ecosystems
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Indonesian nickel industry expands, causing deforestation
Indonesia's rapid expansion of its nickel industry, driven by demand for electric vehicle batteries, is leading to significant deforestation and environmental damage.
Victoria Milko, Ed Davey, and Camille Fassett report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Indonesia has dramatically increased its nickel smelting capacity, now responsible for over half of the global nickel ore supply.
- Deforestation has more than doubled around new nickel smelters, leading to increased landslides, polluted rivers, and loss of wildlife habitats.
- Local communities suffer from the environmental impacts, with reduced agricultural yields, contaminated water, and loss of income from traditional hunting and fishing.
Key quote:
"The damage to the environment is devastating. Deforestation has significantly increased ... rivers are polluted, mangroves are cut to develop smelter areas, coastal areas and coral are being damaged by the smelters."
— Timer Manurung, chairman of Auriga
Why this matters:
Indonesia’s nickel production is vital for the global electric vehicle market, but it comes at a high environmental cost. Sustainable practices and cleaner energy sources are essential to mitigate these impacts and support local communities.
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Newsletter
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Alaskan Indigenous communities adapt to climate change
Alaska’s rapid warming forces Indigenous communities like Point Hope to adapt their traditional lifestyles to changing conditions.
In short:
- Alaska is warming up to three times faster than the global average, severely impacting Indigenous communities reliant on ice and wildlife.
- Traditional practices are being adjusted; for example, people in Point Hope adapt by changing their hunting and food storage methods.
- Community projects, like building a pool in Bethel, prepare residents for unpredictable conditions caused by climate change.
Key quote:
“You can’t really change the Arctic. You can only change with the Arctic.”
— Priscilla Frankson, Iñupiaq student
Why this matters:
Indigenous communities’ adaptation strategies offer practical examples for dealing with climate change. As extreme weather becomes more common, these approaches highlight the importance of local, knowledge-based solutions.
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Nuclear plant operations under review after sea turtle deaths
Thirteen sea turtles, including endangered species, were found dead in a canal linked to the Brunswick Nuclear Plant, prompting a federal review of the plant's impact on marine life.
In short:
- King tides and high winds damaged screens meant to keep marine life out of the plant's intake canal, leading to the deaths of 13 turtles.
- The plant exceeded its annual limit of "takes," or unintended harm to protected species, which requires a review by federal agencies.
- The plant is enhancing monitoring and protective measures to prevent future incidents.
Key quote:
"This was just an unusual situation. We’ve been operating this plant for almost 50 years and this is the first time in five decades that we’ve had any kind of event like this that have exceeded our limits."
— Karen Williams, Brunswick Nuclear Plant communications manager
Why this matters:
Sea turtles, especially endangered species, play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. The deaths of these turtles indicate potential vulnerabilities in environmental safeguards at nuclear plants, necessitating stricter regulations and improved protective measures.
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Bird watchers help study wildfire smoke impact on avian life
Volunteers in Project Phoenix are observing birds to help scientists understand the effects of wildfire smoke on bird behavior and health.
In short:
- Project Phoenix, led by UCLA and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, involves over 300 volunteers observing birds to study their response to wildfire smoke.
- Wildfire smoke may force birds to alter migration routes, impacting their health and reproduction.
- The initiative is expanding from California to Oregon and Washington, with data collection running through November.
Key quote:
“There’s an urgency here to figure out more about what’s going on and how we can help birds in this tumultuous time.”
— Olivia Sanderfoot, Project Phoenix lead.
Why this matters:
By tracking bird populations, Project Phoenix aids scientific research and raises awareness about the broader implications of wildfire smoke on ecosystems. The insights gained could inform conservation strategies and public health policies, ensuring both avian and human communities can better navigate the smoky realities of our changing climate.
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Farm to Trouble series: Farming practices contribute to persistent Gulf of Mexico "dead zone"
One year away from the deadline to reduce farm runoff into the Gulf of Mexico by 20%, the goal remains out of reach.
In short:
- Fertilizer runoff from Midwest farms flows into the Mississippi River, creating a "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico and affecting drinking water upstream.
- Despite over 25 years of federal efforts and billions in funding, targets for reducing runoff are far from being met.
- The "Farm to Trouble" series explores potential solutions and examines the ongoing impact of agricultural runoff on the environment.
Why this matters:
Unchecked agricultural runoff degrades water quality, harms marine ecosystems and poses risks to human health. The health of the Gulf of Mexico’s ecosystem is at stake, affecting marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing and tourism. The persistent pollution contributes to broader environmental concerns, such as water quality issues and the resilience of coastal ecosystems against climate change.
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The Supreme Court to reconsider NEPA scope for environmental reviews
The Supreme Court is set to decide on limiting the scope of environmental reviews under NEPA for new projects, potentially reshaping federal climate regulations.
In short:
- The Supreme Court will hear a case challenging the extent of environmental analysis required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
- The case involves the Uinta Basin Railway project, which aims to transport crude oil from Utah to Gulf Coast refineries.
- Environmental groups argue that limiting NEPA reviews could weaken protections against climate and environmental risks.
Key quote:
“It’s disappointing the Supreme Court took up this case, but the appellate court’s decision on this destructive project is legally sound and should ultimately stand.”
— Wendy Park, senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity
Why this matters:
A ruling to limit NEPA's scope could streamline the approval process for new projects, a move welcomed by some industries and developers. However, this could come at the cost of reduced environmental safeguards, potentially leading to increased pollution, habitat destruction, and adverse health effects on communities, particularly those already vulnerable to environmental hazards.
Related EHN coverage:
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Biden administration finalizes environmental regulations ahead of potential Trump presidency
In a race against time, Biden's team completed key environmental and energy regulations to safeguard them from potential repeal under a future Trump administration.
In short:
- Biden's administration rushed to finalize significant regulations on power plants, public lands, and energy efficiency.
- These regulations aim to protect policies from being overturned if Republicans regain control of the White House.
- The Congressional Review Act could allow a new administration to dismantle recently finalized rules.
Key quote:
"We were all on the same team trying to really deliver on these priority rules for the administration so that we could ultimately protect human health and the environment."
— Vicki Arroyo, head of EPA's policy office
Why this matters:
With the possibility of a Trump presidency, the Biden administration’s finalized regulations are at risk of being repealed, which could hinder progress on climate and environmental policies. The rush to complete these rules emphasizes the high stakes of upcoming elections for environmental governance.
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