Archive for April 29th, 2010

2010 – International Year of Biodiversity Loss?

Inter Press Service: In 2002, world leaders committed to reduce the rate of global biodiversity loss by 2010, but the date has come and gone for these commitments to be fulfilled. In 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity, leaders have not only failed to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss, "but biodiversity is still being lost as fast as ever, and we have made little headway in reducing the pressures on species, habitats and ecosystems," said Dr. Stuart Butchart of the United Nations Environment ...

Shampoo, Cosmetics May Form Cancer-Causing Substance

National Geographic: Your shampoo may seem harmless, but it could be contributing to the formation of a mysterious, cancer-causing substance, a new study says. New research reveals that common household products such as shampoo can interact with disinfectants at U.S. wastewater treatment plants to form a little-studied class of cancer-causing substances. These substances, called nitrosamines, can end up in drinking water, experts say. Several nitrosamines, including the chemical NDMA, a focus of ...

Washington Approves Wind Farm Off Cape Cod

New York Times: After nine years of regulatory review, the federal government gave the green light Wednesday to the nation's first offshore wind farm, a highly contested project off the coast of Cape Cod. The approval of the 130-turbine farm gives a significant boost to the nascent offshore wind industry in the United States, which has lagged far behind Europe and China in harnessing the strong and steady power of ocean breezes to provide electricity to homes and businesses. With Gov. Deval ...

Australia: Voters want climate action now: Brown

Australian Broadcasting Corporation: A new opinion poll released by the Greens shows the majority of voters support a carbon levy to cut emissions. About 70 per cent of those surveyed want the Federal Government to negotiate with the Greens and other Senators to introduce a levy. Greens leader Bob Brown says it is clear Australians want immediate action to tackle climate change. He says a carbon levy is the best option following the Government's decision to shelve its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme ...