Blog Profiles: Climate Change Blogs, Volume 2

Welcome to Blog Profiles! Each week, we select a topic and handful of blogs that do a great job contributing to the conversation. In light of the recent UN report, we’re adding to our list of favorite climate change blogs. Do you have a blog that deserves recognition? Tweet our writers at @BeyondBylines.

Don’t tell Chicken Little but the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change called…

Well, my friends, after a brief sigh of optimism since we last connected, I can say my approach for reentry has joined the queue of delayed flights.

Lucky for us, The IPCC just dropped some “light” reading to help us pass the time. Included in the report:

• Climate change is intensifying the water cycle. This brings more intense rainfall and associated flooding, as well as more intense drought in many regions.
• Climate change is affecting rainfall patterns. In high latitudes, precipitation is likely to increase, while it is projected to decrease over large parts of the subtropics. Changes to monsoon precipitation are expected, which will vary by region.
• Coastal areas will see continued sea level rise throughout the 21st century, contributing to more frequent and severe coastal flooding in low-lying areas and coastal erosion. Extreme sea level events that previously occurred once in 100 years could happen every year by the end of this century.
• Further warming will amplify permafrost thawing, and the loss of seasonal snow cover, melting of glaciers and ice sheets, and loss of summer Arctic sea ice.
• Changes to the ocean, including warming, more frequent marine heatwaves, ocean acidification, and reduced oxygen levels have been clearly linked to human influence. These changes affect both ocean ecosystems and the people that rely on them, and they will continue throughout at least the rest of this century.
• For cities, some aspects of climate change may be amplified, including heat (since urban areas are usually warmer than their surroundings), flooding from heavy precipitation events, and sea level rise in coastal cities.

And while it may be more important than ever that we remain hyper-vigilant and well-informed of the latest developments tied to the global pandemic, I think it is safe to say that Mother Nature waits for no one. So, before I make a mad dash return to my air-sealed, sustainably-sourced bubble, allow me to draw our attention [back] to climate change blogs helping us to separate fact from fiction.

1. Grist

From politics to equity, energy and culture, Grist highlights the intersection of each topic with climate. I think it goes without saying why this nonprofit dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future has made today’s list.  Did I mention the visually innovative aesthetic?

Recommended reads:

• What’s the true cost of shipping all your junk across the ocean?
• The best-case climate scenario is going to be extremely hard
• Western wildfires are so intense they’re creating pyrocumulonimbus clouds

Follow @Grist on Twitter.

Can’t decipher the biggest climate report of the year? Here’s help from the experts. https://t.co/dAaf5DpkCC

— grist (@grist) August 12, 2021

2. Treehugger

Sure, there is plenty of stuff tied to climate change that will keep us up at night. But rather than embracing a sense of impending doom, take a dive into Treehugger’s archive of 20 years’ worth of insightful content to learn how we can be less of the problem and part of the solution.

Check out these posts:

• EWG’s 2021 Guide to Sunscreens Ranks Best Choices
• Stop It With the ‘100 Companies Responsible for 71% of Carbon Emissions’ Already
• Your Banking Habits Could Be Fueling Climate Change

Follow @Treehugger on Twitter.

'I didn’t know I had to be skinny to help save the planet.' https://t.co/DcWzyFexcV #vegan #meatlessmonday

— Treehugger.com (@Treehugger) August 9, 2021

3. EcoWatch

Keep an eye on this community of experts. They regularly share substantive, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions for a healthier planet AND life!

A few must-reads:

• A 20-Foot Sea Wall Won’t Save Miami – How Living Structures Can Help Protect the Coast and Keep the Paradise Vibe
• A Conversation With Environmentalist Drag Queen Pattie Gonia
• Why Celebrities Won’t Save Us (From Climate Change)

Follow @EcoWatch on Twitter.

As much as 40% of our national food supply is wasted, but there are plenty of ways to keep these citrus rinds out of the trash.https://t.co/axXcLicDKK

— EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) August 12, 2021

4. US Nature4Climate

I must admit, prior to finding this gem on social, I had zero concept of Natural Climate Solutions. The coalition works to ensure our forests, farms, ranches, grasslands, and wetlands are an important part of the overall strategy to combat climate change.

In order to take a step back from what we think we know, I invite you to check out this nonpartisan organization’s blog as one of today’s top picks.

Interesting reads:

• The Economic Lifeblood of Trees
• Natural Climate Solutions: A Win-Win Solution for Our Environment and Our Economy
• Five Reasons Why You Should Listen Out for ‘Nature Tech’ This Year

Follow @US_N4C on Twitter.

Through the Climate-Smart Cities program, @tpl_org partners with city leaders and residents to design, fund, and build climate-smart parks and green spaces where they're needed most. https://t.co/IJQXbD8txU

— US Nature4Climate (@US_N4C) August 13, 2021

If you’re still on the fence about climate change, I encourage you to remember that childhood emotion tied to the literary classic, “The Giving Tree.” Because the issues facing our planet may be complex, but the sentiment that can spark a change is simple.

Until next time – Cheers Friends

P.S. Add this link to your calendar with a reminder for November 3-11^th: The New York Times Climate Hub.

Ever wonder how we come up with ideas for our blog profiles? Our handy list of industries and subjects on PR Newswire for Journalists stays top of mind. If you’re a blogger or journalist looking for climate change news, let us know. We can customize a newsfeed for you.

Cory Max Montoya is a Sr. Account Executive at PR Newswire. When he’s not working, he can be found on the trail, down the digital rabbit hole, or with his Niece, who continues to remind him that life is a gift to be treasured and celebrated.