Brazil Approved License for Hydro Dam in Amazon

A proposed hydroelectric dam in Brazil’s Amazon was given the green light with an environmental license. The 11,000-megawatt project will flood 97 square miles of rainforest affecting about 12,000 people. Environmental groups are concerned that the dam will threaten the fragile ecosystem and kill off species of fish.

The government maintains the environmental impact will be minimal. They are trying to provide a renewable form of energy to meet the increasing demands in the country.

Read More: Reuters

Excess CO2 Making Trees Grow Faster in Eastern U.S.

A study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences says hardwood trees are growing 2 to 4 times quicker because of climate change. As carbon levels rise in the atmosphere, scientists believe trees are absorbing more CO2 than normal. However, experts say that this phenomenon won’t last long because the resources to sustain giant trees on the east coast don’t exist naturally.

Read More: PNAS