European science conversations
by the community, for the community
The Polish Governments is attempting to enhance its energy security by giving the green light to its first nuclear power plant. It may seem ironic that this move happens as the EU intensifies its policy support towards greener energy solutions, while some countries such as Germany have stepped back from nuclear power all together.
An international study warns that nitrogen pollution is putting wildlife in Europe at risk. More than 60% of the EU’s most important wildlife sites receive aerial nitrogen pollution inputs above acceptable levels. There is evidence of impacts on semi-natural grasslands, heathlands and forests across Europe. This threat is set to continue unless there is further action on emissions of polluting nitrogen gases.
“The single most effective way to tackle these [greenhouse] gases is to capture them and store them safely underground” – Shell Website
About ten years ago the regional director of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) asked to meet with National Association for Interpretation (NAI) executive staff to discuss the application of interpretive services to his organization. He explained that the Republican Contract for America removed USGS funding from the United States budget in 1994 because many in Congress and the American public did not understand that this agency of scientists were responsible for much more than making maps. Fortunately, the funding was restored. USGS monitors vital resources all over the U.S. The USGS regional director expressed concern that being skilled scientists was not enough. They needed to become more skilled at helping Congress and citizens understand their diverse scientific roles and findings.
EuroScientist journal 
