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Archive for January 14th, 2011
Five signs of climate change from record-hot 2010
Posted by Y! Green: Dan Shapley on January 14th, 2011
Y! Green: According to scientists at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, 2010 ranks in a statistical tie with 2005 as the warmest year on record for the globe.
Along with its report on the subject, NOAA lists many worldwide weather events that may or may not be connected to that record temperature's effect on climate change -- though the record is almost certainly a result of global warming. Every year since the mid-70s has ranked above the 20th century average temperature, and all...
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Rain hampers Brazil flood rescue
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on January 14th, 2011
BBC: Emergency crews in Brazil are struggling to reach areas affected by deadly mudslides and floods because of renewed rainfall.
Officials say more than 500 people are known to have died in the floods - the country's worst in decades.
Local media reported rescuers had to reach worst-hit areas on foot because vehicles cannot cross blocked roads.
Mountainous areas north of Rio de Janeiro have been hit by the heaviest downpours in 44 years.
The rain caused rivers of mud to rush down the mountains...
MU scientists find new farming method to reduce greenhouse gases, increase farm yields
Posted by Science Centric: None Given on January 14th, 2011
Science Centric: U.S. agricultural practices create 58 percent of nitrous oxide in the world, which is the third most prevalent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Scientists believe nitrous oxide contributes to global warming about 300 times more than carbon dioxide. New practices and products have been introduced to address this issue, but farmers do not have the time or profit margins to experiment with ideas that may ultimately hurt the 'bottom line.' Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have found methods...
U.S.: Sick Gulf Residents Beg Officials for Help
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on January 14th, 2011
Inter Press Service: In an emotionally charged meeting this week sponsored by the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, fishermen, Gulf residents and community leaders vented their increasingly grave concerns about the widespread health issues brought on by the three-month-long disaster.
"Today I'm talking to you about my life," Cherri Foytlin told the two commissioners present at the Jan. 12 meeting. "My ethylbenzene levels are 2.5 times the 95th percentile, and there's a very good chance now...
Deadly flood – is climate change to blame?
Posted by France24: None Given on January 14th, 2011
France24: Australia has been inundated by floods that virtually submerged the state of Queensland. Also, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Brazil have joined the deadly flood disaster list, with, in Brazil, more than 500 people killed in the country's worst natural disaster. What's going on? Is there a pattern here? Are these floods linked to climate change? And how does that impact the international negotiations on global warming?
Raging waters in Australia and Brazil product of global warming
Posted by ABC News: Linsey Davis and Jennifer Metz on January 14th, 2011
ABC News: The pictures today from around the world of dramatic rooftop rescues from raging waters, makes it seem as though natural disasters are becoming an everyday occurrence. But they're not all that natural; climate scientists say man-made global warming is the sudden force behind the forces of nature.
In the mountains of southeast Brazil, more than 340 people have died after fierce mudslides swept away homes. At least 50 are still missing and victims continue to search for loved ones. On the other...
Study tracks salmon coping with warming river
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on January 14th, 2011
Bloomberg: Scientists working with wild sockeye salmon struggling to cope with warming temperatures in British Columbia's Fraser River have identified broad genetic signatures that can predict which fish will live or die before spawning a new generation.
Oregon State University salmon geneticist Michael Banks, who did not take part in the study, said Thursday it represents a breakthrough in tracking how salmon are surviving new stresses from global warming.
"My first response was, Wow, this is a tremendous...
Australia’s floods a glimpse of warmer future
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on January 14th, 2011
Associated Press: Though you can't make a direct link between Australia's killer floods and climate change, they do hold a warning for the future: Scientists predict such extreme weather events will increase both in intensity and frequency as the planet warms.
Raging floodwaters have swamped thousands of homes and businesses in Queensland, leaving at least 25 people dead and dozens more missing since late November. Rail lines and highways have been washed away in what is shaping up to become Australia's costliest...
Billions needed to tackle Kenya drought crisis
Posted by Nation: GATONYE GATHURA on January 14th, 2011
Nation: An emaciated cow forages for pasture in Daaba in Isiolo on January 12, 2011. Herders are losing their cattle as drought continues to bite in most parts of the country. The government has now moved to tackle the famine crisis in the country. Photo/JENNIFER MUIRURI
The country requires Sh236 billion this year to deal with the drought and other climate-related disasters.
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Kenya Cabinet moves to tackle famine
Deaths as drought scorches region
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Brazilian baby found alive and well after 15 hours under rubble
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on January 14th, 2011
Guardian: News of the "miracle" rescue of a six-month-old Brazilian boy provided a rare moment of hope yesterday as the death toll from this week's devastating landslides continued to rise.
Nicolas Barreto was reportedly at his grandmother's home in the hilltop town of Nova Friburgo, one of the worst-affected settlements, when a cascade of earth and debris swallowed up the area early on Wednesday.
He and his father were presumed to have died in the disaster, which has claimed more than 500 lives.
Nearly...