Oct. 16, 2012
Comprehending Carbon's Creation of Coral Catastrophe
by Neil Wagner
I knew coral reefs were in trouble, but I didn't know it was THIS bad!
Apr. 17, 2012
Our Universe Revolves Around the Earth — For One Day
by Neil Wagner
Happy Birthday, Earth Day! What on Earth honors Earth Day’s 42nd anniversary on April 22nd with a collection of Earth Day fun facts.
Mar. 22, 2012
In Scientists We Trust… Except When We Don’t
by Neil Wagner
Let’s take a look at the climate-change-related topics that appear in today’s comic strip:A selective mistrust of scientists, especially with regards to certain hot-button issues.
Feb. 15, 2012
Awesome apps are apt to ably assist action against climate change
by Neil Wagner
Do you love your mobile electronic devices with a passion? Are you deeply concerned about our changing climate? Now you can indulge your intense passion and profound fear at the same time!
Jan. 11, 2012
Grazing Towards a Cooler Climate
by Neil Wagner
Which of the following statements is accurate, and which is outlandish?-Letting animals graze in an arctic region as they did in the last ice age will keep permafrost frozen and lower the area’s temperature.-Letting trees grow naturally in drought-riddled regions leads to more fertile soil.-Plowing a field causes rain.
Dec. 05, 2011
The Coast is Clear — For Climate Change Mayhem
by Neil Wagner
Early November brought Alaska its worst storm in decades. It was described as “historic,” “epic,” and “massive.”While there is debate about the effect anthropogenic climate change has on current weather, there is increasing evidence Alaska’s recent storm (and, even more clearly, coastal hurricanes) have human fingerprints all over them.
Nov. 11, 2011
Climate Conspiracy 5: Greens don’t “convince”, they “brainwash”
by Neil Wagner
Welcome to the final installment of the “What on Earth?” Climate Change Conspiracy Theory Week. If you haven’t seen our earlier installments, please use the links at the bottom of this post to satisfy all your climate change conspiracy needs.
Nov. 09, 2011
Climate Conspiracy Theory 3: Scientists only in it for the money
by Neil Wagner
In our third installment of Climate Change Conspiracy Theory Week, we take on the greedy climate scientists who tell us our planet is warming just so they can continue their lifestyle of lavish parties, reality show franchises and tricked-out Hummer stretch limos.
Nov. 07, 2011
Climate Conspiracy 1: Scientists falsify data
by Neil Wagner
We start What on Earth? Climate Change Conspiracy Theory Week with a very popular one: climate scientists falsify data. Scientists have been portrayed as incompetent idealogues, who use fake science “crap” to help along global warming.
Nov. 02, 2011
How long has climate change been studied?
by Neil Wagner
One reason I’m skeptical about global warming is that it hasn’t been studied for very long. I know scientists in the 1970s were worried about an ice age instead of global warming. Did they start studying global warming in the 80′s??
Oct. 28, 2011
Combatting climate change: Every little bit helps
by Neil Wagner
We can all take steps to cumulatively reduce our society’s use of fossil fuels. Energy efficient light bulbs, recycling, and taking public transportation to name a few. Saying these efforts don’t matter is like saying your vote doesn’t count — the sentiment is understandable but untrue. People can say the same thing about voting, but we occasionally have very close elections don’t we?
Oct. 04, 2011
Oil rigs vs. icebergs: A climate change clash of colosssi
by Neil Wagner
This summer, two Canadian ice shelves that were in place before Europeans settled the area have been melting … a lot.
Apr. 09, 2010
When positive is a negative
by Neil Wagner
The world gets warmer. Frozen ground melts. Stuff that’s been trapped in the ice now escapes and adds to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The world gets even warmer. And on it goes…
Sep. 23, 2011
Bebbo’s Magical Moving Planet Adventure
by Neil Wagner
. The good folks at 350.org, a global campaign and network that works with grassroots organizers in 188 countries, are at it again. They’ve planned another one of their wild and wacky worldwide rallies for tomorrow, September 24, 2011. It’s … Continue reading →
Sep. 09, 2011
C U in Hell, CFLs
by Neil Wagner
X Let’s hear it for energy efficiency! It reduces climate-warming CO2 emissions from power generation. It makes the replacement of highly productive fossil fuels with alternative energy sources a little less daunting. And it got a boost from 2007’s Energy … Continue reading →
Jul. 22, 2011
The 10% extinction distinction
by Neil Wagner
CHECK OUT OUR SPECIAL APPEARANCE ON THE HUFFINGTON POST! Hope you enjoy the new WOE there AND here on Science Friday. We’d love to hear your comments. The rabbit (or is it a hare?) in today’s strip wants the cockroach … Continue reading →
May. 27, 2011
Environmental business environment
by Neil Wagner
Research firm IBISWorld has identified the United States’ top 10 fastest growing fields during the span between 2000 and 2016. Their findings are encouraging to anyone who wants to see growth in environmentally-friendly industries. Voice Over Internet Protocol Providers … Continue reading →
May. 06, 2011
Fauxtosynthesis: Clean energy of tomorrow?
by Neil Wagner
. One of the biggest obstacles to using solar power on a massive scale is our lack of a proper storage system — after all, the sun doesn’t shine 24/7. Now MIT Chemistry professor Dr. Daniel Nocera has announced the … Continue reading →
Apr. 08, 2011
Evidence of climate change … or something exactly like it.
by Neil Wagner
. “How can scientists know what happened 100,000 years ago? I’m not buying it!” “The planet’s not getting warmer — in fact, it’s getting colder!” “Any changes we see are because of natural cycles.” If you have made these statements, … Continue reading →
Mar. 25, 2011
Excellent energy efficiency enhancement
by Neil Wagner
. “What on Earth?” Auto Week concludes. Let’s add this up: Bebbo and Kito have recently talked about a solar panel design that’s twice as effective as traditional panels at pulling energy from sunlight, technology that dramatically reduces the lost … Continue reading →
Aug. 31, 2010
A greener shade of auto racing
by Neil Wagner
Engines roaring… tires screeching… solar panels gleaming… To effectively combat global warming, the international community will ultimately have to stage the fight with a coordinated, large-scale effort. In the meantime it’s encouraging to see people, towns and businesses taking … Continue reading →
Aug. 27, 2010
Dry counties
by Neil Wagner
Climate change could cause 70% of U.S. counties to face water shortages or similar issues by 2050. When the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore in 2007, some friends of mine wondered … Continue reading →
Jun. 11, 2010
Global Warming 101: The basic equation
by Neil Wagner
The equation behind human-induced climate change is as simple as 1+2=3. Welcome to Global Warming 101. It’s the first of a four-part series aimed at the staunchest of climate change skeptics. Rather than having the goal of convincing skeptics manmade … Continue reading →
May. 14, 2010
The ABCs of human impact
by Neil Wagner
A-E ACID RAIN Pollution can cause acid rain which has reduced fish population numbers, decreased biodiversity, killed trees, damaged cars’ paint jobs, and more. It’s affected parts of Europe, Canada, China, Taiwan the United States. Government regulation has gone a … Continue reading →
Feb. 05, 2010
The Red Scare
by Neil Wagner
The red fox moves into his smaller cousin’s territory and acts like he owns the place. As climate change warms up the Arctic, conditions become less and less favorable to the arctic fox. It’s harder to find their normal diet … Continue reading →
Dec. 23, 2009
New digs for Santa?
by Neil Wagner
Things are heating up at the North Pole, so Mr. Kringle night want to explore his options. The Catlin Arctic Survey team spent three months in the Arctic measuring ice thickness and doing analysis. They found the ice is thinner, … Continue reading →
Nov. 13, 2009
You want consensus? We’ve GOT consensus.
by Neil Wagner
97% of climate scientists believe humans cause global warming. At least it’s not unanimous. Suppose you were feeling out of sorts and went to your family doctor, a general practitioner. The G.P said you had a serious illness that needed … Continue reading →
Aug. 19, 2009
Football tackles climate change
by Neil Wagner
It’s time for preseason football which means…Bebbo and Kito will disagree, as always. Bebbo must have read the Philadelphia Eagle’s Go Green website. Kito must have read, well, whatever he reads. Not surprisingly, everyone’s favorite horned puffin has a less … Continue reading →
Oct. 14, 2011
Climate change FAQ: What’s the deal with tree rings?
by Neil Wagner
Chris asks: I know scientists use tree rings and ice cores to look for information about climate change. Looking at a tree stump someplace or a sliver of ice at the South Pole? So what? How is that supposed to … Continue reading →
Sep. 30, 2011
Another climate change question answered
by Neil Wagner
. Ingrid asks: Heavy snows like we had last winter proved to me that global warming is not reality. But I have to admit that the heat waves and droughts a lot of the country got this summer make me … Continue reading →
Sep. 18, 2011
Your climate change questions answered
by Neil Wagner
. Paul asks: Why do people say the climate is warming when I’ve read the world has actually been getting cooler since 1998? Answer: People who make that statement have targeted 1998 because it is the warmest year in history. … Continue reading →
Sep. 02, 2011
The Sooner State’s state of seeing climate change sooner
by Neil Wagner
. It may be time to rewrite a classic. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s legendary 1943 musical “Oklahoma!” boldly proclaimed, “You’re doin’ fine, Oklahoma. Oklahoma, OK!” These days, not so much. The past 12 months in Oklahoma have been interesting, to say the … Continue reading →
Aug. 26, 2011
There’s oil in them thar tar sands.
by Neil Wagner
. Oil makes the world go ’round. You’ve probably heard that was money’s job, but there’s a strong case to be made for oil. We need fossil fuels to make our society function in the manner to which we’ve become … Continue reading →
Aug. 19, 2011
Earth-friendly toys provide planet pleasing playtime
by Neil Wagner
. Here are a few links for toy companies that are making efforts to be planet-friendly. By no means is this list complete, but I thought it might give readers an idea of how manufacturers are handling the challenge. Please … Continue reading →
Aug. 12, 2011
Holland, MI: Windmills, wooden shoes and lithium-ion batteries
by Neil Wagner
. STORY UPDATE 8/13/11: The Prez was in Holland yesterday!!! It was barely over a week ago that I read the story of Obama’s plans to visit Holland. Mayor Dykstra received an email last Thursday announcing the visit, about which … Continue reading →
Aug. 10, 2011
Greenhouse gassiness
by Neil Wagner
. Today we talk about flatulence: the most man-made of man-made greenhouse gases. While the topic is giggle-inducing, the fact is that methane and carbon dioxide produced by livestock raised on large-scale farms are contributing significantly to climate change. A … Continue reading →
Aug. 05, 2011
Climate change: Shaping, changing, & shifting shorelines
by Neil Wagner
. In the 1978 film Superman, the Man of Steel’s nemesis (Lex Luthor) plots to trigger a massive earthquake along the San Andreas Fault. Since his plan calls for everything west of the fault line to crash into the ocean, … Continue reading →
Jul. 29, 2011
Greenhouse effect is NATURAL (naturally)
by Neil Wagner
. Throughout history, humans have enjoyed a very comfortable climate on Earth, due to the naturally occurring greenhouse effect. So, c’mon kids! Let’s review the greenhouse effect! (Maybe if we ACT like it’s fun, it WILL be. Fake it ’til … Continue reading →
Jul. 22, 2011
CONTEST! Your idea could appear in a comic strip!
by Neil Wagner
. Your creative idea could be chosen to appear in the September 23rd edition of What on Earth? which highlights Moving Planet, the worldwide event being planned by Bill McKibben’s 350.org environmental organization. Entering the contest is easy: Think of … Continue reading →
Jul. 15, 2011
Why whine about wine? Climate change – THAT’s why!
by Neil Wagner
. The amount of Northern California land ripe for premium grape-growing (yes… I’m aware of the pun) could be reduced by 50% in the next 30 years. Not only that, researchers say their findings are conservative, since they’re assuming temperatures … Continue reading →
Jul. 08, 2011
Climate change skepticism makes strange bedfellows
by Neil Wagner
. Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum to Glenn Beck on Fox News: “Drill everywhere…There is no such thing as global warming.” See? Climate scientists sadly needed thousands of dedicated professionals and millions of worldwide tests & readings over the course … Continue reading →
Jul. 03, 2011
WIN the chance to appear in a What on Earth? cartoon – it’s now even easier!
by Neil Wagner
. A drawing of you could appear in the July 15th “What on Earth?” comic strip. Just (1) tell us your name, (2) supply your photo, and (3) tell us your favorite “What on Earth?” character — Bebbo the polar bear … Continue reading →
Jul. 01, 2011
1890-present: The golden age of sea level rise
by Neil Wagner
. Environmental writer Andrew Revkin’s tumblelog recently highlighted a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that inspired today’s “What on Earth?” The study analyzed sediment layers along the east coast of the U.S., concluding that sea … Continue reading →
Jul. 01, 2011
You could appear as a cartoon in “What on Earth?”
by Neil Wagner
A drawing of you could appear in the July 15th “What on Earth?” comic strip. Here’s how: Use the “What on Earth?” Facebook page to get us your name and photo Tell us your favorite “What on Earth?” character — Bebbo the … Continue reading →
Jun. 24, 2011
Climate change consensus: The lowdown from down under
by Neil Wagner
. Two stories caught my eye recently. The first presented an open letter from Australian scientists who are taking to task denialists who perpetuate the phony debate over the existence of anthropogenic climate change. These skeptics capitalize on lay people’s … Continue reading →
Jun. 17, 2011
Gauging the girth of greenhouse gas gulpers
by Neil Wagner
. LIDAR: It’s part laser, part radar, ALL awesome. Especially when it comes to figuring out just how much capacity forests have to soak up all that pesky carbon dioxide we’re spewing into the atmosphere. LIght Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) … Continue reading →
Jun. 10, 2011
Tropical trouble: Bats in heat (hot temperatures, that is)
by Neil Wagner
. From the Yale e360 article by William Laurance, Distinguished Research Professor and an Australian Laureate at James Cook University in Queensland, Australia: Much attention has been paid to how global warming is affecting the world’s polar regions and glaciers. … Continue reading →
Jun. 03, 2011
A solar power retail tale
by Neil Wagner
. The Lowe’s home improvement chain is teaming up with California-based Sungevity to make solor power more accesible to the masses. Some California Lowe’s locations will feature customer-friendly self-help kiosks that will email a solar panel installation estimate to the … Continue reading →
May. 20, 2011
Biodiversity’s big day
by Neil Wagner
. From the UN website: “The UN General Assembly, by its resolution 55/201 of 20 December 2000, proclaimed 22 May as The International Day for Biological Diversity… The UN General Assembly expressed… its deep concern about the continuing loss of … Continue reading →
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