Another month, another environmental news recap!

This February started off gloomy as Californians faced torrential downpours due to atmospheric rivers. Los Angeles and San Francisco received flash flood warnings while feet of snow enveloped the Sierra Nevadas. The intense atmospheric rivers running through California stir up reminiscences of last year's excessive rainfall. While last year's atmospheric rivers pulled California out of drought, some less celebrated impacts include mudslides and property damages. Global warming exacerbates atmospheric rivers' intensity as warmer air can hold more moisture. This extreme weather phenomenon demonstrates that the effects of climate change are current and should encourage us to act sooner rather than later.  

On the topic of global warming and climate change, this month was heavy in carbon emissions from an unsuspecting source: Valentine's Day. This heartwarming holiday can leave an unhappy environmental impact, with the culprit being flower bouquets. There have been growing concerns about the effects of flower exports on the environment. 80% of the flowers sold in the US are exported from Colombia and Ecuador. The expedited, international transportation of these flowers via refrigerated trucks and airplanes stamps a hefty carbon footprint. While bouquets are undoubtedly beautiful, it is essential to acknowledge the price of these flowers and consider shopping locally as an alternative. 

Another topic concerning global carbon emissions is the environmental impact of the meat industry. A trending subject regarding climate news is that universities are helping the meat industry evade blame for its contributions to global warming. The meat industry has been funding university researchers to accumulate data to acquit them of responsibility for their greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, UC Davis is one of these universities. While this news is disheartening, holding large polluters accountable for their actions is vital in the fight for a greener future. 

It isn't new news that plastic pollution is invading every corner of our environment. Small pieces of plastic, known as micro and nanoplastics, have been recorded from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest latitudes. However, the implications of micro and nanoplastics on human health have yet to be well-defined. A recent study more clearly defines the potential impact of these plastics. Micro and nanoplastics have been detected in the human bloodstream and can cause clogs in the artery. Individuals with microplastics in the bloodstream are 4.5 times more prone to heart attacks and strokes. This alarming information is a wake-up call to humanity's reliance on single-use plastics. Slowly yet surely, researchers are uncovering the repercussions of plastic pollution. 

Lastly, to end on a positive note, solar comprised most of the energy sources added to the US in 2023. Rebates provided via President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act are partially to credit for the surge in solar panels. This is excellent progress in the electrification of America, especially in light of California's ambitious goal to end the sale of gas-only vehicles by 2035. 

Until next time!