Oftentimes, keeping up with our state’s environmental news can be daunting — and sometimes discouraging as we tend to focus on the long list of problems to be solved. But, it’s just as important for us to focus on the good news.
We’ve curated a list of this month’s environmental success stories in Florida.
April 22 will be the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and COVID-19 hasn’t stopped the virtual celebrations. The Earth Day Network is holding a climate conference via livestream with over 100 speakers from five continents, NASA has compiled an online Earth Day toolkit of activities and Loggerhead Marinelife Center is still completing underwater cleanups to remove debris that could harm sea turtles and other marine life. Finally, our very own Florida Museum of Natural History is holding a day-long Virtual Earth Day Celebration.
NASA, in partnership with the European Space Agency, launched the Solar Orbiter, a probe that will help scientists study the sun’s poles. Two probes currently study the sun: the Parker Solar Probe, which is studying the sun and its corona, and the newly launched Solar Orbiter. NASA officials say information gathered from studying the sun may help solve problems on Earth, such as understanding how to protect our satellites and power grids from “space weather,” which refers to particles emitted by the sun that can affect our technology.
Researchers from Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota have discovered a faster method of growing corals. Just like how a lizard’s tail can grow back if it falls off, corals can regrow from pieces of themselves. Scientists are using this process, called micro-fragmenting, to help with coral reef restoration work.
Despite closures due to the coronavirus, many Florida attractions are finding ways to stay connected to visitors and educate them. Gatorland is hosting “School of Crocs,” featuring talks with live baby crocodiles and alligators; Kennedy Space Center is creating videos exploring the history behind many of its exhibits and rockets; and Walt Disney Co. is putting on “Imagineering in the Box,” an online program that looks at the creative process behind the company.