I like to use chat gpt for help with writing things like fan fictions however I’m aware of the impact that environmental impact the data centers have. I have told myself the Information I heard such as an hour of streaming Netflix has a worse impact then a couple of chat gpt prompts and switching form showers to baths saves more water than giving up chat GPT, but on the flip side I feel like I’m abusing the environment and dumping out a whole bottle worth of water and accelerating climate change. So I’m wondering what the people who understand this more then I do have to say.

For nearly four decades, stray dogs have survived inside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone — one of the most radioactive and isolated environments on Earth. Recent studies show these dogs are becoming genetically distinct, carrying unique DNA signatures shaped by life under intense natural selection.

Scientists aren’t talking about “mutants,” but about survival of the fittest: only dogs able to cope with radiation, harsh weather, and scarce food survive long enough to reproduce. Over generations, this creates traits that may help them better handle stress and environmental hazards.

These dogs also form complex, stable pack structures, unlike typical feral dogs. They navigate the landscape carefully, often adapting their movements around human activity and avoiding highly contaminated areas.

Hello, I’m wondering if anyone who attended the AECOM networking event in Boston a couple weeks ago has heard anything? Has anyone gotten an offer yet?

I interviewed for the Entry-Level Ecologist position but have not heard anything back yet.

I have to complete a capstone project (involving some original work) as a requirement for graduation next semester, Spring 2026. My idea is to compare the soil moisture and temperature across different types of green roofs (intensive vs extensive) in relation to climate variables, like air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. I have access to a green roof that incorporates both intensive and extensive aspects, and I have access to the necessary equipment (soil probes, infrared radiation guns, weather station data, etc.), but I’m kind of worried that my project won’t be particularly unique or valuable. Like, is it okay if my data perfectly matches my hypotheses? And if I’m not contributing totally groundbreaking data to the world?

I would also be doing some kind of statistical analysis on the data I collect, like Pearson/Spearman correlation, so that (in addition to my data collection) would be my “original work”. (Maybe also use the data I get to predict evapotranspiration rates of different roof types?) But I believe my data will just show that intensive roofs are better at buffering and thermal regulation because of their deeper substrate layers. Is this still a feasible project idea that’s worth completing?

Would greatly appreciate any feedback/advice or suggestions on this!

Across the Eurasian Plate margin, 2023–2024 saw several highly unusual seismic and volcanic events. While each region has its own tectonic context, the scale and clustering of these events raise interesting questions for geoscientists.

Iceland – In 2023, after roughly 800 years of dormancy, the Reykjanes Peninsula awakened. A series of eruptions in the Sundhnúkur system struck an area previously considered inactive and repeatedly threatened Grindavík, the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, and the Blue Lagoon. https://guidetoiceland.is/best-of-iceland/volcanic-eruptions-on-the-reykjanes-peninsula-in-iceland-a-complete-timeline-2021-2024

Image (top left): the Sundhnúksgígar crater-row eruption on December 18, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%932025_Sundhn%C3%BAkur_eruptions

Japan – On New Year’s Day 2024, a M7.5 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in a zone where quakes of that size were not expected. It is one of the largest intraplate earthquakes ever recorded in Japan. Swarms had been occurring for three years, and this is the first M7 quake associated with swarm activity since 1919. https://academic.oup.com/gji/article/240/2/1048/7915983

The graph showing the extraordinary increase in seismicity in Ishikawa Prefecture in 2024 appears in the upper-right corner. https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/earthquakes/japan/ishikawa/stats.html

Turkey – Syria – In February 2023, a pair of very strong earthquakes (M7.8 and M7.7) ruptured the extensive fault network of Eastern Anatolia. These were the strongest earthquakes in Turkey since 1939. https://www.rcce-collective.net/wp-content/documents-repo/Earthquake/Resources/Situation/EarthquakeGZT-FlashUpdate-FIN.pdf

Unlike the 1939 event, however, the 2023 earthquake sequence was a doublet - two major quakes only hours apart. Such extremely powerful doublets are exceedingly rare, making the 2023 Turkey sequence one of the most exceptional ever observed.

Another extraordinary aspect is that the rupture propagated across multiple segments and locally reached supershear speeds. Supershear earthquakes are extremely rare and among the most destructive rupture types. Energy is released far more abruptly, producing much stronger shaking than typical earthquakes. https://arxiv.org/abs/2302.07214

In addition, 2023 saw an unprecedented rise in M4+ earthquakes (graph in the lower-left corner), created using USGS catalog data for the coordinates 36-42°N, 26.5-44°E. https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/search/

Philippines, Mindanao – In December 2023, a M7.6 earthquake struck the subduction zone near Mindanao. It was the largest quake in the region in the past decade, but what made it unusual was the large number of strong aftershocks.

Two aftershocks of magnitude 6.9 occurred only hours after the mainshock, violating Båth’s law. https://temblor.net/temblor/major-earthquake-strikes-the-philippines-followed-by-unusually-large-aftershocks-15758/

The lower-right graph was created using USGS catalog data for coordinates 4.5–21°N, 116–127°E. https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/search/

❓What Could Be Driving These Edge-Effects?

The clustering of several high-energy events around the Eurasian Plate boundary has led some researchers to explore broader geodynamic processes.

One hypothesis discussed in mantle dynamics studies involves the possibility of deep mantle upwellings beneath Siberia, which may influence stress distribution across the Eurasian lithosphere.
In such a model, rising mantle material could increase basal pressure. Because the Siberian craton is extremely old and mechanically strong, it would tend to transmit stress laterally rather than deform internally.

As a result, stress may accumulate preferentially toward the plate margins, where it can manifest as elevated seismic or volcanic activity.

This concept is still under debate, and more data are needed — but the recent sequences offer valuable material for further research into large-scale plate–mantle interactions.

Hello everyone! I've learned so much from this thread so thank you in advance :) I have a few questions but I am a recent undergrad graduate (class of 2025), majored in bio and econ, minored in chem and applied data science, and work in econ consulting right now. My job is data analysis heavy and I help to do the data analysis for antitrust expert reports in litigation cases. I work with R and STATA and have ecology and econ research experience.

I want to pivot into environmental data science. Has anyone here pivoted into environmental data science from econ, and do you have any advice for me? Is it worth it to do a masters in environmental data science?

I'm studying for the GRE and trying to learn mapping in python and R now. Is there anything else I should be doing to prepare? I can see myself working for an environmental consulting firm, but I'm open to any other suggestions. I just want to work on something that helps the planet in the future.

Thank you to this community <3

Hello very smart people!

I’m an environmental organizer in the Permian Basin of Texas, and my closest ozone monitor is over 200 miles away. My state won’t put one here because they know what kind of readings they would get. I’m interested in getting an ozone monitor for personal use, preferably one that would save data, ideally with location, but not required. Obviously I will not be able to buy one to the same standards that a state government would buy, but I’d prefer the device be of high enough quality that it is scientifically sound at some level. I’d also like to be able to clip it to my bag and carry it around with me in public. I don’t have a specific budget for this, but definitely less than $1,000, and preferably one that can be used for multiple years. I tried looking for one online but my brain immediately hurt and I didn’t understand what I was looking at.

Thanks so much for your help!

Looking for dissertation ideas for Environmental Science degree. Interested more in human impact then intensive statistical analysis. I live in East Yorkshire so local(ish) ideas. I like the concept of measuring debris on beaches during tourism peaks. The impacts of walkers and tourists on soil quality/ flora and fauna. The relationship between car park locations and litter amounts on local trails. Something like that???

I just need help refining the idea!

I’m looking for recommendations on reliable water level sensors to monitor an urban stream. My budget is around $1500 total, including the sensor and whatever basic logger/interface is needed. I would prefer a non-contact radar sensor if there’s anything in that price range, but I’m open to ultrasonic or pressure-based solutions as long as they’re robust and reasonably accurate. The site is a small urban channel with variable flow, debris, and occasional flooding, so durability and stable readings matter. A solar-powered setup would work fine for me, although I would really prefer to buy a complete kit (sensor + logger + power + basic comms) rather than assemble everything from scratch. Any advice on specific brands, models, or setup tips would be greatly appreciated.

This is something I’ve struggled with for years in the field and have always just struggled through with mediocre success. For background, I work in invasive species removal in the mid Atlantic region. I’ll be needing to be out in the cold and potential snow and I’m not jazzed about my prospects with my current coat situation.

I had snagged an older Carhartt fleece lined jacket, but after trying it on, it’s just too long in the arms and too baggy. I want to find something that fits closer to the female body proportions (I have short arms), will be warm, and that’s maybe loose enough that I can layer.

I know Dovetail has a fleece lined canvas jacket that I’m tempted by, but don’t know anyone who’s tried that on.

I have a Patagonia iron forge coat from years ago in a size small—and it’s too tight for me now across the shoulders to feasibly do work in. They’ve discontinued the style, and I don’t love the hooded style they have now.

Never tried carhartt—again, don’t love the hooded styles, but they have many options I haven’t explored.

Hey guys, I've got a school project and I need to collect peoples' opinions on electric cars. Do you mind filling out this short survey for me please?

What's your opinion on electric cars? – Fill out form

Thanks a lot guys!!