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Audubon Florida Climate and Energy News Roundup

Today we share news about Audubon’s work to support clean energy while minimizing impacts to birds, the effect of heat waves on greenhouse gas emissions, Tropical Storm Debby’s impact on water quality, and more.

Burrowing Owls. Photo: Heidi Piccerelli/Audubon Photography Awards

How Clean Energy Can Benefit Climate, Communities, And Conservation

From the National Audubon Society Magazine

“Audubon staff and chapters across the U.S. have been engaging on proposed wind, photovoltaic solar, and transmission projects to make sure that they avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts on birds and the places they need. Guided by the best available science and mapping technology, we work with developers, wildlife agencies, and affected communities to identify potential impacts and ensure that developments can occur expeditiously in areas of least conflict.”

Read the entire article.

Extraordinary Heat Waves Have Readers Asking How A/C Affects Greenhouse Gas Emissions

From Science News

“As what’s ‘normal’ for temperatures continues to tick upward, it’s important to note that we can’t just adapt our way out of climate change, scientists have warned (SN: 2/28/22). A concerted, global effort to curb carbon emissions is what’s needed to stave off more disastrous climate consequences, researchers say… As for how that translates to carbon dioxide emissions? Air conditioning accounts for about 117 million metric tons of the greenhouse gas emitted to the atmosphere each year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.”

Read the entire article.

Much of the Urban Forest is Scattered in Back Yards and That’s a Climate Challenge

From Anthropocene

“In cities across the United States, many more tree species are found in residential yards than in nearby parks or native landscapes outside the city, according to a new analysis. The findings suggest that residential yards make a major contribution to tree biodiversity in the urban forest – but whether that translates into greater ecosystem services or resilience against climate change is less certain, researchers argue.”

Read the entire article.

Estuaries in South Florida Are Warming Faster Than the Gulf of Mexico and Global Ocean

From the University of South Florida

“Sea surface temperatures are on the rise around the world, but the problem is pronounced in the estuaries and shallow coastal waters of South Florida. In South Florida, estuaries have experienced rapid warming over the past two decades. These temperature changes have outpaced trends elsewhere in the ocean, according to a series of studies published by researchers at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science (CMS) and National Park Service.”

Read the entire article.

Debby Overwhelmed Tampa Bay Sewers, Spilling Millions of Gallons of Pollution

From the Miami Herald

“The deluge from Tropical Storm Debby this week swamped Tampa Bay's sewage systems, causing millions of gallons of raw and partially treated wastewater mixed with rain to overflow into streets, canals and natural waterways… Local officials said stormwater and sewage systems weren't built to handle the sudden influx of water that Debby wrought. Parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties saw 10 to 14 inches of rain, according to rainfall data… But environmentalists say it's indefensible for a state accustomed to extreme weather to allow these spills to continue. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of storms bringing heavy rainfall.”

Read the entire article.

High Temperatures Can Cause Train Tracks to Buckle and Kink

From Anthropocene Magazine

“As the climate warms, intensifying heat waves are throwing the U.S. passenger rail system off schedule… Miles Owen is the senior climate resilience specialist at Amtrak. He says train rails expand in the heat. So high temperatures can cause tracks to buckle and kink. And along the East Coast, Amtrak trains are powered by electric lines running overhead. Those lines can expand and sag during a heat wave. Owen says Amtrak is investigating ways to keep tracks cooler – for example, painting rails white to reflect the heat, or adding shade at critical junctions.”

Read the entire article.

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