Death by Plastic: Is Ocean Plastic Garbage Killing Whales?

From the coasts of California to Adriatic, Tasmania or Normandy, millions of tonnes of plastic debris dumped each year in the world’s oceans, could pose a lethal threat to whales, according to a scientific assessment to be presented at the International Whaling Commission this week. Ingestion of plastic refuse is emerging as a serious cause of disability and death for the large ocean-dwelling mammals.
Japan Says Nuclear Plant Clean-Up Will Take Several Decades

Japan’s prime minister said on Saturday the decommissioning of the tsunami crippled Fukushima nuclear plant would take several decades.
Energy-Short Japan Eyes Renewable Future

In the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster, power shortages have forced one of the world’s most energy-efficient countries to make do with even less.The International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a report this week that tsunami-torn Japan “is in the midst of perhaps one of the most severe electricity shortfalls in history.”
Viruses Bathe at the Beach Too, European Study Finds

European researchers have found viruses in nearly 40% of more than 1,400 bathing water samples gathered from coastal and inland areas in nine countries.
Australia Carbon Pollution Tax Announcement: A Start!

Australia Prime Minister Julia Gillard, is on Sunday due to unveil the full detail of her carbon tax legislation, which will see the country’s top 500 polluters charged per tonne of carbon dioxide they emit into the atmosphere.
Puerto Rico coast still ruled by 1886 law

A Spanish law crafted in 1886 still governs development along Puerto Rico’s sprawling coastline, worrying activists and legislators who say the ancient mandate has allowed construction along ecologically sensitive beaches.
The Well From Hell

“The Well From Hell”, explores the greater social and political impact of last year’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Written following a visit to New Orleans, author William Sargent looks at the history of fossil fuels and examines how continued reliance on “big oil” will impact ourselves and the world arround us. A book by William Sargent, published by Strawberry Hill Press.
Outrage At Drilling Permit For Australia Reef

UNESCO just listed Australian western Ningaloo coast as a World Heritage site late last month due to its reef, sea turtles and white whales.But environmentalists expressed outrage after the Australian government green-lighted a proposal from Shell to explore for gas nearby.
Oil and gas spills in North Sea every week

According to an investigative report and documents obtained in Britain, serious and largely unpublicised spills of oil and gas from North Sea platforms, are occurring at the rate of one a week.