Author: Betty J. Rapp

In the fight against climate change, accurate tracking and reporting of carbon emissions are crucial. However, one of the major challenges in carbon offset programs and environmental initiatives is the issue of double counting—where the same emissions reductions are claimed by multiple parties. This undermines the effectiveness of efforts to combat global warming. Blockchain technology, known for its secure, transparent, and immutable nature, offers a promising solution to this problem. By providing a decentralized and tamper-proof ledger, blockchain ensures that carbon credits are properly tracked and verified, preventing the duplication of efforts and ensuring that emissions reductions are accurately accounted…

The Pacific Ring of Fire is one of the most geologically active regions on Earth—and it’s as fascinating as it is dangerous. This horseshoe-shaped zone stretches around the edges of the Pacific Ocean, touching countries like Japan, Indonesia, the United States, and Chile. What makes it so threatening? It’s home to over 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes and experiences about 90% of the planet’s earthquakes. Tectonic plates constantly collide, shift, and grind beneath the surface, building pressure that can unleash devastating natural disasters. From volcanic eruptions to tsunamis and massive quakes, the Ring of Fire isn’t just…

The Arctic has long been the traditional homeland of Indigenous Peoples, with vibrant communities that have thrived for thousands of years. For these communities, climate change is not a future concern but a present-day reality, driving numerous environmental, economic, and social shifts. Sea ice serves as a vital infrastructure, enabling travel to neighboring communities and harvest locations while being integral to cultural practices. However, as the Arctic warms, unpredictable weather patterns are disrupting sea ice conditions. The shortening ice road season and longer periods without ice are making travel more hazardous, especially for those in remote areas. These changes threaten…

Landslides are among the most destructive natural hazards, causing significant loss of life and property worldwide, often triggered by intense rainfall. Effective planning and early warning systems (EWS) can dramatically reduce their impact, potentially preventing over 90% of damages. An EWS integrates susceptibility maps, rainfall thresholds, and real-time meteorological data to predict landslide occurrence. While physically based models suit small-scale applications, empirical approaches are more adaptable to broader regions when historical data is available. In Vietnam—particularly in mountainous areas like Ha Long City—frequent extreme weather events heighten landslide risk. However, challenges such as sparse landslide data and urbanization complicate the…

Tsunamis are among the most powerful and destructive natural disasters on Earth. Triggered by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides, they generate massive waves capable of traveling at speeds up to 800 km/h across the ocean. These waves can reach heights of 30 meters and stretch up to 100 kilometers wide, devastating everything in their path. While often associated with the Pacific region, tsunamis pose a global threat. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami claimed over 230,000 lives, and the 2011 tsunami in Japan resulted in 20,000 deaths. Europe, too, has faced tragedy—from the 1755 Lisbon tsunami to the Aegean Sea…

Deforestation plays a crucial role in climate change by contributing to the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Trees naturally absorb carbon, and when forests are cut down or degraded, this carbon is released, exacerbating global warming. This environmental loss also reduces the planet’s ability to mitigate climate change by limiting the amount of carbon that can be absorbed. The “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation” (REDD+) program offers a promising solution by incentivizing developing countries to reduce deforestation, conserve forests, and implement sustainable land-use practices. Through REDD+, countries can receive financial support to protect…

Urban centers are on the frontlines of climate change, facing heightened risks from natural disasters, rapid population growth, and deepening socio-economic inequalities. Each year, approximately 70 million people migrate to cities in the developing world, placing immense pressure on infrastructure and straining the delivery of essential services. Many cities struggle to meet these demands in a sustainable and inclusive manner. Yet, a growing number are rising to the challenge by embracing forward-thinking strategies. Through inclusive community engagement, the adoption of nature-based solutions, innovative governance frameworks. And the integration of digital technologies, these cities are transforming into global models of resilience,…

La Niña and El Niño, two opposing phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), are driven by shifts in Pacific Ocean temperatures. La Niña cools surface waters, leading to more frequent hurricanes in the Atlantic, droughts in the southern U.S., and wet conditions in Southeast Asia. In contrast, El Niño warms the waters, causing drier weather in Southeast Asia and Australia, while increasing rainfall across southern U.S. and South America. As climate change accelerates, these natural cycles are expected to intensify and become more unpredictable. Warmer global temperatures will amplify the impacts of both phases, resulting in more extreme weather…

Drones are rapidly transforming the field of emergency management, offering innovative solutions to complex challenges. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide real-time data, enhance situational awareness, and enable rapid response in critical situations. Whether it’s disaster response, search and rescue operations, or assessing damage after a natural catastrophe, drones are proving to be indispensable tools. They can access hard-to-reach areas, provide live video feeds, and deliver crucial supplies, all while reducing risk to human life. As technology continues to evolve, drones are becoming an integral part of emergency management strategies, revolutionizing the way authorities respond to crises. This article explores…

Europe is experiencing one of its hottest summers on record, with relentless heatwaves sweeping across the continent. From wildfires in Greece to droughts in Italy and record-breaking temperatures in France, the signs are impossible to ignore. But what’s really behind this scorching summer? Is it just a seasonal anomaly, or something deeper tied to climate change? In this article, we break down the key drivers of Europe’s current heatwaves, including shifts in jet streams, warming oceans, and greenhouse gas emissions. Whether you’re sweating through the heat or simply trying to understand the science, we’ll explain how global climate trends are…