eutrophication Archives - State of the Planet

tractor in a farm field

Growing Nitrogen Footprint Threatens Our Air, Water and Climate

Industrial farming in the temperate climates has been seen as the main cause of nitrogen pollution, but tropical agriculture emissions are catching up.

by Carla Cantor |March 5, 2020
Rain, stormwater, Water, drain

When It Rains, It Pours: The Effects of Stormwater Runoff

Stormwater runoff can cause a lot of problems in aquatic ecosystems. Here’s how you can help mitigate those effects.

by |April 3, 2018

Just How Effective is Green Infrastructure?

Over the next 18 years, New York City’s 2010 Green Infrastructure Plan will spend $2.4 billion on green infrastructure— green roofs, tree plantings, and increased vegetation— to combat coastal pollution. But how does green infrastructure work and how effective is it really?

by |October 31, 2013

Phosphorus: Essential to Life—Are We Running Out?

Phosphorus is essential to human health and vital for food production. But are we using up phosphorus faster than we can economically extract it?

by |April 1, 2013

Why is Your Nitrogen Footprint Important?

While most people today are aware of the importance of reducing their carbon footprint, far fewer understand the harmful effects of nitrogen pollution. Yet many scientists believe that man’s disruption of the natural nitrogen cycle is a potential global tipping point and a serious threat to biodiversity.

by |March 13, 2011