Weighing Best Ways to Fight Beach Erosion

Every summer, thousands of people flock to the coasts to hear the soothing sound of lapping waves. But Gerrard Stoddard has witnessed the destructive side of water’s perpetual motion against the shore.

Belo Monte Dam Construction Halted By Brazilian Court

Opponents of the world’s biggest new hydroelectric project, the Belo Monte dam in Brazil, notched up a rare victory this week, when a federal appeals court ordered construction to be suspended until indigenous groups are properly consulted about the project.

Underwater Ecosystem Inundated by Sediment Plume, Elwha River

Scuba-diver scientists from the U.S.G.S, with support teams from the U.S. EPA, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, and Washington Sea Grant, are returning to the mouth of Washington’s Elwha River this week to explore and catalogue the effect of released sediment on marine life following the nation’s largest dam removal effort.

Yale 360 Video: Belo Monte Dam Controversy

The Belo Monte dam, now under construction in the Amazon, is heralded as an abundant power source for Brazil’s burgeoning economy. But critics contend the project’s benefits are outweighed by the environmental and social costs, the flooding of 260 square miles of rainforest and the displacement of more than 20,000 people. A Yale Environment 360 video report, explores both sides of this controversial project.

Fish return to undammed Elwha River

A project to remove two hydroelectric dams from the Elwha River in Washington state is bringing benefits for local wildlife. But the fish are not home free yet.

Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia

Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of Borneo, was once a lush tropical landscape full of some of the most sought-after timber in the world. In recent years, a combination of logging and agriculture has contributed to a rapidly changing landscape. When trees are logged, erosion can become a problem.