The Human Imprint

Wettest April on record in UK

Check out the map to see where the most rainfall has occurred.

'Huge' water resource exists under Africa

Check out this article in BBC News

Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano spews burning rock

Check out this video on BBC News

Solar power in Chile

Check out this article in BBC News

Polar bears have symptoms of mystery disease

Scientific American reports that symptoms of a mysterious disease that has killed seals off Alaska and infected walruses is now apperaring in polar bears. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that nine polar bears from the Beaufort Sea region near Barrow were found with patchy hair loss and oozing sores on their skin, similar to conditions found in diseased seals and walruses. Unlike the sickened seals and walruses, the affected polar bears seem otherwise healthy and there has been no deaths among polar bears.

The disease outbreak was first noticed last summer. About 60 seals were found dead and another 75 diseased, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Most of the affected seals are ringed seals, but diseased ribbon, bearded and spotted seals were also found. Several walruses in northwestern Alaska were found with the disease, and some of those died as well, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Concerning, radiation sickness has been ruled out but hopefully the course will be identified soon

Source: Scientific American

Agencies warn poor rains threaten Somalia's recovery

Follow this link to BBC News to find out more on these concerning predictions.

Some Asian glaciers 'putting on mass'

Check out this article from BBC News on the glaciers in the Himalayas.

Which country consumes the most trees?

 

Check out this graphic from The Economist. The number of trees in Belgium is linked to the amount of paper used in Brussels ..

Starlings decline by almost 80 per cent

The Telegraph reports that this year's RSPB survey of garden birds by members of the public revealed an average of just over three starlings per garden, compared to 15 in 1979, a fall of 79 per cent. Click on the link to read more.

March podcast