Goodbye, Miami
By century’s end, rising sea levels will turn the nation’s urban fantasyland into an American Atlantis. It may be another century before the city is completely underwater, but life in the vibrant metropolis of 5.5 million people will begin to dissolve much quicker, most likely within a few decades…
Solar Boat Türanor Becomes a Research Vessel to Study Climate Change
The Sun-powered craft that went around the world, will now gather data on how global warming is affecting the Gulf Stream.
Iceland Resumes Fin Whale Hunting After Two-Year Break
Iceland has resumed its commercial hunting of fin whales after a two-year suspension by landing the first of an expected 180 whales in Hvalfjördur. The first kill prompted protests from environment and animal welfare groups that the hunt is “cruel and unnecessary”.
Norway Opens Arctic Border Area To Oil Drilling
Norway’s Parliament has opened up a new area on the fringe of the Arctic Ocean to offshore oil drilling despite protests from opponents who fear catastrophic oil spills in the remote and icy region.
Possible Record-Setting Dead Zone For Gulf of Mexico
Scientists are expecting a very large “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico and a smaller than average hypoxic level in the Chesapeake Bay this year, based on several NOAA-supported forecast models.
Fukushima Nuclear Plant: Toxic Isotope Found in Groundwater
High levels of a toxic radioactive isotope have been found in groundwater at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant, its operator says.
Cuba Razes Buildings to Fight Beach Erosion
Cuba is demolishing buildings constructed over the natural dunes of its famed seaside resort of Varadero, in a bid to fight beach erosion at its top tourist attraction.
Obama Administration Considers Sweeping Climate Plan
The Obama administration is considering a sweeping initiative to address climate change, including the first-ever limits on carbon dioxide from power plants, the country’s biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions…
Swept Away: Beach Erosion Continues to be Huge Problem for Texas
Beach erosion in Texas, as in numerous other U.S. locations, is a huge problem. Studies show that about 64 percent of the Texas coast is eroding at an average rate of 6 feet per year, but some areas are losing more than 25 feet per year. On average, the Texas coast is losing about 2.3 feet a year to erosion.