Extended lack of rain for the past year has led to a drastic reduction of water levels in the UK's River Kennet as of December 17, 2011, with scientists conveying their concern for aquatic life as sections of the river bed become completely dry.  

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/dec/18/river-kennet-dry-john-betjeman
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2075889/Poet-Sir-John-Betjemans-beloved-River-Kennet-reduced-trickle-lack-rain.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

In a study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology on December 20, 2011, scientists in Ethiopia warn that the survival of the Frankincense tree, whose resin is used for religious ceremonies and in perfume, is at risk due to factors that include overharvesting of the resin and climate change effects that have slowed regrowth of the trees.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16270759
http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2011/12/21/frankincense-production-is-doomed-scientists-warn/