US Government Mulls $16bn Plea Deal For BP over Deepwater – Report
The US government and Gulf Coast states are reportedly considering offering BP Plc a deal under which the company will pay $16bn to settle civil suits stemming from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster.
Liberia: Illegal Sand Mining Heightened
Despite efforts by the government to put a halt to illegal sand mining which is blamed on sea and other form of erosions across Liberia, others have refused to yield to the orders as sand mining is said to be at a renewed height and reinvigorated pace in the region.
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.
Siberian Permafrost Thaw Warning Sparked By Cave Data
Evidence from Siberian caves suggests that a global temperature rise of 1.5C could see permafrost thaw over a large area of Siberia.
Chinese Environment Official Challenged To Swim In Polluted River
Widespread outrage against China’s environmental issues that began when Beijing’s air pollution hit record levels last month has spread to encompass another major public health threat: water pollution.
Migratory Behavior of Oceanic Sharks Revealed
As the nations of the world prepare to vote on measures to restrict international trade in endangered sharks in early March, a team of researchers has found that one of these species, the oceanic whitetip shark, regularly crosses international boundaries.
BP Settlement Still Unresolved As Gulf Oil Spill Trial Date Nears
The U.S. Justice Department and the five Gulf coast states affected by a massive oil spill nearly three years ago have indicated they would like to settle their environmental and economic claims with BP PLC ahead of a trial scheduled to start next week.
Uneven Global Sea-Level Rise Predicted
Scientists have known for some time that sea level rise around the globe will not be uniform, but in this study researchers show in great detail the global pattern of sea-level rise that would result from two scenarios of ice-loss from glaciers and ice sheets.
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.