Green insights

Author: Sejong Kim

  • A Drive Through Picher: Where Memories and Toxic Dust Linger

    It was a sunny Monday afternoon when I decided to drive to Picher, Oklahoma, just 20 miles away from where I live. I’ve done a lot of research on this area and knew all about its history — the 2008 tornado that devastated the town, the toxic groundwater seeping from abandoned mines, and the enormous, looming chat piles scattered across the landscape.

    Still, it had been many years since I last visited. On the short drive there, I found myself wondering what the land would look like now. Would the roads be blocked? Would there be anyone still lingering in this forgotten place? I’d heard stories about visitors being followed by locals or questioned by sheriffs and tribal marshals. At first, I was skeptical — I wasn’t even sure anyone spent time in Picher anymore.

    As soon as you enter the town, the remains of neighborhoods greet you. Houses are falling apart, and in many places, only brick foundations are left — the rest of the homes long gone. Each one gave me a haunting sense in my gut. I could almost imagine the lives once lived in those houses, the sounds of daily life in what was once a bustling mining town. But the second an image entered my mind, another ruin passed by, and the process repeated.

    Now that no one lives in them, it’s as if the memories these homes once held have been released into the world — swirling in the wind, waiting to be inhaled by someone nearby. Remind you of anything? That’s right — I’m talking about chat.

    Enclosing these ghost neighborhoods and lining the streets are massive chat piles — toxic mining waste. At first glance, I thought they were just hills, some reaching 300 feet tall. But on closer inspection, it was clear: these were mountains of toxic metal, chaotically spread throughout the city. On a windy day, the air could easily become laced with lead, cadmium, and zinc. Most piles were fenced off with barbed wire, but not well — I saw footprints winding through the gaps, where someone clearly got curious and decided to take a stroll on a literal hill of poison.

    What surprised me most was that a highway still runs through Picher — and it was busy. Cars zipped past like nothing was wrong. I exited onto a side road and started exploring deeper into the town, circling around Tar Creek, past skeletal buildings and contaminated land. After about 30 minutes of driving, I noticed a white pickup truck had been behind me for a while. Fifteen minutes, maybe more. I realized it had done a U-turn to stay behind me.

    At that point, I decided it was time to go.

  • The Role of Oceans in Climate Change

    Oceans play a crucial role in stabilizing Earth’s climate system, absorbing heat and carbon dioxide. They absorb about 30% of the carbon dioxide produced by human activities and generate half of the world’s oxygen. However, the escalating impacts of climate change are posing severe threats to the health of our oceans.

    One of the most pressing challenges is the rising temperature of ocean waters. This warming leads to coral bleaching and disrupts the delicate marine ecosystems upon which fisheries and global biodiversity heavily depend. Furthermore, as CO2 levels increase, the oceans become more acidic. This acidification negatively impacts marine species such as shellfish and corals, potentially altering entire marine food chains. Additionally, the combination of melting ice caps and the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms contributes to rising sea levels, which threaten coastal communities and habitats.

    Another significant issue is the deoxygenation of ocean waters. Warmer waters hold less oxygen, and disrupted oceanic circulation further depletes oxygen levels, affecting the survival of many marine species.

    To combat these challenges, several innovative solutions are being implemented. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are being designated to restrict human activities that damage the ecosystems and biodiversity of the oceans. Sustainable fishing practices are also crucial; they involve regulations that prevent overfishing, bycatch, and habitat destruction. Furthermore, the development of ocean-based renewable energy sources such as wave and tidal energy offers a promising avenue to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, projects aimed at enhancing the ocean’s natural ability to sequester carbon, such as algae farming and the deployment of artificial “ocean trees,” are being explored.

    Engaging the global community in these efforts is essential. Raising awareness about the vital role of oceans in the climate system and promoting international cooperation to implement effective policies can lead to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and greater protection of our marine environments.

  • Treading Lightly: The Guide to Eco-Friendly Travel

    In an age where our desire to travel is often at odds with our eco-consciousness, eco-friendly travel is more than a trend—it’s a necessity. As travelers, we have the power to make decisions that not only enrich our lives but also protect the diverse and beautiful destinations we yearn to explore.

    One of the first steps in eco-friendly travel is choosing sustainable destinations. Opt for locations known for their environmental conservation efforts. These places often offer eco-certified lodgings, nature reserves, and community tourism initiatives that ensure your visit contributes positively to the local ecosystem. Transportation is a major contributor to carbon emissions, so whenever possible, choose direct flights to reduce fuel use. Better yet, travel by train, which is often more scenic and has a lower carbon footprint. Once at your destination, embrace walking, biking, or public transit to get around.

    Staying in eco-friendly accommodations is another way to travel sustainably. Seek out hotels and hostels that have sustainable practices in place. Many accommodations are now LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified or use eco-labels to denote their green policies, which include water conservation, recycling programs, and the use of renewable energy. Support local economies by purchasing local products and services. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping goods and helps keep local communities economically healthy. Eating at local restaurants, visiting local markets, and participating in tours guided by locals not only enhances your travel experience but also benefits the environment.

    Packing light and eco-conscious is crucial. Packing lighter saves on fuel and makes traveling easier. Opt for reusable items like water bottles, bags, and utensils, and avoid single-use plastics. Always adhere to the ‘leave no trace’ principles, which are crucial for ensuring that the natural spots we enjoy can be appreciated by future generations. Be mindful of your environment wherever you go, stick to marked trails, dispose of waste properly, and avoid disturbing wildlife.

    If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, consider carbon offset programs. Many airlines offer these when booking flights, allowing you to balance your emissions with investments in renewable energy or reforestation projects. Lastly, educate yourself about the ecological and cultural specifics of the places you visit and share your eco-friendly travel tips and experiences with others to inspire more sustainable travel.

    By making thoughtful choices, travelers can enjoy the immense beauty and diversity of our world in a responsible, sustainable way. Eco-friendly travel isn’t just about seeing the world; it’s about preserving it for those who come after us.

  • The Power of Renewables: Shaping a Sustainable Future

    As the world grapples with the existential threat of climate change, renewable energy isn’t just a trendy alternative to fossil fuels — it’s a lifeline. From the shimmering panels of solar farms to the steady whir of offshore wind turbines, these clean energy sources have gone from niche solutions to global necessities.

    Renewable energy’s greatest asset? Its ability to fight climate change while improving air quality. Unlike coal or natural gas, which spew harmful emissions into the atmosphere, renewables generate power without contributing to the greenhouse gas buildup that’s heating the planet. In the process, they also offer a breath of fresh air — literally. Cities around the world are seeing improved air quality as coal plants close, their toxic clouds of smoke replaced by the silent spin of wind and the warm embrace of sunlight.

    Let’s look at solar power. With dramatic cost reductions and technological advancements, solar is now one of the fastest-growing energy sources on the planet. Homeowners and businesses alike are tapping into the sun’s power, slashing energy bills and avoiding the headache of a phone call from traditional utility companies. Wind energy is soaring as well, especially in windy places like the Midwest and Northern Europe, where turbines now generate a significant share of the energy grid.

    But the road to a fully renewable world is far from smooth. Energy storage remains a major hurdle. How do we power our homes when the sun sets and the wind dies down? And while some regions are ready to embrace clean energy, the infrastructure to support it is still lagging.


    We can keep up the momentum though. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have roles to play in accelerating this transformation. A healthier future is powered by the choices we make today.

  • Picher, Oklahoma: A Ghost Town’s Environmental Legacy

    Once, Picher, Oklahoma was a bustling mining town — essential for the U.S. war effort, vital to the economy, and a place where families lived side by side with industry. But today, it stands as a haunting monument to the dangers of unchecked resource extraction. Situated at the heart of the Tar Creek Superfund site, Picher’s history is marked by toxic waste and environmental devastation.

    In the early 20th century, the mines produced zinc and lead, materials essential for both World Wars. Yet, the mining methods left behind piles of chat, the toxic waste from the mining process. It scattered across the town. It covered roads. This was a major health hazard, though a silent one. No one knew it was dangerous. In fact, they thought they could put it to use. And so, they filled children’s sandboxes with it. But the evidence started to creep in: lead poisoning, contaminated drinking water, and the slow, insidious collapse of the town itself.

    When the mines closed in the 1970s, the damage had already been done. In 1980, the EPA declared the area a Superfund site, a designation that sparked federal cleanup efforts. But despite decades of attempts to remedy the damage, Picher’s fate was sealed: in 2009, it was abandoned, its residents relocated in a government buyout.

    Now, the town is a ghostly reminder of what can happen when industrial practices are left unchecked. Its derelict buildings and leftover chat piles stand as a powerful cautionary tale — one that underscores the urgent need for sustainable resource management.  The town not only highlights the need for responsible mining practices but also underscores the importance of remediation and strict environmental regulations to prevent similar tragedies. Picher’s legacy is a stark call to action: Protecting the environment is not just an option — it’s a responsibility.

  • Preserving Our Planet: The Critical Role of Biodiversity

    Biodiversity is the heartbeat of our planet. From the lush, vibrant Amazon Rainforest to the underwater wonderlands of coral reefs to the wetlands in Florida, biodiversity, or the variety of life on Earth, undergirds everything from the air we breathe to the food we eat. But human activity is stomping out this irreplaceable natural wealth.

    Let’s look at bees. They’re one of our most important pollinators, affecting 70% of our crops. Due to habitat destruction, bees aren’t just going on strike — they’re dying in droves. No one wants to see a world without honey. The loss of species like these can disrupt food supplies and damage ecosystems, leading to harmful effects on global food security and natural resources.

    Or we can zoom outward and look at the Amazon Rainforest, “the lungs of the planet.” If you chopped out someone’s lungs, they couldn’t go on living — but that’s exactly what’s happening with the Amazon, at an alarming rate, as we chop down tree after tree in what amounts to deforestation. This not only threatens the countless species in the rainforest, but releases carbon dioxide into the air.

    Preserving biodiversity isn’t just a green thumb issue. It’s a human health issue and an economic stability issue. Protecting ecosystems can be as simple as supporting sustainable products, reducing waste, and getting involved locally. It’s all about doing our part — without having to move to a remote forest and start a commune. Conservation efforts can be as varied as the ecosystems they aim to protect. Protected areas, sustainable management of resources, and legislation to protect endangered species are just some of the ways we can help maintain biodiversity.

    Biodiversity is a gift and a necessity. It’s something we all need to pitch in to protect. Because, if we don’t, the only thing that’ll be thriving in the future is the cockroach population. And, trust me, they’re doing just fine.