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    Acidification of the deep Atlantic Ocean is accelerated by ocean circulation

    The North Atlantic Ocean Circulation is a double-edged sword when it comes to ocean acidification. In the past, it has kept the North Atlantic Ocean less acidic – and more hospitable – than the Pacific Ocean. Today, the same circulation has the potential toconvey fast acidification to the ocean depth as climate change alters both the atmosphere and the surface ocean.

    Bowen Chang

    November 29, 2018
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    Loyalty to “green” brands pushes the cruise industry towards better seas

    Businesses are increasingly swayed by their customer’s preferences for environmentally friendly brands, a phenomenon known as “green loyalty.” Mounting customer pressure is pushing the growing cruise industry to seek more sustainable solutions.  

    Kathy Meek

    November 27, 2018
  • Oklahoma Wastewater on Unsolid Ground

    The dramatic rise in Oklahoma’s earthquake activity since 2009 is due to its wastewater injection. Notoriously hard to measure, scientists created a method that modeled seismic conditions as a result of wastewater disposal. A thoughtful approach to disposal will limit environmental damage as a result of seismic activity.

    Max Potthoff

    November 20, 2018
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    On-grid solar is coming to Sub-Saharan Africa – Rwanda is taking the lead

    Among its many natural treasures, Africa has one infinitely valuable resource: the sun. At last, large-scale solar photovoltaic systems can harness its power to provide carbon-free electricity to people who need it the most. 

    Krisztina Pjeczka

    November 13, 2018
Oklahoma Wastewater on Unsolid Ground

The dramatic rise in Oklahoma’s earthquake activity since 2009 is due to its wastewater injection. Notoriously hard to measure, scientists created a method that modeled seismic conditions as a result of wastewater disposal. A thoughtful approach to disposal will limit environmental damage as a result of seismic activity.

Max Potthoff
November 20, 2018
 
On-grid solar is coming to Sub-Saharan Africa – Rwanda is taking the lead

Among its many natural treasures, Africa has one infinitely valuable resource: the sun. At last, large-scale solar photovoltaic systems can harness its power to provide carbon-free electricity to people who need it the most. 

Krisztina Pjeczka
November 13, 2018
 
A unique role for citizen science in ecological restoration: a case study in streams

Engaging community members in environmental monitoring can help land managers understand how ecosystems respond to human activities. Data collected by students can accurately reflected a stream’s recovery after restoration work. 

Emma Gildesgame
November 8, 2018
 
Bracing for conflict with the onset of climate change: a story from the Philippines

Did changes in weather patterns increase conflict-related incidents in the Philippines? A recent study analyzes the relationship between climate change, seasonal rainfall patterns, agricultural production, and civil conflict in the Philippines. The findings reveal that harvest failures caused by extreme weather can exacerbate violence among rebel groups.  

Sofia Caycedo
November 5, 2018

Articles

How Can Smaller Businesses Bounce Back after Extreme Weather?

Extreme weather events like hurricanes, flash floods and heatwaves are predicted to increase in intensity and frequency due to climate change. A group of researchers studied the barriers small and mediumsized businesses face in their attempt to bounce back after being hit by extreme weather, to find out which internal and external factors hamper businesses from getting back on their feet quickly.

Friday, November 2, 2018
Laura Small

Bright lights, big city: why light pollution threatens migratory birds

Migratory birds rely on high quality habitat in which to rest overnight during their annual journeys.  However, a recent study suggests that city lights can divert birds from their traditional flight paths.  By resting in areas with fewer resources – be it less cover for protection or fewer plants and insects to eat – birds may need more time to complete their migrations and arrive at their destinations in poorer condition.     

Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Erica Engstrom

Water, water nowhere

By 2050 two thirds of the world’s population will live in urban areas. This growth will cause an 80% increase in city water demand. To fulfill this growing need for water in cities, water will be taken away from rural and agricultural needs.

Thursday, October 25, 2018
Rebecca Lehman

Have your sustainable beef (and eat it too)

In the United States alone, beef production accounts for twenty percent of greenhouse gas emissions and it is the least efficient source of protein production. Americans will continue to eat beef; so designing a sustainable industry is essential to reducing emissions. In a new study, scientists explore two straightforward ways to achieve a sustainable industry – all without sacrificing your cheeseburgers.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Nathalie Sommer

Can livestock grazing coexist with plant diversity in Australian rangelands?

Across the globe, rangelands are rapidly changing due to human-caused disturbances. New research shows that in Australia, livestock grazing is shifting the balance of plant diversity in favor of non-native species. This could pose serious conservation challenges for Australian rangelands in years to come.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Lexi Smith

Blue Growth: a Future of Opportunities for Marine Fishery

Humans have long looked to the ocean for opportunities, sustenance, and growth. Today, advocates of “Blue Growth” aim to foster sustainable economic growth in the marine sector. Absent in the grandiose vision, however, is where our interaction with the ocean first began: fishing. Global fisheries production has stagnated: ecology is fragile, regulations are strict, and fish prices are low. So, what is the future for marine fisheries? What will be its role in Blue Growth?

Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Bowen Chang

Scientific advances reveal oceans – and the planet – in peril

Human activity is increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, causing the ocean to absorb more carbon dioxide as well. New research shows that increasing oceanic carbon dioxide levels are also fluctuating with the seasons. Over time, these fluctuations are becoming more dramatic. As a result, marine animals will be pushed earlier than expected towards threatening conditions.  

Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Kathy Meek

Think like an animal: Understanding animal decision making for conservation

Scientists from the Institute for Conservation Research at the San Diego Zoo and UCLA are researching animal decision making across disciplinary boundaries.  In a recent study, they investigated how animal decision making can be affected by human impacts on the environment. They argue that understanding the ways animals respond to different situations can help scientists conserve species more effectively. 

Friday, September 28, 2018
Prerna Bhat

Features

YER First Editor's Choice Competition

The staff at Yale Environment Review would like to announce the winner and finalists for the first-ever
Editor’s Choice Competition.

Eleven articles, all written by past or present YER authors who are still at FES, were judged by the YER team of writers. From that eleven, three finalists were selected. The final decision was made by the editorial board at the end of the fall semester.