A new Tel Aviv University study describes a process to make bioplastic polymers that don't require land or fresh water — resources that are scarce in much of the world. The polymer is derived from microorganisms that feed on seaweed. It is biodegradable, produces zero toxic waste and recycles into organic waste.
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Natural Disasters Caused $160 Billion in Damage in 2018
Natural disasters caused $160 billion in economic damage worldwide in 2018, dominated by costly wildfires in California and tropical storms in the United States and Asia, according to a new report from the reinsurance giant Munich Re. California’s Camp and Woolsey fires alone caused losses of $21.7 billion, $16.5 billion of which was insured.
Researchers Assess Western Forests’ Ability to Survive Next Drought
Researchers have evidence that California’s forests are especially vulnerable to multi-year droughts because their health depends on water stored several feet below ground.
Storage Wars
Researcher conducts first-ever global-scale evaluation of the role of soil minerals in carbon storage.
Using the Sun and Agricultural Waste to Control Pests
Biosolarization shows promise for conventional and organic farmers.
How Climate Change Is Affecting Small Sierra Nevada Lakes
Spring snowpack a bigger predictor of lake warming than air temperature.
