International court says Japan’s whaling is illegal

In a stunning decision and a victory for whales and whale enthusiasts, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague announced their binding decision today in the landmark case of Australia v. Japan, ruling that Japan’s JARPA II whaling program in the Antarctic is not for scientific purposes and ordering that all permits given under JARPA II be revoked.  Sea Shepherd Conservation Society USA and Sea Shepherd Australia, both of which have directly intervened against Japanese whalers in the Southern Ocean, applauded the decision.

Lake Tahoe’s newest attraction – a skateboard ramp on the lake

Along the lines of whacky but fun, Lake Tahoe – known for its beautiful blue waters, tourism, casinos and nature trails – has a new attraction – a floating skateboard ramp.

Will the oil spills stop before we kill all the wild (and marine) life?

BP’s latest oil spill hits Lake Michigan

It seems we hear about a new oil spill every week – sometimes more. And the pictures have become hauntingly familiar.

One of the newest spills featured in the news was caused by our environmental nemesis BP, of Deepwater Horizon fame. From one frying pan into the next.

International killing of whales and dolphins is a thriving business

The global business of killing whales and dolphins continues to thrive, and not just in a few countries. A new report issued by Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) reveals that that consumption or utilization of whale and dolphin meat and by-products is happening across a shocking number of countries and seems to be unchecked despite a global moratorium.

Since the moratorium on commercial whaling was introduced in 1986, more than 35,000 whales have been killed, along with hundreds of thousands of dolphins and smaller whale species. Over the last few years, WDC has helped to expose:

One man makes a difference for the health and well-being of Florida marine life

These artificial mangrove systems are providing critical cover for fish in Florida to survive and thrive

Just listened to this podcast about Lee Shepard of IntraCoastal Eco Systems.. He’s created an artificial mangrove root system that helps shelter spawning and juvenile fish so that they can survive predators.

SC Johnson and bloggers encourage greener lifestyle – but are they missing the point?

It’s commendable when a giant manufacturer like S.C. Johnson really puts its focus on green living. And even better when it strives to get the message out to as wide an audience as possible via the internet. But looking beyond the hype, one has to wonder if perhaps they’re missing the point somehow.

California’s plan to create green jobs – increase recycling

California’s goal to achieve a 75 percent recycling rate would create thousands of green jobs, photo courtesy of Recology

California has earned its reputation for leading the way in green innovation and legislation. In 2011, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 341, which  required the mandatory commercial recycling in California beginning July 1, 2012. This new law modified the California Integrated Waste Management Act, establishing a policy goal that “75 percent of solid waste generated be source reduced, recycled, or composted by the year 2020.”

The Making and Completion of the new World Trade Center

The new 1World Trade Center, photo courtesy of RenewN?YC and SOM

Americans and the world has waited for 13 years to see what will be 1 World Trade Center. The wait is almost over. Final construction is just about done and tenants are beginning to build out their new offices.

The story is a remarkable one, filled with delays, squabbles and, finally, partnership and commitment. Surprisingly, it’s also one of family, devotion and pride. You’ll want to read the great article by Josh Sanburn. It’s poignant and will touch your heart. The documentary film RISE is filled with interviews of the ironworkers who made it happen. Their stories are an integral part of the whole. They are the heroes we can look to, who gave us something to truly be proud of.

10 National Parks (areas) you haven’t heard about

Lake Kuzitrin, Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Alaska. Photo credit: National Park Service

Editor’s Note:  I came across this article earlier today. As a Nature lover, I was surprised to learn about these national treasures. Perhaps if we know of them we can appreciate them more.

Of the 401 parks managed by the National Park Service, there are definitely some fan favorites—the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite. Each year nearly 275 million visitors flock overwhelmingly to the big names on the NPS list.

Gorgeous wilderness area – first to be designated by Congress in five years

Photo by xray10, flickr

Who knew there were sand dunes in Michigan?  And such beautiful wilderness!

This week Congress passed and sent to President Obama for his signature the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Conservation and Recreation Act, which permanently protects 32,557 acres along the mainland shore of Lake Michigan. This newest addition to the National Wilderness Preservation System will be known as “Sleeping Bear Dunes Wilderness,” which includes portions of two islands, forests, miles of beach and spectacular sand dunes rising hundreds of feet above Lake Michigan.