As drought blankets much of the western U.S. and Canada, so do grasshoppers, Mormon crickets, and other associated bugs. The cyclical insect infestations, which are occurring in pockets in every state west of the Mississippi and in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, range from light to very severe.
"The Quebec government is breathing new life into Canada's dying asbestos industry. The province is close to backing a loan of $58 million to reopen a mine in the town of Asbestos, a cash injection that could keep it operating for the next 25 years."
"OTTAWA -- Far more sewage has been spilled in Canadian urban centres over the last six years than any other harmful contaminant, newly released figures show."
Nearly 150 species of North American birds are in significant trouble, according to a report released May 11, 2010, by a consortium of US, Canadian, and Mexican government agencies, NGOs, universities, and individuals.
"A unique research project at Environment Canada could soon offer a new perspective for Canadians on conservation and its economic value, says a director in the federal department."
"The battle between forestry companies protecting their timber supply and environmentalists trying to save the trees has been too fierce to hide in the shade of Canada's vast boreal forest. But after decades of fighting, the bitter foes have agreed to bury the hatchet."
Canada's asbestos industry continues to push the message that asbestos is not toxic. Health experts think the truth will eventually prevail.
"Forty years after grassy narrows First Nation’s mercury-drenched river system was proclaimed off limits, a recently released report on the health fallout in the community north of Kenora has arrived at a more ominous conclusion. It’s possible that even small amounts of mercury below Health Canada’s guidelines are continuing to poison people and causing health problems."
"Ontario’s high-profile electronic waste disposal program is failing to recycle millions of computers and televisions it promised to keep out of landfill."
Bat losses can have major impacts on ecosystems, as they routinely consume large quantities of insects and themselves provide food and nutrients for other plants and animals. There also are economic impacts as caves close to recreational use, in an effort to combat the spread of the disease.
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