This fall, as Everyday Environment explored the different facets of climate change, we — Amy, Abigail, and Erin — also learned a lot along the way, just like we hope you did! With such a broad topic, there were so many different areas that we could dive into and really explore. Across these 12...
The problem with food scraps in landfillsIn the U.S., food waste is a big problem. Nationally, landfills and trash incinerators receive 167 million tons of garbage a year. Half of that is compostable and 21% is food scraps. This means that of the 19 million tons of garbage going to Illinois...
When I was growing up in St. Louis, crossing the Mississippi River in Alton was always my cue that we were almost home from a long road trip. Now that I live in Illinois, I know I am nearing home when I start to see windmills across the blue skies. Even at night, their blinking red lights...
One of the most exciting projects Illinois Extension is involved in is the SCAPES project — Sustainably Co-Locating Agricultural and Photovoltaic Energy Systems. This initiative, funded by NIFA, involves a...
You may have heard of carbon markets, or you may hear anything remotely economic and think: this is over my head. Either way, economic policies that address climate change are necessary to move the dial on reducing emissions, so let’s break down the concept of carbon markets, specifically related...
“Save the Planet” was the repeated Earth Day slogan heard in every school for decades. We thought it made sense, yes, we should save the planet. But looking at it now as we contemplate where we are in our own created history of rising oceans, the depletion of massive water reservoirs, flooding, and...
Climate change is impacting many aspects of our lives. Through increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, worsening air quality, sea-level rise, and food and water insecurity, climate change is increasing the risk of a myriad of human health conditions. These can include heat-...
Like almost everything else with climate change, the impacts are mostly bad news. Increasing drought severity is already driving pollinator declines in the southwest, and secondary climate change impacts like habitat fragmentation are likely adding on to other stressors. We also know that impacts...
Climate change and invasive species are both huge threats to our natural resources. How are the two issues interacting? Can we expect invasive species to get worse over time due to climate change? And are these changes consistent across all invasive species?It’s difficult to know for sure, but...
Soil is more than just dirt; it is a vital component of our ecosystem. It provides nutrients for plants, supports biodiversity, and plays a crucial role in water filtration and carbon storage. Healthy soil is resilient and can better withstand environmental stresses, making it a key player in our...
I’m walking through a central Illinois neighborhood in mid-May this spring. The temperature is 92 degrees Fahrenheit, one degree shy of the record, and most people still haven’t acclimatized to the heat. In broad daylight, the...
Plants are essential to life on earth. As primary producers, they take energy from the sun and make it available for animals, like humans. So, it makes sense that we care deeply about their future, and how they will respond to the environmental factors of climate change. Let’s explore three aspects...
We’ve all heard of “climate change,” a term that feels so charged, but what does it really mean, and what is actually happening? Let’s break down the scientific definitions to help us really understand what researchers and climate professionals are talking about when they say “climate change.”...
I am always excited for a new adventure – the anticipation of looking around the bend to the next interesting feature on a trail; the view at the top of a mountain or, in Illinois, a bluff; or searching and finding a new bloom in a prairie! Everyday Environment is embarking on a new journey,...
In today’s world, it appears that everyone has seen or experienced a tornado up close and personal, at least from all the video that is available on social media. The fact is many people have only seen pictures or video and have not experienced a real tornado. However, their chances may be...
As the summer progressed and the news filled with increased extreme weather events came across our screens, it became even harder to ignore the impacts of climate change on our lives. Especially when those impacts hit hard at home from...
