Dear EarthTalk: What’s the idea behind the recent launch of the American Climate Corps by the Biden administration? -- Paula B., Corpus Christi, TX
The American Climate Corps (ACC) marks a significant step in the U.S.’s approach to climate change. It aims to engage young Americans in conservation and climate resilience projects, contributing to both ecological protection and job creation. The ACC reflects the administration’s broader climate policies, which prioritize moving to a clean energy economy and addressing the impacts of climate change.
The ACC’s main purpose is to mobilize a new workforce to combat climate change and preserve natural resources. It aims to provide training and job opportunities in sectors like renewable energy, conservation and climate resilience. By engaging young people in meaningful work, the ACC seeks to build a diverse workforce equipped with the skills needed to support the nation’s transition to a sustainable economy. This initiative aligns with President Biden’s climate agenda, which emphasizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing environmental justice and promoting economic growth through green jobs.
The ACC is designed to be inclusive and comprehensive, engaging young Americans from varied backgrounds, including those from underserved communities. It includes a range of projects like restoring wetlands, improving energy efficiency in buildings and developing clean energy infrastructure. Partakers will receive training and mentorship, preparing them for careers in the burgeoning green economy. This hands-on experience is intended to empower the next generation of climate leaders and innovators.
Funding for the ACC comes from a mix of federal resources and partnerships with state and local governments, non-profit organizations and private companies. It leverages existing frameworks and collaborates with agencies like AmeriCorps to streamline operations and maximize impact. This collaborative approach ensures that the ACC can draw on a wide range of expertise and resources, enhancing effectiveness and reach.
The anticipated impact of the ACC is significant both ecologically and socially. It is expected to make substantial contributions to conservation, greenhouse gas reduction and communities, addressing social inequities by providing job opportunities and skills training to marginalized communities. ACC’s long-term vision is to create a sustainable, resilient society capable of addressing climate change challenges.
The ACC offers an exciting opportunity for young Americans to get involved in the fight against climate change while gaining valuable skills and contributing to their communities. If you are passionate about the environment and eager to make a difference, consider joining the ACC or supporting its initiatives in your local area. You can also get involved by advocating for climate action, volunteering with environmental organizations, or participating in local conservation projects.
CONTACTS: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Major Steps to Stand Up Landmark American Climate Corps Initiative, Mobilizing the Next Generation of Climate Leaders, https://americorps.gov/newsroom/press-release/biden-harris-administration-announces-major-steps-stand-landmark-american; American Climate Corps, https://www.acc.gov/; The Climate Jobs Biden Doesn’t Want to Talk About, https://heatmap.news/politics/biden-american-climate-corps.
Dear EarthTalk: Is plywood a viable sustainable material for furniture and home building? –P.K.
Plywood is a manufactured composite material consisting of multiple wooden sheets layered on top of one another and glued together. To assess its sustainability, one needs to assess that of its constituent parts, both the wood sheets and the glue in between them. Scientists utilize Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to assess the environmental impact of the material from production, transportation and utilization to end of life. By observing the carbon footprint in each part of the material’s lifetime, we can then gain a holistic understanding of the true net carbon footprint of a material.
Using LCA, a research group from the Indian Plywood Industries Research and Training Institute analyzed the carbon footprint of plywood across its lifetime. The group concluded that plywood can be a carbon-negative material (removes carbon from the atmosphere) as its wooden material absorbs carbon given that it is not incinerated. In fact, the entire process of production and transportation of plywood produces fewer carbon emissions than the amount of carbon it contains, thus making it carbon-negative.
However, the environmental impact of the glue in plywood is not as clear cut. Countless types of glues can be used in the production of plywood, with each differing in their environmental impact. Glues can be categorized into two groups: those containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and those that do not. Formaldehyde is a harmful substance released as a gas during the lifetime of the glue. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde can cause a plethora of human d and animal health problems. Thus, plywood is only safe for the environment when it is produced with glues not containing VOCs. However, when produced with safe glues, plywood is highly safe for the environment. Compared to aluminum, plastic and concrete, plywood is crowned as the most sustainable material.
So, plywood is a green material, but is it good for making furniture or for home construction? Plywood is cheaper, more durable and more flexible than solid wood, making it a versatile material for many furniture-making applications. Manufactured in thin large sheets, plywood is perfect for assembling into shelving, tables and beds. Plywood can also be an excellent material for home construction because of its ease of working and its dimensional stability. Because plywood comes in pre-processed sheets, it can be used at the construction site easily without further processing. Moreover, plywood is dimensionally stable, meaning it tends to maintain its structure over time, making it a great material for areas in need of structural rigidity. So, in home construction, plywood can be found commonly used to construct floors, walls and roofs to provide the home with excellent structural support.
To an environmentally conscious consumer, plywood serves as a great carbon-negative alternative to materials like plastic, aluminum and solid wood. However, it is imperative to make sure the plywood you purchase is produced in a way that is produced responsibly. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organization that certifies wood that is sustainably harvested. When purchasing plywood, ensure it is FSC certified and that it contains no added formaldehyde.
CONTACTS: Indian Plywood Industries Research and Training Institute, https://moef.gov.in/moef/about-the-ministry/organisations-institutions/autonomous-organisations/indian-plywood-industries-research-and-training-institute/; Forest Stewardship Council, https://fsc.org/.
Dear EarthTalk: How are satellites helping solve our environmental problems? – B.B., via email
In our ever-evolving quest to address and mitigate environmental problems, the role of satellites has become increasingly significant. Orbiting high above Earth, these technological marvels offer a unique vantage point to observe, collect and analyze data on a global scale, providing critical insights into the planet’s changing climate and natural phenomena.
Satellites are indispensable in monitoring atmospheric changes and climate phenomena—such as El Niño—which have profound effects on global weather patterns. According to the Physical Sciences Laboratory of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), satellites play a pivotal role in observing sea level rise and the melting of polar ice, which are key indicators of climate change.
Satellites have also greatly benefited the detection and management of wildfires. NASA’s spinoff technologies (commercial products and services which have been developed with the help of NASA) use satellite imagery to detect fires early, often before they cause extensive damage. This early detection is crucial for timely firefighting efforts and effective evacuation planning, ultimately saving lives and reducing property damage. Satellites also help assess the aftermath, vital for recovery and mitigation.
Satellite technology is also crucial in ocean and coastal management. NOAA utilizes satellites to monitor ocean health, track pollution and map coral reefs. These activities are essential for preserving marine environments and ensuring the sustainability of the resources they provide. By providing data on water temperatures, currents and biological productivity, satellites help manage marine ecosystems effectively.
Improving the accuracy of weather forecasts and enhancing the readiness for natural disasters are perhaps some of the most well-known applications of satellites. Their ability to monitor atmospheric conditions and predict weather changes is critical in preparing for and responding to hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters. This real-time data is crucial for disaster response agencies worldwide, enabling more effective planning and potentially saving thousands of lives annually.
The development of satellite technology has not only advanced our capabilities in space but also brought numerous benefits for environmental monitoring on Earth. Innovations such as advanced imaging and sensors initially designed for space applications are now being used to track environmental changes and manage natural resources more effectively. These technologies provide unprecedented levels of detail and timeliness, enhancing our ability to understand and protect our planet.
CONTACTS: NOAA Satellite Resources, https://psl.noaa.gov/psd2/coastal/satres/env_satellite.html; 7 Ways Satellites Help Fight Climate Change, https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/backgrounders/7-ways-satellites-help-fight-climate-change.
Dear EarthTalk: Styrofoam is terrible for the environment and hard to recycle but still prevalent across the U.S. What’s being done to phase it out? -- Michael Brophy, Boston, MA
Plastic foam, better known under its brand name of Styrofoam, has been used for insulation, packaging and foodware (cups, takeout containers, etc.) for decades. Also known as expanded polystyrene, the foam is made from a carcinogenic chemical called styrene. The material remains prevalent today, especially in the food industry, as countless foodware products are still distributed globally.
The light weight and superior insulating ability of plastic foam makes it a convenient resource for the transportation of goods, but it is also a serious threat to many natural habitats. It can break apart and get picked up by the wind very easily, causing it to disperse rapidly across all kinds of landscapes. In 2022, the International Coastal Cleanup program picked up over 8.7 million plastic foam food containers globally, making it the seventh most common item collected that year. Seals, seabirds and fish tend to mistake the foam for food and eat it, often poisoning them due to the toxic chemicals in the foam. Styrofoam also cannot be properly recycled, though many people recycle it by mistake. As a result, it contaminates recycling efforts, making it more expensive to salvage than to simply manufacture new. The toxic chemicals that are coated on many foams may even harm people, and especially children.
Many governments around the world have taken measures to mitigate the risks. At present, 15 countries, 12 U.S. states and dozens of U.S. cities have banned the sale or distribution of plastic foam in food service establishments. Many citizens have also led successful anti-Styrofoam campaigns by contacting elected officials and educating the public about the benefits of alternatives. Major U.S. efforts to support a transition away from Styrofoam have also been made by organizations such as the Department of Environmental Conservation and Environment America. These efforts include enforcement of bans and education to assist food providers in finding new, affordable alternatives. Some exceptions are allowed for the use of plastic foam with mutual aid organizations and nonprofits who need cheap materials, but these communities have otherwise proven that we can run communities without using Styrofoam.
To assist in efforts to ban plastic foam, start by researching the status of plastic foam laws in your city, state or local community. Effective ways to implement Styrofoam bans include promoting alternative food containers, and bringing your own reusable containers to restaurants for your leftovers. Also, visit the Ocean Conservancy’s website to find out if there are any volunteer Coastal Cleanups near you.
CONTACTS: Ocean Conservancy, https://oceanconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/What-the-Foam_REPORT_0911-2023_TFS-Ocean-Conservancy.pdf; The Department of Environmental Conservation, https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/124479.html; Environment America,
Dear EarthTalk: Cities seem to be heating up fast more so than less urban areas. What can we do to keep them cool in the face of increasing global warming? -- Paul Smith, Providence, RI
As global warming intensifies, cities worldwide are experiencing an accelerated rise in temperatures compared to less urban areas. This phenomenon, known as the urban heat island (UHI) effect, results from the concentration of buildings, roads and other infrastructure that absorb and re-emit heat more than natural landscapes. Addressing urban heat is crucial in the context of global warming to improve public health, reduce energy consumption and enhance the livability of urban environments.
One effective strategy is the implementation of green infrastructure. Urban green spaces, like parks and tree-lined streets, provide shade and cool the air through evapotranspiration, whereby heat is reduced as water evaporates from soil surfaces and transpires from plant leaves. Urban green spaces can significantly reduce the surrounding air temperature, offering a natural solution to urban heat.
Reflective and cool roofs are another strategy to mitigate urban heat. White roofs can reflect up to 90 percent of sunlight, significantly reducing the amount of heat absorbed by buildings. Several cities have successfully implemented white roofs, demonstrating their effectiveness in lowering urban temperatures. Cool roofs, made from lighter colored materials, offer another viable solution. These can be constructed from various materials, including reflective coatings, tiles and membranes. Implementing cool roofs helps reduce urban heat and contributes to energy savings by lowering the need for air conditioning.
Urban design and planning also play a key role in managing urban heat. Cool pavements, which include reflective and permeable materials, can greatly reduce heat absorption versus asphalt and concrete. Cities like Los Angeles have started using cool pavements, showing promising results. Other technological innovations offer advanced solutions for urban cooling. Smart shading systems, which adjust automatically based on the sun's position, and other innovative technologies, can enhance the effectiveness of traditional methods. Urban climate modeling is another valuable tool that helps urban planners make informed decisions in implementing different heat mitigation strategies.
Globally, many cities have successfully implemented measures to combat urban heat. Singapore's green roof initiative and Melbourne's urban forest strategy have had significant impacts on local temperatures. Urban planners, policymakers and communities must adopt multi-faceted approaches and policies to create cooler, more resilient urban environments and protect the health and well-being of city dwellers.
CONTACTS: Cities are hotter than ever. Here are 5 things they can do about it, www.cnn.com/style/cities-heat-design-dfi/index.html; Keeping Your Cool, epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/heat_island_4-page_brochure_508_120413.pdf.
Dear EarthTalk: Is it ethical for birders to use “playback” to see birds? -- P.L., via email
Birders and wildlife photographers can become frustrated or overzealous when searching for elusive species. Tempted to get that perfect avian silhouette in the binocular or camera lens, they turn to a concept that has been made possible with the widespread use of portable technology: playback, the playing of a recording of a bird’s call to attract the bird whose song they play (given that the bird is within earshot).
The ethical debate surrounding playback has arisen due to the sheer number of people who now have the ability to play these bird songs from their phones. Whether a serious birder, photographer, researcher or casual hiker, the sounds are much more frequent now versus the days when some were able to imitate bird calls themselves. Research suggests playback can be disruptive and even detrimental to some species.
Many smaller bird species are prey of larger bird species. When someone plays the call of a predatory bird, it can make smaller birds panic. This fearful state causes them to limit normal eating, foraging and breeding. Playback can also cause prey birds to neglect their nests, sometimes entirely abandoning them. This is especially deleterious to at-risk and endangered species struggling to maintain a foothold.
“Before we had devices, good guides were experts at imitating bird calls. I don’t think there was a particular harm in that because they were not doing it repeatedly or in a way that disturbed the birds,” reports naturalist Stephen Alter on Mongabay-India, a conservation platform. “Now you can download any bird call, attach it to an amplifier and start using it in the wild and the poor birds get very confused.
These disturbances also impact scientific research and can be an obstacle to investigation. Scientists use playback in order to band birds or retrieve geolocators to study their movements. “Certain species will hear so much playback, they won’t respond well when researchers attempt to capture them,” says Jennifer Tyrell, a Master Bird Bander with Audubon South Carolina. According to Audubon, playing recordings of birds is illegal in national parks and national wildlife refuges in the U.S. Otherwise in the U.S. and globally rules vary greatly.
If you’re a birder or wildlife photographer, follow guidelines in park and nature preserves, and check with the offices if you’re unsure if playback is allowed. Even if it is permitted, consider the negative impacts it can have. Use playback indoors to learn bird sounds before heading into the field. This way, you will know which avian species you are hearing and observing without disruption. Educate your fellow birders and photographers on the drawbacks of using bird recordings in the wilderness, and lead by example.
CONTACTS: Why Photographers Should Reconsider Using Playback, https://www.audubon.org/news/why-photographers-should-reconsider-using-playback-field.
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