Dear EarthTalk: What’s the latest on efforts to reintroduce Grizzly bears back to the Lower 48? — J. Whitaker, silver Spring, MD Grizzly bears, once a common sight in the Lower 48, were hunted and killed to near extinction over the century that followed colonialism. Today, these majestic, lumbering creatures are the focus of […]
Are Hunters Really the Biggest Conservationists in America?
Dear EarthTalk: Are hunters really the biggest conservationists in America? – Joe W., Raleigh, NC Hunters do play a large part in conservation efforts across the U.S. through their taxes, licenses and donations. In fact, the National Wildlife Refuge System itself was founded by a hunter: President Theodore Roosevelt. That being said, the mere act […]
Ski Resorts vs Global Warming
Dear EarthTalk: Given the existential threat to their industry, what are ski resorts, gear makers and professional skiers and snowboarders doing to fight global warming? — J. Simms, Rutland, VT It’s undeniable that climate change has been affecting and continues to threaten the winter sports and tourism industries. Colder regions around the world are experiencing […]
Coronavirus & Climate Change
Dear EarthTalk: Given the economic slowdown around the world due to the coronavirus in 2020, was there a positive impact on climate change? — M. Stiles, Meriden, CT The coronavirus pandemic has certainly led to a decrease in industrial activity and resulting greenhouse gas emissions during its reign over the planet in 2020. A recent […]
Is Organic Food Worth It?
Dear EarthTalk: My New Year’s resolution is to eat healthier. Which fruits and vegetables are worth spending extra money on for organic varieties? Likewise, is it worth it from the standpoint of health to also pay a premium for organic meat, cheese and eggs? – P. McAdams, via email It is indeed difficult to […]
What is Cheatgrass?
Dear EarthTalk: What is Cheatgrass and when did it become such a big problem out west? — William G., Portland, ME Cheatgrass is an annual grass native to Europe and eastern Asia that European settlers brought to North America in the late 1800s as forage for grazing their livestock. Little did they know at […]
Activism on Instagram
Dear EarthTalk: What are the best Instagram feeds to follow lately if I’m into environmental activism and fighting climate change? — Bill S., New Orleans, LA It’s amazing how dominant Instagram has become in the world of social media. Eco-advocates would be remiss to not make use of it to raise awareness and spur action […]
Invasive Insects
Dear EarthTalk: Where I live in Southeast Michigan, an invasive insect called the Emerald Ash Borer is wreaking havoc on our forests. Are other parts of the country dealing with this pest or others that are killing large numbers of trees? — John D., Sterling Heights, MI In a growing number of U.S. states, […]
Plant Blindness
Dear EarthTalk: What on Earth is “plant blindness?” – Betsy Carlucci. New York, NY Botanists James Wandersee and Elizabeth Schussler coined the term “plant blindness” in 1998 to describe “the inability to see or notice the plants in one’s own environment, leading to the inability to recognize the importance of plants in the biosphere […]
PPE & The Environment
Dear EarthTalk: What’s the environmental impact of all the single-use PPE we are throwing away now in huge numbers as a result of responding to the COVID-19 crisis? — Jay M., Cary, NC There’s no question about it: all the disposable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in our waste stream is taking a toll on the […]