Rising Temperatures Load the Dice for Megadrought Risk

State of the Planet.

As the American Southwest grows hotter, the risk of severe, long-lasting megadroughts rises, passing 90 percent likelihood by the end of the century if greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current pace, a new study says. If we aggressively reduce emissions, however, we can cut that risk substantially, the authors write. Story here.

UN: Global agriculture needs a ‘profound transformation’ to fight climate change and protect food security

The Washington Post

Climate change has already begun to affect the world’s food production, a new report from the United Nations warns — and unless significant action is taken, it could put millions more people at risk of hunger and poverty in the next few decades. Story here. 

Changing Climate Threatens World’s Smallholder Farmers

UNITED NATIONS (IPS) - Farmers are already experiencing the effects of climate change but can also help to fight it, according to a new report released by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Story here.

Hundreds of deep-sea vents found spewing methane off US coast

New Scientist

Methane is gushing forth from hundreds of newly-discovered deep-sea vents all along the US’s western seaboard. Story here.

World's Mammals Being Eaten Into Extinction, Report Warns

theguardian

First global assessment finds 301 species are primarily at risk from human hunting for the bushmeat trade. Story here.

TV 'Cast Takes a Snapshot of the State-of-the-World.

HOT OFF THE PRESSES! Watch Larry's latest newscast, below, produced for NACTV, his local community access channel in Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada. Find out how monster, killer windstorms, fuelled by warming oceans, are continuing reminders of just how vulnerable Earth is to the powerful forces man is unleashing on this place we call "home." Find out why a new name for the era in which we live, is so significant; and how the riches of our oceans are under threat as never before.

Hottest September on Record Basically "Locks In" 2016 as Hottest Year: NASA

CommonDreams

Latest statistics follow several consecutive precedent-setting periods, including August tying July for hottest month since record-keeping began. Story here.


Sunset in Manitoba PinP photo.

First Nation Considering Lawsuit After Diesel Spill Destroys Clam Beds

NATIONAL

OBSERVER

Salvage crews have removed more than 23,000 litres of diesel from a sunken tug on British Columbia's central coast, but a local First Nation said Tuesday that the damage has already been done and a lawsuit could be on its way. Story here.

Millions Face Hunger by 2030 Without 'Deep Transformation' of Agriculture: UN

CommonDreams

An additional 122 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty and hunger as a result of climate change impacts on small-scale farmers. Story here.

Diesel Containment Failing After Spill on B.C. Coast

NATIONAL

OBSERVER

Efforts to contain a diesel spill on the British Columbia coast are failing after more than three days of round-the-clock efforts by first responders. Story here.

Millions of Chickens Feared Dead at Factory Farms in Wake of Hurricane Matthew

EcoWatch

After surveying the damage, environmentalists are expressing concerns after they found flooding at factory farms and coal ash sites fearing toxins could spread through miles of waterways. Story here.

Backyard chickens in Manitoba. PinP photo.