Premature Deaths from Environmental Degradation Threat to Global Public Health, UNEP Report Says
Danger posed by air pollution, chemicals, microplastics, zoonotic diseases and other environmental threats to human health revealed in series of reports released at second United Nations Environment Assembly.
Biodegradable plastic ‘false solution’ for ocean waste problem
Biodegradable plastic water bottles and shopping bags are a false solution to the ubiquitous problem of litter in the oceans, the UN’s top environmental scientist has warned, speaking at the the UN environment assembly in Nairobi, where 170 countries are meeting and expected to pass a resolution on microplastics later this week.
Sudden shifts in the course of a river on a delta may be predicted
Scientists studying deltas show how they may be able to predict where destructive avulsions– where the flow of water through a delta changes its course – may occur. Many river delta systems are drowning because of rising sea levels. This could push avulsions farther upstream placing more and more communities in jeopardy, making an avulsion predicting tool even more vital.
Uganda: How Sand Mining Is Destroying Lake Victoria Catchment
The expansive Lwera wetland is a major water catchment area that connects several rivers and wetlands in many districts and drains directly into Lake Victoria. For years on, the locals have lived in peace with the surroundings. However, over the past couple of months, sharp noises from sand dredgers are heard. Sand mining companies are breaching rules and are destroying the wetland.
Queensland’s mangrove ecosystem dying in secret
There have been large scale diebacks of mangrove trees in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Scientists are not exactly sure what happened up there in the most remote areas of Queensland, but they know the damage is extensive and unprecedented.
Activist’s action against illegal sand mining near Kihim beach, India
Activist Sumaira Abdulali, who has been threatened and attacked several times for raising the issue of sand mining, continues to raise awareness on the subject, to the local authorities.
What does a beach tells us about the European Union?
How the European Union has changed the sea and sand. A BBC News’ video clip.
Beach Erosion, Not Rain Was This El Niño’s Major Impact On West Coast
Research by Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego California, has found that the 2015-16 El Niño caused major beach erosion and closed estuaries, even if it didn’t bring record rain.
Living shorelines a more natural approach to preventing coastal erosion
For centuries, large bulkheads have been used to help control erosion along coastlines. More recent research suggests that a natural approach may be a better alternative. Having nature on your side, especially during a storm or hurricane, is proven to provide better protection from coastal erosion.