Is Protecting the Environment Incompatible with Social Justice?
Humanity’s challenge in the 21st century is to eradicate poverty and achieve prosperity for all within the means of the planet’s limited natural resources. Oxfam investigates the question of whether environment conflicts with development and social justice.
EPA Bans Sewage Discharge From Cruise Ships
Federal environmental regulators have given final approval to a rule that bans cruise ships and large cargo vessels from releasing all sewage into the state marine waters along California’s 1,624 mile coast from Mexico to Oregon and surrounding major islands, creating the largest Coastal No-Discharge Zone in the Nation. 77 percent of the State’s population lives on or near the coast and annually, over 150 million visitor-days are spent at California beaches.
Malaysia Says to Rule Soon on Rare Earths Plant
A government ruling on whether Australian miner Lynas would be given the go-ahead for a controversial rare earths processing plant was expected within days.
Japan Studies Flora and Fauna Near Fukushima Plant
Japanese scientists are studying how radiation has affected plants, animals, shellfish and other wild flora and fauna living in and around the 20 kilometre (12 mile) no-go zone surrounding the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant.
China’s Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Under Threat
As China welcomes the year of the dragon, with more influence than ever on the world’s climate and resources, a look at the environmental stories that made the news over the past 12 months. Amongst several environmental concerns and although efforts have been made in the past few years, China’s coastal biodiversity is under threat from intensive coastal exploration and land-based pollution.
Cruise Ship Threatens Marine Paradise
The risk of environmental damage to the Tuscan Archipelago National Park seas’ has not yet receded, as half-million gallons (2,400 tons) of black goo are still trapped within the capsized Costa Concordia luxury liner, in danger of leaking out and polluting some of the Mediterranean’s most unspoiled sea.
Reef Fish at Risk as Carbon Dioxide Levels Build
Researchers from the Australian Research Council’s Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, examined over the years how baby coral fishes and their predators dealt with sea water containing higher levels of dissolved carbon dioxide.
Ocean Giants Ban Needed on Italy Coasts: Environmentalists
As the search continues for any further survivors of the 17-deck cruise ship Costa Concordia that capsized in the middle of a marine nature reserve off Tuscany, questions are being asked about the potential environmental impact and threats to the coastline. We have a huge ship with tanks full of fuel, aground on an island in a sea fringed with natural protected areas.
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.