By John Sutter
Here are some notes on recent environment stories you may have missed, and what’s coming up this week:
China: There’s a new report to add certainty to the idea that China has surpassed the United States as the world’s top carbon dioxide emitter. Carbon dioxide is the most significant greenhouse gas. You’ll recall that the Senate recently debated a cap-and-trade system to contol carbon emissions. It failed. U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, was an outspoken opponent of the bill.
Tar Creek: Tonight, tornado victims in Picher will get government offers for their property that was destroyed or damaged. Residents of the area, which is part of environmental disaster site, were already in the middle of a federal buyout process when the tornado hit. Find more background on the story here, and look for a story from tonight’s meeting in Tuesday’s paper.
Drought: The Oklahoma Panhandle remains in the middle of a drought that government monitors have labeled “extreme.” State officials say they’re planning a trip up to the Panhandle soon. Residents of the area say they’re selling off herds of cattle and facing non-existent wheat harvests. They say they’re often forgotten by “down staters” in Oklahoma City.
Floods: Meanwhile, the Midwest, and parts of eastern Oklahoma remain soaked in floodwaters. Find a real-time map of flood sites here.
Genius plants/bacteria: These are my two favorite stories from last week, both from NPR. First, this feature on plant research is about one plant can tell who its relatives are. The plants won’t compete with or kill family members, but will strangle others to ensure their survival. The other is about an ocean bacterium that’s responsible for the oxygen in every one in five of your breaths — yet, scientists didn’t know it existed until 20 years ago. Maybe that sounds boring, but listen. The writer makes it hilarious and fun. The bacterium, named Prochlorococcus, even has its own song.
Inhofe: U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe has been running a TV ad that talks about his role in getting help and money for residents of Tar Creek. The features a Picher resident who thanks the senator for his help. If you live in the area or have worked with the site, I wonder what your thoughts are. Feel free to comment.