Pass notes No 2,888: Cancún | Environment | The Guardian

The setting's as fantastic as the PR claims, but you don't house several million tourists a year in a few picturesque fisherman's shacks. Every one of those "world-class luxury hotels" has been built since 1970.

So why is this environmental thingy heading there? Presumably so it can get a firsthand view of the horrors wrought by mass tourism. And that part of Mexico does have some fine mangrove swamps. They could play a vital part in the UN's plans to create carbon sinks.

I can hear a "but" coming on. Actually it's an "on the other hand". On the other hand, the Mexicans want to build another airport on them.

BBC - Earth News - Robins and wrens: harsh winter hit resident UK birds

Resident British birds struggled in the 2009-2010 harsh winter, while migrating birds benefited from the break, says the British Trust for Ornithology.
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"The cold, wet summers of recent years do make you wonder why some of our migrant birds even bother coming back" said Greg Conway, organiser of the trust's Constant Effort Scheme for bird-ringing.

Winter leaves skiers high and dry - Press & Journal

Harsh Weather conditions close Highland resorts as drifting snow blocks access

Snow Weather: Severe Weather Warnings Arctic Temperatures Treacherous Commuting Conditions | UK News | Sky News

Nearly 700 motorists were left stranded overnight in freezing conditions in Scotland as the big chill tightens its grip.

Heavy snow closes NE China airport again

SHENYANG, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- A major airport in northeast China's Liaoning Province was closed Monday for the second time in two days as runways were covered by a thick layer of snow, authorities said.