AI can help forecast air quality, but freak events like 2023's summer of wildfire smoke require traditional methods too

Air quality forecasting is getting better, thanks in part to AI. That’s good, given the health impact of air pollution. An environmental engineer explains how systems warn of incoming smog or smoke.

Joshua S. Fu, Chancellor's Professor in Engineering, Climate Change and Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Tennessee • conversation
Aug. 9, 2023 ~6 min

Are low-traffic neighbourhoods greenwashing? Here's what the evidence says

LTNs were introduced to UK cities to create a more pleasant environment for pedestrians and cyclists - but they’ve become controversial.

Harrie Larrington-Spencer, Research Fellow in the Active Travel Academy, University of Westminster • conversation
June 23, 2023 ~7 min


To see how smoke affects endangered orangutans, we studied their voices during and after massive Indonesian wildfires

Orangutans are vocal animals, so analyzing their calls during events like wildfires can indicate how smoke is affecting their health.

Wendy M. Erb, Postdoctoral Associate in Conservation Bioacoustics, Cornell University • conversation
June 22, 2023 ~10 min

Wildfire smoke and dirty air are also climate change problems: Solutions for a world on fire

So much pollution goes into the air today that even without wildfire smoke, 99% of the global population breathes unhealthy air.

Drew Shindell, Professor of Climate Sciences, Duke University • conversation
June 14, 2023 ~8 min

Biden's strategy for cutting carbon emissions from electricity generation could extend the lives of fossil fuel power plants

After the Supreme Court overturned the Obama administration’s strategy for reducing power plant carbon emissions in 2022, the Biden administration is taking a narrower but still ambitious approach.

Jennifer K. Rushlow, Dean, Vermont School for the Environment, and Professor of Law, Vermont Law & Graduate School • conversation
May 12, 2023 ~9 min

Body lotions, mothballs, cleaning fluids and other widely used products contain known toxic chemicals, study finds

Manufacturers don’t usually have to disclose what’s in products like shampoo and household cleaners, but a new study finds that these products can contain hazardous ingredients.

Ruthann Rudel, Visiting Scholar, Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Northeastern University, Northeastern University • conversation
May 2, 2023 ~8 min

Chess players perform worse when air quality is poor – and other high-skilled workers could be affected too

Air pollution causes chess players to make more errors – this may have implications for high-skilled professionals.

Francis Pope, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Birmingham • conversation
Feb. 8, 2023 ~7 min

The EV transition isn't just about cars – the broader goal should be access to clean mobility for everyone

If the EV transition focuses exclusively on drivers in privately owned cars, it won’t meet many Americans’ mobility needs, particularly in underserved communities.

Sita M. Syal, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
Feb. 1, 2023 ~10 min


Lung cancer rates have decreased for the Marlboro Man, but have risen steeply for nonsmokers and young women – an oncologist explains why

While lung cancer rates have decreased by 43% in men, they have risen by 79% in women. New screening guidelines and recognizing early symptoms can help address the changing face of lung cancer.

Estelamari Rodriguez, Associate Director of Community Outreach in Thoracic Oncology, University of Miami • conversation
Feb. 1, 2023 ~7 min

Cornwall space launch: why the environmental cost of rocket launches is large even when they fail

The UK space launch failed but it succeeded in releasing hazardous pollutants to multiple layers of the atmosphere.

Eloise Marais, Associate Professor in Physical Geography, UCL • conversation
Jan. 20, 2023 ~6 min

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