biodiversity
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Seabirds carry toxic chemicals from polluted waters into the Arctic
Seabirds migrating from southern latitudes are bringing toxic chemicals into the Arctic, carrying PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in their bodies that contaminate the region’s ecosystem.
In short:
- A study found that black-legged kittiwakes bring PFAS chemicals from polluted southern waters to their Arctic breeding grounds.
- These chemicals disrupt seabird hormones, impair healing and enter the Arctic food chain through droppings and eggs.
- The study suggests wildlife, while not the biggest contributor to Arctic contamination, can still have significant local impacts.
Key quote:
“They [seabirds] are the main prey of many species.”
— Don-Jean Léandri-Breton, doctoral candidate at McGill University
Why this matters:
PFAS contamination poses a health risk not only to seabirds but also to the entire Arctic food web. These toxic chemicals, linked to cancer and hormonal disruption, are entering the ecosystem, affecting species like polar bears and even impacting human communities that depend on Arctic wildlife. Read more: Winged Warnings: Built for survival, birds in trouble from pole to pole.
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The Supreme Court takes aim at environmental regulations this term
The Supreme Court will soon hear cases that could reshape key environmental laws, including those affecting water permits and agency authority over climate rules.
Pamela King, Niina H. Farah and Lesley Clark report for E&E News.
In short:
- The court will consider a case challenging the EPA’s enforcement of the Clean Water Act, with fossil fuel groups supporting San Francisco's arguments.
- Another case could limit the scope of environmental impact reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act, potentially affecting climate analyses.
- The term may see a revival of the nondelegation doctrine, which could further restrict federal agencies' power.
Key quote:
“The Supreme Court has opened up such kind of amorphous ideas and allowed them to affect agencies’ legal decisions, that it invites departure from the text, departure from the purposes, and it flies to pro-industry policy points.”
— Lisa Heinzerling, Georgetown Law professor
Why this matters:
Some legal experts say the outcomes of upcoming cases could weaken environmental protections and make it harder for federal agencies to enforce rules on issues like pollution and climate change, tipping the balance in favor of industry interests.
Related EHN coverage:
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Hurricane Helene’s flooding raises concerns over private well water safety
North Carolina residents with private wells may need to boil or test their water after Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters potentially contaminated thousands of wells across the state.
In short:
- Flooding from Hurricane Helene may have introduced harmful bacteria like E. coli into private wells, making the water unsafe to drink or use without testing.
- Health officials urge well owners to disinfect their water, test for contaminants and avoid using well pumps until floodwaters recede.
- Many residents remain without power, preventing access to clean water as private wells require electricity to function.
Key quote:
“Once people’s wells come on, there’s going to be a huge need [for testing].”
— Rory Mcllmoil, resident of Watauga County
Why this matters:
Private well owners face the challenge of managing water contamination without federal regulation, and floods can spread bacteria or chemicals into drinking water. Regular testing is critical to ensure safe water for those affected.
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Credit: Antonio López/Pixabay
Rivers are drying up worldwide as climate change accelerates
Global river levels fell at unprecedented rates in 2023, threatening water supplies and increasing the risk of floods and droughts, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
In short:
- More than 50% of global river basins showed abnormal low-water conditions in 2023, following several years of decline.
- Climate change, alongside the shift from La Niña to El Niño, is making extreme water events like droughts and floods more frequent and harder to predict.
- Rising temperatures have intensified the hydrological cycle, leading to worsening droughts and unpredictable water availability.
Key quote:
"Water is the canary in the coalmine of climate change."
— Celeste Saulo, secretary general of the World Meteorological Organization
Why this matters:
Billions of people already face water shortages, and as climate change disrupts the global water cycle, more will struggle to access safe, reliable water. Floods and droughts will increase, threatening both lives and ecosystems.
Read more: The planet is losing free-flowing rivers. This is a problem.
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Credit: Bobby Singapore/Big Stock Photo
Brazil tackles Amazon drought with dredging effort
Brazil plans to dredge parts of the Amazon River as ongoing drought, driven by climate change, dries up key sections, disrupting transport of goods and people in remote areas.
In short:
- The Amazon River, strained by back-to-back droughts, is seeing record-low water levels, with parts of key tributaries reduced to shallow pools.
- Brazil is launching a dredging plan to deepen sections of the river, aiming to keep transportation flowing, especially for remote communities relying on the river for food, water and medicine.
- Scientists warn the dredging could harm aquatic ecosystems by disturbing sediments, potentially releasing toxins like mercury into the water.
Key quote:
“The decision to dredge meets a need for communities, for mankind. But, from an environmental point of view, it is very reckless.”
— Adalberto Luis Val, biologist at the Brazilian Institute for Research of the Amazon.
Why this matters:
The Amazon River is a critical lifeline for isolated communities, but as climate change intensifies droughts, traditional solutions may exacerbate environmental damage. The balance between short-term relief and long-term ecological harm needs careful consideration.
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Credit: Annie Spratt/Unsplash
Farmers across Africa adopt agroecology to replace industrial agriculture
As small-scale farmers across Africa reject industrial agriculture and multinational control, many are turning to agroecology to create sustainable, diverse crops without chemicals or expensive fertilizers.
In short:
- Ethiopian farmer Asmelash Dagne teaches water conservation and organic practices to help farms thrive without chemicals.
- In South Africa, Themba Chauke promotes community gardens using traditional intercropping techniques, empowering locals to grow their own food.
- Slow Food International’s Edie Mukiibi advocates for agroecology over industrial farming, arguing it ensures food security and independence from corporate control.
Key quote:
"It is so important not to lose the argument because then we hand our future to the corporations."
— Edie Mukiibi, president of Slow Food International
Why this matters:
Agroecology offers a sustainable alternative to industrial farming, protecting local food systems from corporate monopolies while helping farmers adapt to climate change and economic pressures. This approach also encourages biodiversity and healthier, self-sufficient communities.
Related EHN coverage:
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Colombian minister calls for transition from fossil fuels ahead of biodiversity summit
Colombian environment minister Susana Muhamad, once a Shell consultant, is now a leading advocate for transitioning away from fossil fuels as she prepares to lead the upcoming Cop16 biodiversity summit.
In short:
- Muhamad, who resigned from Shell over fracking concerns, advocates for a just energy transition and prioritizing biodiversity protection.
- Colombia, under President Gustavo Petro, aims to phase out fossil fuels and promote biodiversity as the foundation of its economy.
- The upcoming Cop16 summit in Cali will focus on biodiversity restoration and sustainable development amid global environmental challenges.
Key quote:
“There is a double movement humanity must make. The first one is to decarbonise and have a just energy transition.”
— Susana Muhamad, Colombian environment minister
Why this matters:
A shift from fossil fuels to biodiversity-centered economies is crucial to address the climate crisis and protect ecosystems that sustain human health and food security. Muhamad’s leadership may inspire broader international efforts to achieve environmental and economic justice.
Read more: Colombia commits to prioritizing nature in upcoming global environmental talks
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