In January 2017 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that independent analyses conducted by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) show that 2016 was the warmest year on record globally and represented the third record year in a row. The release noted that the rise in temperature is being driven primarily by increased carbon dioxide and other human-made greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the largest sources for GHG emissions in the U.S. are electricity production and energy use within industries.
Though some people may not realize it, healthy oceans are critical to a healthy planet. Yet we know our oceans are struggling. Overfishing and illegal fishing are both major culprits in aggravating the oceans’ distress. Eighty-five percent of the Earth’s fisheries are fished to capacity or overfished. And often, other species are caught with the fish, threatening the survival of dolphins, whales, seabirds, sharks, and turtles, among others.
On March 18, girls across the United States gathered in Microsoft Stores to hear from National Geographic Explorers about the importance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. The events were in partnership with Microsoft’s “Make What’s Next Campaign,” which aims to inspire the next generation of inventors, scientists, mathematicians and engineers. Given that only 6.7 percent of women graduate with STEM degrees, the campaign encourages girls to pursue these subjects from a young age, effectively doubling the potential to solve the worlds’ problems.
Kohler Co., a global leader in the plumbing industry, and social enterprise Business Connect are joining forces to help children and families around the world obtain more affordable and accessible clean water. The partnership will bring the KOHLER Clarity™ water filter to Business Connect’s in-country distributors in 43 countries, providing a beautiful and highly effective option to local families in need of clean water.