EarthTalk®

Dear EarthTalk: Is it really possible to store large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) in building materials like concrete and plastic? If so, why don’t we do more of it already? – P.L., via email

The construction industry, a major contributor to carbon emissions, has an untapped potential to become a powerful ally in fighting climate change. By incorporating carbon-storing materials like concrete, bio-based plastics and asphalt, it’s possible to transform buildings into carbon “sinks” and work toward meeting the 1.5°C global warming target established in the Paris Agreement in 2015.

Concrete, the world’s most-used building material, offers significant potential for carbon sequestration. Researchers are exploring “carbonated aggregates” which are materials infused with CO2 during production, that can enhance carbon storage. Professor Sabbie Miller of UC Davis says, “The potential is pretty large. If feasible, a little bit of storage in concrete could go a long way.” Studies suggest including carbon-storing aggregates in just 10 percent of concrete could sequester up to a gigaton of CO2 annually.

Other materials, like bio-based plastics and wood, also show promise. Bio-based plastics, derived from biomass, can store CO2 during production, offering a green alternative to petroleum-based plastics. And sustainably sourced wood retains carbon absorbed during the tree’s growth, providing a natural reservoir when used in construction. Asphalt innovations further contribute by including CO2 in road materials.

These advancements have both ecological and economic benefits. Carbon-storing solutions promote an economy that reuses resources and reduces waste by reducing emissions associated with traditional materials. They also promote green industries and jobs. Professor Miller notes, “These new processes would enhance material value, creating economic growth while promoting circular economy practices.”

However, challenges remain. Scaling these solutions requires significant investment, and industry inertia and higher initial costs slow adoption. Ensuring the long-term stability of stored carbon also has technical hurdles. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that utilizing carbon-storing materials is crucial for meeting the 1.5°C climate goal by actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere.

By integrating carbon-storing materials into construction, we can drastically reduce emissions, foster sustainable industries and create a greener future. To support this transition, advocate for policies promoting low-carbon materials and educate others about their benefits. Opt for sustainable materials in personal projects and encourage their use in local developments. And push for increased investment in technologies that make carbon sequestration feasible on a global scale. Together, these actions can transform the construction industry from a carbon emitter into a solution for climate change.

CONTACTS: Building Materials Could Help Tackle Climate Change - Science Daily, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250109141128.htm

Dear EarthTalk: What can we expect regarding changes President Trump is promising regarding: climate, environment and energy policy? -- Name withheld

Despite only being in office for a second term for a few weeks, Donald Trump has already begun rolling back climate initiatives and environmental regulations. Trump, who has previously called global warming a “hoax,” made bold decisions in his first term; notably, he slashed the budget of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and also replaced Obama’s Clean Power Plan which mandated states to reduce carbon emissions. With his return, Trump has pledged more efforts as follow-ups to his previous acts.

One of his promises is removing strict environmental regulations on the fossil fuel economy. On January 20, Trump announced a “national energy emergency”—the first in Presidential history, only preceded by regional energy crises in the early 1970s. This assertion gives Trump the authority to limit environmental regulations on oil firms and boost the use of natural resources like coal. Yet, the U.S. isn’t facing a fuel shortage like in the 70s: Bank of America analysts predict that oil prices will fall in 2025 as the American crude supply surpasses its demand. In his second inaugural address Trump stated, “we have the largest amount of oil and gas of any country on Earth, and we are going to use it,” adding that America stands on “liquid gold.” While more drilling could lower energy prices, this optimistic outcome isn’t guaranteed and could also spark a price resurgence from the oil industry’s boom-bust cycle. His policies, however, do assure an increase in national emissions and pollutants that would exacerbate global warming.

Trump is also targeting the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Over the last four years, Biden’s administration promoted emission-reducing cars and put regulations on total emissions for gas vehicles. By removing these standards, Trump hopes to save “our auto industry” and keep his “sacred pledge to our great American autoworkers”—though he misinterprets Biden’s regulations and treats them as mandates to ban gas vehicles entirely. Trump will soon work to remove more integrated EV policies such as tax credits.

Trump has also withdrawn from the Paris Agreement—an international treaty with over 190 countries aimed to combat climate change via emissions reductions—just like he did in his first term. He hopes to save America “trillions of dollars” by pulling out of these climate accords first ratified 10 years ago. With 2024 already exceeding the agreement’s intended limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius as the hottest year ever recorded, global warming will likely continue to rise during his presidency. That said, many leaders are optimistic about halting climate change. Said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, “Chicago and our peer cities are, and will remain, at the forefront of climate action.” To fight environmental deregulation, contact your local representatives, join advocacy groups, or donate relevant organizations.

CONTACT: Trump May Thwart Federal Climate Action, but Opportunities for Progress Remain, wri.org/insights/trump-climate-action-setbacks-opportunities-us.

Dear EarthTalk: Does the rise in diseases like Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever mean tick populations are on the rise? Are there eco-friendly ways to control ticks? – J.B. via email

Common tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Lyme disease is the most well-known, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, and is transmitted by black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks. Unfortunately, these miniscule creatures can be found everywhere, and according to Dr. Ben Beard, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Risk occurs in backyards, as well as in neighborhood green spaces and public lands used for recreation.” Symptoms of Lyme disease can range from a characteristic bullseye-shaped rash to fever, joint pain, and, in severe cases, neurological problems.

In addition to Lyme disease, ticks can spread other diseases. Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes anaplasmosis, which can lead to fever, headache and muscle aches. Babesiosis, another tick-borne illness, involves a parasitic infection that affects red blood cells, leading to fever and fatigue. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, can cause severe symptoms like rash, fever and nausea, and can be fatal. According to public health expert Annalies Winny, rising heat and humidity helps ticks thrive in more places for longer periods, and could be contributing factors to the tick’s increase.

Ticks become infected with disease-causing microorganisms when they feed on infected animals like deer, rodents or birds. Once infected, they can transmit these pathogens to humans through bites, if attached for a certain period (usually 36-48 hours). Try to avoid tick-prone areas, like tall grasses and wooded environments, especially during warmer months when ticks are most active.

Spending time outdoors is great, but ticks can be a bit of a buzzkill. To protect yourself, apply an EPA-registered insect repellent. Wear long sleeves, pants and socks, and tuck your pants into your socks or boots to keep ticks at bay. Stick to well-cleared trails, as ticks tend to hide in tall grasses and wooded areas. After your outdoor adventure, check your body, especially in the cozier areas such as the armpits or behind the knees. Tweezers will do the job to remove a tick, if found. Then, clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. It is helpful to shower within two hours to wash off any ticks, and wash your clothes in hot water to kill any that might have hitched a ride. If you develop flu-like symptoms, a rash or other signs of illness within a few weeks of a tick bite, consult a healthcare provider. Early treatment with antibiotics is effective in treating many tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease.

To keep ticks at bay naturally, try using essential oils like lavender, lemon eucalyptus, and tea tree oil, which can be applied to skin or outdoor areas. Diatomaceous earth, a natural powder, can also be sprinkled around your yard to dry out ticks. Planting tick-repelling plants such as rosemary, mint, and geraniums adds another layer of defense. Beneficial nematodes, tiny worms that target tick larvae, can safely be used in gardens. Keeping grass short, wearing treated clothing, and avoiding wooded areas further reduce tick exposure. These eco-friendly methods work together to protect your home and health without harmful chemicals.

Ticks are most active in spring and summer, but they can be found year-round, depending on your location. Ticks can pose a significant threat, so stay vigilant and take proactive measures.

CONTACTS: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), https://www.cdc.gov/ticks.

Dear EarthTalk: Are increased shrub and tree plantings in the eastern U.S. in recent decades partially responsible for the recent uptick in wildfires across the region? – M. Major, New York, NY

Wildfires are uncontrolled destructive fires that spread over natural areas, like forests or brush. They can happen for many reasons, natural or manmade. Climate change has made wildfires increasingly more destructive throughout the world. One study from the University of Maryland suggests that current wildfires burn nearly six million more hectares of tree cover per year compared to wildfires from 2001.

The eastern U.S. is no exception to this devastation, with certain regions’ wildfire frequencies having grown tenfold in the last 40 years. There are many explanations for this, but one example is flammable resin being applied to forests by timber companies. It is also theorized that increased shrub and tree planting efforts across the eastern United States are contributing to this uptick in major wildfires.

Researchers believe that these factors combine to explain increased wildfire odds. Per a recent study led by University of Florida researcher Victoria Donovan, in the east a one percent increase in woody cover leads to a 3.9 percent increase in odds of a wildfire the next year. Some recent studies have noted that the planting of invasive species can also increase wildfire frequency. UMass Amherst researchers noted that wildfire occurrences have increased by up to 230 percent because of eight species of nonnative grass.

There are many ways that the average person can help combat wildfires. According to Donovan, reducing fuel usage is the easiest way to prevent wildfires. Supporting climate laws is also vital in achieving environmental justice. Signing the petition led by the Center for Biological Diversity urging FEMA to declare both extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters will support such laws.

Despite research exhibiting a correlation between woody cover and wildfire odds, shrub and tree planting efforts are not in vain. One study published in Geophysical Research Letters noted that the temperature across the east actually dropped by 0.5 degrees F over the last century. “Some vegetation in those really harsh sites might actually facilitate tree establishment by providing shade,” reports University of California, Davis researcher Derek Young. Compared to the whole nation, which actually warmed by 1.2 degrees F over the last century, this compelling evidence suggests that the current planting of trees across the east is a step in the right direction in combating global warming. However, officials also encourage thinning out forests and increasing planting of native vegetation to help prevent more wildfire risk.

CONTACTS: Center for Biological Diversity’s petition to Save People From Deadly Heat and Smoke, https://biologicaldiversity.org/action/alerts/; Assistant Professor Victoria Donovan, https://wfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/directory/dr-victoria-donovan/; Assistant Professional Researcher Derek Young, https://www.plantsciences.ucdavis.edu/people/derek-young.

Dear EarthTalk: What does USAID do for climate and environment and how will that change now if President Trump is allowed to dismantle the agency? -- James C., via email

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a leader in global environmental efforts, supporting initiatives that promote sustainability, cut emissions and build resilience in vulnerable regions. Proposed efforts by President Trump to dismantle the agency have raised concerns about the broader impact on global climate action, of which. USAID has played a crucial role.

USAID’s Climate Strategy (2022-2030) outlines a plan for reducing emissions, enhancing resilience and promoting sustainable development across multiple sectors and regions. The agency has set ambitious goals, like helping partner countries avoid six billion metric tons of carbon emissions by 2030. Through targeted programs, USAID has helped countries transition toward renewable energy by funding solar and wind projects. Their efforts to prevent deforestation and promote reforestation have protected critical ecosystems, while climate-smart agriculture programs improve food security and help farmers adapt to changing weather. USAID has played key roles in advancing water security via sustainable resource management and providing disaster preparedness support to communities facing climate-related crises—all supported through partnerships with local governments, nonprofits and international organizations.

If Trump succeeds in shutting USAID, the impact will be severe, slowing progress on emissions reduction and resilience-building, especially in developing countries. Vulnerable communities already facing extreme weather, rising sea levels and food insecurities will lose vital support. Eliminating USAID will harm U.S. foreign relations, as climate aid is a key factor in global diplomacy.

Long-term, dismantling USAID will weaken global climate action, of which the U.S. has historically been a leader. Others nations might reduce their own climate fund, creating ripple effects that undermine worldwide efforts to tackle climate change. The most vulnerable populations would be hardest hit, as climate aid is essential for achieving sustainability goals and ensures climate justice.

The potential elimination of USAID raises serious concern about U.S. leaderships in global climate efforts. As climate change intensifies, international collaborations and sustain investments in mitigations and adaptation are more critical. Maintaining USAID’s role in environmental projects isn’t just policy decisions—it’s necessary for ensuring a sustainable future for communities worldwide.

CONTACTS: “Gutting USAID Will Have a Monumental Effect on Combating Climate Change”
wired.com/story/gutting-usaid-will-have-a-monumental-effect-on-combating-climate-change/; “USAID Climate Strategy 2022-2030”; globalwaters.org/sites/default/files/usaid_climate_strategy_2022-2030_final.pdf.

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