Storm damage costs are often a mystery – that’s a problem for understanding extreme weather risk

Forecasters already patch together very rough estimates, and ending NOAA’s ‘billion-dollar disasters’ list means less access to insurance data. Texas’ state climatologists explain why that matters.

William Baule, Research Assistant Professor in Atmospheric Sciences, Texas A&M University • conversation
June 4, 2025 • ~9 min

What is vibe coding? A computer scientist explains what it means to have AI write computer code − and what risks that can entail

Vibe coding is a buzzy phrase that describes using AI language tools to write software. You enter a natural language phrase for what you want – to a point – and get back code.

Chetan Jaiswal, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Quinnipiac University • conversation
June 4, 2025 • ~5 min

Extreme weather’s true damage cost is often a mystery – that’s a problem for understanding storm risk, but it can be fixed

Forecasters already patch together very rough estimates, and ending NOAA’s ‘billion-dollar disasters’ list means less access to insurance data. Texas’ state climatologists explain why that matters.

William Baule, Research Assistant Professor in Atmospheric Sciences, Texas A&M University • conversation
June 4, 2025 • ~9 min

What birds can teach us about repurposing waste

A process called “exaptation” places repurposing resources and adaptations at the heart of evolution; what if our homes were designed on the same basis?

David Farrier, Professor of Literature and the Environment, University of Edinburgh • conversation
June 2, 2025 • ~6 min

Hurricane season is here, but FEMA’s policy change could leave low-income areas less protected

Low-income neighborhoods have the hardest time recovering from disasters without help. FEMA used to require cities to pay attention to them, but that’s changing.

Shannon Van Zandt, Professor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University • conversation
May 30, 2025 • ~8 min

Nature writing can feed the myth of the outside as a cure – but my own work has helped me reframe my illness

Through my reconnection with nature, I’ve reframed my experience of illness.

Louise Kenward, PhD Candidate, Centre for Place Writing, Manchester Metropolitan University • conversation
May 27, 2025 • ~9 min

Five ways to inspire ocean connection: reflections from my 40-year marine ecology career

Sharing the stories of progress and innovation that show how our patches of the sea are recovering can show what’s possible and inspire further positive action.

Martin Attrill, Professor of Marine Ecology, University of Plymouth • conversation
May 23, 2025 • ~8 min

Hurricane disaster planning with aging parents should start now, before the storm: 5 tips

As climate-related disasters grow more frequent and intense, one group remains dangerously underprepared: older adults. Planning should involve the entire family.

Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, Clinical Assistant Professor of Education, Health and Behavior Studies, University of North Dakota • conversation
May 15, 2025 • ~7 min

Unprecedented cuts to the National Science Foundation endanger research that improves economic growth, national security and your life

The Trump administrations has canceled more than 1,400 federal grants that support engineering, biology, geology, computer science, STEM education and much more.

Paul Bierman, Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Vermont • conversation
May 15, 2025 • ~10 min

AI can scan vast numbers of social media posts during disasters to guide first responders

Natural disasters prompt a flood of social media posts. AI can help sift the wheat of helpful information from the chaff of chitchat and misinformation.

Ademola Adesokan, Postdoctoral Researcher in Computer Science, Missouri University of Science and Technology • conversation
May 13, 2025 • ~6 min

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