Environment

The Circuitous Path Toward Affordable Solar Energy

WisContext

Solar energy is cheaper, more efficient and more widely available than ever, but its viability was never assured. Technologies that enable the conversion of sunlight into usable electricity are the products of an uncoordinated, decades-long series of events that followed a circuitous and halting path

Series: Drinking Water Quality

What Are PFAS And Why Are They A Problem?

Christy Remucal

UW-Madison

A group of chemicals known as PFAS are prompting increasing attention and concern across Wisconsin. What are these chemicals and why are they such a big deal?

Series: Chronic Wasting Disease In Wisconsin's Deer

For The First Time, Chronic Wasting Disease Proteins Found In Deer Semen

Audio:

Miranda Suarez

Wisconsin Public Radio

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WPR

For the first time, the proteins that cause chronic wasting disease have been detected in white-tailed deer semen — which is a commodity for deer farmers, who sell it for breeding purposes.

Series: Extreme Precipitation And Wisconsin's Climate

As Rains Intensify, Sewage Surges Into Wisconsin Waters

Audio:

Danielle Kaeding

Wisconsin Public Radio

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Wisconsin in 2018 saw its most sewer overflow events since 2010, with increasing volumes of discharged waste. Experts say the problem plagues communities across the Great Lakes. Driving the spike: intensifying rainfall due to climate change.

Series: Chronic Wasting Disease In Wisconsin's Deer

More Than 100 Cases Of CWD Reported At Wisconsin Deer Farms Since 2018

Audio:

Rich Kremer

Wisconsin Public Radio

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There have been more than 400 cases of chronic wasting disease at Wisconsin deer farms and hunting ranches since it was first detected in the state almost two decades ago. But more than a quarter of those were reported since November 2018.

The Invasive Elongate Hemlock Scale Makes A Return Incursion To Wisconsin

PJ Liesch

UW-Extension

Christmas has come and gone for 2019, but an uninvited Grinch may still be lurking to steal the holiday spirit.

Series: CAFOs, Manure And Water

Untangling The Science Of Smell In The Debate Over Livestock Siting Rules

Audio:

Kealey Bultena

Wisconsin Public Radio

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The state is moving forward with its process to revisit some of the regulations that govern Wisconsin's livestock siting rules. With the smell of large-scale farms a source of debate, Iowa State University agriculture and biosystems engineering professor Jacek Kozel discusses the science of smell.

12 Top WisContext Stories Of 2019

Kristian Knutsen

WisContext

WisContext is focused on the long haul. Examining how Wisconsin's history shapes its contemporary issues and looking forward at how these trends may develop was a consistent element of our coverage in 2019.

Series: Extreme Precipitation And Wisconsin's Climate

Wisconsin Has Seen 14 Dams Fail Since 2014 — 8 Failed In 2018 Due To Flooding

Audio:

Danielle Kaeding

Wisconsin Public Radio

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WPR

Since 2008, there have been 14 dams that have failed statewide, said Tanya Lourigan, state dam safety engineer with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Series: Climate Science And Wisconsin

How Climate Change May Make The Fight Against Great Lakes Sea Lampreys Costlier

Weiting Du

Great Lakes Echo

In the longer term, warmer waters that come with a warming climate may make it more expensive to combat sea lampreys, longtime predators of Great Lakes fish.