Gas company to drill in Manu National Park buffer zone, imperiling indigenous people

http://www.enn.com/wildlife/article/46981


In Peru, the Peruvian government has approved for the drilling of gas in the buffer zone of the Manu National Park, which is home to indigenous people. The gas company, Pluspetrol, has been highly reviewed and analyzed as well as effects of the drilling after meeting approval. There has been repeated criticism from the indigenous and society. Seismic tests have been outlawed in indigenous native areas, however been approved for most of the area. There will be 18 exploratory wells in six different locations. Unfortunately for the native group, the Nahua , could become devastated or possibly extinct because of this action.

Oil production in Greenland? Maybe not

http://www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/46919


Due to receding ice levels in the Artic, oil and gas companies have been clamoring in order to tap potentially 1/4 of the world's oil reserves. There was found to be oil in Greenland. However,, no one as applied to drill, which will be due by February 1. This is the third year in a row this has occurred. The potential huge reserves are in the Northwestern part of the country. Even with the retreating ice, conditions for drilling re still too extreme. Hopefully Greenland remains this way.

Colorado River Drought Forces a Painful Reckoning for States

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/06/us/colorado-river-drought-forces-a-painful-reckoning-for-states.html?_r=0


The Colorado River is being seriously threatened by man. Within the foreseeable future, there is a chance the Colorado River will dry up. A 14 year draught unlike any other is suffocating the region. Reservoirs are falling, clear blue water turned to sluggish brown and canyon rock displaying the depleting levels. Authorities are going to decrease the amount of water into Lake Mead to attempt to assist the Colorado. It is also suggested that water rationing can begin as soon as 2015. Subsidies are being provided to low water use appliances and green lawns are being ripped up. An almost billion dollar tunnel is being made since the previous two tunnels are becoming dry.Climate change is also making the region drier. The southwestern U.S. will surely be a battleground for water.

Climate Change Could Cause Deepwater Die-Off

http://news.yahoo.com/climate-change-could-cause-deep-water-die-off-232508755.html


It is an undeniable fact: climate change is destroying the world's oceans. We all know that warmer temperatures are bleaching coral reefs. However, new evidence indicates that climate change is killing creatures that live 4 miles below in permanent darkness. As a result of climate change, fewer nutrients are reaching the bottom, an area of already scarce resources. A massive die off of sea cumbers, worms, and sea urchins is bound to happen by 2100 if current admissions are consistent. Good news is that the exotic clams and tube worms that were discovered do not require nutrients. However, there are many undiscovered species unknown to science and their role on this planet might be lost before it is found.  

Five endangered Chinese turtles born in U.S. zoo

http://news.yahoo.com/five-endangered-chinese-turtles-born-u-zoo-191207001.html


For the first time, 5 endangered Chinese big-headed turtles were born in a U.S. zoo, in the Wildlife Conservation Society's Prospect Park Zoo in Brooklyn. These hatchlings are extremely significant since so many turtles and tortoises face extinction. These turtles are green and are called bigheaded because their heads are too large to put into their shells. They are popular pets in China and Southeast Asia, which contributes to their endangered status. There are a total of 15 big-headed turtles in New York City, which aims to bolter turtle numbers and hopefully prevent extinction.

On World Population Day, Unpacking 9.6 Billion by 2050

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/13/1307011-population-census-united-nations-un-demographics-world-population-day-birthrate/


It is an undeniable fact. The human population is experiencing exponential growth and is straining the  planet's natural resources. The UN estimates that by 2050, there will be 9.6 billion people on earth, an increase from the 2000 projection of 8.9 billion. However, there are three main projections that define the growth; high medium and low. The high is predicting 10.9 billion while the low is predicting 8.3 billion. It all depends on women have a half a child more or less. The middle on is the one that attracts the most attention. The HIV virus is expected to be a major factor in the population growth since it is so widespread and has no known cure. This are also just estimates, it all depends on fertility rate and standard of living there is plenty of room for error. For all we know a great catastrophe could wipe us out.

Another rotten Grinch tale

http://www.enn.com/ecosystems/article/46747

This year's Christmas might be without Christmas trees for some Americans. A fungus called Phytophthora root rot is afflicting trees in Oregon and in North Carolina, affecting nearly all Christmas tree species. Tree farms are most susceptible because of density and the soil is usually poorly drained. What makes this so deadly is that it is difficult to detect, and can only be done through a laboratory analysis. there is also no known cure for the root rot. If this is not contained, more than 304 million dollars could be lost in Oregon alone. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is spreading word of this fungus in order to get firm aware and regularly check their trees.