The UN’s IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Control) release their latest report that has been compiled and peer-reviewed over the last 8 years. U.N. Secretary-General, António Guterres described the report as “a code red for humanity.” “The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation […]
Tag Archives: trees
Climate Change 2020
Our Infrastructure Is Being Built for a Climate That’s Already Gone Our drain pipes, reservoirs, power lines, roads, sewage systems, and more are all designed based on past climate data. But with the climate crisis comes the uncomfortable realization that the past can’t predict what we’ll need in the future. by Shayla Love Jun 2 […]
The Hemp Myth, Carbon Sinks and the Environment
by Daniel Brouse and Sidd Mukherjee Q: Is hemp a good solution for carbon sequestration (carbon sinks) and/or beneficial to the environment? A: No, not really. In general, hemp only acts as a carbon sink while it is growing and left unharvested. The harvesting usually negates any net-negative carbon sink. (ie more CO2 is released […]
Turn out the lights… the fossil fuel party’s over.
October 15, 2018: To: Sidd RE: Energy and Climate Change I’ve been thinking about a famous Sidd quote… and wonder if it still holds true? Back in the day (2001), you recommended one of the best things to do was to turn off the lights! “Turn out the lights… the fossil fuel party’s over.” http://membrane.com/oil/ […]
Why “Fresh Air and Sunshine” is Dangerous
By Daniel Brouse Q: Do you know what are two of the most dangerous exposures for children and the elderly? A: Fresh air and sunshine. Either may be hazardous; however, when fresh air and sunshine are combined, the result can be extreme. On days like today, do not go out and play. The sun can […]
WARNING! Hold Your Breath / Air Quality Alert
By Daniel Brouse Many days in the Philadelphia region are not healthy for breathing. On “Ozone Action Alert Days” you are advised to avoid outside activities. Children should not play outdoors. Avoid running and other fitness activities. Do not breathe in unconditioned air. Low level ozone is volatile and causes micro-explosions in your lungs that […]
Trees: Sudden Oak Death “Unstoppable”
A new report out of Cambridge University has determined that the sudden oak death epidemic in California is unstoppable. “Sudden oak death – caused by Phytophthora ramorum, a fungus-like pathogen related to potato blight – has killed millions of trees over hundreds of square kilometres of forest in California. First detected near San Francisco in […]
Are Bio-fuels Worse for the Environment?
by Daniel Brouse The Membrane Domain Q: Are bio-fuels, ethanol, and re-cycled restaurant oils worse for the environment? A: Yes. The more volatile nature and ozone emissions used as a fossil fuel substitute appear to be much more harmful to the environment than fossil fuels. Though fossil fuels need to be eliminated as soon as […]