The devastating tsunami that has so far killed tens of thousands of people in South Asia is likely to rank as one of the worst natural disasters in a century.

For now, the relief effort must focus on helping victims and combating diseases that could be even more deadly than the initial catastrophe. At some point the world must consider why this disaster was so unnaturally destructive.

Complete article: Tsunami offers lesson for all on water’s edge (sacbee)

The extinction of whole species, once specific to isolated islands, is becoming a trend across continents.

According to the World Conservation Union, a total of 784 species have become extinct since AD 1500, when accurate historical and scientific records began.

Complete article: Island woes stark warning for land dwellers (Reuters)

It has been the costliest year of natural disasters on record for the global insurance industry, with losses of about $52 billion even before tsunamis swept across Asia, killing tens of thousands and causing billions of dollars of damage.

Complete article: Insurers pay in year of disasters (The Age)

WHILE THE Bush administration was working to stall the global warming talks in Buenos Aires this month, US-based companies have been taking the lead in developing and utilizing technologies to reduce greenhouse gases.

Complete article: A role for US firms in energy cleanup (Boston Globe)

Planting native landscaping, using safer cleaning products and installing energy-efficient lighting are some of the ways government agencies and businesses are voluntarily reducing air pollution through a program called Clean Air Counts.

Complete article: Program encourages voluntary compliance to reduce smog (Suburban Chicago News)

NEW DELHI – Dense mangrove forests growing along the coasts of tropical and sub-tropical countries can help reduce the devastating impact of tsunamis and coastal storms by absorbing some of the waves’ energy, say scientists.

Complete article: Mangrove forests ‘can reduce impact of tsunamis’ (SciDev News)