California wildfire destroys 30 homes, hundreds more threatened 12/9/2013

A fast-moving wildfire ripped through rolling hills and ranch land in rural northern California on Tuesday, after destroying 30 homes overnight and prompting more than 500 area residents to evacuate, fire officials said. ...more

Brazil data suggests spike in Amazon deforestation 12/9/2013

Preliminary data released Tuesday by Brazil's space agency suggests Amazon deforestation spiked by more than a third during the past year, reversing a steady decline in destruction of the world's largest rainforest. ...more

Solar-powered system used to produce clean water in rural villages 12/9/2013

Clean drinking water is often an overlooked privilege in first world countries. However, in areas such as the rural villages of the Yucatan Peninsula, potable water is at least a day’s drive away and costs more than local residents can afford. ...more

Loose laws threaten Australia's wildlife 12/9/2013

Kookaburras, koalas and kangaroos—Australia is well known for its charismatic animals and vast, seemingly untamable, wild spaces. But throughout the country, the national parks and reserves that protect these unique animals and ecosystems have come under increasing threat. New rules and relaxed regulations, which bolster immediate economic growth, are putting pressure on Australia's already-threatened biodiversity. ...more

Mena looks to solar energy 11/9/2013

Photovoltaic (PV) developments in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region will mainly depend on the number of large-scale projects, such as the Desertec and MedGrid project, the 2013 PV and Solar Market Intelligence Report by Ispy Publishing has found. ...more

NASA study supports soot as cause of glacier retreat in late 1880's 11/9/2013

Several other studies have pointe to the role that soot plays in altering the earth's albedo, its ability to absorb or reflect sunlight, and its role in causing glaciers to retreat. Now a new study by NASA provides crucial evidence supporting these theories. ...more

Poland to lower emissions with technology, not coal cuts: PM 11/9/2013

Poland will reduce its carbon emissions through new technologies rather than by cutting output of polluting coal, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday. ...more

New York moves to launch 'Green Bank' for clean energy projects 11/9/2013

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo took a first step toward launching a $1 billion "Green Bank," asking state utility regulators to release the first $165.6 million to the bank to attract private lenders for clean energy projects, his office said on Tuesday. ...more

Europe importing more palm oil for biofuels, raising risks for rain forests 11/9/2013

Palm oil imports into Europe for use as car fuel increased by more than three-fold since 2006, raising concerns than renewable fuels targets may be contributing to deforestation, displacing marginalized communities, and driving greenhouse gas emissions in Southeast Asia, finds a new study published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). ...more

Najib Saab Honored by Euro-Mediterranean Association 11/9/2013

The Euro-Mediterranean Association for Cooperation and Development (EMA) has named Najib Saab, Secretary General of the Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED,) as honorary member. During an event on Green Growth organized in Amman, Jordan, under the patronage of HRH Prince El-Hassan Bin Talal, President of EMA Adelheid Sailer-Schuster conferred the title to Saab "in recognition of his concerted efforts to advance sound environmental policies across the Arab region." ...more