London fog: If you think Britain’s weather is dismal now, just wait until the full effects of climate change kick in. As reduced Arctic ice pushes the polar jet stream southward, summers in the Isles could become increasingly rainy. While scientists are still researching the phenomenon, the process may have already begun, as five of the last six summers have been exceptionally wet. On the bright side, Brits looking to take a jolly holiday from the umbrella might head to a balmy new spot: Greenland. The Guardian

Fin findings: None of the sharks identified by a DNA analysis of shark fin soup in 14 American cities are considered endangered in the United States. Great, so does that mean the soup is sustainable? Not so fast. Just because makos and hammerheads aren’t yet protected doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be. And the process by which the fins are taken is still wasteful and unregulated (not to mention barbaric). So if you must celebrate Shark Week with finned food, we suggest a tastier delicacy: the shark fin cupcake. New York Times

Hunger Games: As the Great Drought of 2012 continues to decimate harvests and drive crop prices skyward, the probability of global conflict –– even warfare –– over dwindling food grows ever stronger, with the potential to disrupt governments and tear down societies. Yikes. Mother Jones

In my backyard? Sure!: Upstate New York is one of the fiercest battlegrounds over the issue of fracking. But while anti-fracking activists get the most media attention, there are plenty of self-described environmentalists in the region who are prepared to let gas companies drill their land. This group –– which includes some organic farmers –– believe that fracking will inevitably come to the state, and that concerned citizens should be negotiating for strong regulations instead of seeking, perhaps futilely, an outright ban. Oh, and that whole flammable tap water thing? These folks have seen it, too (but it doesn't seem to faze them). Capital

That's some serious "soap": A pipeline carrying sludge from Peru’s Antamina copper-zinc mine burst two weeks ago, spilling 45 metric tons of mineral slurry in the high Andes. The spill, which is just one of many recent disasters concerning Peruvian mining, exposed 200 people to “very toxic” chemicals that include arsenic and lead. But don’t worry, says one mine representative: the substances are no more harmful than liquid soap. Yet more than a week after the spill, local residents were still complaining of headaches, nausea, irritated eyes, and nosebleeds. Reuters

Feathery fluctuations: Note to birders: scope out the pinyon jay while you still can. This beautiful blue creature, along with many other birds, may see its range dramatically reduced by climate change in coming years. On the other hand, you'll have plenty of time to cross the gray vireo off your bird list, as this songbird is among the species expected to flourish under altered climatic conditions. Scientific American

Vertical leap: Vertical axis turbines, a type of wind installation that features giant curved blades and easy scalability, may soon be dotting U.S. waters. Although these turbines don't resemble windmills like their horizontal axis cousins, they still wouldn't likely please Cape Cod residents who worry about obstructed ocean views. But the rest of us who worry about climate change can get excited. IEEE Spectrum

Thunder thighs: Want to bike to work but are scared off by the thigh size of Olympic cyclists? Feel like helping out the planet but are frightened your legs will also "look like a python slowly digesting a pig?" Get over it. Your commute isn't nearly as intense as their workouts and frankly, a little extra muscle tone would do you wonders. Sydney Morning Herald

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Image: Sylvia