Environment

October 5, 2023

Lahaina Banyan Tree Has Sprouted New Leaves Since the Devastating Maui Wildfires

After the devastating fires that hit Maui a couple of months ago, one of the biggest questions regarding the community’s cultural heritage was whether Lahaina's 150-year-old banyan tree would survive. The storied tree, which was first planted in 1873, was severely burned during the wildfires. Now, the arborists working on the tree have shared some uplifting updates. According to those working on the tree, it has sprouted new leaves, raising hopes about its future.

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September 1, 2023

Ancient Greece’s Extinct Miracle Plant Once Used as Medicine and as a Contraceptive May Have Been Rediscovered in Turkey

The ancient Greeks used many natural remedies. Among them was a golden plant that grew on long thick stalks called silphium, or silphion. The plant treated coughs and fevers, functioned as a perfume, and was even used as an aphrodisiac as well as a contraceptive. Its importance was so great that it is found embossed on the reverses of ancient Cyrenaic coins from Cyrene, an ancient Greek city in modern-day Libya.

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August 22, 2023

25,000 Pounds of Trash Removed From Ocean in Just One Extraction

Plastic in the ocean is a huge environmental problem that affects everyone. From the microplastics that make their way into human and animal bodies to the trash which chokes vegetation and wildlife, this material is a hazard. But did you know there's a mass of plastic garbage double the size of Texas floating between Hawaii and California?

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August 11, 2023

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon Drops Over 60% in July

The environment is scoring another victory, with data showing that deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has fallen at least 60% in July compared to last year. Environment Minister Marina Silva shared the news with the Guardian ahead of a regional Amazon summit intended to bolster the protection of this precious resource.

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