The effects of climate change and NYCEDC proposals are ugly, y’all.

Happening in the World: With growing tension between Ukraine and Russia, NATO allies have placed their military forces on standby. The reinforcements have been placed after weeks of escalating tension at the border between Russia and Ukraine, and fears of a Russian invasion. Additionally, the US State Department announced its plans to reduce staff at the US Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine. (CNN)

Happening in the US: Wildfires rage in California following a year of abundant rainfall. The extent of the ​​blaze shows that the drought on the US West Coast is so severe that even a series of massive storms aren’t enough to prevent the devastation that comes with wildfires. The National Weather Service’s Bay Area office described the climate-change-induced drought as a “chronic illness” that will not go away with periodic seasons of heavy rainfall. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: The New York City Parks Department and Economic Development Corporation faces backlash over their proposed redesign of Riverside Park’s public marina, a structure that not only is a pivotal part of the neighborhood but is also in desperate need of an upgrade. The general consensus about the new design? It’s too ugly. (Gothamist) 

Happening in our Community: Are you interested in learning about what happens during the stages between researching medicine and implementing new medical practices? If so, join Rachel C. Shelton (Associate Professor, Dept. of Sociomedical Sciences Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health Director, Implementation Science Initiative at the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research) today from 1:30 to 2:30 pm to learn about the field of implementation science. Click here for more information. 

Holy Fire Atop Lake Elsinore Pyre via flickr