It's Hot, But Not Because of Global Warming
Research suggests that local land-use changes — urban development and draining wetlands — may be contributing more to local climate change than global warming. Florida’s top global warming scientists, including Harold Wanless, chairman of geological sciences at the University of Miami, agree that greenhouse gases don’t seem to be impacting Florida’s temperatures. When it comes to global warming, sea-level rise — caused by warming elsewhere, particularly the Arctic — is the chief threat to Florida. Wanless predicts Florida’s seas will rise three to five feet by century’s end. http://shafer-consulting.org

In-depth Look At Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine Life, Ecosystems

A new report on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands provides the sharpest picture yet of the region's marine life and ecosystems. The report examines the geographic distribution of the island chain's marine life and habitats, and the conditions that determine where they are found. Designated as a the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in 2006, this is one of the most isolated and pristine marine ecosystems in the world. http://www.shafer-consulting.org