Environment

ASU professor creates joint invention with MIT

dianeb — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:48:26 -0700

A new type of solar cell from ASU and a new catalyst for splitting water from MIT have been combined to create a cost-effective means of sustainable energy production. --by Jim Brewer

Do we still have pristine mountain lakes?

dianeb — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:02:35 -0700

The impact of nitrogen released from the burning of fossil fuels and widespread use of fertilizers is much greater that previously recognized. Scientists say the impact even extends to remote alpine lakes. --by Margaret Coulombe

Creating the right atmosphere: How should carbon-emissions permits be allocated?

dianeb — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:56:28 -0600

As of right now, some 85 percent of the permits that will give utilities and other organizations the right to emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere are going to be given away free of charge. Is that allocation scheme in the best interest of U.S. citizens?

Wise decisions are crucial when uncertainty is fluid

dianeb — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:30:31 -0600

How do we decide what kinds of water conservation measures to implement when we don't know what future precipitation, temperatures, or population will be? Craig Kirkwood helps people make decisions when conditions are uncertain. --by Diane Boudreau

Too hot to handle

dianeb — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:23:50 -0600

Phoenix in the summer is hot all around. But low-income neighborhoods are even hotter than wealthy enclaves. How can this be? --by Diane Boudreau

Whales not to blame for dwindling fish populations

pkrecker — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:51:23 -0700

For decades there has been a controversy about whales eating fish in the tropics. The debate has been at the heart of policy decisions about the culling of whales and is pivotal to the future of commercial whaling in the region. New research, however, shows that culling whales in an attempt to restore fish populations is not scientifically sound. --by Margaret Coulombe

Double the distress: water scarcity and social inequality

pkrecker — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:10:08 -0700

Not having enough clean water to meet basic needs is difficult in and of itself. But when it comes to emotional distress, new research show that the social inequalities that lead to this scarcity are more hurtful than the lack of water itself. --by Rebecca Howe

Gimme shelter: a shady streetscape on a budget

pkrecker — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:30:45 -0700

The streetscape outside Terminal 2 at Sky Harbor Airport was hot, ugly, and unfriendly to wheelchairs. ASU architects were tasked with the job of making the space human- and Earth-friendly. Their design had to combine function with safety, comfort and elegance--for a budget of just $1 million. --by Adelheid Fischer

World's mammals in crisis

pkrecker — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:50:36 -0600

One in four mammal species on Earth is being pushed to extinction, according to a new assessment from more than 1,800 scientists. ASU's Andrew Smith suggests some actions that could help immediately. --by Skip Derra

Coming clean about pollution

pkrecker — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:44:14 -0600

Antimicrobial soap and biocides of many types were created to keep us safe. But are these substances more dangerous than the germs they were designed to protect us from? --by Adelheid Fischer