Pipeline breach spills oil into Yellowstone River

Posted on January 19, 2015 by GarryRogers

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) 1/18/15 — “Montana officials said Sunday that an oil pipeline breach spilled up to 50,000 gallons of oil into the Yellowstone River near Glendive, Montana, but they said they are unaware of any threats to public safety or health.

“The Bridger Pipeline Co. said the spill occurred about 10 a.m. Saturday. The initial estimate is that 300 to 1,200 barrels of oil spilled, the company said in a statement Sunday.

“Some of the oil did get into the water, but the area where it spilled was frozen over and that could help reduce the impact, said Dave Parker, a spokesman for Gov. Steve Bullock” (Associated Press).

GR: It is unfortunate that the safety of wildlife is not an instant concern for government and company representatives.

Under-the-Radar Environmental Stories for 2015: The Furtive Five

Posted on January 4, 2015 by GarryRogers

Between crazy weather, international events, and global agreements, 2014 was a year in which climate change took center stage. Whether it was a catastrophic drought in California, accelerated ice melting in Antarctica, or even record-breaking heat disrupting the Australian Open, the impacts of climate change are being felt around the world—and people are starting to take notice.

As we begin the new year, however, there are a number of stories slipping past the public eye that are worth highlighting. Five stand out.

–Siberia’s Natural Resources—Exploited without Scrutiny

–A New Grand Canal

–The Smog of Iran

–The Brazilian Amazon—Is It Really on the Upswing?

–Environmental reporting on the upswing?

Source: voices.nationalgeographic.com

GR: I have to add –Population and –Invasive species. There were some reports in 2014, but the serious nature of these environmental problems should have generated much more thought and commentary.

California’s Environmental Devastation: Waking Up Is Hard to Do

Posted on January 2, 2015 by GarryRogers

California remains emblematic of the American dream – and of how that has become a nightmare. Read more.

Source: truth-out.org

GR: Anyone familiar with natural landscapes recognizes that California has suffered destruction on a grand scale. So great has been the loss of wildlife and wild habitat, thousands of years will be required for recovery once we are gone. The longer we remain, the more that is permanently lost.

UN sends team to clean up Sunderbans oil spill in Bangladesh

Posted on December 18, 2014 by GarryRogers

Thick tar clogging 350 sq km of delicate mangrove forest and river delta, home to endangered Bengal tigers and rare dolphins The United Nations said on Thursday it has sent a team of international experts to Bangladesh to help clean up the world’s…

Source: www.theguardian.com

GR: In many instances, we can’t rely on local governments to clean up environmental impacts. Perhaps the UN could play a larger role, become more of an emergency environmental disaster relief organization.

Squirrels and beavers contributing to global warming more than previously thought

Posted on December 18, 2014 by GarryRogers

Arctic ground squirrels churn up and warm soil in the Tundra, releasing carbon dioxide, while beavers contributes 200 times more methane than they did 100 years ago

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

GR: Lot’s of worthwhile comments for this one. Here’s mine: “Squirrels improve soils, beaver reduce flooding, and both species feed predators. Dynamic balance occurs. What can balance humans?”

The new climate denialism: More carbon dioxide is a good thing

Posted on December 15, 2014 by GarryRogers

The industry now says we need more CO2 in our lives, not less.

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

GR: The energy consultant who said this was trying to make a joke, wasn’t he? . . . If he wasn’t, his presentation to the U. S. Energy Association in the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., may reveal frightening stupidity amongst influential energy industry personnel.

Groups want public lands bills pulled from defense act

Posted on December 9, 2014 by GarryRogers

A coalition of 47 environmental organizations called on U.S. senators Monday to remove public lands riders from the Defense Authorization Act

Source: www.greatfallstribune.com

GR: In a typical anti-nature move, the House is trying to benefit corporate sponsors with this bill. Deforestation, mining, and weakened public lands protection–everything a greedy politician could hope for.