France’s New High-Speed Train Has Americans Asking: Why Can’t We Have That?
"Here's why the U.S. is behind on building high-speed rail — and what could create momentum to catch up."
Source: Grist, 04/15/2025
Europe
U.S. Fuel Exports To Profit Industry, Slam Consumers
‘Energy dominance’ is a Trump catchphrase whose meaning may be vague — since the U.S. is already the world’s top producer of oil and natural gas. But one thing that does seem clear, per the new Backgrounder, is that a flood of new U.S. permits to export gas will likely mean higher energy prices for U.S. customers.
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"Sardines In Hot Water Are Swapping Plankton For Plastics"
"Sardines in the Mediterranean struggling for a decent bite of shrinking plankton are accidentally ingesting more and more microplastics and microfibres, scientists have found. And the root cause of all their problems? Well, it's climate change - of course."
Source: Oceanographic, 03/24/2025
Desperately Seeking Data? OECD Has Loads
If the possibility of a politically driven dearth of data for your climate and environment reporting has you on edge, the new Reporter’s Toolbox just may have something to soothe your nerves: A data source from beyond the grasp of the Trump administration and outside the boundaries of the United States. Take a quick tour of environmental data from the OECD.
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"The Great British Sewage Dump"
"Widespread sewage spills contaminate Britain’s waterways and hit the broader economy"
Source: Reuters, 03/17/2025
"Destruction Of Ukraine Dam Triggered Toxic ‘Time Bomb,’ Researchers Say"
"The destruction of Ukraine’s Kakhovka dam in June 2023 exposed lake bed sediment containing more than 90,000 tons of dangerous heavy metals, setting off what researchers say is a toxic “time bomb.”"
Source: Washington Post, 03/14/2025
Owner Says Arrested Captain Of Cargo Ship In North Sea Collision Is Russian
"The captain of a cargo ship that collided with a U.S. tanker is a Russian national who remains in U.K. police custody, the vessel’s owner said Wednesday, as it emerged that the ship failed several safety checks last year."
Source: AP, 03/13/2025
Fuel Leak From US Tanker Crash Could Hit UK Coast And ‘Devastate’ Wildlife
"Wildlife trusts have warned of potential “devastating” impacts of pollution after an oil tanker carrying jet fuel and a cargo ship loaded with highly toxic chemicals collided in the North Sea."
Source: Independent, 03/11/2025
With Climate, an Undercurrent of Violence
In his ambitious first book, “The Heat and the Fury: On the Frontlines of Climate Violence,” journalist Peter Schwartzstein explores how climate change explains conflict, even war. BookShelf editor Tom Henry calls it a deeply researched volume that makes a strong case for the connections between global warming, political instability and violence, not just in poorer regions but for the richer West as well.
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"Take a Look: A Dark Scottish Isle Where Starlight Reigns Supreme"
"On Rum, Europe’s newest dark-sky sanctuary, the island’s 40 residents have learned to embrace darkness."
Source: NYTimes, 02/26/2025
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