Author: Kevin Krajick11

Kevin Krajick is the former senior editor for science news at the Earth Institute and the Columbia Climate School. He grew up in the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley of upstate New York, where he worked at his high-school newspaper. He has since reported from all 50 U.S. states and 30-some countries, writing about science, medicine, crime, immigration and other issues. His work has appeared in National Geographic, Newsweek, The New Yorker, Science, Smithsonian and many other publications. He was a finalist for the National Magazine Award for Public Service for his reporting on organized crime’s links to the toxic waste-disposal industry. He is two-time winner of the American Geophysical Union’s Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism, and his work has been featured repeatedly in the yearly book “Best American Science and Nature Writing.” His 2001 book “Barren Lands” is the true account of how two prospectors discovered vast deposits of diamonds in Canada’s remote far north. Krajick holds degrees in comparative literature and journalism from Columbia University. He lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with his family. You can email Kevin at: krk4@columbia.edu

Export Curbs by Just a Few Nations Could Make Global Food Prices Skyrocket

A recent study shows that trade restrictions and stockpiling of supplies by just a few key countries during times of crisis could create global food price spikes and severe local and regional food shortages.
Yes, These Flesh-Eating Algae Are Real. And They Like Their Prey Alive.

New research suggests that photosynthetic green algae also eat bacteria on a previously unsuspected scale.
Fast-Growing Parts of Africa See a Surprise: Less Air Pollution From Seasonal Fires

Unfortunately, growing urban emissions mean that the reprieve may only be temporary.
How Lessons From Bees, Leaves and Our Own Blood May Help Us Save Civilization

A new book argues that humanity can stave off catastrophe by observing how natural systems have evolved simple strategies to assure their survival.
American Geophysical Union 2020: Key Events From the Earth Institute

A guide to key talks and other events at the Dec. 1-17 virtual American Geophysical Union meeting.
The Very Lonely Seismometer

Out in the middle of the woods in New York’s exurbs, a hiker finds a TV antenna attached to a rotting oil drum. What is this?
Future Brahmaputra River Flooding as Climate Warms May Be Underestimated, Study Says

A new study looking at seven centuries of water flow in south Asia’s mighty Brahmaputra River suggests that scientists are underestimating the river’s potential for catastrophic flooding as climate warms.
Scientists Have Discovered an Ancient Lake Bed Deep Beneath the Greenland Ice

Using radar and other techniques, researchers have mapped out the sediments left by a lake that apparently existed before Greenland was glaciated. Next step: drilling through the ice to see what they contain.
Ancient Volcanoes Once Boosted Ocean Carbon, But Humans Are Now Far Outpacing Them

A new study of the closest ancient analog to modern carbon emissions finds that massive volcanism was the main cause of high carbon at the time. But nature did not come close to matching what humans are doing today.

Export Curbs by Just a Few Nations Could Make Global Food Prices Skyrocket

A recent study shows that trade restrictions and stockpiling of supplies by just a few key countries during times of crisis could create global food price spikes and severe local and regional food shortages.
Yes, These Flesh-Eating Algae Are Real. And They Like Their Prey Alive.

New research suggests that photosynthetic green algae also eat bacteria on a previously unsuspected scale.
Fast-Growing Parts of Africa See a Surprise: Less Air Pollution From Seasonal Fires

Unfortunately, growing urban emissions mean that the reprieve may only be temporary.
How Lessons From Bees, Leaves and Our Own Blood May Help Us Save Civilization

A new book argues that humanity can stave off catastrophe by observing how natural systems have evolved simple strategies to assure their survival.
American Geophysical Union 2020: Key Events From the Earth Institute

A guide to key talks and other events at the Dec. 1-17 virtual American Geophysical Union meeting.
The Very Lonely Seismometer

Out in the middle of the woods in New York’s exurbs, a hiker finds a TV antenna attached to a rotting oil drum. What is this?
Future Brahmaputra River Flooding as Climate Warms May Be Underestimated, Study Says

A new study looking at seven centuries of water flow in south Asia’s mighty Brahmaputra River suggests that scientists are underestimating the river’s potential for catastrophic flooding as climate warms.
Scientists Have Discovered an Ancient Lake Bed Deep Beneath the Greenland Ice

Using radar and other techniques, researchers have mapped out the sediments left by a lake that apparently existed before Greenland was glaciated. Next step: drilling through the ice to see what they contain.
Ancient Volcanoes Once Boosted Ocean Carbon, But Humans Are Now Far Outpacing Them

A new study of the closest ancient analog to modern carbon emissions finds that massive volcanism was the main cause of high carbon at the time. But nature did not come close to matching what humans are doing today.