China's Three Gorges Dam comes of age Nov 4, 2009
But the debate on how to go forward with developing hydropower - a controversial power source because of its impact on river ecosystems - is ongoing. China now leads the world in installed hydropower capacity, with 150 gigawatts (GW) of capacity, according to the London-based International Hydropower Association, which represents the hydropower sector. (Asia Times Online)
World's fastest man adopts world fastest feline Nov 3, 2009
Zietz made the visit to launch his charity's campaign to preserve ecosystems. Jackson adopted a 2-year-old eland, the largest of the antelope species. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Forest Clearances Doomed Ancient Nasca People Nov 3, 2009
Nasca People Of Ancient Peru: Forest Clearances Sealed Civilization's Downfall. Nasca People Of Ancient Peru: Forest Clearances Sealed Civilization's Downfall. (Science Daily)
Benihana Partners With Best Buddies and FIJI Water To Kick-off a Season of Giving Nov 3, 2009
A product of one of the last virgin ecosystems on the planet, natural pressure forces FIJI Water out of its aquifer deep below the earth's surface and into iconic square bottles through a sealed delivery system free of human contact. FIJI Water's unique mineral profile lends to its refreshing taste and soft mouthfeel that have made it a favorite among top chefs and the winner of taste tests by Chicago Magazine, Cook's Illustrated Buying Guide, Men's Health, Every Day with Rachael Ray and others. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Uganda: Palm Project Accused of Environmental Destruction Nov 3, 2009
KADINGO says apart from massive application of fertilisers which washes into the lake causing over-production of algae and water weeds with knock-on effects on lake ecosystems, BIDCO has also encroached on national forestry land outside the 7,000 hectares it received from Uganda government. The Bugala island forest reserves in Bukasa, Maziinga, Bumyama and Bufumbira are most affected: none of these areas are part of the land leased to BIDCO.. (allAfrica.com)
The Walt Disney Company Makes Significant Commitment to Protect Threatened Forests in the Amazon, Congo and United States Nov 3, 2009
The projects will protect forests in the Amazon, the Congo and the United States safeguarding ecosystems that benefit climate and quality of life on the planet ... Disneys forest preservation investment is part of the companys plan, announced last March, to meet aggressive 3 to 5 year goals to reduce emissions, waste, electricity and water use, and to limit its impact on ecosystems. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
* Twenty years after the Wall Nov 3, 2009
The majority of humanity has sought since Nov. 9, 1989, to achieve Western living standards at all costs, over-stretching our planets climate and ecosystems. The years since the Berlin Wall came down have been rich in dramatic change, but the real era of upheaval lies ahead. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Usain Bolt adopts Kenyan "Lightning Bolt" Nov 3, 2009
The triple Olympic and world sprint champion in both the 100 and 200 metres events arrived in the land of long-distance running on Oct. 30, ahead of the launch of an environmental charity campaign to preserve local ecosystems ... The triple Olympic and world sprint champion in both the 100 and 200 metres events arrived in the land of long-distance running on Oct. 30, ahead of the launch of an environmental charity campaign to preserve local ecosystems. (Xinhuanet, China)
Banks Should Be Handed Over to People's Ownership Nov 3, 2009
If biodiversity is vital for ecosystems, the same idea can apply to financial systems, too. Second, there would be more competition. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Data Point To Some Improvements In China's Environment Nov 3, 2009
Pollution in Chinese marine ecosystems is "still very severe;" mammal, fish, and bird species across the country are under increasing threat; and the use of fertilizers and pesticides that pollute rivers and lakes is increasing. Grasslands are declining, and the number of newly discovered invasive alien species shows "a tremendous upward trend," Xu and his colleagues write. (Science Daily)
Ancient civilization cut path to its own demise Nov 3, 2009
There are now no undisturbed ecosystems in the region and what remains of the old-growth huarango forests is being destroyed in illegal charcoal-burning operations. "The mistakes of prehistory offer us important lessons for our management of fragile, arid areas in the present," said co-author Oliver Whaley of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Aquarium's construction under way at Tempe mall Nov 3, 2009
In addition to out-of-state sea creatures, Tempe's Sea Life Aquarium will feature animal displays unique to Arizona's water ecosystems ... "The idea is that people can visit the different Sea Life (aquariums) and get a feel for that area's ecosystems, geography and history," she said. (AZCentral -- Business)
Over 1,000 fish species 'threatened with extinction' Nov 3, 2009
" The scientists also added 1,360 species of dragonflies and damselflies to the Red List, and found that out of 1,989 in all, 261 were at risk of disappearing. Dragonflies provided a good gauge of the state of freshwater ecosystems as "many are very sensitive" to changes, said Vie. "We found that they are highly threatened wherever we looked," he said, noting that water resources were under strain due to pollution and intensive usage. Meanwhile, the tiny Kihansi Spray Toad, which once numbered... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Species' extinction threat grows Nov 3, 2009
"In our lifetime, we have gone from having to worry about a relatively small number of highly threatened species to the collapse of entire ecosystems," observed Professor Jonathan Baillie, director of conservation programmes at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). "At what point will society truly respond to this growing crisis?". (BBC News)
Empty nests too high for the empty nesters Nov 2, 2009
But Friends of Ku-ring-gai and the local council are adamant there is no demand for high-rise apartments in the region and that the destruction of local heritage and ecosystems that is taking place to build them is unnecessary. Preliminary results from a new council survey reveal that 90 per cent of ratepayers had little interest in moving out of their current home, contradicting the Government's claim that older locals wanted to downsize. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Vegetarians' meat tax plan just a load of hot air Nov 2, 2009
If most people significantly reduced their meat consumption vast amount of green house gases will be abated, if the whole world just ignore the problem and eats as they fancy, run away climate change is than much more likely, leading to destruction of homes, ecosystems, countries and lives. matthew brunswick - November 01, 2009, 12:18PM. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Robot fish could monitor water quality Nov 2, 2009
"With these patrolling fish we will be able to obtain information at an unprecedentedly high spatial and temporal resolution. Such data are essential for researchers to have a more complete picture of what is happening under the surface as climate change and other outside forces disrupt the freshwater ecosystems. It will bring environmental monitoring to a whole new level.". The robotic fish will carry sensors recording such things as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pollutants and harmful algae. (EurekAlert!)
Investing in planet protection Nov 2, 2009
Ecological economist Pavan Sukhdev, the head of the Cambridge University-based group The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) presented the startling new figures at the Diversitas conference in South Africa ... We should not only be recognizing ecosystems as high-capital assets, we should be paying someone to look after them--Pavan Sukhdev ... "These ecosystems are on the point of collapse," said Sukhdev at the conference in South Africa. (CNN -- International)
Feds probe amphibian's well-being Nov 1, 2009
A coalition of eight conservation groups -- including the Center for Native Ecosystems and the Laramie-based Biodiversity Conservation Alliance -- submitted a petition to the UWFWS in 2006 seeking to protect the amphibian throughout its historic range west of the Mississippi River and Great Lakes ... The Center for Native Ecosystems estimates frog populations have declined from 38 to 85 percent of its historic range in Wyoming alone. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
* Worlds fastest man meets fastest animal in Kenya Nov 1, 2009
The triple Olympic and world sprint champion in both the 100m and 200m events arrived in the land of long-distance running on Friday for a four-day visit, ahead of the launch of an environmental charity campaign to preserve local ecosystems. The track superstar, who is a member of the Long Run charity foundation, said he was looking forward to seeing the diverse wildlife species in Kenya but was scared of meeting the lions. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
West Africa: Coastal Lifeline Under Siege Nov 1, 2009
West Africa's coasts are home to a rich array of ecosystems, including mangroves, lagoons, wetlands and coral reefs. Many species of fish, crustaceans and turtles make their home here, also a key part of global migration routes for birds. (allAfrica.com)
Destinations Nov 1, 2009
Rainforests are the rock stars of Earths ecosystems, generating nearly a third of the planets oxygen turnover and hosting mind-boggling biodiversity. Multimedia. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Getting better at conserving water Oct 31, 2009
"We still have collapsing ecosystems because of water use, we still have rivers and aquifers that are overtapped, and we still have rapid population growth," said Peter Gleick, president of the Pacific Institute, an environmental think tank based in Oakland. "I guess the optimistic way to put it is, we're learning our lessons about smart water use but we have a long way to go.". (Ionia Sentinel-Standard, MI)
FSU, Duke partner to study impact of Gulf's 'dead zone' on shrimp fishery Oct 31, 2009
"Most of my work has focused on the ecological effects of hypoxia. At Duke, Marty Smith has worked on the economic aspects but in other ecosystems. Ecology and economics are two disparate fields with very different cultures and approaches. Given the complexity of the problem in the Gulf, we decided to collaborate so that we could cover all facets of the dead zone's consequences for the coastal ecosystem's capacity to support fisheries.". The team is setting the nets for a night of shrimp... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Did algae kill off the mighty dinosaurs? Oct 31, 2009
Such outbreaks of toxic algae can have devastating effects on ecosystems, killing fish, birds, marine mammals and even people. The most problematic group of toxin-producers are cyanobacteria. (India Times, India)
Global Warming Cycles Threaten Endangered Primate Species Oct 30, 2009
Rivers and streams are key ecosystems for many aquatic ... 14, 2009) New research examines how rapid climate changes during the most recent ice age affected ecosystems in an area in continental. (Science Daily)
Science: Is algae key to mass extinctions? Oct 30, 2009
Such outbreaks of toxic algae can have devastating effects on ecosystems, killing fish, birds, marine mammals and even people. The most problematic group of toxin-producers are cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Dining Out In An Ocean Of Plastic: How Foraging Albatrosses Put Plastic On The Menu Oct 30, 2009
This study highlights that garbage generated by human activities on land clearly impacts ocean ecosystems thousands of miles away. And unfortunately there is no easy solution- each person must examine their footprint on the earth and how the lighter or bottle cap they toss into the trash can ultimately end up in the stomach of an albatross, thousands of miles away. (Science Daily)
Demography and the environment: Falling fertility Oct 30, 2009
All this misses the point: there are too many people for the Earth s fragile ecosystems. It is time to stop and ideally reverse the population increase. (The Economist)
Casting a net into the future Oct 29, 2009
We must have to try to restore environments, try to learn about what we're doing to these ecosystems, try to prevent damage, is critically important. We should have to plan to monitor the eelgrass beds for further signs that the health of the ecosystem has been restored. (BBC News -- Science)
What Are Coral Reef Services Worth? $130,000 To $1.2 Million Per Hectare, Per Year Oct 29, 2009
The work provides insights into the worth of ecosystems in human economic terms, says economist Pavan Sukhdev of UNEP, head of a Cambridge, England-based project called The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) ... "At the same time, we are discovering ever more about biodiversity and the benefits it provides to people. It is clear that biodiversity loss erodes the integrity of ecosystems and their capacity to adapt in a changing world. It represents a serious risk to human wellbeing... (Science Daily)
The plight of the bluefin Oct 29, 2009
The obvious problem that everyone downplays but if not solved will doom all creatures, ecosystems and resources, is humankind's continuing population explosion ... They kept saying "there's no shortage of fish, but at the same time, they were selling parrot fish (filleted to disguise), because they completely overfished the reefs with massive numbers of fishpots. About 15 years ago a fishpot ban was introduced in Bermuda and parts of the reef system were set aside as breeding grounds. The... (BBC News -- Science)
Kauai representation Oct 29, 2009
As such, the less populated towns and remote ecosystems within county jurisdiction fall off the radar. With elections by district, council members will come from all over the island and be elected directly by their neighbors, an Eastside resident said last year during an aborted campaign to put a charter amendment on the ballot. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Nevada symposium examines terminus lakes Oct 29, 2009
"These are very fragile ecosystems, and they are all threatened," said Jim Thomas, a research professor with the Desert Research Institute and a conference organizer. "There's only so much water in these systems. They are highly dependent on what happens upstream in their watershed, and we are using more and more of their water resources.". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Hidden Costs Of Energy Production And Use Oct 28, 2009
The figure does not include damages from climate change, harm to ecosystems, effects of some air pollutants such as mercury, and risks to national security, which the report examines but does not monetize. See also. (Science Daily)
Arctic Lake Sediments Show Warming, Unique Ecological Changes In Recent Decades Oct 28, 2009
"This historical record shows that we are dramatically affecting the ecosystems on which we depend.". "The 20th century is the only period during the past 200 millennia in which aquatic indicators reflect increased warming, despite the declining effect of slow changes in the tilt of the Earth's axis which, under natural conditions, would lead to climatic cooling," notes the University of Colorado's Dr. Axford. (Science Daily)
International Day of Climate Change rally held Oct 28, 2009
The effects of climate change and sea level rise are increasingly evident in our island ecosystems. We see it on our coral reefs, shorelines and native forests. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Ocean Acidification Hurting Shellfish Globally Oct 28, 2009
(May 28, 2009) Overfishing and disease have decimated shellfish populations in many of the world's temperate estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Scientists have now discovered another serious threat to these valuable. (Science Daily)
Scientists Map Fish Habitat And Movements At Gray's Reef Marine Sanctuary Oct 28, 2009
26, 2009) Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is among the healthiest coral reef ecosystems in the tropical Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, according to NOAA researchers. Their report offers insights. (Science Daily)
Marine Lab Team Seeks To Understand Coral Bleaching Oct 27, 2009
26, 2009) With technology similar to that used by physicians to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, researchers from six institutions -- including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) -- working at the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) in Charleston, S.C., are studying the metabolic activity of a pathogen shown to cause coral bleaching, a serious threat to undersea reef ecosystems worldwide ... During the past two decades, it has been reported that nearly 30... (Science Daily)
Norwegian accused of skin-crawling snake smuggling Oct 27, 2009
The big snakes threaten native species and ecosystems because they mature and reproduce quickly, travel long distances and can eat almost anything in fur, feathers or scales, experts say. Hired gun takes aim at downtown Fresno. (Fresno Bee)
Ancient 'Monster' Insect: 'Unicorn' Fly Never Before Observed Oct 27, 2009
Poinar is an expert on insects and other life forms that have been preserved in amber, and has used them as clues to create detailed portraits of ancient ecosystems. "None of the specialized body characters of Cascoplecia occurs on previously reported Cretaceous bibionids," the report concluded. (Science Daily)
Norton Runs NYC Marathon for Biodiversity Oct 27, 2009
The goal is to raise money by running through the streets of New York, but it's also to raise awareness of one of the world's last truly dynamic ecosystems. "The wildlife from that part of the world is in a lot of ways the wildlife of our childhood imaginations," the "Fight Club" star said. (CBS News -- Entertainment)
ICU Stay Before Death Common in the U.S. Oct 27, 2009
"An exploration of the evolution of critical care, taking into account diverse national histories and healthcare ecosystems, would help," they write. SOURCE: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, November 1, 2009. (MEDLINEplus)
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Among Healthiest Coral Reefs In Gulf Of Mexico Oct 27, 2009
26, 2009) Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is among the healthiest coral reef ecosystems in the tropical Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, according to a new NOAA report ... (July 9, 2008) Nearly half of U.S. coral reef ecosystems are considered to be in "poor" or "fair" condition according to a new NOAA analysis of the health of coral reefs under US jurisdiction. (Science Daily)
For the environment Oct 27, 2009
KAUAI GARDEN HELP, volunteers needed to protect rare plants and ecosystems at National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kauai; help needed in administration, conservation, education, development, etc. 808-332-7324, ext. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Finding The ASX200 For Marine Ecosystems Oct 26, 2009
26, 2009) Researchers are building the environmental equivalent of the ASX200 as a means of monitoring the health of Australian marine ecosystems ... "Ecosystems respond to multiple pressures and threats in complex ways," Dr Hayes says ... Resilience science is the study of how ecosystems resist and respond to. (Science Daily)
Frog die-off alarms University researchers Oct 26, 2009
But is the extinction of many frogs going to influence the worlds ecosystems. Yeah, [frogs] are a very important species, Chase said. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Wyoming briefs Oct 26, 2009
The small mussels reproduce quickly and can cling to almost any underwater surface, quickly overwhelming ecosystems and clogging pipes and other infrastructure. Ferrell says the mussels have been found in most western states but haven't yet been found in Wyoming, Idaho or Montana waters. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Endangered listing sought for 83 corals Oct 26, 2009
"Coral reefs are among the world's most endangered ecosystems and provide an early warning of impacts to come from our thirsts for fossil fuels, said Miyoko Sakashita, oceans director of the center. Environmental activists are petitioning the federal government to put 83 coral species on the endangered species list. They say global warming and ocean acidification are threatening the corals with extinction. The Cen 00004000 ter for Biological Diversity said last week that the coral species in... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Humans vs natural capital Oct 25, 2009
We are not eating off its interest," he said. He said a project he headed on the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity was seeking to show that there was an economic case for the conservation of biodiversity, and investment in it now would save significant losses in future. "The underlying problem is that we are a society that is not in harmony with nature," he said. "We do not seem to understand that natural capital is equally if not more important than physical and financial capital. "When... (iAfrica.com)
Coast Guard removing boats sunk by Katrina, Rita Oct 25, 2009
Now we are focusing on the parishes' navigable waterways, working to improve their safety and appearance, to support healthy ecosystems and recreational lifestyles. Chats, Boards & Blogs. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Ethiopia's Climate 27 Million Years Ago Had Higher Rainfall, Warmer Soil Oct 25, 2009
Tabor is part of a multi-disciplinary team combining independent lines of evidence from various fossil and geochemical sources to reconstruct the prehistoric climate, landscape and ecosystems of Ethiopia, as well as Africa. The project is funded with a three-year, 322,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. (Science Daily)
I-Team: BLM to Roundup More Wild Horses Oct 24, 2009
It reads, "Wild horses do not belong in western ecosystems," and that "The 1971 Horse and Burro Act was based on emotions, not science.". This is exactly 00000EA5 the kind of hostility BLM's critics have long suspected when it comes to wild horses. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Tower of Power Oct 24, 2009
Already the world's leading generator of hydropower a renewable but sometimes controversial power source because of the impact on river ecosystems China now aims to be the front runner in wind- and solar-power generation. In 2007 the government directed that by next year at least 3% of large power companies' generating capacity should come from renewable sources (excluding hydropower); this target jumps to 8% in 2020. (Time.com)
Blowing smoke on warming, clean air Oct 24, 2009
They said there was little doubt that the $120 billion substantially underestimates the damages from US energy production and use because it did not include the harm to ecosystems and the effects of climate change and other pollutants, such as mercury. Our analysis does indicate that regulatory actions can significantly affect energy related damages, the report said. (Boston Globe)
Africa: The Continent and Agriculture: A Winning Combination for Success [opinion] Oct 24, 2009
There are new business ecosystems and models combining existing structures with transformative innovations arising. For example, instead of focusing money on large agricultural producers, the government of Malawi developed a stronger support network for its small-scale farmers. (allAfrica.com)
Non-native snakes getting grip on Southeast Oct 23, 2009
"This report clearly reveals that these giant snakes threaten to destabilize some of our most precious ecosystems and parks, primarily through predation on vulnerable native species," said Dr. Robert Reed, co-author of the report and a USGS invasive species scientist and herpetologist. Although the new list of potential exotic invaders includes more snakes than the Burmese python, most of them would remain confined to the warmer climates, the report said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Letters for Thursday, October 22, 2009 Oct 23, 2009
Thank you for protecting the delicate ecosystems that comprise our precious island, and for realizing that people and businesses can indeed profit while respecting the planet. Your support to ban single-use plastic bags will have a lasting, positive effect on all generations to come, and is supported by a substantial amount of local businesses island-wide who have already made the commitment to go plastic-free. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Smokies to host electronic field trip for millions Oct 23, 2009
Schools in 40 states already have signed up for a new interactive Web site showcasing the Smokies' rich variety of plants, animals and ecosystems through a series of learning modules with games, videos and lesson plans. The National Park Foundation-supported program is geared to elementary and middle school students and will culminate Nov. 3 with a live 60-minute segment from the park hosted by Smokies experts and 6th through 8th graders from Tennessee and North Carolina. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
NEW SPECIES PICTURES: 850 Underground Creatures Found Oct 23, 2009
"We are only just beginning to discover in Australia that groundwater is not just an inert entity," Cooper said via email, "but is the host of many diverse ecosystems with an extraordinary array of previously unknown species.". Cooper, who received funding for his work from the National Geographic Society's , co-presented the research at the conference in Darwin, Australia, in September 2009. (National Geographic)
Mass extinctions: I am become Death, destroyer of worlds Oct 23, 2009
And the blow that caused it would surely have been powerful enough to smash ecosystems around the world. Double whammy. (The Economist)
Cyber Exploring The 'Ecosystems' Of Influenzas Oct 23, 2009
23, 2009) Predicting the infection patterns of influenzas requires tracking both the ecology and the evolution of the fast-morphing viruses that cause them, said a Duke University researcher who enlists computers to model such changes. A single mutation can put a flu virus on a new-enough path to re-infect people who had developed immunity to its previous form, said Katia Koelle, a Duke assistant professor of biology. (Science Daily)
Letters to the editor Oct 23, 2009
This important issue is not about fiscal costs today, economic survival or "me." It is about the survival of the human race (at least life as we know it) and "we." Even if the effort in California did cost each household an average of $4,000 a year, that is a small price to pay toward reducing the continual man-made "carbon footprint" that contributes to the dangerous rise in temperature worldwide and resulting destruction of entire ecosystems. We are all connected to one another and all living... (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Caught by a leech Oct 22, 2009
And sure, rainwater washes a lot of this stuff to fragile ecosystems, where it can affect wildlife adversely. America has become such an overpackaged, throwaway society that we get almost as much trash, sometimes even more, than the product inside it. (ESPN -- Outdoors)
