To say that ‘Moscow is experiencing forest fires’ doesn’t really capture the maginitude of the impact. NASA has released an infrared video taken with an instrument on its Echo satellite that shows the amount of carbon monoxide at 18,000 feet. The cloud blankets a wide portion of western Russia.
Archive for the ‘Impacts’ Category
NASA tracks pollution flow from Russian fires
Friday, August 13th, 2010Drought strains Russian wheat supplies
Monday, August 9th, 2010Expect to pay more for a loaf of bread this Fall. Severe weather has reduced wheat crops worldwide, driving up prices. In Russia, drought has cut the winter crop by 20%, and sparked wildfires. In Ukraine, officials have imposed a wheat export ban. Europe is too hot and dry, Canada too wet.
Millions face starvation as Niger prays in vain for rain
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010Is this a manifestation of global warming or just a “normal” drought? Does it matter? Either way it’s a human disaster.
Indonesia agrees to curb commercial deforestation
Friday, June 4th, 2010Indonesia will not clear natural forests for two years under the U.N.-backed effort “Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation.” or REDD, in which rich countries pay to preserve forests in developing ones. Skepticism abounds that Indonesia will meet its goals, but it says it will.
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Mapping the city
Thursday, May 13th, 2010A follow up to the last post.
Scientists don’t work in laboratories all the time. These pictures show two scientists criss-crossing New York City in a small plane using lasers to create a detailed map of the city that will help it respond to emergencies and meet its environmental goals. The pictures also show what they saw.
With flyover, a solar map of New York
Thursday, May 13th, 2010Using flyovers and lasers, New York City is developing a detailed 3-D map to improve its emergency response and achieve its environmental goals. To be produced by year end, it will detect areas most prone to flooding, best places to install solar power, and which neighborhoods most need trees.
Study says U.S. waterways are warming
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010The first major analysis of streams and rivers in the U.S., has found that 20 major rivers are warming at 0.02-0.14 degrees per year. Urban areas in general and the Delaware River in particular are warming fastest. Mitigation and adaption strategies are needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Countries blame China, not nature, for water shortage
Monday, April 5th, 2010The worst drought in 50 years is ravaging much of Asia. China, which has built four dams along the Mekong River, faces ire from neighbors for causing the drought. Yet scientific evidence suggests low rainfall is the culprit. China is trying to counter the perception that the dams are to blame.
Climate change threatens migratory birds, report says
Monday, March 22nd, 2010Climate change stress threatens hundreds of species of migratory birds in the U.S., according to an Interior Department report. Nearly a third of the country’s 800 bird species are in danger. Oceanic and shore birds are most vulnerable. Birds indicate the health of the environment; it’s in trouble.
Deal to save Everglades may help sugar firm
Monday, March 22nd, 2010It’s depressing. In 2008, United States Sugar agreed to sell Florida large tracts of land in the Everglades, a sale that would foster their recovery and preservation. But in 2009 the recession forced a cut-back in scope, and decisions by state officials largely have benefitted the sugar company.