Analysis: Export Oil, Import Water – the Middle East’s Risky Economics

A recent study of NASA satellite data found that parts of Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran along the Tigris and Euphrates river basins had lost 144 cubic kilometres of water from 2003 to 2009, roughly equivalent to the volume of the Dead Sea. With scientist predicting an increase in extreme weather events, adaptability has become increasingly important.

Tipping Points: Can Humanity Break The Planet?

A paper published in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution suggests that while human society does a very thorough job of modifying and, often enough, permanently and abruptly changing the dynamics of local and regional ecosystems, the collective impact of all this on a planetary scale is too often overstated.

Nitrogen Pollution Soars In China

Nitrogen-containing pollutants from agriculture, transport and industry in China has increased by more than half in 30 years, adding to concerns about the country’s deteriorating environment. China’s environment ministry acknowledged the existence of so-called “cancer villages” after years of public speculation about the impact of pollution in certain areas.

Thawing Permafrost: Huge Factor in Global Warming

Thawing permafrost is emitting more climate-heating carbon faster than previously realised. Scientists have now learned that when the ancient carbon locked in the ice thaws and is exposed to sunlight, it turns into carbon dioxide 40 percent faster.