Ozone layer no longer thinning
The protective ozone layer in the Earth’s upper atmosphere has stopped thinning and should largely be restored by mid century thanks to a ban on harmful chemicals, UN scientists said on Thursday. The “Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion 2010” report said a 1987 international treaty that phased out chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) - substances used in refrigerators, aerosol sprays and some packing foams - had been successful.
(Source: news.discovery.com)
Colorado wildfire threatens hundreds of homes
A wind-driven wildfire broke out in the rugged Colorado foothills and quickly spread across nine square kilometres Monday, destroying some buildings and triggering the evacuations of as many as 400 homes. The fire started in Four Mile Canyon northwest of Boulder and erratic winds gusting to 70 kilometres an hour spread the flames both to the west and northeast.
At least four roads in the area were closed, and a plume of heavy smoke was visible for kilometres. The cause was unknown. “It’s fast-moving. We’ve got a lot of wind up there,” Boulder County sheriff’s Cmdr. Rick Brough said. He said emergency crews were concentrating on evacuations. No injuries were reported.
(Source: cbc.ca)
7.1 Earthquake Hits Christchurch, New Zealand
A major earthquake of 7.1 magnitude hit New Zealand, 30 km (20 miles) west of Christchurch early on Saturday morning, causing no immediate reports of casualties but widespread damage, authorities said. The quake, which had a depth of 33 kms (20.5 miles), struck around 4.35 a.m. local time (12:35 p.m. EDT Friday) and was felt throughout much of the South Island and southern parts of the North Island, but did not trigger a tsunami.
(Source: The New York Times)
US evacuations may be required for Earl
Federal officials urged U.S. residents to prepare for possible evacuations and islanders in the Turks and Caicos braced for high winds Tuesday as powerful Hurricane Earl howled over open seas toward the East Coast of the U.S. The Category 4 hurricane, with winds of 135 mph (215 kilometers), was expected to remain over the open ocean before turning north and running parallel to the U.S. coast, potentially reaching the North Carolina coastal region by late Thursday or early Friday. It was projected then to curve back out to sea, perhaps swiping New England or far-eastern Canada.
