Click on your topic to take you to the resources
General Info
Start with World Book article on “Amazon rain forest” (password)
Rainforest
(Kids Do Ecology)
“Rainforests 101” Video 4 minutes (National Geographic)
“Deforestation” (National Geographic)
“SOUTH AMERICA’S MIGHTY AMAZON” (from Research Rocket) 2017
“Why is biodiversity so important?”
Video 4 minutes (Ted ED)
“Tropical Forests in Our Daily Lives” (Rainforest Alliance) 2023
“7 Everyday Foods from the Rainforest” (Rainforest Alliance) 2017
Why is the Amazon rainforest important?
(MACH-NBC News Science) 2019
‘Magnificent creatures’: New photos show largest anaconda ever recorded A new species discovered in the Amazon this year. (USA Today) 2024
Major Amazon Fires 2022 A quick look at the fire statistics in the Amazon. (Amazon Conservation) 2022
“Amazon Fire Dashboard” Very up to date data on Amazon fires. (SERVIR Program of NASA and USAID)
Harder Articles
“Amazon Deforestation and Climate Change” Video 5 minutes (National Geographic)
Amazon
Very thorough description. Information about specific species. (World Wildlife)
MAAP #187: Amazon Deforestation & Fire Hotspots 2022 Aerial photos and graphs mapping deforestation. (Amazon Conservation) June 2023
“Smoke Blankets Venezuela” (NASA Earth Observatory) 2024
“The Amazon is in trouble. Here’s why — and why it matters” Lots of text. Make sure to check out diagram and power words at the end. Audio available 12 minutes. (Science News Explores) October 2023
Human Impact
Amazon Deforestation
Talks about many causes. Look closely at the charts and graphs. (World Wildlife)
“Record Number Of Wildfires In The Amazon Rainforest Could Accelerate Climate Change” (DOGO News) 2019
“Loss of Amazon Rainforest Highest in 12 Years” (News for Kids) 2020
The Amazon in Trouble (Youngzine) 2022
“Smoky Skies in the Western Amazon” (NASA Earth Observatory) 2021
Amazon forest fires
Cautions about big claims and big numbers. Audio 9 minutes (BBC Sounds) 2019
Indigenous activists in Ecuador’s Amazon win major environmental award for reclamation of native lands Audio 6 minutes OR print (The World) 2022
Harder Articles
Mapping the Amazon
–this is part 1, click on links to see the other 3 parts. (NASA Earth Observatory) 2019
A Spike In Tree Loss Puts The Amazon Rainforest At Risk
Podcast (12 min) with text and pictures. (Science Friday) 8/2/19
“Deforestation in the Amazon: the cost for indigenous people” Video (15 minutes) with text (Principles for Responsible Investment) 2020
Deforestation in the Amazon is shooting up, but Brazil’s president calls the data ‘a lie’
(Science Magazine) 2019
“Brazil’s Lula pledges to finish paving road that experts say could worsen Amazon deforestation” (AP) 2024
Solutions
10 Things You Can Do To Save The Rainforest (Rainforest Foundation US)
“What if there were 1 trillion more trees?” Video (6 minutes) (TedEd)
“The Impact Of Deforestation On Brazil Nuts” (Food Unfolded)
This Colombian company is trying to convince farmers to use beetle poop fertilizer audio 5 minutes OR print (The World) 2022
Forests as Carbon Sinks (American Forests) Even though this refers to North American forests, the Amazon can also be a carbon sink. (American Forests) 2017
Harder articles
You may need an adult to help you with these articles.
“The Key To Stopping Deforestation May Lie In Reducing Inequality” (Pacific Standard) 2019
“What Is Regenerative Agriculture?” (Rainforest Alliance) 2024
Stopping deforestation: Battle for the Amazon Brazil’s efforts to stop illegal deforestation. Note: before President Bolsonaro took office (Nature) 2015
Take action to stop the Amazon burning Note: after President Bolsonaro took office (Nature) 2019
“These 15 innovations are helping to restore and protect the Amazon” (World Economic Forum) 2021
Coral Reef Destruction: Great Barrier Reef
other keywords: coral reef, bleaching, crown of thorns starfish Back to TopGeneral Info
Start with World Book articles on “Great Barrier Reef” and “Coral reef” (password)
“CORAL REEF” (Kids Do Ecology)
“Reef Facts” (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority) Also from the site:
“Amazing Turtle’s Eye View of the Great Barrier Reef” Video (4 minutes) (World Wildlife Fund Australia)
“Scientists Say: Coral: These reef-builders support some of the most vibrant marine ecosystems”. Audio available 1 minute. (Science News Explores) July 2023
“Let’s learn about coral reefs: These colorful and diverse habitats are under threat” Lots of links to other articles. (Science News Explores) July 2020
Coral Spawning Video 2 minutes. (NOAA)
“Coral Reefs and Corals” -overview with great pictures. (Smithsonian)
Harder Articles
“What are Coral Reefs?” -Even though the reading is difficult, there are good visuals. (NOAA)
“Deep-Sea Coral Habitat”-info on coral reefs deep in the ocean (NOAA)
Human Impact
What is Coral Bleaching? Infographic (NOAA)
Coral bleaching video (btn -Australia)
“Coral Bleaching 101” includes great video (4 minutes) (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority)
“Zombie Coral Reefs” video (7 minutes)-can bleached coral reefs can come back? (PHD TV)
“Threats to Coral Reefs-Overfishing” Infographic (NOAA)
“Threats to Coral Reefs-Climate Change” Infographic (NOAA)
“Threats to Coral Reefs-Land-Based Sources of Pollution” Infographic (NOAA)
“Threats to Coral Reefs” includes great photos (PADI)
“Ability of coral reefs to benefit humans has halved since 1950s, study finds” (CTV News) 2021
“Threats” Be sure to click on individual threats to learn more. (Great Barrier Reef Foundation)
“Billions of pieces of plastic spread disease in coral reefs” (Smitssonian) 2021
“Back-To-Back Mass Bleaching Decimates Australia’s Great Barrier Reef” (DOGO News) 2017
“How Humans are Coping with the Dying Coral in the Great Barrier Reef” Audio (8 minutes) and text. (NPR) 2017
“Coral recovery hope for Great Barrier Reef” (Kids News Australia from Research Rocket) 2020 (password)
“A new report shows just how much climate change is killing the world’s coral reefs” (NPR) 2021
“Great Barrier Reef survival key to indigenous identity” (Science X) 2014
“Australia: As the Great Barrier Reef shrinks, Torres Strait Islanders have everything to lose” (Minority Rights Group International) 2019
Harder Articles
“Status of and Threat to Coral Reefs” (International Coral Reef Initiative)
“Coral bleaching” (Encyclopedia Britannica) (password)
“Coral Reef Fish are More Resilient Than We Thought” (NPR) 2017
“NOAA and Coast Guard Save Threatened Coral from Submerged Sailboats after Hurricane Maria” 2017
Solutions
“Palau Blocks Sunscreens to Save Coral Reefs” (News for Kids) 2020
“Want to save the world’s coral reefs? Just listen to them, say scientists” (Worle Economic Forum) 2022
“Can A Giant Floating Pumice Rock ‘Raft’ Help Restore Australia’s Great Barrier Reef?” 2019 DOGO News
“A Starfish-Killing, Artificially Intelligent Robot Is Set to Patrol the Great Barrier Reef” (Scientific American) 2016
COTSbot (Starfish Killing Robot) Video (3 minutes) (Scope TV) 2017
“Can Lego help save Singapore’s coral reefs?” (BBC) 2021
“Australian Scientists Hope The Giant Triton Snail Will Help Save The Great Barrier Reef” (DOGO News) 2017
“NASA’s NeMO-Net Will Give Scientists A Valid Excuse To Play Video Games” (DOGO News) 2019
“Robots Deliver Coral Babies to Save Reefs” (News for Kids) 2019
“How to Protect Coral Reefs” (Wikihow)
“What can I do to protect coral reefs?” Infographic (NOAA) 2017
“Once Dying And Bleached, A Pacific Coral Reef Is Blooming Again” –How did this bleached reef recover? Audio (11 minutes) and lots of photos. (NPR) 2016
Harder articles
“How to save the ‘tropical rainforests’ of the ocean” –also includes a short video (3 minutes) on coral farms. (Washington Post) 2018
Empowering Traditional Owners To Protect The Reef Click on link at bottom for more info. (Great Barrier Reef Foundation) 2019
“Restoring Coral Reefs” (NOAA)
Partnering on Coral Reef Restoration NOAA working with Coral Restoration Foundation 2018
Deepwater Horizon Explosion and Oil Spill: Gulf of Mexico
other keywords: petroleum, oil rig Back to TopGeneral Info
Start with World Book articles on “Gulf oil spill of 2010” and “Ocean” (the section on Ocean Problems). Also article on “Petroleum” has some information. (password)
“ESTUARIES” (Kids Do Ecology)
“The Gulf of Mexico: Layers of Life” poster (National Geographic)
Nonrenewable: Oil (Petroleum) US Department of Energy Information
Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Interactive (Smithsonian) Click the tabs to see the sequence of events.
“Effort to Contain Oil Spill Faces Setback” May 9, 2010 (DOGO news)
“Finally, Some Good News About The Gulf Oil Spill” May 17, 2010 (DOGO news)
“Gulf Oil Spill Is Finally Capped – For Now!” July 16, 2010 (DOGO news)
Harder Articles
Deepwater Horizon Blowout Animation Video (11 minutes) Gets pretty technical, but the graphics help. (Alertometer)
Human Impact
Initial Impact
“Gulf Coast Oil Spill Threatens Fragile Ecosystem” May 2, 2010 (DOGO news)
“Gulf Spill Still Threatens Millions of Migrating Birds” Video (5 minutes) (National Geographic)
“Affected Gulf Resources” click on the + signs for more info (NOAA)
Infographic comparing this spill to others (Fast Company) 2010
“Gulf of Mexico- A Geography of Offshore Oil” Poster -see where oil rigs are located in the Gulf. (National Geographic)
Oil Spill FAQs (Live Science) April 28, 2010
Slideshow-Animals at Risk from Oil Spill Make sure to click through to page 2, to see Beach Mice and more. (Live Science) 2010
“Rice’s Whale” Extremely endangered whale affected by Deepwater Horizon spill. (NOAA) 2024
“Infographic: Deepwater Horizon – Where Did the Oil Go?” (NOAA) 2020
Impact Over Time
2015 Article on effects of oil spill on Animals (Science News for Students) 2015
“Sea Turtles And The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill” (Sea Grant Programs of the Gulf of Mexico) 2021
Harder Articles
“The Economic Impact of the Gulf Oil Spill” Some difficult words, but concentrate on the kinds of jobs impacted by the oil spill. (Moody’s Analytics) 2010
Gulf Wildlife Impacts after 5 years Long article-skim for different animals affected. (National Wildlife Federation)
“5 Years After BP Oil Spill, Effects Linger And Recovery Is Slow” Text and Audio (8 minutes) (NPR) 2015
“Gulf Oil Spill” -lots to explore on the site, including long-term effects (Smithsonian) 2018
“Deepwater Horizon Oil Disaster Extends Its Toxic Reach” profiles people whose health was affected. (Newsweek) 2016
Dispersant used in BP oil spill sickened workers, new federal study confirms (Louisiana Times-Picayune) 2017
Effects on Children (Science Daily) 2020
Human Health Effects -Long article, but look at the ripples chart. (Oceanography) 2021
Assessing the Impacts from Deepwater Horizon (NOAA) 2017
Solutions
“Gluttonous Microbes Devour Gulf Oil” (DOGO news) 2010
“Gulf Turtle Eggs Relocated” Video (5 minutes) (National Geographic) 2010
“Eco Friendly Ways To Deal With Oil Spills” (Environment)
“What Does It Take to Clean up the Cleanup From an Oil Spill?” (NOAA) 2019
What is an oil spill trajectory? Video (1 minute) How NOAA predicts where the oil will go. (NOAA)
“10 Methods for Oil Spill Cleanup at Sea” (Marine Insight)
“6 of the Latest Advances in Oil Spill Cleanup” (Treehugger) 2020
“Oil spill disasters: Ways to limit environmental damage” Watch the video “Cleaning up oil spills with cotton” (3 minutes) (DW) 2021
Disposal of Oil
”Dirty disposal of oil cleanup material” (NBC News) 2010
Harder articles
“BP’s Waste Management Plan Raises Environmental Justice Concerns” (Dissident Voice) 2010
Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) in Pennsylvania and New York
other keywords: Marcellus Shale formation Back to TopGeneral Info
Start with World Book article on“Hydraulic fracturing”. Also article on “Petroleum” has some information. (password)
Temperate Forest– (Kids Do Ecology)
“How does fracking work?” animated video (6 minutes) (TedED)
What Is Fracking? video (2 minutes) (National Geographic)
“Fracking explained: opportunity or danger” animated video (5 minutes) (In a Nutshell)
“What is Fracking?” video (4 minutes) that show how shale can be fracked (Bang Goes the Theory from the BBC)
“Fracking Explained with Animation” an “advocacy” animation created to persuade people of the benefits of fracking. Video (8 minutes) (A2L Consulting)
“Natural gas” Long article, but click on “Natural gas & the environment” at the top to jump to specifics on fracking. (U. S. Energy Information Administration)
Human Impact
“Hydraulic Fracturing and Health” (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)
“Fracking and National Park Wildlife” (National Parks Conservation Association) 2013
“10 Years Into the Fracking Boom, Wildlife Effects Still Unknown” (Inside Climate News) 2014
“Ohio County Says No More To Pennsylvania’s Toxic Fracking Wastewater” -the problem with injection wells. audio (5 minutes) (NPR) 2018
“Harris says she won’t ban fracking. What to know about the controversial topic” Updates about current levels of fracking. (NPR) 2024
Harder Articles
“Concern Over Fracking Grows In Ohio Alongside The Industry” Pennsylvania dumps a lot of its fracking wastewater in Ohio, but citizens have little say over this. Audio (5 minutes) (WBUR) 2021
The Fight Over Fracking (Upfront) 2017
“Fracking: Science, Policy, and People” (The Union of Concerned Scientists) 2015
“In Oklahoma, ‘Yet Another Broken Promise’ to Native Americans”” (NRDC) 2020
“Is Fracking an Environmental Justice Issue?” (The Allegheny Front) 2017
“Is Fracking Safe? The 10 Most Controversial Claims About Natural Gas Drilling” Even-handed reporting from Popular Mechanics (2016)
The link between fracking and health issues (Marketplace from APM) 2017
“Fracking Has Its Costs And Benefits — The Trick Is Balancing Them” (Forbes) 2018
“Fracking Firms Fail, Rewarding Executives and Raising Climate Fears” problem with fracking operations when the companies go bankrupt. Long article, skim. (New York Times) 2020. Use this citation: Tabuchi, Hiroko. “Fracking Firms Fail, Rewarding Executives and Raising Climate Fears.” The New York Times, 12 July 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/07/12/climate/oil-fracking-bankruptcy-methane-executive-pay.html.
Earthquakes
“2019: The Year Fracking Earthquakes Turned Deadly“ Although this article is about fracking in China, note the depth of the earthquakes and how that makes them more dangerous. (Inside Science) 2021
“Myths and Misconceptions About Induced Earthquakes” How wastewater affects earthquakes, some, but not all related to fracking. (USGS)
Solutions
“5 Technologies and Methods that can make Fracking Cleaner” (Ohio State University)
“California Gov. Newsom seeks ban on new fracking by 2024” (CNBC) 2021
“One Way to Solve Fracking’s Dirty Problem” (MIT Technology Review) 2013
Harder articles
“Scientists find fracking contaminated Wyoming water after EPA halted study” How did the methods of drilling this well differ from how fracking is usually done? (The Guardian) 2016
“Novel Solution To Fracking Wastewater Could Keep Everyone Happy” (Oilprice.com) 2015
Drought and Flood cycles
Back to TopGeneral Info
Start with World Book article on “Drought”. (password)
Temperate Forest (Kids Do Ecology)
“Drought” (Weather Wiz Kids)
Is Earth Running Out of Water? Video (6 minutes) (Above the Noise from PBS Learning Media)
“Climate Adaptation and Drought” (EPA)
Drought and Climate Change Current drought maps and information. (Center for Climate and Energy Solutions)
‘Flash droughts’ and weather ‘whiplash.’ Welcome to New England’s climate future(WBUR) 2022
How does Drought Affect Our Lives? (National Drought Mitigation Center)
Harder Articles
“Causes of Drought: What’s the Climate Connection?” (Union of Concerned Scientists) 2021
U.S Drought Monitor Interactive maps and data about drought in the U.S. Compare the Northeast region in June, July, August, September and now.
- Current Northeast map
- Current Massachusetts map
- Drought Early Warning System: Northeast Click on the “Latest Drought Status” button for more info. (Drought.gov)
Northeast DEWS Dashboard (National Integrated Drought Information System)
Climate Prediction Center Data on soil moisture and other factors impacting drought. (National Weather Service)
Human Impact
2016 Drought
“New England’s Drought Raises Questions About The Charles—A River Full Of Dams” Right near here in Waltham. (WGBH) 2016
“How The Drought Is Affecting Boston Trees” audio (4 minutes) also look at links below to related articles. (WBUR) 2016
“Northeast Farmers Grapple With Worst Drought In More Than A Decade” (NPR) 2016
“Scenes From New England’s Drought: Dry Wells, Dead Fish and Ailing Farms” Long article, but good with lots of photos (New York Times) 2016
“What Would It Take To End the New England Drought?” (CBS Boston) 2016
April 2017 Drought update (CBS Boston)
May 2017 Drought update (CBS Boston)
2022 Drought
The drought in Mass. is worse than in 2016 (WBUR) 2022
Low Flow & Drought examples of people and industries affected by drought. (Massachusetts Rivers Alliance)
‘Severe’ drought conditions impacting area landscapers (Western Mass News) 2022
“As drought persists in Northeast, farmers face uncertain future” Audio 3 minutes (NPR)
“The science of fall foliage and climate change: UVM Expert” How drought can impact fall foliage tourism income. (VermontBiz) 2022
‘Flash droughts’ and weather ‘whiplash.’ Welcome to New England’s climate future (WBUR) 2022
Drought, supply chain woes and toxic chemicals create a ‘perfect storm’ for Mass. water systems Audio (5 minutes) and text. (WBUR) 2022
“All of Massachusetts now in drought amid alarming expansion of dry conditions in Northeast” (CNN) 2022
“New England’s ‘Flash Drought’ Got Worse. Experts Worry It’s ‘Just the Beginning’” (Inside Climate News) 2022
Northeast drought endangers Massachusetts’ cranberry harvest (Grist) 2022
BIPOC farmers in Conn. may be small in number, but they have plenty of stories to tell Interviews with several Black, Indigenous, and People of Color who farm in New England. How might drought be affecting them? Print, photos and audio (Connecticut Public Radio) 2022
Hotter days don’t affect Connecticut residents equally. These maps show how. Heat and drought often go together. (Connecticut Public Radio) 2022
California’s water restrictions aren’t impacting people equally Even though this is California, where the drought is worse, these inequalities may also happen in Massachusetts. Audio (3 minutes) (NPR) 2022
October 2024 Drought update (NRCC)
Historical Droughts: How do conditions today compare to the historical droughts?
“The 1965 Drought, New England’s Worst Ever” (New England Historical Society)
“The 1762 Drought” (New England Historical Society)
Solutions
“Drought Resistant Practices” (USDA)
“New England Farmers Deal With Drought, Climate Change” some solutions for farmers. Text and audio (5 minutes) (The Public’s Radio) 2016
Making Your Land More Resilient to Drought (USDA) 2022
“Could No-Till Farming Reverse Climate Change?” (U.S. News and World Report) 2016
Want to help the planet? Rethink your lawn Audio (5 minutes) and text. (WBUR) 2022
Can We Protect Ourselves From Drought? (National Drought Mitigation Center)
8 innovative drought solutions that we can count On (RIPE) 2019
Harder articles
“What do Northern New England Farmers Need to Adapt to Climate Change?” Newsletter about and for researchers and farmers. Look at the farmer’s “mental maps” of what they need. (University of Vermont) 2019
Solar power generation
other keywords: photovoltaic cells, solar cells, renewable energy Back to TopGeneral Info
Start with World Book article article on “Solar energy” (password)
“Solar power” (eschool today)
“Renewable” (U.S. Energy Information Administration)
“Renewable: Solar” (U.S. Energy Information Administration)
“Solar Energy” video (11 minutes) (SciShow)
“How do Solar Panels Work?” video (5 minutes) (TED Ed)
Let’s learn about solar power (ScienceNews Explores) 2020
Making Progress On Green Energy (News for Kids) 2019
Harder Articles
“Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar” (Energy.gov)
How Are Solar Panels Made? Nice chart about what materials go into a solar panel. (Union of Concerned Scientists) 2022
Human Impact
The Environmental Impact of Solar Panels (EcoWatch) 2022
New England Solar Power: A Guide to Solar Energy in These 6 States Keep scrolling past pictures for lots of information. Includes what average New England households pay for electricity. (CNET) 2022
It’s not easy being green when you’re poor text and audio (3 minutes) (Marketplace) 2018
Why aren’t we only using solar power? video (5 minutes) (TEDEd)
“Air pollution takes a toll on solar energy” (Science News for Students) 2017
Solar Keeps Some Lights On In Puerto Rico Solar panels survive Hurricane Fiona. (Climate Signals) 2022
After PG&E blackout, California homeowners shift to solar and batteries (CBS News) 2019
New Jersey is home to the country’s largest floating solar array (Solar Power World) 2019
Small-scale solar is saving New England’s climate goals (E&E News) 2022
With California requiring solar panels on new homes, higher building costs and lower energy bills audio (2 minutes) (Marketplace) 2018
Harder Articles
“Inside Clean Energy: The Racial Inequity in Clean Energy and How to Fight It” Long article, but look at the graphs. (Inside Climate News) 2020
Solutions
“Wind And Solar Powered Ecocapsule Allows Thrill-Seekers To Live Off The Grid” (Dogo News) 2015
Why Isn’t Every Parking Lot Covered With Solar Panels? (CNET) 2022
‘Water batteries’ could store solar and wind power for when it’s needed Text and audio (4 minutes) (WGBH) 2022
“Cheaper Battery Is Unveiled as a Step to a Carbon-Free Grid” A new kind of battery to safely store wind and solar power. (New York Times) 2018
Could the sand battery make renewable energy more dependable? Text and audio (4 minutes) (Marketplace) 2022
Solar for All Demonstrates the Importance of Equity in Clean Energy (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) 2020
“Not So Hidden Mickey” Shaped Solar Farm To Power Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resort (DOGO News) 2016
This 100% solar community endured Hurricane Ian with no loss of power and minimal damage (CNN) 2022
Company Turns Sunlight into Extreme Heat (News For Kids) 2019
For Farmers Looking To Make Ends Meet, The Sun Provides A Controversial Harvest How to have farms and solar panels coexist. (The Public’s Radio) 2017
Harder articles
Solar Panels Should Be Reused and Recycled. Here’s How. (Union of Concerned Scientists) 2022
Renewable energy might be able to green a desert (Science News for Students) 2018
“Solar Power and Birds” (Audubon Society)
“Growing Crops Under Solar Panels? Now There’s a Bright Idea” (Wired) 2021
Why Putting Solar Canopies on Parking Lots Is a Smart Green Move (Yale Environment 360) 2021
Solar Panels Should Be Reused and Recycled. Here’s How. (Union of Concerned Scientists) 2022
NAACP Equitable Solar Policy Principles Aim to Increase Solar Adoption for Underserved Communities (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) 2021
Superstorm Sandy and other Hurricanes
Back to TopGeneral Info
Start with World Book articles on “Hurricane Sandy” and “Hurricane” (password)
“Sandy Devastates U.S. East Coast” (Youngzine) 2012
“Hurricanes” (Weather WizKids)
“Hurricanes” How to prepare for hurricanes, stay safe during, and return home after a hurricane. Check out the links at the bottom. (Ready.gov)
Getting Ready for Hurricanes What can happen to a home if it’s not prepared for a hurricane. Video (2 minutes) (Strong Homes) 2016
“Seven Things to Know About How Hurricanes Affect Wildlife” (National Wildlife Federation) 2011
“(Archive) Hurricane Sandy devastates Jersey Shore towns” (northjersey.com) orig. published in 2012
“Hurricane Sandy (2012) facts for kids” a gallery of photos at the bottom. (Kiddle)
“Hurricane Sandy’s Impact on Fish and Wildlife” (National Wildlife Federation) 2012
Hurricane Landfall: 2005-2017 Compares category and impact of several hurricanes. Infographic. (National Geographic)
Harder Articles
“During a Hurricane, What Happens Underwater?” (Live Science) 2017
Storms hit poorer people harder, from Superstorm Sandy to Hurricane Maria (The Conversation) 2017
Human Impact
“Jersey Shore: Before and After Hurricane Sandy” (LiveScience) 2012
Latino Victims of Sandy Neglected: Hispanic Group Launches Official Complaint (Latin Times) 2013
Superstorm Sandy: 5 years later, New Jersey is still storm proofing (NorthJersey.com) 2017
10 years since Sandy hit NJ — What made the storm so unique? Lots of photos. (New Jersey 101.5) 2022
States That See the Most Flooding Damage Comparing flooding damage from Hurricanes, Sandy, Katrina, Ian and others. Maps and charts. (U.S. News) 2022
“Hurricane Sandy’s Impact Infographic” (Live Science) 2013
“Hurricanes, Severe Storms, and COVID-19” (CDC)
“Case Study – Hurricane Sandy” note the causes of the deaths, and who was affected (MetLink)
Black, Hispanic, and Latino People Care About Climate Change the Most, Survey Finds (OneZero) 2020
Harder Articles
Hurricane Sandy’s Disproportionate Impact on NYC’s Most Vulnerable Communities (NRDC) 2012
Superstorm Sandy 2 Years Later The first section on this page is the most useful. Also, the links on the left are interesting: Moving Forward After a Disaster, How to Clean Up, etc. (National Center for Disaster Preparedness) 2014
“Six years after Sandy, Jersey Shore recovery shows shortfalls in the system” Long article, but look at beginning for summary of damage and end for problems with recovery. (Curbed) 2019
Environmental Health Impacts— Long article, but good. You could use section headings to find what you are interested in. Lots of good pictures (Environmental Health Perspectives)
Hurricane Sandy and the Inequalities of Resilience in New York How the recovery efforts after Sandy, especially in the Rockaways section of New York, fell short for lower-income residents. (The American Prospect) 2018
Solutions
Hurricanes and Other Tropical Storms As well as tips for preparing and staying safe during a hurricane, there are links to dealing with mold, food and drinking water safety and dealing with power outages. Also check out the page about floods (link on the left) (CDC)
#HurricaneStrong Explore these resources about preparing for a hurricane. (FLASH)
At Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Mother Knows Best Text and video (4 minutes) telling how Sandy recovery money was used to restore and protect Prime Hook National WIldlife Refuge. (U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service) 2017
Lessons from Hurricane Sandy How natural ecosystems can protect against hurricane damage. Text, links, infographic, video (3 minutes). (Nature Conservancy) 2022
“Hurricane Resources” Resources for families with children before, during and after a hurricane. (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
“Disaster Resilience Saves Six Times as Much as It Costs” Money invested before disasters helps. (Bloomberg City News) 2018
“Hospital Plans Ahead for Power, Serves the Community Through Hurricane Sandy” How a Greenwich CT Hospital (in a wealthy area) was able to plan ahead for Sandy. (U. S. Climate Resilience Toolkit)
$52B Storm Gates Eyed for NY-NJ Waterways Hit by Sandy (U.S. News) 2022
This 100% solar community endured Hurricane Ian with no loss of power and minimal damage (CNN) 2022
“City Plots A Series of Defenses for East Boston’s Coast” Includes maps.Text and audio (6 minutes) (WBUR) 2017
‘Hit First And Worst’: Region’s Communities Of Color Brace For Climate Change Impacts Includes maps. Text and audio (6 minutes) (WBUR) 2017
Coastal Resilience Project Tracker Scroll down to see the different ideas to protect Boston from rising water. Near the end are projects that are actually being completed. (City of Boston)
Harder articles
“Five Lessons That Have Made Hospitals Better Prepared Since Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy” (PSQH) 2017
“A Year After Sandy, Research Focuses on the Social Impact of Disasters” also click on some of the linked stories and the photo gallery. (U.S. News and World Report) 2013
General Info
Start with World Book articles on “recycling” “waste disposal” and “plastics” (the last section on “Plastics in the environment”). (password)
“Introduction-Waste Management”-follow the links on the side (eschooltoday)
“How Garbage Is Recycled At The US’ Largest Recycling Facility” Video (3 minutes) (Insider) 2018
What happens to our 2.2 billion tons of trash? Video 5 minutes (Interesting Engineering) 2021
“Kids Guide to Recycling” Nice infographic and statistics. (Reusethisbag.com)
“Waste Management and Recycling” Follow the trash and recycling after it leaves the house. Video (9 minutes) (2010)
“What really happens to the plastic you throw away” Video 4 min (Ted ED)
Plastics: Material-Specific Data Data and charts about how much plastic is recycled. The answer is not much. Explore the links on the left for data on other waste products like cardboard and paper. (EPA) updated 2022
Human Impact
“The Pandemic Plastic Waste Disaster” Lots of great charts and graphs. (Reusethisbag.com) 2021
COVID pandemic is impacting trash services in Massachusetts, causing some to go without trash pickup for weeks (MassLive) 2022
Pandemic brings hundreds of tons more trash to South Shore curbs, open space (The Patriot Ledger) 2021
“Tiny island has 38 million pieces of trash” (Tween Tribune) 2017
“Recycling: China Stops Taking It, We Keep Making It” (News for Kids) 2019
Commentary: The Chinese Banned Our Recyclables: What Happened Next (Waste 360) 2022
Recycling is in trouble — and it might be your fault text, photos, videos and graph (USA Today) 2017
“Is what we’re recycling actually getting recycled?” Also, check out related stories linked at the bottom. (Try to ignore the ads!) (How Stuff Works)
Trash Talk November: Recycling and Environmental Justice (Tufts University) 2020
“One Man’s Trash is Another’s Burden: Social Justice & Waste Management” (Population Education) 2020
“Plastic pollution is an environmental injustice to vulnerable communities – new report” (United Nations) 2021
“Dirty Recycling Systems are Trashing Communities of Color” Green America
“What Really Happens to Unwanted Clothes?” (Green America)
“The Environmental Crisis Caused By Textile Waste” (RoadRunner) 2021
Harder Articles
Plastic Wars: Industry Spent Millions Selling Recycling — To Sell More Plastic Text, audio (4 minutes) and video (3 minutes) (NPR) 2020
“Where Will Your Plastic Trash Go Now That China Doesn’t Want It?” NPR 2019
“Your Recyclables Get Recycled, Right?” Citation is at the bottom, because this is from a database.(New York Times through Gale OneFIle) 2018 (password)
Solutions
”Recycling for Environmental and Social Justice” Follow the two links within the article to learn more. (Napa Recycling and Waste Services)
“Reducing Waste: What You Can Do” (U.S. EPA)
Gross Science | Recycling Poop Audio (3 minutes)(NOVA-PBS LearningMedia) 2016
New York City wants to cut waste by 90 percent (Tween Tribune 2015)
The Litter Less Campaign How does this organization work to get schools to reduce litter? Use this link to see The Seven Steps. (Eco-Schools)
Giant boom hopes to corral Pacific Ocean’s plastic trash (Tween Tribune) 2018
“Carbios’s Plastic-Eating Enzyme May Help Alleviate The World’s Pollution Problem” (DOGO News) 2020
“Rotterdam’s Picturesque Floating Park Is Built Entirely From Recycled Plastic Waste” (DOGO News) 2018
“There’s a bunch of animals at the zoo made out of ocean garbage” (Tween Tribune) 2016
Old clothes soon may be recycled, not trashed (Science News Explores) 2020
“Tokyo 2020 Olympic Medals Are Made From Recycled Cell Phones And Gadgets” (DOGO News) 2019
One Man’s Trash, Another Baker’s Treasure: Scientists Turn Plastic Bottles Into Vanilla Flavoring Audio (5 minutes) and text. (WBUR) 2021
“How Garbage-powered Cars Could Work” (How Stuff Works)
“Americans are really bad at recycling. But only because we’re not trying very hard.” Green America
Harder articles
“Trillions of pounds of trash: New technology tries to solve an old garbage problem” Lots of text and video (12 minutes) (CNBC) 2021
“After China’s Recyclable Ban, Municipalities Shift Gears” (Governing) 2021
Wildfires in the Western US (primarily the West, but also Midwest and East)
Back to TopGeneral Info
Start with World Book articles on “Wildfire,” “Chaparral” (password)
“GRASSLAND” the biome of the Midwest (Kids Do Ecology)
“Wildfires” (National Geographic)
“Wildfires” –Basic info and definitions (make sure to go to other pages and links) (Weather WizKids)
“Wildfires” (Ready.gov)
5 Ways Wildfires Threaten Western Wildlife (National WIldlife Federation) 2016
What Effects Do Wildfires Have on Humans and Animals? (Western Fire Chiefs Association) updated 2023.
National Interagency Fire Center –updated lists of where fires are burning now, and some statistics of past fires–click around the site to find pages like: National Fire News, Inciweb (map of current fires) and Fire Prevention.
“Fires: Current Conditions” (May take a long time to load) Up-to date fire maps and information on air quality. Click around to find other resources. (AirNow)
“FIRE DANGER – Why the risk of wildfires keeps growing” (Muse from Research Rocket) 2019 (password)
Harder Articles
“How the media covers fires” Text includes costs of wildfires and ways to protect fire-prone communities (in a link). (Wildfire Today) 2019
The Science of Wildfires (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) updated 2020
Human Impact
Recent chronology
2017- “The United States Had a Snowy WInter, So Why the Fiery Summer?” Tween Tribune
2017-”Ferocious Fires Show No Sign of Slowing Down” Dogo News
2018-”California Struggles with Monster Wildfires” –about the Camp fire (News for Kids)
2019 “California’s Fire Season Is Getting Longer And Increasingly More Destructive” Good charts and graphs (Dogo News)
2020 “US West Struggles to Contain Massive Wildfires” (News for Kids)
2020 “California exceeds 4 million acres burned by wildfires in 2020” (NBC News)
2020 “Arctic Heat Wave, Wildfires – a Global Problem” (News for Kids)
2021 “Firefighters Battle Biggest Wildfire in Mass. for 20 Years, Appalachian Trail Impacted” (10Boston)
2022 A Summer Of Heatwaves And Wildfires (Youngzine)
2022 Dried out forests are on fire across Massachusetts due to record-setting drought Text, audio (4 minutes), video (2 minutes) (WGBH)
General Impacts
“Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (from Distant Flames)” Risks to humans from wildfires (NRDC) 2015
The Aftermath Of Wildfires (Youngzine) 2020
“Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19” also “Wildfires” (CDC)
“Racial and economic divides extend to wildfire smoke, too” (Investigate West) 2020
“Effects of Wildfire on Animals” (Oregon Explorer)
“Effects of Wildfire on Soil and Water” (Oregon Explorer)
Wildfires: How Do They Affect Our Water Supplies? (EPA) 2019
Effects of Wildfire on Vegetation (Oregon Explorer)
Black, Hispanic, and Latino People Care About Climate Change the Most, Survey Finds (OneZero) 2020
The Economic Impacts of Large Wildfires Text (difficult) but video (3 minutes) easier to understand. (University of Oregon Ecosystem Workforce Program) 2019
People Working in Fire Click on the links to find various jobs.(U.S. Forest Service)
- Don’t miss Interactive Story Map about Smokejumpers.
”Wildfires in California’s Wine Country Hit Vulnerable Immigrant Farmworkers” (NBC News) 2017
“With Smoke Overhead, Farmworkers Hit By COVID-19 Work Through Compounding Crises” (CapRadio) 2020
US Wildfires are a Reproductive Justice Issue How do wildfires affect pregnant people and babies? (Human Rights Watch) 2022
Harder Articles
“Western Wildfire Season 2022” Keep scrolling down for more information and how climate change is affecting the wildfires. (Climate Signals) 2022
How wildfires disproportionately affect people of color Contains wildfire vulnerability chart, and talks about greater vulnerability of some Native American communities. (ABC10) 2021
“Wealthier, Whiter Areas Are More Likely to Get Help After Fires, Data Show” (New York TImes) 2020
Communities of Color Are More Vulnerable to Wildfires (Eos) 2018
“INTO THE WILDFIRE” Long somewhat difficult article, but cool pictures of equipment scientists use to study fire (New York Times Magazine) 2013
“Living with Wildfire” video (27 minutes) (Idaho Public TV)
Solutions
“How to Prevent Wildfires” Scroll around to find lots of information. (American Red Cross)
“10 Tips to Prevent Wildfires” (U. S. Department of the Interior)
Firewise USA –a community program for residents to collaborate to make wildfires less likely. (National Fire Protection Association)
ReadyforWildfire.org has a manual (PDF) for retrofitting homes to make them more wildfire resistant.
Beavers offer natural solution to fighting wildfires. Citation is at the bottom, because this is from a database. (KidsPost in Gale In Context: Elementary,) 2022 (password)
“Firefighters Save Sequoia National Park’s Beloved Giant Forest From Raging Wildfire” (DOGO News) 2021
“Bots vs Blazes – DRONES AND ROBOTS HELP HUMANS FIGHT FIRES.” Click at the top for the citation–this is a database. (Muse 2019 from Research Rocket) (password)
“The Air Is Full Of Dangerous Wildfire Smoke And Viral Particles. What’s The Best Protection For Your Health?” (CapRadio) 2020
“Wildfire Resources” Resources for families with children before, during and after a wildfire (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
“Wildfires” Centers for Disease Control, What to do to prepare your property in advance and how to evacuate.
Harder articles
“Disaster Resilience Saves Six Times as Much as It Costs” Money invested before disasters helps. (Bloomberg City News) 2018
“After the Fire: Vulnerable Communities Respond and Rebuild” This article is long, but skim the headings for things that interest you. Look at the graphs. (American Progress) 2019
General Info
Start with World Book articles on “Wind energy,” “Turbine” (password)
“Energy 101: Wind Power” video (2 minutes) (EnergyNowNews)
“What’s Good and What’s Bad about Wind Energy?” (Kids Discover) 2015
“Renewable basics” (U.S. Energy Information Administration)
“Renewable Wind” (U.S. Energy Information Administration)
“Wind Energy” text and video (1 minute) (Alliant Energy Kids)
“What is Renewable Energy?” and “What is Wind Power?” (eschooltoday)
“COP28 Agrees To Move Away from Fossil Fuels” Why using alternative energy is important. (News for Kids) 2023
Making Progress On Green Energy (News for Kids) 2019
WINDS OF CHANGE The U.S. opens its first offshore wind farm–tapping into a new source of green energy for the country Click at the top for the citation–this is a database. (Science World/Current Science from Gale in Context: Elementary) 2018 (password)
Wind Department of Energy –click on the links for more. (energy.gov)
Harder Articles
How a Wind Turbine Works –Great animated and labeled wind turbine (Department of Energy -energy.gov)
“How Wind Energy Works” Although the article is long, there are a lot of good graphics and animations. (Union of Concerned Scientists) updated 2013
“Wind Energy in Massachusetts” Maps and graphs about potential wind energy in Mass. (U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy)
Human Impact
“How Do Wind Turbines Impact the Environment in a Positive Way” (Sciencing) 2017
Ecological impact of wind turbines – IN 60 SECONDS Video (1 minute) (DOB Academy Studio)
“Do wind turbines cause health problems?” FAQs at the bottom. Optional audio (10 minutes) (How Stuff Works) 2019
No free lunch for renewables: More wind power would warm US Click at the top for the citation–this is a database. (Associated Press from Research Rocket) 2018 (password)
Unfurling The Waste Problem Caused By Wind Energy text and audio (3 minutes) (NPR) 2019
A Wind Farm Off The Coast of Scotland! Text and video (1 minute) (Youngzine) 2017
Wind Turbine Technician Demographics And Statistics In the US What groups are getting jobs in this industry? What are the wage gaps? (Zippia)
“Offshore wind is America’s new industry. Who will build it?” talks about pay of renewable energy workers vs. pay of workers in the coal, gas and oil industry. Also talks about where the wind turbine parts come from. Long article, but interesting. (E & E News) 2021
Harder Articles
“US approves its first big offshore wind farm, near Martha’s Vineyard – it’s a breakthrough for the industry” lots of maps and graphs. (The Conversation) 2021
“Environmental Impacts of Wind Power” (Union of Concerned Scientists)
Can Wind Turbines Make You Sick? (NOVA) 2018
Solutions
“Wind And Solar Powered Ecocapsule Allows Thrill-Seekers To Live Off The Grid” (Dogo News) 2015
‘Water batteries’ could store solar and wind power for when it’s needed Text and audio (4 minutes) (WGBH) 2022
“Cheaper Battery Is Unveiled as a Step to a Carbon-Free Grid” A new kind of battery to safely store wind and solar power. (New York Times) 2018. use this citation: Penn, Ivan. “Cheaper Battery Is Unveiled as a Step to a Carbon-Free Grid.” The New York Times, 26 Sept. 2018, www.nytimes.com.
Could the sand battery make renewable energy more dependable? Text and audio (4 minutes) (Marketplace) 2022
An Underwater Battery To Store Wind Energy (Youngzine) 2022
How to recycle a 150-foot wind turbine blade? Haul it to Louisiana, MO Text, audio (4 minutes), photos.(St. Louis Public Radio) 2022
“Wind Power and Birds” (Audubon Society) 2020
Harder articles
“Inaction is Unjust: A Story of Wind, the NIMBY Effect, & Environmental Justice” (Rachel Carson Council) 2019
Wind power gets downsized — but in a good way How can wind power be used in small ways? (Science News Explores) 2016
“New Tool Maps Birds, Fish In Offshore Wind Areas” (WBUR) 2021
“‘Environmental Justice’ To Be Part Of Offshore Wind” talks about fisherman. (InDepthNH) 2021
Renewable energy might be able to green a desert Science News for Students 2018
indicates articles that address Environmental Justice.
Back to TopDefinition from the United States Environmental Protection Agency:
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. This goal will be achieved when everyone enjoys:
- The same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, and
- Equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work.
Article explaining Envirornmental Justice for kids:
“Environmental Justice ….. What does that mean?” (Kids Environment Kids Health section of National Institute for Health)
