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Archive for April 30th, 2013
Climate change causes prostitution? Rep. Barbara Lee explains
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on April 30th, 2013
LA Times: Climate change is causing glaciers to melt, heat waves to become more intense, species to become extinct and low-lying island nations like Tuvalu to disappear altogether. To this list of calamities, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee has added another: Climate change could force more women to become prostitutes.
That warning is contained in a resolution the California Democrat introduced in Congress on Friday. In House Concurrent Resolution 36, Rep. Lee and 11 co-sponsors note that warming temperatures could...
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USGS: 7.4B barrels of oil possible in ND, Mont
Posted by Associated Press: Ames MacPHERSON on April 30th, 2013
Associated Press: Government data released Tuesday show that 7.4 billion barrels of oil could be recovered from two massive shale formations spanning parts of the Dakotas and Montana, nearly double the amount previously estimated for the region.
The new number from the U.S. Geological Survey is based on data largely from oil company and state drilling records. But unlike the agency's 2008 estimate, it includes more than 3 billion barrels of oil believed held in the Three Forks formation, which is directly below...
United Kingdom: Met department explains ‘unusual’ rains in Zimbabwe
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on April 30th, 2013
Herald: The heavy rains and violent storms last week have confounded meteorological experts who have described them as abnormal.
Meteorological Services Department senior meteorologist Mr Elisha Moyo said on Friday that it was unusual that the rains and the storms come at the end of April as they usually occur in October.
“This year’s abnormality is occurring at a time when the atmosphere is expected to be cooling as the sun is moving further away from the southern hemisphere,” he said.
Mr Moyo...
Environmental impact of spending time at the beach can be minimized
Posted by Washington Post: Brian Palmer on April 30th, 2013
Washington Post: Even if the weather hasn't quite come around yet, summer is almost here. For many people, that means it's almost time to head -- very, very slowly, if you leave on a Friday -- to the beach.
For the environmentally conscious, however, a beach vacation is sometimes fraught with guilt. Few places exhibit man's encroachment on nature more clearly than a beach. Turn your back to the ocean, and you see rows of hotels and high-rise condos. Gas-powered jet skis skid across the ocean, and planes drag advertisements...
US doubles oil reserve estimates at Bakken, Three Forks shale
Posted by Reuters: Patrick Rucker and Valerie Volcovici on April 30th, 2013
Reuters: An oil-rich region of the north-central United States holds more than twice the recoverable crude supplies estimated just five years ago, according to a government study that highlights the nation's march toward energy self-sufficiency.
The Bakken Formation and Three Forks Formation, which spans parts of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota together hold an estimated 7.4 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil, the U.S. Geological Survey study said, although energy experts...
United Kingdom: Burning for grouse alters upland stream ecology
Posted by PlanetEarth: Alex Peel on April 30th, 2013
PlanetEarth: Burning patches of peatland to encourage grouse alters the UK's upland stream ecosystems, scientists say.
The study, published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, says an influx of material from burnt peatlands affects water quality in some upland streams which, in turn, affects their biodiversity.
'In streams where burning has taken place nearby, higher sediment and organic carbon levels are associated with a decline in mayflies, stoneflies and other macro-invertebrate species,' says Dr Sorain...
Fast-Moving Climate Zones Are Speeding Extinction
Posted by Climate News Network: Tim Radford on April 30th, 2013
Climate News Network: As global temperatures rise, climate zones will shift at greater speed, according to new research in Nature Climate Change.
If greenhouse gas emissions carry on increasing, then about 20 percent of the land area of the planet will undergo change -- and the creatures that have made their homes in what were once stable ecosystems will have to adapt swiftly, or face grim consequences.
Heading for extinction? Rising temperatures are heightening the risk say researchers.
"The warmer the climate...
Climate Change Could Adversely Impact DC Water Supply By 35 Percent
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on April 30th, 2013
CBS: A new study finds climate change could cut stream flows in the Potomac River basin, a major source of drinking water in the Washington region.
The study found by 2040 climate change could cut stream flows 35 percent. And a moderate drought combined with that worst-case scenario could mean mandatory water restrictions assuming changes are not made to the region`s water supply system.
The study was conducted for the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, which is charged with conserving...
Sustainable restaurant rankings go global
Posted by BusinessGreen: None Given on April 30th, 2013
BusinessGreen: Diners all over the globe will soon be able to find out just how sustainable their meals are, after a new international rating system was launched today.
The method developed by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) scores restaurants on how they manage their energy, waste and water, as well as their sourcing of local food and treatment of staff.
Since its launch in the UK in 2010, the SRA has rated more than 500 restaurants using its three-star system and is also working with Eurostar...
Adapt faster to changing climate, Europe warned
Posted by BusinessGreen: Guardian on April 30th, 2013
BusinessGreen: Cities around Europe may have to erect flood barriers similar to the Thames Barrier that protects London from sea surges, as climate change takes hold and leads to the danger of much more destructive storms, floods, heavy rainfall and higher sea levels, Europe's environmental watchdog has warned. The effects of climate change will be so far-reaching across the continent that vineyards may have to plant new grape varieties, farmers may have to cultivate new crops and water suppliers look to technology...