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University of New Hampshire scientists are researching how the addition of plant-based essential oils called Agolin in cow feed can improve overall milk quality and production while decreasing a cow's emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. (UNH)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

NH scientists: Plant-based oils in cow feed cut climate-altering methane emissions

New research from the University of New Hampshire could help dairy farmers increase profits while reducing their effect on the climate. Scientists …

Backers of an updated climate-change curriculum in New Hampshire said it should include how the crisis impacts the state today, including shortened winters and ski seasons, water quality, local agriculture and sea level rise. (Adobe Stock). <br /><br /><br />

NH youth spearhead resolution to improve students’ climate change education

New Hampshire lawmakers are requesting state education officials improve students' understanding of the climate crisis and better prepare them for a g…

A University of New Hampshire study showed annual rainfall, which has increased more than eight inches since 1901, is expected to increase another 7% to 9% by the middle of the century. Scientists say most of this increase will arrive in heavy precipitation events, increasing the risk of flooding and significantly affecting agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Farm relief funds in NH would counter climate change-related crop damage

Two proposed relief funds for New Hampshire farmers aim to recover losses from climate change-related weather events. Years of droughts were …

U.S. medical costs associated with tick-borne diseases are substantial, with Lyme disease alone resulting in anywhere between $712 million and $1.3 billion in annual treatment costs, according to John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Multi-State Effort Begins to Study Dramatic Tick Increase in New England

Scientists in rural New England are working to better monitor and manage tick populations as climate change helps fuel their dramatic increase…

Roughly 190 species of birds breed in New Hampshire. Of these, roughly 80 are decreasing, especially those migrating the longest distances, or feeding on insects in flight, including sparrows, according to the Audubon Society. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New England Avian Experts Monitor Impact of Wildfire Smoke

Avian experts in New England say billions of birds have been affected by recent wildfires in Canada's boreal forest and the resulting plumes of smoke…

The story, Tell Me How You Breathe, examines the intersection of eco-activism, social justice and public health, according to the Loom Ensemble. (Loom)

New England-Based Dance Ensemble Explores Impact of Climate Change

Smoke from Canadian wildfires this summer has permeated not only New England's air, but the performing arts. The Loom Ensemble - an …

Fall asters (New England asters) and goldenrods are considered two of the most important fall flowers for honey bees and bumble bees, providing some of the last fresh food they will eat before the winter freeze. (Adobe Stock)

Honey Bee Colonies Remain “Relatively Stable” Despite Multiple Threats

Parasites and extreme weather led to the loss of nearly half of America's managed honey bee colonies over the past year, according to a new survey…

Oyster reefs provide habitat for hundreds of species, including mussels, barnacles and sea anemones, which settle on reefs and provide food for many other species. Crabs and fish also hide from predators within reef crevices. (Adobe Stock)

Oyster Reef Restoration Benefits Farmers, Coastal Communities

By Lynn Fantom for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for New Hampshire News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

A solar-plus-storage system costs $25,000 to $35,000, depending on the battery size and other factors, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, but just adding a battery to a solar system will cost anywhere from $12,000 to $22,000. (Adobe Stock)

NH Battery-Storage Program Lowers Energy Costs, Emissions

By Sarah Shemkus for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for New Hampshire News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

Research shows providing information to consumers about the beneficial impact alternative syrups have in diversifying forests and building climate resiliency motivated consumers to pay as much as a $1.10 more per 12-ounce bottle. (Adobe Stock)

NH Researchers Study Alternative Syrups to Build Forest Climate Resiliency

New England is well known for its maple syrup production but new research shows alternative tree syrups could also benefit both the economy and overal…

Forest fragmentation and the creation of new forest

UNH Researchers Study Impact of Fragmented Forests from Above

Researchers with the University of New Hampshire are taking to the skies to study the state's increasingly fragmented forests. Urban and …

While New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has previously questioned the scientific consensus on climate change, he has said a transition to renewable energy is a

NH Climate Activists Applaud 'Community Power' Movement

More Granite Staters are expected to get their electricity from renewable energy sources this spring, as so-called "community power" programs …

New England is getting hotter faster than the rest of the country, according to the latest data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and it could affect food webs available to the cold water-thriving Arctic char. (Adobe Stock)

UNH Researchers Track Arctic Charr’s Climate-Change Resilience

Researchers are studying the feeding habits of Arctic charr to help predict how various fish populations could adapt to a warming climate. Arctic …

The 2021 New Hampshire Climate Assessment showed since 1901, temperatures statewide have increased by an average of 3 degrees Fahrenheit with fall and winter warming the fastest, leading to a significant decrease in New Hampshire's deep snow coverings. (Adobe Stock)

NH Sierra Club Works to Build “Climate Democracy”

The New Hampshire Sierra Club is working to increase community activism and environmental stewardship through monthly "climate democracy" gatherings…

Brook floater mussels are one of New Hampshire's known endangered invertebrate species. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Report: Document Mussels, Other Invertebrate Species Before They Go Extinct

New research suggests Earth's Sixth Mass Extinction event, on par with the one which ended the age of dinosaurs, is already under way. Noah …

New Hampshire towns such as Alstead have faced increased flooding in recent years. (epa.gov)

Granite Staters Stress Urgency of Federal Climate Action for NH

CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire officials are among those heading to the annual international climate summit, and they are urging the U.S. to make …

Clean-energy advocates said offshore wind will be a crucial lever for renewable energy in New England. (chungking/Adobe Stock)

Businesses, Environmentalists Say Climate Action Urgent as Infrastructure

CONCORD, N.H. -- Business leaders are urging Congress to take action to curb climate change by supporting the Biden administration's Build Back …

According to a letter from academics and scientists urging global climate action, air pollution caused by climate change was responsible for one in five deaths worldwide in 2018. (Craig/Adobe Stock)<br />

NH Professors Join Call for UN Fossil-Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Three New Hampshire professors are among those who've signed a letter urging the United Nations General Assembly to adopt what's …

Efforts to protect air and water quality in New Hampshire often depend on the use of public-health studies. (Ken Gallager/Wikimedia Commons)

EPA Officially Minimizes Role of Science in Rulemaking

CONCORD, N.H. - The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized a new rule that says certain types of public-health studies can no longer be …

The nation's first study of PFAS contamination is centered at the site of the former Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire. (Master Sgt. Dave Casey/Wikimedia Commons)

Sununu Signs PFAS Contamination Bill

CONCORD, N.H. - Gov. Chris Sununu signed a bill yesterday to fight PFAS contamination on several fronts. The measure would compel insurance …

Researchers say unprecedented numbers of moose are dying from anemia caused by excessive tick bites (W. Kriss Ebersold/EPA).

Trump's Endangered Species Act Rules Called Threat to New England Forests

CONCORD, N.H. – A new analysis by Defenders of Wildlife shows that New England could be hard hit if the Trump administration’s new …

According to the Solar Energy Industries Assn., New Hampshire has almost 85 megawatts of solar power installed, but still gets less than 1 percent of its power from the sun. (Carl Attard/Pexels)

Boost to NH Local Solar Energy Clears Hurdle

CONCORD, N.H. – The New Hampshire solar energy industry received a major boost yesterday when the state Senate unanimously passed a bill that …

More than 80 U.S. cities have committed to move toward 100 percent renewable energy. (skeeze/Pixabay)

Concord Featured in Clean Energy Report

CONCORD, N.H. – New Hampshire's capital city is front and center in a new report on cities moving to 100 percent renewable energy. Concord is …

Many of the EPA regulations that Scott Pruitt scrapped or delayed as EPA administrator had not yet taken effect before his resignation. (Wikimedia Commons)

Government Watchdog Groups: Pruitt's EPA Exit "Long Overdue"

WASHINGTON – After allegedly overspending on everything from pens to lavish trips and accepting questionable deals from lobbyists, government …

From fishing to recreation, New Hampshire's coastal waters play a major role in the state's economy. (ckaras/Pixabay)

NH Meeting to Draw Opponents of Offshore Drilling

CONCORD, N. H. –Environmental advocates say a plan to allow oil drilling in New Hampshire's coastal waters is a threat to the environment and …

A carbon tax could be used to help reduce pollution from carbon-based fuels such as gasoline. (paulbr75/Pixabay)

State Legislators Collaborate to Reduce Carbon Pollution

CONCORD, N.H. – State lawmakers have launched a multistate coalition to collaborate on legislation to combat carbon pollution. The Carbon …

Hanover, N.H., residents will vote later this spring on a zoning amendment to allow large scale solar farms. (mrganso/Pixabay)

Hanover Leading NH to 100-Percent Renewable Energy

HANOVER, N.H. – With the federal government now promoting fossil fuels, cities and towns in New Hampshire and across the nation are leading the …

Granite Staters living with asthma are among those likely to have a tough time on hot summer days according to a new report. (NIAID)

NH "Double Whammy" State for Health Concerns on Hot Summer Days

CONCORD, N.H. – The dog days of summer are not likely to be kind to asthma and allergy sufferers in the Granite State, according to a new …

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states have reduced carbon emissions by 40 percent since 2015, and supporters say the initiative helped both New Hampshire's environment and economy. (NH Sierra Club)

NH and Neighbors Bring Economic Clout to Fighting Climate Change

CONCORD, N.H. — President Trump may try to withdraw the country from the Paris climate agreement, but the states that are already cutting …

One of the next stops on President Trump's first foreign trip will be the G-7 Summit in Italy, and ahead of his arrival faith groups have been stepping up the call for action on climate change. (Breaking News Wiki).

Outdoor NH Church Calls for Attention to Climate Change and Fossil Fuel Divestment Before G-7

CANTERBURY, N.H. - As world leaders prepare to meet Thursday at this week's G-7 summit in Italy, nine Catholic dioceses and religious orders in the …

New England tribal and peace activists raised money in Concord this week to help fight the Dakota Access Pipeline and prevent water contamination. (E. Zulaski)

New Englanders Join Protest Against Dakota Access Pipeline

CONCORD, N.H. – While the Dakota Access Pipeline is being built thousands of miles away, tribal and social justice activists in New England …

Rallies and marches are planned in New Hampshire and the nation this weekend to support recent gains made on women's rights, civil rights, health care and the environment. (Mom's Clean Air Force)

Women's Rallies in NH and DC to Mark Trump's First Full Day as President

CONCORD, N.H. - On President Trump's first full day in office Saturday, grassroots rallies are planned in New Hampshire and the nation's capital to …

Trump EPA pick Scott Pruitt is getting thumbs down from a clean air group. (Alfred Palmer/Wikimedia).

Concerns By "Moms" Group Over Trump's EPA Pick

CONCORD, N.H. – A group of clean air advocates is running a series of television ads opposing President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to head …

Conservation groups in New England say the puffin is one of many species that will benefit from designation of the first National Marine Monument in the Atlantic. (Steve Deger/Wikimedia)

What Will Atlantic National Monument Mean for NH People, Wildlife?

CONCORD, N.H. -- With the stroke of a pen, President Obama designated a new national monument off the coast of Cape Cod, and there should be plenty …

Tens of thousands of Granite Staters could soon be breathing easier because of new emissions standards just set for the trucking industry. (P.A. LeClercq)

Tougher Emissions Rules for 18-Wheelers

CONCORD, N.H. — Big rigs on the interstate in New Hampshire and around the country could soon be spewing less harmful emissions. The Obama …

Advocates are giving thumbs up to a Toxic Tour at the Democratic National Convention that they hope will call attention to hundreds of toxic sites that need cleanup in the Granite State. (Grassroots Global Justice Alliance)

"Toxic Tour" at DNC Shines Spotlight on Hundreds of NH Sites

CONCORD, N.H. – A self-described Toxic Tour that traveled from the Republican National Convention to the Democratic National Convention in its …

Emissions from aircraft endanger public health, according to the EPA, and the agency's new report indicates airlines aren't doing enough to reduce them. (Jules Meulemans/Wikimedia Commons)

EPA Says Aircraft Emissions Endanger Public Health

Concord, NH - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an endangerment finding this week, acknowledging that emissions from aircraft …

A New Hampshire mom says the growing tick problem is just one reason the Granite State has a major stake in the coal industry's challenge to Clean Power Plan. (Jim Gathany)

Environmental Groups Watching Clean Power Plan Challenge

CONCORD, N.H. – A few weeks from now, environmental groups will be watching closely as the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington hears the coal …

One of the state's top lawyers says the Granite State already is getting plenty of power from renewable sources, and that's why the state would gain if the D.C. Circuit upholds the EPA's Clean Power Plan. (Ceinturion)

Clean Power Plan "Gives NH Credit" Where Credit is Due

CONCORD, N.H. - The Granite State has a major stake in a pending lawsuit that challenges the Clean Power Plan, and a key lawyer at the Office of the …

Those who make their living ice fishing and guides say extreme temperature changes is negatively impacting their bottom line. (Tim Moore Outdoors)

Thin Ice Costing Outdoor-Rec Business Plenty in NH

CONCORD, N.H. – It has been a dismal winter for those who make their living in the outdoor recreation business, in part because of the extreme …

Tick infestations of ticks, such as these on the ear of a moose, are signs of trouble for New Hampshire wildlife. (New Hampshire Fish and Game)

Late Snow, Lots of Winter Ticks Bad News for NH Moose

CONCORD, N. H. – Late-arriving snow and lots of winter ticks are a deadly combination for the moose population, according to local experts…

Some legal experts say the death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia this weekend could impact last week's stay of the EPA's Clean Power plan. (Steven Masker/flckr)

Does Scalia’s Passing Change High Court Equation on Clean Power?

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - The sudden passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia this weekend could change the balance on the high court with …

Wood pellets made from biomass. (New England Wood Pellet Company)

Report: Carbon Pricing Works for Granite State

CONCORD, N.H. – A new business report says the Granite State has a major opportunity to accelerate the growth of clean energy and the state …

Construction is nearing completion on the Northeast Biodiesel plant, the first community-owned biodiesel refinery in New England. (Co-op Power)

Community-Owned Biodiesel Plant Opens in January

CONCORD, N.H. - Next month, a new plant in New England should start producing clean, biodiesel fuel manufactured from recycled cooking oil that …

Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-NH, is the first Republican to break with GOP leadership and support the pollution-reduction goals of the Clean Power Plan. Courtesy: Office of Sen. Ayotte.

Ayotte Praised in NH for Support of Clean Power Plan

NASHUA, N.H. - Sen. Kelly Ayotte is getting praise today from conservationists and people who make their living fishing and hunting for her decision …

A delegation of Granite Staters traveled to Washington last week to drum up support for the EPA's Clean Power Plan. Included was a visit with Senator Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., who supports the plan. Courtesy: K. Roert

NH Business and Health Delegation Urges Congress to Support Clean Power Plan

CONCORD, N.H. - It's no secret Congress has a budget battle brewing, and Granite Staters including a local brewer just delivered a message to …

A new National Wildlife Federation report says climate change is stressing the nation's waterways and causing hot spots in Granite State rivers, brooks and streams that are too warm for fish such as eastern brook trout to survive. Photo credit: Eric Orff

“Wildlife in Hot Water” Report: Hot Spots Driving Away NH Brook Trout

CONCORD, N.H. - "Wildlife in Hot Water" is the headline of a new report on the nation's waterways and local experts say the warming of New …

Continued improvement for Granite State air quality is the prediction from health advocates as the EPA's Clean Power Plan puts new caps in place for pollution from coal-fired power plants. Credit: Staplegunther/Wikimedia Commons.

Improving Air Quality Means Granite State Health Benefits

CONCORD, N.H. – The air is often dangerous to breathe for 44 percent of Americans, according to a new report – and for Granite Staters …

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NH: Climate Change