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Archive for May 8th, 2015
Gay Marriage to Blame for California Epic Drought, Bill Koenig Claims
Posted by EcoWatch: None Given on May 8th, 2015
EcoWatch: Last week the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of Obergefell vs. Hodges. The decision in that case, expected in June, could legalize marriage equality across the country in the dozen states that have not done so on their own.
But as that possibility inches closer, opponents have become more desperate and outlandish. Blaming gay marriage for everything wrong in the country seems to be their go-to explanation, even when things are wildly disconnected—such as climate change. When they’re...
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Which California Crops Are Worth Water? Check for Yourself
Posted by National Geographic: Kelsey Nowakowski on May 8th, 2015
National Geographic: California’s thirstiest crops are under scrutiny amid the state’s severe drought. At the center of the debate are permanent crops, like almonds, that require year-round watering. With agriculture responsible for roughly 80 percent of California’s water use, many question the practicality of crops that cannot be fallowed and the viability of producing food for export. A crop’s water footprint—all the water needed to grow and process it—is one way of measuring its water efficiency. Almonds, in particular,...
Food waste an enormous economic problem, say G20 ministers
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on May 8th, 2015
Guardian: Food wasted by consumers is an enormous economic problem and nations should ensure excess food is given to the hungry instead of being thrown away, agriculture ministers from the G20 said on Friday.
The two-day meeting in Istanbul has focused on problems of food security and nutrition, including the impact of climate change. A reduction in the amount of food wasted would improve food security, the ministers said in their final communique.
“We note with great concern the significant extent of...
Scientists weigh up new evidence on Antarctic ice melt
Posted by Climate News Network: Tim Radford on May 8th, 2015
Climate News Network: Antarctica has been losing its ice cover at an average rate of 92 billion tons a year since at least 2003, according to new research. And while the scientists can’t yet say for certain that human-made climate change is the main cause, they warn that the ice loss has the potential to have serious impacts on sea level rise. The southern continent is the Earth’s largest store of fresh water, but is also its least studied area, having had no known human visitors until the late 18th century. So while...
Report: Food companies face growing water risk
Posted by Desert Sun: Ian James on May 8th, 2015
Desert Sun: Food companies should be taking stronger steps to use water more efficiently and adapt to growing water scarcity, a nonprofit advocacy group said in a report released Thursday.
The organization Ceres ranked 37 major food companies on how effectively they are managing water-related risks that can affect profits as well as food production. It concluded that while a relatively small number of companies are taking significant actions to address water risks in their businesses, "most have a long way...
Jon Stewart Rips Gov. Christie for Political Favors to Hog Industry Cronies
Posted by EcoWatch: Cole Mellino on May 8th, 2015
EcoWatch: Any fan of The Daily Show knows Jon Stewart is not New Jersey Gov. Christie’s biggest fan. Last December, Stewart skewered Christie for vetoing a measure that would have banned the use of hog gestation crates, despite overwhelming support from the state assembly and the citizens of New Jersey. Last night on the show, Stewart revisited that issue because new information has come to light as Christie is expected to announce his presidential bid any day now. Stewart says: Either Christie thinks pigs...
Bank of America Backs Away From Funding Coal Mining
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on May 8th, 2015
Huffington Post: WASHINGTON -- Bank of America is cutting off its financing for coal extraction projects, the company announced at its shareholder meeting Wednesday.
"With regard to coal, over the past several years, we have been gradually and consistently reducing our credit exposure to companies focused on coal mining," said Andrew Plepler, Bank of America's Corporate Social Responsibility executive, at the meeting. The new policy, he said, "reflects our decision to continue to reduce our credit exposure, over...
Even Keystone Foes Grow Weary of Obama’s Delay in Deciding
Posted by Bloomberg: Jim Snyder on May 8th, 2015
Bloomberg: Keystone XL supporters often complain that President Barack Obama’s delay in deciding on whether to allow the oil pipeline to be built is costing jobs and keeping the U.S. tied to unstable energy partners.
With the review now stretching beyond six years, some critics, increasingly confident that Obama will reject the Canada-to-U.S. pipeline, have joined them in calling for a resolution.
“We don’t understand what the White House is waiting for,” says Jane Kleeb, the founder of Bold Nebraska,...
Environmental exposure to hormones used in animal agriculture greater than expected
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on May 8th, 2015
ScienceDaily: Research by an Indiana University environmental scientist and colleagues at universities in Iowa and Washington finds that potentially harmful growth-promoting hormones used in beef production are expected to persist in the environment at higher concentrations and for longer durations than previously thought.
"What we release into the environment is just the starting point for a complex series of chemical reactions that can occur, sometimes with unintended consequences," said Adam Ward, lead author...