Environmentally 2013 is a remarkable year. A year in review
marks the good and the bad. Below are some highlights in various areas of
environmental concern.
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Energy
Due to the emphasis on energy efficiency and power supply
sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions are slowing for the first time ever. We are
using and finding new sources of renewable energy and using what we have more
effectively. While we are presently
increasing gas usage, this is likely to be quickly overtaken by a focus on
green energy. This energy sector is growing faster than any other source. All
types of green energy are making up this sector including solar, wind, hydro
(wave, tidal and gravitational force), radiant, geothermal, biomass, compressed
natural gas and nuclear power. Research in all of these sectors continues to
develop at incredible rates to provide more options for improvements in this
area.
Weather
The year 2013 can be marked as one of the most unpredictable
weather years on record. As the seventh warmest year on record, 2013 also marks
it as being among the top ten coldest springs for much of the North American
mid section. Extreme weather events included droughts in Brazil, wildfires in
Australia, wildfires in California, tornadoes in Oklahoma, flooding in southern
Alberta, Canada, flooding in Colorado, Flooding in central Europe, monsoon
floods in Northern India, cyclone Phailin in the Bay of Bengal, and Super
typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Each of these extreme events brought with it
extreme costs to human life and global budgets.
Nature
Arguably the most devastating nature stories come from
Africa this year. With one-fifth of Africa’s elephants in jeopardy this year
due to poaching and 751 rhinos killed by poachers in South Africa and Kenya
conservation groups continue to struggle against the tragic and senseless
carnage.
But other concerns from nature include declines of wildlife
in Europe where more than 200 native species of birds, bats, moths,
butterflies, rabbits and dormice have been reported in the UK alone. There are
other huge concerns for the bee population in Europe as a whole due to overuse
of pesticides.
Destruction of the Amazon rainforest continues to be a
concern on the South American continent as almost one-third of the watershed
was overtaken by development. This destruction will threaten the habitats and
existence of animals such as the Jaguar, Ocelot, Giant Anteater, Golden Lion
Tamarin, Red Howler, Toucan and Green Poison Dart Frog.
In North America the red wolf continues to be one of the
world’s most endangered canids. Its cousin the Grey wolf has been listed and
delisted from various protective lists throughout the country but it is
strictly monitored so as to protect both the wolf and human population.
In good news in the animal news world, the Puerto Rican
Parrot has made a modest comeback with 100 being tracked in the wild currently,
up from just 13 a few years ago. The Rio
Abajo Nature Preserve in western Puerto Rico has been at the forefront of this
effort as a result of the discovery of a wild nest. This will allow scientists to recreate the
natural habitat to further propagate the species.
Green Building
With an estimated 60,000
LEED certified projects around the world, 2013 has been a building and
design inspiration for the ages.
Municipalities are creating more sustainable building codes for residences
and businesses alike. Public schools in particular are becoming increasing more
green, retailers are recognizing the benefits of being green by incorporating
green elements in their buildings.
2013 certainly has been environmentally interesting with
many important stories leaving lasting impact.
Puerto Rican Parrot image via USDA.
