New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Climate Change

Advocates: Adirondack Park Agency Should Comply With State Climate Goals

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Protect the AdirondacksProtect the Adirondacks (PROTECT) has called upon the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) to include, as part of its permit application review, an evaluation of the direct and upstream greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the large-scale subdivision and resort complex proposed by Eric Stackman in the Town of Jay, Essex County.

This project is currently under review and does not have a complete application. The APA has issued two Notices of Incomplete Application to the developer. [Read more…] about Advocates: Adirondack Park Agency Should Comply With State Climate Goals

DEC Releases Draft Great Lakes Action Agenda

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DEC LogoThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released the draft New York’s Great Lakes Action Agenda 2022-2030, a multi-year action plan to guide restoration and conservation, and foster sustainable, resilient, communities in New York’s Great Lakes region. [Read more…] about DEC Releases Draft Great Lakes Action Agenda

Adirondack Council Lauds Climate Bill

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US Capitol Building SouthAdirondack conservation advocates the Adirondack Council today celebrated the U.S. Senate’s approval of landmark climate legislation, applauding a bill that invests hundreds of billions of dollars into programs designed to speed the nation’s transition away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner energy sources.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will also reduce the fossil fuel-fired emissions that cause acid rain and smog, while increasing employment and boosting domestic manufacturing.  The bill is expected to pass the House of Representatives later this week and be signed into law by President Joe Biden. [Read more…] about Adirondack Council Lauds Climate Bill

Adk Council: Manchin Harming Adirondacks, Local Green Jobs

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Adirondack CouncilWest Virginia Senator Joe Manchin’s refusal to negotiate legislation to curb climate change will harm New York’s Adirondack Park as well as the growing clean-manufacturing economy in nearby Plattsburgh, according to the Adirondack Council.

The Council called on New York State government to intensify its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and called on the state’s voters to approve the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Bond Act on the ballot November 8th. [Read more…] about Adk Council: Manchin Harming Adirondacks, Local Green Jobs

The Adirondack Park & The NYS Legislative Session

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The closing hours of the NYS Legislative Session saw three Adirondack Park Agency appointees confirmed by the Senate, including the first Black appointee, Benita Law-Diao.

The Legislature also approved policy advances to curb the impacts of climate change, such as the commitment to protect 30% of New York’s forests by 2030. None of the several proposed amendments to the NYS Constitution’s “forever wild” clause were approved. [Read more…] about The Adirondack Park & The NYS Legislative Session

Tree Selection For Our Changing Climate

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Japanese tree lilac courtesy USDA NRCSMy ex-wife gave me a shirt that reads “Change is Good. You Go First” when our divorce was finalized, a much-appreciated bit of humor in the midst of a challenging time. It’s hard to find the mirth in some changes, especially when we don’t have a say in them.

Climate change is a good example. Global temperatures are rising at an ever-increasing rate. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe with time, and no amount of denial will make it go away. We have to learn to roll with this one. [Read more…] about Tree Selection For Our Changing Climate

Global Bird Populations Steadily Declining

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Corn Bunting by Alex LeesStaggering declines in bird populations are taking place around the world. So concludes a study from scientists at multiple institutions, recently published in the journal Annual Review of Environment and Resources.

Loss and degradation of natural habitats and direct over-exploitation of many species are cited as the key threats to avian biodiversity. Climate change is identified as an emerging driver of bird population declines. [Read more…] about Global Bird Populations Steadily Declining

Essex Farm Institute Awards $32k in Microgrants for Sustainable Farming

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Adirondack CouncilAdirondack Council’s Essex Farm Institute has awarded 15 micro-grants totaling $32,000 to local farmers and value-added food producers, in an effort to build a climate-friendly local economy in the Adirondack Park. [Read more…] about Essex Farm Institute Awards $32k in Microgrants for Sustainable Farming

New York State Issues 10th ‘Greening New York State Report’

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greening new york stateThe GreenNY Council has issued the tenth annual Greening New York State Report for 2020-21, documenting the continued progress made by New York State to reduce the environmental footprint of State operations.

Highlights of this year’s report include a record $300 million invested in green products and services, 4.4 trillion BTUs of energy saving projects completed or underway as part of the BuildSmart 2025 program, and a record 94 percent recycling rate. [Read more…] about New York State Issues 10th ‘Greening New York State Report’

Forever Adirondacks Campaign Celebrates Budget Victories

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The coalition supporting the new Forever Adirondacks Campaign for clean water, jobs and wilderness – led by the Adirondack Council’s Aaron Mair – declared victory as state government moved to approve a budget that includes funding for a series of top campaign priorities.

The Forever Adirondacks Campaign is a coalition of advocates, government officials, business leaders, educators, college administrators, grassroots activists and not-for-profit organizational partners seeking clean water, jobs and wilderness. [Read more…] about Forever Adirondacks Campaign Celebrates Budget Victories