On Tuesday, Gov. Gregoire’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Ocean Acidification released its recommendations, including a 42-point action plan, to tackle ocean acidification at both regional and global scales. The first effort of its kind in the nation, the initiative is detailed in a report by a governor-appointed panel of scientists, policy-makers and shellfish industry representatives. Governor Gregoire also announced the coming of an ocean acidification research center at UW; more details on this exciting development will be shared as soon as they’re available! 

Hey students: are you wondering how to make sure that your research makes a difference in the world? Do you want to enhance your ability to explain your science to family and friends? Maybe you’d like to practice public speaking? Check out the seminar from Engage, and learn how to communicate science to the public more effectively. The seminar includes the opportunity to present your research at Seattle Town Hall! 

Climate change means that, on average, the summers will be warmer, and with warmer temperatures there will be less water available for plants. A world-wide study has found that most forest tree species operate within a very narrow window for water stress, making them and the associated ecosystems highly vulnerable to global warming. Read more about this study here. Additionally, new research suggests that pine beetles that benefit from trees’ water stress are now contributing to global warming. 

The University of Washington has the strongest sustainability performance in the Pac-12 and is among the top 10 of all North American universities and colleges according to a new self-rating system to measure sustainability. Congratulations to our whole community! Read more about this exciting rating here. 

What is it like to float a river, recently undammed? Follow along with these rafters blogging for National Geographic, who ran the White Salmon about a year after Condit Dam was removed, releasing an old river and a new river at once.