Venice: Long-Admired Gondola Feature Threatened by Rising Waters
As the aqua alta -high waters- occur more frequently, largely due to rising sea levels, gondoliers are having more and more trouble getting their boats under bridges – and, as the highest part of the boat, the stern iron is becoming increasingly problematic.
Super-sized ships: How big can they get?
Despite the physical limits and risks, ships of more than 450m are anticipated within the next five years.
2014 On Track to Become Warmest Year
With September 2014 in the books as the warmest September on record and the year-to-date temperatures tying with 1998 and 2010 as the warmest January-September, the National Climatic Data Center announced Monday that 2014 will likely break the record for the warmest year on the books.
Belize Fights to Save a Crucial Barrier Reef
Home to the second longest barrier reef in the world and the largest in the Western Hemisphere, Belize has long been acutely aware of the need to protect its marine resources from both human and natural activities.
Pacific Climate Change Warriors Block World’s Largest Coal Port
Climate Change Warriors from 12 Pacific Island nations paddled canoes into the world’s largest coal port in Newcastle, Australia, to bring attention to their grave fears about the consequences of climate change.
Salt Marsh Plants Key to Reducing Coastal Erosion and Flooding
The effectiveness of salt marshes – wetlands which are flooded and drained by tides – in protecting coastal areas in times of severe weather has been quantified in a study by researchers from the University of Cambridge.
Bamboo Could Be a Savior for Climate Change, Biodiversity
The plant bamboo, and there are about 1,250 different species, has a very important role to play in environmental protection and climate change mitigation. Bamboos have very strong and extensive root systems and are amazing tools to combat soil erosion and to help with land degradation restoration.
Plastic Nanoparticles Also Harm Freshwater Organisms
Organisms can be negatively affected by plastic nanoparticles, not just in the seas and oceans but in freshwater bodies too. It is the first time that such effects of plastic on freshwater organisms have been studied.
Facing Storms Without the Mangrove Wall
While tropical cyclones and storms cannot be stopped in their tracks, there is a natural defense system against their more savage impacts: mangroves. And experts fear their tremendous value is being woefully under-appreciated, to tragic effect, all around the world..