As cities become more densely populated, urban planning has traditionally focused more on improving transit infrastructure to move as many vehicles as possible, helping citizens get from home to work, the grocery store, local coffee shop, health center or nearest park. With so much time spent driving in vehicles, cities are facing growing air and noise pollution, while humans are facing social isolation and numerous health impacts from sitting in a car.
Read more »Marine-related Learning Networks’ role in ocean governance
Healthy ecosystems buzzing with life are more than something pretty to look at – they are critically important to our health and wellbeing. Ecosystems deliver goods and services that humans need – like fresh water, protection from the elements and food for our dinner tables – and it’s in our best interest to make sure they remain vibrant and thriving for future generations.
Read more »Systemic racism has consequences for all life in cities
Social inequalities, specifically racism and classism, are impacting the biodiversity, evolutionary shifts and ecological health of plants and animals in our cities. That’s the main finding of a review paper led by the University of Washington, with co-authors at the University of California, Berkeley, and University of Michigan, which examined more than 170 published studies and analyzed the influence of systemic inequalities on ecology and evolution.
Read more at UW News »Dose of nature at home could help mental health, well-being during COVID-19
As residents in Washington and much of the nation are confined to their homes and apartments under COVID-19 restrictions, many people are missing their usual “nature escapes”: that hike to a serene lake, a mountain bike trail through the woods, or even a favorite campground by a river where you can relax and recharge. As studies have shown — and personal experiences can attest — spending time in nature helps reduce anxiety, improve mental health and well-being, and bolster physical health.
Read more at UW News »UW’s new broadcast meteorology course is first on West Coast
The University of Washington has long boasted one of the country’s top programs in atmospheric sciences. Now, the UW is also teaching undergraduates how to share that knowledge online and on TV as a broadcast meteorologist. The Media & Meteorology class, launched in winter quarter, is open to students from across the university who are taking or have passed a prerequisite introductory courses in atmospheric sciences.
Read more at UW News »