How solutions journalism can transform climate change reporting and inspire action
| by Cassandra LC Troy
News coverage focused on climate solutions can can motivate people to engage in climate-friendly behaviors. However, journalists face challenges in reporting on these complex issues, and they need support to inform and empower the public.
Q&A: Penn State COP16 delegation contributes to biodiversity efforts
| psu.edu
A delegation of Penn State faculty and graduate students who attended the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference, known as COP16, in Cali, Colombia, share about the event and their experiences.
Brief scientific literacy interventions may quash new conspiracy theories
| psu.edu
Brief scientific literacy interventions like short videos focused on critical thinking skills can help to undermine conspiracy beliefs and behaviors, according to a study led by Penn State researchers.
Evan Pugh Professor Susan Brantley to retire after 40 years at Penn State
| psu.edu
Susan Brantley, Evan Pugh University Professor and Barnes Professor of Geosciences, will retire in December after a nearly 40-year career at Penn State.
Penn State, Tohoku University eye further research partnership activities
| psu.edu
Tohoku University, one of Penn State's strategic partners, recently invited Lee Kump, dean of the College of Earth and Minerals Sciences, to visit the university in Sendai, Japan. They discussed numerous opportunities to grow Tohoku University’s International Research Excellence initiative with expanded engagement in research collaboration and education exchange with Penn State.
Is the drought coming for Christmas trees?
| wesa.fm
Pennsylvania is experiencing an unusual stretch of dry weather that’s causing concerns about low drinking water levels and farm crop losses, including Christmas trees. his article quotes Sandy Feather, educator with Penn State Extension.
Sustainable Communities Collaborative partnership with Borough flourishes
| psu.edu
The Sustainable Communities Collaborative (SCC) at Penn State Sustainability has coordinated a record number of partnership projects with the Borough of State College this semester. The SCC pairs Penn State classes from across disciplines with communities on partner-identified and defined community projects.
First Opportunity Grants awarded to faculty
| psu.edu
The new Opportunity Grant Professional Development Program awarded its first grants to 51 teaching and clinical non-tenure-line faculty.
Alternate stream water-testing method detects emerging contaminants
| psu.edu
Pollutants known as “contaminants of emerging concern” or chemicals that could potentially harm human health and have been found in the environment, including pesticides, ingredients from personal care products, pharmaceuticals and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are increasingly found in streams and lakes. A team led by researchers at Penn State recently demonstrated the accuracy and utility of a new method to find even very low levels of these substances in surface waters. They reported their findings in the Science of the Total Environment.
Q&A: How do roads and bridges contribute to pollution, and what can be done?
| psu.edu
Since 2001, the Penn State Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies, housed in the Larson Transportation Institute in the College of Engineering, has worked to reduce the environmental impact of dirt and gravel roads and undersized bridges and culverts. Most recently, the research center collaborated with the U.S. Forest Service to improve how stream crossings are replaced in Pennsylvania. The first few stream crossings designed with the new standards were recently completed.
Pennsylvania sees record wildfires this fall
| stateimpact.npr.org
Warm temperatures and dry conditions are behind recent wildfires in the Northeast, but Pennsylvania foresters say weather trends should bring relief to the state. So far this year, 671 fires have burned more than 1,900 acres in Pennsylvania, according to Cecile Stelter, Wildfire Public Information Officer with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Session proposals for 2025 Climate Solutions Symposium now being accepted
| psu.edu
The Penn State Climate Consortium has announced a call for breakout sessions for the 2025 Climate Solutions Symposium, taking place May 19–20, 2025, at The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center.