In a Nature Comment on climate policy, Oceanography’s James Murray and Oxford University’s David King suggest that peak oil has already happened, and that this should lead to policy adjustments in light of short-term economic threats, something that has been slow in coming with the relatively long-term threat of climate change. Read this Comment here. 

With state budgets tightening, the UW Botanic Gardens have lost 25% of their funding over the past few years. Volunteers are needed and appreciated. Sara Reichard is quoted in this article about this wonderful community resource. 

The new Doppler radar on Langley Hill near Copalis Beach has proved invaluable during the current winter storm, regional forecasters say. Cliff Mass, professor of atmospheric science, is quoted. 

Fishing, or jigging, for squid has become a popular winter sport on fishing piers around Puget Sound, as anglers dream of tasty ways to prepare their catch. Ken Chew, professor of aquatic and fishery sciences, is quoted. 

An oral history of the career of William D. Ruckelshaus, the first and fifth administrator of the federal Environmental Protection Agency, whose career parallels the growth of the environmental movement in the United States, is now available in three locations in the state of Washington.  Ruckelshaus is an Advisory Board member for the College of the Environment.  Read more here.