In 2004, wildfires burned an area of Alaska the size of Massachusetts. Researchers feared that the CO2 released by the fires would accelerate climate change and that the destroyed boreal forests would no longer serve as the immense carbon sinks they once did. Now, nearly two … [Read more...] about Alaska’s forests are more resistant to climate change than we once thought
Alaska
Everyone over age 16 is now eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine in Alaska
If you’ve been waiting for Covid-19 vaccine eligibility and you live in Alaska, we’ve got good news for you. This week, the state became the first to open up vaccine access for anyone over the age of 16. The new vaccination eligibility comes after a successful campaign to … [Read more...] about Everyone over age 16 is now eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine in Alaska
How a biologist and a composer are making music from the northern lights
While you may be familiar with the natural phenomenon known as the northern lights (aurora borealis), did you know there’s an audio element to this brilliant light show? When humans see those sweeping green and violet lights over the Arctic sky, what we’re actually seeing are … [Read more...] about How a biologist and a composer are making music from the northern lights
Bowhead whale populations have rebounded after near extinction
We shared a story in November about the remarkable return of Antarctic Blue Whales in the waters around South Georgia after a decades-long hiatus. In more good news for whales, marine scientists are reporting that bowhead whale populations have rebounded to near pre-commercial … [Read more...] about Bowhead whale populations have rebounded after near extinction
These two states may join Maine in implementing ranked choice voting
Back in September, we published a story from Maine where the state’s Supreme Judicial Court upheld the use of ranked-choice voting for its presidential and congressional races. The Optimist Daily celebrated that decision because it allows voters to opt for an independent … [Read more...] about These two states may join Maine in implementing ranked choice voting
