How Societies Can Stave Off Climate Change and Save Lives
A new study led by a NASA scientist highlights 14 key air pollution control measures that if implemented could slow the pace of global warming and save millions of lives.
EPA Board Rejects Appeal of Shell Arctic Permit
Shell Alaska spokesman said in a formal announcement that the decision means Shell, for the first time, has usable air permits that will allow its drill ship to work in the outer continental shelf off Alaska’s northwest coast in 2012…
Bold Plan Proposed to Save Coastal Louisiana
A $50 billion, 50-year proposal aspires to stop coastal land loss in Louisiana. Since the 1930s, the state’s coast has lost about 1,900 square miles, an area larger than Rhode Island.
Greenland’s Ice Is Growing Darker
In the past decade satellites have observed a decrease in Greenland’s reflectiveness. This darker surface now absorbs more sunlight, which accelerates melting. So why is the area becoming darker?
Australia’s Government Plans To Increase Sand Dredging In Great Barrier Of Reef Area
Figures obtained through Senate Estimates reveal more than 112 million cubic metres – or 65 Melbourne Cricket Grounds – are proposed to be dredged from the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area, with 52 million cubic metres already approved by the Federal Government.
Stricken Rena Cargo Ship Finally Sinks Off New Zealand’s Coast
Debris and oil is floating from the mess of the sinking Rena container ship as its stern finally slips under the water more than three months after it ran into New Zealand’s Astrolabe reef. Officials said trajectory projections showed containers could wash up on beaches as far as Mercury Bay over the next few years.
Belize Protected Area Boosting Predatory Fish Populations
Sensitive coral reef ecosystems require a delicate balance of marine life to thrive. From the barracudas at the top of the food chain to the algae at the bottom, the system works together to keep itself healthy. A 14-year study by the WCS in an atoll reef lagoon in Glover’s Reef, Belize, has found that fishing closures there produce encouraging results.
Mexico Says 1,500-barrel Oil Spill Controlled
Mexico’s Environment Department says a spill of 1,500 barrels of oil from a pipeline near the Gulf coast has been brought under control, and about 40 percent of the oil has been recovered. Video from the scene shows the banks of the river coated in black sludge.
Nigeria’s Oil Disasters Are Met By Silence
The global media have had little to say on Nigeria’s latest oil spill and the hundreds of others that have destroyed so many lives. In any other region of the world the behaviour of the oil companies involved would result in major sanctions and criminal prosecutions…