Posts

Wild rice on the Bad River Reservation in northern Wisconsin is in the floating leaf stage by early June, with a single shoot lying on the water’s surface. This is considered one of the most critical—and and dangerous—stages in the rice’s life cycle. The plants are just beginning to change physiologically from exchanging gases with the water column to exchanging gases with the air. Therefore, they are very susceptible to heavy rains and flooding events that can either rip out the young plants by the roots, or drown them. June 6, 2011.

Where Food Grows on Water: Environmental and Human Threats to Wisconsin’s Wild Rice

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For generations, the upper Great Lakes region has boasted harvests of wild rice, growing in Lake Superior and other watersheds within the basin. But disease, dams, and climate change are now endangering the uncultivated bounty.
UNESCO

United Nations Urges Ethiopia to Suspend Gibe III Dam Construction

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In June, a committee concluded that the construction of the dam endangered the existence of Lake Turkana, the largest desert lake in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
China Environment Forum

U.S. House Passes Bill to Accelerate Decision on Tar Sands Keystone XL Pipeline

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If the Republican-sponsored bill passes the Democrat-controlled Senate, the final decision could come by the beginning of November.

United Nations Stalemates on Climate Change and Security

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Climate change became a hot-button issue at a recent U.N. Security…
Infographic: Map of Pollution Levels in China

Infographic: Map of Pollution Levels in China’s Major River Basins

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The seven major river basins, as a whole, have had steady improvements in water quality over the past decade.
China Environment Forum

Peter Gleick: The California Drought (2007-2009) – Myth Versus Reality

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It has been a wet year. Very wet. But remember the drought? California…
European Fracking Infographic

Infographic: Fracking Imports and Exports in Europe — Natural Gas Reserves, Production, and Consumption by Country

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How do shale gas reserves measure up in European countries?

Uncertain Future for Shale Gas in Europe — Accepted by U.K., Rejected by France, Others Undecided

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Despite getting a go-ahead in the U.K., shale gas faces an uncertain future in Europe.
Ocean Currents: Harness installation on primary structure

NASA Mission Measures How Ocean Salinity Affects Climate and Water Cycle

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Launching in June, the Aquarius satellite mission will improve scientific understanding of the global water cycle.
Top Ten Endangered Rivers

U.S. Conservation Group Releases Top 10 ‘Endangered Rivers’ Report

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American Rivers' annual list highlights waterways with an immediate threat to their ecosystems.
Au Sable

Divided Michigan Supreme Court Overturns Anglers of the Au Sable Decision, Reverses Environmental Victory

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The Michigan Supreme Court’s new conservative majority overturned a four-month-old court decision by a 4-3 margin this week, casting doubt on the rights of state citizens to sue over environmental harm.
China Environment Forum

Event Invitation—Choke Point: Confronting Energy Demand and Water Scarcity in China

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Circle of Blue and the China Environment Forum at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars will give an absorbing presentation on the energy-water choke points that are tightening around the world’s two largest economies. Please RSVP for May 6, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.