U.S. Cap and Trade Dead

Senator Lindsey Graham said that any climate legislation would not include a cap and trade scheme. Cap and trade refers to the idea of limiting greenhouse gas emissions and allowing utilities, manufacturers, and other polluters to buy and sell permits to pollute. The former legislation would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and establish a regulated market. Critics say that cap and trade would raise prices for all Americans.

Learn more: Reuters

Mercury Sources in Fish

A new study published by Environmental Science and Technology is exploring the sources of mercury in ocean fish. Mercury naturally occurs in the environment, however an estimated 2,000 tons of it are generated from human related activities. The most toxic form is methylmercury. It builds up in fish and humans causing nervous and immune system damage.

Learn more: E Science

China Food Scare

Chinese officials are scrambling to figure out why trace amounts of a highly toxic pesticide are showing up in cowpeas across China.

The China Daily says the Ministry of Agriculture issued a nationwide warning after shipments of cowpeas were tainted with the pesticide isocarbophos. Cowpeas are a legume found on the tropical island of Hainan.

Officials have destroyed all known supplies tainted with the pesticide. Hainan’s regional government in 2004 legally banned it.

Learn more: New York Times