Forests may not help mitigate carbon dioxide pollution thanks to an uptick in CO2 emissions from decomposition

As higher levels of carbon dioxide permeate the Earth's atmosphere, scientists have long counted on forests -- which, as individual trees, grow larger in carbon-rich environments -- to soak up some of the excess.

But after nearly a decade and a half of observing forest ecosystems in controlled settings, scientists now see evidence that elevating carbon levels may cause forests to release as much extra carbon as they absorb.

ScienceDaily (July 13, 2012) — Rebuilding global fisheries would make them five times more valuable while improving ecology, according to a new University of British Columbia study, published July 13 in the online journal PLoS ONE.

A newly discovered water source in Namibia could have a major impact on development in the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa.

Estimates suggest the aquifer could supply the north of the country for 400 years at current rates of consumption.

Scientists say the water is up to 10,000 years old but is cleaner to drink than many modern sources.

However, there are concerns that unauthorised drilling could threaten the new supply.

For the people of northern Namibia water is something that they either have too much of or too little.

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Cleaned-up sewage is nobody’s first choice for drinking water.

But some parts of the world may not have much choice, especially if they have large or growing populations and limited fresh water. Parched communities from Singapore to the United States are coming to terms with the “toilet to tap” idea, aided by educational campaigns and careful marketing. (Do not call it “toilet to tap,” for starters.)