A really big deal’: New York City’s fossil fuel divestment could spur global shift

New York City’s decision to sever ties with its fossil fuel investments is set to prove a catalyst to other cities in the face of the Trump administration’s staunch support for coal, oil and gas interests, according to several leading economists.
Long-Term Warming Trend Continued in 2017: NASA, NOAA

Earth’s global surface temperatures in 2017 ranked as the second warmest since 1880, according to an analysis by NASA.
California sea lion population rebounded to new highs

California sea lions have fully rebounded under the protection of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with their population on the West Coast reaching carrying capacity in 2008 before unusually warm ocean conditions reduced their numbers, according to the first comprehensive population assessment of the species.
‘Life-threatening conditions’: Forecast calls for largest waves in years to hit Northwest

Forecasts call for large waves to hit Northwest coasts on Thursday, increasing the risk to people and causing erosion and coastal flooding, the National Weather Service in Portland said.
Tropical Cyclone Berguitta approaches the islands of Mauritius and Réunion

After several days marching across the Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Berguitta approached the islands of Mauritius and Réunion, to the east of Madagascar.
As Montecito cleanup continues, a search for where to dump thousands of tons of mud

For days, crews have filled dozens of dump trucks with tangled metal, tire tread, mud and tree branches they cleared from the mudslide wreckage in Montecito.
Drones confirm importance of Costa Rican waters for sea turtles

A new drone-enabled population survey – the first ever on sea turtles – shows that larger-than-anticipated numbers of turtles aggregate in waters off Costa Rica’s Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, making it one of the most important nesting beaches in the world. Scientists estimate turtle densities may reach up to 2,086 animals per square kilometer.
Montecito Cleanup Efforts Require Transport of Mud to Santa Barbara County Beaches

The Santa Barbara County Flood Control District obtained emergency permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the California Coastal Commission to place sediment on local beaches.
South Carolina wants offshore ‘no drill’ oil exemption just like Florida

Gov. Henry McMaster is asking the Trump administration to exempt South Carolina from offshore drilling, saying the state’s tourism-rich coast is too precious an entity to put at risk.