Why do TV and political flyers feature attack ads? Why won’t a candidate just tell me what he/she intends to do, rather than to assassinate the opposition? Continue reading
Blog Posts and Writings Tagged: environment
Blog 96. Where did solar buildings go?
When I say “solar building,” I don’t mean a house, or a school, or a parking shed, or some other building with photovoltaic panels on the roof. Continue reading
Blog 88. Will nations ever come together?
“The question looms like a cloud over United Nations negotiations in Paris this month—the 21st such attempt to forge an international agreement to curb greenhouse gas emissions. A big reason for failing to find common ground is American intransigence on the role of government.” Continue reading
Blog 85. Should scientists become advocates?
Scientists are committed to tell the truth, as best they can from the measurements they make in the physical world. But you can’t apply a scientific statement, however true, to just any situation. Continue reading
Blog 84. Headline: CONNECTICUT-SIZED DEAD ZONE
The headline in EOS (earth and space science news) brought memory of an event ‘way back in the ’70s, when, on a warm summer day, my phone delivered a barrage of calls from outraged mothers. Continue reading
Blog 83. Headlines, hubris and earth science
“Budget meddling by congress?” We would rather read something terrible, tragic, or titillating. And short. Continue reading
Blog 82. Temperature doesn’t forecast climate
Regarding climate change, the political arguments focus on whether the temperature is increasing. It is, but that’s not a firm indicator. Continue reading
Blog 75. Water, Water, Worries Everywhere
A week ago, the governor of California ordered a 25% reduction in water use. Well, the 25% statewide reduction will turn the big lawns brown, as they should be in this climate, Continue reading