Who needs Earth Science? We do. Now more than ever, we need awareness of Earth Science – climate, land, energy, water –for our health and our safety. It is also a key to unlocking economic growth. The US Geological Survey (also called USGS) is changing course, to use its resources in new ways. This is the … Continue reading »
Is biofuel – fuel made from plants – the new crude oil for us? A new study from experts appointed by the National Research Council in the U.S. weighs biofuel’s costs and the effects. To replace crude oil with fuel made from corn stalks, grasses and other living things is an alternative worth studying. Technically, “biofuel” can also include animal fat according to … Continue reading »
Engineer and publisher Mike Macartney wrote this invited post on what he sees as the defining issue of the 21st century. Scale. When I think of the future of our cities, I think of layers of urban life in director Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, based on the Philip K. Dick novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” I wonder, what will the scale … Continue reading »
How safe is drilling offshore – meaning in the ocean – for oil? When 11 workers died in a horrifying explosion, we all wanted to know. The disaster at the Macondo Well-Deepwater Horizon in the U.S. had us taking a closer look. Oil and water, tremendous pressure, fire. Like an experiment, the exploratory well failed … Continue reading »
Evolution – love it or hate it. But whether you believe Darwin or can’t stand him, one thing is sure. Survival odds are not the same for all of us humans. Not even close. How long a person lives depends on health. Survival is tied to environment too. Not just the air, water, ground and food - but … Continue reading »
