Tri-County’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, which covers Peoria, defines heat waves as relatively inconsequential. History tells us differently: Chicago 1995, 700 dead; France 2003, 15,000 dead; Western Russia 2010, 50,000 dead. Before Tri-County releases its 2020 plan, it could consult…
Tag Archive for climate change
Heat Waves — In Red & Black | Climate matters
by William Rau • • Comments Off on Heat Waves — In Red & Black | Climate matters
In 2004, climate scientists predicted “more intense, more frequent and longer lasting heat waves” this century. In 2008, the 2nd National Climate Assessment projected heat waves in the Midwest every summer by midcentury. Last year, the Union of Concerned Scientists’…
ISU Professor: Peoria vulnerable to killer heat waves
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on ISU Professor: Peoria vulnerable to killer heat waves
Everyone who has watched Australia burn and Jakarta flood need look no further than Peoria for dangerous, life-threatening changes due to climate change. William Rau, Illinois State University emeritus professor of sociology, said communities in central Illinois need detailed emergency…
Bill Knight | Humans aren’t hopeless on climate change
by Bill Knight • • Comments Off on Bill Knight | Humans aren’t hopeless on climate change
Earth is at a “doom and bloom” point. While news almost daily reports dangers such as ozone threats to corn crops (University of Illinois reported last month), positives occur like the Pasta Straw (produced from bucatini by the U.K.’s Stroodles…
Storms and “Killer Heat” loom, challenging globe
by Terry Bibo • • Comments Off on Storms and “Killer Heat” loom, challenging globe
Schaer’s Country Market’s self-pick strawberries didn’t open its fields this summer. Too cold. Too wet. Planting was late. Bath’s 14th Annual Redneck Fishing Tournament was canceled. Too cold, too wet, too long. Even for people who think stalking slimy Asian…
News analysis: Trump damaging EPA & globe to benefit favored industries
by Bill Knight • • Comments Off on News analysis: Trump damaging EPA & globe to benefit favored industries
Last month, President Trump defended his administration’s role in protecting the environment, remarks observers say were needed after a year of controversies concerning the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and climate change – and recent moves sparking even more criticism. “President…
Earthdance: Peace, social responsibility, environmental justice
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on Earthdance: Peace, social responsibility, environmental justice
Sherrie Campbell uses her body to communicate, heal, nurture and inspire. The former principal dancer with Peoria Ballet says her deep connection with the environment and dance has helped her navigate rough periods in life and infuses her with healing…
Green New Deal
by Bill Knight • • Comments Off on Green New Deal
Three members of Illinois’ Congressional delegation are co-sponsoring the Green New Deal, an ambitious public-works plan to address climate change and inequality, and though it faces stiff Republican opposition, it resonates with the public. Democratic U.S. Reps. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia,…
Nature Rambles | Nero fiddles
by Mike Miller • • Comments Off on Nature Rambles | Nero fiddles
As November snows fall on the quiet landscape of Central Illinois, an inferno of unprecedented magnitude blisters California. Wildfires rip through the foothills near Paradise, Chico and Malibu, whipped to a frenzy by dry Santa Ana winds. Fires are so…
Letters: Top Legislative Agenda Should Be Climate Change
by contributor • • Comments Off on Letters: Top Legislative Agenda Should Be Climate Change
Re “Immigration and Infrastructure Top of Legislative Agenda for Republicans in Congress” (Ray LaHood’s column, February 2018): I suggest a-top-of-the-agenda item for Congress—climate change. Tragically, the present Republican President, cabinet, White House staff and Congress not only do not identify…