Nearly half of U.S. science teachers teach climate change Nearly half of U.S. science teachers teach climate change denials

We're taking a look at some of the stories affecting our planet. Here's some news you shouldn't miss.

China reports it saved drinking water for tens of millions from contaminationChinese officials report containing a potential catastrophe by halting the spread of poisonous cadmium flowing through the Longjiang River. The word from local media is that officials were able to dilute the toxic metal which threatened drinking water for tens of millions of people. Can the reports be trusted that the disaster, stemming from a leak from a mining company in Guangxi, is under control? Hard to say, but in another report from The New York Times this week, Chinese officials are said to be struggling now that the “edifice of environmental propaganda is collapsing.” That story dealt with denials about urban air pollution.

Efforts to clean up the Gulf Coast continueMeanwhile, back in the United States, officials are still dealing with environmental destruction to the Gulf Coast, and in particular, the Deepwater Horizon spill. After a year of meetings, studies, and lots of talking but little action, money is now being spent to improve the ecosystem as farmers and fishermen keep close watch. The AP takes a look at the progress on the farm front, from small projects like fences built and cattle-averring troughs to money going to expensive soil-turning solutions.

The state of environmental education is concerningWhat do American school kids learn these days about climate science? At the Huffington Post, one dean at Duke University’s environmental school takes a look, finding two states – Texas and Louisiana – where climate science denial is taught as a valid scientific position, and two more states – Tennessee and Oklahoma – where legislation is being considered that would do the same. The author also points to a study of K-12 science teachers throughout the U.S. where 47 percent admit to teaching “both sides” of climate change.

'We must develop the Arctic!' says one Russian tanker captainClimate change is gathering excitement among Russian mariners, who are overjoyed by the prospect of an Arctic Ocean without the arctic freeze. Less snow and ice means an easier and quicker time shipping fuel supplies along the Northern Sea Route. One Danish company has estimated it has saved a third of the cost and nearly half the time by shipping to China via the northern route instead of the old, southern Suez Canal option. Longer warm seasons also mean that this shipping route stays open for more months. The Russian tanker captain is happy. “We've learned in the most extreme weather, so that when it gets easier there won't be anything to be scared of," says one Russian tanker captain.

GPS-technology fosters one art project in BaltimoreRiding a bike is not only environmentally-friendly, but with the advent of GPS technology, it also happens to be a neat way to create art. One Baltimore man has been using “pedal power” to create pictures including a jellyfish invasion, a professional football player kicking a field goal, and one of those gigantic carriers from The Empire Strikes Back.

• LivingPong  
  
  • That picture looks like BAD WOLF! I tried to make a giant hook with my phone on my skateboard, though now that I think about it, I probably had GPS turned off.
    It's sad that climate science denial is taught in schools. The Vatican has recently held talks about the increased threat to the glazier in the Himalayas that is the source of fresh water to much of India and the worrying trend of prolonged drought facing 40% of the world by the end of this century. Like it or not, the rapid expansion of the human population puts many pressures on the world we live in.
    The challenge for us is to find ways in which we can more intelligently use our resources without threatening the environment we share with all other living things. In order to plan for the future we must understand our limitations and the problems we face. No one is doing any favours to students by not arming them with the facts about the changing climate they must work and live in. Great innovations and solutions can be achieved with a clear understanding of any given problem. Confusing this issue only helps to fail students in understanding the changing environment they face, when instead they could be discussing solutions to these problems and thinking of new innovations that will benefit not only themselves but the entire world as well.