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Archive for August 25th, 2015
Yes, climate change has a hand in the California drought
Posted by Ars Technica: Scott K. Johnson on August 25th, 2015
Ars Technica: The California drought may have put water in short supply, but debate about it is in surplus. Water use has come under even greater scrutiny as Californians struggle to deal with the current and future reality. Groundwater overuse during the drought has reached epic proportions, with the land surface in some locations sinking almost two inches per month as a result. In addition to arguing over how to use the little water they have, people are also debating the question of whether humans are partly...
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Grand Canyon Stretch of Colorado River Threatened by Mercury Pollution
Posted by EcoWatch: Cole Mellino on August 25th, 2015
EcoWatch: Even one of America`s most iconic landmarks is not immune from pollution. The Grand Canyon segment of the Colorado River is suffering from exposure to toxic chemicals, including mercury, according to a study from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
In Grand Canyon reach of CO River, some fish have toxic mercury levels http://t.co/CDXzmAtpS9 @caryinstitute @USGS pic.twitter.com/18lZ7IsUmJ
-- Cary Institute (@caryinstitute) August 19, 2015
"Concentrations of mercury and selenium in Colorado...
Can the Earth feed 11 billion people? Four reasons to fear a Malthusian future
Posted by Conversation: None Given on August 25th, 2015
Conversation: Humanity is on course for a population greater than 11 billion by the end of this century, according to the latest analysis from the UN’s population division. In a simple sense, population is the root cause of all sustainability issues. Clearly if there were no humans there would be no human impacts. Assuming you don’t wish to see the complete end of the human race – a desire that is shared by some deep green thinkers and Bond super-villians – then the issue is whether there is an optimal number...
Massive wildfires have the world’s deepest lake surrounded
Posted by Mashable: None Given on August 25th, 2015
Mashable: Dozens of large wildfires are burning out of control around Lake Baikal in Siberia, which is the world's largest freshwater lake by volume and the deepest lake, at more than 5,300 feet deep. The Lake Baikal area is a popular recreational area during the summer, with campgrounds and cottages surrounding the shoreline.
Because of the composition of the soil in this part of the world, these fires are spewing unusually high amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, thereby contributing to global warming....
Washington biggest fire in history could burn until it snows this fall
Posted by Mashable: None Given on August 25th, 2015
Mashable: The Okanogan Complex wildfire in Washington State has become the largest wildfire in state history, burning more than 400 square miles and counting, beating another fire that earned the dubious title just last year. As of Monday morning, the fire was only 10% contained, and officials warn that it could continue burning until snow arrives in the fall.
See also: You can now Google your home to see if you should go solar
The fire, which has now surpassed last year's Carlton Complex blazes, is...
Cuban agriculture threatened by worst drought in 115 years
Posted by Washington Post: Juliet Eilperin on August 25th, 2015
Xinhua: Cuba's agriculture is being threatened by the worst drought to hit the Caribbean in over a century, which is jeopardizing plans for the island to achieve its long-desired food independence. The government is currently spending around two billion U.S. dollars to import 80 percent of the food necessary to meet the demands of its 11.2 million inhabitants, with President Raul Castro calling on Cubans to produce everything that could be harvested in the country. Since 2008, Castro's administration has...