FAO warns of 'alarming' loss of mangroves
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: ROME - Mangrove swamps have shrunk by an "alarming" rate though their disappearance is slowing with improved awareness of their importance to biodiversity, the UN food agency said on Thursday.
Nuclear, solar and geothermal energy pushed at Philippine summit
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: MANILA - The Philippine government should seriously consider other sources of energy such as nuclear, solar and geothermal rather than rely on oil, an energy summit in Manila was told Wednesday.
Hawaii hosts Bush climate talks
The US will fund cleaner technology projects in developing nations, BBC News reports here: Climate experts from 16 of the world's largest economies are in Hawaii for the second in the series of President Bush's Major Economies Meetings.
Europeans Test US Commitment to Climate Change
Spiegel Online reports here: Delegates from the world's greatest carbon-emitting nations are gathering in Hawaii this week at a meeting organized by the Bush administration. Once criticized as an effort to circumvent obligatory emissions cuts, European delegates seem to be attending the climate talks with an open mind.
Japan minister eyes deeper cuts in greenhouse gas
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: TOKYO - Japan should look at cutting greenhouse emissions by even more than the 50 percent by 2050 sought by the last Group of Eight summit, the environment minister said Tuesday.
'Butting Heads with the Americans Doesn't Do Any Good'
German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel, 48, discusses - here in this interview - the costs of the European Union's new climate protection plan, his party's desire to impose a speed limit on the German autobahn and the need to work together with the Americans.
Sea lions massacred in Galapagos
BBC News reports here: Ecuadorean officials are investigating the slaughter of 53 sea lions from the Galapagos Islands nature reserve, which were found with their heads caved in.
Action needed on home emissions
Rising energy prices are bringing a new emphasis on efficiency, BBC News reports here: European governments and the European Commission are being urged to hasten the development of housing that produces no greenhouse gases.
WWF calls for supermarkets to boycott bluefin tuna
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: PARIS - The environmental group WWF on Monday called on supermarket chains around the world to take bluefin tuna off their shelves, saying overfishing, driven by the craze for sushi, threatened to wipe out the species.
For sale: Greenhouse gases by the ton
CNN Money reports here: A number of small but well-backed companies are looking to make money selling carbon dioxide, but federal law seems needed to jumpstart sales.
Researchers study coral threats
AP reports here at CNN: - Scientists say climate warming is threatening coral reefs - Increased carbon dioxide in water making water more acidic - Researchers finding "troubling factors" even in pristine areas - Return of sea urchins seen as a bright spot
Warming May Reduce Hurricane Landfalls, Study Says
The Associated Press reports here at the National Geographic Society website: Contrary to many previous reports, global warming could reduce the number of hurricanes that strike the United States, according to a new study.
Brazil sugarcane industry eyes EU biofuel market
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: SAO PAULO - Brazil, the world leader in making ethanol from sugarcane, is homing in on Europe's biofuel market following a decision by the European Commission to combat climate change by reducing the dependency on petrol.
Massive wind farm 'turned down'
The wind farm was to be built at Barvas Moor on Lewis, BBC News reports here: Plans to build one of Europe's biggest wind farms on the Isle of Lewis are set to be turned down, BBC Scotland understands.
A New Look into the Center of the Earth
Spiegel Online reports here: For years, scientists have known that continents float around on the Earth's surface like ice bergs on the ocean. But what happens deep beneath our feet? A new theory envisions graveyards for continents and a life cycle not unlike the weather.
Climate 'clearly out of balance'
The AGU's statement points the finger of blame at human activities, BBC News reports here: The world's climate is "clearly out of balance and is warming", the world's largest society of Earth and space scientists has said in a statement.
UN calls water top priority
AP reports here at Yahoo News: DAVOS, Switzerland - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the world on Thursday to put the looming crisis over water shortages at the top of the global agenda this year and take action to prevent conflicts over scarce supplies.
Brazil has agreed emergency measures to stem deforestation
BBC News reports here: Brazil has agreed emergency measures to stem deforestation as government figures revealed a sharp increase in the rate of clearances in the Amazon. The measures include sending extra federal police and environmental agents to stop farmers and cattle ranchers illegally felling any more rainforest.
The Choice between Food and Fuel
Spiegel Online reports here: Food prices are skyrocketing. Arable land is becoming scarce. And forests continue to disappear across the globe. The world must decide between affordable food and biofuels.
Climate Change Entices Birds To Stay Home
Spiegel Online reports here: Amateur ornithologists in the UK are gearing up for this weekend's annual Big Garden Birdwatch. The results could be worrying: Due to warm weather, many feathered friends are foregoing their winter trips to the Mediterranean -- a process which climate change will exacerbate.
The European Union Unveils Plans to Cut Emissions by 20 Percent
Spiegel Online reports here: The European Union unveiled ambitious plans to slash emissions and increase investment in renewable energy on Wednesday. The package includes concessions to European businesses and richer member nations, but still positions the EU as a global leader on combating climate change. And here: The European Union has announced plans to increase the use of gas and diesel produced from plants. But the critique against biofuels is mounting. Many say they are even more harmful than conventional fossil fuels.
Rising sea 'a threat to Causeway'
Waves could swamp the Giant's Causeway, the Trust is warning, BBC News reports here: Rising sea levels and stormy weather may damage the Giant's Causeway and other coastal areas of Northern Ireland, the National Trust has warned.
Politicians Censor Report on Dangers of Arctic Drilling
Spiegel Online reports here: There's black gold beneath the snow white Arctic -- and oil companies are gearing up to exploit it on a massive scale. Scientists had hoped to warn of the scope of the environmental dangers of Arctic drilling in a new report, but 60 passages have been removed following pressure from the United States and Sweden.
EU reveals energy plan of action
Biofuel plans will be modified to avoid damaging impacts, BBC News reports here: European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has given details of what he has called a "detailed roadmap" in the struggle against climate change.
Merkel Caught between Industry and the Climate
Spiegel Online reports here: Last spring, Chancellor Merkel portrayed herself as the world's foremost fighter against climate change. With the EU set to pass a package of emissions regulations, though, she suddenly finds herself defending German industry. Will the real Merkel please stand up?
Refugee link to wildlife decline
BBC News reports here: The hunting of wild animals by hungry refugees in East Africa threatens wildlife populations, say conservationists.
WWF, Abu Dhabi unveil plan for world’s first carbon-neutral, waste-free, car-free city
WWF International reports here in this Press Release: Masdar City will be the world’s first zero-carbon, zero-waste, car-free city. Through the “One Planet Living™” programme, a global initiative launched by WWF and environmental consultancy BioRegional, WWF will work with Masdar to ensure the city meets standards of sustainability which include specific targets for the city’s ecological footprint.
Japan follows Europe by tapping offshore wind for power
Reuters reports here at Yahoo News: KORIYAMA, Japan - Overlooking a mountain lake a few hours drive from Tokyo, dozens of tall wind turbines spin in the breeze creating carbon-free power for the world's fifth-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases.
Beijing mayor sees tough task clearing the city's air
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: BEIJING - Beijing faces a tough task curbing its notorious air pollution ahead of the Olympics in August, the capital's mayor said on Sunday.
Nuclear revival rekindles waste concerns
AP reports here at Yahoo News: BEAUMONT-HAGUE, France - Thousands of canisters of highly radioactive waste from the world's most nuclear-energized nation lie, silent and deadly, beneath this jutting tip of Normandy. Above ground, cows graze and Atlantic waves crash into heather-covered hills.
Medical plants 'face extinction'
Magnolias are one of hundreds of plants under threat, BBC News reports here: Hundreds of medicinal plants are at risk of extinction, threatening the discovery of future cures for disease, according to experts.
London, Paris Honored for Greening Transit Systems
OneWorld.net reports here at Yahoo News: NEW YORK, - London and Paris were given a prestigious award this week for their innovative citywide programs to improve public transit and reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
UK set for 15% renewables target
The EU wants to create a low-carbon economy across Europe, BBC News reports here: The European Union is expected to tell the UK that 15% of energy needs must be met from renewable sources by 2020.
Mont. high school cancels climate speech
AP reports here at Yahoo News: BILLINGS, Mont. - A climate scientist's speech to high school students was canceled because members of the rural community were concerned the Nobel Peace Prize laureate's message on climate change would be "anti-agriculture," the superintentent said Thursday.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown heads to China and India
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: LONDON - Prime Minister Gordon Brown heads to China and India Thursday for his first visit as prime minister, looking notably to get the world's two most populous countries on board for a new deal on climate change.
Bush drilling plan could threaten polar bears, panel chairman says
CNN reports here: WASHINGTON - A House committee chairman on Thursday denounced the Bush administration's planned sale of oil drilling rights in a prime polar bear habitat in Alaska, saying its impact on the bear population is unknown.
Norway aims to be carbon neutral by 2030
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: OSLO - Norway's government said Thursday the country would dramatically slash its carbon dioxide emissions by 2020 and aim to be completely carbon neutral by 2030 -- 20 years ahead of schedule.
Google.org expands funding to attack world crises
Reuters reports here at Yahoo News: SAN FRANCISCO - Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google Inc , said on Thursday it is expanding beyond funding for alternative energy to focus on projects in health and combating poverty and climate change.
EU Members Lobby against 'Harmful' Climate Plan
Spiegel Online reports here: European countries and businesses have criticized a climate change action plan that the European Commission is scheduled to unveil next week. Their concerns about competition and carbon trading could undermine the EU's commitment to confront climate change.
Beijing halts outdoor school sports activities on polluted days
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: BEIJING host to the 2008 Olympic Games, will cancel outdoor school sports activities whenever heavy air pollution triggers health concerns, state press said Thursday.
Mapping Polluters, Encouraging Protectors
Harvard Business School - HBS Working Knowledge reports here: Where are the biggest polluters? And what is your company doing to protect the environment? A new Web site—both a public service and a research tool—posts managers' data in real time, allowing a balanced view of industrial environmental performance.
Texas is biggest carbon polluter
AP reports here at Yahoo News: AUSTIN, Texas - Everything's big in Texas — big pickup trucks, big SUVs and the state's big carbon footprint, too. Texans' fondness for large, manly vehicles has helped make the Lone Star State the biggest carbon polluter in the nation.
Big climate impact on UK coasts
The coasts of Britain, especially England, are being eroded, BBC News reports here in this article: Climate change is having a major impact on Britain's coast, the seas around the coast, and the life in those seas, a government-sponsored report concludes.
Police Pull Robin Wood out of Dresden Tree
Spiegel Online reports here: For over a month, activists from Robin Wood had been living in a 200-year-old tree to protest a controversial bridge under construction in Dresden. The project might destroy a UNESCO-protected site, but the tree protest ended on Tuesday. The tree has now been cut down.
Biofuels 'are not a magic bullet'
Biofuel crops can vary widely in their climate benefits, BBC News reports here: Biofuels may play a role in curbing climate change, says Britain's Royal Society, but may create environmental problems unless implemented with care.
Canadian government cool to provincial carbon taxes
Reuters reports here at Yahoo News: NORTH VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Canada's finance minister expressed concern about provinces enacting their own carbon taxes on Monday, saying a piecemeal approach to cutting greenhouse gas emissions could end up hurting industries and consumers.
Home of BMW Battles EU Emissions Plan
Spiegel Online reports here: Politicians in the German state of Bavaria have voiced their opposition to proposals by the European Commission that would force automakers to make drastic cuts to emissions in cars built after 2012.
GM Takes a Stake in Ethanol Maker
Spiegel Online reports here: General Motors underscores its commitment to ethanol-powered vehicles by investing in a company that claims it can make the fuel more cheaply.
Europe Takes Africa's Fish, and Migrants Follow
Spiegel Online reports here: Industrial fishing from Europe is crippling coastal African economies and creating a surge of illegal migrants.
EU rethinks biofuels guidelines
BBC News reports here: Europe's environment chief has admitted that the EU did not foresee the problems raised by its policy to get 10% of Europe's road fuels from plants.
A second company promises 100 mpg engine
CNET News.com's Green Tech blog reports here: EcoMotors says it can hit 100 miles per gallon by 2011. At that rate, you could get across the country and only have to stop once for gas.
Study: Northeast winters warming fast
AP reports here at Yahoo News: ALBANY, N.Y. - Earlier blooms. Less snow to shovel. Unseasonable warm spells. Signs that winters in the Northeast are losing their bite have been abundant in recent years and now researchers have nailed down numbers to show just how big the changes have been.
New Cadillac concept goes eco-friendly
CNET News.com reports here: The first concept car to get its premiere at CES runs on a hydrogen fuel cell and a lithium ion battery that recharges from a wall socket.
Scotland can become a leader in renewable energy while England ...
Sunday Herald, UK reports here: IT'S A pity Gordon Brown and Alex Salmond haven't spoken since August, because if they had, they might have been able to avoid last week's demeaning spat over the new generation of nuclear power stations. There is a perfectly rational and adult solution to this issue: while England reinvents the atom, why not let Scotland power ahead developing renewable energy? Let's see which works out in the long run?
Follow Germany on renewable energy: Clinton
Reuters reports here at Yahoo News: LOS ANGELES - Democratic U.S. presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton wants America to follow Germany's lead -- and her own -- in using environmentally friendly fuel sources and making homes and buildings more energy efficient.
Italy's Trash Problem
Spiegel Online reports here: Italy's trash problem isn't new -- which is why the country began exporting thousands of tons of garbage every day. Much of it ends up in Germany.
Big mammals key to tree-ant team
BBC News reports here: At first it may seem counter-intuitive: that preventing large African herbivores from browsing Acacia trees decreases their growth. This, however, is precisely what researchers report in Science magazine. It is all because of the Acacia's mutually beneficial relationship with a biting ant.
Canada oil sands projects flunk green test: groups
Reuters reports here at Yahoo News: CALGARY, Alberta - Canadian oil sands mining projects, seen as a key source of North American energy supply for decades to come, have been given poor environmental marks in a report released on Thursday, with even the best performer barely garnering a passing grade.
Threat to African wildlife could upset delicate ecosystem balance
AFP reports here at Yahoo News: CHICAGO - The pressures on elephants, giraffes and other big mammals could have far-reaching effects on the ecosystem of the sub-Saharan savannah, including disrupting the relationship between acacia trees and insects, researchers said Thursday.