From extreme drought to record rain: Why California's drought-to-deluge cycle is getting worse

Los Angeles Times

California's climate has long been dominated by cycles of intense dry conditions, followed by heavy rain and snow. But never before in recorded history has the state seen such an extreme drought-to-deluge swing. Details here.

Water rages under a bridge in Nevada City, California in January. Photo Credit - California Department of Water Resources

Global Warming Could Thaw Far More Permafrost Than Expected, Study Says

 inside

climate

 news

Research says more than 40 percent of the frozen tundra could un-freeze if global temperatures continue to rise, scientists. Story here.







An exceptionally warm summer in 2004 triggered this 300m long slump associated with thawing permafrost at a national preserve in Alaska. NPS climate change response.

Follow China’s example, shut down ivory factories and shops, UN agency urges countries

UN News Centre

Applauding the Chinese Government’s closure of many of its ivory factories and retail outlets, the United Nations environment wing has called on other countries and territories to follow China’s example and improve the survival prospects for elephants across the world. Story here. 

An Asian elephant in a park in India. Photo credit - Wikipedia.

How climate change could make air travel even more unpleasant

The Washington Post

Flight turbulence could increase significantly under climate change, a study warns, potentially upping the risk of injury — or at least flight anxiety — for future airline passengers. Furthermore, fuel and maintenance costs for carriers could rise. Story here.

Photo credit: Riik@mctr

Review of pork industry wouldn't be hogwash

Editorial Winnipeg Free Press In case you hadn’t noticed, the province has gone hog wild for changes to the pork industry. Story here.

Popular Farm Pesticide Found in (US) Drinking Water

Eco Watch

Machinery sits ready to plant another field of "neonic" seeds in Manitoba. PinP photo.

After evidence of pesticides killing off pollinators surfaced in 2016, scientists went on a quest to see if pesticides were seeping into anything else. Now, in an unprecedented study, the U.S. Geological Survey and University of Iowa reported findings of neonicotinoids—a class of pesticide used to kill off insects—in treated drinking water, marking the first time these chemicals have ever been identified. Story here.

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In Canada, the propensity of "neonics" to get into ground and surface water has been known for some time. Please read "New Studies Show Farm Chemicals Are Affecting More Than Bees. Bird Populations are Declining, Too. Is modern agriculture's hold on nature becoming a death grip?" 

Last-ditch attempt to save world's most endangered porpoise gets go-ahead

nature

Two vaquitas (Phocoena sinus) - a critically endangered porpoise species endemic to the northern part of the Gulf of California. It is considered the smallest and most endangered cetacean in the world. Photo credit - NOAA.

Funds approved for plan to round up last 30 vaquitas into protective 'sea pens.' Story here.

Climate change impacting ‘most’ species on Earth, even down to their genomes

theguardian

Three recent studies point to just how broad, bizarre, and potentially devastating climate change is to life on Earth. And we’ve only seen one degree Celsius of warming so far. Story here.

Some moose populations in Canada are doing well while others 
are threatened by habitat loss & degradation. PinP photo.

Why are fire seasons longer? People.

High Country News

New research finds illegal campfires, cigarette butts and other accidental ignitions have nearly tripled the (US) wildfire season. Story here.

Coconino National Forest, Arizona. 
Jonathan Horn photo.

Lyme disease is set to explode and we still don’t have a vaccine

New Scientist

A new prediction says 2017 and 2018 will see major Lyme 
disease outbreaks in new areas. This could lead to lifelong 
consequences, so where's the vaccine?  Story here.

Donald Trump’s attack on fresh water should be a wake-up call for Canadians

The Hill Times

The recent release of the Canadian budget is a real opportunity for our current government to send a message to the rest of the world - that, despite the current political climate, we take our environment seriously. Story here.

Lake Superior, Minnesota. EPA photo.