"Strawberry Case Study: What If Farmers Had to Pay for Water?"
"With aquifers nationwide in dangerous decline, one part of California has tried essentially taxing groundwater. New research shows it’s working."
Source: NYTimes, 01/03/2024
Water & Oceans
"Contrary To Politicians’ Claims, Offshore Wind Farms Don’t Kill Whales"
"Scientists say there is no credible evidence linking offshore wind farms to whale deaths. But that hasn’t stopped conservative groups and ad hoc “not in my back yard”-style anti-development groups from making the connection."
Source: AP, 01/02/2024
Homebuyers Worry About Flood Risk. These States Are Requiring Disclosure.
"Hours into a marathon meeting earlier this month, and with little fanfare, the North Carolina Real Estate Commission gave its blessing to a proposal that could have profound impacts in a state where thousands of homes face threats from rising seas, unprecedented rainfall and overflowing rivers. Soon, anyone who sells a home in the state will be required to disclose to prospective buyers far more about a property’s flood risks — and flood history."
Source: Washington Post, 01/02/2024
Environmental Digital Storytelling — A Best-in-Show Sampler
As part of its periodic survey of the compelling work by digital journalists using data and multimedia, Reporter’s Toolbox looks at some favorite projects in the last year or so. On the list are granular maps and spinning globes, compelling photo essays and clickable storytelling. But the heart of the best digital journalism, Toolbox reminds us, is that it matters. And these do.
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Recycled Sewage Water — Overcoming the ‘Yuck Factor’
Toilet-to-tap water jokes aside, the technology and economics of turning sewage into potable drinking water is increasingly seen as a remedy for water-stressed communities. The new BookShelf review of “Purified: How Recycled Sewage is Transforming Our Water,” explains how water shortages, climate change, unsustainable growth and other factors have led some communities, most recently Los Angeles, to consider going “all in” on purified wastewater.
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U.S. Offshore Wind May Not Stay Becalmed for Long
While the first offshore wind turbine started sending power into the U.S. grid just last month, and the renewable power source has enthusiastic support from the Biden administration, the industry has been slowed by politics, high interest rates and supply chain problems. But the latest Issue Backgrounder explores why offshore wind can be expected to succeed.
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"This Antarctic Octopus Has a Warning About Rising Sea Levels"
"Scientists have long wondered whether the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is a ticking time bomb in terms of sea level rise. New evidence from the DNA of a small octopus that lives in the Southern Ocean suggests that the ice sheet is indeed at risk of collapsing, according to a study published on Thursday in the journal Science."
Source: NYTimes, 12/22/2023
"After a Decade of Planning, New York City Is Raising Its Shoreline"
"Inspired by the Dutch model of living with water, New York’s coastal defenses are on the rise. The city — like others around the country — is combining infrastructure like floodwalls with nature-based features, as it moves ahead with the largest resiliency project in the U.S."
Source: YaleE360, 12/21/2023
‘Not Conducive To Our Survival’: Pacific Islands Respond To Cop28 Deal
"The agreement was hailed as a win for climate action, but Pacific campaigners say it is too little too late in a rapidly warming world".
Source: Guardian, 12/21/2023
"US Gulf of Mexico Oil Auction Is Largest Since 2015"
"A Biden administration auction of Gulf of Mexico drilling rights raised $382 million on Wednesday as oil companies claimed offshore acreage for what is set to be the last time until 2025."
Source: Reuters, 12/21/2023
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