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Top Expert Placement: NYS Legislature Fails to Pass Environmental Bills
Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies, talked to Newsday about New York state legislators failing to pass environmental measures that would have been transformative. “It’s fair to say that in a state that has passed some of the nation’s most ambitious clean energy and other environmental protections, the failure to support additional initiatives can’t be ascribed to a lack of concern about climate change, congestion and pollution,” Levy said. “It’s primarily about the economy, primarily inflation, and general uncertainty. These are volatile times, economically and even politically.” Lawrence Levy is available to speak with media - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Professors address students' climate anxiety
Professors at the University of Delaware preparing students for careers working on climate change are making sure to consider mental health issues as they send them out into the world. UD's Climate Change Science and Policy Hub, led by director A.R. Siders, is starting a series of initiatives – on campus and in the region – to tackle the challenge of what is known as climate anxiety. This involves traditional trainings but also innovations with creativity, art, video games and play. "Learning about and working on climate change causes climate anxiety, ecogrief, solastalgia – there’s a whole new set of terms being created just to describe the problem," said Siders, also an associate professor in UD's Disaster Research Center and Biden School of Public Policy and Administration. "This is a real mental health concern." This new way of approaching climate education has become even more critical as universities expand climate education – such as new climate schools, degrees, courses and even embedding it in general education courses, Siders said. The U.S. government is supporting a growing climate workforce, and it is expected that more people will work in climate-related careers. To reach Siders and set up an interview, visit her profile and click on the "contact" link. This will automatically send an email directly to her.
It's National Heat Awareness Day - Our #Experts are Here to Help
As global temperatures continue to rise, Heat Awareness is becoming an increasingly critical issue that affects public health, safety, and infrastructure. This topic is not only newsworthy due to its immediate impact on communities but also because of its connection to broader issues such as climate change, urban planning, and health equity. The importance of Heat Awareness spans across various sectors, providing numerous story angles for journalists to explore: The health risks associated with extreme heat and strategies for prevention and protection The role of urban planning and green infrastructure in mitigating heat island effects The impact of heatwaves on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and low-income communities Technological and innovative solutions for cooling cities and enhancing public resilience The intersection of climate change policies and heat management strategies Public awareness campaigns and community initiatives to promote heat safety As we enter the warmer months, journalists have an opportunity to delve into these multifaceted narratives, highlighting the urgent need for Heat Awareness and the collaborative efforts required to safeguard communities against the growing threat of extreme heat. Connect with an Expert about Heat Awareness: Douglas J. Casa, Ph.D. CEO-Korey Stringer Institute, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor, Department of Kinesiology · University of Connecticut Mariana Brussoni Associate Professor · University of British Columbia Paul Gordon, Ph.D. Professor of Health, Human Performance and Recreation · Baylor University Dave Hubbard Founder · America's Fitness Coach® To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Ibrahim Rifath
Trillions of Cicadas are emerging ... let our experts explain what's happening.
It's an epic emergence ... and it's got everyone's attention. This year, we're seeing a historic double emergence of the 13-year and 17-year cicadas and i's why we've compiled a Spotlight to help if you're covering or just curious about all the 'buzz' happening across parts of America. The periodic emergence of cicadas is a natural phenomenon that captures public imagination and scientific interest alike. This event matters to the public not only because of its rarity and the sheer scale of cicada populations but also due to its significant ecological impact and cultural fascination. The emergence of cicadas offers numerous captivating story angles for journalists to explore, appealing to a broad audience: The biological and ecological significance of cicadas in their ecosystems The science behind the cicadas' unique life cycle and emergence patterns The impact of cicada emergence on local agriculture and ecosystems Cultural and historical perspectives on cicadas in folklore and tradition How climate change and environmental factors influence cicada populations Tips and advice for the public on managing cicada interactions and enjoying the spectacle As we witness the emergence of cicadas, journalists have an opportunity to delve into these multifaceted narratives, uncovering the wonders of this natural event and its broader implications for science, culture, and the environment. Connect with an Expert about the Cicada Emergence: John R. Cooley, MBA, Ph.D. Associate Professor in Residence · University of Connecticut David Rothenberg Distinguished Professor · New Jersey Institute of Technology Howard Russell Entomologist · Michigan State University Gary Parsons Academic Specialist · Michigan State University Keith Clay Professor and chair of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology · Tulane University To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Bill Nino
Expert Spotlight: Cities Ranked for Climate Resiliency
USA Today Homefront interviewed Jase Bernhardt, associate professor and director of Sustainability Studies in the Department of Geology, Environment and Sustainability, for its feature on the top-ranking cities for climate resiliency. Dr. Bernhardt was asked to explain initiatives or incentives that can be implemented by cities to address vulnerabilities to climate change. He said, “Cities in the U.S. should be most concerned with investing in solutions to the unique challenges they face in a changing climate. Such initiatives might include green roofs to reduce the urban heat island effect and planting more trees to absorb excess water and limit flooding.” Covering our changing climate and how we're adapting ? We're here to help. Jase Bernhardt is an associate professor in the Department of the Geology, Environment and Sustainability at Hofstra University and also director of the department's MA Sustainability program. He's also an expert on hurricane preparedness. Jase is available to speak with media about these topics - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
300 million tonnes of rice straw are burned after harvest in Asia every year Aston University will be contributing to new international project to unlock renewable energy potential Its researchers will lead on calculating the greenhouse gas emissions savings of new systems. Aston University researchers are helping to make rice straw processing in India and the Philippines less environmentally damaging. The University will be contributing to a new international collaboration, the Renewable, Inclusive Carbon-negative Energy (RICE) project, funded by Innovate UK Energy Catalyst programme to unlock renewable energy for rice farmers. Already the University has worked with UK company Straw Innovations in the Philippines and now the two are expanding their collaboration to benefit more of the continent. Aston University working with UK company Straw Innovations and Indian enterprise, Takachar Rice straw is a crop waste byproduct and each year across Asia 300 million tonnes of it go up in smoke when burnt after harvest. This releases emissions and air pollutants that triple risks of increased respiratory diseases and accelerate climate change. India and the Philippines are the world’s second and eighth largest rice producers respectively and together they produce 130 million tonnes of both rice and straw per year. Aston University and Straw Innovations and will be collaborating with an Indian award winning small and medium sized enterprise, Takachar. The firm has developed small scale, low-cost, portable equipment which can convert agricultural waste on-site into higher value bioproducts such as fertilizer blends, chemicals and biofuels. "The company will develop a super-sized version which is 10 times bigger than their current device, make it adaptable to rice mills, and will send it to Straw Innovations, so the two firms can test out different business models for farmer adoption/benefit. Straw Innovations will also send their machines from the Philippines to India mid-project and the two countries will test out different business models for farmer adoption/benefit. And for the first time they will tap into the heat produced in the waste process to dry rice, instead of using diesel or kerosene. University researchers will lead on assessing the sustainability of the project, calculating the greenhouse gas emissions savings of the new systems introduced by Straw Innovations and Takachar. Sustainability expert Dr Mirjam Röder will also engage with the farming community and rural stakeholders to quantify how the systems can increase farmer incomes, equality of opportunity, food security and decarbonisation benefits, whilst highlighting any trade-offs. Dr Röder who is based at Aston University’s Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) said: “Environmentally, rice produces 48% of all global crop emissions, due to methane from flooded fields. This is halved when the straw is removed and reduced further when its carbon is stored in biochar. We are aiming for carbon negative which means removing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere or sequestering more CO₂ than is emitted. “Our new research leads on from our rice straw bio gas hub project with Straw Innovations, SEARCA and Koolmill and we’re pleased to be building further relationships with new partners in India. In January Biomass and Bioenergy published a paper about the topic written by Dr Röder, the director of EBRI Professor Patricia Thornley and Craig Jamieson of Straw Innovations called The greenhouse gas performance and climate change mitigation potential from rice straw biogas as a pathway to the UN sustainable development goals. Craig Jamieson from Straw Innovations said "We’ve been pioneering rice straw work with the team at Aston University for the past seven years. We're delighted to continue that strong partnership and widen it to include Takachar in this new project. “Takachar is a leader in making biochar from crop residues and our partnership with them is very strategic. We look forward to combining our new improved straw harvesting technology with their scaled-up biochar production. It will be a step change, creating a new, more efficient system for carbon negative energy and soil improvement for rural communities across Asia." Vidyut Mohan who founded Takachar said: “We are excited to partner with Aston University and Straw Innovations. “Our combined solutions can significantly move the needle in reducing crop residue collection costs and biochar production costs for carbon removal." Notes to Editors Rice straw is a crop waste byproduct and each year across Asia 300 million tonnes of it go up in smoke when burnt after harvest https://tinyurl.com/2afjhhsj To read The greenhouse gas performance and climate change mitigation potential from rice straw biogas as a pathway to the UN sustainable development goals visit https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0961953424000254, Biomass and Bioenergy Volume 182, March 2024, 107072 Mirjam Röder and Patricia Thornley Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI), College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, United Kingdom Craig Jamieson Straw Innovations Ltd., Lawes Open Innovation Hub, Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, HERTS, AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2024.107072 About Aston University For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally. Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world. Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020. Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world. For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
Climate change research trailblazer elected to prestigious list of AAAS Fellows
University of Delaware professor Rodrigo Vargas has been elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) — one of the largest scientific societies in the world and publisher of the Science family of journals. The new class of AAAS Fellows includes 502 scientists, engineers and innovators across 24 disciplines, who are being honored for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements. Vargas, professor of ecosystem ecology and environmental change in UD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is recognized "for distinguished contributions to carbon dynamics across the terrestrial-aquatic interface, development of environmental networks, novel data analysis tools and his leadership in creating a more diverse scientific workforce." Deborah Allen, who retired from UD in 2019 as a professor of biological sciences, was also names as a fellow. She was cited “for transformational contributions to STEM education nationally and internationally, particularly for developments in problem-based learning and faculty development.” Vargas is an ecosystem ecologist who studies how nature-based solutions can help address global environmental change in both terrestrial and coastal ecosystems, Vargas uses a variety of research methods, including data mining, machine learning, remote sensing, measurements of greenhouse gas fluxes and modeling techniques for forecasting applications.
Healthy Environment, Healthy People: The Intersection Between Climate and Health
How is climate change influencing our health? Why does climate change have a greater impact on vulnerable populations and low-income people? How does the U.S. health care system affect the climate? How can health care systems improve their impact on the climate and the environment? ChristianaCare’s inaugural Climate and Health Conference addressed these topics and raised possible solutions at the John H. Ammon Medical Education Center on the Newark, Delaware, campus on April 12. At the conference, the common denominator was this: An unhealthy environment can lead to illnesses and deaths from air pollution, high heat, contaminated water and extreme weather events. Health systems, government entities, community organizations and individuals all have a role to play in decreasing these effects. “Climate, the environment and health care systems are intertwined,” said Greg O’Neill, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC. “We need to pay close attention to this relationship so we can improve health for everyone.” O’Neill is director of Patient & Family Health Education and co-chair of the Environmental Sustainability Caregiver Committee at ChristianaCare. Climate change and intensifying health conditions Negative health effects are so closely tied to the environments where people live, work and play that The Lancet called climate change “the greatest global health threat facing the world in the 21st century [and] the greatest opportunity to redefine the social and environmental determinants of health.” At the conference, speakers addressed specific areas of concern. Asthma. Air pollutants, while largely invisible, are associated with asthma. What’s more, people who live in urban areas with little green space are more likely to have uncontrolled asthma, said speaker Robert Ries, M.D., an emergency medicine resident at ChristianaCare. And there’s the rub, he said: When people with asthma spend time in green spaces, it may improve their health. “In Canada,” he said, “some doctors prescribe nature – two hours a week for better overall health outcomes. Could we do that here?” Heat-related illness. Temperatures worldwide have been rising, increasing the likelihood of heat-related health incidents. Heat waves may be harmful to children and older adults, particularly those who don’t have access to air conditioning, swimming pools or transportation to the beach, said speaker Alan Greenglass, M.D., a retired primary care physician. Children visit the emergency room 20% more frequently during heat waves. Weather-related illness. Climate change is causing more floods, which may result in respiratory problems due to mold growth; and droughts, which may threaten water safety and contribute to global food insecurity, said speaker Anat Feingold, M.D., MPH, an infectious disease specialist at Cooper Health. Stress and anxiety. Climate change can affect mental health, even leading to “solastalgia,” which is distress about environmental change and its effect on one’s home, said speaker Zachary Radcliff, Ph.D., an adolescent psychologist at Nemours. He encouraged clinicians in the audience to keep this mental health concern in mind when seeing patients as it may become more prevalent. Cardiovascular disease risk. Frequent consumption of red meat increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, the top cause of death in the U.S. It’s also unhealthy for the environment, said speaker Shirley Kalwaney, M.D., an internal medicine specialist at Inova. Livestock uses 80% of available farmland to produce only 17% of calories consumed, creating a high level of greenhouse gas emissions. By comparison, plant-based whole foods decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. They use only 16% of available farmland, producing 82% of calories consumed. This makes reducing red meat in our diets one of the most powerful ways to lower the impact on our environment. Health equity and the environment People in low-income communities are more likely to live in urban areas that experience the greatest impacts of climate change, including exposure to air pollutants and little access to green space, said speaker Abby Nerlinger, M.D., a pediatrician for Nemours. A Harvard study in 2020 demonstrated that air pollution was linked with higher death rates from COVID-19 — likely one of the many reasons the pandemic has disproportionally harmed Black and Latino communities. Similarly, access to safe, affordable housing is essential to a healthy environment, said Sarah Stowens, Ed.D., manager of State Policy and Advocacy for ChristianaCare, who advocated for legislation including the Climate Solutions Act, another bill that increased oversight regarding testing and reporting of lead poisoning and a policy to reduce waste from topical medications. Opportunities for change in health care Reduce emissions from pharmaceuticals and chemicals. These emissions are responsible for 18% of a health system’s greenhouse gas emissions. One way to reduce this number is for clinicians to prescribe a dry-powder inhaler (DPI) instead of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) when applicable and safe for the patient and to give patients any inhalers that were used in the hospital at discharge if they are going home on the same prescription. Hospitals have opportunities to reduce greenhouse gases while caring for patients, said Deanna Benner, MSN, APRN, WHNP, women’s health nurse practitioner and co-chair of ChristianaCare’s Environmental Sustainability Caregiver Committee. The health care sector is responsible for 8.5% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, the highest per person in the world. U.S. greenhouse gas emissions account for 27% of the global health care footprint. One way to significantly reduce the carbon footprint is to use fewer anesthetic gases associated with greater greenhouse gas emissions, Benner said. Limit single-use medical devices. Did you know that one surgical procedure may produce more waste than a family of four produces in a week? Elizabeth Cerceo, M.D., director of climate health at Cooper Health, posed this question during her talk. Sterilizing and reusing medical devices, instead of using single-use medical devices, she said, may meaningfully reduce hospital waste. ChristianaCare’s commitment to healthy environments and healthy people As one of the nation’s leading health systems, ChristianaCare is taking a bold, comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. ChristianaCare reduced its carbon footprint by 37% in 2023 by purchasing emission-free electricity. ChristianaCare joined the White House Climate Pledge to use 100% renewable energy by 2025, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve zero net emissions by 2050. ChristianaCare has created an Environmental, Social and Governance structure to help advance a five-year strategic plan that delivers health equity and environmental stewardship. Nearly 150 staff members have become Eco-Champions, an opportunity to be environmental change-leaders in the workplace. In 2023, ChristianaCare’s successful environmental stewardship included: Reducing our carbon footprint by 37% by purchasing emission-free electricity. Recycling 96,663 pounds of paper, which preserved 11,485 trees. Reducing air pollution by releasing an estimated 33,000 fewer pounds of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides through the use of a cogeneration energy plant on the Newark campus. Donating 34,095 pounds of unused food to the Sunday Breakfast Mission in Wilmington, Delaware. Donating 1,575 pounds of unused medical equipment to Project C.U.R.E., ChristianaCare’s Virtual Education and Simulation Training Center and Delaware Technical Community College. “In quality improvement, they say you improve the things that you measure,” O’Neill said in expressing goals for continued success. In looking ahead, said Benner, “I really hope that this conference is the catalyst for positive change with more people understanding how climate is connected to health, so that we can protect health from environmental harms and promote a healthy environment for all people to thrive.”
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
America's Most Endangered Rivers | Media Advisory
Every year, the release of America's Most Endangered Rivers List serves as a critical wake-up call, drawing attention to the urgent need to protect our nation's waterways and the communities that depend on them. As threats to our rivers continue to escalate due to pollution, overdevelopment, and climate change, this annual report highlights the importance of preserving these vital ecosystems for current and future generations. Here are key story angles for journalists to explore: Environmental impacts of river degradation: Investigating the consequences of pollution, habitat destruction, and water scarcity on wildlife and local communities. Economic implications of river conservation: Analyzing the economic benefits of healthy rivers for industries such as tourism, agriculture, and recreation. Community activism and river conservation efforts: Showcasing grassroots initiatives and advocacy campaigns aimed at protecting and restoring endangered rivers. Government policies and river management: Assessing the effectiveness of current regulations and resource management strategies in safeguarding our waterways. Indigenous perspectives on river stewardship: Highlighting indigenous knowledge and traditional practices related to river conservation and sustainability. Climate change and the future of America's rivers: Exploring how rising temperatures and extreme weather events are exacerbating threats to river health and resilience. Connect with an Expert about Jackie Robinson For journalists with questions or looking to cover todays' release of America's Most Endangered Rivers List, here is a select list of experts. To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Colin J. Gleason Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering · University of Massachusetts Amherst Alan Clarke Hydrological Services Leader · Global Water Experts Michael C. Slattery Professor, Department Chair and Director of the Institute for Environmental Studies · Texas Christian University AJ Reisinger Assistant Professor · University of Florida Photo Credit: Dan Cardoza