Time-lapse, satellite imagery show how meltwater plumes trigger calving ice
By Kala Hunter Medill Reports As Greenland’s glaciers melt from an abruptly warming climate, scientists are studying how mammoth glaciers are losing their ice. The research is urgent to better predict the speed of global glacial retreat that leads directly to sea level rise across the globe. “You study Greenland because it’s the future of […]
What the world can learn from Israel’s water reuse programs
By Karyn Simpson Medill Reports Negev Desert, Israel – A country that is 70 percent desert faces a unique challenge in finding sustainable water sources, but by treating and reusing approximately 90 percent of its wastewater, Israel has done just that. The small country is light years ahead of the rest of the globe – […]
EPA Calls for More Oversight On Lead Following Flint Water Crisis
By Neil Murthy In the wake of the lead crisis in Flint, Mich., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is calling for increased oversight and collaboration with state and local water agencies to prevent additional problems with lead. On Feb. 29, the EPA wrote a letter to all state governors and state environment and public health […]
Analysis: Why the open water events will captivate Olympic audiences
By Peter Dawson And the award for the most intriguing draw of the 2016 Summer Olympics goes to… Surprise, the open water events. Sailing, rowing and the 10-kilometer swim certainly don’t offer the same excitement as watching Usain Bolt running the 400m, or Team USA Basketball going for a third straight gold medal. Analysis What […]
Troubled water? Athletes, scientists still unsure about potential health risks in Rio
By Peter Dawson In August of 2016, 50 Olympic open-water swimmers are expected to plunge into Copacabana Bay in Rio de Janeiro despite two Associated Press reports last year about viral contamination in nearby Guanabara Bay. Viruses in human intestinal and respiratory tracts may cause “vomiting, explosive diarrhea and respiratory problems,” according to one of […]
Flint Congressman talks water crisis with Illinois activists
By Jay Bouchard In the wake of Flint, Michigan’s water crisis, U.S Rep. Dan Kildee (D) is reaching out to Illinois in an effort to gain legislative support and brief his neighboring state on ways it can support Flint. Kildee, a Flint native, visited west suburban Lombard on Saturday to discuss ways local activists can […]
Man versus lake: Chicagoan drinks Lake Michigan straight
By Claire Donnelly Tim Mack stepped toward Lake Michigan and dipped his ceramic mug into the freezing water. Blindfolded and fueled by the cheers of dozens of onlookers, Mack chugged the entire unfiltered beverage.
