NRDC experts tackle many of the same issues covered in OnEarth by independent journalists. Here's a quick peek behind the headlines.

Ocean Treasure

Plans to mine deep-sea hydrothermal vents, as described by Kevin Krajick in "Mine, All Mine" (page 13), have the potential to despoil an undiscovered part of the ocean biome. It wouldn't be the first time. Other oceanic communities, such as those on seamounts, are being lost to trawl fishing. To stop the plunder, NRDC helped secure a September 2007 international agreement that restricts trawling in the South Pacific.

Water World

Protecting the limited bounty of the Colorado and other rivers is one of the ways we can prepare for climate change. NRDC advocates new methods of water conservation, all of which are detailed in a recently released report, In Hot Water. Pat Mulroy, the no-nonsense head of the Southern Nevada Water Authority who appears in Tim Folger’s “Requiem for a River” (page 24), penned the introduction. Read the report at www.nrdc.org/publications/default.asp.

Carbon Quandary

In this issue's lead review ("Calling All Mad Scientists," page 52), Josie Glausiusz considers plans to dispose of CO₂. NRDC is investigating geologic carbon sequestration--hiding carbon beneath our feet, in rocks--and is pushing the appropriate federal agencies to establish safety guidelines for such practices.