Potential new source of renewable energy found in humidity

http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/47099


An amazing potential new renewable source of energy has been discovered, it is the unused evaporating water. Generators will be driven, with the help of spores of bacteria, by changes in humidity from sun warmed bodies of water. The sheets of bacteria work like a pinecone, when it is dry the sheet curls up, and then returns to normal shape when humidity rises. Along with other existing renewables, this could solve the world energy crisis. This is the largest source of energy that earth has to offer, 70% of our earth is untapped energy waiting for this technology. No one has developed this technology yet, however it is quite promising.

New Mexico Uranium Enrichment Plant to Address Two Apparent Violations

https://nuclearstreet.com/nuclear_power_industry_news/b/nuclear_power_news/archive/2014/02/24/new-mexico-uranium-enrichment-plant-to-address-two-apparent-violations-022401.aspx

In New Mexico, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has threatened to take actions against an uranium enrichment plant following two inccidents. The first incident was record-keeping mistake. It was an incorrect log of the mass of uranium in bottles undergoing decontamination. The incident was taken care of and minimal critical level was not triggered. This failure of something so simple as management is frigthening, considering the risks invovled with nuclear power. The second inccident occurred when bottles of the previous uranium were handled in a pleixglass box on a cart. 8 bottles were in critical mass and there weren't any saftey procedures to deal with the situation. The agency will make an enforcement date later. 

Up to 82,000 Tons of Toxic Coal Ash Spilled Into North Carolina River

http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/46985

In Eden, North Carolinia, a stormwater pipe under a pond of coal ash burst, displacing thousands of tons of coal ash into the nearby Dan River. Duke Energy, the company who own the Dan River Steam Station estimates that up to 27 million gallons of water are now polluted. There has been a temporary solution to the problem, however a permenant solution is still being decided. Duke has 14 coal plants in the state, with 7 of them retired. Many people believe that Duke should clean up the polluntants. This is also not the first ashspill. The Tennesse Valley Authority accidentally spilled over a billion tons of ash spread out over 300 acres of land. The EPA is finallly processing laws about proper coal ash cleanup.

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.