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INSIDER

GLOBAL WARMING

Constant changes to environmental laws can have a negative impact on environment, UTSA professor says

Many environmental organizations have said the quick changes can have a negative impact on the environment. In San Antonio, Dr. Saugata Datta at UTSA new Institute of Research, Sustainability and Policy said there needs to be more time given to studying regulation changes. The environment constantly seeks a state of equilibrium and will react accordingly, Dr. Datta said. Despite the continual changes, Dr. Datta said we are fortunate to live in South Texas, where many environmental changes are noticeable. However, the federal government needs to invest more in long-term studies, so places like this can accurately gather data, Dr. Datta said.

Less travel around the world may have helped the environment

The pandemic has been a historic jolt to life as we know it, but less people traveling has actually helped the environment. Emissions that heat the earth fell more than 10 percent in the US in 2020, the guardian reports. New figures show that a record drop has been caused by major reductions in travel and industrial activity because of the pandemic. The new estimate by Rhodium Group shows that this is the largest annual drop in emissions since the second world war and this puts U.S. carbon pollution at its lowest level in three decades. The study does point out that the emissions reductions came at a huge cost and will likely rebound as vaccines are distributed.

Letting forests rebuild themselves is best way to restore them from deforestation, experts say

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that originally forests covered about 45% of the earth’s landmasses, but now forests only cover about 31% of the earth’s land. Scientists in a U.K. group called Rewilding Britain say the best way to help rebuild our forests is to do nothing at all, and the best and most diverse forests plant themselves. The group’s chief executive, Rebecca Wrigley, says letting trees naturally regenerate on a big scale is the most effective way of reversing the sorry fortunes of crippled forests and woodlands. The group says other ways we can help our forests is by pushing governments to set aside land for re-growth and protect ancient woodlands. Whether we plant or let nature take its course is up to us, the group says.

Climate Minute: Local, state, and national opinions on global warming

SAN ANTONIO – The consensus among scientists around the world is that climate change, including global warming, is happening and that humans are contributing due to greenhouse gas emissions. But do you know how your personal opinions on climate change compare to those around your local county, the state of Texas, and the nation? An extensive national study conducted by Yale University is highlighting the differences of opinions on climate change around the nation. From the study, the university created an interactive map where you can see answers to various questions about climate change and global warming. Here are some interesting takeaways:BeliefsGlobal warming is happeningOn a national level 72% of people believe global warming is happeningHowever, in Bexar County, it’s estimated that 80% of people believe global warming is happening.