As the planet’s population pushes past the 7 billion mark, the Pacific Northwest will see the greatest population growth of any region in America in the future, according to Peter Ward, professor of Earth and Space Sciences.  Read more here. 

An op-ed writer extols the many virtues of using local biomass to generate energy. A study by Bruce Lippke, professor of forest resources, is mentioned. 

Volcanologists have been using a global network of lightning sensors operated by the University of Washington to keep tabs on the Cleveland Volcano in Alaska. They are testing a theory that lightning actually confirms volcanic eruptions.  Read more here. 

The Natural Histories Project, produced as a part of the four Natural History Initiative workshops held in 2011, is a wonderful collection of transcribed audio excerpts exploring natural history.  These short, poetic interview-lets touch on topics from ground nesting bird finding to diaper bags, from the Sistine Chapel to standardized testing, from art as a tool rather than a talent to rolling around in moss.