Latest science news in Earth & Climate
FSU scientists use unique model to predict active 2010 hurricane season
Florida State University scientists who have developed a unique computer model with a knack for predicting hurricanes with unprecedented accuracy are forecasting an unusually active season this year...
Underwater robot sent to study Deepwater Horizon spill
A high-tech robotic submersible has been sent to the oily waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The goal is to collect information about the oil plume from the Deepwater Horizon...
UAE to expand Maltese energy port
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 28 (UPI) -- Emirates National Oil Company is to expand its oil storage and shipping facilities in Malta.
'Excellent water' at more beaches
More bathing beaches have excellent water quality than last year, but pollution has worsened since 2006, says Good Beach Guide.
Discovery simplifies view of atmospheric aerosols, a factor in climate change
The large number of tiny organic aerosols floating in the atmosphere -- emitted from tailpipes and trees alike -- share enough common characteristics as a group that scientists can generalize...
Microbes answer more questions collectively
Studying whole microbial communities rather than individual microorganisms could help scientists answer fundamental questions such as how ecosystems respond to climate change or pollution.
Researchers calculate the greenhouse gas value of ecosystems
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new, more accurate method of calculating the change in greenhouse gas emissions that results from changes in land use...
Rig mechanic says BP was in a rush despite problems
In Washington, a clamor grows for tougher action against the agency that polices drilling. ...
UM researchers develop model for locating and forecasting sunken oil following spills
CORAL GABLES, FL (May 26, 2010)--A team of researchers at the University of Miami (UM) has developed a computer model for finding and projecting in time sunken oil masses on...
Paradise Cove is one sunny spot in an otherwise mixed report card for water quality at regional beaches
Paradise Cove may finally be living up to its name, at least when it comes to the water.
Germany, Norway give $1.5B to fight deforestation
(AP) -- Germany and Norway will pledge $1.5 billion to fight deforestation, blamed for releasing some of the carbon dioxide contributing to global warming, Norway's prime minister said Wednesday...
In the Arctic, another oil spill looming
By STEFAN NICOLAUPI Europe CorrespondentBERLIN, May 26 (UPI) -- Will Royal Dutch Shell do to the Arctic what BP did to the Gulf of Mexico?
Air traffic poised to become a major factor in global warming
The first new projections of future aircraft emissions in 10 years predicts that carbon dioxide and other gases from air traffic will become a significant source of global warming as...
Collaborate on water, Himalayan scientists urged
Scientists in the vast Hindu-Kush Himalaya region must pool their research in view of a looming water crisis. says a report.
Democrats propose tax hikes in response to Schwarzenegger's fiscal plan
The party's leaders in the Senate and Assembly agree that any rational plan to close the $19.1-billion deficit must include additional sources of revenue. ...
BP's new plan to stop Gulf oil spill
'Top kill' process pumps mud mixture into well forcing oil back down – but could make leak worse if it goes wrongBP's latest plan to stop oil leaking from its subsea well...
Opinion: Abandoned mine management in Australia
Abandoned mines are a difficult, much-neglected problem in Australia, according to Corinne Unger - but they could also be an opportunity.
NOAA: Most of gulf open for fishing
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 26 (UPI) -- Despite a giant oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, more than 75 percent of federal waters are available for commercial fishing,...
Oil spill closes Alaska pipeline
FAIRBANKS, Alaska, May 26 (UPI) -- Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. said it closed the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline after oil spilled during a scheduled test at a pump station near...
A Fisheries Disaster: It's Official
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke declared the Gulf of Mexico a national fisheries disaster area this week, citing the havoc wrought on the region's multibillion-dollar fishing industry by the Deepwater Horizon...
Flood plain failures lead to tragedy in Poland
Poland's devastating floods have been worsened by over-reliance on flood embankments and over-development of flood plains, WWF-Poland said today...
Japan could be geothermal energy leader: US expert
A prominent US environmentalist said Wednesday Japan should focus on developing geothermal energy, saying the volcanic island-nation could become the global leader in the field.
Greenpeace praises Nokia, slams Nintendo
Greenpeace panned electronic firms Nintendo and Toshiba for low environmental standards in a report Wednesday while praising Nokia and Sony Ericsson's approach to hazardous substances, recycling and energy use.
Hyundai is moving into Toyota territory
While the Japanese giant struggles to maintain its reputation and No. 1 position, its South Korean rival has become the fastest-growing automaker. And it's made no secret about its global...
Panel Suggests Signs of Trouble Before Rig Explosion
A memo offers the most detailed accounting of the events and decisions made aboard the Deepwater Horizon in the final hours before the April 20 blast.
Nunavut weighs Lancaster Sound energy probe
Nunavut's environment minister will get to decide whether to let federal scientists conduct seismic tests for oil and gas in Lancaster Sound, where the federal government also wants to create...
Northwest Africa Driest It's Been In Nine Centuries, Study Finds
The 20th Century was one of the driest for Northwest Africa in Nine Centuries, according to a new study from Arizona State University. Droughts in the late 20th century rivaled...
The Latest Toxic Chinese Export? Drywall that Could Fill Your Home With Sulfuric Acid
Drywall Clause Rebler/Flickr Add drywall to the growing list of toxic imports from China. Today a report from the largest investigation in the history of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has cited...