Environment
EnvironmentCaribbean nations beaches disappearing because o rising sea level and recurring storms
The World Bank says due to rising sea levels and recurring storms, the beaches in most Caribbean nations have started to disappear. In a new report, the Washington-based financial institution said, in some areas of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for instance, an estimated 18-30 meters of beach have been lost over the last nine years.
Greenhouse gases in atmosphere reached a record high in 2013 says WMO
The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a record high in 2013 driven by a surge in the level of carbon dioxide, the World Meteorological Organization said on Tuesday, urging international action to combat climate change.
Antarctica sea levels rising faster because of fresh water from melting glaciers, say researchers
Sea levels around Antarctica are rising faster than anywhere else in the southern ocean. The global average rise in ocean heights in the last 19 years has been 6cms, but the rise in seas around Antarctica is 2cms higher.
New Zealand increases hoki TAAC following successful stock conservation management
The Deepwater Group says the increase in the total allowable commercial catch (TACC) for hoki shows the benefits of a long term commitment to build biomass in this major New Zealand fishery. An increase in the hoki catch, from 150,000 to 160,000 tons, was announced on at the Seafood Industry Conference in Wellington by the Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy.
Marina pledges to restore Brazil credibility and limit spending below growth rate
Opposition presidential candidate Marina Silva said that Brazil's recession is very worrying and her government would work to restore the credibility of the country's economic policies to recover investment and growth if elected. The Brazilian economy fell into recession in the first half of the year, a heavy blow for President Dilma Rousseff's already diminishing hopes of winning re-election in October.
New technology could end the debate over pipeline safety
Who could have ever imagined that North America would surpass Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest producer of oil and natural gas liquids? A decade ago, that would have seemed laughable. Yet that’s exactly what has happened; and it’s not just Saudi Arabia that has been left in North America’s dust -- Russia has, too.
Ring of fire hits central Peru and the Napa Valley in California
A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck central Peru late on Sunday, and no immediate reports have surfaced about significant damage or major injuries. The U.S. Geological Survey originally estimated the earthquake to be a magnitude 7 but has since downgraded it, according to The Weather Channel. The impact was also felt in northern Chile.
Unlikely bedfellows: mines that run on solar or wind power
Mining companies are often seen as dinosaurs when it comes to making changes that will benefit the environment, but that perception may be shifting as some companies turn to renewable energy to cut costs and lighten their carbon footprint.
An estimated 36.500 tourists and 54 vessels expected this coming Antarctic season
During the upcoming Antarctic season, from November through March, 36,545 tourists are expected to visit, according to estimates compiled by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). That’s a slight dip from the 37,405 who visited in 2013-14, which was a 9 percent increase from the previous year.
Scientists create a carbon dioxide absorbing 'polymer sponge' that helps new energy sources
Scientists have created a new sponge-type material that absorbs carbon dioxide, which is believed to play a key role in global warming. The polymer – a large molecule used in plastics – is thought to have the potential to bridge the gap between the use of fossil fuels and new energy sources such as hydrogen, and could be integrated into power plant smokestacks in the future.
