Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Hottest Summer Yet Energy consumption: 1) Central Air Conditioning (AC): Approx. 3500 watts of electricity per day 2) AC window unit: between 600 and 1500 watts 3) Ceiling fan: 30-50 watts 4) Smaller box fans (≤10 inches): 25-30 watts at the maximum air speed setting 5) Larger box fans (20 inches): Avg. 80-100 watts, although they range from 50 to 200 watts. Mechanism differences: Fans create a breeze that promotes moisture evaporation from your skin, providing a cooling effect. On the other hand, air conditioners draw in heat from the environment, cool it through an evaporation process, and release the heat outside, effectively reducing the room temperature. Cooling efficiency: While fans are energy-efficient, there are limitations to their effectiveness. Fans do not lower overall humidity levels and can increase dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to accelerated evaporation. According to CDC, "When the temperature is in the mid-90s or higher, electric fans will not prevent heat-related illness". Air conditioners, despite their higher energy consumption, are the preferred choice when temperatures soar above 90 F. (90F is the suggested temperature by CDC but keep in mind and be extra cautious as it would depend on factors such as your age, health condition, and heat tolerance level.) They effectively cool larger areas, reduce humidity, and promote efficient heat dissipation from your body. Keep in mind that indoor temperatures can significantly differ from the weather report due to various factors such as building structure, energy usage, sun exposure, humidity, ventilation, location, environment, vegetation, and occupancy. Also, heat stroke is serious and can be deadly so YOUR SAFETY SHOULD ALWAYS BE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. Stay cool during heatwaves, wear sunscreen, hydrate yourself, and make an informed decision when selecting your cooling companion! Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/pubs/extreme-heat-guidebook.pdf https://www.batteryequivalents.com/box-fan-wattage-how ... https://reviewed.usatoday.com/.../air-conditioners-vs ...

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Wildfires Are Growing Stronger and Harder to Extinguish: Causes, Challenges, and Solutions The following data concerning the acreage of areas burned by wildfires (excluding those caused by human activity) appears to illustrate the impact of climate change on the nature of wildfires. Since 1983, an average of around 70,000 wildfires per year has been documented by the National Interagency Fire Center. The fluctuations in wildfire occurrences from year to year exhibit no discernible pattern, as they are contingent upon various factors, including the climate conditions of each specific year. However, the acreage of damaged areas by wildfires per year has dramatically increased since the 1980s. The number of fires per year has remained relatively stable, yet the acreages have consistently increased year by year, regardless of advancements in firefighting technology. While each fire has unique circumstances and conditions, the steady growth in burned acreage may imply that wildfires are intensifying in strength and/or lasting longer in duration. So, what factors could potentially contribute to the expansion of burned acreage in non-man-made wildfires? Climate can change significantly influence wildfires by altering weather patterns, temperature, and vegetation, creating conditions conducive to their ignition, spread, and intensity. It amplifies the factors which contribute to wildfires such as higher temperatures, extended fire seasons, droughts, reduced snowpacks, increased lighting, and stronger winds. Sources: https://www.epa.gov/.../climate-change-indicators-wildfires https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/statistics/wildfires Data by National Interagency Fire Center. Updated May 2023

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Cooling Centers Around the U.S. for Hot Weather Days Unprecedented heat waves due to climate change have been reported all over the world this summer. It is extremely important to stay cool, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated. If you do not have a sufficient cooling system at home, you can stay at a friend's or relative's house, or visit a cooling center. Attached is a list of cooling centers by state. Please keep in mind that not all states offer a directory of cooling centers. It appears to be individually issued by county or city. If you cannot find a cooling center in your area, please call your local municipality for more information. Please feel free to share the file. https://drive.google.com/.../1fF54yonty2ZBviOCRkI.../view ...

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards The History and Effectiveness of Windbreaks and Tree Line Shrub hedges Long before modern agriculture had the science to explain it, farmers understood that trees and shrubs could help protect their fields. Planting vegetation in rows or along field boundaries can slow strong winds, reduce soil erosion, conserve moisture, and create a more favorable environment for crops. Today, these plantings are known as windbreaks or shelterbelts, and they remain an important tool in agricultural conservation. An Idea With Ancient Roots The use of vegetation to protect cultivated land goes back thousands of years, although the exact forms varied between regions. In ancient Mesopotamia, for example, evidence from Sumerian agricultural landscapes indicates that fields included strips of vegetation that helped protect soil from wind erosion. Trees were also an important part of ancient agricultural landscapes throughout the region. Ancient Egyptians also incorporated trees into cultivated landscapes and gardens. Trees provided shade, food, and protection, including some protection from strong winds. Archaeological evidence shows that trees were deliberately integrated into agricultural and garden environments rather than treated simply as wild vegetation. In the Andes, Indigenous agricultural societies developed sophisticated systems for managing erosion, water, soil, and microclimates. The Inca are particularly well known for their terraces, which reduced erosion and allowed agriculture on steep mountain slopes. Recent research also shows that trees and other vegetation formed part of broader Andean strategies for maintaining productive landscapes. The important point is not that ancient farmers everywhere used modern-style windbreaks. Rather, many agricultural societies learned to work with vegetation to make cultivated landscapes more resilient. How Windbreaks Work Modern research has helped explain why the practice works. A windbreak consists of one or more rows of trees or shrubs positioned to intercept prevailing winds. Instead of stopping the wind completely, a well-designed windbreak slows and redirects airflow. According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, windbreaks can reduce wind velocity in the protected area, helping control wind erosion, improve water-use efficiency, and protect crop quality and production. The protected area can extend several times the height of the trees, while measurable reductions in wind speed can extend much farther under suitable conditions. The exact distance depends on the height, density, species, arrangement, and permeability of the vegetation. Windbreaks can also reduce evaporation and plant water loss and moderate temperature extremes. In dry regions, these effects can be particularly valuable. But more trees are not necessarily better. A completely solid barrier can create turbulence on its downwind side. Research and agricultural guidance generally favor partially permeable barriers that allow some air to pass through rather than acting like a wall. From Traditional Practice to Modern Agriculture Windbreaks remain part of modern conservation agriculture. The USDA promotes field windbreaks made from trees and shrubs to control wind erosion, improve crop production, manage snow, increase wildlife habitat, and improve water-use efficiency. Proper spacing and species selection are important because trees can also compete with crops for water, nutrients, and sunlight. The approach is particularly useful in dry and semi-arid regions. The Food and Agriculture Organization has documented the use of tree and shrub windbreaks to reduce wind erosion, evaporation, and temperature extremes while protecting agricultural production. In Niger's Majjia Valley, for example, farmers and conservation organizations established tree windbreaks in response to severe wind erosion. The project demonstrated both the benefits and challenges of the technique, including the need to manage tree growth so that the vegetation does not eventually compete too heavily with crops. The Idea on a Much Larger Scale The same basic principle appears in some of today's largest land-restoration projects. China's Three-North Shelterbelt Program, launched in 1978, was designed to address wind erosion, desertification, and land degradation across northern China. The project covers parts of the country's northwest, north, and northeast and is planned to continue through 2050. Chinese government sources describe its objectives as protecting farmland, restoring degraded land, and improving ecological conditions. In Africa, the Great Green Wall has evolved beyond the original concept of creating a continuous wall of trees. Today, it is an African-led landscape-restoration initiative spanning roughly 8,000 kilometers across the Sahel. Its goal is to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land while supporting food security, livelihoods, biodiversity, and climate resilience. The initiative includes trees, shrubs, grasses, agroforestry, and other forms of land restoration. In Senegal, for example, Great Green Wall activities have included the creation of windbreaks as part of broader agroforestry efforts. An Old Idea With a Modern Role Windbreaks are a good example of how traditional agricultural knowledge can intersect with modern science. Farmers did not need to understand fluid dynamics to recognize that vegetation could shelter crops and soil from harsh winds. Modern research has since explained the mechanisms and helped determine how windbreaks should be designed for different environments. As agriculture faces increasing pressure from drought, soil degradation, and extreme weather, an old technique is finding renewed relevance. Sometimes, protecting the future of agriculture means looking at what farmers learned long before modern technology existed. Sources USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Field Windbreak Food and Agriculture Organization: Special Forest Plantations: Windbreaks and Shelterbelts University of Chicago Oriental Institute: Evidence of vegetation strips protecting Sumerian fields from wind erosion. Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian: Engineering the Inka Empire Ambio: Trees, terraces and llamas: Resilient watershed management and sustainable agriculture the Inca way National Development and Reform Commission of China: Three-North Shelterbelt Program UN Convention to Combat Desertification: Great Green Wall Initiative UNCCD: Great Green Wall: Implementation Status and Way Ahead to 2030 #ctdp #Windbreaks #SustainableAgriculture #Agroforestry #SoilConservation #RegenerativeAgriculture #ClimateResilience #AncientAgriculture #TraditionalKnowledge #LandRestoration #SustainableFarming #EnvironmentalScience #ConnectingTheDotsproject #ctdp

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Preventing Bird Collision 1000 migrating birds killed by colliding into the windows of Mccormick Center in Chicago in October 2023. (Image owned by Chicago Field Museum) In the past, I've shared about migrating birds colliding with windows of high-rises in urban areas. Even though we do not live in these tall buildings, we also experienced three casualties. These 3 incidents occurred in a short period during their migration season. After doing some research, we found a simple and effective solution that has worked for us over the past two years, and I wanted to share it with you all. Solution: Vertical Lines Using a white liquid chalk marker (erasable), we drew vertical lines about 4 inches apart on the inside or outside of our windows. Birds are hesitant to fly through vertical gaps, and this simple trick has prevented any further incidents. Since applying this method, we've had zero bird collisions. If you're facing a similar issue, I highly recommend giving it a try! Draw white lines with an erasable marker. The previous article "Protecting bird-migration from building collisions": The case for lights out in urban skylines" Bird collisions with buildings, known as "bird strikes," occur due to reflections, light pollution, transparent surfaces, habitat loss in urban areas, attractants like lights inside buildings, and certain architectural designs such as large mirror exteriors. These collisions are most common during bird migration seasons, posing a threat to bird populations. Efforts like Lights Out programs aim to reduce these risks and protect birds by encouraging building owners to turn off decorative lights during migration periods. Recently, a news reported that almost 1,000 migrating birds met a tragic end as they collided with the glass-covered McCormick Place Lakeside Center, a convention center in downtown Chicago in A SINGLE NIGHT!! (Refer to the attached photo: The Chicago Field Museum inspects the bodies of migrating birds that were killed when they flew into the windows of the McCormick Place Lakeside Center.) The bird collisions are common. At the height of the fall bird migration season in North America, approximately 4 billion birds will traverse urban environments on their journey south to winter habitats. Unfortunately, millions of these birds will never reach their intended destinations, falling victim to fatal collisions with buildings. These collisions pose an additional threat to bird populations already stressed by habitat loss, predation, and other factors. The good news is that studies suggest dimming and turning off lights at night significantly reduces bird collisions. "Lights Out" campaigns have proven successful in various cities worldwide, and individuals can contribute by following bird migration forecasts, supporting local policies, and backing birding groups working on large-scale solutions. Recent legal initiatives, like the Migratory Local Wildlife Protection Act, mandate bird-friendly glass for new buildings and renovations. To prevent bird collisions, high-rise buildings can adopt Lights Out practices, which involve turning off decorative lighting on upper floors after 11 p.m. and keeping them off until dawn. This strategy is especially crucial during bird migration seasons, from March 15 to June 15 for spring migration and from August 15 to November 15 for fall migration. Residents of upper floors are encouraged to participate, and the guidelines apply to buildings with 40 or more stories and isolated buildings with 20 or more stories. Additionally, shorter buildings with extensive glass exteriors can aid bird safety by extinguishing exterior and interior lighting or drawing blinds during the same migration periods. For buildings featuring illuminated atria, reducing atrium lighting in the early morning hours can also help. Research recommends turning off lights (or drawing blinds) in all perimeter office and residential spaces on all floors from 4 a.m. until full daylight during Lights Out migration periods to minimize bird-window collisions as birds descend after their migratory journey. Sources: https://www.birdmonitors.net/Products.php https://sacajaweaaudubon.org/bird-safe-windows/ https://www.npr.org/.../nearly-1-000-migrating-birds-died ... https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0224164 https://birdmapper-flap.hub.arcgis.com/pages/gbcm-guide https://www.smithsonianmag.com/.../turning-off-your.../ ....

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Hydroclimate whiplash and dry climate can increase wildfires Recent research shows that hydroclimate whiplash, or rapid shifts between unusually wet and dry conditions, can increase wildfire risk , particularly when these swings occur alongside a warming climate. During unusually wet periods, heavy rainfall can stimulate rapid vegetation growth. When that wet period is followed by heat and dryness, the vegetation can dry out and become highly flammable fuel. At the same time, a warmer climate is increasing evaporative demand , causing water to leave soils and vegetation more quickly and making it harder for landscapes to retain moisture. Together, these conditions can create a dangerous sequence: wet periods produce more vegetation, while subsequent heat and dryness turn that growth into fuel for wildfire. The result can be larger and more intense fires when ignition occurs. Parts of California and other fire-prone regions are already experiencing increasingly volatile swings between wet and dry conditions. Climate change can intensify the heat and atmospheric drying that follow wet periods, increasing the likelihood that vegetation will become dangerously dry. Reducing the risk will require both adaptation and climate mitigation , including improved water and land management, strategic fuel reduction and fire prevention, better early-warning systems, and efforts to limit further warming. Without these measures, increasingly volatile wet-to-dry cycles could put ecosystems and communities at greater risk of severe wildfires. Sources: https://newsroom.ucla.edu/.../floods-droughts-fires ... https://phys.org/.../2025-01-links-dry-atmosphere-sponge ... www.nature.com Hydroclimate volatility on a warming Earth - Nature Reviews Earth & Environment Rapid transitions between extreme wet and extreme dry conditions — ‘hydroclimate whiplash’ — have marked environmental and societal impacts. This Review outlines observed and projected changes in hydroclimate whiplash, suggesting that subseasonal and interannual volatility will increase markedly with ongoing warming. 1/10/2025

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Wildfires and Habitat Loss Drive Monarch Butterflies to Near-Historic Lows Monarch Butterflies The western monarch butterfly population has experienced a dramatic decline, with recent counts revealing a 96% decrease from the previous year, totaling just 9,119 individuals—the second-lowest number in nearly three decades. Several factors contribute to this decline, including habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and extreme weather events. Wildfires, in particular, have had a significant impact on monarch habitats. For instance, the Palisades Fire burned vegetation at Lower Topanga Creek in Topanga State Park, destroying nectar sources vital for the butterflies. The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires not only destroy critical habitats but also disrupt the migratory patterns of monarchs, making it challenging for them to find suitable overwintering sites and food sources. Conservationists are advocating for the listing of the monarch butterfly under the U.S. Endangered Species Act to provide legal protections and promote habitat restoration efforts. Individuals can also contribute by planting native milkweed and nectar-rich plants, reducing pesticide use, and participating in citizen science projects to monitor monarch populations. The decline of the monarch butterfly serves as a stark reminder of the broader environmental challenges posed by climate change and habitat destruction. Immediate and concerted efforts are essential to prevent the potential extinction of this iconic species. Sources: https://www.thetimes.com/us/news-today/article/americas-most-famous-butterfly-in-peril-as-population-vanishes-n82pbqvtk?utm_source=chatgpt.com®ion=global www.sfgate.com Famed species' population close to hitting all-time low in California California's western monarch butterfly population dropped from 200,000 to just over 9,000 this winter. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/29/every-tree-used-to-be-blanketed-with-them-photographer-captures-campaign-to-save-monarch-butterfly?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Red Honey, Maraschino Cherries, and a Secret Marijuana Empire in Brooklyn In 2010, beekeepers in Red Hook, Brooklyn, noticed something unusual. Their bees were returning with red streaks on their bodies, and the honey they produced was bright red. The beekeepers investigated possible sources and eventually traced the color to runoff from Dell’s Maraschino Cherry Company. The factory used Red Dye 40 in its cherry-processing operation, and bees were apparently feeding on the sugary waste. After the factory secured its waste following expert advice, the red honey problem stopped. That was not the end of the story. In 2015, authorities raided the factory as part of an investigation into illegal wastewater dumping. During the search, they found a false wall and detected the smell of marijuana. As police prepared to obtain a warrant for a more extensive search, factory owner Arthur Mondella went into a bathroom and died by suicide. Investigators later searched the concealed area and found a roughly 2,500-square-foot marijuana-growing operation. It contained cultivation equipment, luxury cars, and large amounts of cash. At the time, authorities described it as the largest indoor marijuana grow discovered in New York City. The red honey and the marijuana operation were separate discoveries years apart, but both became part of the unusual history of a maraschino cherry factory in Brooklyn. Sources The New York Times, “In Mystery (and Culture Clash), Some Brooklyn Bees Turn Red” Associated Press, “NYC bees turn red from cherry juice” Grist, “Brooklyn’s red bees, Maraschino cherries, and a collision of cultures” ABC News, “Maraschino Cherry Tycoon: The Secret Drug Lair New York City Police Uncovered” The New York Times, “The Fall of the Cherry King” DNAinfo, “Cherry Factory Owner Kills Self During Probe That Uncovered Huge Pot Stash” #NewYorkCity #Brooklyn #RedHook #NYCHistory #MaraschinoCherries #Bees #Beekeeping #UrbanBeekeeping #RedHoney #ScienceAndNature #EnvironmentalStories #WeirdHistory #HiddenHistory #TrueStory #ConnectingTheDots

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Juvenile Bats Are Key Carriers of Viruses, Scientists Find Bats are surprisingly long-lived for their size. While many small mammals live only a few years, some bat species can live 20 to 40 years, and a few even longer. Because of this, their developmental stages like "juvenile" last longer than in rodents, which increases their impact on virus transmission. A recent study from the University of Sydney revealed that juvenile bats play a major role in the emergence of new viruses, especially coronaviruses . Researchers collected more than 2,500 bat fecal samples over three years and discovered that young bats often carry multiple viruses at once, creating the perfect conditions for viruses to mutate and evolve. Minor Clarification: The viruses studied in this research were nobecoviruses, a type of coronavirus that currently poses no known risk to humans. While the idea that juvenile bats could act as “incubators” for future human-infecting viruses is still speculative, it is scientifically plausible based on how viruses evolve. Why Young Bats Matter - Weaker immunity: After they stop nursing, juvenile bats lose the antibodies passed on by their mothers. Their immune systems are still developing, making them more prone to infections. - Higher viral loads: Young bats shed more virus than adults and often carry several strains at the same time. This increases the chance that different viruses will combine and form new ones. - Seasonal patterns: Viral shedding in young bats rises during specific times of the year. Scientists can use these patterns to identify higher-risk periods for disease spread to humans or animals. These findings could help scientists create better early warning systems by focusing surveillance during the riskiest periods. Why Bats Are Frequent Virus Carriers - Bats are linked to many dangerous viruses including Ebola, Nipah, SARS, and other coronaviruses. Here’s why they are so effective at spreading disease: - High viral diversity: Bats carry more zoonotic viruses than most other mammals, even after adjusting for how often they are studied. - Large colonies: Many bats live in tightly packed groups, making it easy for viruses to spread among individuals. - Unique immune systems: Bats can carry viruses without getting seriously sick. Their immune systems are good at controlling inflammation, which helps viruses stay in their bodies longer. - Long lives and wide travel ranges: Bats live much longer than other small animals and can fly across long distances. This allows viruses to travel with them to new regions. - High species diversity: There are more than 1,400 bat species worldwide. This gives viruses many chances to evolve and potentially jump to other animals, including humans. Although bats carry many viruses, most do not infect people. The real danger comes when humans disrupt natural habitats, increase contact with wildlife, or stress animals through farming, urbanization, and climate change. To reduce the risk of virus spillover from wildlife, it is important not to touch wild animals. If you come to contact with wild animals, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you are bitten, scratched, or come into contact with saliva, urine, or feces, clean the area immediately and seek medical advice. Sources: https://www.sydney.edu.au/.../co-infections-in-young-bats ... https://www.sciencedaily.com/.../2025/07/250722035556.htm ... https://www.sciencedaily.com/.../2025/07/250722035556.htm ... https://www.science.org/.../bats-really-do-harbor-more ... https://knowablemagazine.org/.../why-do-bats-have-so-many ... #bats #coronavirus #disease #wildlife #animals #birds #sars #nobecovirus #human #biodiversity #environment #diseasecontrol #urbanization #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject #Ebola

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards 🐥 1000 migrating birds dies from collision in a single night in Chicago, in Oct 2023 🐦 Bird collisions with buildings, known as "bird strikes," occur due to reflections, light pollution, transparent surfaces, habitat loss in urban areas, attractants like lights inside buildings, and certain architectural designs such as large mirror exteriors. These collisions are most common during bird migration seasons, posing a threat to bird populations. Efforts like Lights Out programs aim to reduce these risks and protect birds by encouraging building owners to turn off decorative lights during migration periods.Recently, a news reported that almost 1,000 migrating birds met a tragic end as they collided with the glass-covered McCormick Place Lakeside Center, a convention center in downtown Chicago in A SINGLE NIGHT!! (Refer to the attached photo: The Chicago Field Museum inspects the bodies of migrating birds that were killed when they flew into the windows of the McCormick Place Lakeside Center.)The bird collisions are common. At the height of the fall bird migration season in North America, approximately 4 billion birds will traverse urban environments on their journey south to winter habitats. Unfortunately, millions of these birds will never reach their intended destinations, falling victim to fatal collisions with buildings. These collisions pose an additional threat to bird populations already stressed by habitat loss, predation, and other factors.The good news is that studies suggest dimming and turning off lights at night significantly reduces bird collisions. "Lights Out" campaigns have proven successful in various cities worldwide, and individuals can contribute by following bird migration forecasts, supporting local policies, and backing birding groups working on large-scale solutions. Recent legal initiatives, like the Migratory Local Wildlife Protection Act, mandate bird-friendly glass for new buildings and renovations. To prevent bird collisions, high-rise buildings can adopt Lights Out practices, which involve turning off decorative lighting on upper floors after 11 p.m. and keeping them off until dawn. This strategy is especially crucial during bird migration seasons, from March 15 to June 15 for spring migration and from August 15 to November 15 for fall migration. Residents of upper floors are encouraged to participate, and the guidelines apply to buildings with 40 or more stories and isolated buildings with 20 or more stories.Additionally, shorter buildings with extensive glass exteriors can aid bird safety by extinguishing exterior and interior lighting or drawing blinds during the same migration periods. For buildings featuring illuminated atria, reducing atrium lighting in the early morning hours can also help. Research recommends turning off lights (or drawing blinds) in all perimeter office and residential spaces on all floors from 4 a.m. until full daylight during Lights Out migration periods to minimize bird-window collisions as birds descend after their migratory journey. Photo by The Chicago Field Museum Sources: https://www.npr.org/.../nearly-1-000-migrating-birds-died...https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0224164https://birdmapper-flap.hub.arcgis.com/pages/gbcm-guidehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/.../turning-off-your.../ ... .

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Wildfire Smoke and Dementia: What Scientists Now Know Could Wildfire Smoke Affect Dementia Risk? Wildfire smoke is well known to harm respiratory and cardiovascular health. Researchers are also investigating whether repeated or long-term exposure to wildfire smoke could affect the brain and contribute to dementia risk. One large study of 1,228,452 Kaiser Permanente Southern California members aged 60 and older examined whether long-term exposure to wildfire-generated fine particulate matter, known as PM₂.₅, was associated with dementia diagnoses. The study used electronic health records from 2008 through 2019 and was originally published in JAMA Neurology in November 2024. The original analysis reported that every 1 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase in three-year average wildfire PM2.5 exposure was associated with an 18% increase in the odds of receiving a dementia diagnosis. However, researchers later discovered a coding error in the way dementia cases were identified. The paper was retracted and replaced on June 30, 2025. The error had incorrectly classified 5,413 people who did not have a dementia diagnosis as having dementia. Researchers also found that 5,345 people with Parkinson disease had incorrectly been excluded from the original study population. After correcting the error, the estimated association was smaller. A 1 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase in three-year average wildfire PM2.5 exposure was associated with 12% higher odds of a dementia diagnosis. However, the result was not statistically significant. The adjusted odds ratio was 1.12, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.98 to 1.28. Because the confidence interval includes 1.00, the study could not rule out the possibility that the overall association was due to chance. This does not mean wildfire smoke has been shown to be harmless to the brain. Rather, the corrected study did not establish a statistically significant association between long-term wildfire PM2.5 exposure and dementia in the overall study population. What Is PM2.5? PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter. These particles are small enough to travel deep into the lungs, and some particles or their components may enter the bloodstream. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 from various sources has been associated with adverse health effects, including cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Researchers have proposed several possible ways air pollution could affect the brain, including inflammation, oxidative stress, blood-vessel dysfunction, and effects on the blood-brain barrier. These mechanisms, however, do not by themselves prove that wildfire smoke causes dementia. Wildfire smoke can also differ chemically from pollution produced by traffic, industry, and other sources. Researchers are continuing to investigate whether these differences influence long-term health risks. What Did the Study Find in Different Groups? The corrected analysis found statistically significant associations between wildfire PM2.5 exposure and dementia diagnosis among participants who were younger than 75 at study entry and within a broad "Other" racial and ethnic category that included people reporting multiple races, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, other, or unknown race and ethnicity. These findings should be interpreted cautiously. Subgroup results do not prove that wildfire smoke causes dementia in these populations, and differences may reflect statistical variation, exposure patterns, socioeconomic conditions, health care access, or other factors. Other Research A separate study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia also examined long-term wildfire smoke exposure and dementia in a large California population. It found that each 1 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase in three-year average wildfire PM2.5 exposure was associated with 10% higher odds of a dementia diagnosis, but the confidence interval was 0.96 to 1.25, meaning the overall association was not statistically significant. Together, these studies suggest that wildfire smoke and dementia deserve further investigation, but they do not establish that wildfire smoke causes dementia. Why This Matters Wildfires are an increasingly important source of PM₂.₅ exposure in many areas. Understanding the potential long-term effects of repeated smoke exposure is therefore an important public-health question. For now, the connection between wildfire smoke and dementia remains uncertain. The strongest evidence continues to concern the immediate and well-established respiratory and cardiovascular harms of wildfire smoke. Nevertheless, the possibility of neurological effects is an important area for continued research. During wildfire smoke events, reducing exposure remains important regardless of what future research finds about dementia. Following local air-quality advisories, keeping indoor air clean, limiting outdoor exposure when smoke levels are high, and using appropriate air filtration can help reduce exposure to wildfire smoke. Sources JAMA Neurology, “Wildfire Smoke Exposure and Incident Dementia” https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2827124 National Institutes of Health, “Wildfire Smoke Exposure and Dementia Risk” https://www.alzheimers.gov/news/wildfire-smoke-exposure-and-dementia-risk University of Washington, “Retracted and Replaced: UW-Led Research Links Wildfire Smoke Exposure With Increased Dementia Risk” https://www.washington.edu/news/2024/11/25/video-uw-led-research-links-wildfire-smoke-exposure-with-increased-dementia-risk/ Alzheimer’s & Dementia, “Long-Term Wildfire Smoke Exposure and Incident Dementia in a Large California Cohort” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11715301/

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Western monarch population decline due to wildfires Monarch Butterflies The western monarch butterfly population remains at a critically low level. The latest Western Monarch Count recorded approximately 12,260 butterflies during the peak overwintering period in late 2025. This was the third-lowest count since monitoring began in 1997. The population has declined dramatically from the millions of western monarchs that were regularly recorded in the 1980s. The decline is linked to several factors, including habitat loss and degradation, pesticide exposure, climate change, and extreme weather. Wildfires are an additional threat because they can destroy breeding and overwintering habitat. The 2025 Palisades Fire, for example, damaged monarch habitat in Lower Topanga State Park, including vegetation that provides nectar for the butterflies. Restoration efforts are now underway in parts of the burn area. Monarchs depend on healthy habitats throughout their life cycle. Milkweed is essential because it is the only known host plant for monarch caterpillars, while flowering plants provide nectar for adults. Loss of these resources can make it harder for monarchs to reproduce, migrate, and survive. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in December 2024. The proposal also included protections for monarch habitat in coastal California. As of 2026, however, the monarch has not been given final federal protection. Individuals can support monarch conservation by planting native milkweed and nectar-producing plants, avoiding unnecessary pesticide use, protecting existing habitat, and participating in community science projects that help researchers monitor monarch populations. The western monarch's continued decline is a warning about the combined effects of habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, and extreme weather. Protecting the remaining habitat and restoring damaged areas will be important to preserving this remarkable migration for future generations. Sources Xerces Society, Western Monarch Numbers Remain at Historic Low https://www.xerces.org/press/western-monarch-numbers-remain-at-historic-low Xerces Society, Western Monarchs Head into Spring with a Small Migratory Population https://xerces.org/news/organizational-news/western-monarchs-head-into-spring-with-small-migratory-population U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Save the Monarch https://www.fws.gov/our-work/pollinators/save-monarch U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Proposed Threatened Status for Monarch Butterfly https://www.fws.gov/species-publication-action/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-threatened-species-127 California State Parks Foundation, Where Monarchs Take Refuge https://www.calparks.org/blog/where-monarchs-take-refuge CalMatters, California's monarch butterfly count yields worrisome finding https://calmatters.org/newsletter/monarch-butterfly-count/ #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject #MonarchButterfly #WesternMonarch #ButterflyConservation #Pollinators #WildlifeConservation #ClimateChange #HabitatLoss #Wildlife #EndangeredSpecies #EnvironmentalProtection #NativePlants #Milkweed #California #Conservation #Biodiversity #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject