Michele Kearney's Environmental Blog - Environmental degradation and waning natural resources including energy resources threaten U.S. security. And the loss of renewable natural resources, including forests, fresh water, fish and fertile soils, can drive political instability and conflict in the developing world, and around the globe. In short, natural resoures, energy and the environment are national security issues.
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Saturday, August 20, 2011
Lessons learned from the two worst oils spills in US history: Microbes matter
Lessons learned from the two worst oils spills in US history: Microbes matter
One year after the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and two decades after the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska's Prince William Sound, the scientific lesson is clear -- microbes matter! Despite vast differences in the ecosystems and circumstances of these two worst oil spills in US history, oil-degrading microorganisms played a significant role in reducing the overall environmental impact of both spills, scientists report.
Fukushima: Early stage China Syndrome? Global media blackout
Fukushima: Early stage China Syndrome? Global media blackout
Examiner.com
Since Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear energy plant has reportedly released 20 times the radiation contamination amount of the Hiroshima bomb, and its molten core is sinking through the Earth's crust, it appears to be in early stages of a "total China ...
Examiner.com
Since Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear energy plant has reportedly released 20 times the radiation contamination amount of the Hiroshima bomb, and its molten core is sinking through the Earth's crust, it appears to be in early stages of a "total China ...
USGS Arctic Ocean Research: A Polar Ocean Acidification Study
USGS Arctic Ocean Research: A Polar Ocean Acidification Study
US EPA announces nationwide plans to study fracking impacts
US EPA announces nationwide plans to study fracking impacts
Friday, August 19, 2011
Gulf of Mexico oil crew ignored warnings: probe
Gulf of Mexico oil crew ignored warnings: probe
The crew of an oil rig that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico last year causing one of the worst oil spills in US history ignored warning signs a disaster was imminent, an investigator said Friday.
The crew of an oil rig that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico last year causing one of the worst oil spills in US history ignored warning signs a disaster was imminent, an investigator said Friday.
Northern Colorado fracking concerns escalate
Northern Colorado fracking concerns escalate
No evidence points to fluids having contaminated drinking water in Larimer or Weld counties, however
Alberta calling for review into oil, gas fracking
| Alberta NDP calling for review into oil, gas fracking 0 Edmonton Sun Alberta's NDP are calling for a review to uncover “un-regulated” oil and gas fracking in the province. Rachel Notley, NDP environment critic, presented what she calls a leaked government document Thursday that allegedly shows a government plan to cover ... |
Shale gas: Can we safely tap a huge resource?
Shale gas: Can we safely tap a huge resource?
Washington Post
Shale gas and associated hydrocarbon liquids are produced by hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” One million to 5 million gallons of fracking fluid — a mixture of water, sand and chemical additives — is injected along horizontal pipe extending a ...
Washington Post
Shale gas and associated hydrocarbon liquids are produced by hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” One million to 5 million gallons of fracking fluid — a mixture of water, sand and chemical additives — is injected along horizontal pipe extending a ...
Federal fracking response could be years away
| Federal fracking response could be years away Huffington Post (blog) Opponents fear this fracking fluid may foul water supplies, endangering human health and the environment. Adapting, the industry is responding to public concern. Giant energy services company Halliburton, in a safety demonstration at an August 3 ... |
New York Subpoenas Energy Companies Over Fracking
New York Subpoenas Energy Companies Over Fracking
The Atlantic Wire
The debate over fracking has already halted fracking at 15000 sites along the Delaware River, as Schneiderman sued federal agencies to require further review of the proposal. Schneiderman subpoenaed the energy companies under the state's Martin Act, ...
The Atlantic Wire
The debate over fracking has already halted fracking at 15000 sites along the Delaware River, as Schneiderman sued federal agencies to require further review of the proposal. Schneiderman subpoenaed the energy companies under the state's Martin Act, ...
Natural Gas Fracking Rules Considered by U.S. Agency for Federal Lands
| Natural-Gas Fracking Rules Considered by U.S. Agency for Federal Lands Bloomberg In fracturing, or fracking, companies inject water, sand and chemicals under high pressure thousands of feet underground to break up shale-rock formations and release the gas trapped there. The technique is used for more than 90 percent of wells ... |
NASA Research Leads to First Complete Map of Antarctic Ice Flow
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CONTACT: Steve Cole, Headquarters, Washington, +1-202-358-0918, stephen.e.cole@nasa.gov, Alan Buis, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., +1-818-354-0474, alan.d.buis@jpl.nasa.gov 
The Arctic: Through icy waters
The Arctic: Through icy waters As global warming eases access to the vast polar region, shorter trade routes and rich resources are in prospect – but strategic issues grow more acute for surrounding nations, writes Bernard Simon
http://link.ft.com/r/2SRI11/
http://link.ft.com/r/2SRI11/
UPDATE: Extremely High Radiation (20,000 CPM) in Ontario After Rainfall
UPDATE: Extremely High Radiation (20,000 CPM) in Ontario After Rainfall
Fukushima Radioactive Rain falls in Toronto,Canada at DANGEROUS levels (20 000 CPM) Aug 14 2011
Fukushima Radioactive Rain falls in Toronto,Canada at DANGEROUS levels (20 000 CPM) Aug 14 2011
TECH SPACE Tests find thyroid radiation in Japanese children
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The explosive truth behind Fukushima's meltdown
The explosive truth behind Fukushima's meltdown
Japan insists its nuclear crisis was caused by an unforeseeable combination of tsunami and earthquake. But new evidence suggests its reactors were doomed to fail
By David McNeill in Tokyo and Jake Adelstein
The Smart Path for the Shale Gas Revolution Reassuring the public on environmental concerns is crucial.
The Smart Path for the Shale Gas Revolution
Reassuring the public on environmental concerns is crucial.
NRC fails to change groundwater protection rules for nuclear plants
NRC fails to change groundwater protection rules for nuclear plants
Activist says NRC needs to enforce its rules on radioactive water leaks and spills
New shale study refutes Cornell: Marcellus gas better than coal
New shale study refutes Cornell: Marcellus gas better than coal
The water industry must take on the world
Industry says recommendations on fracking 'disappointing'
| Industry says recommendations on fracking 'disappointing' - UPI.com The oil and natural gas industry called a U.S. Department of Energy panel's recommendations for regulation of hydraulic fracturing "disappointing and ... |
Environmentalists Fume At Fracking Talk in Energy Committee
| Environmentalists Fume At Fracking Talk In Energy Committee Forbes Rather than coming down on the dangers of fracking, it highlighted the importance of adopting best practices in the fracking process to avoid environmental risks and advised more disclosure from the industry on the composition of fracking fluids and ... |
The Artic: Through icy waters
Research finds Greenland glacier melting faster than expected
Research finds Greenland glacier melting faster than expected
A key glacier in Greenland is melting faster than previously expected, according to findings by a team of academics, including Dr Edward Hanna from University of Sheffield.
A key glacier in Greenland is melting faster than previously expected, according to findings by a team of academics, including Dr Edward Hanna from University of Sheffield.
Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon up 15%
Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon up 15%
Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon increased by 15 percent during the past 12 months, the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) said.
Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon increased by 15 percent during the past 12 months, the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) said.
Fudging in greenhouse gas stats?
Fudging in greenhouse gas stats?
International agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) basically have one snag: it is almost impossible to independently verify whether participating countries abide by the agreement. Thus the evaluation of whether or not the countries have achieved their reduction targets is based on the official reports by the countries that are signatories to the UNFCCC ('United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change'). If they report reduced emissions they're sitting pretty; if not, they are pilloried.
International agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) basically have one snag: it is almost impossible to independently verify whether participating countries abide by the agreement. Thus the evaluation of whether or not the countries have achieved their reduction targets is based on the official reports by the countries that are signatories to the UNFCCC ('United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change'). If they report reduced emissions they're sitting pretty; if not, they are pilloried.
NASA Maps Antarctic Ice Flow (PHOTO and ANIMATION) International Business Times
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Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Greenhouse gases: The measurement challenge
Greenhouse gases: The measurement challenge
The continuing increase in the level of carbon dioxide and other "greenhouse gases" in the Earth's atmosphere has been identified as a cause for serious concern because it may radically accelerate changes in the Earth's climate. Developing an effective strategy for managing the planet's greenhouse gases is complicated by the many and varied sources of such gases, some natural, some man-made, as well as the mechanisms that capture and "sequester" the gases. A new report sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on one of the key challenges: defining and developing the technology needed to better quantify greenhouse gas emissions.
The continuing increase in the level of carbon dioxide and other "greenhouse gases" in the Earth's atmosphere has been identified as a cause for serious concern because it may radically accelerate changes in the Earth's climate. Developing an effective strategy for managing the planet's greenhouse gases is complicated by the many and varied sources of such gases, some natural, some man-made, as well as the mechanisms that capture and "sequester" the gases. A new report sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on one of the key challenges: defining and developing the technology needed to better quantify greenhouse gas emissions.
NRDC: Acidic Oceans
NRDC: Acidic Oceans
How closely is ocean acidification related to global climate change?Ocean acidification and global climate change are two -- independent -- impacts of rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations. When fossil fuels are burned, carbon dioxide is produced. Approximately two thirds of that CO2 goes into the atmosphere, where it causes global warming; the remaining third is absorbed by the world’s oceans, where it causes ocean acidification. Two problems, one culprit.
IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007 (AR4)
 | | IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007 (AR4) |
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Radiating Americans with Fukushima rain, food: Clinton's secret pact
Radiating Americans with Fukushima rain, food: Clinton's secret pact
Shell Spills 200 Tons of Oil in the North Sea
Shell Spills 200 Tons of Oil in the North Sea
"We are deeply worried that we still know far too little about the environmental impact of the spill, how it could impact wildlife, and the scale of the threat."
The Future of Earth's Coral Reefs Volume 14, Number 33: 17 August 2011
The Future of Earth's Coral Reefs
Volume 14, Number 33: 17 August 2011
Volume 14, Number 33: 17 August 2011
Concerns Grow Over Risk of US Nuclear Projects Post-Fukushima
Concerns Grow Over Risk of US Nuclear Projects Post-Fukushima
Sue Sturgis, Facing South: "The disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan is still unfolding five months later, with multiple meltdowns and significant radiation releases contaminating communities and farms downwind from the facility. Some nuclear experts are calling it 'the biggest industrial catastrophe in the history of mankind.' The Fukushima accident is also raising questions about the U.S. nuclear industry's current plans to build new reactors and re-license old ones."
Read the Article
BPing the Arctic, Again - Fast Tracking Shell's Dangerous Drilling
BPing the Arctic, Again - Fast Tracking Shell's Dangerous Drilling
Subhankar Banerjee, Climate Story Tellers: "One of the riskiest and most destructive extreme energy oil exploration projects on the planet is moving toward implementation without scientific understanding or technical preparedness - Shell's oil drilling in the Arctic Ocean of Alaska. On August 4, the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) conditionally approved Shell's plan to drill up to four exploratory wells in the Beaufort Sea of Arctic Alaska starting July 2012."
Read the Article
Time for new strategy to save mammals, say biologists
Time for new strategy to save mammals, say biologists
Paris (AFP) Aug 16, 2011 - Time is running out to craft a plan to save Earth's rich diversity of mammals, a quarter of whose species could be wiped out, biologists warned on Tuesday. "A global mammal strategy is urgent," they said in a journal published by the Royal Society, Britain's academy of sciences. Millions of people have rallied to the cause of large iconic mammals such as the tiger, the polar bear and the ... more
Paris (AFP) Aug 16, 2011 - Time is running out to craft a plan to save Earth's rich diversity of mammals, a quarter of whose species could be wiped out, biologists warned on Tuesday. "A global mammal strategy is urgent," they said in a journal published by the Royal Society, Britain's academy of sciences. Millions of people have rallied to the cause of large iconic mammals such as the tiger, the polar bear and the ... more
Hydrogen highway in the deep sea
Hydrogen highway in the deep sea
Munich, Germany (SPX) Aug 16, 2011 - The search for new energy sources to power mankind's increasing needs is currently a topic of immense interest. Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are considered one of the most promising clean energy alternatives. While intensive research efforts have gone into developing ways to harness hydrogen energy to fuel our everyday lives, a natural example of a living hydrogen-powered 'fuel cell' has gone unn ... more
Munich, Germany (SPX) Aug 16, 2011 - The search for new energy sources to power mankind's increasing needs is currently a topic of immense interest. Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are considered one of the most promising clean energy alternatives. While intensive research efforts have gone into developing ways to harness hydrogen energy to fuel our everyday lives, a natural example of a living hydrogen-powered 'fuel cell' has gone unn ... more
Worldwide map identifies important coral reefs exposed to stress
| Worldwide map identifies important coral reefs exposed to stress London, UK (SPX) Aug 16, 2011 - Marine researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society and other groups have created a map of the world's corals and their exposure to stress factors, including high temperatures, ultra-violet radiation, weather systems, sedimentation, as well as stress-reducing factors such as temperature variability and tidal dynamics. The study, say the authors, will help to conserve some of the worl ... more |  |
The Flight of the Bumble Bee: Why Are They Disappearing
The Flight of the Bumble Bee: Why Are They Disappearing
Washington DC (SPX) Aug 16, 2011 - A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientist is trying to learn what is causing the decline in bumble bee populations and also is searching for a species that can serve as the next generation of greenhouse pollinators. Bumble bees, like honey bees, are important pollinators of native plants and are used to pollinate greenhouse crops like peppers and tomatoes. But colonies of Bombus oc ... more
Washington DC (SPX) Aug 16, 2011 - A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientist is trying to learn what is causing the decline in bumble bee populations and also is searching for a species that can serve as the next generation of greenhouse pollinators. Bumble bees, like honey bees, are important pollinators of native plants and are used to pollinate greenhouse crops like peppers and tomatoes. But colonies of Bombus oc ... more
California Deserves Disclosure on Fracking Chemicals and Water Use
California Deserves Disclosure on Fracking Chemicals and Water Use
Bill Closes Regulation Loopholes that Leave Californians in Dark
Disclose Fracking Chemicals, Says Government Report
Disclose Fracking Chemicals, Says Government Report
Ignoring energy gauge while economy tanks
| Ignoring energy gauge while economy tanks The current focus on economic troubles around the world and our own debt downgrade at home have obscured another issue that affects the health of the American economy: the failure of the Obama administration to develop and implement a sound energy policy - or, more properly, its stubborn adherence to a dysfunctional one. |
TransCanada launches open season for Keystone Pipeline extension to Houston
TransCanada launches open season for Keystone Pipeline extension to Houston
The proposed Keystone Houston Lateral would involve an expansion of capacity and construction of an approximate 80 kilometer (48 mile) pipeline extension from the proposed Keystone XL system to the Houston refining center.
Full Article
The proposed Keystone Houston Lateral would involve an expansion of capacity and construction of an approximate 80 kilometer (48 mile) pipeline extension from the proposed Keystone XL system to the Houston refining center.
Full Article
Forward to Friend Falkland oil find could hold more than 400 MMbbl recoverable
Falkland oil find could hold more than 400 MMbbl recoverable
The potential of Rockhopper Exploration’s Sea Lion oil discovery in the North Falkland basin continues to grow, according to latest seismic analysis.
Full Article
The potential of Rockhopper Exploration’s Sea Lion oil discovery in the North Falkland basin continues to grow, according to latest seismic analysis.
Full Article
MIT simulation forecasts pipeline fractures
MIT simulation forecasts pipeline fractures
A computer model that tests automobile components for crashworthiness could also be of use to the oil and gas industry, according to researchers at MIT’s Impact and Crashworthiness Laboratory, who are now using their simulations of material deformation in car crashes to predict how pipes may fracture in offshore drilling accidents.
Full Article
A computer model that tests automobile components for crashworthiness could also be of use to the oil and gas industry, according to researchers at MIT’s Impact and Crashworthiness Laboratory, who are now using their simulations of material deformation in car crashes to predict how pipes may fracture in offshore drilling accidents.
Full Article
Alaska Gov. Parnell rebukes 'unlawful' ANWR recommendation
Alaska Gov. Parnell rebukes 'unlawful' ANWR recommendation
Alaska Governor Sean Parnell objected strongly to the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s move toward recommending that Congress designate the 1002 Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as wilderness
Full Article
Alaska Governor Sean Parnell objected strongly to the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s move toward recommending that Congress designate the 1002 Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as wilderness
Full Article
Shell works to contain oil spill at the Gannet Alpha platform offshore the UK
Shell works to contain oil spill at the Gannet Alpha platform offshore the UK
Water risk database backed by US groups
Monday, August 15, 2011
Russia's Arctic 'sea grab'
Russia's Arctic 'sea grab'
Russia is expected within months to claim to the United Nations its right to annex about 380,000 square miles of the Arctic.
The Plan to Stop Obama From Letting the World's Dirtiest Oil Project Run Through the US
The Plan to Stop Obama From Letting the World's Dirtiest Oil Project Run Through the US
The Obama administration is being intensely lobbied to approve the Keystone XL pipeline, but our campaign will match that.
BPing the Arctic: How Shell's Dangerous Drilling Is Being Fast Tracked
BPing the Arctic: How Shell's Dangerous Drilling Is Being Fast Tracked
One of the riskiest and most destructive extreme energy oil exploration projects on the planet is moving toward implementation -- Shell's oil drilling in the Arctic Ocean.
Arctic voyage to study ocean's changing acidity
Arctic voyage to study ocean's changing acidity
Scientists are trying to figure out what it means for delicate marine life
The Party’s Over for Big Wind
The entire current issue of the Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society is on the subject of the health effects of industrial wind turbines. The ten articles that appear on the page at the following link seem to be squarely asserting that there ARE adverse health effects.
Obama pressed to back Canada-Texas pipeline
Obama pressed to back Canada-Texas pipeline; Expansion would deliveroil, jobs;
Graphs and plans for North Dakota Bakken Oil from State Minerals Department
Graphs and plans for North Dakota Bakken Oil from State Minerals Department
Oil in place in North Dakota by County for Bakken and Three Forks formations conmbinedNorth Dakota Department of Mineral Resources from Aug 2010, 28 page presentation on North Dakota Oil North Dakota is the fourth largest oil producing state and is clearly heading to at least second place behind Texas. (H/T theOildrum)
In June, 2011 oil production increased to 384676 barrels of oil per day, an increase of 21000 barrels per day from the prior month to another new record
Three‐Dimensional Geologic Model of Northwestern North Dakota (91 pages, Feb 2011)
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