Irene Dickinson: The Woman Who Shut Down the Indian Point Nukes
She inspired others to defeat seven proposed Hudson Valley nukes and ultimately bring down Indian Point.
Drilling Disaster Looms off New York State Coast
Former EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck calls out Interior Secretary Zinke for his plan to open up oil and gas drilling.
The Pale Blue Dot: “Where We Make Our Stand”
“in our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves . . . Earth is where we make our stand.”
The Prophets Were Right: Day Zero Approaching for Cape Town — and a Warning for the World
As of this writing, Day Zero, — the day the water supply of Capetown, South Africa will run out — is set for May 11. The plight of this city of 4 million is a cautionary tale, littered with missed opportunities and unheeded warnings that every 21st century city and town should take to heart.
Pace Environmental Policy Clinic Students Fight for the Hudson River
Students of the Pace University Environmental Policy Clinic conducted an investigation of the U.S. Coast Guard proposal to anchor oil barges on the Hudson. Six months later, the agency withdrew its proposal and began the proper studies the Clinic called for.
Climate or Cows: What’s the answer?
Research demonstrates that the industrial livestock system, which produces 95% of the world’s meat, is a major source of the hydrocarbon methane — a potent climate-killing greenhouse gas that cows emit with alarming regularity. Is science on the verge of a solution?
Letter to the Children of 2100
I was once asked to write a letter to the Children of 2100, for a time capsule. I thought long about human achievements that could endure a century’s passing. Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and the first manned landing on the moon stood out as symbols of the age.
EarthDesk Will Return Following Winter Break ~ January 23, 2018
EarthDesk will be offline during the semester break. If you need some reading material, search EarthDesk using the term “homeless.” During the holiday season, remember the less fortunate in the human and natural environment who need your help. See you in January.
Peace on Earth by Charles Henry Alston
We present this image by Charles Henry Alston to honor our veterans, more than 100,000 of whom will be homeless Christmas Day. A central figure in the Harlem Renaissance Movement, Alston knew the towering musical figures of the day, such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. He made this drawing while staff artist for the Office of War Information in 1940.
President Trump’s Elephant Flip-Flop May Have Done Some Good
If President Trump’s decision to reverse his own agency, and continue the import ban on elephant trophies causes people to take a deeper look into the world of big game hunting for fun and profit, then maybe all the flip-flopping by the White House has actually done some good.
Maurice Hinchey: 1938 – 2017. New York’s Most Accomplished Environmental Legislator
Maurice Hinchey changed forever the environmental stakes in New York State. He pursued corporations, organized crime and the United States Army with equal and unprecedented vigor, and was a tireless legislative advocate for the Hudson River.
Happy Thanksgiving
EarthDesk offers six simple Thanksgiving recommendations to enhance your holiday. In addition to remembering family, friends and community, add to your list the hungry and homeless, farmers, and our pollinating friends responsible for much of our food. Inside is EarthDesk’s award winning (we think it should be) recipe for a simple cranberry sauce. Enjoy.