Improving local water quality could mitigate the damaging effects of rising CO2 on marine ecosystems, new research suggests. Scientists in Australia found that nitrogen pollution in seawater, when acting in combination with heightened CO2 concentrations, had a significant effect on the growth of turfing algae, which displace kelp forest ecosystems.

Human activities are threatening river ecosystems in the Mediterranean. Recent research in south-east Spain has highlighted the need to assess biodiversity and the ecological condition of river ecosystems at both basin-wide and local scales. The researchers say this will provide a better assessment of river ecosystems, aiding management decisions.

A new methodology for mapping the global distribution of drought risk has been proposed, which should provide guidance on which locations should be further assessed to improve drought preparedness and management policies.

Researchers have analysed the policy response to the 2013–2014 flooding of the Somerset Levels and Moors in the UK. Analysis of media coverage and interviews with stakeholders revealed how local pressure promoted dredging — a policy that had fallen out of favour with the national Environment Agency (EA). Although dredging was eventually readopted by the EA, there remain uncertainties over its long-term viability due to funding constraints and debates over its effectiveness.

Reliance Retail has deployed a technology team to develop applications in order to create seamless online and offline experience in the coming financial year.

Visa has outlined a detailed framework with its partner entities on how it plans to update its systems to comply with RBI laws

The company’s data centers are currently located in Singapore. “We don’t have a stated plan yet but we may look at opening an Indian data centre to be closer to customers in India. Some customers prefer local presence,” said Nikhil Arora, managing director, GoDaddy India.

New research indicates that successful integration of conservation into local land-use planning needs a combination of regulatory measures and community values. This could be encouraged by better education on conservation, and greater collaboration between neighbouring geographical areas.

Grassland bird species of European conservation concern are potentially threatened by changes in land use in the Iberian cereal-steppes. However, a recent study suggests not all bird species respond in the same way to similar management guidelines and agri-environmental schemes need to be adjusted to local conditions.

As the climate changes, habitat specialist species will be forced to either adapt to new conditions or move to more suitable habitat. Now, researchers from the UK have shown how conservationists can use local management practices to help these species expand into new areas with favourable conditions.

Protected areas that allow local people to use the resources in a sustainable way are better for biodiversity conservation than excluding people entirely, a new study suggests. In a review of over 160 scientific studies, the researchers found that protected areas which were managed to allow sustainable access yielded greater socioeconomic benefits. Importantly, those with greater socioeconomic benefits were also more likely to report biodiversity benefits.

Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) have been shown to adapt to local environments that are as little as 20 km apart, and these adaptations can be passed on to offspring. In this study, oysters that originated from less saline areas tended to be more resilient to extremely low saline conditions than oysters from more saline areas. Since episodes of reduced salinity are a predicted effect of climate change in the San Francisco Bay area under study, the authors say their findings could be useful for future conservation and restoration efforts.

Assessing threats to biodiversity is necessary for effective spatial planning and balancing sustainable development with conservation. This study details a fine-scale assessment of the effect of a range of threats to coastline habitats within a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Mediterranean Sea. The study provides an example of how local-scale assessments can contribute to national conservation policy.

The importance of seagrass meadows in supporting fisheries has been highlighted by a new study in San Simón Bay, a Natura 2000 site in Spain. The research also demonstrates the benefits of stakeholder involvement in developing management plans to balance conservation with the use of natural resources.

Researchers have shown that in the Baltic Sea the abundance of common fish species, used as an indicator of ecosystem health, is influenced by climate-related oceanic conditions at a local scale, such as sea temperature. The researchers suggest, therefore, that the environmental status of coastal fish communities in the region should be assessed and managed at a local scale.

Low emission zones (LEZs) that restrict old vehicles in city centres may need implementation in combination with other traffic policies to have greater impacts on air quality, according to new research. A study that measured emission levels before and after the introduction of LEZs in five Dutch cities indicated that air pollution concentrations were reduced but not to a statistically significant level.

Strong acids formed from shipping emissions can produce seasonal ‘hot spots’ of ocean acidification, a recent study finds. These hot spots, in ocean areas close to busy shipping lanes, could have negative effects on local marine ecology and commercially farmed seafood species.

SUFFOLK– As Tropical Storm Michael approaches, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District stands ready to respond to...

A new exhibition will feature the work of a local illustrator.

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan will answer questions about Know Your Farmer Know Your Food and other local foods questions.

The organic grocery chain lets local producers bypass the red tape of the banks and offers small loans to eco-responsible small food businesses.

You can change your buying and eating habits, one step at a time, says author Lou Bendrick in an excerpt from her book, "Eat Where You Live."

Michael Pollan predicts local economies will become revitalized and discusses how this will benefit people around the world.

Forget the gold paper plates and the disposable red carpet for your Oscar party. Bring out the china, the crystal and the good food.

The success of two elementary school volunteer projects earned a shelter a donation from the Petco Foundation.

Video: Join Farmer D as he checks out the farmer's market in Savannah, GA.

'From dirt to shirt in less than 700 miles.' There aren't many T-shirt makers who can make that claim.

Many regions have declared September ‘Local Food Month.’ Here are six ways to get in on the action even if it hasn’t been declared in your region.

Food news and items of interest from around the Web for your weekend reading.

Nero's Grill at Caesars is changing the gambling town's image by sourcing sustainably.

Fresh and delicious, the ice cream from this popular Old City, Philadelphia store is worth the wait.

Husband and wife team John Stewart and Duskie Estes have created a wine country restaurant that serves memorable meals.

You can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint just by choosing products and services that are locally-owned and produced.

The North Face releases a limited edition hooded sweatshirt (mostly) designed and manufactured within the Bay Area.

While Morieka Johnson usually loves a good bargain, she knows that when it comes to local, sustainably raised beef, you get what you pay for.

MNN's lifestyle blogger finds the sheer heft of local, organic produce weighs heavily on her car-lite lifestyle. How do you get your local food home?

The focus is put on the small amount of local food among the non-local.

New local foods website brings all of Philadelphia’s many choices together.

Public campaigns designed to boost consumer interest in shopping at small and independent businesses appear to be paying off.

A new bill seeks to make fresh, healthy food more accessible to consumers and support the farmers who grow it.

It's harder to eat local as the days get shorter, but it's possible. Here's how.

There are dozens of reasons to go the farmers market, but opening day, these five are particularly important.

It's the perfect time to stimulate your local economy during the USDA's National Farmers Week.

The White House, federal government selects communities to participate in the Local Food, Local Places initiative.

The brewery in New York state uses local energy, grows its own ingredients, composts – and even more.

Reduce the carbon footprint of your food by making smart food choices, not necessarily just by eating local.

Once-in-17-year event in West Virginia brings out the bright and brave to study – and eat! – cicadas.

Boy asks his friends to celebrate his birthday by volunteering at an animal shelter.

13-year-old Sarah Jones is helping the stray cats of her local Utah community by constructing shelters and getting them spayed or neutered.

Southern Company’s response to the coronavirus is rooted in Our Values and our commitment to Safety First for our teammates, customers and communities.