The headline presents a bit of a mind-bender, but scientists are racing to grapple with the consequences of human-induced climate change in the northern regions of the globe.

"Earlier this month, NASA scientists provided a visualization of a startling climate change trend — the Earth is getting greener, as viewed from space, especially in its rapidly warming northern regions," reports Chris Mooney. "And this is presumably occurring as more carbon dioxide in the air, along with warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons, makes plants very, very happy."
The visuals of a greener Arctic, however, has now given way to new research showing that humans are responsible for those changes. Yes, the greening of the Artic is proof of the human fingerprint on climate change. The question still remains, however, whether the additional plant life now thriving on the planet as a result of human actions will be able to "offset overall global warming over time," as Mooney puts it.
Some have already begun to take a more optimistic assessment of global warming, such as a report from the U.S. Geologicial Survey which, according to Mooney, speculates that the state of Alaska, "might still be able to stow away more carbon than it loses over the course of the 21st century" (and all that " despite worsening wildfires and more thaw of permafrost").
FULL STORY: Thanks to climate change, the Arctic is turning green

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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