Weekly green glossary: Assam, Hydroxyl radical and natural disasters

Buzz words for the week ending January 07.

 

Assam - The world renowned tea brand is beginning to be affected by climate change, according to reports. ( Guardian)

Bees - New research confirms that bee populations are dwindling, which could have catastrophic effects on agricultural production. ( Reuters)

Blackbirds - and other wildlife have been dying in huge numbers across some parts of the United States , leaving scientists baffled as to the cause of their death. ( CBC News)

Bluefin - The controversy surrounding the fishing of endangered Bluefin tuna hasn't dampened the enthusiasms of Japanese gastronomes, where one of the fish sold for a record breaking €298,711. ( Guardian)

Chukchi - Alaskan residents and conservation groups have succeeded in challenging permits held by Shell Oil to drill exploratory wells in the areas of Beaufort and Chukchi. ( Associated Press)

Hydroxyl radical - A new study shows that levels of Hydroxyl radical, an atmospheric substance that acts in a similar fashion to a detergent, maybe more stable than previously believed, providing a stronger scientific basis for emission regulations. ( NY Times green blog)

La Nina - the weather phenomena that has left a part of Australia the size of Germany and France flooded. ( Reuters)

Natural disasters - In terms of natural disasters, 2010 was one of the deadliest years, with a total of 295,000 people losing their lives to earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, forest fires and other natural catastrophes. ( AFP)

Plastic bags - Italy became the latest country to ban the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags on January 1; however, retailers are still being allowed to use up their stocks. ( Environmental Leader)

Tidal power - American company Verdant Power has submitted an application to install 30 new tidal power turbines in New York's East River. If successful, the turbines could generate power for the city. ( Intelligent Energy Portal)

ULE - American safety certification firm Underwriters Laboratory Environment (ULE) has created a sustainability standard for mobile phone manufacturers. ( Green Biz)

Unilever ­- has unveiled what is believed to be one of the greenest headquarters (HQ) ever built. The HQ of the company behind Vaseline is located in Hamburg and is equipped with LED lights and efficient heating systems. ( Inhabitat)