The Emerald Review
Mauritius possesses a rich ecological profile, particularly when it comes to endemic species that result from the age of the island nation and its isolation and volcanic origins. High levels of species diversity have unfortunately coexisted with a history of loss, including the extinction of the dodo and lesser-known species such as the Red Rail […]
“The Worst Fire season ever. Again.” These were the bold letters spread across the Los Angeles Times in September 2020. California has once again become an inferno as wildfires rage across the state, burning just under 4 million acres so far this year. Thousands of people have had to evacuate their homes, unsure when or […]
The Trump administration has recently finalized its decision to open the United States’ largest forest to logging and development. The Tongass National Forest in southeastern Alaska has been protected from such activity by the 2001 “Roadless Rule,” which prohibits construction and reconstruction of roads in otherwise difficult-to-access areas of the National Forest System. The law […]
When James W. Marshall first struck gold in California’s Sacramento Valley, it became a universal symbol of opportunity, wealth, and new beginnings. More than 170 years later, this sentiment still exists around the globe. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) produces up to 20% of the […]
Environmental policy has varied greatly over the past 40 years. The stark contrast between various administrations is highlighted by the Carter administration of the 70s and the Reagan administration of the 80s. Jimmy Carter is seen as a president who pushed for key pieces of environmental legislation, while Reagan is known for his skeptical view, […]
Outside Shanghai Tower is a plaque that reads ‘Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design,’ displaying its acronym ‘LEED’ and certification level, ‘Platinum.’ This environmental claim, however vague, is convincing because of its professional design and position on the second-tallest building in the world. But what does it really mean? The U.S. Green Building Council, or […]
Iraq’s water crisis has reached humanitarian and environmental calamity. Human conflict as a result of the Syrian Civil War has decimated ecosystems, natural capital, and water resources. Water is used as a weapon. As a result of climate change, irregular precipitation patterns and less rainfall are changing the livability of the region. Iraq is far […]
Globally, one in ten people lack access to clean water today. Water is essential to life, and clean water is essential for a long life. Water-related diseases, like cholera and typhoid fever, are a leading cause of death and mostly result from inadequate sanitation. Anthropogenic climate change is threatening areas that are already water-scarce, which […]
With threats such as climate change, habitat destruction, and illegal poaching and trade, protecting wildlife is challenging enough. Wildlife tourism, which refers to the observation of and interaction with plant and animal life in their natural habitats, has struggled to protect its most vulnerable populations—both animal and human. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new stresses: […]
Many Bostonians take pride in the Charles River, observing the fireworks in the summer and foliage in the fall. But is the river suitable for more than admiration from afar? The Charles River runs through Eastern Massachusetts into Boston. It currently has a “B” water quality grade, which means it is safe for all boating […]