on the environment, ruining habitats and killing the organisms that live there by sticking to them, destroying their food sources and poisoning them” (Griffin). In fact, drilling in locations such as Alaska have had significant ramifications in which pollutants that are released such as methane and nitrogen oxides pose a threat of forming acid rain (Devaney). As oil extraction poses a variety of threats to the environment and those living in it, new, environmentally conscious methods should be formed. Sources: Andreas. “30 Major Pros & Cons of Oil Energy.” E&C, 9 Dec. 2021, https://environmental- conscience.com/oil-pros-cons/. National Geographic Society. “Petroleum.” National Geographic Society, 14 Jan. 2013, https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/petroleum/#:~:text=On%20land%2C%20oil%20can%20be,drilled%20from%20an%20oil%20platform.&text=Most%20modern%20wells%20use%20an,engines%20power%20a%20drill%20bit. Griffin, Lauren. “Environmental Impacts of Oil Extraction.” Sciencing, 2 Mar. 2019, https://sciencing.com/list-7459738-environmental-impacts-oil-extraction.html. Devaney, Eric. “What Effects Does Oil Drilling Have on the Ocean?” Sciencing, 2 Mar. 2019, https://sciencing.com/effects-oil-drilling-ocean-16160.html.

Written by: Caroline Kim May 15, 2022 Does winter climate affect the climate of the following summer? What about the climate of the winter following a specific summer? For example, might a freezing winter indicate a very hot, intensive summer? This week, we’ll be discussing the correlation between seasons. A study on Illinois and Iowa over the period 1960-2011 showed a slight positive correlation between winter temperatures and the following summer temperatures (Irwin). In other words, a warmer winter indicated a warmer summer, though the relationship was fairly weak (0.15). Additionally, with global warming becoming more relevant in modern day society, it seems quite reasonable for a warmer winter to indicate a warmer summer (Haby). On the flip side, some may argue that warmer winters don’t necessarily indicate warmer summers due to the volatile weather patterns (Haby). Naturally, there are also speculations on how summer climates affect the following winter’s climate. Some suggest that cold winters are a result of warmer autumns, which might cause abnormal weather patterns. Additionally, the strongest winter cooling trends were observed in the eastern United States, southern Canada and much of northern Eurasia; research shows that there was significant warming throughout the summer and early fall in the Arctic (Staff). This warming would cause melting sea ice, moisture retention in the atmosphere, and promote precipitation, which would fall as snow when enough (Staff). Overall, I think all sides of the argument are laudable, but I think more research is necessary for definitive conclusions to be made . Sources: Irwin, S. and D. Good. "Do Warm Winters Tell Us Anything about Summer Temperatures and Corn Yields?." farmdoc daily (2):46, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, March 8, 2012. Haby, Jeff. “A Correlation between a Warm Winter and a Hot Summer ?” IWeatherNet, 21 Dec. 2017, https://www.iweathernet.com/educational/warm-winter-mean-summer-will-hotter-normal-temperature. Staff, Live Science. “How Warmer Summers Cause Colder Winters.” LiveScience, Purch, 13 Jan. 2012, https://www.livescience.com/17912-cold-winters-warmer-summers.html.

Written by: Caroline Kim May 8, 2022 In continuation of last week’s post, I thought I’d look into more about farming techniques. This week we’re talking about organic vs conventional farming, the pros, the cons, and what you should know. Conventional farming techniques often incorporate fertilizers, and other chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides when growing crops. In contrast, organic methods would turn to methods such as composting, setting traps, and hand picking weeds (It's Easy Being Green). Though there is debate about how much healthier organic food truly might be, the environmental benefits from organically grown food are definitive. “According to USDA guidelines, organic farming practices are designed to reduce pollution and conserve water and soil. They do not release synthetic pesticides, which can harm wildlife, and they also seek to preserve biodiversity and local ecosystems” (It's Easy Being Green). However, organically grown food does tend to be more costly due it being more labor intensive (It's Easy Being Green). Some other benefits might include include higher nutritional value, better taste, healthier, and sustainability; on the downside, organic farming may be less productive, require more skill, be more costly, and lack some of the perks of GMO’s (which can be referenced in last week’s post) (Rinkesh). On the flip side, conventional farming has the benefits of higher yield at lower costs, but includes the cons of health and environmental hazards (Miller). Overall, there are some pros and cons on both sides, but perhaps the solution isn’t one sided: a strategically combined use of conventional/organic farming may result in the most beneficial and safe outcome. (Image from: “Organic vs Conventional - the Most Sustainable Is ?: Arc2020.” Agricultural and Rural Convention, 24 May 2018, https://www.arc2020.eu/organic-vs-conventional-which-is-the-most-sustainable/.) Sources: “It's Easy Being Green: Organic vs. Conventional Foods-the Gloves Come Off.” Center for American Progress, 22 Apr. 2010, https://www.americanprogress.org/article/its-easy-being-green-organic-vs-conventional-foods-the-gloves-come-off/#:~:text=Conventional%20farming%20uses%20chemical%20fertilizers,%2C%20mating%20disruption%2C%20or%20traps. Rinkesh. “What Is Organic Farming and Pros and Cons of Organic Farming.” Conserve Energy Future, 25 Dec. 2016, https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-organic-farming.php. “Organic vs Conventional - the Most Sustainable Is ?: Arc2020.” Agricultural and Rural Convention, 24 May 2018, https://www.arc2020.eu/organic-vs-conventional-which-is-the-most-sustainable/. Miller, Brandon. “7 Pros and Cons of Conventional Farming.” Green Garage, 16 Dec. 2019, https://greengarageblog.org/7-pros-and-cons-of-conventional-farming.

Written by: Caroline Kim May 1, 2022 In contemporary society, genetic engineering, genetic alterations done to organisms, is a practice that has sustained its role in fields such as agriculture. It is often implemented in foods such as corn, papaya, and soy. There are many debates and concerns over it, however, as some see it as more harmful than helpful, and others think differently. An author from Montana State University states, “The current global food system is not sustainable.1 A rapidly increasing world population, climate change, and crop pests such as insects and weeds present a significant challenge to the global food system. The field of dietetics practices at the intersection of nutrition, health, and sustainability. As such, it is critical to understand the current state of the global food system and the practices and technologies that influence it” (Chamberlin). A benefit of genetic engineering includes the production of stronger, more nutritious foods. For example, corn may be altered to better withstand harsh weather conditions, and include healthier nutrition. According to an article, “Genes can also be manipulated in trees so that they absorb more CO2 and reduce the threat of global warming”(Rinkesh, Various Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering for Cloning and Transformation). Various sources agree on the fact that genetic modification of foods can often increase resistance/get rid of disease, increase production, and boost growth rates. Other positive factors of genetic engineering in foods include prolonged shelf life. Additionally, genetically modified crops are carefully monitored by the FDA, EPA, and USDA (Chamberlin). However, genetic engineering also has its set of negative impacts, “For instance, a plant can be modified that it needs less water, but that would make it intolerant to direct sunlight” (Rinkesh, Various Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering for Cloning and Transformation). Without proper considerations, diversity may also be at risk. Though environmental health is something that may be improved with genetic engineering, if this is not the objective of a certain alteration, it may not be considered, and the environmental health could actually be put at risk. Another concern is a concept called “gene escape” in which genes could be transferred among similar species- “Trouble could arise if, for instance, herbicide resistant genes find way into weeds (Rinkesh, “What Is Genetic Engineering and Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Foods). As a whole, genetic modifications in agriculture present several benefits as well as concerns, and but the topic is important to be well informed on, especially considering much of it includes foods we consume. Sources: Rinkesh. “Top 25 Brutal Environmental Concerns That You Desperately Need to Know.” Conserve Energy Future, 10 May 2020, https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/top-25-environmental-concerns.php. Rinkesh. “Various Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering for Cloning and Transformation.” Conserve Energy Future, 29 June 2020, https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/pros-and-cons-of-genetic-engineering.php. Rinkesh. “What Is Genetic Engineering and Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Foods.” Conserve Energy Future, 3 Apr. 2017, https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/what-is-genetic-engineering.php. Chamberlin, Morgan. “The Environmental Impact of Genetically Modified Crops.” Montana State University: Mountains and Minds, https://www.montana.edu/hhd/graduate/dietetics/blog_posts/GMO_environment.html#:~:text=Research%20indicates%20that%20GM%20crop,growth%20of%20herbicide%20resistant%20weeds.&text=In%20addition%2C%20there%20is%20concern,negatively%20impact%20the%20agriculture%20ecosystem.

April 24, 2022 Written by: Caroline Kim If you’ve kept up with the past posts, the term resource depletion will most likely ring a bell. The term is just as it sounds: using up earth’s resources faster than it can regenerate them. In other words, the issue is that there are rising demands but a strict quantity of resources that the earth can provide. This term can be applied to water consumption, farming, fuel consumption, fishing, and mining (Rinkesh). In fact, the earth’s ecological footprint is estimated to be 1.5 times faster than earth’s ability to regenerate. (Rinkesh). According to an article by Rinkesh, some of the major causes of this include overpopulation, poor farming practices, deforestation, pollution, and industrial/technological developments; the effects include water shortages, oil depletion, depletion of minerals, and extinction of various species. In fact, the article “We're Gobbling up the Earth's Resources at an Unsustainable Rate” states that “the extraction and processing of materials, fuels and food contribute half of total global greenhouse gas emissions and over 90 percent of biodiversity loss and water stress”. On the upside, changes are being made, and alternatives are being presented such as renewable energy, which not only assist with resource depletion, but also with clean energy (decreased greenhouse gas emissions). Although it has its set of challenges and doesn’t solve all the issues caused by resource depletion, it can be effective. According to National Geographic, “Recently, renewable resource use has begun to increase. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 11 percent of the U.S. energy consumption came from renewable resources in 2017”. Some examples of renewable energy include hydropower in which streams/rivers are used to turn a turbine, power a generator, and provide electricity, which is somehow incorporated in each state in the U.S. (National Geographic Society). Another example is geothermal energy: “Geothermal energy can be harnessed by drilling wells to pump hot water or steam to a power plant. This energy is then used for heating and electricity” (National Geographic Society). Other clean energy sectors include wind, solar, and bioenergy. Sources: Rinkesh. “Causes, Effects and Solution of Depletion of Natural Resources.” Conserve Energy Future, 14 May 2020, https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-depletion-natural-resources.php. “We're Gobbling up the Earth's Resources at an Unsustainable Rate.” UNEP, https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/were-gobbling-earths-resources-unsustainable-rate. National Geographic Society. “Renewable Resources.” National Geographic Society, 30 May 2019, https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/renewable-resources/#:~:text=Renewable%20resources%20include%20biomass%20energy,from%20corn%20or%20other%20plants). “Clean Energy.” Energy.gov, https://www.energy.gov/clean-energy.