eco-roundup7

A New Epoch in Earth’s Geophysical History: The Anthropocene Period

Einstein is often quoted as saying, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” Perhaps this is the kind of paradigm shift he had in mind…

Just as changes to the Earth’s orbit, volcanic eruptions and asteroid impacts in the distant past have set the world on radically new courses, humanity itself has now become a collective force of nature…

People have always had an impact on the environment. The difference now is that rather than influencing only local environments in limited ways, humanity is having planet-wide impacts on the Earth’s workings.

Is Vancouver About to Become the Greenest City in the World?

The city has made a rapid transition: It draws 90% of its energy from renewables, has a booming bicycle culture and a very popular progressive mayor.

An Intimate Look at the World’s First Climate Refugees

The plight of the Carteret Pacific islanders, forced to abandon their homeland and peaceful, low-carbon way of life because of changes wrought by global warming, is  gaining international attention, thanks in part to documentary filmmakers Jennifer Redfearn and Tim Metzger and their feature film, “Sun Come Up.”

Bonus: their story in a short slide show.

Regional Differences in Attitudes regarding Genetically Modified Crops

Last year, transgenic crops occupied 125 millions hectares in 25 countries, representing close to 8 percent of the planet’s cultivated surface. And although the United States, Argentine and Brazil are far ahead in GMO [genetically modified organisms] cultivation, it is advancing rapidly in Asia and Africa.

Why have GMO tended to become the global norm for crops … except in the EU?

Study Released in Argentina Puts Glyphosate Under Fire

Argentina has seen an explosion in genetically modified (GM) soy bean production with soy exports topping $16.5 billion in 2008… However, this lucrative industrial form of farming has come under fire with environmental groups, local residents, and traditional farmers reporting that GM soy threatens biodiversity, the nation’s ability to feed itself, and health in rural communities.

A study released by an Argentine scientist earlier this year reports that glyphosate, patented by Monsanto under the name “Round Up,” causes birth defects when applied in doses much lower than what is commonly used in soy fields.

Many in agro-business cite other studies — financed and conducted by companies that market glyphosate — as evidence that Dr. Carrasco’s study has little scientific basis.

Australian Weather Bureau Sees El Nino By Sept-Nov

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology on Friday predicted that an El Nino weather system in the Pacific Ocean would be established by September-November at the latest.


What caught your eye this week? Let us know in the comment section.