a true conservation comeback story: the rio grande cutthroat trout, known as “cutties.” these fish were once outcompeted by other trout species until ted turner biologists and conservationists intervened to save the life histories of this unique species. 

fifteen years of restoration projects across the watersheds of the vermejo river made a thriving cuttie population possible. with a bright reddish-orange “cut” marking close to their mouth, these native trout are cherished by anglers. their home, costilla creek, is at 8,000 feet in elevation — high enough to make your ears pop! a sanctuary for this key indicator species, the beautiful oxbows, or bends in the river, and riffles provide a haven for insects, birds, large mammals, and native plant communities. 

learning about the complex mosaics of species and indigenous land practices, my week at vermejo, new mexico, was full of reciprocity and wonder. vermejo was, literally, a “heaven on earth,” as its founder, ted turner, once stated. i left vermejo with a newfound sense of hope and aspiration to re-imagine the impossible, because nature’s regenerative powers unfold the possibilities for re-growth.

click on the video above to learn more!

editor’s note: this series was made possible with the generous support of turner reserves and contributions by the turner family. all editorial content is published independently. 

planet forward’s environmental media lab led this expedition to teach the power of visual storytelling in wild spaces to convey the beauty and bounty of our planet.

beneath your feet while walking around a college campus, there’s a high likelihood that a network of pipes pumping hot steam in and out of the buildings around you are working around the clock to keep your classrooms and dorms warm and temperature controlled. 

known as a thermal energy network (ten), these systems are used across the country, including on the shared campus of syracuse university and suny college of environmental science and forestry (esf) in upstate new york. 

but in 2025, the clean energy master plan from esf aims to disconnect from the syracuse university steam station as they move into the final stages of decarbonizing their ten to reduce their carbon footprint.

in the united states, buildings are responsible for the highest proportion of overall emissions nationally at 31%. projects to decarbonize, or lower emissions, have gained traction across new york state in recent years. however, at the current national decarbonization rate, it could take 200 years or more to address inefficient or greenhouse gas (ghg) emitting equipment. currently, esf’s thermal energy network is powered by steam distribution through a looped system of underground pipes. the clean energy master plan, co-funded by nyserda, proposes a decarbonized thermal energy network that could help esf decrease its greenhouse gas emissions by over 40%. 

“the decarbonization of a thermal energy network all comes down to where the heat is coming from,” says michael amadori, who works in esf’s sustainable operations and planning. 

traditionally, tens have relied on burning fossil fuels like coal, petroleum or natural gas to provide thermal energy to homes and buildings. but as demands for energy consumption have increased, advancements in technology like heat pumps and a need for electrification has allowed fossil fuel-based district energy systems to be retrofitted to become zero-carbon or decarbonized. 

these energy systems can be divided into five distinct generations with one through three being traditional and less efficient. they need to operate at high temperatures and use steam, pressurized hot water over 100°c, and pressurized hot water between 70°c and 100°c, respectively, as their heat-exchanging fluids.

fourth and fifth generation systems are the most efficient and sustainable models now. they are able to operate at lower temperatures and use lower temperature water as the means of heat exchange. tens do this by centralizing the heat into a connected network, and placing heat pumps in individual buildings. whether it is the wasted energy from buildings or harboring thermal energy from the earth’s constant 55℉, these individual heat pumps can reuse thes energy from thermal sources to move the water to heat and cool at lower temperatures, and use the heat pump to boost these in the building, requiring less energy and emitting less.

through 2024, the new york power authority and new york state energy research and development authority selectively awarded funding to colleges and universities, multi-family complexes, medical campuses and communities for projects that use sustainable tens to effectively integrate clean heating and cooling systems and equipment into their buildings. currently, 60% of esf’s energy is sustainably supplied by their combined heat and power plant in the gateway center. the remaining 40% of the steam used in the current system is purchased from their neighbor, syracuse university. in 2023, the syracuse university steam station emitted 48,134 metric tons of co2. 

existing syracuse university steam loop.

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existing syracuse university steam loop and esf steam loop.

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existing steam loops and proposed hot water distribution network.

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“the master plan calls for a hot water distribution system which would make it easier to use electricity as the source of your heat. using hot water also allows easier tie-in for geothermal systems,” amadori says. esf will go through a bridging period in 2025. using their own heat from the gateway chpp, they will continue to heat buildings around campus and continue to disconnect from su’s steam network while retrofitting the pipe network and renovating buildings like moon library to transfer low temperature hot water rather than steam. 

the master plan takes a plug and play approach to decarbonizing how esf heats and cools their main campus. tens are quickly becoming the most efficient systems available to deliver climate-friendly heating and cooling equitably to entire communities.the new york public service commission and us department of energy have incentivized projects across new york state and the united states. the utility thermal energy network and jobs act has led to drafted plans in various states and some projects nearby in ithaca, new york are expected to start within the next year. 

in 1911, suny esf was founded to help find solutions to problems in the forestry industry. now, with a retrofitted, sustainable thermal energy network, they are leading the way towards a sustainable, zero-carbon campus of the future.

]]> //m.getitdoneaz.com/story/cleaner-wrasses/ tue, 15 oct 2024 15:18:58 +0000 //m.getitdoneaz.com/?p=42459 under the sea of the tropical pacific ocean exists a vibrant and busy city known as the coral reef, where an exclusive “spa” is run by remarkable little fish known as cleaner wrasses. these fish, just eight centimeters long, are the guardians of the reef, responsible for maintaining the hygiene and health of their aquatic neighbors. today’s story centers around one very special cleaner wrasse, named “clewra,” for short.

why cleaner wrasses are so important

cleaner wrasses like clewra are vital for the health of coral reefs, ecosystems that are currently under threat. coral reefs are fragile and sensitive to changes in the environment, and climate change has led to widespread coral bleaching. many reefs across the indo-pacific are struggling and cleaner wrasses are part of the solution. they help maintain the balance by keeping the reef fish healthy, which in turn, helps preserve the reef ecosystem.

this is why my research focuses on cleaner wrasses like clewra. as a student at the university of hawai’i studying marine biology, i wanted to understand how their social behavior and cognitive abilities contribute to the reef’s health, especially in areas still relatively unaffected by coral bleaching. by studying these cleaner wrasses, we can compare their behavior and intelligence across different regions, providing insight into how environmental changes might impact the species in the future.

how cleaner wrasses maintain reef health

with her elegant, shiny purple, blue, and yellow body, clewra darts around the reef like a little underwater superhero. her mission is to clean her clients of annoying parasites and dead skin, leaving them refreshed and rejuvenated.

clewra’s unique talent lies in her ability to perform various gestures to attract and calm her clients. she trembles with excitement to signal she’s ready to clean, her flapping fins creating an irresistible invitation. some clients even say her touch is like a gentle massage, building trust and bonding. her “tactile stimulation” helps her clients relax, similar to a relaxing spa experience for humans.

cleaner wrasses don’t just clean fish for the sake of hygiene, they play a crucial role in the reef’s social structure. their cleaning services foster a sense of community where fish of all sizes and species line up to get their parasites removed. even predators like groupers and barracudas show up at the cleaning stations and wait patiently for their turn, demonstrating how cleaner wrasses contribute to peace and cooperation among marine life.

this unique social behavior creates a symbiotic relationship that benefits everyone. cleaner wrasses are essential because they help prevent diseases by keeping fish free of parasites, ensuring the survival of both the fish and the reef ecosystem. this, in turn, impacts human coastal communities, which rely on healthy reefs for resources and protection from storm surges.

clewra’s intelligence and skill

what makes clewra and others of her species truly fascinating is their intelligence. cleaner wrasses are among the few fish species that can recognize themselves in mirrors, a sign of self-awareness, a rare trait among fish. clewra, in particular, has a remarkable ability to remember individual clients and their cleaning preferences. some cleaner wrasses cheat by nibbling at the protective mucus of their clients instead of just eating the parasites, but clewra is honest and trustworthy. her clients keep coming back because they know she does her job well.

researchers have found that the social intelligence of cleaner wrasses may even contribute to the development of their cognitive abilities. fish that interact with these cleaners must adapt and respond to social cues, making the reef a place of constant learning and communication. my research aims to delve deeper into this intelligence by conducting behavioral and cognitive tests on cleaner wrasses like clewra.

the ecosystem’s hidden heroes

cleaner wrasses like clewra are essential for more than just maintaining cleanliness. their role in preventing disease and infection ensures the overall health of the reef. without them, the balance of life on the reef could collapse, causing a ripple effect that would impact both marine life and human coastal communities.

]]> //m.getitdoneaz.com/story/maps-tackle-climate-change/ fri, 20 sep 2024 14:17:25 +0000 //m.getitdoneaz.com/?p=41539 as the changing climate transforms how communities around the globe are impacted by weather events, maps need to keep up with current risks. from flood zone maps in accra, ghana, to students taking mapping into their own hands, learn how gis has become an essential tool in today’s mapping world.

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this story was produced as part of the planet forward summer seminar in multimedia storytelling.

]]> //m.getitdoneaz.com/story/tips-for-back-to-school/ tue, 27 aug 2024 20:06:38 +0000 //m.getitdoneaz.com/?p=40855 for college students, every new school year ushers in the overwhelming sense of possible reinvention. as a senior, this august will include my last ever first day of school and despite this being my 16th one, i am still captivated by the idea of a fresh start and of a sparkly new me.

but no matter what year you are i’m sure this is a feeling that many of you are experiencing this week as well. 

to the disdain of my mother (and her wallet) this often has manifested itself as a desire for new stuff. new clothes, shoes, backpacks, sheets- you name it. it’s normal to seek out material items as a way of self expression and a new outfit can be a quick way to feel more confident. but like so many good things, this kind of consumerism is best in moderation. 

these days the online world, where we’re all spending increasingly more time, is flooded with influencers promoting products, celebrities unveiling new brands, and pictures with links where purchasing is as easy as clicking. 

it goes without saying that we are obsessed with stuff. constantly consuming this kind of content can put us in a negative feedback loop, we begin to feel unsatisfied by what we have, convinced that our lives would be better if only we had that one new thing.

not only is this kind of consumerism bad for our brains, it’s also bad for the planet. the production and transportation of clothes, electronics, etc. leads directly to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, effectively warming the earth. it also increases plastic production creating more waste and thus more landfills.

if you’re starting this school year in search of that special something new, here are a few ways to consume sustainably:

1. shop second hand: shopping at thrift stores such as goodwill, salvation army, or your local consignment is a great way to spruce up your closet without hurting the planet! many campuses across the country have introduced sustainable shopping initiatives. at the george washington university, beginning on friday aug. 30 with its grand opening, students will be able to visit the loop. the loop is gw’s free clothing exchange store where students can donate unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories in return for something “new.” learn more about the loop here. 
2. be intentional: there have been countless hours where i get lost in a rabbit hole on instagram or pinterest and walk away from my phone feeling like i want to burn my whole closet and start over. i love new shoes as much as carrie bradshaw does but at the end of the day my outfit is not a reflection of who i am and comparison is the thief of joy. i have found it much more worthwhile to spend time styling what i do have instead of pining over what i don’t. 
3. sharing is caring: in my three years of college i have been incredibly fortunate to live with girls similar sizes to me which has meant our respective closets have morphed into one big one. i recognize this is a huge luxury that many people might not have but friends are always a great place to look for inspiration, especially if they have an impending closet clean-out. 
4. quality over quantity: when you do decide it’s time to buy something new (yay!) consider investing in products that have been created sustainably instead of falling victim to fast fashion. although these kinds of clothes and shoes can be more expensive, it’s true that we vote with our wallets and by supporting brands that care about the planet and their employees, we are working to ensure a future where sustainability is the standard. 

wherever you (and your closet) might be this fall, here’s to a new school year of sustainability! good luck!

]]> //m.getitdoneaz.com/story/sports-sustainability/ tue, 06 feb 2024 16:43:18 +0000 //m.getitdoneaz.com/?p=36974

sports is often the last place that people turn to when they think about innovations in environmental sustainability. however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. in recent years, many teams across the sports world have been taking steps to adapt their systems and bring sustainability to their fans and competitions. teams like the syracuse crunch, a hockey team using recycled water for their ice rink, are paving the way for increased emphasis on environmentalism in the sporting infrastructure and operations.

continue reading about the syracuse crunch and other sustainability initiatives in sports by clicking the presentation below!

the wff was more than just a forum; it was a confluence of knowledge and passion, where young professionals like me, deeply invested in international development and agriculture, came together. the air was thick with a mix of humility and enlightenment as we delved into discussions and workshops.

each session i attended, and every interaction i had, was a vivid tapestry of insights. voices ranged from smallholder farmers to academics, from private sector mavens to policymakers, each contributing to a rich mosaic of perspectives. the diversity underscored the multifaceted nature of our quest for food security – a challenge demanding nothing less than collaborative ingenuity.

a particularly poignant moment was the address by the president of iraq – whose words painted a stark reality of a world facing the dual crises of food security and water scarcity. his speech was a clarion call, highlighting the dire projections for 2030 and the paradox of our planet’s water distribution, including that over 1.5 billion people are expected to face water scarcity by 2030. the urgency in his voice was a reminder of the critical need to rethink our relationship with water and agriculture.

it was inspiring to witness the food and agriculture organization (fao) exemplify its commitment to sustainability. demonstrating its corporate responsibility, the fao introduced a comprehensive food waste monitoring system in its canteens and food trucks. this system involved participants sorting their leftovers according to food types. observing this system in action on the first day motivated me to be more conscientious about requesting the right amount of food, thereby minimizing waste. remarkably, this initiative led to a significant reduction of 964 kg (2125 pounds) in leftover food waste.

innovation was the pulsating heart of the forum. witnessing technological advancements in agriculture, juxtaposed with time-honored practices that have been the backbone of communities for ages, was inspiring. stories like that of a young woman farmer intertwining her ancestors’ wisdom with modern science to cultivate resilient practices filled me with hope.

throughout the forum, i forged bonds with fellow advocates for agricultural development and a sustainable future. conversations sparked in rome wove themselves into my professional tapestry, reinforcing my resolve to contribute significantly to this global mission. the experienced experts painted a vivid picture of our planet’s limitations, grounding our discussions in a reality that was both personal and urgent. it dawned on me, and perhaps on all of us there, that our work carried an immense responsibility towards future generations.

as i departed from the wff, i took with me not just the wealth of knowledge shared, but a renewed determination to be at the forefront of change. the forum was a catalyst, igniting my commitment to a cause much grander than myself – nourishing the world sustainably and equitably. it was more than just an event; it was the kindling of a lifelong commitment to a cause greater than any individual — a commitment to the sustenance of our world.

washington – climate experts warned lawmakers about the effect of climate change on extreme weather during the first-ever congressional hearing on extreme event attribution, a field of climate science, on nov. 1. they offered solutions to help congress navigate more frequent and intensified weather events, like storms, droughts and heatwaves. 

“we’re the first generation to suffer from climate change, but the last generation which can do anything about it, so that’s our challenge,” said sen. edward markey (d-mass.). 

instances of extreme weather events are on the rise. this summer, phoenix set a record of 31 consecutive days of temperatures at or above 110 degrees. on the other side of the country, florida experienced severe rainfall, leading to flooding in the streets. 

sen. tom carper (d-del.) said extreme event attribution, which detects the extent to which man-made global warming influences extreme weather, can be an “important tool,” as congress takes steps to manage and prepare for severe weather events.  

“these questions matter because the human harms and costs of climate change are massive, and sadly, they are growing,” carper said. “we are going to focus on how it’s fueling extreme weather and what we can do about it.”

sen. shelley moore capito (r-w.va.) stressed the importance of finding bipartisan solutions over debating the causes of extreme weather, highlighting that extreme event attribution can’t tell whether global warming “caused” a specific event. 

michael wehner, a climate scientist at the applied mathematics and computational research division at the lawrence berkeley national laboratory, also emphasized the economic consequences of extreme weather. he estimated that global warming was responsible for about $50 billion in damages from flooding during hurricane harvey, a category 4 storm that made landfall in texas and louisiana in 2017.

extreme weather disproportionately impacts younger, older and low-income populations, wehner added. poor people are among the most vulnerable, as they are the least able to recover from these kinds of events, he said. 

“these damages were not equally distributed within socioeconomic groups,” wehner said. “the most vulnerable portion of the local population was disproportionately affected, and climate change exacerbated this injustice.”

paul dabbar, a former department of energy official, advocated for “technology-neutral innovation” and open strategies, which would further the competition of discovery. 

“the right strategy for the world today is to continue discovery, innovation and deployment of new options,” dabbar said. “while we certainly need to understand the drivers of climate change, we should focus on solutions also.” 

carper asked how attribution science could inform the designing and engineering of infrastructure, such that roads, bridges and pipes could better withstand severe weather. in response, wehner described his experience working with the san francisco city government on their waste management system, which had raised concerns about extreme precipitation. he quoted one city official, who said: “there ain’t no pipe good enough.”

“that has sent the engineers and designers back to the drawing room, saying ‘how will we accommodate these storms in a world that might be considerably warmer,’” he testified. 

wehner told the medill news service that cities need to adapt to increased extreme weather conditions by being more proactive, like adding green roofs or rethinking wastewater management systems. 

“in order to avoid more dangerous climate change, we have to have the entire planet go to zero emissions to stabilize the climate — that’s not going to happen in my lifetime,” wehner said. “so then, we have to adapt.”

sen. sheldon whitehouse (d-r.i.) asked how insurance companies were dealing with extreme flooding in florida, to which jennifer jurado, the chief resilience officer for broward county, florida, replied that some local insurance companies in florida are going bankrupt, while others are pulling out of the state altogether to avoid future risk. 

lawmakers stressed the importance of working together to find solutions to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events in the future. 

“while climate change is driving extreme weather, we are not helpless. this situation is not hopeless,” carper said. “working together, we can prevent the worst impacts of global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

washington – “i’ll show you what i dug out of one [camel] skeleton,” marine scientist marcus eriksen said as he unearthed a roughly 40-pound mass that he estimated held 2,000 plastic bags. 

eriksen’s display came as he and other experts testified on potential solutions to single-use plastics pollution, including new materials and improved recycling, during a subcommittee hearing for the senate environment and public works on october 26.

eriksen, co-founder of the 5 gyres institute, said he has also pulled plastic bags out of hundreds of bird skeletons and has had colleagues find them in whale guts too. he emphasized the global abundance of plastic waste that has risen exponentially in the last 15 years and resulted in serious health impacts for numerous species.

“these small, even nanoscale, particles are found in your bloodstream,” eriksen said in an interview with the medill news service before the hearing. “they get into the placenta of mothers. it gets into the organs of humans. it even crossed the brain barrier in studies of rats and mice.”

at the hearing, there was an intermittent back and forth between senators on whether plastic bags can be recycled, illustrating the larger confusion on the country’s present recycling system and its limited efficacy. 

sen. markwayne mullin (r-okla.) asked about the accumulation of plastic bags in the 40-pound mass, saying that it was his understanding that plastic bags can be recycled. sen. sheldon whitehouse (d-r.i.) said plastic bags cannot be recycled and that the recycling rate in general “stinks,” calling it “very, very much a failed system.” 

in response, mullin maintained that there are ways to recycle plastic bags, to which whitehouse said he had meant you can’t dispose of plastic bags in a mixed-use recycling bin. 

erin simon, vice president and head of plastic waste and business at the world wildlife fund, said plastic bags are technically recyclable but not often recycled. some recycling facilities do not accept plastic bags, wraps, and film in recycling bins because they clog machinery and cause safety hazards.

during the discussion, mullin cautioned against an impulsive reaction and called for “innovation, not misguided regulation.” he highlighted the work of witness humberto kravetz, the founder and ceo of gsf upcycling, a spain-based company that recycles plastic with less energy and environmental cost by using nanomaterials.

eriksen called for biodegradable plastics as a solution. he noted his organization’s 18-month field study that measured how 22 bioplastic items broke down in different land and marine environments with most samples degrading significantly within the timespan. 

“a lot of these biomaterials, they are functional replacements, especially as a thin film,” eriksen said in an interview before the hearing. 

eriksen also discussed the potential of regenerative materials such as seaweed and mushrooms in creating alternatives to plastics, which are made from fossil fuels.

simon noted the need for caution when considering the tradeoffs of switching to alternative materials, emphasizing that steps can be taken when sourcing alternatives to ensure there are more environmental and social benefits compared to conventional plastic.  

while various approaches were debated at the hearing, witnesses were unanimous on the need for urgent action to solve the single-use plastic pollution crisis.  

whitehouse argued that an economic component needs to be added to the technical conversation to provide incentive by reaching a point where recycled materials are cheaper than virgin plastic. 

“if that economic signal shifts, then suddenly recycling works,” whitehouse said, “because if there’s one rule of capitalism, it’s the profit’s imperative.”

according to simon, it’s the responsibility of governments and industries to make systems work for consumers while also addressing current trends. 

“all of the science tells us that, whether you’re talking about this from a pollution issue or from human health, first we need to produce less,” simon said in an interview before the hearing. “we can’t manage what we have, let alone what we’re projected to grow to.”

life on the sun-drenched isles of south florida can be breathtaking. miami boasts some of the most vibrant coastlines in the nation; crystalline ocean waters, brimming with life and home to some of the most remarkable biomes on earth, lap gently against bone-white shores. for me, miami is the perfect oasis. if only i could forget one little problem: we. are. sinking.

the atlantic ocean is marching upon us. environmental protection agency reports state that from 1996 to 2011, we’ve lost 20 square miles of coastline to the sea. the very same glistening waters that we floridians so love to admire have begun a seemingly unstoppable tirade against us. so, what are we going to do? where do we turn? who is going to ‘save our souls’?

we can’t count on the powerful developers who run the place. they’re doing better business than ever. the miami coastline is booming; the city is dotted with engineers and construction crews who swarm their work-sites like ants. hundreds of steel and glass towers crowd the narrow strip of land, each one taller than the last and all of them vying to be closest to god.

we can’t count on our elected officials. even when faced with daily floods and the sobering aftermath of hurricane irma, florida governor rick scott — the man who banned the phrases “climate change” and “global warming” from his administration’s vocabulary — still refuses to deal with the watery grave that he’s condemning our city to.

as it turns out, we’re going to have to save ourselves. all over the state, university students and educators are answering the call-to-arms. they’re researching, collaborating with the city of miami beach and working towards implementing substantive solutions. essentially, they are fighting back.

they are fighting back not just against the incoming tides but also against the seemingly endless inaction from those who are supposed to be in power. florida international university’s sea level solutions center (slsc) is leading the charge. the center was founded in 2015 with the vision of creating and implementing sustainable solutions for sea level rising.

in under two years, slsc had netted together a vast web of collaborators, student scientists and project leaders who work towards making some real changes in south florida. year after year, slsc pushes out newer, more innovative research projects. from a project which outlines the potential dangers of increasing salinity on our natural water systems and drinking water, to a project that aims to stabilize and protect south florida archaeological sites with integrated ecosystem restoration.  these research projects are important because through them the slsc is not only able to gather usable data and implement plans, but they also get the opportunity to educate on the less obvious effects of rising sea levels.

slsc tries to work directly with the community, according to brad schonhoff, a fiu graduate turned project manager.

“[we are] bringing science to the table, and telling what the latest data is showing, informing current zoning and building projects on the data… getting them to implement resilience into the building,” schonhoff said.

slsc works hand in hand with regional bodies to make sure that the plans for this new generation of renovations will be based in science. for example a recent a $400 million dollar general obligation bond was voted on in miami. roughly 200 million dollars of that will be funneled into environmentally focused renovations to the city, this includes; water pumps, sewage restructuring and raised roads. in situations like these, slsc takes the research they’ve painstakingly gathered and presents it to those who are charged with rebuilding our cities.

while this collaboration between the city of miami beach and the university’s research center is enough to give us hope for the future, we know that water pumps and high-roads are not exactly permanent fixes. we cannot build high enough, nor can we pump back out enough water to escape the forward march of the rising seas.

dear readers, i’m going to level with you. we know there is only one real solution to this problem. and floridians are counting on you – yes, i mean you! – to help us out on this one.

although we’re facing the immediate effects of rising sea-levels, this is a truly international issue. if we, as a united international community, could come together to do something about the adverse effects of global warming, melting glaciers wouldn’t be flooding into our coastal cities.

miami needs you, all of you, to join the fight. for our sake. this is our s.o.s. call, because at the rate we’re going, this beautiful, blossoming, slice of tropical paradise won’t be here for much longer.

from florida, with love.