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UD researchers launch open-source tool to boost global food security and water sustainability
Efficient water usage in agriculture is crucial for sustaining a growing human population. A better understanding of the systems that support agriculture, farmers and farmlands allows for food production to become more efficient and prosperous. That's what makes the Monthly Irrigated and Rainfed Cropped Areas Open Source (MIRCA-OS) dataset so important. MIRCA-OS offers high-resolution data on 23 crop classes — including maize, rice and wheat — and helps researchers, students and farmers examine irrigation, rainfall and croplands and how they interact with global water systems. Co-authored by Endalkachew (Endi) Kebede, a doctoral student in University of Delaware’s Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences, a recent paper focused on MIRCA-OS was published in Nature Scientific Data. Kyle Davis, assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences and the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, served as a co-author on the paper and coordinated the study. “We first developed a comprehensive data library of crop-specific irrigated and rainfed harvested areas for all countries,” Kebede said. “This involved two years of gathering data from a wide range of international, national and regional sources. Through this process, we produced a tabulated crop calendar, annual harvested area grids and monthly harvested area grids for all irrigated and rainfed crops.” “The amount of effort that Endi put in to gather, process and harmonize all of this data is truly incredible,” Davis said. “His effort is a very important contribution to the scientific and development communities.” Doctoral student Endalkachew Kebede (left) and Assistant Professor Kyle Davis. (Photo credit: University of Delaware) Cropland accounts for 13% of Earth's total habitable land, and the preservation of cropland is important in feeding the growing global population. “Crop production has been a widespread human activity for a few thousand years, and it has a huge role in global food security,” Kebede said. “But it also has unintended impacts on the environment, such as overutilization of water resources, pollution through rivers or the effects on soil and the environment.” MIRCA-OS can play a crucial role in helping to better understand croplands and agriculture, allowing the global population to be successfully fed while minimizing the agricultural effects on the environment. In addition to the data included on cropland and water resources, MIRCA-OS allows researchers to view social aspects like poverty and unemployment through an agricultural lens, creating a better understanding of the interconnectivity of agriculture and social issues. MIRCA-OS is an updated version of the earlier MIRCA2000 dataset. Kebede said the MIRCA2000 was released nearly two decades ago, so renewing the data gives users more accurate and timely information. Both datasets specialized in examining irrigation and rainfall, but the MIRCA-OS added two new complexities to their data. First, MIRCA-OS is open source, meaning it is publicly available for anyone to use, download, or modify. Kebede said the added accessibility allows the technology to contribute to anyone's work, whether it be a student, a researcher or a farmer. “Anybody can use, update it, or upscale it to the special skill they’re interested in,” Kebede said. “Some might use it for research, some might use it to create policies and some might use it to practice agriculture.” To arrange an interview with Davis, visit his profile and click on the contact button.
Streaks of white that coat roads and cars. Powdery footprints smudged into floors. It’s the time of year when much of the United States relies on road salt to keep ice at bay and accepts the nuisances that come with it. But beyond the inconvenience, all that salt has potentially serious, long-term effects on the environment, human health and infrastructure. Steven Goldsmith, PhD, an associate professor of Geography and the Environment at Villanova University, researches topics in watershed biogeochemistry and environmental health. A focus of his lab is the study of de-icing practices on water quality. Recently, Dr. Goldsmith shared insights from his work, exploring the widespread consequences of road salt and potential solutions to reduce its harm. Villanova PR: You have led or participated in research focused on the environmental impacts of road salt application, often locally, but with much broader implications. What have some of those studies found? Steve Goldsmith: In 2022, we published a paper showing that salt—sodium in particular—is seeping into Philadelphia's water supply, and it's timed with snow melts. We found that if you drank a glass of tap water during the peak period in the winter of 2018-19, your sodium intake would be six times what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends within a glass of water for someone on a low-sodium diet. We are susceptible in this region because most of our water supply comes from rivers, and the rivers receive that salt runoff. Some of our findings indicate this is a chronic issue and not limited to winter months. All that contaminated shallow groundwater causes the concentration to rise year-round, even in the summer. In a recent paper, we discuss the issue of salt that lands on the side of the road. When it does, it infiltrates into soil, and then it goes into shallow groundwater before entering our streams. Oftentimes when salt is applied to the road and you receive that initial precipitation, you are left with runoff with salinity near the concentration of sea water, which is very bad for freshwater organisms. PR: Have those studies found other impacts beyond those created directly by sodium? SG: It’s certainly not just a sodium issue—it's also a chloride issue. Chloride does have a negative impact on aquatic organisms, but it can also corrode drinking water infrastructure. If you have lead pipes in that infrastructure, that can lead to a range of human health issues. Even just to prevent those problems, applying chemicals to protect from the corrosion of pipes increases costs. Perhaps the worst part is when road salt infiltrates shallow soil and groundwater, the sodium is left behind preferentially in soils because it's displacing other positively charged elements, which could then go into groundwater. The elements it replaces are metals. If we have more salt runoff on the side of the roads, chances are, if we look in those streams, we are going to see higher concentrations of heavy metals like copper, zinc and even lead. PR: You have mentioned the efficacy of brine. What is brine and why is it more effective than traditional road salt? SG: If you’ve ever driven behind a rock salt truck, you probably noticed it pelts your windshield and shoots salt everywhere. A lot of that rock salt ends up following the natural trajectory of the road, which is designed to drain towards the sides to keep water from pooling. As soon as a snowstorm happens, it's going to melt and flow into the storm drain. That, of course, is bad for the environment, but also doesn’t help remove ice from the road. With brine, the application is a diluted road salt with water mixture that is usually about 23 percent sodium chloride by volume, and it’s referred to as an “anti-icing” measure. The saltwater infiltrates the top layer of pavement and embeds in the roadway itself, which keeps ice from crystallizing when snow or water hits the surface. To use an analogy, let’s say you have a large rock that you placed on top of the pavement, but you also have a quarter of that rock’s volume in sand. If you put that sand onto the pavement, it will permeate into nooks and crannies. That's the same idea here: use less material and in a way that makes it stick better to the surface and reduces the need to reapply as often during and after storms. PR: What are potential positive impacts if municipalities switch from road salt to brine? SG: There are limited studies on this, but it's been shown that if done properly, brining can reduce salt runoff into streams by anywhere from 23 to 40 percent. If it's 40 percent, you have almost cut the problem in half, and that lower peak salt concentration and runoff would have a profound positive impact on aquatic organisms that are downstream. From a cost standpoint—and I say this theoretically because there are other up-front costs associated with brining at the municipal level—if you reduce salt concentrations by up to 40 percent it means you apply a lot less and therefore spend a lot less. PR: What can individuals do to decrease road salt runoff, and how much of an impact does individual use have? SG: We can start by addressing the household salt application problem. Another one of our recent papers suggests that other impervious surfaces, like driveways, sidewalks and parking lots, are probably contributing even more than the roadway application. The best estimate is that individual or private contractor use could be over 10 times what you see on roads. For researchers, part of addressing this is trying to understand why people apply so much salt on their personal properties: are they afraid of lawsuits? Keeping with the Joneses? Are they not aware of ordinances that say you have to shovel within a certain number of hours, which would negate the need for salt anyway? For homeowners and other individuals, one proposed solution is to use a coffee mug’s worth of salt for every 10 sidewalk squares. Think of it as a “low-sodium diet” to make sure you’re not overapplying. It’s a way we can limit our use of salt and do so in a way that doesn't jeopardize safety. These individuals can also sweep up salt applied before a storm that never materialized to use before the next one. This will prevent the possibility of rain needlessly dissolving the salt. PR: Are there effective alternatives to road salt that individuals can use? SG: The only truly effective alternative, unfortunately, is simply using less road salt. While some people apply sand, it also washes into local streams, causing environmental harm. Another option that has gained attention is beet juice—what I like to call the “Dwight Schrute” solution. Beet juice actually works better than road salt because its organic acids prevent ice from crystallizing at temperatures much lower than those at which rock salt is effective. However, from an environmental standpoint, beet juice contains high levels of nutrients, which can contribute to algae growth if it enters waterways. Additionally, recent studies suggest it may also be toxic to aquatic organisms. The growing consensus is that while some road salt is necessary, we need to use less of it.
Georgia Southern welcomes Georgia state leaders on Wexford Campus in Ireland
Georgia Southern University’s Wexford Campus in Ireland has been invigorating educational, civic, business and trade opportunities between Ireland’s southeast region and the state of Georgia since its establishment in 2022. The bicultural partnership has drawn the attention of state leaders in Georgia, prompting a recent visit to the international campus where Georgia Southern and its Irish partners welcomed the delegation. “We hosted legislators and leaders of industrial development and enterprise organizations,” said Howard Keeley, Ph.D., director of Georgia Southern’s Center for Irish Research and Teaching (CIRT). “These Georgia stakeholders believe that what Georgia Southern is doing in Ireland is important. One of the major concepts behind the Wexford Campus is that it’s a true campus, not just a study-abroad venue. So we’re pursuing several streams of activity. One is teaching and another is research. Another one is economic development, which includes internships and community engagement. We want to be in the community; therefore, to have leading constituents from a variety of industries in Georgia was very gratifying.” Among the attendees were U.S. Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter; Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson and five members of his senior staff, as well senior officials from electrical utilities, including Georgia Power; Trip Tollison, CEO of Savannah Economic Development Authority; Teresa MacCartney, chief operating officer for the University System of Georgia; and Georgia Rep. James Burchett (‘04), along with 10 additional members of the Georgia House of Representatives. “The main thing we wanted to do is show them what the student experience is like,” said Keeley. “We care about our students, and, using philanthropic funds, we’ve invested in a beautiful set of buildings, including one, built in 1886, that will house 50 students at a time. Each year, our goal is full capacity over six minimesters for a total of 300 Georgia Southern students. Historically a religious convent, that structure should open in spring 2026, after extensive remodeling. Many Georgia Southern students, including construction management and interior design majors, are gaining valuable professional skills by contributing to the endeavor.” The Wexford Campus already features the Learning Center, a historic administrative complex constructed in 1812 that has been transformed into a contemporary, high-tech educational space where students learn from local and international experts. They also present their research to peers and visiting Georgia Southern alumni while participating in high-impact experiential learning within the region. Visiting delegates were pleased to learn about the Honors College Global Scholars Program, which hosts 24 Honors College students who, taking an interdisciplinary approach, explore two themes for six weeks each spring in Ireland. This year, a prominent topic of study was sustainability in agriculture. One of Georgia Southern’s European research partners, South East Technological University Ireland, helped guide the students as they compared sustainability challenges along the coasts of Georgia and southeastern Ireland. The students drew on various research efforts, including important knowledge generated by Georgia Southern’s Institute for Water and Health. Similar integrated concepts also inform the summer and fall offerings. In 2024, they included two undergraduate global business courses, as well as the first Europe-based course from the MBA program at Georgia Southern’s Parker College of Business. One focus for the MBA students was Rosslare Europort, just south of Georgia Southern’s Wexford Campus, which has become Ireland’s fastest-growing port as multiple new direct routes to continental Europe have opened in response to Brexit. At a workshop facilitated by a top Rosslare Europort official, the MBA students explored international trade, logistics and supply chain management and the European regulatory environment. Spanning undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels, the Wexford Campus has also provided courses in accounting, philosophy, sociology, geography, environmental biology, tourism and public health, among other disciplines. Shadowing Irish experts, population health science students from the Waters College of Health Professions focused on designing and delivering preventative-health programs, a critical matter in both Ireland and Georgia. “One of the metrics we use to measure success in Ireland is asking what makes it worthwhile for students to complete the course in Ireland as opposed to staying in the United States,” posed Keeley. “The bottom line is that we’re trying to provide a range of courses that look like Georgia Southern and that meet the degree needs, but also the employment needs in the state of Georgia. We’re always looking at how we can make our students more competitive, deepen their knowledge and give them as much hands-on experience as possible. This is really one of the things that we hope is a differentiator for us.” Notably, annual scholarships are available for the Honors College Global Scholars Program, Department of Political Science and International Studies students and Irish Studies students thanks to generous donations from alumni. In addition, philanthropic support has provided $1,000 to each participating student to offset the cost of transatlantic air travel. “The Wexford Campus’ directives exemplify Georgia Southern’s mission of providing holistic educational opportunities for our students to excel and grow,” said Annalee Ashley, Ed.D., Georgia Southern Vice President for External Affairs, Communications, and Strategic Initiatives, who participated in the trip. “Employers value global consciousness and intercultural skills when hiring, and our students who study abroad can enhance their skills, intellect and hireability in the marketplace. We are proud to serve Georgia and the entire southeastern region in this unique way, and to be supported by the state of Georgia as the University moves toward an R1 designation.” Beyond the campus, the group explored Johnstown Castle, an environmental and agricultural research center and heritage venue, as well as the Dunbrody Emigration Experience Center, whose newest permanent exhibition, Savannah Landing, is based on research by Georgia Southern students. The work highlights more than 170 years of historical ties that connect Savannah and Wexford, where hundreds boarded ships and crossed the Atlantic Ocean to arrive in Georgia’s coastal city in the mid-19th century. The centerpiece project, which was celebrated by the Irish prime minister at a ribbon-cutting in August, was made possible by $832,000 in research-grant funding, secured by the Dunbrody Center and Georgia Southern’s Center for Irish Research and Teaching. “Our guests got to experience history and understand the unique story that connects County Wexford to Savannah and, by extension, the state of Georgia,” noted Keeley. “Furthermore, they were able to see more than three-quarters of a million dollars of investment in Georgia Southern student work. That was super exciting.” The legislative group also met with Georgia Southern’s Irish partners, who shared what this relationship means to the people of Wexford and its hinterland, Southeast Ireland. “We invited all the players onto the field to strategically advance themes of education, economic development, and civic and cultural engagement,” said Keeley. “I believe they concluded that Ireland is a fit. It boasts a thriving economy that is modern, global and innovative. It’s the youngest economy in Europe in terms of workforce, and Ireland is one of the biggest investors in the U.S. economy.” Georgia Southern leadership and local Irish legislators, including four members of the Irish House of Representatives, Senator Malcolm Byrne and members of Wexford County Council, hosted Georgia’s VIPs with open arms. “They wanted to rally around us in the way that a family will rally around you,” said Keeley. “They couldn’t have done more. They totally rolled up their sleeves. It was a complete partnership hosting, and we were able to demonstrate that our network is so solid.” Wexford County Council leader Pip Breen shared opportunities for deeper connections with the Georgia delegation through the Irish nonprofit TradeBridge. Established in 2018, the entity facilitates trade and investment between the southeastern regions of Ireland and Georgia by developing new export markets and job creation opportunities. The trade corridor opens doors for southeastern Irish companies to establish a supportive base in southeastern Georgia, while also creating similar coordinates for companies based in southeastern Georgia to enter the European Union marketplace. Keeley, who was awarded the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad from the Government of Ireland in 2023, is a board member. “Georgia Southern’s footprint in southeastern Ireland is an important one for students and for the state of Georgia,” said Ga. Rep. Burchett. “The strides they are making not only allow students to participate in research in engineering, coastal sustainability, history and other important areas of study, but they also directly drive trade and investment opportunities between the southeastern regions of Georgia and Ireland. This was an amazing visit and we value our friendships within the Irish community.” Following the event, Burchett returned the hospitality with an invitation for Wexford County Council members to be recognized in person on the floor of the Georgia General Assembly in March 2025. “They very enthusiastically accepted the invitation,” Keeley shared. “I think when you’re involved in education, when you’re doing business and when you’re building out opportunities, the most important single thing is friendship and like-mindedness. You cannot achieve anything otherwise. There has to be this human-to-human connection. There has to be genuine mutual respect and mutual affection, and that was just in spades.” Georgia Southern’s Wexford Campus was featured on the national Irish TV program, “Nationwide.” You can see it here: Looking to know more, then let us help. Howard Keeley, director of Georgia Southern’s Center for Irish Research and Teaching, is available to speak with media. Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Yosemite National Park receives more than four million visitors per year, attracting people from all over the world to take in the sights and sounds of the park. But sometimes there are unwanted guests that hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, vehicles or have made their way into the park due to climate change and other environmental factors. Lurking amongst the beauty of the rock faces, sprawling meadows, scenic waterfalls and majestic wildlife, are those familiar little pests that take a drink of blood from an unsuspecting human or animal and leave an itchy little bite in its place. You guessed it — mosquitoes. Typically, a mosquito bite is nothing more than an inconvenience – until it isn’t. Mosquitoes can carry vector-borne illnesses that can be deadly or cause permanent health complications, particularly in children. Yosemite National Park is located in central California in the Sierra Nevada mountains with more than 1,200 square miles (nearly 95% designated wilderness) of public land and a diverse ecology, making it a perfect vector habitat. Park geography and limited resources have historically posed barriers to extensive mosquito surveillance efforts, resulting in a survey not being done in more than two decades. WCU mosquito expert steps in For the past 15 years, Brian Byrd, professor of environmental health sciences and supervisor of the Mosquito and Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Facility in the School of Health Sciences at WCU, has been doing extensive research on vector-borne illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes. In 2022, alumnus George Carroll ’09, acting deputy epidemiology branch chief and regional public health consultant for the National Park Service, stopped by to see Byrd on his way back from a training in Asheville and shared the struggles he was having in terms of monitoring mosquitoes. “We got to talking and I shared the problems we were having with mosquitoes and the sheer size of the park, which is roughly the size of Rhode Island,” Carroll said. “He expressed interested in helping, and the rest is history.” Carroll’s sister attended WCU, so it was an easy and familiar choice for him. Initially a marketing major, Carroll stumbled into an into environmental health class where he learned about mosquito-borne diseases and bioterrorism and was immediately convinced that was the major for him. Carroll was one of Byrd’s first students when he came to WCU. Years later, the two have worked together to come up with a plan to conduct a multiyear mosquito survey in Yosemite. "Hantavirus and ticks have been the main focus of vector-borne illness monitoring,” Carroll said. “Three people died from a hantavirus outbreak in 2012 and ticks have tested positive for Lyme in the park and we also deal with rodents carrying plague. Mosquito monitoring has not been at the forefront of surveillance, coupled with lack of resources and manpower, has made it difficult to know exactly what types of mosquitoes are in the park.” The entire story of Byrd and his teams research and adventure are attached in the release below - and well worth the read. And if you are a journalist covering mosquitoes, vector-borne illnesses or just curious about the subject matter- then let us help. Brian Byrd's research focuses on domestic mosquito‐borne diseases. He is available to speak with media - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Sustainable mining: Can we satisfy green energy demands without destroying ecosystems?
Minerals are essential for sustainable energy technologies like solar, wind, and geothermal power, yet their importance has led to geopolitical tensions, as seen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These resources are geographically constrained—South Africa's platinum is vital for hydrogen fuel cells, and China leads in mineral refining. Efforts to diversify sources often spark local disputes, as demonstrated by recent opposition in Minnesota to a green-transition minerals project due to environmental and social concerns. University of Delaware expert and Environmental peacemaker Saleem Ali, has a proposed solution: a "mineral trust," or a global mechanism to manage mineral distribution more effectively. As he outlines in a recent TED Talk, this trust would operate like an asset protection trust, with both mineral-producing and technology-demanding countries involved as trustees. It aims to stabilize commodity prices, prevent politicization of resources and enhance management efficiency. Ali has appointments in UD's Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences, Biden School of Public Policy and Administration, Data Science Institute, the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy and Delaware Environmental Institute. He has written for and been quoted in multiple outlets, including Forbes. To speak with him further, click his profile.
Why Japan Issued a "Megaquake" Advisory Following Last Week's Tremor
The magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Japan's southern islands on August 8 left some residents of the country in panic. Not from the tremor itself, which caused only a handful of minor injuries and quick-expiring tsunami alerts, but rather the unprecedented advisory from the Japanese Meteorological Agency warning of an elevated risk of a "megaquake" in the region over the coming weeks. A "megaquake," short for a megathrust earthquake, is a type of temblor that occurs at a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate slips under another. A release of the tension that forms the thrust fault where the two plates meet can trigger some of the strongest earthquakes on the planet, measuring 9.0 or higher on the Richter scale, and produce large tsunamis. It may sound a bit alarmist, but Isabel Hong, PhD, assistant professor in Villanova University's Department of Geography and the Environment, assures that "even though it is not possible to predict earthquakes, the advisory comes from a place of prior knowledge." "We can't say for certain [when these earthquakes will happen]," she reiterated. "But probability suggests it could be more likely, in part because this smaller earthquake event occurred." The acute event—last week's earthquake—is indeed the root of the alert, which was issued in the following hours. The quake's epicenter was located close to the end of the Nankai Trough, a subduction zone off the coast of Japan where the Philippine Sea Plate slips under the Eurasian Plate. The Nankai Trough has historically produced strong earthquakes, most recently an 8.0 tremor in 1946. "Oftentimes, a large earthquake event can then trigger subsequent earthquakes," Dr. Hong said. "It can transfer stress to other faults that can make it more conducive for other earthquakes to then rupture, and that's the general belief of what's happening with the Nankai Trough right now." To compound the acute disturbance last week, Japanese government officials had already previously warned of a 70-80 percent likelihood of a Nankai Trough earthquake measuring 8-9 on the scale within the next 30 years. That warning was the product of extensive research into the region's seismic history. "All of the data that goes into [an advisory like that] is pulled from the work of dedicated scientists looking at past earthquake and tsunami deposits," said Dr. Hong, who herself studies prehistoric geohazards by analyzing their geologic trails along coasts. "This allows us to refine our understanding of the frequency of such events in a region. In this case, scientists can say, 'These happen about every 100 years, and it's already been over 70. Therefore, there's a higher probability another will occur in the next 30.'" If it does, officials fear that a strong earthquake could trigger a massive tsunami that would reach the coast of Japan within minutes due to its proximity, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals. "Tsunamis occur along active subduction zones like the Nankai Trough," Dr. Hong said. "They do have to be generated by a strong earthquake, yes, but more important in their impact to coastal communities is the shape of the coastline offshore. If they go from deep to shallow water very fast, the tsunami builds tall." So, whether it appears alarmist or not, having the ability to study these seismic events in a way that can warn individuals of heightened risks should not be taken for granted, says Dr. Hong. Early warning signs and advisories for potential geohazards can save lives. "One of the reasons we dig into the geologic past is to help inform people what could happen in the future."
A monumental anniversary approaches as we commemorate the 1931 opening of the Empire State Building, an architectural marvel that has stood as an emblem of innovation and human achievement for nearly a century. Beyond its towering presence on the New York City skyline, this anniversary is a poignant moment to reflect on the enduring legacy of this iconic structure and its resonance with the public, encapsulating themes of perseverance, ingenuity, and urban development. Here are several compelling story angles that journalists may find ripe for exploration: Historical significance and architectural marvel: Delve into the fascinating backstory of the Empire State Building, exploring the engineering feats and human endeavor that brought this skyscraper to life. Evolving skyline and urban identity: Examine how the Empire State Building has shaped the cultural and visual landscape of New York City, and its enduring significance in an ever-changing metropolis. Sustainable initiatives and environmental impact: Explore the building's initiatives toward sustainability and energy efficiency, offering insights into its role as a model for sustainable urban development. Economic impact and tourism: Investigate the economic impact of the Empire State Building on local communities, tourism, and its enduring appeal as a global tourist destination. Cultural resonance and popular culture: Uncover the building's rich cultural legacy, from its appearances in film, literature, and art, to its symbolic significance in popular imagination. Preservation efforts and historical conservation: Shed light on ongoing efforts to preserve and maintain the architectural integrity and historical significance of this iconic landmark for future generations. Connect with an Expert about Architecture and the Empire State Building: Dana Cupkova Associate Professor · Carnegie Mellon University Richard Campanella Associate Dean for Research, Senior Professor of Practice - Architecture and Geography · Tulane University Eric Corey Freed Founding Principal · OrganicARCHITECT Peter Christensen Arthur Satz Professor of the Humanities and Professor of Art History · University of Rochester Dennis Shelden Director, Center for Architecture Science and Ecology (CASE) · Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Ben Dumond
Covering Earth Day - Our Experts can Help | Media Advisory
As we commemorate Earth Day, the urgency to address environmental challenges and foster sustainable practices has never been more critical. Earth Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our planet for future generations. This event matters to the public because it highlights the interconnectedness of environmental issues with our daily lives and underscores the importance of taking action. Here are several sub-topics that could be of interest to a broad audience: Climate change mitigation efforts and their impact on local communities Innovative technologies and initiatives for renewable energy sources Conservation efforts to protect endangered species and habitats Sustainable practices in agriculture and food production The role of businesses and corporations in promoting environmental sustainability Government policies and regulations aimed at addressing environmental challenges Connect with an Expert about Earth Day: For journalists with questions or looking to cover the streaming wars, here is a select list of experts. Bryan W. Brooks, Ph.D. Distinguished Professor, Environmental Science and Biomedical Studies; Director of Environmental Health Science · Baylor University Jase Bernhardt Associate Professor of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability · Hofstra University Saleem Ali Professor of Energy and the Environment Geography and Spatial Sciences; Biden School of Public Policy and Administration · University of Delaware Francis Galgano, PhD Associate Professor, Geography and the Environment | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences · Villanova University To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit:Fateme Alaie
How Diverse Crop Mixes Can Help Solve the Water Scarcity Crisis
How exactly can alternative crop mixes come to our rescue in this water scarcity crisis? Different crops have different water needs in order to grow without stress. And it is often the case that the thirstiest crops are grown in places where little water is available. Shifting crop mixes to crops that require less water but still ensure farmer profits is a promising way to reduce the amount of water needed to irrigate crops and to avoid conditions of water scarcity. Kyle Davis, assistant professor in Geography and Spatial Sciences at the University of Delaware, can offer commentary on this. He is an expert in food systems, sustainability, global environmental change and geospatial data science among other things. Diverse crop mixes can save water, maintain economic output, and provide for the needs of aquatic ecosystems. Davis and others recently released a study that looks at issue. "These findings demonstrate strong opportunities for economic, food security and environmental co-benefits in irrigated agriculture and provide both hope and direction to regions struggling with water scarcity around the world," the study notes. Davis has been featured in publications such as Earth.com and Phys.org and was recently awarded an Early Career Award for pioneering global research in sustainable agricultural food systems. He can be contacted by clicking the "View Profile" button.
“Three-Dimensional” Warfare Adds to Uniqueness, and Danger, of an Israeli Offensive in Gaza
In the weeks following the attacks perpetrated by Hamas in Israel, all signs indicate that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are planning a ground offensive within the Gaza Strip. An incursion into the strip, where Hamas is headquartered, would be distinct by nature; Israel has engaged within Gaza only a handful of times since 2005, when it dismantled its own settlements there. But according to Frank Galgano, PhD, an associate professor of geography and the environment at Villanova University and an expert in military geography, any ground offensive in Gaza would be unique—and dangerous—given the geography of the territory. “It's not a traditional geography of a conflict,” Dr. Galgano said. “Gaza is basically the size of Philadelphia. When you go into it, you’re fighting in a city, or a densely populated urbanized area, and it becomes three-dimensional warfare.” By “three-dimensional,” Dr. Galgano is referencing the ability of Hamas combatants to engage by ground, from high up inside or on top of buildings and from below, using the vast network of tunnels Hamas has constructed throughout Gaza. These dimensions complicate planning and add to the danger for Israeli soldiers. Conversely, they provide a serious advantage to Hamas militants. “It's also a very confined area,” he said. “It's so densely populated and heavily urbanized. That's the operational environment… With all operations in urban environments, you’re dealing with cultural features, too. In Gaza, you’ve got mosques, schools, museums; you have civilian population integrated into the battlefield. That makes things very difficult. Hamas will take advantage of that urban geography.” That population density, which is among the highest in the world with more than 2.2 million people on 140 square miles of land, significantly impacts the strategy and abilities of Israeli ground forces. Galgano contrasted it with other operational environments, such as the Palestinian-controlled West Bank. “There are movement corridors, ridges, valleys, avenues of approach and communication—all this stuff that makes sense from moving units around the battlefield,” Dr. Galgano said. “It is not the same in Gaza. It’s highly condensed in that vein.” There are other unique factors at play, too. Hamas reportedly has nearly 200 hostages from their October 7 attack. Dr. Galgano believes they are being strategically held throughout Gaza. “[these hostages are] probably in subterranean areas and bunkers well underground,” he said. “That, or they will put them in their headquarters [as a deterrent to Israeli strikes]. Israel probably knows exactly where some of these hostages are, [but] what do they do?” Dr. Galgano also considers the battle inexperience of IDF reservists as well. The IDF are “very well trained,” he said, and have many professional standing units, but in an offensive like this, “they need manpower and that’s going to be their reservists. “In 1967, 1973 and 1983, when Israel called up their reservists, [many] were war veterans already. Now, it’s different. They haven’t fought a ‘big’ war since 1983, so there is an inexperience level at play too.” Ultimately, Galgano thinks that if the IDF enter Gaza, they are going to “go up the middle and split the Gaza Strip in half… They are going to take out Hamas infrastructure in [Gaza City and Khan Younis], their two centers of gravity.” He thinks they will be able to do so, barring something unforeseen, “fairly easily.”
