A new report highlights the threat posed to a wide range of species by the extraction of fossil fuels in the United States.
The environmental costs of fossil fuel extraction and use are generally viewed in terms of pollution, specifically particulates and their impacts on public health, and GHGs and their contributions to climate change. A new report goes deeper by identifying specific species whose habitats are being devastated by the fossil fuel industries. According to the progressive news site CommonDreams,
"[A] new report [from the Endangered Species Coalition] highlights the destructive impact of fossil fuel consumption in the United States. The report, called Fueling Extinction: How Dirty Energy Drives Wildlife to the Brink, highlights the top 10 US species whose survival is most threatened by the development, extraction, transportation, and consumption of fossil fuels. Coalition members nominated species for inclusion in the report; submissions were then reviewed, judged and voted on by a panel of scientists.
Whether or oil exploration in the arctic (Bowhead Whale and Polar Bear), mountaintop removal and coal mining in Appalachia (Kentucky Arrow Darter and Tan Riffleshell), tar sands extraction in the US West and Canada (Whooping Crane and Wyoming Pocket Gopher), or western shale oil and gas development (Graham's Pentsemon and Sagebrush Lizard), the pattern holds. [As Mitch Merry at the Stop Extinction blog puts it] 'They're being driven closer to the edge of extinction by our nation's continued reliance on energy sources produced in the age of dinosaurs.'"
FULL STORY: US Thirst for Fossil Fuels is Decimating Nature's Wildlife: Report
How Orphan Oil Wells Threaten West Texas Communities
Abandoned and orphaned oil wells in West Texas are causing costly environmental hazards like sinkholes and leaks, prompting urgent calls for increased funding and regulation to address a growing statewide and national crisis.
Building a Cleaner Future: Financing the Coal-to-Clean Transition
The Coal-to-Clean Initiative is an effort to fund the early retirement of coal plants in emerging markets, urging public-private collaboration to achieve a just energy transition that limits global warming and supports sustainable growth.
E-diggers Pave Way for Cleaner, Greener, Quieter London
London power workers are trialing zero-emission electric diggers that remove more than 200 tonnes of CO2 emissions and 75% of noise pollution from their work in the capital.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)