PLANET IN PERIL

The Washington Post With coral reefs all over the world suffering ongoing bleaching and death at the hands of warming ocean waters — from remote coral atolls in the Indian Ocean to Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef — the future of these beloved marine ecosystems appears increasingly grim. But while experts almost universally agree that climate change will continue to shape the future of the world’s corals, some scientists insist that there’s still hope for them. Story here.

inside climate news Ticks that flourish as temperatures rise are decimating the once-thriving population. Some experts think reducing moose numbers is the best way to save them. Story here. A moose in Riding Mountain National Park, Canada. PinP photo.

SIERRA CLUB BC The results of the BC election are finally in, and the message is clear: Almost sixty per cent of voters called for a review or cancellation of the Site C dam. Their concerns must be honoured by the incumbent government. Details here.

EcoWatch Green Sea Turtles in Australia's Great Barrier Reef are some of the world's most majestic creatures. They have a lifespan of up to 50 years, but after recent results from blood tests on the marine animals, their health might be in jeopardy. Story here.   Photo by Nize @ English Wikipedi

EcoWatch Nitrous oxide, the main ingredient in laughing gas, is 300 times more potent as a greenhouse gas, than carbon dioxide. And scientists believe it could be leaking from ancient reservoirs beneathArctic permafrost.  Details here. Melting permafrost in Canada's Arctic.  Photo: Charles Tarnocai/Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

nature Ecologists are increasingly looking at how richness of traits — rather than number of species — helps set the health of ecosystems. Details here.

nature What the United States' departure from the historic pact means for efforts to fight global warming. Details here.

The New York Times. This week, the World Health Organization — which works globally to improve human health — will meet in Geneva to select a new director general. We have a mission for that leader: take on factory farms, a major threat to health and the environment. Story here.

SumOfUs Greenpeace and Stand.Earth (formerly Forest Ethics) are getting sued for $300 million by Canada’s largest logging company  to make them shut up. Details here.

The Guardian Surveys taken throughout 2016 show escalating impact from north to south, with 70% of shallow water corals dead north of Port Douglas. Story here. Blue Starfish in the Great Barrier Reef 2004.  Photo by Richard Ling