KYRGYZSTAN
An old Soviet nuclear dump in the mountains of the central Asian republic is to be cleaned up by Norwegian government engineers. The waste, trapped behind dams, is threatening to pour into a river from which 10 million people drink.
NEW CALEDONIA
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An 鈥渆xtinct鈥� tree has been rediscovered on rabbit-ravaged Lepredour Island. Biologists have taken cuttings and fruit from two Pittosporum tanianum trees, last seen eight years ago, and hope to re-establish the species.
US
A federal judge has banned the US Navy from broadcasting low-frequency sound through the sea to detect submarines. Judge Elizabeth LaPorte ruled that it would distress marine mammals.
CAMBODIA
Asia鈥檚 most biologically diverse river, the Mekong, is threatened by dams and channel blasting, biologists told political leaders discussing how to harness the river for economic development.
INDIA
Droughts, floods and other weather-related disasters will cost the world $70 billion this year, reinsurance company MunichRe told governments meeting to discuss curbs on global warming.
CHILE
The 鈥渆lephant of the reefs鈥� is on the menu in Santiago, where the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is discussing new ways of protecting the giant humphead wrasse, now fished live from coral reefs and served in upmarket Hong Kong restaurants.
US
Modernising existing US dams could power 30 million homes in an eco-friendly way, say hydro-engineers from turbine maker Voith Siemens. But environment groups disagree, and have applauded Oregon鈥檚 decision to tear down two dams allowing salmon to return to their breeding grounds.