H2oradio

Is the Panama Canal Running Out of...Water? That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. Water levels are dropping in the Panama Canal, resulting in fewer ships making the crossing. Many are criticizing the recently passed USMCA for not protecting the environment—and supporting oil and gas. A secret operation was conducted in Australia to save an ancient species from the bushfires. A new report examines the assumption that as drought increases in parts of the world, so too will conflict. How to make your clothes last longer—all while saving the planet.

Competing with Camels for Water? That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. Fires in Australia have created pyrocumulonimbus clouds that can rise up to ten miles but contain little rain and in some cases spawn tornadoes. The Trump administration proposed that climate change no longer needs to be considered when evaluating new infrastructure projects like pipelines. Recent earthquakes in Puerto Rico have left 300,000 customers without access to potable water. The House passed a bill to protect Americans from dangerous PFAS chemicals, but Trump plans to veto it if it passes the GOP-led Senate. Berries bitten by bugs are better for you.

Cloud seeding to stop the rain? That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. Bushfires in Australia are so devastating there are concerns entire species of plants and animals have been wiped out. More than 80 percent of streams in the Southwest could lose protection under a proposed rule by the Trump administration. Cloud seeding is usually a way of increasing rain or snowfall in dry regions. However, officials in Indonesia want to use the practice to stop the rain. There's a new way to get hydrogen from water that could make fuel cell cars common. A court in Chile has ruled in favor of indigenous people in the water-scarce Atacama Desert.

Jack Frost Nipping at Your Nose? There May Be a Cure for That. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. The EU is planning a “man on the moon moment” around the climate crisis. An effective and natural way to remove carbon from the atmosphere is through trees—and some have superpowers. A new device may be able to wash microplastics out of laundry water. Algae grown in tubes can clean nitrates out of water. This gel might be able to take the bite out of frostbite.

Your New Phone Could Screw Up Weather Forecasting. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. NOAA, NASA, and the Navy have warned about new wireless technology. More than 100 U.S. military bases are at risk of not having enough water. There's a new fruity solution for icy roads. A facility storing nuclear waste collapsed into the Detroit River. Researchers are listening in on frisky frogs.

“World War Zero” Is Starting This Week. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. COP 25 begins following a year of severe weather and wildfires—and a year in which CO2 emissions increased. Facing dire predictions on climate, rock bands and sports associations are stepping up. Pumas are being poisoned by a surprising source. Fish are leaving Iceland because the water isn't icy enough. "Acoustic enrichment" is not guitar lessons—but may be music to the ears of these vital creatures.

The Coal Industry Hid Its Dirt. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. What did the coal industry know—and when did they know it? Report: Millions of Americans lack running water and basic indoor plumbing. Climate change threatens 945 dangerous, hazardous waste sites. Insects are dying worldwide—and you can do something about it. The new employee at an Arkansas water utility is working "pro bone-o."

Weather Whiplash Will Get Worse in a Warmer World. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. Coal mines are releasing millions of tons of methane. High pressure "blocking events" are on the increase because of climate change. That could mean more deadly heat waves. There's an increased risk of wild weather whiplashing the planet. Smart toilets on are on the horizon, and that could benefit your health. Three cows survived a hurricane by swimming miles to safety.

The construction of dams on rivers worldwide has stopped the natural flow of sand and silt to the sea—resulting in coastal wetland loss and disappearing beaches—as well as preventing fish from reaching vital spawning grounds. But when the decision is made to remove a dam it can be remarkably challenging. Just ask the people of Ventura, California, who’ve been trying for 20 years—and are not much closer to ditching a dam that supplies no water but packs a lot of downsides—and risk.

Will Future Roads Be Paved with Plastic? That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. A recent Keystone pipeline spill sent nearly 400,000 gallons of heavy tar sands oil into wetlands and it will be nearly impossible to clean up. Recycled plastic bags and bottles are being ground up to pave roads. Why are gondoliers plunging into the polluted canals of Venice? A high proportion of American kids are dehydrated—and that can affect their cognitive abilities. Have chronic pain? Take a virtual trip to the Arctic.

When It Rains, Plants Panic. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. In an effort to breathe life into the declining coal industry, the Trump administration wants to further roll back protections for water. Plants that were treated with fracking wastewater have weakened immune systems. When it's raining, plants send alerts from leaf to leaf. Neonicotinoid pesticides have harmed bee populations, aquatic insects, birds—and now fish. A proposal to ship water from the Upper Midwest to the Southwest has gone off the rails.

Climate Catastrophe is Coming and Americans Could Face a Grim Future, Says the U.S. Army. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. A new study from the U.S. Army War College warns of blackouts, disease, thirst, and starvation without serious investment in infrastructure. Many of the 600,000 bridges in the U.S. are threatened by rising temperatures from climate change, according to a new study. There are growing signs that e-cigarette devices and their pods could be a huge environmental issue. Seven women working in the South Pacific Ocean call themselves the "Fantastic Grandmothers." Just in time for Halloween, a fish with sharp teeth that can walk on land and survive out of water for up to four days is now found in 14 states.

Colorado completed its first ever Water Plan in 2015 in an effort to balance the needs of a growing state population against a likely reduction in water supply with climate change. The Colorado Water Plan laid out broad objectives to close the gap between demand and supply—without any way to pay for its recommendations. In November, Colorado voters are being asked to approve Proposition DD that would tax sports betting as a funding mechanism. Jamie Sudler of H2O Radio moderated a half-hour debate that aired on KGNU with Curtis Hubbard of the Yes on DD campaign, and Gary Wockner with the Coloradans for Climate Justice Committee, established to oppose DD.

Airplanes from Algae? It could happen. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. Algae gets a bad rap for toxic blooms but the microorganism could be cleaning up its image by way of two new promising innovations. Is antibiotic use in livestock affecting soil health? They're calling them "stormquakes." Freshwater mussels that live in rivers are dying, and scientists aren't sure why. This country is so hot, they're air conditioning the outdoors.

Fake Grass May Lead to Real Problems. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. Getting the lead out? Environmental groups say new EPA rule does not go far enough. Former EPA officials are asking for an investigation into whether the agency has abused its authority. A new study shows that fast-food packaging is harmful. Artificial grass may eliminate the need for watering, mowing, and pesticides—but could pose risks. How to keep your cool in a blackout.

Three environmental groups are asking a federal court to order the government to consider tearing down Glen Canyon Dam. One in five households rely on septic systems and many of them could be impacted by climate change. A new gel-like fluid has been developed that might help prevent wildfires. Scientists have developed a non-toxic water repellent for textiles. If it's blue, it’s safe to swim. If it’s pink, think.

Two New Dams Are Proposed on the Little Colorado River. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. The latest IPCC report says the planet has warmed 1 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial era and that oceans are "taking the heat." A proposal to generate electricity on the Little Colorado River is being severely criticized. Farmers of California's Central Valley are turning to a new crop in order to adjust to water scarcity. One day, your bar of soap could be made from corn cobs, barley husks, or rice straw. There's a toe-tally new way to get a pedicure.

America’s reservoirs are filling up with sediment. A leading expert at the Bureau of Reclamation says reservoir sedimentation is like cholesterol in your arteries. You can feel fine until you have a heart attack or stroke....

We’ve heard about the deteriorating status of American infrastructure and most imagine crumbling bridges and potholed roads. But there’s another looming infrastructure crisis that’s getting little to no attention—and it will eventually impact everyone: America’s reservoirs are filling up with sediment. Their storage capacity peaked in the 1980s and it’s been going downhill ever since—sometimes with disastrous consequences.

Researchers Break Down Forever Chemicals in 100 Days. That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report about water. Slow-moving tropical cyclones like Imelda are becoming more frequent. A surprising result in the latest report card that describes how well countries are doing in meeting their Paris Agreement targets. New research suggests that global warming will put human brains at risk. A relatively common soil bacterium might degrade the strong chemical bonds of PFAS compounds. It's probably risky to wash your hands with this water.