Oklahoma Seismologist Confirms that Fracking Causes Earthquakes

    There has been quite a controversy surrounding hydraulic fracking over the past several years, particularly over its effects on the environment. Questions have been raised over water waste, well and river contamination, as well as strange seismic activity. Fracking companies endorse the practice as an environmentally friendly alternative compared to oil and coal, but some have investigated the credentials of these claims and come back with some contradictory reports. Oklahoma seismologists have investigated increases in seismic activity in the Guthrie area, and discovered that the nearby fracking sites are responsible for the change. Full story here.

Newfoundland Slammed by Snow

   It's April, where the rain is supposed to bring flowers for the following months. Yet, Newfoundland finds itself buried in snow. An example of climate change, perhaps?

Fries and Ketchup, Anyone?

     A horticulture company based in the UK known as Thompson & Morgan seems to have defied nature itself. They have fabricated a plant for commercial sale they first presented in 2013 that is capable of growing potatoes at the roots and cherry tomatoes on the top. It is known as a "TomTato" plant. Such a plant has never been successfully executed to this degree before. This plant took a decade of work to finally produce, but is only sold in the UK so far. Check out the full story on CBC here.

A TomTato plant after weeks of growing.

Australian River Set on Fire: Is Fracking to Blame?

Take a look at this short video of a member of Greens MP of Australia, Jeremy Buckingham, sets the Condamine River on fire in a matter of seconds. The politician blames methane leakage due to fracking for this unnatural occurrence.

The Paris Agreement

     Today, April 22, is known as Earth Day around the globe, and there is an extremely influential meeting of nations taking place today. Last December, an agreement to collaborate and make an effort to take action against climate change was made in Paris. Over 160 countries, Canada included, are expected to sign this agreement on this very day. Justin Trudeau and Environment Minister Catherine McKenna are currently in New York for the signing ceremony today. McKenna told the press that the government of Canada has 6 months to work on a plan to fulfill the obligations of the treaty. To get a better idea of what exactly has been accomplished and what will be accomplished because of this treaty, check out the article here.

     For a better idea of the carbon emissions of some of the countries involved in this treaty, observe the following diagram taken from this page.

David Suzuki on Climate Change

Take a look at this short video where environmentalist David Suzuki explains the causes of extreme weather patterns and climate change.

Could You Swim For Nine Days?

     While polar bears are exceptional swimmers, even they are finding it difficult to stay afloat. Due to the incredible impact of global warming, polar bears are being forced to migrate from the melting Beaufort Sea in the search of more stable ice. On average, these bears swim nonstop for around 92 kilometers or 3.4 days. The longest swim recorded lasted 9 days without stopping, or 687 kilometers. She lost 22 per cent of her overall body weight, as well as her cub who perished along the way.
     Canadian researchers speculate that the rising temperatures caused by climate change are the reason for the instability of the ice. The Beaufort Sea is especially effected over other regions, and therefore they are noticing the population of polar bears around this area decreasing rapidly in the last ten years. It has dropped over 50 per cent due to habitat loss, migration, and death. At the rate things are looking, the Beaufort Sea will be virtually uninhabited by polar bears in 2026. Polar bear survival may begin to suffer tremendously due to this sudden shift in habitat.
     Read the entire article here.
     Read the entire research document here.