South County Mail

Missouri and the World

Environment

Why ‘decarbonizing everything’ may be impossible – and what comes next

by Leave a Comment

For years, most climate discussions have focused on replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy such as wind and solar power.

But some scientists now argue that the challenge goes far beyond simply generating cleaner electricity.

According to analysis published by The Conversation, a significant share of fossil fuels are never burned for energy at all. Instead, they become part of the physical materials used throughout modern life – including plastics, fertilizers, insulation, synthetic fabrics and construction products. [Read more…] about Why ‘decarbonizing everything’ may be impossible – and what comes next

Scientists thought Antarctica would resist global warming for longer – now they’re worried

by Leave a Comment

For decades, Antarctica appeared to behave differently from the rest of the warming planet.

While Arctic sea ice declined rapidly as global temperatures rose, the frozen sea surrounding Antarctica seemed surprisingly resilient. In some years, Antarctic sea ice even expanded slightly, leading scientists to believe the southern polar region might respond more slowly to climate change than other parts of the world.

But that assumption may now be breaking down. [Read more…] about Scientists thought Antarctica would resist global warming for longer – now they’re worried

AI’s rapid growth is putting increasing pressure on water supplies

by Leave a Comment

As artificial intelligence systems continue expanding across the global economy, environmental researchers and analysts are warning that the AI boom may be creating an increasingly serious – and often overlooked – problem: water consumption.

Much of the public discussion surrounding AI infrastructure has focused on electricity demand and carbon emissions. But the giant data centers powering AI systems also require enormous quantities of water to cool servers and generate electricity.

An investigation published by Proof News argues that water usage linked to AI development is rising rapidly as major technology companies race to build larger and more powerful AI systems. [Read more…] about AI’s rapid growth is putting increasing pressure on water supplies

EU and China are pulling ahead of the US in the global energy transition

by Leave a Comment

While fossil fuels still dominate much of the global economy, new data suggests the transition toward renewable energy is accelerating rapidly – and the United States risks falling behind Europe and China in the race to build the next generation of energy systems.

A new analysis published by The Better News argues that the global energy transition is already well under way in the electricity sector, with the European Union and China leading large-scale expansion of renewable power generation.

The article, based on analysis by economist Nikolaus Kowall and originally published by Austrian outlet Kontrast.at, says the shift toward renewable electricity is progressing faster than many people realize. [Read more…] about EU and China are pulling ahead of the US in the global energy transition

Why some climate experts say Indigenous leadership is essential to protecting biodiversity

by Leave a Comment

As governments around the world continue debating how to tackle climate change, some environmental advocates and researchers argue that Indigenous communities should play a much larger role in shaping global conservation and climate policy.

A viewpoint article published by Analyst News argues that Indigenous knowledge systems and traditional land stewardship practices are being overlooked despite their importance in protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.

The article was written by Nana Kwesi Osei Bonsu, a Ghanaian land custodian and founder of Land Rights Defenders Inc. [Read more…] about Why some climate experts say Indigenous leadership is essential to protecting biodiversity

Trump administration moves to expand hunting access across US federal lands

by Leave a Comment

The Trump administration is moving to expand hunting and fishing access across federal lands following a January order issued by US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, a policy shift that is already prompting debate over conservation, visitor safety, and the future management of America’s national parks and wildlife areas.

In a statement released by the House Committee on Natural Resources, chairman Bruce Westerman welcomed the move after the Department of the Interior issued a Secretarial Order aimed at removing restrictions on hunting and fishing access on public lands and waters.

“Hunting and fishing are cherished activities for millions of Americans, including myself,” said Westerman. “I’m glad to see Secretary Burgum and the Trump administration take action to expand recreational opportunities on our public lands for sportsmen and women to enjoy.” [Read more…] about Trump administration moves to expand hunting access across US federal lands

Timber work to temporarily close part of shooting range

by Leave a Comment

Timber improvement work underway at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Flag Spring Conservation Area (CA) in Barry County will cause a temporary closure of a portion of the unstaffed shooting range at this area.

Beginning Monday, April 14, the rifle/pistol portion of the range will be closed. This closure will continue until April 24, at which time the range will resume regular hours.

The shotgun range, which is located on another part of the area, will remain open. The shotgun portion of the Flag Spring unstaffed range is designed for shooting sporting clays and is not designed for patterning shotguns for turkey hunting. [Read more…] about Timber work to temporarily close part of shooting range

Flooding devastates Midwest. Missouri among hardest hit

by Leave a Comment

Severe storms and relentless rainfall have battered large swaths of the Midwest and South in recent days, leaving a trail of destruction, rising floodwaters, and at least 18 people dead across several states.

Missouri is among the hardest hit, with emergency officials warning that the worst may not be over as rivers continue to swell and additional rain looms in the forecast.

According to the National Weather Service, parts of Missouri have received more than 10 inches of rain since Friday, leading to widespread flash flooding, road closures, and water rescues. [Read more…] about Flooding devastates Midwest. Missouri among hardest hit

A question of ethics: Missouri releases dates for migratory game bird hunting seasons

by Leave a Comment

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has released the official dates for the upcoming 2025 migratory game bird hunting seasons. As outlined in its recent announcement, hunting seasons will begin in early September and continue through late January, depending on the species and region.

The season for mourning doves, Eurasian collared-doves, and white-winged doves opens on September 1 and ends November 29. The September teal season will run from September 7–22.

Missouri has divided its waterfowl hunting into North, Middle, and South zones, each with slightly different dates. For example, the North Zone duck season opens October 26, while the South Zone begins November 28. Goose hunting follows similar regional adjustments, with the light goose conservation order extending into spring 2026. Full details are available on the MDC website and in their annual migratory bird hunting digest. [Read more…] about A question of ethics: Missouri releases dates for migratory game bird hunting seasons

MDC community forester says fall color to peak this week in southeast Missouri

by

With temperatures taking a cooler seasonal swing, Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Community Forester Jennifer Behnken says fall colors are making their arrival this week.

“Sycamore and Eastern cottonwood trees are maneuvering their sunshine yellows to the brighter side of life,” she said. “Hackberry and Mulberry trees are also adding to the golden glows.”

Behnken said sugar maples are becoming more apparent, with some changing colors slower compared to others with their colors displayed “full blast.”

“Sumacs are radiating from the roadsides and field edges, along with Virginia creeper and poison ivy sharing the scene in their scarlet glory,” she said.

Hickory trees are still on the verge of turning their fall shades, said Behnken, “but they soon will be joining their blonde-colored comrades in the next week.”

And be sure to keep an eye on the red maples, she said, “as they continue to dazzle, leaving behind their own gifts for humans and wildlife to enjoy.”

Behnken said sassafras and black gum complement the scarlet spectrum along with black oak, cherrybark oak, and Chinquapin oak sporting both tawny and tan tones.

More oak species are also likely to follow, she said, if current weather conditions continue.

Behnken suggests these locations for exploring fall color views:

Castor River Conservation Area
Current River Conservation Area
University Forest Conservation Area
Pickle Spring Natural Area
Hickory Canyons Natural Area
Amidon Conservation Area
Millstream Gardens Conservation Area
Hawn State Park
“Regardless of whatever activity takes you to the great outdoors, take time to enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and reap the benefits of being in nature wherever fall color views can be seen,” said Behnken.

Fall color updates for across Missouri can be found online at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/fall-color.