Environmental Indicators

During my senior year at Cook College in the Environmental Science program, I participated in an independent research project under the tutelage of Dr. Steven Eisenreich. An excellent mentor, Dr. Eisenreich was examining the use of environmental indicators, specifically how they were being used (or not) at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. My interest piqued, I latched on to his lab coat tails and studied the subject for the next two semesters.   

For background, environmental indicators are specific signals that can help us understand, by extrapolation, the complexities and trends of larger interwoven environmental systems and feedback loops.  A familiar indicator example can be found in economics, where gross domestic product (GDP) is an easily comprehended indicator of greater national economic health.  For an example of an environmental indicator, if our concern is air quality, we might look at average industrial emissions to better understand overall air quality in a particular region.  In my experience cited above, I chose to look at the size and variation of benthic macroivertebrate populations (critters living in the muck at the bottom of a waterway) as an indicator of general surface water quality. What’s that, sounds like a blast you say?

So, to give back to the scientific community, here are some modern day environmental indicators that might be of value to a young academic.  

Subject:  Light Pollution
Indicator:  Measured in decibels (dB), how loudly you say “Holy Cow!” when travelling to Vermont and you first see a cloudless night sky.  If you exceed 90 dB, it a surefire indicator of light pollution in your hometown.  

Subject:  Overpopulation
Indicator: If it takes you longer than two minutes to get the bartender’s attention at the local pub, it could be an indicator of overpopulation in your region. (Note:  As a scientist, you should always look at alternative explanations - like maybe you stiffed that bartender for a tip last time).  

Subject:  Fiji ground water quality
Indicator:  Sales of Fiji bottled water.  If people actually reach for a bottle of water that arrived via an 8,000-mile, trans-Pacific, cross-continental journey instead of drinking the local stuff, wow, that really must be an indicator of some tasty water.   

Subject:  Changing of the Seasons
Indicator:  Never mind the robin.  The first glimpse of a tourist wearing sandals, high black socks, and a white ribbed sleeveless t-shirt is a guaranteed indicator that the seasons are changing from Spring to Summer at the Jersey Shore.  

Subject:  Noise pollution
Indicator:  Sales of Justin Bieber albums.  If iTunes reports an increase of Justin Bieber sales, it is an excellent indicator that noise pollution is on the rise.  

Okay, if you didn’t even chuckle once, it’s an indicator that I failed on this particular blog.  But, if you enjoyed, feel free to leave a comment and check back often for more environmental musings.