Red Spruce: How Climate Change Could Impact Nova Scotia's Provincial Tree What do flying squirrels, acid rain, and violins have in common? They are all connected to the Red Spruce — a coniferous tree found in northeastern North America. It…
The European green crab is considered one of the most invasive species across the United State's coastal ecosystems. The green crab lacks natural predators, aggressively hunts its prey, destroys seagrass, and outcompetes local species for food and habitat. Green crab populations…
Drought is one of the most commonly cited impacts of climate change, leading to water shortages, crop failures, and wildfires. This episode of "The Sweaty Penguin" explores the science behind droughts, the effect they have on people across the globe,…
By Josh Landis In celebration of Earth Day, we invite you to be witnesses of the wisdom, power, and importance of Indigenous knowledge and leadership when it comes to fighting the effects of climate change. For millennia, Indigenous tribes and…
Though not endangered, many of the world’s muskoxen populations face threats, from excessive hunting to Arctic ice melt, and even to concussions from headbutting. Muskoxen have been a valuable source of food and wool for humans for thousands of years.…
Soy is a staple in vegan diets, also an ingredient in most of the processed foods we eat, as well as being fed to the animals that we eat. But intensive agricultural practices such as pesticide use and deforestation have…
Phytoplankton are microscopic plants floating around in marine and aquatic ecosystems that produce 50-80% of the world’s oxygen. Besides providing food for countless other organisms, they are so effective at absorbing carbon dioxide that some have suggested growing phytoplankton as…
The Eastern Hemlock – a majestic, ancient tree species found across the Eastern United States and Canada – offers shelter, food, and protection for over 120 species of vertebrates. Other special characteristics also make it much more effective at storing…
Avocado consumption the United States has tripled, in recent seasons, to more than eight pounds per person per year. Unfortunately, the avocado industry is up against several challenges, from high water demand to deforestation to extortion and violence at the…
The spotted lanternfly — an insect native to Asia — has now invaded fourteen states, mostly in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. The pest is not toxic to humans but threatens many important plants and crops, including apple trees, cherry…