Rutgers professor Jorge Marcone in the Amazon

A Rutgers Professor Brings Humanities to the Movement for Environmental Justice

Abi Cohen2024

RCEI affiliate and Professor Jorge Marcone introduces his students to the little-known figures on the front lines of global environmental conflict: Rainforest dwellers in Peru fighting to protect their land from industry. Indigenous and white families in Canada standing up to Big Oil. Women across five countries taking the lead to protect the environment. At first glance, his course at …

Three Rutgers Professors Named Guggenheim Fellows

Abi Cohen2024

A climate scientist, a playwright and an artist have been named Guggenheim fellows for their work in fields of creative arts and environmental sciences. The three professors from Rutgers University-New Brunswick were among 188 fellows selected this year from a pool of 3,000 across 52 disciplines, according to the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, which made the announcement. They went through “a …

How Rare Are Tornadoes in New Jersey? A Look at Their History and Severity in the State

Abi Cohen2024

Despite recent severe weather in the Midwest, tornadoes in New Jersey are a rare occurrence. RCEI Affiliate, David Robinson, highlights that New Jersey averages about two tornadoes annually, with most being weak and causing minimal damage. “The fact is that most tornadoes in New Jersey are small, they’re not on the ground for all that long,” Robinson said. “But they …

Effects of sea-level rise on the environment will be an important topic investigated by researchers at the new Rutgers Climate and Energy Institute. “Ghost trees,” a signal of climate change, near the Rutgers Cape Shore Laboratory in Middle Township, N.J., are among many groves along the Northeast U.S. coast being killed by saltwater encroachment. Matthew Drews/Rutgers Climate and Energy Institute

Climate Science Is Sound. Satellite Timelapse Doesn’t Disprove Sea Level Rise

Abi Cohen2024

A recent viral instagram post shows a timelapse of satellite images of urban development near the coast in Tulum, Mexico, from 1984 to 2022. While the position of the coastline appears to waver a bit, it does not obviously move inland. The caption preceded to imply that climate change is a hoax. Experts replied to this post explaining that a …

Study Says California’s 2023 Snowy Rescue From Megadrought Was a Freak Event. Don’t Get Used to It

Abi Cohen2024

A study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences warns that the 2023 snow deluge that ended California’s megadrought was a rare event, unlikely to occur frequently due to climate change. The study authors coined the term “snow deluge” for one-in-20-year heavy snowfalls, when it’s cold and wet enough to maintain a deep snowpack through April 1.  The study …

Map of Northern New Jersey marked with a red star at the epicenter of the 4.8 April 5, 2024 earthquake and blue dots in every location that has since reported an aftershock

2.9 magnitude earthquake aftershock rattles NJ near Peapack and Gladstone

Abi Cohen2024

The article reports on a small earthquake that occurred in Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey, and its aftershocks. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 2.4, struck in the early hours of the morning, causing minimal damage and no injuries. This earthquake was one of the aftershocks from the 4.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the region on April 5. Scientists said the initial …

Rutgers Tests Renewable Energy System for Agrivoltaics Project on Cook Campus

Abi Cohen2024

University to test renewable energy system on a working farm with animals and crops Rutgers University has selected Sunzaun, a vertical solar system for farms developed by solar installer Sunstall Inc., for an agrivoltaics project at its farm on Cook campus. The farm at Rutgers University–New Brunswick operates as a hybrid of production farm, research facility and teaching operation in …

The Biggest Barrier to a Vibrant Second-Hand EV Market? Price

Abi Cohen2024

New policies and broader subsides are needed to help lower-income buyers afford used electric vehicles, according to a Rutgers study As early adopters of electric vehicles (EVs) trade up for the latest models, the used EV market is beginning to mature in the United States. Yet many potential buyers, particularly low-income drivers, are skeptical of EVs’ conveniences and are put off by …

Startups want to cool Earth by reflecting sunlight. There are few rules and big risks

Abi Cohen2024

Entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley are attempting to pioneer solar geoengineering to combat climate change by reflecting sunlight. Startups like Luke Iseman’s Make Sunsets launch balloons filled with sulfur dioxide and helium into the stratosphere, seeking to offset warming. However, the lack of regulations raises concerns about unforeseen risks. RCEI Affiliate Alan Robock, emphasizes the need for thorough research and global …