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Archive for September, 2014
Crazy weather traced to Arctic’s impact on jet stream
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on September 27th, 2014
New Scientist: The rapid retreat of Arctic sea ice caused by climate change may be to blame for more frequent prolonged spells of extreme weather in Europe, Asia and North America, such as heat waves, freezing temperatures or storms.
These are relatively short-term periods of bizarre weather, like the cold snap that paralysed North America earlier this year, rather than longer-term rises in temperature.
They are related to "stuck" weather patterns, Jennifer Francis of Rutgers University in New Brunswick,...
The drought you can’t see
Posted by Science: Marcia McNutt on September 27th, 2014
Science: The Western Hemisphere is experiencing a drought of crisis proportions. In Central America, crops are failing, millions are in danger of starvation, and if the drought doesn't break soon, even vessels transiting the Panama Canal will need to lighten their loads, which will increase prices for goods transported globally. In the western United States, the drought-stricken region spans a vast area responsible for much of the nation's fruits, vegetables, and beef. As the drought's grip has tightened,...
South Aral Sea basin is now “completely dried”
Posted by Slate: None Given on September 27th, 2014
Slate: The Aral Sea--a huge part of it at least--is no more. According to NASA, "for the first time in modern history, the eastern basin of the South Aral Sea has completely dried.' Humans have been farming the Aral Sea area in Central Asia for centuries, and the lake has gone through spectacular boom-and-bust cycles in the past. But the lake hasn't been this dry in a long, long time. Speaking with NASA, Philip Micklin, a geographer emeritus from Western Michigan University, said, "it is likely the first...
After Hurricane Sandy, N.J. Cities Rethink Proximity To The Water
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on September 26th, 2014
National Public Radio: Melissa Block talks to Monique Coleman of Woodbridge, N.J., about why her family is leaving their home. After three huge floods in three consecutive years, they've taken a buyout from the state.
Posted in Water Conservation 
Comments Off on After Hurricane Sandy, N.J. Cities Rethink Proximity To The WaterTreated Fracking Wastewater is Still Toxic
Posted by Nature World: Jenna Iacurci on September 26th, 2014
Nature World: A new study has shockingly shown that fracking wastewater, even after being treated, is still contaminating drinking water.
Wastewater from hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," and its toxic byproducts have long been an issue, especially for those who are concerned that flowback may be contaminating their groundwater.
Fracking involves injecting millions of gallons of fluids into shale rock formations to release oil and gas. The wastewater generated during this process is highly radioactive...
Trees Threaten Growing Grasslands
Posted by Nature World: Jenna Iacurci on September 26th, 2014
Nature World: Trees are currently threatening growing grasslands, turning tallgrass prairies into shrublands and forests, and a pair of researchers is concerned that if nothing is done to stop or slow down this process, an important part of the ecosystem may soon be lost.
Two Kansas State University biologists, doctoral student Allison Veach and professor Walter Dodds, are researching grassland streams and the expansion of nearby woody vegetation, such as trees and shrubs, to see what can be done to save growing...
One in 40 living in areas likely to be underwater by 2100
Posted by Blue and Green: Tom Revell on September 26th, 2014
Blue and Green: Some 147 to 216 million people are currently living on land that will be below sea level or regular flood levels by 2100 if climate change continues unabated, a new analysis has warned.
The study, lead by Climate Central, identified the countries most at risk from rising sea levels if climate change is not curbed and if greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate.
This would melt ice sheets and glaciers around the world, topping up the seas, while thermal expansion – which causes...
Posted in Water Conservation Comments Off on One in 40 living in areas likely to be underwater by 2100The Most Important Drop of Water
Posted by EcoWatch: None Given on September 26th, 2014
EcoWatch: La Gota Más Importante (The Most Important Drop Of Water), a documentary part of the Action4Climate video competition, takes the complex subject of climate change and breaks it down in a way that even a child can understand it. Filmmakers Abdel Filós, Alberto Pascual, Guillermo Pérez, Raiza Segundo and Edgar Muñoz blend common experiences of people living in Panama with the perspectives of experts who discuss issues including sea level rise, energy efficiency and the importance of voting. The film...
United Kingdom: Government frees up fracking rules, despite 99 per cent opposition
Posted by BusinessGreen: Jessica Shankleman on September 26th, 2014
BusinessGreen: The government is pressing ahead with plans to allow shale gas companies to drill under people's homes without their consent, despite 99 per cent of respondents opposing the consultation proposals.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) yesterday confirmed it would change the trespass laws for shale and geothermal developers, arguing the controversial underground drilling access regulations were necessary to accelerate the shift to a low carbon economy.
According to the response...
Posted in Water Conservation Comments Off on United Kingdom: Government frees up fracking rules, despite 99 per cent oppositionIndia: Indian court cancels coal mining licences in corruption crackdown
Posted by RTCC: Sophie Yeo on September 26th, 2014
RTCC: The supreme court of India yesterday cancelled the licenses of 214 coal blocks, which it said the government had allocated illegally.
The move grants a temporary reprieve to areas of the Mahan forest that were set to be felled to make way for an open cast coal mine. British-registered companies Essar and Hindalco had been granted permission to clear the area.
It could also make domestic coal production more expensive in India, a country which is struggling to address energy shortages.
But...
Posted in Water Conservation Comments Off on India: Indian court cancels coal mining licences in corruption crackdown