A new study reaffirming that global climate change is human-made also found the upper atmosphere is cooling dramatically because of rising CO2 levels. Scientists are worried about the effect this cooling could have on orbiting satellites, the ozone layer, and Earth’s weather.
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INTERVIEW
Beyond Factory Farms: A New Look at the Rights of Animals
Philosopher Peter Singer’s book, Animal Liberation, helped launch the animal rights movement nearly 50 years ago. He talks with Yale Environment 360 about how we now better understand how animals feel pain and how other species are not so different from humans as we thought.
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Oceans
As Ocean Oxygen Levels Dip, Fish Face an Uncertain Future
Global warming not only increases ocean temperatures, it triggers a cascade of effects that are stripping the seas of oxygen. Fish are already moving to new waters in search of oxygen, and scientists are warning of the long-term threat to fish species and marine ecosystems.
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INTERVIEW
This Zambian Took on a U.K. Mining Giant on Pollution and Won
Chilekwa Mumba led a court battle to hold a U.K.-based company responsible for the gross pollution from a copper mine it owns in Zambia. In an interview, he talks about how he and local villagers faced arrest to overcome long odds and finally win a landmark legal victory.
Pathology
Avian Flu Outbreaks in Marine Mammals Mark New Era for Deadly Virus
A highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza has killed thousands of wild birds and is now infecting seals and other marine mammals. Researchers know the virus can jump from birds to mammals, but they are on alert to see if it can be transmitted from mammal to mammal.
E360 Digest
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As Peak Oil Looms, Exxon Wades into Lithium Mining
Eyeing a future of waning oil demand and rising sales of electric cars, Exxon Mobil is set to begin mining lithium, a key ingredient in EV batteries. More about As Peak Oil Looms, Exxon Wades into Lithium Mining →
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New York City Sinking Under Weight of Skyscrapers
New York City is sinking under the weight of its massive buildings, leaving it more vulnerable to rising seas, a new study finds. More about New York City Sinking Under Weight of Skyscrapers →
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April Heat Wave in South Asia Made 30 Times More Likely by Climate Change
Deadly heat and humidity across India, Bangladesh, Laos, and Thailand in late April was made significantly more likely by climate change, scientists say. More about April Heat Wave in South Asia Made 30 Times More Likely by Climate Change →
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ANTHROPOCENE
A Golden Spike Would Mark the Earth’s Next Epoch: But Where?
Before the Anthropocene can be officially proclaimed, a scientific working group must select a single site that permanently captures the new human-influenced epoch. Nine candidate sites — from California to China to Antarctica — are under consideration, with a decision expected soon.
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WILDLIFE
Hippos Are in Trouble. Will an Endangered Listing Save Them?
Animal welfare groups are pushing the U.S. to list the hippopotamus under the Endangered Species Act, which would lead to restrictions on the import of hippo parts. But experts argue reducing habitat loss and conflict with humans would do more to save this vulnerable species.
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Biodiversity
Long Reviled as ‘Ugly,’ Sea Lampreys Finally Get Some Respect
The sucker-mouthed marine lamprey has been dismissed as grotesque and a threat to sport fish. But fisheries managers in New England and the Pacific Northwest are recognizing the ecological importance of lampreys in their native waters and are stepping up efforts to help them recover.
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ANALYSIS
As Projects Decline, the Era of Building Big Dams Draws to a Close
Escalating construction costs, the rise of solar and wind power, and mounting public opposition have led to a precipitous decrease in massive new hydropower projects. Experts say the world has hit “peak dams,” which conservationists hail as good news for riverine ecosystems.
