The interview with investigative journalist Skyler Fusaro dives into the Great Reflecting Pool Algae Fiasco of 2026, highlighting missteps in accountability and environmental science. Fusaro questions President Trump and contractor John J. Cafaro about the $16 million renovation and its environmental consequences. The discussion reveals a lack of scientific foresight, as the dark paint led to increased algae growth. Ultimately, the fiasco underscores the importance of evidence-based decision-making in public projects, serving as a cautionary tale for future governance in ecological matters.
The incident with the algae bloom in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool highlights significant ecological principles. Following a $16 million renovation that darkened the pool’s surface, the National Park Service utilized hydrogen peroxide and nanobubbler technology to kill the algae. Critics questioned whether these treatments effectively addressed the underlying causes, such as warm water temperatures and nutrient levels promoting algae growth. Experts suggest that improving water circulation, controlling nutrient input, and reconsidering the aesthetics of the pool could provide a more sustainable solution, emphasizing that understanding basic ecology is crucial in addressing such environmental issues.
In 2007, the Supreme Court, in Massachusetts v. EPA, decided that the EPA must fulfill its authority. It must regulate tailpipe emissions of greenhouse gases. These gases cause, or contribute to, air pollution. The Clean Air Act authorizes the Environmental Protection...
Particulate matter (PM) has become front and center because of the Canadian forest fires and wind patterns over the northeastern and middle Atlantic states. However, air quality alerts are as far south as Alabama and west to St. Louis. In this post, I use maps and images to provide information on how to understand air quality.
A few articles caught my attention this week. Kepler, education activists & atmospheric rivers are the topics. I’m not claiming that these are related, but I’ll try and make a case. In the next 3 days, you’ll find a post on each subject. You can follow the links to see what I read.
This post focuses on education and climate as seen by a teen living in Atlanta in the year 2051. I originally published it on April 21, 2012. Although a work of fiction, it is presented here as a reminder of the consequences of making decisions based on faulty reasoning and ignorance. I am re-publishing it today ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference being held in Glasgow, Scotland
