We tend to view the world solely through the lens of human existence, even though we are dependent upon the natural world. Over the past few decades, substantial global-scale ecosystem changes, influenced by a warming atmosphere, have been taking place. Researchers estimate that over 80% of core ecological processes have been affected by the changing […]
Read more "What exactly are these ecosystem changes? By Julie Peller Ph.D."For many, climate change is at the center of action and contemplation. If we think of Bangladesh as a window into the future for the world as a whole, we may be able to think of policy change worldwide. Maybe, just maybe ore policy would come forth. In our era today we must come to […]
Read more "climate change is at the center of action and contemplation"The world has been dependent on fossil fuels for energy mostly since the industrial revolution of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Power-driven advances in the steel, electric, and automobile industries defined this era. In 1901, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was 296 parts per million (ppm). In 1800, it was 283 […]
Read more "“The world must find ways to decrease the releases of carbon dioxide” ~ Julie Peller Ph.D."These past months, there have been many heartbreaking aspects of the viral pandemic. An unfortunate part of the pandemic has been the extensive loss of jobs, which has led to food insecurity for many people. Food pantries have been stretched beyond their normal capacity to assist people in need. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s tracking […]
Read more "Nearly half of globally produced fruits and vegetables are wasted. By Julie Peller Ph.D."The ways the natural world serves the human population are sometimes referred to as ecosystem services, led by clean water, air, and soil. Rain forests and other areas of dense tree growth also provide ecological services and are part of the world’s natural capital. Trees take in carbon dioxide and provide oxygen, among many other […]
Read more "Where less is better, where local and sustainable businesses are supported. By Julie Peller Ph.D."Today the 3rd of July in 529 was The Synod of Orange. There was a group Led by the ‘Augustinians‘ of the day, (somewhat forceable group too). After exerting influence, the synod upheld Augustine’s doctrines of grace and free will while condemning the views of Semi-Pelagians, including John Cassian and Faustus of Riez. They believed the human […]
Read more "Are we really semi- Pelagians and don’t know it?"“With joy you shall draw water.” (Isaiah 12:3) How plentiful and accessible is fresh, clean water in this day and age? Are we using water in a sustainable manner, in a way that meets present needs of all people and the needs of future generations? For sustenance and continuance of life on the earth, fresh, […]
Read more "“Imagine if we used $18 billion to ensure healthy tap water for all people in the US.” By Julie Peller Ph.D."All plastic materials are resistant to natural decomposition processes; they will exist for hundreds of years or more. This is one of the reasons that plastic waste is a huge pollution problem. This might elicit questions: what has happened to the 8 billion metric tons of plastic that have been produced? Should plastic materials be […]
Read more "Thank You Ellison Pratley. By Julie Peller Ph.D"Green Junction The next few Green Junction columns will focus on plastic pollution, which is an extensive, global environmental and public health problem. Each will also offer a college student’s view through poetry, as we need to understand the concerns of the younger generation. My colleagues and I have written and instituted a lab experiment […]
Read more "The next few Green Junction columns will focus on plastic pollution by Julie Peller Ph.D"Green Junction Over the past several weeks, the pace of human society has dramatically slowed as a result of a natural phenomenon – the spread of a new virus. Technically classified as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, this coronavirus has led to a pandemic, a public health crisis on the international scale. Infectious disease is not new […]
Read more "The call from Pope Francis By Julie Peller Ph.D."