Ecosystem effects of biodiversity loss could rival impacts of climate change, pollution
ScienceDaily.com | 03 May 2012
Loss of biodiversity appears to impact ecosystems as much as climate change, pollution and other major forms of environmental stress, according to a new study. There has been growing concern that the very high rates of modern extinctions -- due to habitat loss, overharvesting and other human-caused environmental changes -- could reduce nature's ability to provide goods and services like food, clean water and a stable climate.
 Biodiversity | Climate Change and Development | Global Warming

Arctic sea-ice loss didn't happen by chance
ScienceDaily.com | 03 May 2012
The ongoing rapid retreat of Arctic sea ice is often interpreted as the canary in the mine for anthropogenic climate change. In a new study, scientists have now systematically examined the validity of this claim. They find that neither natural fluctuations nor self-acceleration can explain the observed Arctic sea-ice retreat. Instead, the recent evolution of Arctic sea ice shows a strong, physically plausible correlation with the increasing greenhouse gas concentration.
 Climate Change | Arctic Ocean

CORRECTED: EXCLUSIVE : U.S. shale causes rise in waste gas pollution
Reuters | 03 May 2012
LONDON (Reuters) - The U.S. shale energy boom is fuelling a rise in the burning of waste gas after years of decline, a World Bank source told Reuters ahead of the release of new data, giving environmentalists more ammunition against the industry.
 Climate Change

Scientists Race to Save World's Rice Bowl From Climate Change
National Geographic | 03 May 2012
More frequent floods and droughts expected in Southeast Asia.
 Biodiversity

Africa: EU 8 Million Euro Grant to Strengthen Continent's Response to Climate Change
AllAfrica.com | 03 May 2012
[Africa & Europe in Partnership] Addis Ababa - The European Union today granted the ClimDev Africa initiative the sum of 8 Million Euro to support Africa's response to climate variability and climate change by developing African policy capacity.
 Climate Change and Development | Climate Change Impacts

Namibia: Understanding Weather Not Predicting - 3 May 2012
AllAfrica.com | 03 May 2012
[Namibia Economist] That the climate has changed is beyond question. It deserves consideration regarding both the extent and impact were we are concerned.
 Climate Change and Development | Climate Change Impacts

Africa: Africa Sitting On Sea of Groundwater Reserves
AllAfrica.com | 03 May 2012
[Daily Trust] A recent research by scientists from the British Geological Survey and University College London have for the first time mapped the groundwater across the continent and concluded that the mapped water could provide a buffer against the effects of climate change for years to come.
 Climate Change and Development | Climate Change Impacts

Sea-level rises 'may not be as high as worst-case scenarios have predicted'
Guardian Unlimited | 03 May 2012
Sea-level rises are unlikely to be as high as worst-case scenarios have forecasted, suggests new research which shows that Greenland's glaciers are slipping into the sea more slowly than was previously thought. But the scientists warned that ice loss still sped up by 30% and is driving rises in sea levels that endanger low-lying coasts around the world.
 Research | Sea Level Rise

Environmental groups sue to stop coal leases in Wyoming
Reuters | 03 May 2012
SALMON, Idaho (Reuters) - Citing global warming, environmental groups are asking a federal judge to call a halt in Wyoming to one of the largest coal-mining plans ever approved by the U.S. government.
 Climate Change