Beach Pollution Still Nationwide Problem

"Raw sewage and other pollution continued to foul American beaches in 2008. For the fourth year in a row, more than 20,000 beach closing days were reported in the USA, according to a report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in Washington, D.C. 'Storm water and sewage runoff are the biggest sources for the contamination,' says Nancy Stoner, NRDC's water program co-director. The report monitored beaches along the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts, along with those in the Great Lakes states." [USA Today]

Related:

• Testing the Waters 2009 Report [NRDC]

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Thinning Cloud Cover Over Oceans Speeds Global Warming

"Thinning clouds over the ocean exacerbate global warming by leading to more rapid temperature increases, according to the results of a new study...The effect clouds have on climate has been something of a mystery to atmospheric scientists, with some researchers hoping they would provide a silver lining by acting as a brake on climate change...Instead, researchers found that, as oceans become warmer, low-level clouds dissipate from the skies. This means more sunlight reaches the ocean surface - a runaway process that leads to more warming and less cloud cover." [The Guardian]

Efficiency Drive Could Cut Energy Use 23% by 2020

"The biggest opportunity to improve the nation’s energy situation is a major investment program to make homes and businesses more efficient, according to a study released Wednesday by the consulting firm McKinsey. An investment of $520 billion in improvements like sealing ducts and replacing inefficient appliances could produce $1.2 trillion in savings on energy bills through 2020, the study found." [New York Times]

California Seeks Sponsors For State Parks

"State parks officials and nonprofit organizations scrambled Wednesday to find funding and possibly new corporate sponsors to keep as many as 100 parks and beaches open after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger slashed an additional $6.2 million out of the state parks system. Budget cuts also suspended a land conservation program that has been hailed as a key to preventing sprawl and easing economic pressure on farmers and ranchers." [Los Angeles Times] 

"A new and growing group of psychologists believes that many of our modern-day mental problems, including depression, stress and anxiety, can be traced in part to society's increasing alienation from nature. The solution? Get outside and enjoy it." [TIME]