The Safe Drinking Water Act has been successful in protecting America’s drinking water supply, but challenges such as enforcement issues and new pollutants have led to ongoing problems in water quality, with under-resourced communities being disproportionately affected.
Environment
Posted inEnvironment
Dear EarthTalk: How is wind power doing in the U.S.? Is Trump going to harm it? – P.K. via email
Wind energy is a major source of renewable energy in the US, creating jobs and reducing carbon emissions, but its growth is threatened by political challenges such as President Trump’s executive order halting approvals for new projects.
Posted inEnvironment
Dear EarthTalk: How do environmentalists feel about RFK Jr.’s oversight of health in the next Trump administration, given his background as an environmental activist lawyer?
RFK Jr. has been criticized for his dangerous views on climate change and his opposition to renewable energy sources, leading many to question his credentials as an environmentalist.
Posted inEnvironment
Dear Earthtalk: What is Jimmy Carter’s environmental legacy?
Jimmy Carter’s environmental legacy, including his efforts in land preservation, energy efficiency, and climate activism, has had a lasting impact on environmental policy and continues to inspire future efforts to address ecological challenges.
Posted inEnvironment
Canadian National grant beautifies neighborhood, Chicago Street medians
The City of Joliet received a $25,000 grant from Canadian National to redevelop Joliet’s Gardens and Arbors, which will include native flowers and grasses along the pond’s walking path, as well as improvements to the Chicago Street medians.
Posted inEnvironment
Dear EarthTalk: Are we really all exposed to many hazardous chemicals that come off the packaging our food travels in? What can we do to minimize our exposure to these potential toxins in our food? — William Freleigh,
Food Contact Chemicals (FCCs) are present in a large percentage of food packaging and can be harmful to human health, but consumers can reduce their exposure by using glass and BPA-free containers, avoiding plastic kitchenware, and supporting campaigns to ban toxic chemicals in food packaging.
Posted inEnvironment
Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that bee populations are healthier in and around organic farms than elsewhere and if so, why? — Martin Mason
Bees are responsible for a third of the world’s food production, but are threatened by synthetic pesticides, monocultures, and parasites, with organic farms providing the greatest health benefits.
Posted inEnvironment
Dear EarthTalk: Where do we stand in jettisoning coal as an electricity source? – K.N. via email
The world’s largest source of electricity generation, coal, remains popular despite its negative impact on ecosystems and the risks associated with it, but governments and consumers are being encouraged to transition away from coal and towards renewable energy sources.
Posted inEnvironment
Dear EarthTalk: Where does J.D. Vance, Trump’s V.P. pick, stand on climate and environmental issues?
J.D. Vance, author of “Hillbilly Elegy” and Ohio Republican Senator, has a skeptical stance on climate change and environmental regulations, preferring policies that favor economic growth over environmental protection, and has received significant financial contributions from the oil industry.
Posted inEnvironment
Dear EarthTalk: What’s the most effective way to remove pesticide residues from fruits and vegetables that I buy at the supermarket? — R.L.J.,
A recent report found that 20% of 59 produce categories posed significant health risks to consumers despite current pesticide limits, and the best methods for removing pesticide residues from produce are soaking in warm vinegar or salt solutions, peeling or boiling, or buying organic.
