Environment

Wednesday, May 14th 2014 - 00:15 UTC
West Antarctica glaciers' melting 'have passed the point of no return', says NASA study

A new study by researchers at NASA and the University of California, Irvine, finds a rapidly melting section of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet appears to be in an irreversible state of decline, with nothing to stop the glaciers in this area from melting into the sea.
Friday, May 9th 2014 - 06:13 UTC
Strong commitment to support Marine Protected Areas in Southern Ocean

The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) joined member states of the Antarctic Treaty, along with observer and expert organizations, in Brasilia this week to discuss measures for the protection of the Antarctic environment.
Wednesday, May 7th 2014 - 06:32 UTC
“Climate change, has moved firmly into the present”, warns US official report

The Obama administration released on Tuesday an updated report on how a changing climate has touched every corner of the United States, from oyster growers in Washington State to maple syrup producers in Vermont, and said that urgent action is needed.
Tuesday, May 6th 2014 - 06:46 UTC
Drought in Brazil hits hydropower and energy rationing is increasingly likely

With less than 40 days remaining before the country takes center stage as host of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Brazilian hydropower power operators are facing a severe drought that makes energy rationing an increasing likelihood.
Tuesday, May 6th 2014 - 06:26 UTC
NASA catches images of volcanic activity in South Sandwich Islands

The South Sandwich Islands, in the far southern Atlantic Ocean, are often shrouded with thick cloud, making it difficult to view the region from space. Sometimes, however, the use of false-color imagery can be used to reveal events that would otherwise be obscured under cloud cover.
Friday, May 2nd 2014 - 08:51 UTC
South Georgia re-adjusts license conditions to reduce sea birds by-catches

One of the most significant seabird by-catches in over a decade occurred in the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) Marine Zone last week, by the Chilean longliner Antarctic Bay.
Wednesday, April 30th 2014 - 03:22 UTC
Argentina's “Blue Pampa” project to research and develop South Atlantic resources

The recently launched “Blue Pampa” project is a ten-year 'strategic initiative' with the purpose of researching South Atlantic resources in five different areas to ensure conservation and management, plus reinforce Argentine sovereignty with inter-disciplinary campaigns and inter-ministerial support, according to Argentina's Science, Technology and Productive Innovation ministry.
Monday, April 28th 2014 - 23:29 UTC
IAATO estimates 36.545 tourists will travel to Antarctica next season 2014/15

New figures released on Monday by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), estimate that 36,545 tourists will travel with IAATO members to Antarctica next season, 2014-2015. The information was reported at the first day of the 37th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in Brasilia, which IAATO attend as Invited Experts.
Friday, April 25th 2014 - 23:19 UTC
NASA and BAS tracking major Antarctic iceberg, B31, now in open waters

NASA has lately spotted a gigantic iceberg in Antarctica, identified as B31 and together with UK's BAS (British Antarctic Survey), is busy tracking the monster island of ice, which has now escaped into open waters. Despite its sheer size and mass, --experts estimate that the giant iceberg is approximately 600 square kilometres in size--, monitoring is not going to be an easy task with the coming of the Antarctic winter and ensuing darkness.
Friday, April 25th 2014 - 21:24 UTC
UK £200 million new polar research vessel will ensure presence in Antarctica and he South Atlantic

The British government will fund a new £200 million polar research ship to put UK scientists at the forefront of climate and ocean research in both Antarctica and the Arctic, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced on Friday in a speech.