Archive for October 23rd, 2010

Canadian firm offers N.E. more hydropower

Boston Globe: A Canadian utility wants to transmit large amounts of energy from remote hydroelectric dams in Quebec to New England, an effort that comes as concerns over climate change prompt environmentalists and policy makers to reexamine the power source long vilified for its harm to wildlife and waterways. Hydropower is inexpensive, making it attractive in Massachusetts, a state with some of the nation's highest electricity rates, but there is debate over whether it should be eligible for state ...

Severe drought afflicts Brazilian Amazon

BBC: The Brazilian government has announced $13.5m (£8.6m) in emergency aid for Amazon regions hit by the worst drought in decades. The money will fund water pumping and purification, as well as food deliveries to towns cut off by the drop in river levels. The Brazilian air force has already flown 500 tonnes of supplies to areas that usually depend on water transport. The River Amazon at Manaus has fallen to its lowest level since 1963. Scientists say the region is ...

Murray-Darling Basin getting drier: Study

Sydney Morning Herald: More evidence has emerged of a long-term trend towards a drier climate in the Murray-Darling Basin and much of south-eastern Australia, despite welcome rains this year. Research released by the South Eastern Australian Climate Initiative today highlights the effects of climate change on the basin's water resources, which support 40 per cent of the nation's farmers. Water Minister Tony Burke is seeking advice on whether a process started under the Water Act, to cut human water ...

Borneo’s majestic rainforest is being killed by the timber mafia

Guardian: The cows are afloat, with squawking chickens sharing their sturdy bamboo rafts. Children splash and swim in and around their homes, keeping away from the deeper channel of peat-coloured water that powers through the village of Meliau. Adults tightrope-walk across makeshift paths of hardwood thrown over huge floating logs. Others paddle around in long wooden boats. Everything that floats is lashed to everything that doesn't. The monsoon rains are not due for a month or so, but the ...

Canadian firm offers N.E. more hydropower

Boston Globe: A Canadian utility wants to transmit large amounts of energy from remote hydroelectric dams in Quebec to New England, an effort that comes as concerns over climate change prompt environmentalists and policy makers to reexamine the power source long vilified for its harm to wildlife and waterways. Hydropower is inexpensive, making it attractive in Massachusetts, a state with some of the nation’s highest electricity rates, but there is debate over whether it should be eligible for state financial...

Severe drought afflicts Brazilian Amazon

BBC: The Brazilian government has announced $13.5m (£8.6m) in emergency aid for Amazon regions hit by the worst drought in decades. The money will fund water pumping and purification, as well as food deliveries to towns cut off by the drop in river levels. The Brazilian air force has already flown 500 tonnes of supplies to areas that usually depend on water transport. The River Amazon at Manaus has fallen to its lowest level since 1963. Scientists say the region is facing its worst drought...

Murray-Darling Basin getting drier: Study

Sydney Morning Herald: More evidence has emerged of a long-term trend towards a drier climate in the Murray-Darling Basin and much of south-eastern Australia, despite welcome rains this year. Research released by the South Eastern Australian Climate Initiative today highlights the effects of climate change on the basin's water resources, which support 40 per cent of the nation's farmers. Water Minister Tony Burke is seeking advice on whether a process started under the Water Act, to cut human water use to restore...

Borneo’s majestic rainforest is being killed by the timber mafia

Guardian: The cows are afloat, with squawking chickens sharing their sturdy bamboo rafts. Children splash and swim in and around their homes, keeping away from the deeper channel of peat-coloured water that powers through the village of Meliau. Adults tightrope-walk across makeshift paths of hardwood thrown over huge floating logs. Others paddle around in long wooden boats. Everything that floats is lashed to everything that doesn't. The monsoon rains are not due for a month or so, but the "dry" season...