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Archive for April 29th, 2015
Beavers ‘adapting well to Scotland’
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on April 29th, 2015
BBC: More than 150 beavers living in Tayside waterways have adapted well to life in Scotland, studies have found.
The Scottish government is considering whether to permanently reintroduce the animals to the wild, with a trial scheme underway in Knapdale, Argyll.
Studies concluded that the Tayside beavers, which originated from escapes or illegal releases, had settled in well to the local environment.
Proposals to trap or cull the rogue beavers proved controversial.
The Scottish government...
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Mountains warming faster than expected
Posted by Environmental News Network: Janet Lathrop, UMassAmherst on April 29th, 2015
Environmental News Network: High elevation environments around the world may be warming much faster than previously thought, according to members of an international research team including Raymond Bradley, director of the Climate System Research Center at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. They call for more aggressive monitoring of temperature changes in mountain regions and more attention to the potential consequences of warming. “Elevation-dependent warming is a poorly observed phenomenon that requires urgent attention...
Oil drilling may slow drought recovery in Great Plains
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on April 29th, 2015
Climate Central: As the main driver of climate change, the connection between burning fossil fuels and global warming is clear. But evidence shows they may be connected in another way -- the physical footprint of oil and gas development on the landscape may not only contribute to global warming, it may also affect an ecosystem's ability to withstand it.
New research shows that an area larger than the land area of Maryland -- more than 11,500 square miles -- was completely stripped of trees, grasses and shrubs...
Gov. Jerry Brown seeks fines of up to $10,000 a day for water wasters
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on April 29th, 2015
LA Times: Gov. Jerry Brown wants to fine big water wasters up to $10,000 per day, one of two new efforts he announced Tuesday to battle California`s drought.
The higher penalties would be a sharp increase from the current $500 maximum that local water districts can now impose on residents and businesses.
The governor`s proposal, which must be negotiated with lawmakers, would also empower cities and counties to issue fines. Local governments would be able to enlist staff members to dish out warnings and...