Category Archives: Watershed Science Technician

Watershed Science Technician

What Is Sustainability? Definition, Three Pillars & Career Paths

What Is Sustainability? Definition, Three Pillars & Career Paths
Sustainability is the practice of meeting today's needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs. It balances three interconnected pillars—economic development, social equity, and environmental protection—creating a framework where human society and natural ecosystems can thrive together for the long term. Table of Contents Define Sustainability Balancing Resource Use for a Greener Future History…
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Hydroelectric Power: How It Works, Pros & Cons, and Careers

Hydroelectric Power: How It Works, Pros & Cons, and Careers
Hydroelectric power harnesses the kinetic energy of moving water to generate electricity, making it the world's most widely used renewable energy source. It's clean, cost-effective, and capable of producing power at scales ranging from a few kilowatts to over 20 gigawatts. It currently generates roughly 19% of the world's electricity, with careers in the field…
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Understanding Drought in the United States: Types, History, and Impact

Understanding Drought in the United States: Types, History, and Impact
Drought is a temporary period when water availability falls below normal levels for a region, affecting humans, agriculture, and ecosystems. The United States experiences four types of drought—meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and socioeconomic—each triggered by different conditions and impacting different sectors. While cyclical in nature, droughts have grown more intense due to climate change and increasing…
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El Niño and La Niña’s Impact on Our Environment

El Niño and La Niña’s Impact on Our Environment
El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a climate pattern affecting ocean temperatures and atmospheric pressure in the equatorial Pacific every 3-7 years. El Niño brings warmer waters and disrupted trade winds, while La Niña brings cooler temperatures and stronger winds. Both phenomena significantly impact global weather…
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