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Archive for November 17th, 2010
Climate Change: India Faces Dire Increase In Floods, Droughts, Disease Due To Global Warming
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on November 17th, 2010
Associated Press: A new report says India could be 2 degrees Celsius (3.8 F) warmer than 1970s levels within 20 years -- a change that would disrupt rain cycles and wreak havoc on the country's agriculture and freshwater supplies, experts said Wednesday.
More flooding, more drought and a spreading of malaria would occur, as the disease migrates northward into Kashmir and the Himalayas, according to the report by 220 Indian scientists and 120 research institutions.
The temperature rise, which could be even more...
Posted in 
United Kingdom: Cornwall stricken by storms
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on November 17th, 2010
Independent: Heavy rain and gales have caused severe disruption in Cornwall, with flooding in areas including Mevagissey.
Main roads have been closed, a landslide at Lostwithiel has halted train services and some schools have been shut.
Helicopters have been used to free people trapped in cars and homes. Floodwater of up to 6ft was reported in some areas.
David Cameron promises to help flood-hit Cornwall
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on November 17th, 2010
Guardian: Flooding David Cameron promises to help flood-hit Cornwall
Prime minister praises work of emergency services following floods and heavy rain in Cornwall, and says the government is 'ready to help in any way we can'
David Cameron today pledged government aid to Cornwall after floods and heavy rain battered the county.
Residents in parts of the south-west awoke to find their homes and businesses several feet under muddy water.
There were no reports of serious injuries but police declared...
Mexican Farms Need a Water Revolution
Posted by on November 17th, 2010
Inter Press Service: Without financing, many Mexican farmers cannot improve their ageing irrigation systems, which are essential if Mexico is to withstand the effects of climate change and reduce its emissions of greenhouse-effect gases.
Pressurised and drip irrigation are two leading-edge options that also make relatively efficient use of water and electricity, reducing power fossil fuel burning and greenhouse gases emissions.
These new systems are expensive, but "they would allow us to grow crops year-round and...
Cornwall flooding: villagers’ stories
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on November 17th, 2010
Guardian: Cornwall flooding: villagers' stories
A lone silk shoe lies abandoned in the inch-deep brown slick carpeting the floor at Fantasia Bridal on Queen Street.
The sign above the rack of muddied wedding dresses still speaks to the excited, expectant customers that were due for their fittings: "Please remove your Jimmy Choos!" Behind it Sue Read, the shop's owner, sits on a chair, too distraught to talk.
Yesterday the talk at the shop was of royal weddings. Today the only talking point is the...
New Report Predicts Severe Climate Impacts on Lake Tahoe Area
Posted by ClimateWire: Colin Sullivan on November 17th, 2010
ClimateWire: Iconic Lake Tahoe could see its regional snowpack decline by as much as 60 percent over the next century, with increased floods more likely around 2050 and prolonged droughts closer to 2100, according to a new report from scientists who have studied the lake for decades.
The study, written for the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station, said the lake and its surrounding region could be headed for something of a winter tourism and water supply disaster over the next century as...
Borrowdale rainfall was Britain’s heaviest over 24 hours
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on November 17th, 2010
Guardian: Borrowdale rainfall was Britain's heaviest over 24 hours
Downpour in November last year saw 316.4mm of rain fall – a once in 1,800 years event, scientists have said
The 316.4mm (12.45in) of rain that fell at Seathwaite Farm in Borrowdale, Cumbria, on 19 November last year was by some way Britain's heaviest recorded rainfall over 24 hours and statistically a once in 1,800 years downpour, government scientists said today.
"It was very rare indeed – an extreme event of international significance,"...
Tahoe snowfall going on downhill run, study says
Posted by Sacramento Bee: Matt Weiser on November 17th, 2010
Sacramento Bee: Children learning to ski at Lake Tahoe this winter will find less opportunity to enjoy the sport at middle age. In their 40s, they may also see a lake that has switched from crystal blue to murky green.
These are among the findings of the most comprehensive study to date of climate change at Lake Tahoe. It was released Monday by researchers from the University of California, Davis, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
Prior studies have suggested that climate change would cause these effects at...
Industry Opposition Scuttles Bipartisan Senate Bid for BPA Curbs
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on November 17th, 2010
Greenwire: A bipartisan Senate deal to limit the use of controversial chemical bisphenol A (BPA) was scuttled hours ago amid opposition from the industry's main trade group, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said today.
Feinstein told reporters that she and Sen. Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.) had reached agreement last night on adding language to the Senate's pending food safety bill, which cleared a key procedural hurdle today on a 74-25 vote, to set a six-month window for banning BPA from baby bottles and children's...
Thames voted ‘worst river’
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on November 17th, 2010
BBC: The Thames is the worst river in England and Wales according to a poll, despite major efforts to clean it up in recent years.
The Wye, which starts in mid Wales, winds over England's border and back and runs into the Severn Estuary was voted the public's favourite.
The survey was conducted by the Our Rivers campaign, which aims to celebrate the nations' rivers and highlight threats to wildlife.
BBC Breakfast's Tim Muffet has been finding out more.