Latest science news in Earth & Climate
Excessive Reactive Nitrogen in Environment Alarms Environmental Scientists
The problem of excessive reactive nitrogen in the environment is little-known beyond a growing circle of environmental scientists who study how the element cycles through the environment and negatively alters...
Biofuels must not deprive poor of food: EU official
Biofuels must not deprive the world's poor of food, a senior European official said, as he proposed a greater focus on second-generation biofuels that would be more environmentally friendly.
Wildlife numbers plummet globally: WWF
The world's wildlife populations have reduced by around a quarter since the 1970s, according to a major report published Friday by the WWF conservation organization.
Scientists identified earthquake faults in Sichuan, China
Only last summer research published by earth scientists in the international journal Tectonics concluded that geological faults in the Sichuan Basin, China "are sufficiently long to sustain a strong ground-shaking...
Climate Changes Creating Green And Flowering Mountains
Our mountains are growing greener. At the border between woods and bare mountain, trees that require warm temperatures, such as oak, elm, maple, and black alder, have become established for...
Huge project to restore Everglades to be suspended
(AP) -- Construction on a huge reservoir meant to help restore the Everglades will be put on hold over a lawsuit brought by a group that fears the water...
Earth from Space: A blooming North Sea
This Envisat image captures the green swirls of a phytoplankton bloom in the North Sea off the coast of eastern Scotland.
Atmosphere Threatened By Nitrogen Pollutants Entering Ocean
A large quantity of nitrogen compounds -- emitted into the atmosphere by humans through the burning of fossil fuels and the use of nitrogen fertilizers -- enters the oceans and...
El Niño May Have Been Factor In Magellan's Pacific Voyage
Archaeologists show that Ferdinand Magellan's historic circumnavigation of the globe was likely influenced in large part by unusual weather conditions -- including what we now know as El Niño --...
Shorebirds "Defy Gravity" to Eat, Study Says
Scientists have unlocked the secret of how shorebirds called phalaropes use fluid dynamics to direct water up their long, slender beaks and into their mouths.
El Niño may have aided first global voyage
The El Niño phenomenon that has puzzled climate scientists in recent decades may have assisted the first trip around the world nearly 500 years ago.
China Quake Delivered Seismic One-Two Punch
The earthquake fault probably buckled in two stages, and the hardness of the terrain contributed to the wide reach of the damage, scientists say.
National Science Board Approves UCAR Proposal to Manage NCAR
The National Science Board has authorized the National Science Foundation to negotiate a new cooperative agreement with the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) to continue to manage and operate...
UN: Mangrove loss 'intensified' Myanmar cyclone damage
According to the UN, destruction of mangroves in Myanmar contributed heavily to the damaged caused by cyclone Nargis last week.
Expert warns climate change will lead to human 'barbarisation'
Climate change will lead to a 'fortress world' in which the rich lock themselves away while the poor must fend for themselves, according to a leading environmental expert
Study; Great Lakes gulls in poor health
OTTAWA, May 15 (UPI) -- It might be assumed stocking the Great Lakes with exotic salmon and trout might be good for gulls but a Canadian study puts...
Does fishing on drifting fish aggregation devices endanger the survival of tropical tuna?
Fishermen hold empirical knowledge that tuna aggregate under floating objects, such as lengths of old rope, pieces of wood, or even large marine mammals. There is still no full explanation...
Soils Contain Huge Amounts Of Ancient Carbon: When Does This Carbon Enter The Atmosphere?
Knowing that soils are a potential climate change time-bomb is nothing new -- but now, for the first time, a group of international scientists have found a way to distinguish...
Opinion: A cool look at global warming scepticism
Many of Professor Don Aitkin’s sceptical comments regarding global warming stem from a misunderstanding of both climate science and the IPCC’s role, argues Dr Geoff Davies.
Skin Deep: Eco-Friendly Paths to Exfoliation
In an age of global warming and high gas prices, is it any wonder that more spa-goers are gravitating to spa products that are cultivated locally?
Sea lions likely died from the heat
(AP) -- The deaths of six sea lions found in traps on the Columbia River earlier this month were likely caused by the heat, and not by gunshots as...
Biologist is Working to Limit Impact of Hydroelectric Dams in Asia
Rivers around the world are being tamed by massive hydroelectric dams. Aquatic biologist Guy Lanza is working to limit the environmental impact of these projects, which he says often deliver...
Charles urges forest logging halt
Prince Charles says the halting of logging in the rainforest is the single greatest solution to climate change.
Climate change may threaten water supply
TUCSON, May 14 (UPI) -- A leading U.S. climatologist says government support is needed for research into the effects of climate change on water supplies.
World's wildlife and environment already hit by climate change, major study shows
90% of environmental damage around the world explained by rising temperatures driven by human activity
Bluestone Boom Opens Quarries to New Allies, and to Change
Mining permits could become permanent for New York’s bluestone industry, which is one of the state’s oldest.
Myanmar Cyclone a "Catastrophe" for Wildlife
The urgent need for food and shelter resulting from the disaster could have a devastating impact on forests and wildlife, conservationists warn.
Japan's earthquake warning system fails again
But officials insist system will work for bigger quakes.