Rating: ★★★★★ out of 5
Amidst political unrest, violence and social injustice it is at times hard to focus on the positive. Local Natives, an indie rock band from Los Angeles, address tensions in the world in their third album Sunlit Youth with 12 optimistic, soothing yet empowering songs. The band reminds us that we are in control of our own lives and have the power to do something about the issues affecting us.
Continue reading “Local Natives Share Secrets in New Album, Sunlit Youth”
As much as I wished upon the shooting stars we saw in Carnarvon Gorge that our study abroad trip didn’t come to an end, it unfortunately did.
Let’s say it’s complicated.
Continue reading “What is our Relationship Status with the Natural World we Inhabit?”
What does it take to get to an island where many species of marine life call home, coral reefs thrive, birds chirp happily all day long and you forget any and all worries you could possibly have? A small propeller plane that seats about 10 people and a ride of a lifetime.
If you could describe the country in which you live in two words, what would they be?
Friendly and calm are what I would use to describe Australia. Throughout our journey in Sydney, Brisbane, Noosa Heads and Hervey Bay I have had only nice encounters with people and the environment. And even though the cities are always busy I am constantly amazed by how peaceful the atmosphere is. No honking or shouting, just smiles everywhere and nature thriving in peace with minimal disturbances.
Continue reading “Can a Biosphere Reserve Create a Better Atmosphere?”
One of my favorite childhood memories is being surrounded by cows, chickens, horses and dogs in Michoacan, a small state in Mexico. Having been born in Chicago I rarely saw such animals (with the exception of dogs). I not only felt happy, but safe to be in such close proximities to the them and have the freedom to either pet or play with them. Although at the time I did not know it, the experiences I got in Michoacan such as carrying a small puppy on the inside of my shirt and getting filled with fleas or collecting the eggs laid by hens, contributed to the formation of my personal environmental beliefs.
As children, we experience both direct and indirect experiences with nature and wildlife. It may be in a variety of different ways; in one’s own backyard, on a camping trip, fishing or at a sanctuary or zoo. Direct experiences are those in which the child is experiencing nature more physically and curiously, whereas indirect childhood experiences are a little more restrictive and guided. No matter the experience, it lends way to the formation of our environmental beliefs as Julia Corbett wrote about in “Communicating Nature: How We Create and Understand Environmental Messages.”
On Monday, May 23rd, fellow longhorns and I embarked on what already has been and will continue to be a trip of a lifetime. For a month this summer we will be travelling through some of Australia’s diverse ecosystems and learning about the changing climate in each. But in order to do that, we first needed to get to the great country.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that the value of its natural wealth has nearly doubled in the decade, rising from $3 trillion in 2006 to $5.8 trillion in 2015.
This is the first time that the ABS has compiled environmental and economic indicators. The data showcases the relationship citizens have with natural assets such as minerals, forests, farmland and water. It helps explain how the assets are improved or eroded by the economy.
In December, before we entered the new year, scientists reported that 2015 was the hottest year in historical record. Crazy, right? But, why does that matter? Perhaps the weather felt no different than any other year to you. However, it matters because the Earth warmed about 0.29 degrees Fahrenheit since last year, making it the largest jump over a previous record. And although the number may be small, it is significantly high for the surface of an entire planet.
Continue reading “Climate Change: How We Are Affecting the Earth and How It Is Affecting Us”
AUSTIN, Texas (Feb. 29, 2016) – With the help of volunteers, Austin’s Grow Zone Riparian Restoration Program is restoring the ecosystems along the city’s creeks.
Grow zones are areas where mowing along creeks is halted to allow vegetation to return. Along with ecological benefits, the restored space provides education, recreation and exploration opportunities.
Continue reading “‘Grow Zones’ Rebuild Ecosystems Along Austin Creeks”
