Smoke and Mirrors

George Monbiot - theguardian

Pollution, as scandals on both sides of the Atlantic show, is a physical manifestation of corruption. Story here.

With New Ban on Cultivation, Northern Ireland Joins EU's Anti-GMO Ranks

Common Dreams

Environment minister expresses "concern" that growing GMOs would tarnish nation's "clean and green image.” Story here.

The Ill-Fated Voyage of the Atlantic Charger. A Predictable End? (Editorial)

by Larry Powell

I find it hard to sympathize with the crew of the Atlantic Charger, the Canadian fishing boat which sank in Frobisher Bay this week. The 9 fishers had to be rescued by heroic members of our coast guard, who have saved the bacon of many people like this who go to places where they do not belong. This state-of-the-art vessel, replete with a skull and crossbones emblazoned on its bow, was out to conquer what is left of our dying oceans, now overfished beyond recall by people like this. Instead of respecting the relentless advance of climate change and staying the Hell away, this macho nine would rather go down in history as part of the crew that is wrecking our common home, Earth. I hope they are made to pay every cent of the cost of the rescue. I really don’t understand why you or me should be stuck with any of the cost of their stupidity, greed and machismo.

In California, a Paltry Snowpack Not Seen in Centuries

CLIMATE CENTRAL

When California officials went out on April 1 this year to measure the amount of snow that had accumulated on mountain slopes over the winter, they were met with bleak scenes of dried, brown grass. The snowpack was so bad — a measly 6 percent of normal — that there was nothing like it in the 120 years of records. STORY HERE.

Water Hazard

Center for Food Safety

Researchers across the United States, Canada, and Europe are repeatedly finding high levels of neonicotinoid residues that exceed vital standards set to protect aquatic life. STORY HERE.

Related: New Studies Show Farm Chemicals Are Affecting More Than Bees. Bird Populations are Declining, Too.

Hawaii to Experience Worst-Ever Coral Bleaching Due to High Ocean Temperatures

theguardian

Corals are recovering from last year’s bleaching but warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures this year will likely lead to deadlier year for coral reef. Story here.

More Than 500 Homes Are Lost in Butte, California Wildfire

Los Angeles Times

More than 500 homes have been destroyed in a wildfire that is burning in Calaveras and Amador counties. Story here.

Endangered Fish Species Missing the Safety Net

CBC Radio Quirks & Quarks - A team of Canadian Scientists has looked at Canada's system for protecting endangered marine species and discovered that almost none is receiving protection despite policies and legal requirements. Listen here.

Global Warming ‘Pause’ Never Happened, Scientists Say

The Washington Post

The climate science sphere has been wrapped up in a major debate for the past several years: over the global warming “pause.” But now, a growing body of research has some scientists saying that the case may, in fact, be closed. They’re arguing that the pause never existed. Story here.

Death Toll in California Wildfires Rises to Five

Los Angeles Times

The number of victims from massive wildfires raking Northern California has grown to five, with two more bodies recovered in the Valley Fire. Story here.

Pesticides in Paradise: Hawaii's Spike in Birth Defects Puts Focus on GM Crops

theguardian

Local doctors are in the eye of a storm swirling for the past three years over whether corn that’s been genetically modified to resist pesticides is a source of prosperity, as companies claim, or of birth defects and illnesses. Story here.