Earth Wise

By Randy Simon

From green business and new environmental legislation to how nature impacts our environment in ways never before considered, Earth Wise offers a look at our changing environment.... more

4.7

1515 ratings

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Earth Wise:

How many episodes does Earth Wise have?

The podcast currently has 2,516 episodes available.

Earth Wise episodes:

October 21, 2019 Eco-Friendly Agriculture
Modern agriculture has steadily destroyed native grasslands, among other ecosystems. In fact, farming is one of the most ecologically destructive things that humans do. But we do have to eat. In response, there is a growing movement for agrarian reform, from grain farming on the prairie, to agroforestry, to raising livestock more sustainably. Efforts are accelerating to develop a kinder, gentler agriculture adapted to a changing world.
One such effort has come from the Land Institute, an organization in
Kansas that works on natural systems agriculture, which seeks to retain the
ecological stability of the prairie with its perennial seed plants along with a
grain and seed yield comparable to that from annual crops.
After four decades of effort, the institute has introduced its first commercial grain, a trademarked variety called Kernza. Kernza is a domesticated perennial wild grass – a so-called intermediate wheatgrass – that has a long, slender head that resembles wheat seeds. People describe its taste as sweet and nutty. Kernza is already being made into a cereal called Honey Toasted Kernza by Cascadian Farms. Patagonia Provisions – a spin-off from the clothing company – is making beer from the new grain.
Although Kernza is already being grown and sold commercially, it is not yet ready for prime time. Last year, there were only about 1,000 acres in cultivation and the yield is only a third to a tenth of the yield of wheat.
Developing a sustainable perennial polyculture of edible plants would
have major benefits such as not having to plow every year, plants developing
large root systems that can reach water far beneath the surface and, without
annual plowing, having soil carbon remain in the ground.
**********
Web Links
With New Perennial Grain, a Step Forward for Eco-Friendly Agriculture
Photo courtesy of Cascadian Farms/General Mills.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
...more
2min
October 18, 2019 Monster Tumbleweeds
Tumbleweeds have long been seen as symbols of America’s old west. Tumbleweeds are a structural part of the above-ground anatomy of a number of species of plants known as diaspores. Diaspores are essentially seed dispersal units. In a few seed plants, they comprise most or all of the plant. Once they are mature and dry, they detach from the roots and roll around due to the force of the wind.
There is a new species of gigantic tumbleweed – the Salsola ryanii –
that is expanding its territory in the American west. It is the result of a relatively unusual
genetic process known as polyploidy, which produces offspring with multiple
sets of chromosomes. Researchers believe
that that the new hybrid species of tumbleweed is healthier than earlier
versions. As a result, one geneticist
described Salsola ryanii as a nasty species replacing other nasty species of
tumbleweed in the US.
These tumbleweeds can grow up to 6 feet tall. Tumbleweeds in general are invasive plants that cause traffic accidents, damage agricultural operations, and cause millions of dollars in property damage. Last year, the town of Victorville in the California desert was buried in them, piling up to the second story of some houses.
Salsola ryanii has a relatively small range, but it is expanding
rapidly. The new study determined that
it is more vigorous than its predecessors, which are invasive in 48
states. The plant is an annual but tends
to grow on the later side of winter. It
is one of the only things that is still green in late summer. With summer rains increasing as the climate
changes, these monster tumbleweeds are poised to wreak havoc. The experts are warning that there should be
efforts to suppress them before they take over.
**********
Web Links
Monster tumbleweed: Invasive new species is here to stay
Photo, posted February 27, 2018, courtesy of Tracie Hall via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
...more
2min
October 17, 2019 Other Ways To Cut Vehicle Emissions
It is pretty clear that the way to drastically reduce vehicle greenhouse gas emissions is to switch as many vehicles as possible to electric power. As a result, more and more localities are putting in place policies that encourage electrification.
While there is no doubt that electrification is the long-term solution
to vehicle emissions, a recent study by MIT and the Ford Motor Company found
that, in the short term, there are some places in the US where electric cars
are not the best way to reduce emissions.
The study looked at a variety of factors that affect the relative
performance of vehicles. These include
the role of low temperatures in reducing battery performance, regional
differences in the average number of miles driven annually, and significant
differences in the way electricity is generated in different parts of the US.
The results showed that electric vehicles definitely provide the greatest impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions for most of the country – and particularly on both coasts and in the south – but that there are some places in the upper Midwest where the greatest reduction would be achieved by the use of lightweight gasoline-powered vehicles.
In places like parts of Wisconsin and Michigan, it is mostly rural, there are cold winters, and electricity is predominantly generated by coal-powered plants. In these places, if gas-powered lightweight cars were to be used, the overall benefit would be greater than that of electric cars. Unfortunately, there are no high-volume lightweight gasoline-powered mid-sized cars on the market in the US. Ironically, the only cars of that class using lightweight aluminum construction are Teslas.
While electric cars are truly the long-term solution, the study does demonstrate
the benefits of reducing the weight of vehicles.
**********
Web Links
What’s the best way to cut vehicle greenhouse-gas emissions?
Photo, posted February 9, 2018, courtesy of Dave Field via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
...more
2min
October 17, 2019 Birds Are Disappearing
A new analysis, published in the journal Science, reports that the number of birds in the United States and Canada has fallen by 29% since 1970. There are 2.9 billion fewer birds in the two countries now than there were 50 years ago.
The analysis is the most comprehensive attempt to date to look at the
status of avian populations. The results
were a shock to researchers and conservation organizations.
It is well-known that some bird species have become vulnerable to
extinction, but the new study, which surveyed more than 500 species, uncovered
steep losses even among such traditionally abundant birds as robins and
sparrows.
There appear to be multiple causes for the steep declines. The largest ones are likely habitat loss and
the wider use of pesticides. Rachel
Carson’s 1962 book Silent Spring warned of the dangers of pesticides and
took its title from a world that has lost its birds.
The survey includes 76% of all bird species in the US and Canada, but actually represents almost the entire population of birds. Grassland species have suffered the biggest declines by far, as a result of modern agriculture and development. Pesticides, such as neonicotinoids, make it harder for birds to put on weight needed for migration, delaying their travel.
There are a few bright spots: bald eagles are thriving, and falcon and waterfowl populations are on the upswing. These are species that have been the subject of conservation measures in recent decades.
Stopping the bird decline will require a great deal of effort to
defend habitats, restrict chemicals, and redesign buildings. Without that effort, birds will continue to
disappear.
**********
Web Links
Birds Are Vanishing From North America
Photo, posted April 1, 2012, courtesy of Barry Skeates via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
...more
2min
October 15, 2019 An Upside Of Climate Change
In contrast with most countries in the world, the main political factions in the United States have very different views of climate change. Somehow, one side of the aisle remains skeptical about the changing climate even as temperature records are broken, arctic ice disappears, and powerful storms become increasingly common.
But putting aside the increasingly inexplicable political schism about climate change, there are instances where the consequences of the warming climate are not all dire. In fact, there are places where climate change is having a positive effect.
One such place is West Virginia, where research studies are finding a
real upside to the changing climate.
A recent study of the climate in West Virginia over the period from
1900 to 2016 found the maximum temperatures trended downward, average minimum
temperatures ascended, and annual precipitation increased. On average, West Virginians are now seeing
cooler summers, warmer winters and wetter weather.
Given these changes, there have been big changes in agriculture. Yields of important crops like hay, corn,
winter wheat, and soybeans have all increased.
The winter season has shrunk by as much as 20 days and the growing
season itself has increased by approximately 13 days. A number of crops that historically did not
fare well in West Virginia may now become viable. It may even be possible to pursue double
cropping, meaning that the longer growing season may allow farmers to raise one
crop, harvest it, and then raise and harvest a second crop within the same
year.
In the big picture, climate change is shaping up as a global calamity,
but for a few people in certain places – such as West Virginia – it may have
some real upside.
**********
Web Links
The positive implications of…climate change? WVU researcher sees agricultural, food availability and economic possibilities
Photo, posted November 12, 2014, courtesy of Mike via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
...more
2min
October 14, 2019 Pulling Water From The Air
A couple of years ago, we reported on the early development of a device that harvests water from the air that even works in the low humidity environment of a desert. Since then, the researchers from UC Berkeley have continued to improve the device and it is now 10 times better than it was two years ago.
The harvester is based on a porous water-absorbing material called a
metal-organic framework, or MOF. The
latest version can pull more than five cups of water from low-humidity air per
day for every kilogram of the improved MOF material and that is more than
enough water to sustain a person. The
harvester cycles around the clock and is powered by solar panels and a battery.
Previous techniques for condensing water from air at low humidity
required cooling down the air to temperatures below freezing, which is not
economically practical. The MOF-based
device does not require any cooling.
The Berkeley researchers have formed a startup company – Water
Harvester, Inc. – which is now testing and will soon market a device the size
of a microwave oven that can supply 7 to 10 liters of water per day, which is
enough drinking and cooking water for two or three adults.
An even larger version of the harvester, which would be the size of a
small refrigerator, would provide 200 to 250 liters of water per day, enough
for a household to drink, cook, and shower.
The new company envisions a village-scale harvester that would produce
20,000 liters per day, still running off of solar panels and a battery.
Water Harvester believes the water needs for many people can come out
of the thin air.
**********
Web Links
Water harvester makes it easy to quench your thirst in the desert
Photo courtesy of Grant Glover (University of South Alabama) via UC Berkeley.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
...more
2min
October 11, 2019 Maple Syrup And Climate Change
According to a study recently published in the journal Forest Ecology and Management, scientists are predicting another casualty of climate change: the U.S. maple industry. By the year 2100, the maple syrup season in the United States may be less productive and arrive one month earlier than it has between 1950 and 2017.
Maple syrup production is impacted by two climate-sensitive factors:
sugar content and sap flow. Sugar
content is determined by the previous year’s carbohydrate stores. Sap flow depends on the freeze/thaw
cycle. Sap begins to flow in sugar
maples when winter nights dip below freezing and the days warm above freezing.
The researchers studied six sugar maple stands from Virginia to
Quebec, Canada over a six year period.
They created a model that predicted the timing of optimal sap flow based
on historical temperature data on freeze/thaw days, actual sap collection from
their field work, and monthly climate.
According to modeling projections, the maple syrup season is expected
to be, on average, one month earlier by the end of the century. States like Indiana and Virginia will barely
produce any sap. New Hampshire and Vermont
are likely to be least affected, but are still expected to experience a
decrease in production. In fact, most
areas of maple production in the United States are projected to see decreases
in production by the year 2100, while areas in northern Ontario and Quebec
should see moderate to large increases in production.
Currently, Canada is responsible for approximately 80% of global maple
syrup production while the U.S. produces 20%.
The shifting climate for optimal maple production will leave many scrambling
to find the sweet spot.
**********
Web Links
Climate change study finds that maple syrup season may come earlier
Photo, posted March 24, 2019, courtesy of Paul VanDerWerf via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
...more
2min
October 10, 2019 Beavers And Biodiversity
Beavers are large, semi-aquatic rodents known best for their ability to construct dams, canals, and lodges (their homes). They are among the largest rodents in the world. With powerful jaws and strong teeth, beavers fell trees to use as building materials, often changing their environment in ways few other animals can. But in a good way. As it turns out, beavers are important for biodiversity.
According to new research from the
Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Stirling in Scotland,
reintroducing beavers to their native habitats is an important step towards
solving the freshwater biodiversity crisis.
Researchers surveyed water plants and
beetles in 20 wetlands in Sweden – 10 created by beavers and 10 that were not –
in order to understand what impact beavers might have on the variety of plant
and animal life around them.
The research team’s findings build on
previous work that has shown that beavers have an important impact on
biodiversity. This latest study
discovered that the number of species found only in beaver-built ponds was 50% higher than in other non
beaver-built wetlands in the same region.
Beavers are known to be profound engineers
of the environment. They use wood to build dams across rivers in order to form
ponds behind them. They do this to raise
the water level in order to avoid predators, like bears and wolves. But it
turns out many other plants and animals, like water plants and beetles, also
benefit from their work.
According to the research team,
reintroducing beavers to their native habitats should benefit the wider
biodiversity and be seen as an important step towards solving the freshwater
biodiversity crisis.
**********
Web Links
Beaver reintroduction key to solving freshwater biodiversity crisis
Photo, posted October 2, 2014, courtesy of USFWS Midwest Region via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
...more
2min
October 09, 2019 Europe Is Warming Faster Than Predicted
A new study has found that Europe is warming faster than even climate models projected. The number of summer days with extreme heat in Europe has tripled since the 1950s, while the number of days with extreme cold has decreased by factors of two or three depending on the region.
According to climate scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of
Technology in Zurich, the climate trends are much larger than what would come
from natural variability and are a clear signal of climate change. Extremely hot days in Europe have become
hotter by an average of more than 4 degrees Fahrenheit while extremely cold
days have warmed by more than 5 degrees.
The research examined data from weather stations across Europe from 1950
to 2018. Over 90% of the stations
recorded increasing temperatures over time, a percentage much too high to be
purely from natural climate variability.
The results also showed that the region was warming even faster than
climate models projected.
The research results come after an extremely hot summer in
Europe. Southern France hit 114.8
degrees, a new record, in June. Germany,
the Netherlands, and Belgium all recorded all-time national temperature
highs. The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration recently announced that July was the hottest month
ever recorded.
European summers and winters will only grow hotter in the coming years
as climate change accelerates. The
rapidly increasing temperatures will impact cities and people that are
unprepared for them and pose real risks for residents in the coming
decades. Extreme heat is dangerous
because it stresses the human body, potentially leading to heat exhaustion or heat
stroke.
**********
Web Links
Europe warming faster than expected due to climate change
Photo, posted July 30, 2011, courtesy of Marcel de Jong via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
...more
2min
October 08, 2019 Bananas In Danger
For a few years we have been talking about the precarious position of the global banana crop, which is almost entirely based upon a single cloned cultivar known as the Cavendish banana. The banana you buy in Rome is identical to the one in Rochester. And therein lies the danger: if a fungal blight can kill one banana shrub, it can kill them all.
For decades, a fungal disease known as Panama Disease Tropical Race 4
has been wreaking havoc on banana plantations in the Eastern Hemisphere. Even though it was first identified in
Taiwanese soil samples in the early 1990s, the destructive fungus remained
confined to Southeast Asia and Australia until it was confirmed in both the
Middle East and Africa in 2013. Experts continued
to fear its eventual appearance in Latin America, which is the epicenter of the
global banana export industry.
In August, Colombian agricultural authorities announced that
laboratory tests have positively identified the presence of Tropical Race 4 in
the Caribbean coastal region and declared a national state of emergency.
The infection of the banana plant does not produce bananas that are
unsafe for humans. What happens is that
the infected plants eventually stop bearing fruit.
Cavendish bananas are a prime example of the dangers of growing crops
with limited genetic diversity – known as monoculture. It leaves food systems dangerously vulnerable
to disease epidemics.
This has happened to the global banana crop before when the predecessor to the Cavendish banana – the Gros Michel – was mostly eradicated by another fungal outbreak. At the moment, there is no ready replacement banana to bail out the industry, but scientists are desperately trying to breed one. In the meantime, the world’s supply of bananas is in real danger.
**********
Web Links
The banana is one step closer to disappearing
Photo, posted July 9, 2009, courtesy of Dabin Lambert via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
...more
2min

FAQs about Earth Wise:

How many episodes does Earth Wise have?

The podcast currently has 2,516 episodes available.