A healthy environment is a human right and vital to the enjoyment of other rights, according to a new UN General Assembly resolution. Find out why this is both a cause for celebration and a call to action. For a while now, I’ve been volunteering with Amnesty International. They’re…

Monarch Butterfly populations have been devastated over the last past few decades. Find out why the IUCN has added these iconic pollinators to the endangered species list and how scientists are working to save them from extinction. I haven’t seen a monarch butterfly at the cottage for many years. …

The James Webb Space Telescope revealed its first four images this week. Find out what these images depict and their significance in understanding the universe and humanity’s place within it. I’ll admit I’d been feeling a little trepidation about the new James Webb Space Telescope. I couldn’t help reflecting back thirty years to the launch of its predecessor, Hubble. The original deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope was less than a triumph. Its first images outperformed ground-based telescopes, but they…

Older and Wiser is a book by Dag Sebastian Ahlander aimed at baby boomers who are planning their retirement. Find out how this lighthearted and entertaining read can help us boomers “create an inner peace and make us wiser.” Like all baby boomers, I’m moving into a new phase of life these days. Although I’m among the youngest of my generation, I’m now semi-retired and my parents have passed away along with all of my uncles and aunts.

Human-wildlife conflict is becoming an increasing concern as human activity encroaches on natural habitats due to climate change. Find out how a new study involving elephants shows how we can plan for and minimize these tensions in the future. My ancestors settled in Canada back in 1850. One of their main activities when they first arrived was what they called “the chopping.” They and their neighbours gradually cleared away huge tracts of virgin forest. …

Planetary formation made the news in three different ways this week. Find out how surprising results from studies of a meteorite, a debris field and the planet Venus all shed new light on our own planet’s deep history. Back in public school, everyone in my class had an oversized atlas in our desks with a blue-black cover. On the cover was a map of solar system, from the Sun all the way out to Pluto, tracing the elliptical orbit of each planet in light blue.

Consumer choices are supposed to be based on rational self-interest. Find out how a new study explains why we often make sub-optimal decisions that barely meet our needs. As the pandemic winds down, it’s nice to be out browsing around in local shops again. Like most people, I’d gotten into the habit of buying most things online over the past couple of years. One thing I’ve noticed is the number of deals, discounts and virutal coupons online retailers…

Safeguarding biodiversity is crucial for the survival of Humanity and the entire ecosphere. Find out why new research calls for governments to increase global land conservation from 17% to 44% if we’re serious about preserving Earth’s ecosystems. Our family cottage is very close to the Bruce Peninsula National Park. It includes a popular beach called Singing Sands. When we first started heading up to The Bruce, Parks Canada hadn’t formed the national park yet. …

Galaxies without dark matter are rare and were once thought impossible. Find out how a new hypothesis about their formation may explain how all galaxies form and what dark matter is. When I’m at the cottage in the summer, the night sky is usually clear and dark. That gives me a perfect view of the Milky Way on moonless nights. It’s a cloudlike, glowing belt of light that’s unmistakable between April and October here in the northern hemisphere.