Melting Arctic Sea Ice Could Be Disrupting The Oceans' Circulation With Potentially Major Consequences
Washington Post- A study released Monday in Nature Climate Change is drawing attention to yet another ice-related problem — one that could cause some large-scale consequences. According to the study, retreating sea ice could disrupt a major ocean circulation pattern and even affect climate patterns in Europe.
States Sue To Block Obama's Water Rule
The Hill- Eighteen states sued the Obama administration Monday to stop a new regulation asserting federal authority over minor waterways like streams and wetlands. The rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is one of the most controversial regulations from the Obama administration, redefining how the EPA enforces the water pollution protections of the Clean Water Act. The states got together in three separate groups to file lawsuits in different federal courts, based in Bismarck, N.D.; Columbus, Ohio; and Houston. The states argue that the EPA violated the clear language of the Clean Water Act that drew a line between federal authority and that of states or private landowners over waterways.
Challenges Ahead For U.S. Water Infrastructure
Klorotech Inc- Hundreds of millions of square feet of concrete, asphalt, and rooftops canvass our cities. Climate change is bringing about higher intensity storm events in some places and extreme drought in others. Urban populations are increasing every year. Simply, more people are dwelling in cities than ever before. Together, these things are creating a troubling trend as it concerns our water resources. 54% of the world’s population dwells in cities around the globe. Nearly 3.9 billion people live in densely populated
Water: The Next Tradeable Commodity?
The Market Mogul- Public perception has begun to change regarding water no longer being an infinite resource as we previously thought. Despite it covering 68% of the surface of the planet, the amount that actually serves a purpose for humans is only a mere 0.3%. With what some perceive as an “epidemic” expanding globally, experts predict that the only sustainable way in managing water is to trade it on a futures exchange, similar to other natural commodities such as oil and gold.
Think Today's Refugee Crisis is Bad? Climate Change Will Make it a Lot Worse
Huffington Post- Drought and desertification already ruin thousands of square miles of productive land annually in China and a number of African countries, while rising sea levels triggered by warmer global temperatures could eventually force tens if not hundreds of millions of people from their coastal homes. "One of the drivers of displacement and potential conflict over the next 10 to 20 years will be climate [change]-resource scarcity," David Miliband, president of the International Rescue Committee and a former U.K. foreign minister, said recently. "Climate change is going to compound the cocktail that's driving war and displacement."
Marin Environmental Projects Scoop Up $2.7 Million In Grants From Coastal Conservancy
Marinji News- Marin County was a big winner this week as the state Coastal Conservancy approved grants for local conservation projects totaling more than $2.7 million.Grants ranged from $800,000 for planning work involved with Hamilton Field marshland restoration near Bel Marin Keys to $165,000 for a restoration project involving Bolinas Lagoon.
Major Midwest Flood Risk Underestimated By As Much As Five Feet, Study Finds
Phys Org- As floodwaters surge along major rivers in the Midwestern United States, a new study from Washington University in St. Louis suggests federal agencies are underestimating historic 100-year flood levels on these rivers by as much as five feet, a miscalculation that has serious implications for future flood risks, flood insurance and business development in an expanding floodplain.