Booming Coal Exports Threaten the Great Barrier Reef

living on earth

UNESCO is threatening to take the Great Barrier Reef off its list of World Heritage sites in the wake of Australia’s decision to build new coal transport facilities on the Queensland coast. Tim McDonnell of Mother Jones magazine's Climate Desk joins host Steve Curwood to explain how an increase in shipping could damage the vulnerable reef. Details here.

PLT: Just when you think human idiocy has reached rock bottom, behold! A new low! If I were an insensitive, heartless beast, I'd be tempted to say I have no sympathy for the victims of the terrible floods and wildfires which have swept that continent in recent years. But I'm not, so I won't!

Photo credit - Tourist Destinations

Mine Proposed in a Manitoba, Canada Park

Manitoba Wildlands

The Manitoba government is reviewing a new copper mine in Grass River   Provincial Park. An environmental license has not been granted. Forest   in the project area has been cleared, and work on the mineshaft already   commenced before the public comment period even began. The public has   until February 19, 2013 to provide comments. Details here. Moose in a SK park. PLT photo PLT: I know at least one NDP "insider" who is dumbfounded because his party and other "progressives" like the Greens have so much in common, yet can't seem to get together in some sort of union. Perhaps this story will help explain why! Interestingly, a recent Manitoba Wildands poll shows 100% of those asked, want no mines at all in our provincial parks. So who does our provincial government represent? Rich mining interests or the people?

North Dakota Went Boom

New York Times Magazine

It’s hard to think of what oil hasn’t done to life in the small communities of western North Dakota, good and bad. It has minted millionaires, paid off mortgages, created businesses; it has raised rents, stressed roads, vexed planners and overwhelmed schools; it has polluted streams, spoiled fields and boosted crime. Full story here.

US Energy Secretary Steven Chu Resigns, Chastises Climate Deniers And Clean-Energy Critics

Huffington Post

In a wide-ranging and sometimes defiant letter to staff announcing his resignation on Friday, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, while highlighting his agency's achievements over the last four years, blasted critics of the administration's investment in the renewable energy market, suggesting that opponents were living in the "Stone Age." Details here.

Harper Names Top Adviser!

Paths Less Traveled would like to congratulate Wiarton Willy on his appointement as Stephen Harper's Chief Advisor on Climate Change!

 PLT photo

EU Stands Strong Against Canadian Tar Sands Lobbying

Climate Action Network Canada

The European Commission's plan to label dirty fuel could throw a curve ball in Canada's mission to diversify tar sands exports. Full story here. 

State Waters Might See More Oil-Tanker Traffic

Seattle Times

Oil-tanker traffic is expected to increase in Washington waters under an expansion proposal by a Canadian pipeline company. Full story here.

PLT: It just never stops, does it? The oil creeps continue to spread their poison like a deadly cancer. Do they ever sleep?