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Archive for November, 2010
Scientists warn of more rain, heat and hurricanes
Posted by AFP: Kerry Sheridan on November 18th, 2010
AFP: Hungry polar bears gathering along the tundra, twice as many record-breaking temperatures and stronger hurricanes are among the latest signs of climate change, scientists say.
And we can expect more rain, more drought and fiercer storms in the future if the world continues on its fossil-fuel gobbling track, they told reporters on a conference call Wednesday to discuss the year in global warming.
Michael Mann, a leading US scientist, said he just returned from a trip to Churchill, Manitoba,...
United Kingdom: Cumbria’s natural landscape may be restored to ease flooding
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on November 18th, 2010
Guardian: One of Britain's best-loved landscapes may be subtly reshaped over the next decade in a long-term attempt to ease the risk of catastrophic floods.
Millions of pounds' worth of damage in Cumbria last year has prompted local planning bodies and the Environment Agency to consider restoring meanders, flood meadows and long-lost plantations in the valleys of the Lake District.
The strategy would be to "slow down" cascades of rainfall from the Pennine chain and Cumbrian fells such as those which...
Posted in Water Conservation 
Comments Off on United Kingdom: Cumbria’s natural landscape may be restored to ease floodingUSAID study says climate impact on Himalayas remains unknown, but worrisome
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on November 18th, 2010
ClimateWire: Glaciers in the Himalayas are shrinking slowly, but their retreat still presents major risks for more than a billion people who rely on glacier-fed rivers, says a new report by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
The agency says more information about the glaciers' behavior is needed to help communities adapt to climate change-driven changes in glacier melt and the region's water cycle. More than 50,000 glaciers help supply water for Asia's major rivers, including the Ganges, Indus,...
Posted in Water Conservation Comments Off on USAID study says climate impact on Himalayas remains unknown, but worrisomeUnited Kingdom: Cornwall mops up after devastating flash floods
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on November 18th, 2010
Guardian: A multimillion-pound mopping-up operation was today under way in Cornwall after flash floods forced hundreds of people from their homes and devastated businesses.
All the flood and severe weather warnings for the area were lifted as the clean-up and recriminations continued.
Environment ministers are expected to make a statement to parliament, setting out extra support for some of the worst-hit areas.
The government faces criticism for cutting funding for flood defences, but promised yesterday...
Posted in Water Conservation Comments Off on United Kingdom: Cornwall mops up after devastating flash floodsReforestation effort launched in Borneo with nearly-extinct rhinos in mind
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on November 18th, 2010
Mongabay: The Rhino and Forest Fund (RFF) has partnered with the Forestry Department of Sabah in northern Borneo to launch a long-term reforestation project to aid Malaysia's threatened species with particular emphasis on the Bornean rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrissoni), one of the world's most imperiled big mammals. The reforestation project will be occurring in and adjacent to Tabin Wildlife Reserve, which is surrounded on all sides by oil palm plantations.
"We see the charismatic [Bornean rhino]...
Posted in Water Conservation Comments Off on Reforestation effort launched in Borneo with nearly-extinct rhinos in mindIndia to pay extra $15.8 million to Bhopal gas victims
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on November 18th, 2010
Reuters: India will pay an extra 713 million rupees ($15.8 million) in compensation to the victims of the world's worst industrial accident that killed thousands in 1984, the government said in a statement late on Thursday.
India says about 3,500 people died when a Union Carbide plant in the central Indian city of Bhopal accidentally released toxic gases into the air, but activists say 25,000 died in the immediate aftermath and the years that followed.
The 713 million rupees is in addition to a compensation...
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 Water Conservation Comments Off on Climate Change: India Faces Dire Increase In Floods, Droughts, Disease Due To Global WarmingUnited 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...