Environment
EnvironmentAntarctica summer ice melt at it highest level in 1.000 years
The summer ice melt in parts of Antarctica is at its highest level in 1,000 years, Australian and British researchers reported on Monday, adding new evidence of the impact of global warming on sensitive Antarctic glaciers and ice shelves.
US Navy launches latest state-of-the-art oceanographic survey ship
The United States Navy christened and launched its newest oceanographic survey ship, USNS Maury (T-AGS 66), the last of its class at VT Halter Marine’s shipyard in Moss Point, Mississippi.
Brazil planning agency to manage fluvial ports, waterways and locks
The administration of President Dilma Rousseff is working on the creation of a new agency which will be responsible for Brazil’s fluvial ports and terminals, waterways and locks. The ‘Hidrobras’ project is being drafted by the Ministries of Transport and Planning and will look after shipping in the fluvial system, “which is currently exploited far below its possibilities and potential”.
Death toll of 54 as torrential rain and flash floods hit La Plata and Buenos Aires
The death toll from the heavy rains and flash floods that have pounded Buenos Aires City and La Plata, capital of the Buenos Aires province have climbed to at least 54, and could increase, Argentine authorities said on Wednesday.
Expanding Antarctic sea-ice triggers different scientific explanations
Climate change is expanding Antarctica's sea ice, according to a scientific study in the journal Nature Geoscience. The paradoxical phenomenon is thought to be caused by relatively cold plumes of fresh water derived from melting beneath the Antarctic ice shelves.
Buenos Aires collapses after 155mm of rainfall in seven hours flood the city
At least eight people are reported dead after torrential rain and powerful winds battered Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires and surrounding neighbourhoods flooding streets, knocking out power, downing trees and damaging homes and cars, officials said Tuesday. An estimated 350.000 people have been affected by the floods.
Brazilian supermarkets will not sell meat from cattle raised in Amazon rainforest
The main group representing supermarkets in Brazil says it will no longer sell meat from cattle raised in the rainforest. The Brazilian Association of Supermarkets, which has 2,800 members, hopes the deal will cut down on the illegal use of rainforest for pasture.
British Antarctic Survey has a new director: climate expert Professor Jane Francis
Professor Jane Francis has been appointed as the new Director of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). Ms Francis, a geologist by training, is Professor of Palaeoclimatology at the University of Leeds where she is currently Dean of the Faculty of Environment.
Chilean experts investigate death of millions of dead prawns washed to the coast
Chilean experts and prosecutors are investigating the appearance of millions of dead prawns that washed up on a beach in southern Chile this week carpeting a three-kilometre strand in red.
South Georgia completes first phase of reindeer eradication: 1.900 animals
The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSCSSI) has announced the completion of the first phase of the eradication of reindeer from the island of South Georgia.
