Bathtub-sized marine sponge rediscovered after a century of extinction

ENN, November 23, 2011

Not found alive for over a century the evocatively named Neptune's cup sponge (Cliona patera) has been rediscovered off the shores of Singapore. Researchers with the environmental consulting DHI Group found the species during a routine dive. Although the specimen they found was small, the goblet-shaped sponge can reach nearly 5 feet (1.5 meters) high and the same in diameter. Read more...

The Social Dimension of Biodiversity Policy

EU, November 23, 2011

A new EU-commissioned report has investigated the social value of biodiversity conservation, particularly in terms of its links to employment. It estimates that 35% of jobs in developing countries and 7% of jobs in the EU are dependent on ecosystem services. The value of biodiversity and its related ecosystems is becoming increasingly recognised in policy. Biodiversity is important in supporting vital ecosystem services (ES) such as provision of clean water, but can also provide social benefits, such as improved employment. The report focussed on the impact of biodiversity on employment and the value of biodiversity and the services provided for vulnerable rural people. Read the report...

Ορφανά αρκουδάκια στον δρόμο της επανένταξης στο φυσικό περιβάλλον

In.gr, 18 Νοεμβρίου 2011

Έμειναν ορφανά από πολύ μικρή ηλικία και βρέθηκαν φοβισμένα και σε κακή κατάσταση σε περιοχές του Άργους Ορεστικού και των Τρικάλων. «Υιοθετήθηκαν» από τον Αρκτούρο και τώρα πλέον, έχουν φτάσει να ζυγίζουν 40 κιλά έκαστο, αφού τρώνε με... άγρια όρεξη μεγάλες ποσότητες από καρύδια, κάστανα, βελανίδια και φρούτα.
Ο λόγος για δύο αρκουδάκια, που είχαν εντοπισθεί, τον περασμένο Απρίλιο, σε ηλικία μόλις δύο μηνών και έκτοτε εντάχθηκαν σε πιλοτικό πρόγραμμα επανένταξης του Αρκτούρου, σε ειδικές εγκαταστάσεις στη Φλώρινα. Διαβάστε περισσότερα...

Warming Revives Dream of Sea Route in Russian Arctic

The New York Times, October 17, 2011

ARKHANGELSK, Russia — Rounding the northernmost tip of Russia in his oceangoing tugboat this summer, Capt. Vladimir V. Bozanov saw plenty of walruses, some pods of beluga whales and in the distance a few icebergs. With an icebreaker leading the way, the Vladimir Tikhonov, carrying gas condensate, passed Cape Dezhnev in late August.
One thing Captain Bozanov did not encounter while towing an industrial barge 2,300 miles across the Arctic Ocean was solid ice blocking his path anywhere along the route. Ten years ago, he said, an ice-free passage, even at the peak of summer, was exceptionally rare.But environmental scientists say there is now no doubt that global warming is shrinking the Arctic ice pack, opening new sea lanes and making the few previously navigable routes near shore accessible more months of the year. And whatever the grim environmental repercussions of greenhouse gas, companies in Russia and other countries around the Arctic Ocean are mining that dark cloud’s silver lining by finding new opportunities for commerce and trade.Read more...

Is the environmental crisis caused by the 7 billion or the 1%?

Grist, November 1, 2011

The world population surpassed 7 billion yesterday. But how much does that matter? Ian Angus and Simon Butler argue that the richest 1% are the real problem. Dave Foreman, on the other hand, contends that all people pose a threat to wild animals and ecosystems. Also: Bill McKibben weighs in on climate and population, and Roger Martin questions the ethics of having more than two kids.

Javan rhino driven to extinction in Vietnam

ENN, October 25, 2011

WWF and the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) have confirmed that the Javan rhinoceros has been driven to extinction in Vietnam. The last known Javan rhino was found dead in the Cat Tien National Park in April 2010. It is thought that the last Javan rhino in Vietnam was a victim of poaching, as it was found with a bullet in its leg and its horn removed. The upsetting findings are presented in a new WWF report, 'Extinction of Javan Rhino from Vietnam'. Read more...

Belgium to Completely Phase Out Nuclear Power by 2025

ENN, November 2, 2011

The small western-European country of Belgium currently has two commercial nuclear sites and a total of seven reactors. Nuclear energy accounts for over half of the nation's power consumption, a total of about 45 billion kilowatt-hours per year. Although typically quite fractured, Belgium's political parties have reached a consensus on nuclear power. The oldest reactors are to be shut down by 2015 and all nuclear reactors at both sites will be shut down by 2025. The plan is conditional on Belgium finding enough energy from alternative sources to prevent power shortages. Read more...