Language of Ecological Degradation

I was reviewing some CNU materials and found a piece titled “Sprawl Wrecks the Landscape”. This may be a benign choice of words in most respects. However I was struck that we often are concerned with the aesthetic blight that accompanies development; but we are really not in touch with the affects on plant and animal life. If we see trees, rolling hills or wetland prairies being destroyed we may have little comprehension of the loss of habitat and beneficial species that keep biomass recycled, etc.   If this is true, what do we do about it?

Security and Climate

I attended the recent USF forum on National Security, Energy and Climate, with former featuring former Senators John Warner (R-VA), Bob Graham (D-FL), Vice Admiral Dennis McGinnis and Thomas Crisman. They share the affect of climate change and energy dependence shared by the general population and the military.  This includes the unrest and chaos that will occur when coastal areas are flooded around the world and the national energy grid is affected. Hopefully, having the military establishment on board with a goal to do better community planning (even if it is based upon national security).  It is good to know that the military needs coincide more with the general public than any particular power. They indicate that the security of the world depends upon energy independence and preparing for the many negative  ramifications of sea level rise. They know we are not prepared.

Methane and Global Warming

I’d like to hear some thoughts about whether fauna are creating more methane today or in the past and how that might affect global warming

Native Plants for Your Site

Understanding whether a plant species grows naturally in your environment could make native plants a success in your landscape.

Visions of Smart Growth and Sustainability

If you haven’t taken the opportunity to review “Visions of Smart Growth and Sustainability”, check it out at flasla.org.  I helped to write and edit this 160-page document on regional and community planning.