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

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climate

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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.