Top of the World: Hawaii – May 24, 2023

Top of the World: Hawaii – May 24, 2023

This Science Wednesday explores Mauna Kea, the state highpoint of Hawaii at 13,796 feet, and Mauna Loa, which houses a climate observatory on the north flank of the volcano at an elevation of 11,135 feet above sea level. The observatory is a premier atmospheric...
Black Carbon – May 17, 2023

Black Carbon – May 17, 2023

It’s an honor being part of the BIG: North Pole 2022 (Before It’s Gone) Project, which has been sampling snow and ice across the Arctic, looking at presence and impacts of heavy metals, microplastics and black carbon (BC). Last week in Iceland, I picked up their...
The Top of Iceland – May 10, 2023

The Top of Iceland – May 10, 2023

Hvannadalshnúkur is a peak on the northwestern rim of the summit crater of the Öræfajökull volcano, the highest active volcano in Iceland. It’s situated in Vatnajokull National Park and the summit, at nearly 7,000 feet, is Iceland’s highest peak. Öræfajökull has...
Coffee & Climate Change – May 3, 2023

Coffee & Climate Change – May 3, 2023

If you’re a coffee drinker, take note! Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on the global coffee industry, as coffee plants are sensitive to changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and humidity, which can affect their growth, yield, and quality....
Wind Power – April 26, 2023

Wind Power – April 26, 2023

The National Renewable Energy Lab’s Flatirons Campus is home to the National Wind Technology Center in Arvada, Colorado. On the campus, there are a few research turbines for studying more efficient blade design, powering capabilities beyond just the campus (feeding...
The Future is Renewable – April 12, 2023

The Future is Renewable – April 12, 2023

As climate continues to change, it’s important that we start planning for a sustainable future – now. NREL, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, in Golden, Colorado, is a leader not only in the development of renewable energy technologies but also in making a...