Eco-news in brief 8-7
By CG News Editor April Jaynes
Athens campus to begin energy conservation project
Ohio University has recently selected Constellation NewEnergy to implement a 15-yearlong energy efficiency and conservation plan for 72 buildings on campus. The university will receive $2.9 million in funding from the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) to develop the project, which is expected to save the university more than $1.9 million annually in energy costs. Some of the energy conservation methods include campus-wide interior lighting improvements and various upgrades for the 72 designated buildings such as air system modifications and water conservation measures. The conservation efforts are projected to significantly reduce certain greenhouse gas emissions, specifically about 50,145 tons of carbon dioxide and 262 tons of sulfur dioxide.
New study uncovers caffeinated coast off the US
Scientists have recently discovered a significant amount of caffeine pollution in the waters of the Pacific Northwest off the shores of Oregon. Researchers compared samples from potentially polluted areas, which contained about 9 nanograms of caffeine per liter, with samples taken from “wilder” coastlines, which proved to be caffeinated at approximately 45 nanograms per liter. Marine ecologist and study co-author Elise Granek says more developed areas mean higher monitoring, which could account for the significant difference in caffeine levels. Scientists are concerned about the unknown environmental effects of caffeine in ocean waters, including cellular stress in organisms.
National Geographic finds world’s best hiking trails
From breathtaking views to rich cultural history, these top 20 ‘World’s Best Hikes’ offer an unforgettable summer for those fortunate enough to venture any one of these trails.
1) Mount Kailash Pilgrimage, Tibet
2) Israel National Trail, Israel
3) North Drakensberg Traverse, South Africa/Lesotho, uKhahlamba/ Drakensberg Park
4) Cinque Terre, Sentiero Azzuro, Italy
5) Yoshida Trail, Mount Fuji, Japan
6) Santa Cruz Trek, Cordillera Blanca, Peru
7) Hayduke Trail, Utah and Arizona
8) Laugavegurinn/Fimmvörðuháls Pass, Iceland
9) The Way of St. James via the French Way, Spain
10) Continental Divide Trail, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico
11) Bibbulmun Track, Australia
12) West Highland Way, Scotland
13) Shackleton’s Route, South Georgia Island, South Atlantic/Antarctica
14) Shipwreck Coast/Shi Shi Beach, Olympic Peninsula, Washington
16) Copper Canyon/Tararecua Canyon, Mexico
17) Great Himalaya Trail, Nepal
18) Benton MacKaye Trail, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina
20) International Appalachian Trail, U.S., Canada, Greenland, Scotland, Spain, Morocco
