Eco Report – September 22, 2022

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HEADLINES

All stories this week were written by Norm Holy

Getting rid of coal ash ponds continues to be a problem in Indiana. Residents and civil rights organizations in Michigan City are concerned they will face a water crisis if something isn’t done about a power generating station’s leftover coal ash.

The oil company BP has agreed to pay $2.7 million in a settlement over air pollution violations at its refinery in northwest Indiana. The agreement was filed in a federal district court on Thursday and still has to be approved by a judge.

 Congressional Democrats presented fresh evidence which they say proves that oil companies are continuing to mislead the public on climate change and undercut global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A new study has found an alarming loss in forest areas globally, including that global forest area per capita has dropped from 3.5 acres in 1960 to just 1.4 acres per person by 2019, a 60% decline.

In Greenland now, it’s feeling more like July than September. After a fairly cold and wet summer in Greenland, an unusually late heat wave caused extensive melting across the ice sheet — the kind of melt typically seen in the middle of summer. Researchers say it’s the largest melt event to occur in September, according to data sets spanning nearly four decades.

 In a move that sets a new precedent for corporate leadership in the age of climate change, billionaire founder of sportswear brand Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard has announced that he is giving away his entire company to fight the climate crisis and safeguard nature.

WGN radio posed the question of how clean is the air and water in our state?

CALENDAR

An Autumn Equinox program will take place at the Paynetown State Recreation Area at Monroe Lake on Friday, September 23rd from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  Learn why the Autumn Equinox signals the official start of the fall season and learn what an equinox is.  Meet at the Campground Playground.

Celebrate the arrival of Fall at the Fall Equinox Fire Celebration and Craft event on Saturday, September 24th from 12:30 to 2:30 pm at the Lower Cascades Park in the Waterfall Shelter.  Learn how to use tree identification to build your best campfire.  You will also get to see several fire-starting techniques.  Register at bloomington.in.gov/parks.

The Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area is having a Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 24th from 9 am to 5 pm.  You can take the 5-Gallon Bucket Challenge to help clean up the property; drop a line in the water and take advantage of the Free Fishing Day, and spend your time exploring the new trail.

The Indiana Forest Alliance is hosting their Annual Forest-Foraged Feast on Thursday, September 29th beginning at 5:30 pm at the Courses Restaurant and Bakery in Indianapolis.  Enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience and silent auction.  Go to the IFA website to purchase tickets.

Learn all about amazing insects at Bloomington’s 10th Annual Bug Fest on Saturday, October 1st from 10 am to 2 pm at Hilltop Gardens at Indiana University.  All kinds of “buggy” activities are scheduled.  For more information and to pre-register, go to hilltop.indiana.edu/events-programs-classes/bugfest/index.html.