Happy Wednesday, muggles. We’re back — just like the Chicago penguins that went viral touring an empty aquarium during the pandemic. This time, the penguin pair visited the Field Museum ahead of its reopening later this week. While they share their unique view of the dinosaur exhibits, we’re sharing stories that also deserve a chance to be seen by the world. 

Connecticut bank offers mini green bonds to residents

Thu Jul 9

There’s a new way to help fight climate change — mini green bonds offered through The Connecticut Green Bank.  

What is a green bank?

A green bank is described as a public, semi-public, or non-profit bank used to help bring private investments to low carbon, climate resilient initiatives and projects. The first green bank in the U.S. was established in 2011 in Connecticut.

What is a green bond?

A green bond is a public way to invest in environmentally friendly projects. The money issued in a green bond is then used for projects helping fight climate change such as, renewable energy, clean transportation, etc. 

What’s new about what the Connecticut Green Bank is offering?

The bank is starting a new program that offers smaller bonds of a $1,000 value, which is lower than usual and will make it more accessible for residents to invest. Under this new bond program, residents would likely be able to receive returns of up to five percent.  

The bonds are now for sale to individual investors. 

SOURCES: Energy News Network, Grist, The World Bank, Bloomberg, Green Bank Network

Wolves improve Yellowstone ecosystem

Fri Jul 10

In 1930, the wolf was killed off in Yellowstone. This change took a lot of predatory pressure off the elk — although they were still hunted by bears, cougars, and (sometimes) coyotes. It also led to two things:

1. Elk numbers increased and pushed Yellowstone’s capacity
2. The depletion of willow, aspen, and cottonwood plants because elk now fed on them heavily without the need to move around to avoid prey 

So in 1995, the wolf was reintroduced to Yellowstone. The reintroduction of wolves combined with federal and state protections for grizzly bears and mountain lions, caused elk populations to drop. But it turns out this actually helped the elk because it led to the thinning out of weaker animals and helped create more resilient herds that could withstand volatile climate changes. 

The reintroduction of wolves also led to benefits for other species, which include:

• Healthier willow along streams because wolves keep the elk moving, so they can’t feed one place for too long
• More beaver colonies, because more willow allows them to survive in the winter
• Scavengers like ravens, eagles, magpies, coyotes, and bears can feed on the elk wolves kill, instead of relying on harsh winter weather (which doesn't always happen) to kill elk

SOURCES: National Geographic, Yellowstone Park, CBS News