Environment
Environment
Our Pandemic Habits Cut Carbon Emissions, But It’s Not Clear They’ll Last
Energy demand plummeted because of the pandemic shutdown. A big question is whether new habits like telecommuting and flying less will endure, and mean lower oil consumption in the future. Continue Reading Our Pandemic Habits Cut Carbon Emissions, But It’s Not Clear They’ll Last
Pandemic Gives Pacific Northwest Whales A Respite From Din Of Underwater Noise
American and Canadian marine scientists — and one talented dog — are seizing an unexpected opportunity presented by the coronavirus pandemic. They are trying to establish whether Pacifc Northwest whales benefit from the current drop in boat traffic and underwater noise. Continue Reading Pandemic Gives Pacific Northwest Whales A Respite From Din Of Underwater Noise
Federal Environmental Policies During Pandemic Raise Concerns Across Northwest
State agencies and advocates have been alarmed by federal environmental policy rollbacks that continue unabated by the global coronavirus pandemic. Continue Reading Federal Environmental Policies During Pandemic Raise Concerns Across Northwest
Washington State Steps In To Regulate Water Temps Behind Federal Dams To Help Salmon
Water temperatures are expected to increase as the climate warms. Rivers saw a glimpse of what the future could hold five summers ago, when low water flows and hot temperatures killed thousands of salmon. Continue Reading Washington State Steps In To Regulate Water Temps Behind Federal Dams To Help Salmon
Big Study Finds Small Territory Usage For Washington’s Medium-Sized Wild Lynx
In a study recently published in the Journal of Wildlife Management, WSU scientists found that lynx only occupy about 20% of potential habitat in Washington. Continue Reading Big Study Finds Small Territory Usage For Washington’s Medium-Sized Wild Lynx
Pandemic Shutdown Is Speeding Up The Collapse Of Coal
Coal use has plummeted in part because it’s more expensive than natural gas or renewable energy. Mines are shutting down, and some power plants may run out of places to stockpile coal. Continue Reading Pandemic Shutdown Is Speeding Up The Collapse Of Coal
Fire Camp Germ Spread Is Dicey In Normal Times. COVID-19 Could Rip Through Crews This Season
This year, fire camp could be as dangerous as the wildfires, and top Western managers are deep in planning how to make fire camps COVID-19 ready for fire crews. Hilary Franz is Washington’s commissioner of public lands. She says state, federal, tribal and local officials are trying to make fighting wildfires safe during a pandemic. Continue Reading Fire Camp Germ Spread Is Dicey In Normal Times. COVID-19 Could Rip Through Crews This Season
10 Years After BP Deepwater Horizon Spill: Oil Drilled Deeper; Rules Relaxed
Ten years after an oil rig explosion killed 11 workers and unleashed an environmental nightmare in the Gulf of Mexico, companies are drilling in deeper and deeper waters, where payoffs can be huge but risks are greater than ever. Continue Reading 10 Years After BP Deepwater Horizon Spill: Oil Drilled Deeper; Rules Relaxed
Water, Water (Most) Everywhere, As Northwest Snowpack Is Good. But Some Areas Are Low
For much of the Northwest, snowpack is above normal. That’s a good sign this time of year, when snowpack usually reaches its peak. Having enough snowpack is critical for spring and summer runoff that will supply water for irrigation and salmon runs. But that doesn’t mean everywhere has that much snow. Continue Reading Water, Water (Most) Everywhere, As Northwest Snowpack Is Good. But Some Areas Are Low
As Many People Stay Home, Will The Environment Improve — At Least Temporarily?
Will the current lull in activity make a difference in the air we breathe or the future of climate change? Continue Reading As Many People Stay Home, Will The Environment Improve — At Least Temporarily?
Washington And Oregon Close State Parks Over…Well, You Know By Now
You’ll have to put off your favorite hike on Washington public lands for at least two weeks. State-managed parks and wildlife areas are closing starting Wednesday, March 25. Continue Reading Washington And Oregon Close State Parks Over…Well, You Know By Now
Meetings On Future Of Snake River Dams Now Teleconferences: Here’s How To Access
If you want to attend public hearings on the federal government’s plan to manage the Columbia and Snake River dams, you’ll have to do it by phone. The previously scheduled in-person meetings are now teleconferences. Continue Reading Meetings On Future Of Snake River Dams Now Teleconferences: Here’s How To Access
