Wildlife and Habitat
Trouble from tropical fish
One of the highlights of visiting tropical destinations such as the Caribbean and the South Pacific is the profusion of colorful tropical fish that inhabit the warm waters of these places. Climate change is raising water temperatures far from the tropics and tropical fish are migrating to entirely new locations. While this may sound like a good thing, is definitely isn’t.
Hellbender populations
North America’s largest salamander is disappearing at an alarming rate. Hellbenders commonly reach two feet in length and have a life span of up to 30 years. They are the third-largest salamander in the world, after the Chinese giant salamander and the Japanese giant salamander.
Throwing away fish
The worldwide fishing industry is in danger. If current trends continue, it could collapse by 2050 because three-quarters of the world’s fish stocks are being harvested faster than they can reproduce. Some 80% of fish species already are fully exploited or are in decline and the great majority of all large predatory fish already are gone.
Coral and sunscreen
Summer is in full swing. With temperatures at their peak and beach vacations underway, most of us have probably stocked up on sunscreen. We slather it on children to prevent painful burns and apply it to ourselves to avert skin cancer. But as much as sunscreen protects our skin from harm, it can do just the opposite to coral reefs.
Storing carbon under the sea
There are many strategies at play for reducing the carbon emissions that are driving global climate change. These include reducing energy demand through conservation and efficiency measures and changing over to renewable energy sources. But despite these efforts, the burning of fossil fuels continues to dominate the world’s energy sources because fossil fuels are plentiful and cheaper than the alternatives.
A dangerous world for birds
As wind farms become more and more commonplace, one frequently hears about the dangers that wind turbines pose to birds. Multiple studies have looked at bird mortality due to collisions with these machines.
Cyanobacteria
In early August, nearly half a million people in Toledo, Ohio were told not to use their tap water for drinking, cooking or bathing. The cause was a bloom of algae in Lake Erie, in this case a microbe known as cyanobacteria, which produces a dangerous toxin called microcystin.
Overfishing and coral
Climate change has been blamed for the rapid decrease in coral cover in the Caribbean over the past few decades. But new research suggests that the impacts of pollution and overfishing may have been underrated. This is good news, experts say, because these problems are easier to address and reverse.
Storing carbon in the soil
The effort to reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere is primarily focused on the sources of carbon, such as emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. This can be called a supply-side approach. However, there is also the important issue of carbon sinks, which are termed demand-side approaches to the problem.
The price of ivory
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The demand for ivory in Asia is reaching epic proportions, fueling organized crime and threatening the future of the African elephant. [Read more…] about The price of ivory
Save the frogs
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Since the 1980s, there has been a worldwide decline in the population of amphibians – frogs, toads, and salamanders. For a while, biologists were skeptical that these declines were anything more than natural variations. However, study after study has revealed that the amphibian decline is a real and severe threat to biodiversity. [Read more…] about Save the frogs
Tracking fishing boats
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The Global Ocean Commission has released an eight-point plan aimed at protecting the high seas. Two-thirds of the ocean is considered ‘high seas,’ meaning it lies outside of a national territory. The goal of the GOC is to ensure effective management of these areas, safeguarding them from threats like overfishing. [Read more…] about Tracking fishing boats
Galapagos green
The Galapagos Islands are famous for inhabitants like giant tortoises, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies. Nearly the entire archipelago is a national park that carefully preserves this unique environment. But the Galapagos is also home to over 30,000 people living on four of the islands and involved in the tourist trade, in farming and fishing, and in local businesses. The human inhabitants need electricity and, like most islanders, have mostly gotten it from diesel generators. [Read more…] about Galapagos green
The cost of climate change
The costs of climate change are many – from the destruction of ecosystems and the loss of species to increased risk of famine. The famous Stern Review by the British government in 2006 looked at the effects on the world economy. Eight years later, a recently released report focuses on the financial bottom line in the U.S., providing an assessment of how unmitigated climate change will add up over the remainder of this century. [Read more…] about The cost of climate change
Neonicotinoid pesticides
Neonicotinoid pesticides have been known for some time to pose a threat to bees and other pollinators. In fact, last year the European Commission imposed a two-year moratorium banning them on plants that attract bees. But now, research suggests they are a danger to everything from lizards to shellfish. [Read more…] about Neonicotinoid pesticides
Lost in migration
For decades, scientists and researchers have wondered whether electromagnetic noise – emitted by our use of electronic devices such as cell phones, radios, and televisions – affects birds’ ability to migrate. [Read more…] about Lost in migration
Illinois microbead ban
Last month, Illinois became the first state to ban the sale of cosmetics containing plastic microbeads. [Read more…] about Illinois microbead ban
Insect defense report card
During last spring’s report card season, a little known government program received its grades. The program is aimed at defending our nation against the imported insects and diseases that harm trees, forests, and local economies. [Read more…] about Insect defense report card
Versatile duckweed
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