Downgraded Cyclone Pam Still Fairly Nasty, New Zealand
Despite being downgraded, ex-tropical Cyclone Pam continues its southward track, bringing high winds, and rising sea and river levels.
Coastal Mangrove Squeeze in the Mekong Delta
The role of mangrove forests in providing coastal zone stability and protection against flooding is increasingly recognized. The specific root, stem, and canopy system of mangroves is highly efficient in attenuating waves and currents. The sheltered environment created by a healthy mangrove forest offers great sedimentation potential.
Starving Sea Lion Pups Stranding on California Coast
More than 1,100 starving and sickly sea lion pups have washed up along California’s coastline this winter. Rescue centers are working round the clock to try and rehabilitate hundreds of them to release them back into the wild.
Cyclone Pam Prompts Action for Vanuatu at Sendai Conference
Cyclone Pam has not only caused unprecedented damages to the Pacific island of Vanuatu but also lent urgency to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s plea that disaster risk reduction is in everybody’s interest.