Urban growth, Uganda (1974-2008)
Check out the delta, the water is highly eutrophic.
Via Climate Nasa
(Source: humanscalecities)
AMEN.
NYTimes op-ed “Keep the Clean Water Act Strong”.
SO TRUE!
EPA, Coast Guard Announce Agreement to Enforce Air Pollution Requirements for Vessels Operating in U.S. Waters
WIN.
Yep.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) today announced an agreement to jointly enforce U.S. and international air pollution requirements for vessels operating in U.S. waters. The requirements establish limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions and require the use of fuel with lower sulfur content, protecting people’s health and the environment by reducing ozone-producing pollution, which can cause smog and aggravate asthma. The most stringent requirements apply to ships operating within 200 nautical miles of the coast of North America.
“Today’s agreement forges a strong partnership between EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard, advancing our shared commitment to enforce air emissions standards for ships operating in U.S. waters,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Reducing harmful air pollution is a priority for EPA and by working with the Coast Guard we will ensure that the ships moving through our waters meet their environmental obligations, protecting our nation’s air quality and the health of our coastal communities.”
“This agreement demonstrates the Coast Guard’s long-standing commitment to protecting our nation’s marine environment,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Cook, director of Prevention Policy for the U.S. Coast Guard. “Aligning our capabilities with EPA enhances our commitment to the marine environment while minimizing the impact on shipping.”
The large marine diesel engines that provide propulsion and auxiliary power on many ocean-going vessels emit significant amounts of pollution. Without further action, EPA estimates that by 2030, NOx emissions from ships will more than double, growing to 2.1 million tons per year. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by EPA and the USCG outlines the agencies’ commitment to jointly enforce federal and international laws that EPA projects could prevent 12,000-31,000 premature deaths annually by 2030. Under the MOU, both the USCG and EPA will perform inspections and investigations, and will take appropriate enforcement actions if a violation is detected.
NYTimes: Groundwater Depletion is Detected from Space
Wow, good science:
Scientists have been using small variations in the Earth’s gravity to identify trouble spots around the globe where people are making unsustainable demands on groundwater, one of the planet’s main sources of fresh water.
The river Thames in London eats 40 tonnes of rubbish a year! Reason #1756 to reuse, reduce and recycle!
I’ve been thinking about getting one of these. They really tout it as a green choice because you’re getting rid of all the plastic bottles of seltzer you would otherwise buy. Anybody have it and have any thoughts?
Great news for Crystal Pepsi lovers of the world (all six of you)! There is a new DIY home-soda maker company that allows you to turn your tap water into almost any carbonated beverage imaginable. Is it too soon to start Christmas shopping?
WHEN NIKE executive Daniel Birnbaum became CEO of the sleepy 104-year-old SodaStream International in 2007, his kids were less than thrilled. “My 12-year-old was in tears. Nike was part of his identity,” says Birnbaum, a Queens, New York, native. “Here I was going to this company that people did not know existed, and it was not exactly the most proud place to work.” Birnbaum has since transformed the “aerating liquid apparatus” company into a sexy soda-maker brand taking over granite countertops across the globe. After a year in which the Israel-based company surpassed $150 million in revenue, gained distribution in 4,000 U.S. retail stores, and had a hot IPO, Fast Company talked to Birnbaum about saving energy, why Coke and Pepsi should be nervous, and actress Tori Spelling’s (water) drinking problem.
(Source: fastcompany)
PERSPECTIVE.
Gowanus Canal, Brooklyn. Basically, if you live near it, don’t touch it, don’t boat on it, and clean your shoes really well if you go near it. Lovely.
EPA will hold a public meeting to present and discuss the findings of the remedial investigation on February 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at PS 32 at 317 Hoyt Street in Brooklyn, New York.
Read more about Gowanus Superfund Site here.
Save the nation $190,000, and buy your congressperson a water bottle
via GOOD
…The House spent a grand total of $190,000 on bottled water last year… Look at old pictures of Congressional hearings and you will see lovely pitchers of water and nice glasses for both congresspeople and witnesses. More recent pictures feature mostly bottled water (though the pitchers occasionally still make an appearance).
So, in the interest both of symbolic deficit reduction and, more importantly, the environment: I am proposing a new initiative: Buy Your Congressperson a Water Bottle.
To find your congressperson’s address, go to this House site. You will need the extra four digits of your zip code, which you can get here.
Congresspeople can accept gifts under $50, so may I suggest any of these simple and cheap options?
Here is a sample note, if you would like to copy and paste it into your Amazon gift:
Dear Elected Representative: I live in your district and was shocked to discover that the House spent $190,000 on bottled water last year. Please accept this gift in the hopes that it helps you to stop this bad habit.
…
