Carbon-Collecting Iron Traced to Dusty Sahara Desert 4/7/2014

Iron, though present in miniscule amounts in seawater, is a major player in the ocean's carbon cycle. Now scientists have assessed the various sources of dissolved iron in the North Atlantic Ocean, finally tracing the source of this precious metal to the dusty Sahara Desert. ...more

Finally – ‘smart’ vertical gardens that can beat the Middle East heat 3/7/2014

Green walls and rooftop gardens are great, but keeping them healthy in the Middle East and North Africa can be challenging. ...more

EU unveils new recycling targets, landfill ban 3/7/2014

Europeans will need to recycle 70 percent of urban waste and 80 percent of packaging waste by 2030, the European Union proposed on Wednesday, as it pushes to cut the amount of trash produced by its 500 million citizens. ...more

Manatee could be bumped from endangered species list 3/7/2014

The manatee could be downgraded from an endangered species to merely threatened as federal wildlife officials, under pressure from boating activists and libertarians, reconsider the status of Florida's popular "sea cow." ...more

Cousteau's grandson surfaces after record underwater stay 3/7/2014

Fabien Cousteau, grandson of famed French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, emerged from the turquoise waters off the Florida Keys on Wednesday morning, after a record-breaking 31-day stay underwater with a team of scientists and documentary filmmakers. ...more

Insect farms: Investors see big profits in thinking small 3/7/2014

Work on the world's largest fly farm has begun in South Africa after the European firm behind the project won much-needed funding from investors, propelling the use of insects as livestock feed beyond academic theory to a commercial venture. ...more

Smile! Satellites can see your illegal fishing from space 3/7/2014

If a fishing boat illegally scoops up a load of fish in the middle of the ocean and no one is there to see it, it’s still illegal — but until now there has not been much anyone could do about it. ...more

National Park to come up at Al Saleel Wildlife Reserve 2/7/2014

The Omani Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs announced the establishment of a national park within the Al Saleel Wildlife Reserve ...more

California may step up enforcement of water restrictions amid drought 2/7/2014

California may ratchet up enforcement of drought-related pumping restrictions in slow-moving creeks and lakes under new rules being considered on Tuesday, prompting worry among farmers as the state enters the dry summer season. ...more

Is Oceanic Plastic being eaten by fish? 2/7/2014

Millions of tons. That's how much plastic should be floating in the world's oceans, given our ubiquitous use of the stuff. But a new study finds that 99% of this plastic is missing. One disturbing possibility: Fish are eating it. ...more