Dear EarthTalk: Are the new SST jets friendlier to the environment than the SSTs of the 1970s?– P. Barnes, Midlothian, TX Nearly 20 years have passed since the last flight of the Concorde, the first supersonic passenger-carrying commercial airplane (or supersonic transport, SST). The aircraft cruised the Queen of England and the ultra-wealthy across the […]
Peanut Butter Grape Bites
12 California grapes, any color, chilled 1/3 cup natural peanut or almond butter 1/4 cup shredded coconut 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate 1/4 cup chopped almonds Place wax paper sheet on baking sheet. Dip each grape in peanut butter or almond butter to coat half then dip in either coconut, dark chocolate or almonds, alternating […]
Chopped Chicken Taco Salad
Dressing: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/3 cup buttermilk, plus additional (optional) 1 tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice, plus additional (optional) 3 tbsp chopped cilantro 2 tbsp taco seasoning Salad: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 tbsp taco seasoning 2 tbsp olive oil 1 head leaf lettuce, chopped 1 avocado, chopped into bite- sized pieces […]
Black Bald Eagles
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that we’ve done such a good job bringing back bald eagles that they’ve become pests now? — D. Maguire, Winston-Salem, NC It’s hard to believe the bald eagle was on the brink of extinction in the Lower 48 United States just a half century ago, given how common the […]
Roasted Red Pepper and Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
4 slices French or Italian bread 3 tbsp prepared pesto 2 large roasted red peppers 4 slices mozzarella cheese 2 tbsp butter, softened Preheat skillet or grill pan over medium-low heat. Spread insides of bread slices evenly with pesto. Stack red peppers and mozzarella cheese. Spread outer sides of bread with softened butter and grill […]
Artificial Intelligence For Conservation?
Dear EarthTalk: How is Artificial Intelligence being used for conservation? – Katy P., Chevy Chase, MD You would never think that computers and Artificial Intelligence (AI) could help humans save nature, but in fact these tools may be key to whether or not we can halt global warming in time let alone solve many other […]
Jalapeño Popper Cups
8 strips bacon, chopped 4 medium jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced 2 tsp minced garlic 2 pkgs (8 oz each) cream cheese ½ cup sour cream 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided 1 package frozen phyllo dough sheets 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped Heat oven 375°F. In medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until […]
National Parks Disproportionately Affected by Climate Change?
Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard that U.S. national parks are disproportionately affected by climate change. Is this true, and if so, why?– Joseph Pearl, Floral Park, NY The effects of climate change can be felt all over the globe in various ways, but America’s national parks seem to be suffering more than U.S. overall land mass. […]
Blimp Travel
EarthTalk® From the Editors of E – The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: Is blimp travel really making a comeback? Is it eco-friendly? – J. Roe, Islip. NY The blimp, forever besmirched due to the Hindenburg explosion in 1937—when one of the first commercial blimps caught on fire—never really fulfilled its potential as a commuting vehicle. […]
Lemon Cheesecake with Fresh Fruit
1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup butter, melted 2 pkgs (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk 3 eggs ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 orange, peeled, separated 8 raspberries 3 mint leaves, for garnish Heat oven to 350 F. […]