Entries by Codi Kozacek

The Stream, December 7: A New Route for Keystone XL?

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A 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Japan near the site of the Fukushima disaster, creating a 1-meter (3.2 feet) tsunami, Reuters reported. Neither the quake nor the tsunami caused much damage. In this Guardian blog, George Monbiot questions the United Kingdom’s trial policy of biodiversity offsetting, which allows developers to destroy habitat for […]

The Stream, December 5: Typhoon Triggers Floods, Leaves Trail of Destruction

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At least 283 people have died in the Philippines following the landfall of Typhoon Bohpa, which triggered floods and landslides across the southern islands, AlertNet reported. Rescuers are struggling to find survivors, but efforts are being hampered by destroyed roads and downed communication systems. In Papua New Guinea, the large Ok Tedi copper mine may […]

The Stream, November 30: Shifting Rainfall Patterns Linked to Migrations

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Seasonal migrations of poor, rural communities due to shifting rainfall patterns, droughts and floods are increasing, according to a new study by CARE International and the United Nations University, AlertNet reported. The study warns that the migrations could become more frequent and permanent unless action is taken to mitigate climate change or adjust agriculture to […]

The Stream, November 28: Studying Water in the Urban Ecosystem

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Scientists are beginning to study the ecological function of cities, tracking and measuring the flow of atmospheric gases, water, carbon, and pollutants through the urban ecosystem, Nature reported. The research could be essential for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and creating sustainable cities. Water Levels Global sea level rise is outpacing United Nations projections by 60 […]

The Stream, November 21: U.S., Mexico Sign New Colorado River Water Deal

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United States Representatives of the United States and Mexico Tuesday signed Minute 319, an agreement that forms new rules for sharing Colorado River water, the Associated Press reported. The agreement will allow Mexico to store water in Lake Mead, includes infrastructure investments to benefit both countries, and aims to revitalize the beleaguered Colorado River Delta. […]

The Stream, November 16: Myanmar’s Test from Foreign Investment

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Myanmar’s forests, river systems, and the wildlife they support may face challenges as the country becomes more democratic and open to foreign investment, Yale Environment 360 reports. Early moves suggest the government is taking care to protect the environment, but conservationists worry that a “Wild West” scenario could unfold. Africa Rice crops in western Kenya […]

The Stream, November 14: Flooding Hits Rome

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Extreme Weather Suburbs, towns and farms outside of Rome flooded Wednesday after the Tiber River overflowed its banks and heavy rains backed up sewers and canals, Reuters reported. Widespread flooding has swamped Italy after strong storms passed through the country last weekend, killing four people. Farmers worry that increasingly frequent and severe flooding, coupled with […]

The Stream, November 9: Hepatitis Outbreak in South Sudan

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An outbreak of Hepatitis E in South Sudan refugee camps has killed 26 people and infected more than 1,000, according to the United Nations News Centre. The virus is spread through contaminated food and water, and the problem could worsen with the rainy season and an influx of more refugees. China’s agriculture minister warned today […]

The Stream, November 7: Storm Poised to Bring More Flooding to U.S. East Coast

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President Obama Wins Re-election The U.S. energy industry is expecting stricter regulations during President Obama’s second term, with tighter rules for water management, emissions and drilling on federal land, Reuters reported. Nonetheless, the President is also expected to support the development of natural gas, and will likely give eventual approval for the Keystone XL oil […]

The Stream, October 31: The Price of Sandy

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Sandy, the hurricane turned mega-storm that battered the United States’ East Coast earlier this week, could cost insurers $US 5 billion to $US 10 billion, while economic losses are estimated anywhere between $US 10 billion and $US 20 billion, Reuters reported. The increasing cost of natural disasters could pressure Congress to take action on climate […]

After Summer of Testing, Status of Asian Carp in Lake Erie Remains Uncertain

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Positive test results for Asian carp eDNA from Lake Erie’s Sandusky and Maumee bays are worrying, but not conclusive.

The Stream, October 26: Natural Disasters, Pollution, and Porpoises

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Hurricane Sandy hit the Caribbean islands hard over the past few days, killing 21 people and knocking out power and water supplies in the Bahamas and Cuba, Reuters reported. The storm is expected to move up the United States’ East Coast, where some forecasters predict it could create a “billion-dollar disaster.” After three years of […]