Faculty & Staff

In the News:
Orbiting Carbon Observatory Investigates Mystery Of The Missing Sinks

Each year, humans release more than 30-billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels for powering vehicles, generating electricity and manufacturing products. Up to five-and-a-half additional tons of carbon dioxide are released each year by biomass burning, forest fires and land-use practices such as slash-and-burn agriculture. Between 40 and 50 percent of that amount remains in the atmosphere. Another estimated 30 percent is dissolved into the ocean, the world's largest sink. By removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the tree serves as an indispensable "sink," or warehouse, for carbon that, in tandem with Earth's other trees, plants and the ocean, helps reduce rising levels of carbon dioxide in the air that contribute to global warming. "It's important to make clear that the ‘missing' sinks aren't really missing, they are just poorly understood," said Scott Denning, CSU atmospheric scientist.
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Featured Video: Brian Bledsoe

Dr. Bledsoe's research focuses on the effects of land-use, conversion, and climate change on the efficiency of the water delivery and storage systems. He notes that due to its excellent outdoor classrooms, hydraulic laboratory facilities and environmental analysis capabilities, Colorado State University is uniquely positioned as a leader in water resources and environmental engineering.