If you just finished watching our latest episode of “Solutionaries,” then you know we focused on the environment and all things climate change-related.

Is this something to be concerned about? Many scientists feel it isn’t, but then again, it’s not everyday an iceberg the size of Rhode Island breaks free from Antarctica.

Many environmental organizations have said the quick changes can have a negative impact on the environment. In San Antonio, Dr. Saugata Datta at UTSA new Institute of Research, Sustainability and Policy said there needs to be more time given to studying regulation changes. The environment constantly seeks a state of equilibrium and will react accordingly, Dr. Datta said. Despite the continual changes, Dr. Datta said we are fortunate to live in South Texas, where many environmental changes are noticeable. However, the federal government needs to invest more in long-term studies, so places like this can accurately gather data, Dr. Datta said.

The pandemic has been a historic jolt to life as we know it, but less people traveling has actually helped the environment. Emissions that heat the earth fell more than 10 percent in the US in 2020, the guardian reports. New figures show that a record drop has been caused by major reductions in travel and industrial activity because of the pandemic. The new estimate by Rhodium Group shows that this is the largest annual drop in emissions since the second world war and this puts U.S. carbon pollution at its lowest level in three decades. The study does point out that the emissions reductions came at a huge cost and will likely rebound as vaccines are distributed.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that originally forests covered about 45% of the earth’s landmasses, but now forests only cover about 31% of the earth’s land. Scientists in a U.K. group called Rewilding Britain say the best way to help rebuild our forests is to do nothing at all, and the best and most diverse forests plant themselves. The group’s chief executive, Rebecca Wrigley, says letting trees naturally regenerate on a big scale is the most effective way of reversing the sorry fortunes of crippled forests and woodlands. The group says other ways we can help our forests is by pushing governments to set aside land for re-growth and protect ancient woodlands. Whether we plant or let nature take its course is up to us, the group says.

SAN ANTONIO – The consensus among scientists around the world is that climate change, including global warming, is happening and that humans are contributing due to greenhouse gas emissions. But do you know how your personal opinions on climate change compare to those around your local county, the state of Texas, and the nation? An extensive national study conducted by Yale University is highlighting the differences of opinions on climate change around the nation. From the study, the university created an interactive map where you can see answers to various questions about climate change and global warming. Here are some interesting takeaways:BeliefsGlobal warming is happeningOn a national level 72% of people believe global warming is happeningHowever, in Bexar County, it’s estimated that 80% of people believe global warming is happening.

Climate Minute: Opinions on Global WarmingPublished: October 21, 2020, 9:58 amMeteorologist Sarah Spivey walks you through a study conducted by Yale University explaining the differences of opinion on climate change on a local, state, and national level. Link to the study: https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/visualizations-data/ycom-us/

It's become a hot button topic. But at its core, climate change is a scientific issue, not a political one.