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Land
by Amy Lupica, ODP Staff Writer As the world rushes to save charismatic species like pandas, whales, and even bees, one unseen class of animals has been left behind, and the consequences could resonate through every aspect of human life. Earthworms, beetles, springtails, and other underground organisms are being damaged and killed by farm pesticides. Without these “unsung heroes,” the […]
Continue Reading 460 wordsLast week, the Florida legislature passed a bill that gives the sugar industry protection from long-term public health damage lawsuits. The Florida sugar industry says it will protect farmers from frivolous lawsuits, but opponents and many environmental groups say if it becomes law, it would grant the industry immunity from accountability.
Why This Matters: Sugarcane agriculture in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) has health consequences for the surrounding humans, wildlife, and environment.
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by Ashira Morris, ODP Staff Writer As far back as 12,000 years ago, humans were living on and interacting with three-quarters of the earth’s land, according to new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Using the most up-to-date mapping of global land use, the researchers found that by 10,000 BCE, […]
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As California’s wildfire season approaches, Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing $536 million in emergency and other funding to combat and prevent fires this year. The plan invests in additional firefighters, fuel breaks around vulnerable communities, and wildfire response capacity.
Why This Matters: California’s 2020 fire season burned a record-breaking 4.2 million acres and experts say that severe drought may make this season even more destructive.
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Days after announcing a $1.6 billion investment into national parks, reserves, and Indigenous schools, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited Bears Ears National Monument to speak to Utah state and Tribal leaders about the future of the monument.
Why This Matters: In 2017, the Trump administration reduced the Monument by nearly one million acres and opened the land up to cattle grazing and off-road vehicles.
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by Amy Lupica, ODP Staff Writer The Department of the Interior announced Friday that it will use funds allocated by a conservation bill passed last year to fund 165 national park improvement projects that will create nearly 19,000 jobs. The Biden administration has pledged to protect 30% of public lands and waters by 2030, but accomplishing that means completing deferred maintenance […]
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