Plastics in Ocean Worse than Thought

The latest research from oceanographers show that wind and water currents can impact plastic pollution monitoring efforts. It seems that researchers have underestimated the volume of plastic pollution in the ocean because wind conditions push plastics out of reach of surface skim collections. One of the scientists coming out with new data on this, Giora Proskurowski, is quoted “‘I think what this research really shows is that I can go out in the middle of the ocean – five days away from land – into one of the remotest parts of the planet, and scoop up plastic … I think it’s a stark reminder of the impact our society has on the planet.’” The plastic problem is a huge one, and it is difficult to grasp both the scale and role that each of us play in it. We are excited about our Zero Waste event series in the coming weeks, that explores many facets of waste, from policy to personal impact, and hope that it will help participants digest some of the most pressing waste issues for our community. Check out our EcoCalendar for upcoming free events as part of that series, and for a full report on the latest plastic research, head over to California Watch.

Ecology Center Statement on Gill Tract

The Ecology Center supports the vision of the Gill Tract as a UC Berkeley Center for Urban Agriculture Research and Training. This vision of the Gill Tract is aligned with the mission of public land-grant institutions and the Gill Tract’s incredible legacy as the birthplace of vital sustainable agriculture methods. It also honors the significant and continuous growth of both organic agriculture and urban agriculture, and the need for technical development and training in those fields.

The Ecology Center supports the desire of community members and activists to ensure that the Gill Tract land remains in agricultural use, and calls upon them to embrace a vision that includes university research and training that benefits urban communities across the state, nation, and globe.

The Ecology Center calls upon the University of California to commit to the creation of a Center for Urban Agriculture Research and Training, and to allow farming to continue alongside relevant research. We call on UC Berkeley to engage in meaningful, good faith discussion with the community, urban agriculture organizations, UC researchers, and the City of Albany on how to best manifest this vision.