The Governor, Martin O'Malley talks about State's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan and reducing emissions by 2020 and emphasized the need for collaboration between public and private sector.

An Appeal:How to Help

Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered and without urgent action could be the first Great Ape species to become extinct.

SOS is dedicated to turning this situation around. We do this by:
Raising awareness about the importance of protecting orangutans and their rainforest home; Supporting grassroots projects which empower local people to become guardians of the rainforests;
Restoring damaged orangutan habitat through tree planting programmes; and campaigning on issues threatening the survival of orangutans in the wild.

Help us protect orangutans, their forests and their future.

SOS was established in 1997 by the late Lucy Wisdom.

Published on Jul 23, 2013

The average temperature across the continental U.S. could be 8 degrees Fahrenheit warmer by the end of the 21st century under a climate scenario in which concentrations of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide rise to 800 parts per million. Current concentrations stand at 400 parts per million, and are rising faster than at any time in Earth's history.

"These visualizations communicate a picture of the impacts of climate change in a way that words do not," says Allison Leidner, Ph.D., a scientist who coordinates NASA's involvement in the National Climate Assessment "When I look at the scenarios for future temperature and precipitation, I really see how dramatically our nation's climate could change."

These visualizations -- which highlight computer model projections from the draft National Climate Assessment -- show how average temperatures could change across the U.S. in the coming decades under two different carbon dioxide emissions scenarios.

Published on Jul 23, 2013

The climate of the southwestern U.S. could be a lot drier by 2100. The climate of the northeastern U.S. could be a lot wetter.

"These visualizations communicate a picture of the impacts of climate change in a way that words do not," says Allison Leidner, Ph.D., a scientist who coordinates NASA's involvement in the National Climate Assessment "When I look at the scenarios for future temperature and precipitation, I really see how dramatically our nation's climate could change."

New visualizations of computer model projections show how precipitation patterns could change across the U.S. in the coming decades under two different carbon dioxide emissions scenarios.

The date seen in the bottom-right corner is the mid-point of the 30-year average being shown. To learn more about the National Climate Assessment, due out in 2014, visit here.

The nearly 10 million people in the city and county of Los Angeles, California require a lot of water -- most of which is imported snow melt from the Eastern Sierra Nevadas and Rocky Mountains, hundreds of miles away. UCLA researchers Stephanie Pincetl and Mark Gold are studying how Los Angeles can reduce its water imports and better capture, store and reuse water for a more sustainable water supply. Published on Jul 12, 2013

Snow melt from the snow pack in the Sierra Nevada mountain range provides drinking water to about 30% of California's residents, irrigates key crops in the San Joaquin valley, and runs hydroelectric power plants that supply at least 15% of the state's electricity. Scientists Martha Conklin and Tom Harmon of the University of California, Merced are conducting research at the Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory, using wireless sensor technology to more accurately measure snow pack and snow melt so that state water managers can make better decisions on how to allocate this precious resource. Published on Jul 12, 2013

The Rocky Mountains supply water to more than 60 million homes in the West, but this crucial water shed is in peril due to a tiny insect called the mountain pine beetle. Scientists Reed Maxwell of Colorado School of Mines and John Stednick of Colorado State University have teamed up to study the impact of the mountain pine beetle on water quantity and quality in the area.

Published on Jul 12, 2013

Baltimore, Maryland is a major city situated on the Chesapeake Bay- a sprawling 64,000 square mile watershed. Currently, the Chesapeake is facing an environmental crisis due to pollutants. Scientist Claire Welty of the University of Maryland-Baltimore County is monitoring the travel times of pollutants in the urban streams in and around Baltimore. Through her research, she hopes to gain an understanding of the urban water cycle, and how municipalities can better prevent pollutants from contaminating the greater watershed. Published on Jul 12, 2013

Part of the earth's largest surface freshwater system, Lake Erie is a vital source of drinking water for 11 million people. Researchers Anna Michalak, Tom Bridgeman, and Pete Richards are studying how farming practices and severe weather can increase the amount of fertilizer-derived nutrients in the water, which diminishes water quality and threatens the lake's ecosystem and the public's health.

Published on Jul 12, 2013

Kansas farmers Stan  Townsend and Mitchell Baalman and others that sit atop the Ogallala aquifer -- the largest freshwater aquifer in North America -- are pumping out water for crop irrigation far faster than natural seepage of rainwater can replenish it. Scientist David Hyndman from Michigan State University is helping develop a plan to better manage this vital resource for sustainable farming.

Published on Jul 12, 2013