Archive for August 7th, 2011

Studies caution catastrophic impact of climate change

Sangai Express: Climate change is going to take its toll in the North East region of India soon if revelation of the latest issue of Indian science journal 'Current Science' is anything to go by. A warning has been sent out from two distinct studies particularly for the Northeast and the Western Ghats to prepare for 45 per cent change in forest vegetation by 2100 and fall in rice, sorghum and maize production by 2030 . The studies were published in the latest issue of Indian science journal 'Current Science'...

Climate change to take toll in NE

Morung Express: Climate change is going to take its toll in the North East India region soon. If the revelation from the studies are to be based, there is going to be a near catastrophic impact in the region. A warning has been sent out from two distinct studies particularly for the Northeast and the Western Ghats: prepare for 45 per cent change in forest vegetation by 2100 and fall in rice, sorghum and maize production by 2030. The studies were published in the latest issue of Indian science journal 'Current Science'...

South deep in heat and storms break out Northeast

Reuters: The southern United States stood mired on Saturday in an unrelenting heat wave that promised more of the triple-digit temperatures that have roasted the region for weeks. Forecasters predicted the heat and dryness will continue in the area at least through next week, though they looked for remnants of former tropical storm Emily to bring some rain to coastal Florida on Saturday night. Heat advisories across much of the South and Central Plains were common Saturday and cut into the Midwest....

Government studies forecast less water, lesser yield

Hindustan Times: Govt studies forecast less water, lesser yield With India expected to be warmer than estimated earlier, a new set of government-sponsored studies have predicted lesser availability of water and decline in agriculture production on account of climate change. The studies were done under the aegis of the Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment (INCCA) to provide a holistic picture with an aim to push the government to form mitigation and adaptation policies. Climate change impact on agriculture...

July was New Jersey’s 2nd-hottest month ever

NorthJersey: That steamy July you just sweltered through not only served up the hottest individual day on record in New Jersey, it was also the second-warmest month ever recorded, dating to 1895. New Jersey's average July temperature was 78.8 degrees, knocking last July into third place. This July ranks behind only July 1955 on the list of the state's hottest months. And the higher-than-average tempera­tures are not an anomaly -- they are becom­ing the norm here, no matter what time of year. Ten of...

No relief in sight for Texas heat and drought

Reuters: The nation's triple digit heat wave -- which hit its 34th day on Friday -- could last until the end of August, while extensive drought in and around Texas may last into October, forecasters said. The deadly heat event that has broken numerous records has left the southern plains and Mississippi Valley struggling to meet demand for power and water and has cost billions in impact on crops and livestock. "Many more days of triple-digit heat are on deck as iron-clad high pressure at most levels...

United Kingdom: Protesters dressed as builders post banners on Blackpool Tower

Independent: Two men were arrested yesterday morning for putting 500m banners on Blackpool Tower to protest against nearby gas extraction. The two men, who gained access to the tower by dressing as builders, were protesting against the use of the controversial extraction process fracking. A 24-year-old from East Sussex and a 63-year-old from Surrey were arrested by Lancashire Police and were held on suspicion of criminal damage and being on an enclosed premises. The energy company Cuadrilla suspended fracking...

What if the smart grid isn’t so smart?

Scientific American: The idea is simple: supply people with smart meters that give real time information on electricity use and price. Armed with the new information, consumers might opt to plug in their laptop in the middle of the night instead of, say, the middle of the day. As a bonus, the system would lead to more use of renewable energy sources like the wind and sun. But there's a hitch. If everybody aims to use cheap electricity, the slow time in the middle of the night becomes the high demand time. In the worst...

Canada: Oil sands expected to undo carbon cuts

Globe and Mail: The development of Canada's oil sands will single-handedly undo greenhouse gas gains made by weaning the country's electrical supply off coal, a government study predicts. The Environment Canada forecast of Canada's carbon output over the next decade casts in stark terms the challenge facing the country as it pursues major energy development at a time of continued global efforts to bat down emissions. The report, called Canada's Emissions Trends, was released quietly in July. It tracks changes...