Video Storytelling

WASHINGTON – The United Nations publishes a report on the climate crisis that highlights how human activity has influenced global warming. The report indicates that human activities have warmed our planet by 1.07 degrees celsius, which is hotter than preindustrial times and a danger to sustaining our lifestyle.

"The various human influences on the climate system are now being observed and connected." said Alex Ruane, a research physical scientist at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

In 2015, 196 countries signed the Paris agreement aiming to limit global warming to below 2 degrees celsius, but the report estimates that the world’s warming will exceed this limit by the end of this decade.

WASHINGTON – The contamination of drinking water by lead is a serious threat to public health. Illinois has more lead service lines than any other state in the nation, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. It is estimated that between 730,000 and 1.4 million lead service lines deliver drinking water to residents.

“The threat is particularly pressing in Illinois, which has the misfortune of containing more lead service lines than any other state in the country.” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

Lead can cause serious illnesses, such as damage to the brain and nervous system, and behavioral problems, according to the CDC.

To ensure universal access to clean drinking water, the senate voted to pass $55 billion in funding as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Act. That will start replacement of lead service lines that are responsible for the contamination of water.

President Biden supports the act, though the next steps for the bill are complicated. The House of Representatives has to approve changes, but they are waiting for the Senate to pass additional legislation before this bill can be sent to the President’s desk.