Bald eagles return to the southern Great Lakes after near extinction

The bald eagle population in southern Ontario has made a remarkable recovery after near extinction due to DDT, symbolizing hope for both wildlife and human health.

Emma McIntosh reports for The Narwhal.

In short:

The pesticide DDT nearly wiped out bald eagles in North America, causing their numbers to plummet in the mid-20th century.
Decades of conservation efforts have led to a significant recovery, with Ontario declaring bald eagles no longer at risk in May 2023.
Despite the success, bald eagles now face new threats from climate change and emerging contaminants.

Key quote:

"If we’re not paying attention to what we’re doing, if we’re not careful about what we’re putting into the environment, we’re just going to repeat the story over and over again."

— Jody Allair, Birds Canada

Why this matters:

The resurgence of bald eagles is a testament to the effectiveness of environmental regulations and conservation efforts. It speaks to a broader issue of how human activities impact both wildlife and human health, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and action. Read more: Pesticide DDT linked to increased breast cancer risk generations after exposure.

thenarwhal.ca

Bald eagles return to the southern Great Lakes after near extinction

New office at Stony Brook University links climate, community and health

Fragmented forests sequester less carbon

EU countries are bailing out fossil fuels instead of funding the green transition, Greenpeace warns

Experts: You have some power to reduce your AI environmental footprint

Indigenous cultural practices are a climate solution, report finds

Carbon captured

After a civil rights complaint, Chicago built an extensive air-monitoring network

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.