Penn State Energy and Environment News

Glacier lake outburst floods: Loss of life and infrastructure 

| by Tejal Shirsat, Abriti Moktan, Christopher Scott

A massive glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) devastated Sikkim, India in October 2023. The disaster, triggered by a landslide and heavy rainfall, caused widespread death and destruction. Scientists had warned of the GLOF risk, but development projects in the fragile Himalayan region may have exacerbated the damage. The event highlights the need for improved disaster planning that considers scientific knowledge, local community concerns, and the impact of climate change.

After a long slog, climate change lawsuits will finally put Big Oil on trial

| columbian.com

After years of legal appeals and delays, some oil companies are set to stand trial in lawsuits brought by state and local governments over the damages caused by climate change. This article quotes Hannah Wiseman, professor of law at Penn State Law and professor and Wilson Faculty Fellow in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

Scientists raise concerns about steady decline of honey production: '[It's] driving most of what we're seeing'

| thecooldown.com

Honeybees in the U.S. have been steadily producing less honey, and a new study by Penn State University has discovered the factors that may be causing that decline. This article features Penn State research.

Some Pa. municipalities are turning to fees to cover rising stormwater costs, but pushback and a lawsuit threaten that revenue

| northcentralpa.com

This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. This article, originally published by Spotlight PA, quotes Andy Yencha and Jennifer Fetter, educators with Penn State Extension.

The unassuming material that could soak up carbon emissions

| msn.com

As temperatures rise, meltwater is flushing out millions of tons of this stuff: ultrafine powder ground down by the island’s melting glaciers. Geologists have a culinary-sounding name for the microscopic particles: “rock flour.”  This article, originally published by the Washington Post, quotes Susan Brantley, Distinguished Professor of Geosciences.

'Growing Impact' podcast looks at climate youth leadership

| psu.edu

The latest episode of the "Growing Impact" podcast explores how the younger generation is getting involved in climate research and how the Global Youth Storytelling and Research Lab aims to become a pivotal transnational research hub.

Penn State Harrisburg to host Research and Discovery Day on April 10

| psu.edu

Penn State Harrisburg’s Office of Research and Outreach will host Research and Discovery Day on Wednesday, April 10. This event intends to showcase current areas of research and scholarly activities at the college. 

A holistic approach to solving problems

| agsci.psu.edu

Leveraging emerging technologies to support people and the planet.

The Interview: Julie Urban

| agsci.psu.edu

The associate research professor in the Department of Entomology is at the forefront of efforts to halt the spread of the invasive spotted lanternfly.

Scientists face uncertainty while examining health consequences of microplastics: 'We need to act before we have all the answers'

| yahoo.com

While the full health effects of microplastics are still a mystery, early signs point to potential risks.

Conservation reimagined

| agsci.psu.edu

Exploring new approaches to cope with a changing climate.

Buzzing with purpose

| agsci.psu.edu

Community scientists work to protect Pennsylvania's wild bees.