2015 KC McGinnis – “Instagram” Instgram A pool of algae floats in a drainage in Willow Creek, Iowa City, IA. Hot summer temperatures, combined with high nitrate levels from agricultural runoff, have led to increasing algae growth in Iowa waters this year, some of which can be extremely toxic. This week I’m posting pictures leading up to Friday’s Iowa Climate Statement 2014, an annual summary of environmental concerns released by a group of scientists and policy makers across the state. Follow me on Instagram at @kc.mcginnis for updates leading up to the statement. #IowaClimateStatement #climate #environment #water Hot summer temperatures, combined with high nitrate levels from agricultural runoff, have led to increasing algae growth in Iowa waters this year, some of which can be extremely toxic. This week I’m posting pictures leading up to Friday’s Iowa Climate Statement 2014, an annual summary of environmental concerns released by a group of scientists and policy makers across the state. Follow me on Instagram at @kc.mcginnis for updates leading up to the statement. #IowaClimateStatement #climate #environment #water From field to fuel: An experimental miscanthus field grows outside Iowa City, IA. One possible solution to Iowa’s agricultural runoff problem is a biomass crop called miscanthus, currently being tested in experimental fields. The grass can grow alongside other crops in sections that usually produce lower yields, curbing erosion during heavy rain. The plant can later be harvested and used as biofuel. This week I’m posting pictures leading up to Friday’s Iowa Climate Statement 2014, an annual summary of environmental concerns released by a group of scientists and policy makers across the state. Follow me on Instagram at @kc.mcginnis for updates leading up to the statement. #IowaClimateStatement #biofuel #climate #energy A miscanthus field outside Iowa City, IA. Tomorrow I’ll be visiting a local power plant that harvests miscanthus biomass for fuel. Follow me on Instagram at @kc.mcginnis for updates leading up to the #IowaClimateStatement. #energy #environment #iowa From field to fuel: A coal/wood chip mix burns at the University of Iowa Power Plant, Iowa City, IA. The UI Power Plant is increasingly turning to biomass like wood chips, oat hulls and miscanthus to diversify its energy sources and decrease coal dependence. This week I’m posting pictures leading up to Friday’s Iowa Climate Statement 2014, an annual summary of environmental concerns released by a group of scientists and policy makers across the state. Follow me on Instagram at @kc.mcginnis for updates leading up to the statement. #IowaClimateStatement #biomass #climate #iowa Iowa scientists talk about the health-related effects of #climatechange on Iowans at the Des Moines statehouse on Friday. #IowaClimateStatement #iowa #climate #environment Morning fog rises off of Lake MacBride near Solon, IA. Among Iowa’s environmental challenges is increased flooding from extreme weather events, leading to erosion and poorer water quality. Lake MacBride saw a substantial fish kill earlier this summer due to blue green algae, which accompanies warmer temperatures and added nutrients from excessive runoff. These events are due to increase as the atmosphere warms and holds more moisture, according to Iowa scientists at Friday’s Iowa Climate Statement 2014. This week I’m posting pictures following up on Friday’s Iowa Climate Statement 2014, an annual summary of environmental concerns released by a group of scientists and policy makers across the state. #IowaClimateStatement #water #climate #iowa The Iowa River, south of the Coralville Reservoir, Coralville, IA. #iowa This week I’m posting pictures following up on Friday’s Iowa Climate Statement 2014, an annual summary of environmental concerns released by a group of scientists and policy makers across the state. #IowaClimateStatement #water #climate #iowa Runoff in Phebe Creek outside Iowa City, IA, during a rainstorm. Agricultural runoff from farms is the primary contributor of excessive nutrients to Iowa waterways, affecting water quality all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Runoff from fertilizers and Iowa’s already nutrient-rich soil sends phosphorus and nitrate into major streams and has contributed to the Gulf’s expanding “dead zone,” a band of nearly lifeless ocean off the coast of Louisiana. Iowa had undertaken an ambitious Nutrient Reduction Strategy to help reduce runoff, but increased heavy rainfall events and flooding have slowed progress, along with lack of farmer participation (the strategy is voluntary for farms). Last year, only half of Iowa farmers surveyed who were aware of the strategy chose to participate. These images are copyright KC McGinnis and are use here by permission. They may not be used elsewhere without permission.
