Environment | WPN World People News

The Earth's protective ozone layer is well on track to recovery in the next few decades.

Mary Robinson

A crude oil train in the Richmond, CA, rail yard.

Chesapeake Bay at sunset.

A week before world leaders gather at the UN Climate Summit in New York, the United Nations Special Envoy for Cities and Climate change, Michael R. Bloomberg, will take part in a public discussion with OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría on how cities can be empowered to take the lead in combatting climate change.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a settlement with Flint Hills Resources, which owns and operated a petroleum refinery in North Pole, Alaska, for alleged mishandling of hazardous waste generated during groundwater cleanup actions at the refinery.

The U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Hawaii Department of Health have reached an agreement with the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) that requires the department to pay a $1.2 million penalty and correct federal Clean Water Act stormwater violations at the Honolulu and Kalaeloa Harbors on Oahu.

Globally, natural disasters have caused damages of nearly $4 trillion over the past 30 years—and the frequency and intensity of these powerful storms, droughts and earthquakes continue to rise. Leaders from developing countries, civil society, private sector and agencies including the World Bank, European Union and United Nations are coming together this week to discuss how vulnerable countries can better prepare and protect hard won development gains by establishing recovery strategies and processes before disaster strikes.

By absorbing much of the added heat trapped by atmospheric greenhouse gases, the oceans are delaying some of the impacts of climate change.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced proposed agreements with two subsidiaries of The Lightstone Group that are developing 700 units of residential housing adjacent to the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, New York. The companies, LSG 363 Bond Street LLC and LSG 365 Bond Street LLC, have agreed to conduct sampling, cleanup work, and other measures on three parcels of land along the Gowanus Canal.