Environment

August 15, 2023

Will Lahaina’s 150-Year-Old Banyan Tree Survive the Devastating Maui Wildfires?

The Hawaiian island of Maui is dealing with one of the biggest disasters in its history. As of August 14, the deadly wildfires continue to ravage the island. According to CNN, the death toll has risen to 99, with hundreds of people still unaccounted for. On top of the tragic loss of life and the people who have sadly lost everything, the cultural heritage of Hawai'i has also taken a massive blow.

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July 18, 2023

Colombia Sees a 29% Drop in Deforestation Over the Last Year

As the second-most biodiverse country in the world, Colombia has an important role to play on our planet. Over 60,000 species have been registered in the country, many of which call the Colombian Amazon home. But deforestation has always been an issue. Thankfully, according to official figures released by the government, deforestation fell 29% nationwide and 26% in the Amazon over the last year. The impetus for this dramatic turnaround?

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April 26, 2023

Kelp Forests Absorb 5 Million Tons of Carbon Dioxide Every Year

What's the value of seaweed? A new study published in Nature Communications suggest the value of the sea plant goes far beyond sushi. Researchers valued kelp forests, forests of large brown algae, at about $465 billion and $562 billion per year worldwide due to their positive impact on commercial fisheries and the environment. This flora also absorbs 4.5 million tonnes (4.96 tons) of carbon dioxide annually, rather like forests on land.

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April 12, 2023

Ocean Cleanup Has Removed Over 220 Tons of Plastic Out of the Pacific Ocean

One non-profit organization is making progress toward its goal of ridding the oceans of plastic by 2040. With its latest haul from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP), The Ocean Cleanup has now removed over 220 tons (200,000 kg) of trash from the sea. It's a stunning achievement that should be applauded, particularly when one realizes that the entire project began thanks to a simple idea by a teenager.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.