Lightning: The Unsung Killer of Our Forests

Lightning's Devastating Impact on Trees: More Than You Think

Did you know that lightning strikes are a far greater threat to trees than many of us realize? It’s not just the dramatic wildfires that grab headlines; lightning itself is a silent force capable of felling vast numbers of trees. As an atmospheric scientist, I’ve spent years studying the complex dance between weather and our … Read more

Our Planet’s Green Lung is Growing, But Its Ocean Heart is Struggling

Land Plants Growing While Ocean Productivity Declines Due to Warming

Did you know that between 2003 and 2021, plants on land got a significant boost, soaking up more carbon dioxide? It sounds like good news, right? And in many ways, it is. This growth on land is a sign that our planet’s “green lung” is working harder. But here’s the catch: while the land is … Read more

Beyond the Storm: The Lingering Health Toll of Tropical Cyclones

Tropical Cyclones' Long-Term Health Impact: Strokes, Heart Attacks Rise

Did you know that the impact of tropical cyclones stretches far beyond the immediate destruction? A recent global study has uncovered a disturbing long-term health consequence: cardiovascular hospitalizations continue to rise for months after these extreme weather events. This isn’t just about immediate injuries. The research highlights that strokes and heart attacks see a significant … Read more

Climate Change Isn’t Just About Polar Bears: It’s About Our Health, Too

Climate Change and Health Disparities: How Climate Affects Us Unequally

Did you know that the changing climate isn’t just an environmental issue, but a significant public health concern, particularly for already vulnerable populations? As a scientist who has spent years modeling our atmosphere and studying urban heat islands, I’ve seen firsthand how these environmental shifts disproportionately affect communities. Let’s talk about health disparities and climate … Read more

The Climate Crisis is a Food Crisis: Understanding the Link

Climate Change and Food Insecurity: A Critical Intersection

Did you know that the very weather patterns that sustain our planet are shifting, and this shift is directly impacting the food on our plates? As a scientist who studies climate, I’ve seen firsthand how subtle changes in temperature and rainfall can have massive ripple effects. Today, I want to talk about a critical intersection: … Read more

Feeling the Heat: How City Design Can Drive Inequality

The Urban Heat Island Effect and Environmental Racism: Understanding the Disparities

Did you know that the concrete and asphalt that make up our cities can actually make them much hotter than surrounding rural areas? This phenomenon is called the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, and it’s not just about feeling a bit warmer. The way our cities are built, and have been historically planned, has created … Read more

Climate Change Isn’t Fair: Why Black Communities Bear the Brunt

Climate Change Impacts: Disproportionate Burden on Black Communities

As someone who studies our planet’s atmosphere, I’ve spent years looking at data, running models, and understanding how our climate is changing. It’s complex, and the science is clear: our planet is warming, and human activity is the primary driver. But today, I want to talk about something equally important: how these changes aren’t impacting … Read more

The Matterhorn’s Melting Message: What Glaciers Tell Us About Our Changing World

The Matterhorn's Melting Message: What Glaciers Tell Us About Our World

Okay, so hear me out… have you seen pictures of the Matterhorn? That iconic, pyramid-shaped mountain in the Alps is seriously majestic. But lately, it’s been sending a pretty clear message, and it’s not about good Wi-Fi. As of today, July 29, 2025, the state of glaciers around the world, including those surrounding the Matterhorn, … Read more

Liver Cancer Cases Could Nearly Double Globally: What’s the Connection to Our Changing Planet?

Liver Cancer Rise Linked to Climate Change? Understanding the Environmental Factors

As an environmental scientist, I’m constantly looking at how our planet’s health impacts ours. Lately, the news about a potential doubling of liver cancer cases globally has really hit home. It’s a stark reminder that environmental changes and human health are deeply intertwined. Did you know that liver cancer is already one of the deadliest … Read more

Ancient Icehouse Mystery: Did Cooling Hit AFTER a Mass Extinction?

An artistic representation of the Late Ordovician period

Did you know that Earth has gone through several “icehouse” periods, where large ice sheets covered parts of the planet? These dramatic climate shifts have shaped life as we know it. Today, I want to dive into a fascinating new study that’s challenging our understanding of one of these ancient climate events: the Late Ordovician … Read more