No. 226, March 3, 2022
Hello Revelator readers,
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis. It could also exacerbate ecological problems, including for nearly two dozen unique and endangered species found in the country.
Ten bills currently in Congress could add thousands of miles of protections to free-flowing rivers. That gives lawmakers in D.C. a historic conservation opportunity.
Last week we ran an op-ed about mounting global pressure for a binding agreement to stop plastic production and hold producers responsible for the harm plastics have caused to people and the planet. This week representatives of 175 nations listened and agreed to start writing an international treaty about plastic pollution.
From the archives:
Salts are commonly used on icy winter roads, but research shows it increases not just salinity in freshwater ecosystems, but the formation of harmful “chemical cocktails.”
Now hear this:
Editor John Platt appeared on KPCW’s “This Green Earth” radio show this week to discuss Ukraine, climate change, the extinction crisis and other big environmental stories. Listen now.
Subscriber bonus: The Wild 5
Here are five more stories we’re watching this week.
1. Climate Change Is Harming the Planet Faster Than We Can Adapt, U.N. Warns (The New York Times)
2. Supreme Court Signals it May Restrict EPA’s Ability to Fight Climate Crisis (The Guardian)
3. Major Hurdle Cleared in Plan to Demolish 4 California Dams (AP)
4. One Way to Combat Russia? Move Faster on Clean Energy (Los Angeles Times)
5. Scientists Are Recruiting Elephant Seals to Eavesdrop on Whales (Vox)
What should we cover next?
Our stories rely on insight from experts, frontline activists and readers around the world — especially these days, when so much seems to be happening so fast. We want to hear from you, so please drop us a line anytime.
Coming up:
Tallahassee, Florida, is known as a “tree city.” So why is it moving to allow developers to cut down one of the city’s last intact forests?
Look for our latest links in next Thursday’s newsletter — or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for headlines as they go live.
As always, thank you for reading. Stay safe and connected.