Archive for December 13th, 2014

Warming climate puts wetlands more at risk to invasive species

Environmental News Network: In the battle between native and invasive wetland plants, a new Duke University study finds climate change may tip the scales in favor of the invaders -- but it's going to be more a war of attrition than a frontal assault. "Changing surface-water temperatures, rainfall patterns and river flows will likely give Japanese knotweed, hydrilla, honeysuckle, privet and other noxious invasive species an edge over less adaptable native species," said Neal E. Flanagan, visiting assistant professor at the...

Fears for rare wildlife as oil ‘catastrophe’ strikes Sundarbans

Telegraph: Environmental authorities have been placed on high alert amid fears a major oil spill off India's east coast could threaten the habitats and lives of rare animals including dolphins, tigers and crocodiles. Around 77,000 gallons of oil spilled into the waters of the world-famous Sundarbans nature reserve in neighbouring Bangladesh on Tuesday after a collision between a tanker and another vessel. "This catastrophe is unprecedented in the Sundarbans and we don't know how to tackle this," Amir...

Himalayas tune in radio shows to reduce climate disaster risk

Reuters: "You know, humans do not understand that unless I am there to hold on to the soil, you will not be there either," the tree tells the mountain. "Yes, but ... villagers demand a road, the politician pushes for it and they cut parts of me and cut you and your folks too, and then there is a landslide!" replies the mountain. This unusual dialogue is heard by several thousand people tuned to Venval Vani, a community radio station based in Chamba in Uttarakhand, which was devastated by severe flooding...