Author: Betty J. Rapp

The global climate crisis demands urgent and innovative solutions, with carbon emissions standing as one of the primary culprits. To combat this escalating threat, carbon capture technologies have emerged as powerful tools in reducing atmospheric CO₂. These systems work by extracting carbon dioxide directly from industrial operations or the ambient air, then securely storing it to prevent further environmental harm. As nations strive to meet net-zero targets, understanding these technologies becomes crucial. From direct air capture to bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), each method offers unique advantages and challenges. In this article, we explore the top 10 carbon…

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are characterized by spiraling winds that converge towards their center, lifting moisture to form clouds and precipitation. These rainbands play a crucial role in global energy and water cycles and can cause significant flooding when TCs make landfall. Understanding how TC rainbands are organized is essential for improving forecasting systems and managing their impacts. Previous studies have focused on temporal changes and used shape metrics for classification, but these approaches often lack consistency and objectivity. Recent advancements in autoencoders, particularly convolutional autoencoders (CAEs), offer a more robust solution. CAEs excel in image clustering by learning local image…

Wildfire prevention is a critical issue, underscored by alarming statistics. The U.S. Forest Service reports that nearly 7.5 million acres are consumed by wildfires annually, with every state at risk. Tragically, human activity remains the leading cause of these devastating fires, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies.Among the various approaches to controlling wildfires, the most effective method is prevention at its source. Proactive forest and agricultural management plans, coupled with heightened public awareness and a shared sense of responsibility, play pivotal roles in reducing the frequency and severity of these disasters. By prioritizing prevention and fostering a collective…

As climate change accelerates, its impact on agriculture is becoming increasingly evident. Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns disrupt every stage of the food supply chain—from farming and harvesting to transportation and storage. In Spain, severe flooding recently caused over €1 billion in damage to crops like oranges and persimmons. Meanwhile, drought conditions affecting nearly 60% of Brazil have driven arabica coffee prices to a 50-year high, reducing both supply and quality. These aren’t isolated incidents; they form a pattern of global disruption. As noted by The Guardian’s Heather Stewart, rising food costs intensify the vulnerability of developing nations, where…

Next-Gen Satellite Takes Off to Track Severe Weather Events” enhances forecasting with advanced imaging and real-As spring arrives, bringing warmer temperatures and longer days, nature begins to bloom across much of the United States. However, the season also brings an increased risk of severe weather, including tornadoes, large hail, flash floods, and damaging winds. With these heightened threats come a surge in weather alerts, primarily in the form of watches and warnings. While both signals of impending danger, they are distinctly different — particularly in terms of the actions you should take when the forecast takes a dangerous turn.Spring conditions…

A cutting-edge weather satellite, GOES-S (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S), launched today, March 1, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at 5:02 p.m. EST (2202 GMT). Developed by Lockheed Martin and operated jointly by NOAA and NASA, GOES-S will monitor extreme weather events from a fixed position above the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary satellites designed to provide high-resolution, real-time imagery and atmospheric data. Together with GOES-East, already in orbit, GOES-S will enhance forecasting capabilities and improve early warning systems for severe…

Climate change is significantly intensifying drought conditions throughout California, placing the state in an increasingly vulnerable position. Prolonged periods of reduced precipitation and rising temperatures are depleting critical water resources, jeopardizing the availability of clean water for both residential consumption and agricultural production. This growing scarcity not only threatens California’s position as a leading agricultural producer but also amplifies the risk of catastrophic wildfires across parched landscapes. Additionally, the ecological impact is profound—many fish species, particularly those dependent on cold-water habitats, face declining populations, while broader wildlife ecosystems are disrupted. As the climate crisis deepens, California must confront urgent decisions…

Did you know that nearly half of all Americans reside in areas with a significant risk of experiencing a potentially destructive earthquake? While many assume that seismic activity is mostly confined to the western United States, the reality is far broader. According to the American Red Cross, 45 states and U.S. territories are classified as having a “moderate to very high” risk of earthquakes. Unlike other natural disasters such as wildfires or hurricanes—which often come with advance warnings—earthquakes strike without notice, leaving little to no time for evacuation or preparation. This unpredictability makes earthquake preparedness not just important, but essential.…

Confronting climate change can feel daunting, especially as its impacts become increasingly visible in our communities and natural systems. For decades, we’ve understood the root causes, but today, there’s growing clarity on how to address them. Encouragingly, we’re seeing substantial progress. Breakthroughs in renewable energy, electric transportation, and energy efficiency are rapidly transforming industries. Meanwhile, international collaboration is reaching unprecedented levels, with countries like Canada, China, India, and the United States aligning efforts to confront this global challenge. The momentum is real—and building. As the realities of climate change grow more apparent, so too do the pathways to meaningful solutions.…

A gradual increase in temperatures is anticipated over the coming days outlook, reflecting a shift toward more seasonally typical conditions. Early in the forecast period, the weather is expected to remain largely dry and settled, offering stable and calm conditions across most regions. However, as the weekend approaches, a change in the weather pattern is likely, bringing an increased chance of rain in several areas. This unsettled trend is projected to persist into at least the early part of next week, with intermittent showers and a generally more variable outlook. While temperatures will continue to rise modestly, the shift toward…