Greenhouse gases trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to climate change. One of the most common greenhouse gases is methane. In the United States, cars and industry are the primary sources of greenhouse gases. In Africa, which has more agriculture than industry, burping cows are the main producers of methane gas. Researchers have found that African and American cows are actually quite different from each other in the amount of methane in their burps. African scientists are studying how cows’ diets affect their methane production. Listen to hear how cow burps affect the environment.
Story Length: 2:47
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December 16, 2021
6:36
Jane Goodall’s discoveries more than 60 years ago transformed humans’ understanding of chimpanzees’ intelligence and social behavior. Her new book, The Book Of Hope, may help readers understand the nature and necessity of hope. In this interview, Goodall discusses how she views local environmental action as a tool to help people remain hopeful. She also discusses the benefits of her non-traditional scientific training. Listen to hear more about where Goodall finds hope and learn how she inspires young people to realize that there is always something they can do to help their cause.
Read MoreOctober 12, 2021
5:32
Twenty-two endangered bird species have recently been declared extinct. Many were native to Hawaii, a region filled with biodiversity that has seen birds and other creatures go extinct at an alarming rate. In this audio story, a coordinator for a Hawaiian wildlife recovery project explains the conditions that contribute to species loss on the islands, and fondly recalls some of the birds that used to live there. Listen to learn more about bird extinctions in Hawaii and why, according to the coordinator, “the forests are getting silent.”
Read MoreDecember 5, 2018
4:28
A new government report on climate change warns of the rapidly increasing negative effects of climate change and offers recommendations to help slow down its adverse impact. The report explains that not only are humans responsible for climate change, but our ongoing actions are making it worse. Listen to this interview with a climate change expert to hear about the urgency of this warning and what makes her hopeful.
Read MoreMay 22, 2015
4:30
Greenhouse gas emissions in March were some of the highest ever recorded on the planet in millions of years. Carbon dioxide emissions have built up over time and increased the saturation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere up to 400 parts per million. Listen to learn about how scientists are able to determine past levels of carbon dioxide and measure this current trend.
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