Growing mega-cities will displace vast tracts of farmland by 2030, study says

theguardian

Cropland losses will have consequences especially for Asia and Africa, which will experience growing food insecurity as cities expand. Story here.

Scientists are trying to save the climate from toxic cow burps

The Washington Post

Earth has a cow problem. Story here.

USDA photo

El Niño on a warming planet may have sparked the Zika epidemic, scientists report

The Washington Post

In a world characterized by rising temperatures, deforestation and other human influences on the environment, the spread of infectious disease is a hot topic. Many recent studies suggest that environmental changes can affect the transmission of everything from malaria to the Zika virus — and it’s increasingly important to understand these links, scientists say. Story here.

Nearly 3,000 US Communities Have Lead Levels Higher Than Flint: Reuters

CommonDreams

Advocates hope new investigation will spur action from community leaders, as aid and attention have been slim. Story here.

UN: Huge emissions cuts needed to meet Paris climate goals

CTV News

The world is nowhere near on track to achieve the ambitious temperature goals adopted in the landmark Paris Agreement on climate change, the UN said Thursday in a sobering report that warned of a human tragedy unless governments stepped up efforts to fight global warming. Story here.

Arctic drilling ban reveals crucial difference between Obama and Trudeau on climate

Nation of Change

Prime Minister Trudeau continues to cling to an ideological and dangerous assertion that his government has no responsibility to restrict fossil fuel supply in the middle of a global climate crisis. Story here.

My Latest Letter. Will it Make You Angry? I Hope So! (But Not at Me!)

by Larry Powell

It’s like a nightmare in slow-motion.

Just when you think Trump has made the worst possible choice for his cabinet, he announces another who’s even worse.