Category: Ecology and Sustainability
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Learn How Air Quality Has Improved in These Cities
Local governments in many cities are tackling long-standing air quality issues, and many are seeing positive results. Here’s how four major urban areas — Chicago, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and New York — have made strides to help their residents breathe better.ChicagoChicago (shown above in photos taken decades apart) was the first major U.S. city to…
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U.S. Works to Reduce Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution affects every corner of the planet, from the stomach of an animal in remote Antarctica to the trees of the Sahel and the highest peaks of the Himalayas. It can take centuries to degrade. The world produces about 272 million metric tons of plastic waste each year. That is close to the weight…
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U.S. Solar Farms Harvest Clean Energy — and Jobs
The largest solar farm in the United States is under construction. Doral Renewables, an Israeli company, is building a 5,260-acre solar farm in Starke and Pulaski counties in the state of Indiana. The project will cost $1.5 billion, take two years to complete, and — once finished — will power 75,000 homes. “I’ve never seen…
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U.S. Government to Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050
The United States government is a major part of the nation’s economy. It purchases vehicles, occupies over 300,000 buildings, and sets standards for all types of goods and services through its procurement. Now, the government is using this market power to lead by example in clean energy production and net zero greenhouse gas emissions. “Today,…
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Helping African Partners Protect Wildlife
African countries are making significant strides in wildlife conservation, and the United States is committed to supporting them. U.S. agencies fund African programs that protect sea turtle habitats, combat wildlife trafficking, and promote community involvement in conservation. The population of rhinoceroses in Kenya has grown by 11%. Protected areas for critically endangered gorillas in the…
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Protecting Nuclear Material Used for Peaceful Purposes
At the first review conference of the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM), held from March 28 to April 1 in Vienna, the United States and other parties were working to reduce risks of crimes related to nuclear material and facilities used for peaceful purposes, such as theft, smuggling,…
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A Green Recovery from the COVID-19 Crisis
Many countries are making “green” recovery measures a central part of stimulus packages to drive sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth and improve well-being in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. However, some countries are also implementing measures that risk having a negative environmental impact and stalling unsustainable growth, according to a new OECD analysis…
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The Doggy Diva Show: The Case for Adopting Senior Dogs
When considering adopting a dog for the family, many people find that a cuddly, energetic puppy is the most appealing choice. While puppies are fun and undeniably cute, that cuteness comes with a lot of work. There is a definitive case to be made for senior dogs. These older pups are often overlooked in shelters.…
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Are You Prepared for Natural Disasters?
Only 39% of respondents in a FEMA survey say they have developed an emergency plan and discussed it with their families.When a natural disaster strikes, getting your family to a safe location is always the top priority, which means there is often little time to think about the financial details that can make the recovery…
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Save Money and Save the Planet by Reducing Food Waste
Nearly 50 percent of fresh produce in the U.S. is thrown away before it reaches your plate, according to USDA estimates. This waste not only affects the environment but also the wallets of shoppers. The average family of four discards $1,600 in food each year, according to a study published in the International Journal on…