www.climatecentral.org/news/alaska-towns-sound-alarm-sea-level-rise-21701
Alaska's at Risk of Rising Water Levels
In the article " Alaska Towns At Risk from Rising Seas Sound Alarm" by Oliver Milman is explaining how Alaska is being affected by climate change. Alaska losses about an average of 70ft of land a year. The temperature of Alaska is rising twice as quickly in the state as the global average. This is causing the Coast lines to erode and flood and more than 31 Alaskan communities are needing to evacuate because of these consequences. The Trump administration has decided to instead of help Alaska to try and dismantle the climate adaptation programs. Without federal help there is nothing for the communities in danger to do because it is so expensive to move their population. Even if they were founded it would take many years to complete the move and the Alaskan coastline does not have that much time left. Most of the houses that our more inland and don't have to worry as mush about coastline erosion still have to worry about the permafrost, which their house is built upon melting. This causes houses to tip or even crumble completely leaving large buildings in ruin. Milman also adds that not only are the humans affected by climate change but so are the animals in the area. He explains that caribou have gone away and the squid have been seen way past their normal distance from shore.
I think this article is interesting because it's explaining how the President of the United States who is supposed to be helping his people is leaving Alaska without help. Trump is ignoring the helpless people of Alaska and the science that proves climate changed and how it negatively affects us. I think this article is important because it shows climate change is real and its important for everyone to know it. Climate change is rapid and if Alaska doesn't get help quick then it will continue to erode and get more marshy. Hopefully Trump can live with the burden of losing a state during his presidency.
I think this article is interesting because it's explaining how the President of the United States who is supposed to be helping his people is leaving Alaska without help. Trump is ignoring the helpless people of Alaska and the science that proves climate changed and how it negatively affects us. I think this article is important because it shows climate change is real and its important for everyone to know it. Climate change is rapid and if Alaska doesn't get help quick then it will continue to erode and get more marshy. Hopefully Trump can live with the burden of losing a state during his presidency.
Joel Osteen says Church has Opened Doors to Flood Victims
In the Article "Church has Opened Doors to Flood Victims" by Madison Park and Euan Mckirdy shows how the MegaChurch in Houston, Texas was not being opened for flood victims of hurricane Harvey. The Lakewood church that used to be the home stadium of the Houston Rockets would be thought of as a perfect place to house all the victim of the hurricane. The owners received a lot of hate after they were called out on twitter for not opening their doors as a shelter during this class 4 hurricane, but the owner had many reasons for his actions. Owner Joel Osteen commented that he had the intension of opening up the church but the had experienced some flooding and he didn't want to be responsible for the lives of all the people in the church if it flooded. He said "When it floods, it floods in a torrent, and it floods quickly"(3). In this quote is is explaining that the church was at risk for flooding and he didn't want anyone to get hurt during that process. Joel also stated that the church was never "closed" and they never turned anyone away in need of help although they also didn't tell people that it was open for shelter. Later Joel posted on twitter that the church was open for shelter and anyone who needed help were welcome. This church that holds 16,000 people is now open and helping tons of people who are in need and created a safe space for many Harvey victims.
I think this article is cool and interesting because it shows how the power of social media can make a change. When the church was not open many people were tweeting at them and expressing there feelings about it and most weren't positive. Think this Forced the church to open its doors because they did not want any bad press directed towards them. Many believed that god didn't change there minds about opening the church up as a shelter but that twitter did, also the church officials have denied that twitter caused them to change there minds. This shows how social media can positively benefit the world and cause good in the world.
I think this article is cool and interesting because it shows how the power of social media can make a change. When the church was not open many people were tweeting at them and expressing there feelings about it and most weren't positive. Think this Forced the church to open its doors because they did not want any bad press directed towards them. Many believed that god didn't change there minds about opening the church up as a shelter but that twitter did, also the church officials have denied that twitter caused them to change there minds. This shows how social media can positively benefit the world and cause good in the world.
Losing Southern Ocean Sea Floor Animals
In the Article “” by Cath Waller, climate change is explained to be the cause of the extinction of my animals on the ocean floor off the coast of Antartica. Waller explains how climate change affects the ocean as well as the environment on land. The southern most water in Antartica are predicted to rise in temperature about .4 degrees celsius and in some parts a whole 2 degrees in the next decade. This is a giant leap in temperature for all of the species living in the water and only a predicted 21% will benefit from the change. There are 900 different species living in the deep waters and they are accustomed to a cold climate and with the extreme changes they will suffer a 10-40% lose of suitable habitat to live in.
I think this article is interesting because it shows how climate change affects the environment. I was unaware of how climate change can affect the deepest, darkest, most isolated parts of the ocean. I didn't know that climate change even affected the ocean and that is why this article is so educational because it makes people understand that climate change damages the ecosystem as well as the environment. It’s disappointing to see people make the situation worse by adding on to the problem of climate change and not understanding the consequences.
I think this article is interesting because it shows how climate change affects the environment. I was unaware of how climate change can affect the deepest, darkest, most isolated parts of the ocean. I didn't know that climate change even affected the ocean and that is why this article is so educational because it makes people understand that climate change damages the ecosystem as well as the environment. It’s disappointing to see people make the situation worse by adding on to the problem of climate change and not understanding the consequences.
East Coast of the USA is slowly sinking
In the article “East Coast of the US is Slowly Sinking” by the University of Bonn, they are explaining how floods are becoming more regular on the east coast. Big hurricanes like Harvey and Irma will not be the cause of the most devastating floods but rather more frequent floods on sunny and relative calm days when it is unexpected. This will cause more damage to houses and the health of people living in the south because these floods will hit without huge warnings. It is predicted that parts of the east coast are sinking into the Atlantic Ocean. This was caused by the last ice age which was 20,000 years ago and during the ice age, Canada was covered by an ice sheet. This caused a great amount of pressure and pressed down on the continent and cause the crest to sink. Now this is responsible for one-third of the length that the east coast has sunk. The other factor that plays into this process is the drilling of ground water. When the ground water is removed the ground naturally compresses and sinks. The east coast has sunk 60 centimeters in the last 300 years. Climate change has also affected this problem because with temperature rising the glaciers are melting and raising the water levels. As the water levels go up and the land sinks, much of the east coast can potentially be lost.
This Article is interesting because one of its main point was how drilling for ground water can affect the land and since California was experiencing the drought we were drilling an excessive amount of ground water and we sunk 4 centimeters. As we slowly got out of the drought we stop drilling for water and that let the land come back to it’s original height. So until they stop drilling the land will keep compressing and the floods will continue to increase
This Article is interesting because one of its main point was how drilling for ground water can affect the land and since California was experiencing the drought we were drilling an excessive amount of ground water and we sunk 4 centimeters. As we slowly got out of the drought we stop drilling for water and that let the land come back to it’s original height. So until they stop drilling the land will keep compressing and the floods will continue to increase
When it comes to the threat of extinction, size matters
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170918132732.htm
In the article "When it comes to extinction, size matters" by Oregon State University it is discussed that medium sized animals are more likely to live longer. On both sides of the scale, extreme large and small animals are less likely to survive because of human alterations. In the study thatchy took they surveyed 27,000 different large and small vertebrate animals, about 4,400 of them were threatened with extinction. Most of the large species are in danger because of harvesting by humans. They are being killed for the consumption of people, about 90% of the animals in danger of extinction are larger than 2.2pounds. The small animals which are categorized by being smaller than 3 ounces are in danger because of loss of habitat.This can be from urban growth, deforestation and of climate change. Both of reasons why the animals are becoming extinct is because of humans, there are not enough hunting laws to protect the large animals and not enough restrictions on the diminishing of the environment. This will cause a huge change in the natural way ecosystems function. Different conservation strategies have been started to try and lower the risks of many of the species becoming extinct.
This article is interesting and also shows yet another way that humans are ruining the earth. Humans are the main cause the extinction of large animals because of hunting and consumption, small animals are becoming extinct because of humans as well. It is heart breaking to see as many as 4,400 species become extinct and we had something to do with it. There are many people who are trying to fix the problem which is great they are starting conservation strategies to help preserve the species.
This article is interesting and also shows yet another way that humans are ruining the earth. Humans are the main cause the extinction of large animals because of hunting and consumption, small animals are becoming extinct because of humans as well. It is heart breaking to see as many as 4,400 species become extinct and we had something to do with it. There are many people who are trying to fix the problem which is great they are starting conservation strategies to help preserve the species.
Lost Continent of Zealandia
In the article “Lost Continent of Zealandia” by the National Science Foundation talks about the nine week long voyage exploring the lost continent. The continent of Zealandia is in the South Pacific was studied by a team of 32 scientists from 12 countries aboard the research vessel JOIDES Resolution. Researchers involved in the International Ocean Discovery Program work to study the history of the Earth recorded in sediments and rocks beneath the seafloor. Zealandia is a sunken continent long lost under the ocean and because of ocean drilling scientists are able to record 60 million year old data. This expedition was an awesome way to get some insight into Earths history, ranging from shifting movements of tectonic plates to changes in ocean circulation and global climate. Zealandia was confirmed as Earths seventh continent but still little is know because it is under two-thirds of ocean.
I think this article is interesting because even though the earth was been around for billions and billions of years we are still discovering new land forms. Its also interesting because we can learn lots of new history about earth through the land of Zealandia. Its crazy to think we have the technology to drill into land thats underwater and from the land sediment learn all these things. The National Science Foundation wrote a great article that hooked the reader in and intertained the reader and was also educational.
I think this article is interesting because even though the earth was been around for billions and billions of years we are still discovering new land forms. Its also interesting because we can learn lots of new history about earth through the land of Zealandia. Its crazy to think we have the technology to drill into land thats underwater and from the land sediment learn all these things. The National Science Foundation wrote a great article that hooked the reader in and intertained the reader and was also educational.
Earthquakes triggered by human activity
In the article "Database of earthquakes triggered by human activity is growing, with some surprises" by the Seismological Society of America and is explaining how people are a major cause of earthquakes. Just like Global Warming Humans are causing another huge disaster that could alter the course of the world. There is a Database called the HiQuake which collects data from analyzed peer-reviewed literature, academic presentations, media articles, and industry and government reports for projects where scientific evidence suggests that the human activity was the cause of an earthquake sequence. The main causes of human induced earthquakes are unconventional oil and gas extraction projects using hydraulic fracturing. Based on the recent events of large, intense earthquakes perhaps one day a balance will need to be struck between earthquake hazard and resource demand
I think this article shows how the actions we take here on earth have a detrimental effect on the planet and environment. It is proven that many environmental issues are caused by humans needs, but after the fact they just blame it on something else, just like global warming.
I think this article shows how the actions we take here on earth have a detrimental effect on the planet and environment. It is proven that many environmental issues are caused by humans needs, but after the fact they just blame it on something else, just like global warming.
Bycatch Responsible for Decline of Endangered New Zealand Sea Lions
In the Article "Bycatch Responsible for Decline of Endangered New Zealand Sea Lions" by the University of Otago is explaining how and why the New Zealand sea lion population is dropping traumatically. The main cause of death for the species is getting trapped in the fishing net of commercial fishing boats and bycatching. The Government says that they are trying to help the population grow in the next 20 years but are downplaying the effect commercial fishing has on the problem. The government says they are focusing on the survival of pups so the population could grow but because the huge problem of the sea lions getting caught in net, the population continued to decline. They tried to use devices to show that the sea lions weren't getting trapped in the trawl nets.It is predicted that the sea lions bodies fell out of the net after they died and/or sea lions were able to escape the nets injured or unable to reproduce.Until the government regulates where the fishing boats can be the sea lion population will continue to decrease.
Taste, not appearance, drives coral to eat plastic
In the article "Taste, not Appearance, Drives Coral to Eat Plastic" by Duke University, The article is trying to explain that coral doesn't just eat plastic on accident because they can't see it but rather because they like the way it tastes. Studies show that coral prefer plastic to sand in a three to two margin. The plastic ingested by the coral have extremely harmful effects on their body. The plastic isn't nutritious and makes the coral not get the proper energy needed, and can add harmful chemicals to their body and can hurt their intestines. If the companies who make plastic were able to change the their plastic and they way it tasted. The coral now prefers the taste of plastic to the taste of nutritious food that benefits them.
Trump environmental nominees question climate science
In the article "Trump environmental nominees question climate science" states that trump is appointing people to the board of environment in the white house that are not educated in environment and don't believe in climate change. Trump is putting people in those positions to benefit himself as a business man. Trump has appealed 29 environment laws since being in office and they are all going to affect the environment but he doesn't care. The women he appointed the position was stating weak claims on why she didn't think that climate change is caused by human emissions of co2. All the Democrats in the room were disproving her points and she was left with nothing else to make her argument stronger. White is the woman Trump put in the position and this article proves that she is not educated enough to have this position.
Earth is on its way to the biggest mass extinction since the dinosaurs, scientists warn
In the article " Earth is on its way to the biggest mass extinction since the dinosaurs" is stating that humans have damaged the ecosystem so much that we are headed towards the biggest mass extinction since the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Also we've done too much to reverse the pattern. with the effects of climate change and over hunting has caused many species to become endangered. In the last 100 years alone 200 species have gone extinct. When one specie become extinct them that affects the rest of the food chain because the animals that eat will go hungry and they animals it eats will become overpopulated. Other than that just the visual of losing so many beautiful and distinct animals is heartbreaking and scary. This can also affect the human population because we rely on many animals as food sources and for medicine.
Researchers establish long-sought source of ocean methane
In the article " Researchers establish long-sought source of ocean methane" it states that methane which causes global warming is being produced by many bacteria in the ocean. They produce methane as a byproduct of their metabolism, they identified the structure of an enzyme that can produce a compound that is known to be converted to methane. Many questioned how the ocean created so much methane because no organism close to the coast produced methane , so this study help scientists recognised where the source is. Many scientists believed that the ocean mostly absorbed methane from global warming but now it's shown that the ocean also gives off methane as well as absorbing it.
'Smoke rings' in the ocean could 'suck-up' small creatures and send them 'flying'
In the article "Smoke rings in the ocean could suck up small creatures and send them flying" states that Researchers from the University of Liverpool have spotted the equivalent of smoke-rings in the ocean which they think could 'suck-up' small marine creatures and carry them at high speed and for long distances across the ocean. The ocean is full of eddies, swirling motions some tens to hundreds of kilometres across, which mix the water and carry it across the average currents. The 'smoke-rings' are a pair of linked eddies spinning in opposite directions that travel up to ten times the speed of 'normal' eddies and were spotted in the Tasman Sea, off the southwest of Australia and in the South Atlantic, west of South Africa. The rings in the ocean are cut in half by the sea surface, so we see the two ends of the half ring at the surface. The smoke rings require an area of calm water to 'puff' out through, which itself is quite unusual. I've looked at other areas of other oceans but I've only seen them in the oceans around Australia, plus one in the South Atlantic. My thinking is that these linked, fast moving eddies could 'suck-up' small marine creatures and carry them at high speed and for long distances across the ocean.
Algae could feed and fuel planet with aid of new high-tech tool
in the article "Algae could feed and fuel planet aid of new high tech tools" states that Vast quantities of medicines and renewable fuels could be produced by algae using a new gene-editing technique, a study suggests. Scientists have devised a method that could lead to cheap, environmentally friendly ways of making products for use in the cosmetics, plastics and food industries. Algae are highly prized for their ability to make useful products, but a lack of engineering tools has hindered basic research and growth of the industry for decades, researchers say. Scientists at the University of Edinburgh sought to improve the efficiency of gene-editing to increase yields of products currently made using algae, including some food supplements. The advance could also enable algae to make new products, such as medicines.The technique uses molecules that act like scissors to cut DNA called CRISPR molecules, which allow researchers to add new genes or modify existing ones. Until now, scientists have struggled to develop a technique that works efficiently in algae.Their new method is more specific and increases efficiency 500-fold compared to previous techniques. The discovery could unleash the potential of the global algae industry, projected to be worth $1.1billion by 2024.
NASA researchers share perspective on key elements of ozone layer recovery
In the article "NASA researches share perspective on ozone layer recover" states that Each year, ozone-depleting compounds in the upper atmosphere destroy the protective ozone layer, and in particular above Antarctica. The ozone layer acts as Earth's sunscreen by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from incoming sunlight that can cause skin cancer and damage plants, among other harmful effects to life on Earth. While these different compounds each release either reactive chlorine or bromine, the two active ozone-destroying ingredients, during a series of chemical reactions, the molecules have a range of different lifetimes in the atmosphere that can affect their ultimate impact on the ozone layer and its future recovery.NASA researchers discuss the nuances that distinguish three categories of compounds and their impacts on upper atmospheric ozone: long-lasting and human-made compounds, short-lived and human-made compounds, and compounds that are short-lived and naturally emitted from the ocean. All of the long-lasting and some of the anthropogenic short-lived compounds are controlled by the Montreal Protocol in order to reduce their impact on ozone. The researchers find that long-lasting compounds still dominate the outlook for ozone recovery.
Hope for one of the world's rarest primates: First census of Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey
In the Article " Hope for one of the world's rarest primates; First census of Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey" states that A team of WCS scientists recently completed the first-ever range-wide population census of the Zanzibar red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus kirkii) an endangered primate found only on the Zanzibar archipelago off the coast of East Africa. The good news: there are more than three times as many Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, more than 5,800 individual animals than previously thought, and many more monkeys living within protected areas than outside of them. And the bad news: survivorship of young animals is very low, species now extinct in 4 areas, forest habitat on which the primates and others species depend are rapidly being cleared for agriculture and tourism development projects and hunting is common. Scientists have known about the Zanzibar red colobus monkey for 150 years, yet this is the first systematic study of this poorly understood species across its entire range," said Dr. Tim Davenport, Director of WCS's Tanzania Country Program and the lead author of the study. "The systematic assessment redefines almost everything we know about this amazing animal, and is now guiding effective management strategies for this species.
Artificial and biological cells work together as mini chemical factories
The system, created by a team from Imperial College London, encapsulates biological cells within an artificial cell. Using this, researchers can harness the natural ability of biological cells to process chemicals while protecting them from the environment.This system could lead to applications such as cellular 'batteries' powered by photosynthesis, synthesis of drugs inside the body, and biological sensors that can withstand harsh conditions.Previous artificial cell design has involved taking parts of biological cell 'machinery' -- such as enzymes that support chemical reactions -- and putting them into artificial casings. The new study, published today in Scientific Reports, goes one step further and encapsulates entire cells in artificial casings.The artificial cells also contain enzymes that work in concert with the biological cell to produce new chemicals. In the proof-of-concept experiment, the artificial cell systems produced a fluorescent chemical that allowed the researchers to confirm all was working as expected.
Lead researcher Professor Oscar Ces, from the Department of Chemistry at Imperial, said: "Biological cells can perform extremely complex functions, but can be difficult to control when trying to harness one aspect. Artificial cells can be programmed more easily but we cannot yet build in much complexity
Lead researcher Professor Oscar Ces, from the Department of Chemistry at Imperial, said: "Biological cells can perform extremely complex functions, but can be difficult to control when trying to harness one aspect. Artificial cells can be programmed more easily but we cannot yet build in much complexity
Fossilised plant leaf wax provides new tool for understanding ancient climates
As the Earth's surface and atmosphere warm, the amount of moisture -- water vapour -- in the atmosphere will increase. Understanding the size of this increase is important for predicting future climates as water vapour is a significant greenhouse gas. Atmospheric moisture content also influences the patterns and intensity of rainfall events.The relationship between temperature and moisture content can be explored by the study of intervals in Earth's history when climates where significantly warmer than those seen in modern times, which necessitates a method for estimating ancient atmospheric moisture content.
Dr Yvette Eley, from the University of Birmingham, explained, "If we want to understand how the Earth would work with a climate substantially warmer than today, we have to study intervals millions of years in the past -- made difficult because these warm climates are much older than our oldest climate records from Antarctic ice cores (less than one million years old)." To try and understand climate properties related to the atmosphere -- like rainfall and atmospheric moisture content -- in such ancient times is very challenging. Existing methods, using calcium carbonate concretions that form in soils, or the chemistry of fossilised mammal teeth, are both hampered by their relative rarity in ancient sediments.
Dr Yvette Eley, from the University of Birmingham, explained, "If we want to understand how the Earth would work with a climate substantially warmer than today, we have to study intervals millions of years in the past -- made difficult because these warm climates are much older than our oldest climate records from Antarctic ice cores (less than one million years old)." To try and understand climate properties related to the atmosphere -- like rainfall and atmospheric moisture content -- in such ancient times is very challenging. Existing methods, using calcium carbonate concretions that form in soils, or the chemistry of fossilised mammal teeth, are both hampered by their relative rarity in ancient sediments.
Unique diamond impurities indicate water deep in Earth's mantle
Groundbreaking research by UNLV geoscientist Oliver Tschauner and colleagues found diamonds pushed up from the Earth's interior had traces of unique crystallized water called Ice-VII.The study, "Ice-VII inclusions in Diamonds: Evidence for aqueous fluid in Earth's deep Mantle," was published Thursday in the journal Science.In the jewelry business, diamonds with impurities hold less value. But for Tschauner and other scientists, those impurities, known as inclusions have infinite value, as they may hold the key to understanding the inner workings of our planet.
For his study, Tschauner used diamonds found in China, the Republic of South Africa, and Botswana that surged up from inside Earth. "This shows that this is a global phenomenon," the professor said.Scientists theorize the diamonds used in the study, were born in the mantle under temperatures reaching more than 1,000-degrees Fahrenheit.The mantle -- which makes up more than 80 percent of the Earth's volume -- is made of silicate minerals containing iron, aluminum, and calcium among others.And now we can add water to the list.
For his study, Tschauner used diamonds found in China, the Republic of South Africa, and Botswana that surged up from inside Earth. "This shows that this is a global phenomenon," the professor said.Scientists theorize the diamonds used in the study, were born in the mantle under temperatures reaching more than 1,000-degrees Fahrenheit.The mantle -- which makes up more than 80 percent of the Earth's volume -- is made of silicate minerals containing iron, aluminum, and calcium among others.And now we can add water to the list.
NASA Juno finds Jupiter's jet-streams are unearthly
Other Juno science results released today include that the massive cyclones that surround Jupiter's north and south poles are enduring atmospheric features and unlike anything else encountered in our solar system. The findings are part of a four-article collection on Juno science results being published in the March 8 edition of the journal Nature.
"These astonishing science results are yet another example of Jupiter's curve balls, and a testimony to the value of exploring the unknown from a new perspective with next-generation instruments.Juno's unique orbit and evolutionary high-precision radio science and infrared technologies enabled these paradigm-shifting discoveries," said Scott Bolton, principal investigator of Juno from the Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio. "Juno is only about one third the way through its primary mission, and already we are seeing the beginnings of a new Jupiter."
The depth to which the roots of Jupiter's famous zones and belts extend has been a mystery for decades. Gravity measurements collected by Juno during its close flybys of the planet have now provided an answer.On a gas planet, such an asymmetry can only come from flows deep within the planet; and on Jupiter, the visible eastward and westward jet streams are likewise asymmetric north and south. The deeper the jets, the more mass they contain, leading to a stronger signal expressed in the gravity field. Thus, the magnitude of the asymmetry in gravity determines how deep the jet streams extend.
"These astonishing science results are yet another example of Jupiter's curve balls, and a testimony to the value of exploring the unknown from a new perspective with next-generation instruments.Juno's unique orbit and evolutionary high-precision radio science and infrared technologies enabled these paradigm-shifting discoveries," said Scott Bolton, principal investigator of Juno from the Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio. "Juno is only about one third the way through its primary mission, and already we are seeing the beginnings of a new Jupiter."
The depth to which the roots of Jupiter's famous zones and belts extend has been a mystery for decades. Gravity measurements collected by Juno during its close flybys of the planet have now provided an answer.On a gas planet, such an asymmetry can only come from flows deep within the planet; and on Jupiter, the visible eastward and westward jet streams are likewise asymmetric north and south. The deeper the jets, the more mass they contain, leading to a stronger signal expressed in the gravity field. Thus, the magnitude of the asymmetry in gravity determines how deep the jet streams extend.
Forty years of data quantifies benefits of Bt corn adoption across multiple crops for the first time
Bt corn was first introduced and adopted in the United States in 1996 and is a genetically engineered crop (or GE) that makes up over 80% of our current corn plantings. In this study, Dr. Galen Dively, Professor Emeritus and Integrated Pest Management Consultant in the Department of Entomology, and Dr. Dilip Venugopal, UMD Research Associate, use data from 1976 -- 2016 to look at trends twenty years before and twenty years after adoption of Bt corn. "Safety of Bt corn has been tested extensively and proven, but this study is about effectiveness of Bt corn as a pest management strategy, and particularly benefits for offsite crops or different crops in different areas than the Bt field corn itself," explains Venugopal.
Using numbers from pest traps to estimate the population and examine the recommended spraying regimens for pests like the European corn borer, Dively and Venugopal observed significant reductions in the population, with much less spraying occurring over time. "There would be no recommendation to spray for the corn borer given the current population, and this paper can trace that back to Bt corn adoption," said Dively. "What's more, by looking at the actual pest infestations and damage on actual crops over forty years of data, we took it a step farther to see the benefits on all sorts of crops and the declines in the actual pest population. We are able to see the results in theory and in practice on actual crops and in the real pest population over a long stretch of time."
Using numbers from pest traps to estimate the population and examine the recommended spraying regimens for pests like the European corn borer, Dively and Venugopal observed significant reductions in the population, with much less spraying occurring over time. "There would be no recommendation to spray for the corn borer given the current population, and this paper can trace that back to Bt corn adoption," said Dively. "What's more, by looking at the actual pest infestations and damage on actual crops over forty years of data, we took it a step farther to see the benefits on all sorts of crops and the declines in the actual pest population. We are able to see the results in theory and in practice on actual crops and in the real pest population over a long stretch of time."
Photos used under Creative Commons from NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Rennett Stowe Markus Trienke