South Africa: Setback for Giant West Coast Mine Project
The government has rejected an application by a controversial Australian mining company for a huge expansion of its existing Tormin heavy mineral sands mine near Koekenaap on the West Coast. Tormin has been in operation since October 2013, produces heavy sands minerals from the beach.
More Than 1,000 Starfish Wash up on South Carolina Beaches
“Mass starfish strandings” are more common than we think.
Sewage spill closes eight Monterey beaches, CA
A massive sewage spill at the Monterey One Water wastewater treatment facility early Saturday morning has closed eight beaches. Approximately 4.9 million gallons of sewage spilled from the wastewater treatment facility.
More oyster reefs could help fight erosion on Texas coast
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department in the past 10 years has built more than 400 acres of oyster reef off the coast — multimillion dollar projects intended to jump start the harvest of oysters, particularly after hurricanes and drought devastated the resource.
Great Barrier Reef coral bleaching has started early, biologist says
Warm water has already begun bleaching coral on the Great Barrier Reef, weeks ahead of the period with highest forecast risk. Satellite data suggest widespread bleaching is possible by March.
With China’s Ban on Waste Imports, Europe Announces New Recycling Initiatives
In the wake of China’s ban on the import of foreign garbage, which took effect earlier this month, countries across the globe are scrambling to figure out what to do with the thousands of tons of trash piling up at their ports. Now, Europe has announced it is launching an aggressive new recycling initiative to reduce plastic waste and garbage exports.
Public Health Closes Some Santa Barbara County Beaches, Ocean Waters After Testing
Ocean water samples taken on Tuesday were tested for bacteria levels and test results reveal that levels of bacteria do exceed standard levels in ocean water at some beaches.
A really big deal’: New York City’s fossil fuel divestment could spur global shift
New York City’s decision to sever ties with its fossil fuel investments is set to prove a catalyst to other cities in the face of the Trump administration’s staunch support for coal, oil and gas interests, according to several leading economists.
Long-Term Warming Trend Continued in 2017: NASA, NOAA
Earth’s global surface temperatures in 2017 ranked as the second warmest since 1880, according to an analysis by NASA.