Archive | IER Indiana Environmental Reporter

Indiana Environmental Reporter

Agriculture

August 29, 2019

Agriculture contributes to climate change. Is plant-based farming the answer?

A new U.N. study has found that, in order to curb the damage done by climate change, humans must change the way they grow food and raise livestock.

August 27, 2019

Mako shark, commonly used for shark meat, now labeled as endangered

Conservation experts voted the shark onto the endangered species list last week.

August 15, 2019

Fatal disease threatens Indiana deer population

A virus known as epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, may result in significant local losses to deer populations.

Indianapolis-based Company Creates Bee-monitoring App

Genetic breakthrough in corn may improve crop yields worldwide

Clemson University scientists have found a way to keep corn producing food for longer, which could dramatically improve crop yields worldwide.

Caring for America’s Favorite Pollinator Takes Patience, Dedication and Community

USDA announces plan to control wild hogs across the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last month that it’s offering $75 million in funding for the eradication and control of feral swine.

Plant milkweed, avoid pesticides to help monarch butterflies

Preserving the butterfly's natural environments is the best way to help.

3 seed-bearing plant species have disappeared each year since 1900

An alarming study shows that nearly 600 species of seed-bearing plants have gone extinct since 1753.

Scientists suggest insects as the source for a sustainable meat source

Scientists may be able to use insect cells to grow muscle and fat in a lab, creating food that tastes and chews like steak, chicken, lobster or shrimp.

Ammonia fertilizer industry emits 145 times more methane than EPA estimate, study finds

The ammonia fertilizer industry produces far worse emissions than previously estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Farmers pressured by trade tariffs, soaking rains

Farmers across the U.S. are faced with tough decisions this planting season, as President Donald Trump’s trade war with China continues and heavy rains make it difficult to plant crops.

Unchecked greenhouse gas emissions threaten 60% of Colombian land suitable for rice

A new study published in Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change found that, left unchecked, greenhouse gas emissions will reduce Colombian land suitable for rice production by 60% by the 2050s.

Norwegian salmon the most recent victim of algae blooms

Algae blooms have been known to suffocate marine wildlife and The New York Times reports that 8 million farmed salmon in northern Norway met this fate over the past week.

Increased tick population leads to higher instances of tick-borne diseases

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that tick-borne diseases are increasing at a record pace.

Air Pollution from Corn Causing Thousands of Deaths

According to a new study, corn production in the U.S. could be responsible for thousands of air pollution deaths annually.

January 17, 2019

Beneficial cover crops could contribute to climate change

New research says tall, leafy cover crops could reduce snow reflectivity and trap solar heat.

December 12, 2018

O Christmas Tree, o Christmas "Tree"

Choosing between a real or artificial Christmas tree has environmental and economic consequences for Hoosiers

August 15, 2018

Urban chicken movement provides green backyard pest control

An agrarian movement is bridging the gap between city dwellers and the rural communities that feed them.

August 10, 2018

Federal Appeals Court Orders EPA to Ban Pesticide Linked to Brain Abnormalities

EPA ordered to ban pesticide chlorpyrifos, overturning order issued by former EPA administrator.

Saving Money and Water with Rain Barrels

Forty percent of all water use in summer months is on lawn and garden care. That number could be reduced by simply collecting water for free in a rain barrel.

/