Trump signs order to waive environmental reviews for key projects
Trump signed an executive order Thursday instructing agencies to waive long-standing environmental laws to speed up federal approval for new mines, highways, pipelines and other projects given the current economic emergency. Declaring an economic emergency lets the president invoke a section of federal law allowing “action with significant environmental impact” without observing normal requirements imposed by laws
Putin declares state of emergency after massive fuel leak pollutes river in the Arctic Circle
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a state of emergency in the Siberian city of Norilsk after a massive fuel leak spilled into a river. Environmentalists call it one of the worst ever seen in the Arctic.
Scientists tackle starfish plagues on endangered Great Barrier Reef
Crown-of-thorns starfish are the second biggest threat to the already endangered Great Barrier Reef — the world’s largest coral reef system, right behind tropical cyclones. Over the past decades, they have attacked the reefs in waves of outbreaks.
Powerful coastal landslide: buildings swept away in Alta, Norway
Several houses have been swept into the sea following a powerful landslide in Alta municipality, northern Norway.
Sixth mass extinction of wildlife accelerating, scientists warn
Analysis shows 500 species on brink of extinction – as many as were lost over previous century.
Barcelona beach trip for recovering patients
Spanish coronavirus patients are taking trips to the seaside as part of their recovery from the illness.
Mumbai bracing for the ‘first cyclone in years’
The heaving city of 20 million people, which is India’s financial and entertainment capital, has been spared of cyclones in modern history. Mumbai hasn’t “experienced a serious cyclone landfall since 1891”. All that could change on Wednesday when a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds from 100 to 120 kmph (60 to 75 mph) could hit the city and India’s western coast.
Satellites Show Scale Of Suspected Illegal Dredging In South China Sea
An unrelenting fleet of China-based dredging vessels are churning up the South China Sea. They are accused of acting illegally, and of causing ecological damage. Satellite images show the incredible scale of the activity.
New Zealand blue whale distribution patterns tied to ocean conditions, prey availability
The researchers who recently discovered a population of blue whales in New Zealand are learning more about the links between the whales, their prey and ocean conditions that are changing as the planet warms.