January 7th 2008 – A Tornado Meets a Train

January 7th, 2008 was the apex of an unseasonably warm early January weather pattern in the Chicago area. Chicago’s official site for weather observations, O’Hare airport, recorded a record high of 65 degrees that day, just two degrees shy of the all-time high temperature for the entire month of January. Nearby, Gary, Indiana hit 70 degrees that day.  Meteorologists had been predicting […]

The American Climate Corps Can Help Us Build a Cleaner and More Resilient Future

Climate change presents one of our time’s most pressing and intricate challenges. It threatens our health, economy, security, and the environment. Addressing this crisis demands bold action and innovative solutions capable of creating jobs, reducing emissions, and enhancing resilience. That’s why I’m excited about the American Climate Corps, a new initiative launched by President Biden to mobilize the next generation […]

Geothermal Energy: An Ally in Decarbonizing Electricity Generation

Geothermal energy is a sustainable and renewable energy source derived from the Earth’s internal heat. It harnesses the natural heat stored within the Earth to generate electricity and provide heating for various applications. This source of energy has the potential to significantly contribute to decarbonizing energy production. To get an idea of how much geothermal energy is available, “even if […]

Navigating the Road to Sustainability: A Guide to Tackling Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions

In today’s world, sustainability is not just a buzzword but a critical goal for businesses of all sizes. As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, companies are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. When it comes to measuring and managing emissions, understanding the concept of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions is crucial. In this blog […]

How rare and extreme are 80 degree dewpoints in Chicago?

As hot as it was yesterday and today, the really crazy part of this two-day heat wave has been the humidity associated with it. Chicago’s first 100 degree temperature since 2012 occurred today, but an even more rare temperature occurred yesterday, and that was the 80 degree dew point. View of the Kennedy Expressway and Skyline of Chicago, Illinois, United […]

How Climate Change Is Making Mosquitos More Annoying And Dangerous

Mosquitos are one of the most hated insects in the world. They bite, they buzz, they itch, and they can transmit diseases. And as the planet warms, they are becoming more of a problem for humans. According to a recent report by Climate Central, a non-profit news organization, Chicago had 26 more “mosquito days” in 2022 than it did in […]