"As a concept, hydraulic fracturing has changed very little since the first wells were drilled in the late 1940s. In practice, however, what most people now know as fracking has undergone a transformation."

"Egypt and Sudan took another step toward cooperating with Ethiopia on the hydro-power dam it’s building on the Blue Nile river after the three nations’ leaders signed an accord on Monday."

"Scientists are looking for -- and finding -- little bits of plastic in a lot of places lately: ice cores, deep sea sediments, coral reefs, crab gills, the digestive system of mussels, even German beer. Now, new research suggests they need not actually be searching for the man-made material to discover it."

A newly published study suggests climate change may be weakening the thermohaline circulation of the North Atlantic (responsible for the Gulf Stream). Scientists (and Hollywood screenwriters) have long feared that such a scenario could bring sudden climate shifts and unpleasant surprises.

"Here's the estimated price for restoring two declining coral species found in South Florida and the Caribbean: about $250 million."

"The town of James Island has gone on record against drilling for oil and natural gas off the South Carolina coast."

"In response to a dire fourth year of drought, Gov. Jerry Brown and members of the state Legislature announced a plan Thursday to accelerate $1 billion in bond money for water recycling projects and delivery of emergency supplies to hard-hit communities."

"The number of seabirds, including gulls, puffins and auklets, has dropped significantly in the Gulf of Alaska and northeast Bering Sea, a possible consequence of warmer waters, according to a preliminary federal analysis of nearly 40 years of surveys."

"SAN LORENZO -- What are now seedlings will play a key role in an experiment that could be an environmental triple win -- improving water quality and protecting against sea level rise while providing wildlife habitat."