The Effects of Extreme Weather Felt Across the Globe
Experts explain the common denominator between these seemingly opposite weather events, and the health and financial toll of natural disasters.
Earth and Environmental Science and Climate Change Sub-categories:
- Biodiversity (3)
- Climate Change (14)
- Conservation and Sustainability (18)
- Ecology and Ecosystem Management (13)
- Environment (24)
- Natural Disasters (17)
- Natural Resources (5)
- Ocean Science (1)
- Pollution (11)
- Weather and Weather Forecasting (7)
- Wildlife Protection and Management (11)
Electric Vehicles: Reducing Sky High Costs & a Lack of Accessibility
While electric is seen as the future, for many Americans these newer cars are often out of reach because of the hefty price tag. We speak with two experts about this current market and what progress is being made to make EV’s more available to all.
The Increasing Occurrence of Weather Calamities
Around the world, countries are seeing weather extremes from excess flooding to severe drought and higher than average heat. We speak with two climate experts about the correlation between climate change and these extreme weather events.
Public Transportation: Seeing a Resurgence or Running on Empty?
Public transportation took a big hit in ridership and profits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as more people are back and relying on these community systems once again, the future is unclear as many municipalities face record challenges.
Elevating Solar Energy
While current solar energy relies on the sun, scientists are now developing new technology that would allow for 24/7 energy absorption. We speak with an expert about this exciting development and what lies ahead.
An Untold Narrative of Africa & the Modern World
This week – we highlight a lesser-known narrative about how Europe exploited African gold and labor in order to fuel its expansion.
The Cost of More Frequent Weather-Related Disasters
Each year, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent as the climate shifts. We discuss the growing economic toll of these mass destruction events and what can be done to switch course.
The Gift Economy
There’s more spots to find secondhand items apart from Goodwill or a local antique store. Next time you’re in the market for something specific, go online and search if your area has a Buy Nothing group.
Barely Surviving: Making a Living as a Garment Worker
Longtime fashion writer and industry expert Dana Thomas joins us to help us understand the labor and environmental crisis plaguing the fashion industry.
The Environmental Damage Caused By Millions of Littered Cigarettes
It seems like all too often it’s common to see a driver chuck a cigarette butt out the window or throw one on the sidewalk. We speak with expert Thomas Novotny about how this type of littering affects the environment and the wildlife within it.
How To: Getting Into Gardening This Summer
Getting started in gardening can seem overwhelming - especially if you have trouble keeping a solo houseplant alive. But with some research and a small investment, the rewards of tending to a garden are life-long.
The Future of Ethanol
Ethanol is a key additive in the gas that powers our cars and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. But with electric cars gaining popularity – how long will this massive ethanol market survive? How are producers making this process more environmentally friendly?
The Continued Global Intake of Russia’s Diamonds
This week – we cover the global diamond trade and what more needs to be done to ensure that the global diamond business is not funding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Saving Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are home to 25% of all marine life – approximately 800,000 species. But these vibrant, colorful landscapes are more than just a home for life; coral reefs are animals themselves.
New York City: A National Treasure
Look a little closer and you’ll find many hidden gems throughout New York City. Tour guide and author Laurie Lewis joins Viewpoints to shed some light on the stories behind some of the city’s most famous buildings and parks.
The Refugee Crisis: Finding Help Amidst Conflict
As of early April, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has displaced more than 4.2 million refugees. On Viewpoints this week – we discuss the importance of helping migrants who need support in getting to safety and finding shelter, education, and more.
A History of Fabric
When did quality-made clothes disappear, and the rise of new, cheaper fabrics take hold in the U.S.? Author Sofi Thanhauser joins us this week to shed some light on how the garment industry got to where it is today.
The Expanding Landfill in Space
From weather forecasting to cellular coverage to global imaging, we heavily rely on space satellites in our day to day lives. We discuss the serious issue of human-created space debris and what’s being done to curb this problem before it reaches catastrophic levels.
Urban Wildlife: An Influx of New Neighbors
Countless different species of wildlife were driven out of cities centuries ago, but in recent decades have begun returning in greater numbers and adapting to the human-centric infrastructure. Two wildlife experts join us this week to highlight how we can both coexist in these settings.
The Many Modes of Transportation
Dr. Susan Shaheen, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California-Berkeley, joins us this week to highlight the country’s current infrastructure and what more needs to be done to promote greater citizen mobility with bikes, scooters and other non-motor modes of transportation.
Starry Night: The Effects of Light Pollution
More than 80% of the world’s population lives under light-polluted skies. Light pollution can impact sleep, health, and the environment. It also means the beautiful stars in our skies are clouded by the bright beams of lights all around us. We discuss the issue of light pollution and how stargazers can bring about change in their local communities.
A Season of Sadness
Researchers estimate that around 10 million Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder each year. We speak with psychologist Dr. Carrie Ditzel about the prevalence of SAD and how people can combat these feelings and find additional support.
Working in Intensifying Heat
Imagine working for hours on end outside in temperatures exceeding 90 or 100 degrees. On top of this, there’s little shade, minimal breaks and often not enough water. This is the reality for millions of laborers who work in agriculture, construction and other industries. Why aren’t there more legal guidelines protecting these essential workers?
Designing a Greener Building Landscape
Constructing a new building requires many resources, from hundreds of hours of labor to thousands of pounds of steel, cement, glass and other building materials. Design consultant Ned Cramer joins us this week to uncover how the industry is utilizing new technology to build more sustainably and lessen waste.