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Poisoning Earth and our terrible fate, if, if, if

 
Global sharks and rays populations
--------- have halved since 1970
December 6th, 4:43pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The world's shark and ray population have declined 
by more than 50 percent since 1970, a new study 
published in Science journal was revealed 
on Friday.
 
The main factor behind their demise is overfishing, which 
has wiped out populations of chondrichthyans fishes
(cartilaginous fishes) ..such as sharks, rays, and 
chimaeras, over the last 50 years. 
 
In the case of sharks, the threat posed by intentional 
fishing and bycatch is compounded by habitat 
degradation, climate change, and pollution.
 
The result is over one-third of chondrichthyans fishes 
now face the threat of extinction, a statement by 
Australia’s James Cook University noted.
 
The sequential depletion... of the largest and most 
functionally important species -- such as sawfish 
and rhino rays, the latter considered the world’s 
most threatened marine fish - was followed by
 the decline of large manta rays, eagle rays, 
angel sharks, hammerhead sharks, and 
requiem sharks.

 
_________________________________________


 
Caring for soils is a priority
------------ for global survival
December 5th, 11:13am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
As World Soil Day is celebrated this Thursday, experts are urging 
people to step up its care, from which over 95% of our food 
comes, and the 15 naturally occurring chemical elements 
that are essential for plants.
 
This year’s theme, “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage,” 
underscores the importance -- of having accurate data and 
information about this natural element to understand its 
properties and make informed decisions about its 
sustainable management, to ensure global 
food availability.
 
Despite climate change and human activities, soils are being 
degraded; erosion and poor management are altering the
natural balance of the land, wasting water resources, 
and reducing the levels of vitamins and nutrients
in the food we produce (and eat).
 
Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, 
crop rotation, organic matter additions, and cover crops, improve 
soil's health, reduce erosion and pollution, and increase water 
infiltration and retention.
 
These practices also conserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, 
and contribute to soil-based carbon sequestration, playing a 
critical role in fighting climate change.
 
A report released by the United Nations Convention, to Combat 
Desertification and presented at the Conference of the Parties
(COP16) in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday stated that at least 
2.6 trillion dollars in investment are required by 2030 - 
to restore the over one billion hectares of degraded
land and to enhance global resilience to drought.
 
 
 
_______________________________


 
Philippines hosts 4th FRLD board 
meeting ---- on climate resilience
December 2nd, 4:04pm
  (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Philippines is hosting the 4th meeting of the Board of the Fund
 for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), starting on Monday 
and marking a milestone in the country's commitment to
 climate resilience.
 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 
Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga made the remarks 
---- after welcoming the delegates at the Philippine 
International Convention Centre in Pasay City.
 
It is a moment of pride for the Philippines to host this 4th 
meeting of the Board, and the first in our country since
 we were selected to host the Board.
 
The meeting is particularly significant as it comes at an
 important stage in the Fund’s establishment and 
implementation, Loyzaga noted, in her 
opening remarks.
 
The secretary highlighted that the meeting underscored the
 Philippines’ commitment to supporting global climate 
resilience and addressing the urgent needs 
of climate-vulnerable nations --- while 
strengthening its leadership... in the 
global fight against climate change.
 


______________________________



Indonesia - plans to implement 
oil palm to produce biodiesel
December 2nd, 2:19pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Indonesia is set to implement the B40 biodiesel program, 
based on the most abundant of its crops, the oil palm, 
starting on January 1, 2025.
 
At the 12th Ministerial Meeting of the Council of Palm Oil Producing 
Countries (CPOPC), Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for 
Economic Affairs in this nation, highlighted at a press briefing 
the usefulness of the initiative.
 
The program aims to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) 
emissions by up to 40 million tons annually.
 
Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of palm oil, an essential
 ingredient in the manufacture of a wide array of goods, including 
food, and the most widely used vegetable oil, globally.



__________________________________________



Ghanaian capital.. at risk of
 being submerged in water?
Accra, November 27th, 10:59am 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
In a health cure, specialized sources warned today 
that this city - the capital of Ghana - could be 
submerged by the waters - and recommend 
to prioritize the defenses against floods.
 
The fears of environmental groups are by no means 
idle, viewing the hundreds of deaths and damage 
caused by floods in several African countries 
due to an unusually wet season --- after a 
prolonged drought --- unprecedented 
in years.
 
The ''likely'' crisis would be compounded by the 
overcrowding of the metropolitan area where 
some three million people reside, thousands 
of whom migrated to higher ground after 
witnessing the increasing frequency 
and intensity of storms.
 
However, the usual migration... from rural areas to the 
capital --- a repeatedly phenomenon in developing 
countries, increases the risks as these persons 
build illegal settlements in low-lying areas
and 
near rivers.
 
In addition, there is a history of flooding during the
 rainy season... which, without being lethal, is a
 warning of what could be coming - in the form
 of floods that trigger outbreaks of infectious 
stomach and respiratory diseases.. and an 
invasion of rats, the usual companions of 
these catastrophes.
 
 
_________________________________________


COP29: Venezuelan Government 
Strengthens Strategies for the 
Generation of Clean Energy 
in the Country
November 21st, 7pm
(teleSUR)
 
During the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN 
Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) 
held in Azerbaijan, the Minister of People’s Power 
for Ecosocialism, José Lorca ------ met with Ajay 
Mathur, Director-General of the International 
Solar Alliance (ISA).
 
At the meeting, both discussed the importance
 of Venezuela’s --- active participation in this
organization, 
dedicated to promoting
the use of 
renewable energies. 
 
Minister Lorca highlighted, that Venezuela is positioned 
as one of the countries most committed to training and 
technological development in the field of solar energy.
 
“We are implementing photovoltaic projects --- that 
not only improve our electricity service - but also 
demonstrate the commitment of the government 
of President Nicolás Maduro - and the Sectoral 
Vice President of Public Works and Services, 
General in Chief Jorge Márquez, to the UN 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” 
he said.
 
Lorca also emphasized --- that Venezuela’s geographic 
location makes it an ideal site for photovoltaic power 
generation. “It is essential ---- to diversify our energy 
sources in order to face the climate crisis and move 
towards a more sustainable future,” he said.
 
Currently... it is estimated that 80% of the electricity 
generation in Venezuela comes from hydroelectric 
sources. However, photovoltaic projects are 
being developed --- with the objective of 
reaching 30% of national generation -- 
as indicated by Tania Masea, Deputy 
Minister for New Sources and 
Rational Use of Energy.
 
 
____________________________________


COP29: Delegates --- renegotiate new 
compensation for developing nations
November 19th, 2:24pm
  (africanews)
 
Money is the key issue at the United Nations climate 
talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, where negotiators are
 working on a new amount for developing 
nations to transition to clean energy, 
adapt to climate change and deal 
with weather disasters.
 
Experts put the need close to $1 trillion, while 
developing nations have said they'll need 
$1.3 trillion in climate finance.
 
But negotiators are talking about different types of
 money -- as well as amounts, involving a complex 
package of grants, loans and private investment.
 
Whatever the form of the finance, Ireland’s 
environment minister Eamon Ryan said it 
would be “unforgivable” for developed 
countries ----- to walk away from 
negotiations, without making 
a firm commitment toward 
developing ones.
 
“We have to make an agreement here,” he said. "We 
do have to provide the finance, particularly for the 
developing countries, and to give confidence that 
they will not be excluded, that they will be 
centre stage.”
 
Kenya’s special envoy for climate Ali Mohamed said 
that most developing nations are in agreement that 
funds for climate finance need to be at $1.3 trillion. 
That’s a similar figure to one proposed by 
independent U.N. experts last week.
 
“We hope -- that our partners from the developed world 
will come up and join us in addressing this challenge 
honestly ---- and with commitment,” Mohamed said.
 
Mohamed said “it is not encouraging that we continue 
haggling”  - while people continue to die and become 
displaced --- due to climate crises around the world.
 


_________________________________________________



COP29: Oil and Gas Company 
Delegates... Outnumber 
Social Activists
November 15th, 12:10pm
(teleSUR)
 
While 1,773 lobbyists represent corporations, only
 1,033 people speak on behalf of the 10 most 
climate-vulnerable nations.
 
On Friday, the environmental group “Kick Big Polluters 
Out” denounced that the COP29 conference in Baku 
hosts 1,773 representatives ---- from the fossil 
fuel companies. This number ------- exceeds 
the delegations of the most vulnerable 
countries, and the staff of nearly all
the states present at the UN 
climate conference.
 
“The 1,773 lobbyists registered in Baku are surpassed
 only by the delegations of Azerbaijan (2,229), Brazil 
(1,914), & Turkey (1,862),” said Kick Big Polluters 
Out, noting that the same situation occurred 
during COP28 in Dubai in 2023.
 
Representatives from fossil fuel companies outnumber 
all the delegates from the 10 most climate-vulnerable 
nations combined (1,033), highlighting how industry 
presence - overshadows those on the frontlines of 
the climate crisis, added the environmental 
platform.
 
At COP28 in Dubai - for the first time - attendees were 
required to disclose whom they represent, “exposing 
many lobbyists who likely attended covertly in 
previous years.”
 
Most of the accredited fossil delegates come from 
wealthy countries, representing companies such 
as like the French oil giant TotalEnergies, the 
Italian gas company Eni, or the Japanese 
coal company Sumitomo. Major fossil 
energy corporations - such as 
Chevron, ExxonMobil, BP, 
and Shell.... are also 
represented.
 
“The control of fossil fuel lobbyists over climate 
negotiations is like a venomous snake coiling 
around the future of our planet. We must 
expose their deception, remove them 
from these discussions, and hold 
them accountable ---- for their 
violations - against Earth,” 
said Nnimmo Bassey ------
the head of the Health of
Mother Earth Foundation.
 
On Friday, a group of scientists and experts, including 
former UN Secretary Ban Ki-moon, former UN climate
chief Christiana Figueres, and renowned scientist
Johan Rockström ----- called for a fundamental 
reform of UN conferences in an open letter. 
 
Among other recommendations, they demanded that 
climate summits ensure “equitable representation” 
and criticized that, during the last edition, COP28 
in Dubai - also held in a gas-rich country, like the 
United Arab Emirates - 2,456 fossil fuel lobbyists 
were accredited.
 
 
 
____________________________________________



COP29: GSLTF Proposes Climate Taxes 
on Cryptocurrencies, Plastics, and 
the Ultra-Rich
November 14th, 12:24pm
(teleSUR)
 
The solidarity levies would also affect aviation, 
fossil fuels, and financial transactions.
 
On Thursday, the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force 
(GSLTF) published its progress report at COP29, 
presenting proposals for new taxes on 
cryptocurrencies, plastics, and the 
ultra-wealthy -- to help close the 
global climate financing gap. 
 
These new “solidarity levies” ..would be used to 
financeclimate action and development efforts 
and would also affect aviation, fossil fuels,
and financial transactions.
 
For cryptocurrencies, “considering the high energy 
demand of mining” necessary to obtain them, this 
coalition of countries and organizations proposes
 a tax of US$0.045 per kilowatt-hour, which could 
generate US$5.2 billion while also 
reducing emissions.
 
The levy on the plastics sector would apply to the 
primary production of polymers at a rate ranging 
between US$60 and US$90 per ton, which would 
allow for the collection of between US$25 billion 
and US$35 billion annually and simultaneously 
support actions against pollution from 
this material.
 
Regarding individuals with very high net worth, the 
report proposes a coordinated minimum tax of 2% 
that would impact billionaires -- which was 
recently discussed at the G20 and would 
generate between US$200 billion and 
US$250 billion -- promoting a fairer 
global tax landscape.
 
The GSLTF also includes other “more specific” options
 in its document to tax industries considered “highly 
polluting” like aviation, ---- for which - it suggests a 
kerosene fuel tax, including a coordinated levy on 
private jet fuel, luxury tickets, and frequent fliers, 
which would provide between US$19 billion and 
US$164 billion annually “depending on design
 and scope.”
 
It also proposes tougher measures on the fossil fuel 
sector with “a combination of levies” that would 
include new taxes on extraction and on windfall 
profits, as well as an increase in the minimum 
corporate tax rate for multinationals or a 
mixed instrument that would vary 
by country.
 
As for financial transactions ------- options under 
consideration include “revitalizing EU efforts”
 to design a global tax ------ by mobilizing a 
coalition of countries willing to adopt 
measures - on stocks, bonds, and 
derivatives, while also working 
toward global harmonization 
of transaction taxes.
 
 This action would include a tax of 0.1 percent on 
equity and bond instruments and another of 0.01 
percent on derivatives.
 
Officially led by Kenya, Barbados, and France, the 
GSLTF currently includes 17 countries and 
associated observer organizations, among 
which are Spain, Denmark, the European 
Commission, the African Union, 
and Senegal. 
 
All members are committed to finding solutions 
to generate substantial, fair, and predictable 
funding to address urgent global needs.
 
 
 
_____________________________________________
 
 
 
Cuba urges to guarantee funds 
to fight climate change
November 14th, 11:40am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Thursday 
urged world leaders at the COP29 Climate Action 
Summit to focus on financing to guarantee 
actions to fight climate change.
 
On X, the head of Cuban diplomacy expressed that it is 
time to prioritize the means that will implement what 
has been agreed for a reinforced climate action.
 
Officials and experts from the Cuban Science, 
Technology, and Environment Ministry 
(CITMA) and the Foreign Ministry 
(MINREX) are attending 
the meeting.
 
On the first day, United Nations Secretary-General 
Antonio Guterres urged to tear down the walls of 
climate finance after acknowledging that no 
country is immune to such human-made 
challenges.
 
Guterres warned that the world is in a final countdown 
to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, 
and insisted on changing the current order in which 
“the rich cause the problem, the poor pay the 
highest price.”
 
COP29 brings together hundreds of representatives 
worldwide in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, from 
November 11 to 22, to prepare a new financial 
plan to develop clean energy and overcome
 the effects of extreme weather.
 
 
 
_______________________________________




Pope Francis - tells COP29
to fight to save the planet
November 13th, 10:44am 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Pope Francis sent a message to the Conference of 
States Parties to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (COP29), where 
he called for greater common efforts to save
 the planet.
 
In the document published by the Holy See press office 
and read on Wednesday by the Vatican Secretary of 
State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the event, which 
takes place from November 11 to 22 in Baku, 
the capital of Azerbaijan, the Supreme 
Pontiff ---- deplores the selfishness 
that weighs down this effort.
 
That selfish attitude of “individual, national and power 
groups --- feeds a climate of distrust and division that 
does not respond to the needs of an interdependent 
world in which we should act and live - as members 
of a family that inhabits the same interconnected 
global village,” Francis said.
 
The Pope emphasized that this COP29 takes place “in 
a context conditioned by a growing disillusionment 
with multilateral institutions, and dangerous 
tendencies.... to build walls, while the 
preservation of creation is one of 
the most urgent issues - of our 
time, closely related to the 
preservation of peace”.
 
The Bishop of Rome stressed that ---------- “society is
increasingly globalizing and makes us neighbours, 
but it doesn't make us brothers”, while economic 
development does not reduce inequality and, on 
the contrary, favours the prioritization of profit 
and special interests “to the detriment of the 
protection of the weakest”.
 
This negative tendency contributes ---- in an important 
way “to the progressive worsening of environmental 
problems”, the Pontiff emphasized, adding that “it 
is essential to seek a new international financial 
architecture centred on the human being, bold, 
creative -------- and based on the principles
of
 
equity, justice and solidarity”.
 
 
 
____________________________



High Levels of CO2 To Lead to 
Years of Rising Temperatures
October 28th, 10:52am
(teleSUR)
 
On Monday ---- the World Meteorological Organization 
(WMO) reported that greenhouse gas concentrations 
broke all previous records again in 2023. The main
constituent of these gases, carbon dioxide (CO2), 
increased by 11.4% over the past two decades.
 
According to the annual report on greenhouse gas 
concentrations, published by the UN agency two 
weeks before the Climate Summit in Baku, CO2 
levels reached 420 parts per million last year,
 a 151 percent increase over pre-industrial 
levels (before 1750).
 
Concentrations of methane... were measured at 1,934 
parts per billion, and nitrous oxide at 336.9 parts per 
billion, the other two gases responsible for global 
warming, with levels up by 265 percent and 125
 percent from pre-industrial levels, respectively.
 
“Another year --- another record. This should sound all 
the alarms for decision-makers; there is no doubt that 
we are very far from meeting the Paris Agreement 
goal of keeping global warming well below
 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels,” 
emphasized the WMO Secretary 
Celeste Saulo.
 
Carbon dioxide (CO2), estimated to contribute about 64 
percent to global warming and primarily derived from 
fossil fuel burning and cement production, rose by 
2.3 parts per million in 2023 compared to 2022 - a 
figure higher than the previous year though lower
 than the three years before that.
 
Seventh Year with Highest Emissions 
from Wildfires Since 2003
 
This increase..... was partly influenced by the transition
 from the La Niña to the El Niño phenomenon (the latter 
associated with rising Pacific Ocean temperatures) ---
and a disastrous wildfire season, with CO2 emissions 
16% higher than the average of previous years, 
including large forest fires in countries 
like Canada and Australia.
 
Methane and nitrous oxide, produced by natural causes 
and human activities.... such as agriculture, livestock 
farming, and biomass burning, experienced smaller 
concentration increases than in 2022.
 
The last time Earth experienced a concentration of 
carbon dioxide comparable to today’s was three to
 five million years ago, when the temperature was
 2 to 3 degrees warmer, and sea levels were 10 
to 20 centimetres higher than they are today.
 
The UN’s meteorological agency warns that ------ even if 
emissions were quickly reduced to net zero (i.e., offset 
by absorption phenomena like those provided by 
forests), it would take decades to lower current 
temperature levels due to the long-lasting 
presence of CO2 in the atmosphere.
 
A Phenomenon That Could Accelerate
 
The WMO also warns ---- of the risk that the rise 
in the concentrations of gases causing global 
warming, could become increasingly intense.
 
“Wildfires could release more carbon emissions into 
the atmosphere, while rising ocean temperatures 
could reduce their CO2 absorption capacity, 
leading to more CO2 accumulation in the 
atmosphere and accelerating global 
warming,” noted the WMO Deputy 
Secretary, Ko Barrett.
 
Slightly less than half of carbon dioxide emissions 
remain in the atmosphere, about a quarter is 
absorbed by the oceans, and around 30%
 by land ecosystems.... although - these 
percentages vary due to phenomena 
like La Niña or El Niño.
 
 
___________________________________



U.S. Approves Lithium Mining 
Despite Opposition From 
Indigenous Peoples
October 25th, 10:15 am
 
They warned of the potentially devastating impact 
on Silver Peak Range’s fragile ecosystems and 
sacred sites.
 
On Thursday, the U.S. government approved a lithium 
mine project in Nevada aimed at increasing the 
domestic supply of the essential mineral 
needed for the US’s energy transition, 
despite years of fierce opposition 
from environmental groups, 
Native American tribes, 
& local communities.
 
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management --- granted final 
approval to Ioneer Ltd’s Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron 
project -- located about 355 km southeast of Reno 
city. The project’s lithium deposit is projected 
to be sufficient to power approximately 
370,000 electric vehicles annually for 
over two decades. Construction is 
set to begin in 2025 ------ with 
production expected to
 start in 2028.
 
The approval ...concluded a six-year review process, 
during which opponents warned of the potentially 
devastating impact on the region’s fragile 
ecosystem and sacred sites in the 
Silver Peak Range, which are 
integral ---- to the cultural 
heritage of the Western
 Shoshone people.
 
Environmental groups also highlighted the project’s 
existential threat to Tiehm’s buckwheat, a rare 
wildflower found nowhere else on Earth.
 
 In June, over 100 scientists submitted a letter to the
 Bureau of Land Management, expressing concern 
that the mine would put Tiehm’s buckwheat 
“on a path to extinction.”
 
“By greenlighting this mine, the Bureau of Land 
Management is abandoning its duty to protect 
endangered species, like Tiehm’s buckwheat, 
and ---- making a mockery of the Endangered 
Species Act. We need lithium for the energy 
transition --- but it can’t come with a price 
tag of extinction,” said Patrick Donnelly, 
Great Basin director at the charitable 
organization, the Centre for 
Biological Diversity.
 
Water consumption emerged as another significant
 environmental concern. According to the online 
news website Nevada Current, traditional 
ithium mining operations can consume 
up to 2 million litres of water, per 
metric ton of lithium produced -
jeopardizing already strained 
desert aquifers.
 
Indigenous peoples, including the Fort McDermitt 
Paiute and Shoshone Tribe --- have expressed 
serious worries about the project’s impact 
on their water supplies and sacred 
cultural sites.
 
Beyond water usage, the Institute for Energy Research
 noted that lithium mining operations can lead to 
significant soil and water contamination, air
 pollution from dust... and potential ground-
water contamination from the extraction 
chemicals. The mining also generates 
extensive waste tailings, containing 
toxic substances and heavy metals.
 
Lithium, a key component of lithium-ion batteries, 
is considered essential for electric vehicles and 
renewable energy storage systems, both 
crucial for transitioning to a clean 
energy economy.
 
The Rhyolite Ridge lithium project --- marks the first 
domestic source of lithium permitted by President 
Biden’s administration --- which has implemented 
measures to support domestic critical minerals’ 
production, including a US$700 million loan 
from the Department of Energy --- to 
Ioneer Rhyolite Ridge LLC.
 
The Silver Peak lithium mine, in Clayton Valley, Nevada, 
is the only producing lithium mine in the United States
- although over 100 other sites are under exploration. 
 
The brine evaporation mine has faced scrutiny - for
 depleting groundwater aquifers in an increasingly 
arid region.
 
A map from the Centre for Biological Diversity identifies 
over 125 lithium extraction projects in the western US 
-- seven of which are inactive and the majority -- at
various stages, from exploration to development. 
Most proposed mines... are in Nevada, which is 
considered a future “Silicon Valley of lithium.”
 
“Concerned about the risks ------ local residents and 
environmentalists have resisted new mines with 
tactics from protests to litigation...... but a 
government-supported lithium boom 
appears to be underway -
 regardless,” reported 
Energy News Net-
work in July.
 
Historically, the high costs of environmental
compliance and labour in the US, have 
limited domestic lithium production, 
with companies often finding it 
cheaper to import it from 
other countries.
 
A recent report by Solar Reviews ---- indicated that 
production costs in the US, can range from $4,000 
to US$12,000 per metric ton of lithium carbonate, 
significantly higher than in major exporting 
countries like Chile and Argentina.
 
“U.S. environmental regulations make it much more 
expensive to extract lithium here. This is why 
companies have traditionally chosen to 
mine lithium in countries with fewer 
environmental protection, ------
effectively exporting our 
environmental impact, 
overseas,” according 
to the Institute for 
Energy Research.
 
“Because lithium deposits come embedded in other 
metals and minerals -- extracting lithium can be 
incredibly difficult. More refineries, the plants 
where raw lithium.... is processed into a 
concentrated form of the metal that 
goes into batteries, need to be
built
 in North America. 
 
Lithium processing also requires expertise, that is in 
short supply in the United States ....and among our 
allies,” it added ------ noting that “environmentalist 
opponents, have driven mines from our shores.” 
 
 
 
__________________________________________



Delegates meet in Colombia ---- to 
address global biodiversity crisis
October 21st, 3:39pm
(africanews)
 
The United Nations Environment Programme, reports
 that the planet is facing its most significant loss of 
life since the time of the dinosaurs, with 
approximately 1 million species of 
plants and animals currently 
at risk of extinction.
 
Global environmental leaders, convene on Monday, in 
Cali, Colombia, to evaluate the declining biodiversity
 worldwide ------ and the pledges made by nations to
 safeguard plants, animals, and essential habitats.
 
Eva Zabey, executive director of the coalition Business
 for Nature, calls for a Shift from establishing targets 
to implementing tangible actions in the field. "The 
biodiversity conference, the COP16, comes at an 
absolutely critical moment for us to move from 
targets setting to real actions on the ground."
 
The agreement outlines 23 actions aimed at stopping 
and reversing the decline of nature, which includes
 protecting 30% of the Earth's surface and 30% 
of damaged ecosystems, by the year 2030.
 
According to Linda Krueger, director of biodiversity at 
The Nature Conservancy --- all evidence indicates a 
significant decrease in both the abundance and
 distribution of species.
 
"All the evidence shows that there's dramatic decline 
in species abundance and distribution. That means 
wild species have less room to live, and and they
are declining in numbers. And we also see 
rising extinction rates," she said.
 
During her opening remarks on Sunday, Susana 
Muhamad, Colombia’s environment minister 
and COP16 president, stated that the 
conference presents a chance to 
gather insights - from various 
civilizations, cultures, and 
knowledge.... throughout 
history.
 
She emphasized the goal of creating sustainable and 
stable conditions for a new society that will emerge 
in response to the ongoing crisis.
 
The two-week United Nations Biodiversity Conference, 
known as COP16, builds on the 2022 meetings 
in Montreal ..where 196 nations agreed to a 
landmark treaty aimed at safeguarding
biodiversity.
 
 
Additional sources • Other agencies
 
 
 
______________________________________



Nobel Prize laureate challenges 
effectiveness of Paris climate 
agreement
October 12th, 3pm
TASS) 
 
The Paris climate agreement is unlikely to lead to any 
tangible results, and humanity will have to look for
another solution for the climate problem, says 
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rae Kwon Chung.
 
The scientist, who spoke at the ‘Nauka 0+’ festival, leads the 
Global Energy Award International committee, and acts as 
an advisor to the Chairman of the UN High-level Experts 
and Leaders Panel on Water and Disasters (HELP), and
 a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 
Change (IPCC), awarded with a Nobel Peace Prize
in 2007.
 
"I have doubt, that the Paris climate agreement will lead to 
any tangible results," he said, speaking at the ‘Nauka 0+’ 
scientific festival in Moscow. "This agreement was 
signed on a voluntary basis. Years later... we see
that these were mere words, with little results,"
 the Nobel Prize laureate said.
 
"The climate continues to change and I think that 
we will require a different solution," he added.
 
The expert called not to accuse governments and 
companies of exerting insufficient efforts on
 reduction of CO2 emissions.
 
"Unless... you make a personal contribution to reducing 
emissions, then there will be no market for carbon-free 
products. This contribution may seem like a sacrifice, 
but this it is not. It is an investment in a carbon-free 
market, which will ensure the future for the people, 
jobs included.  ‘Begin with yourself’ is a kind of 
social campaign that would allow us to work
 together," he believes.
 
 
 
____________________________________




For the first time, a Latin 
American ------ wins the
Global 
Energy Award
July 3rd, 12:48pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
For the first time, a Latin American won the international 
Global Energy Award, the president of the World Energy
 Association, Sergey Briliov, announced today.
 
''It is a victory - that we have a Latin American and 
Caribbean winner, since the award was created 
in 2003 they had not been presented, I hope to
 increase the presence of contestants from 
that region. They are welcome,'' 
said Briliov.
 
The prize fund is worth 39 million 
rubles (almost 450,000 dollars).
 
According to the results ---- the laureates are professors 
from the British University of Sheffield, China’s Zi-Qiang 
Zhu, Puerto Rican chemistry professor from Cornell 
University in the United States, Hector Abruña, 
and from Tsinghua University in China, 
Mingao Ouyang.
 
''I am grateful to receive this award, which means a lot
to my work team. It is necessary to solve the current 
challenges,'' Abruña said.
 
Hector Abruña was presented with the prize in the 
category of Non-Conventional Energy ----- for his 
contributions in the fields of electrochemistry, 
batteries, fuel cells and molecular electronics.
 
For his part, the governor of Volgograd, Andrei Bocharov, 
pointed out that the city is now a centre of development 
and commented on regional efforts to solve problems.
 
The award winners were selected by an international 
committee, which includes scientists from
 13 countries, including Bolivia.
 
The award ceremony will traditionally take place within 
the framework of the international forum ‘Russian 
Energy Week’, which will be held in Moscow 
on September 26-28, 2024.
 
 
 
_______________________________




Cuba calls to address 
desertification and 
drought
June 17th, 11:11am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez urged to face 
desertification and drought - because of their close 
relationship with the preservation of biodiversity
 and ecosystems.
 
On the occasion of Monday’s celebration of the World 
Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the 
Foreign Minister denounced in X, that the 
capitalist system, with its production 
and consumption levels, which he 
described as both irrational and 
unsustainable ---- has caused 
the degradation of 40% of
 the Earth’s surface.
 
Officially declared by the United Nations General 
Assembly in 1994, the date aims to promote 
public awareness on issues related to 
desertification, land degradation 
and drought.
 
This year, Desertification and Drought Day 
is celebrated with a call to mobilize all 
generations to support sustainable 
land management.
 
Desertification is the result of the permanent 
degradation of soils, caused by a constant 
deforestation of forests, salinization, lack 
of water, and overexploitation of aquifers 
...which is usually produced by human 
economic activity.
 
 
 
_________________________________________



Global call for sustainable
 land management
June 17th, 10:47am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Mobilizing all generations to support sustainable 
land management is the central theme of the 
Desertification and Drought Day celebrated 
today, amid the global effort to combat 
this scourge.
 
Organized through the Federal Ministry for Economic 
Cooperation and Development in Bonn, actors 
worldwide gather under the motto “United 
for the Earth: Our Legacy. Our Future.”
 
This year coincides... with the 30th anniversary of the 
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification,
 the only global agreement dedicated to sustainable
 land management ratified by 196 countries and
the 
EU.
 
The date... officially declared by the United Nations 
General Assembly in 1994, aims to promote public 
awareness of issues related to desertification, 
land degradation, and drought.
 
The executive secretary of the Convention, Ibrahim 
Thiaw, warned that by 2050, 10 billion people will
 depend on this vital resource and yet, every 
second an area equivalent to four football 
fields is lost --- due to land degradation.
 
 
 
________________________________________



 New eco-industrial parks
 to appear in Russia
by Victoria Abramchenko
April 22nd, 9:04pm
(Lenta.ru)
 
By the end of 2024, Russia will have six new eco-industrial
 parks. They will be built as part of the federal project 
"Closed-loop Economy", according to the website 
of the Russian Environmental Operator (REO).
 
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko 
noted the uniqueness of the project. "There were
 industrial parks in Russia, but there were never 
any eco-industrial parks. So that it is possible 
to gather residents in one place - who will be 
engaged in the closed-loop economy, waste 
processing, extract useful parts.... ensure
 the processing of these useful fractions 
and, accordingly, make new products, 
new goods," she explained.
 
The parks will be located in the Stavropol Territory, 
Leningrad, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk 
and Chelyabinsk regions. Two more parks — in the
 Krasnodar and Primorsky Territories - are planned
 to be introduced before 2027. According to Denis 
Butsaev, General Director of REO, eco-industrial 
parks..... will become anchor sites for creating
production clusters for waste disposal and
the production of products from 
secondary raw materials.
 
Earlier it was reported that REO will issue its first green 
bonds, the funds from which will go to the creation of 
waste management facilities.
 
 
 
________________________________________


 
Cuba denounces --- climate damage 
due to NATO military expenditure
April 8th, 12:56pm 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said on Monday 
that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is the largest 
military emitter of Greenhouse Gases in the planet. 
 
On his official X account, he noted that the alliance's goal 
of increasing military spending to two percent of its 
members' GDP is a serious threat to global efforts
 to mitigate the impact of climate change.
 
Recently, the head of Cuban diplomacy stated on the same
 social network that NATO’s military carbon footprint went 
from 196 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (C02) in 
2021 ------- to 226 million in 2023.
 
Those numbers exceed the GHG emissions of 80 percent
 of the countries of the world, he pointed out.
 
 
 
__________________________________________________



China confirms meeting with Japan 
on radioactive water discharge
April 1st, 8:22am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
China confirmed a meeting between Chinese and
 Japanese nuclear specialists... regarding the 
discharge of radioactive water from the 
Fukushima plant ---- into the sea.
 
Foreign Ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, described the 
talks as constructive, with the Japanese side explaining 
the security of their plan, based on scientific evidence.
 
On February 28th, Japan began the fourth stage of the 
discharge of some 7,800 tons of radioactive water 
into the sea.
 
So far, China has expressed its strong concern about
this issue and, in fact, canceled the import of all 
aquatic products from Japan.
 
Beijing repeatedly insisted on the need for an international 
agreement to independently monitor the Japanese plan.
 
Another spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, 
recently assured that releasing this water into the 
ocean “affects the health of all humanity, the 
global marine environment and the 
international public interest.”
 
“The precautionary measures taken by China and some 
other countries - in response to Japan’s action - are 
aimed at protecting food security” and are 
“entirely legitimate, reasonable and 
necessary,” she added.
 
Beijing believes that an independent international 
monitoring agreement must involve neighbouring 
countries and other stakeholders ----- to avoid 
irrevocable consequences ----- arising from 
the discharge of radioactive water.
 


___________________________________


The Arctic could run 
out of ice in 2030
March 6th, 10:20am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Arctic could run out of ice for the first time in 2030, 
according to a new study that indicates that such an
 event would occur more than 10 years earlier than 
previous projections.
 
It is expected to occur in August or September 2030 
under all scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions 
to the Earth’s atmosphere.
 
In addition, the Arctic Ocean could experience frequent 
occurrences of ice-free conditions by mid-century 
(between 2035 and 2067), as was published 
in the paper journal Nature Reviews
 Earth & Environment.
 
“Our study also focuses on the frequency of ice-free 
conditions, rather than just when the first ice-free 
conditions are reached,” Alexandra Jahn of the 
University of Colorado, Boulder, told the 
Down To Earth portal.
 
Arctic sea ice cover, which includes the area, extent 
and thickness of sea ice, has declined since the 
beginning of satellite observations in 1978.
 
Such ice-free conditions are likely 
the first in at least 80,000 years.
 
“The transition to an ice-free Arctic means a regime shift 
from a perennial sea ice cover to a seasonal sea ice 
cover, or from a white summer Arctic to a blue 
Arctic,” the researchers wrote.
 
To quantify the ice-free projections, the scientists 
analyzed sea ice on a monthly basis using 
climate models.
 
Previously there was talk of the almost complete 
disappearance of sea ice, but now scientists 
have agreed to designate the Arctic as ice-
free when the ocean has less than one 
million square kilometres of 
frozen surface.
 
Experts also say the Arctic is resilient 
and can return to normal.... if the 
atmosphere cools.
 
 
_____________________________________



Colombia: Global Biodiversity 
Summit ---- to Be Hosted 
in October
February 29th (teleSUR)
 
On Wednesday, Colombia’s Minister of Environment 
Susana Muhamad announced that the Latin 
American country will host the 16th 
Conference of Parties to the UN 
Convention on Biological 
Diversity (COP 16) from
 Oct 21 to Nov 1.
 
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the sixth 
session of the United Nations Environment Assembly 
(UNEA-6) underway in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. 
 
"This is an opportunity for Colombia's indigenous 
communities to showcase a paradigm shift in 
the way the conservation of biodiversity 
should be undertaken globally," 
Muhamad said.
 
The Colombian minister added that COP 16 will be a
 mixture of cultural and environmental biodiversity 
from Latin American countries.
 
The launch of the logo of a fresh flower took place 
during the official announcement of Colombia's
 hosting of the UN biodiversity summit.
 
A tweet reads, "An everlasting flower, did you know that
the Inírida flower can withstand long floods and 
droughts? It is the symbol of resilience! 
That is why this flower is the logo of 
the COP 16 in Colombia and, 
therefore, of Peace 
with Nature!"
 
David Cooper, acting executive secretary of the Secretariat
 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, said that 
delegates -- will share experiences, find solutions,
and 
inspire partnerships toward tackling global 
biodiversity loss. He noted, COP 16 would 
allow local indigenous communities, 
to share their experiences.
 
According to Cooper, indigenous communities in
 13 ecoregions of Colombia and neighbouring 
countries will share their knowledge of rare 
endemic species with the delegates.
 
 The COP 16 -- will accelerate action and show 
progress towards turning the four goals and 
23 targets of the biodiversity plan into 
nationally driven action.
 
He said, that the delegates are expected 
to demonstrate the alignment of their 
National Biodiversity Strategies 
and Action Plans with the 
Biodiversity Plan.


A tweet reads, "Great meeting with the Chinese Minister of
 Ecology and outgoing president of COP15, Huang Runqiu, 
during UNEA6. His support and experience will be key 
to ensure the success of COP 16 Colombia in Cali 
this year."
 
Cooper revealed that the fourth meeting of the Subsidiary 
Body on Implementation, which will take place in Nairobi 
from May 21-29, will provide an opportunity to review 
progress 5 months before COP 16 gets underway
 in Cali, Colombia.
 
According to Cooper, COP 16 will be the first biodiversity
 summit since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal
 Global Biodiversity Framework at COP 15 held in 
December 2022 in Montreal, Canada.
 
During COP 16, governments will review the state of 
the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global 
Biodiversity Framework... develop the monitoring 
framework, and advance resource mobilization 
for the Global Biodiversity Framework.
 
 In addition, the summit will finalize and operationalize 
the multilateral mechanism, for the fair and equitable 
sharing of benefits from the use of digital sequence 
information on genetic resources.
 
 
_______________________________



UN --- calls for more funding
for 
environmental projects
February 28th, 3:09pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The planet demands that financial flows be realigned and 
business practices be changed in favor of nature, it was
 the demand here on Wednesday --- at the 6th United 
Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6).
 
At the opening session of the high-level segment on
 strengthening the science-policy interface for 
effective implementation of environmental 
commitments, UNEP Executive Director 
Inger Andersen noted that humanity is 
currently financing its ‘own failure’ 
rather than investing in a ‘better
 future by supporting nature’.
 
Unfortunately, she added, solutions based on environmental
 protection are underfunded and receive only 200 billion
 dollars globally a year, less than one-third of what is 
needed between now and 2030 to meet climate, 
biodiversity and land degradation targets.
 
Given these figures, it is clear that realigning negative 
financial flows to nature is the best way to halt and 
reverse the loss of nature, and to achieve this we 
need to change incentive policies, provide data 
on long-term economic losses and change 
business practices,’ she said.
 
The high-level debate on strengthening the science-policy 
interface for effective implementation of environmental 
commitments ------ is a forum to address the need for 
transformational change to address the three 
planetary environmental crises: climate
change, the loss of nature and 
biodiversity, and pollution.
 
Participants in the forum will also discuss opportunities 
to strengthen science-policy interfaces - as part of 
UNEA decision-making.
 
They will also discuss best practices where scientific 
knowledge and evidence have successfully helped
 to address environmental challenges.
 
UNEA-6, which will take place until March 1 in the Kenyan 
capital, marks the beginning of a new era of multi-
lateralism focused on environmental issues at 
the same level of importance as other global 
issues such as peace, security and health, 
according to the assembly organizers.
 
Some 5,000 representatives of governments, civil society 
and the private sector are attending the global forum, 
which will consider a variety of resolutions covering 
challenges such as halting desertification, 
counteracting air pollution or limiting 
chemical pollution.
 
 
_________________________________________




UN agency calls to reduce
 heavy vehicle pollution
February 24th, 00:30am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) called
 to take decisive measures to cut pollution generated 
by heavy vehicles, especially trucks.
 
Their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have increased by 
30 percent since 2000, according to a report published 
on Thursday.
 
In the document, the head of UNEP’s Sustainable Mobility 
Unit, Rob de Jong, emphasized the need to implement
ambitious regulations --- to curb emissions that are
harmful to the environment and human health.
 
According to the study, heavy-duty vehicles are responsible 
for over 40% of nitrogen oxide emissions on the roads, as 
well as 60% of PM2.5 particulate matter and 20% of 
black carbon, both of which are associated with 
heart and lung problems.
 
The situation is aggravated in developing countries that 
depend on imports of used heavy-duty vehicles, often 
in precarious and polluting conditions.
 
The text also warned, that the increase in exports of 
such used equipment from industrialized economies
to developing nations --- contributes to increased 
pollution in the southern nations.
 
Although heavy vehicle exports represent a modest 3.6%
 of the total value of world trade in automobiles, their
associated CO2 emissions have increased by 
over
30%, since 2000 ----- with trucks 
contributing
80 percent of that increase.
 
CO2 is the main greenhouse gas, the consequence
of which, is global warming... that accelerates 
climate change.
 
The UNEP report, along with the Climate and Clean Air
 Coalition, provides the UN’s first global overview of 
the scale and regulation of used heavy vehicles.
 
On their contribution to global air pollution ----- traffic
 accidents, fuel consumption and climate emissions,
 the research ---- recommends ways to reduce the 
harmful aspects ---- for people’s health and
 the climate.
 
 
_________________________________

 
Humanity ''celebrates'' 
World Energy Day
February 14th, 10:10am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Coinciding with the date of Valentine's Day, humanity 
also celebrates World Energy Day, to support 
the sustainable use of energy resources
--- in every corner of the planet.
 
The ephemeris also promotes the use of clean energies
 obtained from nature, through the sun and water, 
highlighting its favorable impact on
 the environment.
 
This celebration aims to contribute to the achievement of 
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), included in 
the UN Agenda 2030, such as ensuring universal 
access to affordable and modern energy 
sources, expanding the use of 
renewable energy sources, 
and improving energy
 efficiency.
 
The date was created in 1949 to raise awareness among
 the world’s population about the use of alternative and 
renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and 
biomass, reducing the burning of fossil fuels 
like oil, gas, and coal, which cause 
global warming.
 
According to data from the United Nations Environment 
Program, more than a third of the world’s population 
has no access to advanced forms of energy, while 
the 30 most developed countries on the planet 
consume more than 60% of this energy daily
 and without interruption.
 
It is estimated that currently 13% of the world’s population,
 approximately 1.1 billion people, do not have access 
to basic electricity services. Meanwhile, the use of 
fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal is estimated 
at 80%, while only 2% of renewable energies are 
generated, which is why the aim is to reverse
a ''reality'' that harms nature and 
the environment.
 


__________________________________



5.5 Tons of Fukushima Radioactive 
Water .....Leak Into the Ocean
February 7th (teleSUR)
 
On Wednesday, Fukushima Central Television reported that
approximately 5.5 tons of water containing radioactive 
materials have leaked from a piece of equipment at 
Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
 
At about 8:53 a.m... workers discovered water leaking from 
the outlet of a device used to purify nuclear-contaminated 
water during the inspection of the equipment, the local 
TV reported, citing the plant's operator Tokyo Electric
 Power Company (TEPCO).
 
The amount of water that leaked, was approximately 
5.5 tons, which may contain 22 billion becquerels of 
radioactive materials such as cesium and strontium.
 
Most of the leaked water appeared to have seeped into the 
soil, but monitoring of a nearby drainage channel did not 
show any significant radiation level changes.TEPCO has
 made the area where the water was leaked a no-go area.
 
Hit by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and an ensuing tsunami 
in 2011, the Fukushima nuclear plant suffered core 
meltdowns that released radiation, resulting in a 
level-7 nuclear accident, the highest on the 
International Nuclear and Radiological 
Event Scale.
 
The plant has been generating a massive amount of water 
tainted with radioactive substances from cooling down
the nuclear fuel in the reactor buildings, which are 
now being stored in tanks at the nuclear plant.
 
In August 2023, Japan started to discharge the Fukushima 
wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, despite numerous and 
repeated objections by governments and communities, 
environmental groups, NGOs and anti-
nuclear movements.
 
 
_________________________________________



Venezuela Destroys Illegal Mining
Camps ----- in the Amazon Region
February 7th, 2pm 
(teleSUR)


On Tuesday, the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) 
informed that six makeshift mining camps set up by 
illegal miners were destroyed in the state 
of Amazonas.
 
Previously, on Monday, Venezuelan President Nicolas
 Maduro launched Operation "Fog 2024" for the 
protection of the Amazon region and 
its ecosystems.
 
The facilities destroyed were used "to prey on and
 contaminate the environment," said Gen. Domingo 
Hernandez, the head of the FANB's Strategic
Operational Command.
 
Besides the mining camps, the army also destroyed eight 
illegal rafts used by criminal groups along the banks of 
the Cunucunuma River in Duida-Marahuaca 
National Park.
 
A text reads, "During the Operation Fog 2024, the FANB
 found eight mining ponds on the banks of the 
Cunucunuma River, in the state of Amazonas, 
which were used to predate and contaminate 
the environment. They also found and
 incinerated six logistics camps."
 
Venezuela will not tolerate the existence of illegal groups
 in its territory "nor the indiscriminate and arbitrary
 depredation of the environment," Gen. 
Hernandez pointed out. 
 
“The FANB will deploy 20 Quick Reaction Units, which 
have the strength and means to dismantle and 
destroy illegal mining structures,” he added.
 
The Operation Fog 2024 is a comprehensive intervention
 that will cover all national parks and forest reserves 
located in areas important for the security of the 
Venezuelan State.
 
 
_____________________________________


Chilean scientists warn of 
climate change effects 
on wheat
January 11th, 11:56am
(Prensa Latina)
 
Research by Chilean scientists published here today warns
 of the negative effects of global warming on the yield of 
wheat crops, a cereal of which this country is one of
 the largest consumers.
 
Climate change, associated with phenomena such as El 
Niño, are pushing temperatures to record levels and 
heat waves have increased from nine to 62 in the 
last 10 seasons, and 2024 will be no exception, 
the research states. 
 
According to Dr. Anita Arenas, from the Millennium Institute 
of Integrative Biology and Talca University, responsible for
 the research, these episodes affect both the weight and
 quality of wheat grain ------ key to world food security.
 
One of the main results, he said, was that in response to 
the high temperatures, so-called durum wheat suffered
 a weight loss of -23.9 percent, the starch content 
decreased and the protein level increased.
 
Arenas indicated that on this last point, further analysis 
will be necessary to determine whether the increase
in protein ---- is accompanied by a change in the
gluten composition.
 
 
______________________________


 Panamanian Farmers Reject 
the Indio River Reservoir
January 9th, 6:41pm 
(teleSUR)
 
On Monday, the Farmers for Life Coordinator, the Donoso &
 Omar Torrijos Awake Movement, and the Farmers for the
 Earth Coordinator agreed to reject the Indio River 
reservoir and demanded the closure of 
Minera Panama.
 
The producer organizations rejected the different projects 
presented by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), which
 insists.. on creating a multipurpose reservoir in the 
Indio River to accumulate water and facilitate 
the transit of ships through the 
interoceanic route.
 
Panamanian farmers maintain, that water is of utmost 
importance for life and that the arguments presented 
by the ACP --- are neither sufficient nor convincing.
 
They also mentioned that the construction of the Indio 
River reservoir would generate disastrous 
environmental consequences.
 
At their meeting, the farmers presented a detailed 
document containing their joint demands, which 
have been substantiated with the support of 
the Catholic Church and professionals 
from different technical areas.
 
Among the demands presented are the defense of their 
lands, rivers and lives from the threats caused by 
large metal mining projects.
 
The producer organizations also demand that the
 Panamanian state immediately create a social 
and technical commission for the closure of 
Minera Panama.
 
 
________________________________________


2023 ----- shatters climate 
records in 125,000 years
January 2nd, 12:14pm 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The 2023 year was declared as warmest on Earth in 174 
years, and most probably of the last 125,000 years, an 
evidence that global warming is surging and affecting 
the whole planet much faster.
 
According to climate experts: “What we’re looking for is 
a lot of corroborating evidence that it’s all pointing in 
the same direction,” said Chris Smith, a climate 
scientist at England’s University of Leeds.
 
Unrelenting heat waves roasted Phoenix and Argentina. 
Wildfires raged in Canada. In Libya, floods killed 
thousands of people, noted an article in 
the newspaper.
 
Winter ice cover on the seas around Antarctica reached
 record lows, while global temperatures this year not 
only broke previous records.
 
According to June-November analysis, temperatures
 reached new highs month after month & December 
temperatures remained largely above normal.
 
Global temperatures have long risen and fallen 
around a steady warm trend due to cyclical 
factors such as El Niño.
 
 
__________________________________
 
 
 
IUCN -------- warns on 
danger of extinction 
of freshwater fishes
January 2nd, 10:38am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Climate change threatens a growing number of species,
 from freshwater fishes to Atlantic salmon and green 
turtles, according to IUCN's Red List of Threatened 
Species released today at COP28. The IUCN Red 
List now includes 157,190 species, of which 
44,016 are threatened with extinction.
 
“Climate change is menacing the diversity of life our planet
 harbours, and undermining nature’s capacity to meet 
basic human needs,” said Dr. Grethel Aguilar, IUCN
Director General.
 
“This IUCN Red List update highlights the strong links
between the climate and biodiversity crises, which 
must be tackled jointly. Species declines, are an 
example of the havoc being wreaked by climate 
change, which we have the power to stop with
 urgent, ambitious action to keep warming 
below 1.5 degrees Celsius.”
 
Today’s update.. completes the first comprehensive 
assessment of the world’s freshwater fish species, 
revealing that 25% (3,086 out of 14,898 assessed
 species) are at risk of extinction.
 
At least 17% of threatened freshwater fish species 
are affected by climate change, including 
decreasing water levels, rising sea 
levels causing seawater to move
 up rivers, and shifting seasons.
 
This compounds threats from pollution, which impacts
 57% of freshwater fish species at risk of extinction, 
dams and water extraction, which affect 45%, 
overfishing, which threatens 25%, and 
invasive species and disease, which 
harm 33%.
 
Kathy Hughes, Co-Chair of the IUCN SSC Freshwater Fish
Specialist Group said: “Freshwater fishes make up more
 than half of the world’s known fish species, an
 incomprehensible diversity given that fresh
water ecosystems comprise only 1% of 
aquatic habitat. These diverse species 
are integral to the ecosystem, and 
vital to its resilience. 
 
“This is essential to the billions of people who rely upon 
freshwater ecosystems, and the millions of people who 
rely on their fisheries. Ensuring freshwater ecosystems
are well managed, remain free-flowing with sufficient 
water, and good water quality is essential to stop 
species declines and maintain food security, 
livelihoods and economies in a climate 
resilient world.”
 
Produced by a variety of organizations including WWF, the 
World’s Forgotten Fishes details the dazzling diversity of
species and how critically important they are to the
functioning of their ecosystems, other species and
people – with over 200 million relying on them for
food security and 60 million for their livelihoods.
 
“Freshwater fishes are in freefall with one quarter of 
all species now threatened with extinction. This 
devastating news - is the clearest sign of the
damage we have done to our rivers, lakes 
and wetlands – ecosystems that not only 
sustain freshwater fishes and a dazzling 
diversity of other wildlife but also 
underpin our societies 
and economies.
 
“Out-of-sight and out-of-mind, freshwater fishes have always
been undervalued ---- even though they are critical to the
functioning of their ecosystems --- and provide food for 
200 million people and livelihoods - for 60 million. The
shocking state of the World’s Forgotten Fishes must 
serve as a wake up call: decision makers must 
urgently scale up investment in protecting 
and restoring healthy rivers, lakes and 
wetlands. This will safeguard our 
vanishing freshwater fishes, but 
will also enhance water and 
food security, reverse 
nature loss and 
accelerate our
climate action.
 
“Here at COP28, 38 countries have now joined the 
Freshwater Challenge – the most ambitious fresh
water protection and restoration initiative in 
history. We need all countries to follow their
lead because reversing the degradation of
freshwater ecosystems will pave the way 
to a net-zero, nature-positive, and
resilient future.”
 
 
 
____________________________________
 
 
 
UNEP considers slow progress 
in human-nature interaction
January 2nd, 10am
 (Prensa Latina)
 
In spite of more global awareness about the environment 
and fossil fuels, there is still little and slow progress in
 human interaction with nature and the consumption 
of its resources, said UNEP.
 
With only six years to go before the end of 2030 for 
meeting the UNEP Agenda set in 2015 with 17 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - it is 
true that global awareness over biodiversity 
protection has surged, but unfortunately 
efforts to transform global awareness 
are lagging behind in terms of speed 
and scale.
 
According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), 
by 2023, three-quarters of the planet’s terrestrial 
ecosystem and about 66% of the marine 
environment had been significantly 
altered by human action.
 
Over one-third of the world’s land area and nearly 75% 
of freshwater resources are now goal-oriented to
crop 
or livestock production.
 
Combined with dizzying levels of pollution, natural habitat
 degradation and biodiversity loss -- have serious impacts 
on communities around the world. In 2023, from 100 to 
300 million people were at increased risk of flooding 
and hurricanes --- given the loss of coastal habitats.
 
There were examples of efforts to address these threats, 
many communities improved their reconstruction actions 
such as Pakistan with the launch of the largest climate
 initiative in the country’s history or the United Nations 
with its new ¨Early Warning for All¨ global project.
 
According to UNEP, clean energy made some progress and
 although 91% of the world now has access to electricity 
such a progress has not been fast or inclusive enough.
 Nevertheless, the number of people with power 
access ramped up to 675 million since 2015.
 
Other data pointed to global investment in clean energy
 reaching near-record levels of USD$1.7 trillion, so
 renewables now account for --- over 28% of
global electricity, growing by nearly 5%.
 
But nowadays, 2.3 billion people still depend on coal,
kerosene or solid biomass as the main cooking fuel, 
so the lack of clean cooking contributes to nearly 
3.7 million premature deaths annually, with 
women and children being most at risk.
 
Plus ---- about 80% of the world’s population with 
no electricity lives in rural areas, predominantly 
in sub-Saharan Africa.
 
Current studies have shown that reaching these 
clean energy targets will require the world to
triple its annual investments by 2030.
 
 
_____________________________________




Paraguay: Pasubio Not to 
Buy Leather Affecting 
Indigenous Lands
December 20th, 5:14pm
 (teleSUR)
 
On Wednesday, Survival International --- celebrated the 
decision of the Italian tannery Pasubio, to refrain from 
purchasing leather  ------whose production is linked to
the
 deforestation ------ of the ancestral territory of
the 
Ayoreo Totobiegosode Indigenous people. 
 
In South America, the Ayoreo people is part of the last 
Indigenous community voluntarily isolating itself 
outside the Amazon Basin.
 
"We are pleased to know that Pasubio has committed to 
boycotting leather from suppliers that threaten the
lives and territories of the Ayoreo people, in 
Paraguay. We hope that other companies 
will follow their example," Survival 
International Director, Caroline 
Pearce said, warning that her 
organization will monitor to 
ensure full compliance 
with the commitment.
 
"We hope that this news.. contributes to speeding up the
very slow process.. of recognizing the territorial rights 
of the Ayoreo, which has already lasted thirty years,"
 she added.
 
"The Paraguayan authorities must - once and for all - 
respect national and international rights, expel all
 ranches from Ayoreo territory, and return the
land to this indigenous people."
 
Previously, the Pasubio Group communicated its decision
 to exclude leather suppliers linked to deforestation in 
the Chaco region, where the Ayoreo Totobiegosode
 Natural and Cultural Heritage (PNCAT) is located.
 
Currently, the Ayoreo territory is "an island of forest
 surrounded by a sea of deforestation, as the land 
around it has been deforested to make room for 
livestock farming," explained Survival 
International --- and warned that 
numerous fires, have been 
occurring in that forest 
since the beginning 
of the year.
 
"An undetermined number of Ayoreo Totobiegosode
 Indigenous people, live without contact in their 
forest, and many others - have been forced to 
abandon isolation and now live in settled 
communities," it added.
 
In February 2016, the Inter-American Commission 
on Human Rights (IACHR) issued precautionary 
measures -- demanding that the Paraguayan 
State halt deforestation in the Chaco and 
protect the Ayoreo Totobiegosode
Indigenous people, from 
potential unwanted 
contacts.
 
 
____________________________________


COP28 Draft Deal Raises Nuclear 
Energy as a Climate Solution
 December 12th,  12:20pm
 (teleSUR)
 
In the latest draft of the Global Balance presented by the 
Climate Summit Presidency (COP28), nuclear energy is 
included as one of the options for the planet's 
decarbonization.
 
Greenpeace, Ecologists in Action, and World Wide Fund for
 Nature (WWF) denounced that the inclusion of this option 
is a response to the growing presence of nuclear 
"lobbyists" at climate summits ------- since the 
COP26 in Glasgow, with the complicity 
of major atomic powers such as the 
United States or France.
 
The presence of pro-nuclear advocates has been "even 
more noticeable in Dubai," and it appears that their 
"management has been successful," said WWF's
 Global Climate and Energy Director -- Manuel 
Vidal-Pulgar, who believes that the COP28's
central goal should be to accelerate the 
ecological transition.... with a "clear 
reference to phasing out 
fossil fuels."
 
In his opinion, nuclear energy is not a viable option for this
 transition. Apart from the fact that only 32 countries have
 atomic plants, nuclear energy generates hazardous 
waste and poses serious security issues, as 
demonstrated by past accidents.
 
"In COP28, there has been talk from the outset about the 
need for low-emission technologies to justify the use of 
technologies that are not yet proven, are expensive, 
or are not ready (such as nuclear fusion), and that 
is unacceptable," he lamented.
 
"Clearly, this is a tremendous mistake," said the Ecologists 
in Action's Energy and Climate Director, Javier Andaluz, 
who pointed out that the climate impact of a nuclear 
power plant throughout its life cycle, is between 6 
and 15 times greater than the impact related to 
its operation.
 
"This is a clear concession ------- to the lobbying of large 
companies - nuclear power is in the hands of electric 
companies," according to Andaluz, who criticized 
the high presence of accredited pro-nuclear 
advocates in Dubai, to whom "recognition 
similar to that of neutral observer 
organizations" is being given.
 
"Nuclear power is not a solution to climate change because
 it is slow, taking more than 10 years to build a plant - plus
 all the licensing and preliminary studies; it is expensive
 and relies on public funds, and there is no private 
insurance to cover the plants due to their 
hazardous nature," said the Climate 
Change Director of Greenpeace 
Spain, Pedro Zorrilla.
 
Any accident at a nuclear plant has "very serious 
consequences for health and the environment,"
according to Zorrilla, who added that these 
plants are not suitable to support the 
deployment needed in renewables 
as they cannot provide backup 
for wind or solar variability - 
turning on or off a nuclear 
plant takes several days 
or even weeks.
 
 
__________________________________


 Brazil to host COP30 by 2025
December 11th, 5:21pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Brazil, was formally elected on Monday as host country 
of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference 
(UNFCCC – COP30), scheduled to be held from 
November 10 to 21, 2025.
 
“The decision was made --- by a consensus at the COP28
plenary session in Dubai”, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
 
Brazil´s Foreign Ministry pointed out that, “after the 
decision, the Minister of Environment and Climate 
Change and head of the Brazilian delegation 
Marina Silva formally announced that 
COP30 will be held in the city of 
Belem,” capital of the northern 
Amazonian state of Para.
 
Silva defended, “a collective construction of an energy 
matrix that the planet and humanity demand --- for 
its survival.”


________________________________




Initiative to Protect Glaciers 
Launched at COP28
December 4th, 1:11pm  
(teleSUR)
 
On Sunday, an initiative to protect the world's glaciers
was launched at the China Pavilion of the COP28 
climate change conference.
 
At the side event of COP28, or the 28th session of the
 Conference of the Parties to the United Nations 
Framework Convention on Climate Change, 
delegates and scientists... shared their 
views on the risks of melting glaciers, 
and ways to slow down that process.
 
A project named "Memory of Glaciers: Global 
Exploration Initiative" was launched to step 
up research and protection of glaciers, as 
well as raise public awareness.
 
Glaciers bear witness to the history of climate change
 on the planet, and melting glaciers will bring a series 
of risks aside from rising sea levels, delegates said.
 
Potential risks will include ------- damage to high mountain 
ecosystems, increased hazards of landslides and floods,
 as well as losses of tourism and cultural assets. 
 
Measures that need to be taken include limiting global 
warming through reducing greenhouse gas emissions 
and enhancing adaptation strategies which can help 
reduce hazardous impacts. 
 
According to the report "Ten New Reflections in Climate
 Science" ----- which was prepared by Future Earth,
The 
Earth League and World Climate Research 
Programme, humanity is about to exceed 
the limit of 1.5 degrees of global 
warming ----- set in the 
Paris Agreement.
 
Therefore, it is essential to reduce as much as possible 
the magnitude and time in which the world is above
 1.5 degrees to reduce losses, damages, and the 
risk of irreversible changes.
 
 
______________________________________ 


Ethiopia to host the largest wind 
farm in the Horn of Africa
Dubai, December 4th, 12:43pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Aysha wind energy project, an 18,000-hectare wind 
farm considered the largest in the Horn of Africa, will 
be built in Ethiopia in conjunction with an Emirati
 company, it was announced here.
 
The Ethiopian Ministry of Finance and the United Arab
 Emirates renewable energy project operator AMEA 
Power signed an agreement to build the site with
 an investment of $600 million, which, according 
to the state ministry, represents an important 
milestone in the country’s sector.
 
The project is expected to produce approximately 1.22 
terawatt hours of electricity per year, which will 
contribute significantly to Ethiopia’s power
 generation capacity.
 
It will also create approximately 2,000 jobs during the
 construction and operation phases for the benefit 
of the local economy, a joint statement revealed.
 
The document stated that the agreement demonstrates 
Addis Ababa’s unwavering commitment to renewable 
energy and its dedication to attracting private 
investment in the energy sector.
 
Ethiopian Electric Power and the Ministry of Finance, are 
working together to harness the region’s abundant wind 
resources and generate clean, sustainable electricity, 
to meet the country’s growing demand for electricity.
 
 
___________________________________________
 

 
There is real hope out there, 
COP28 President al-jaber
says
Dubai, December 4th,
 (Prensa Latina)
 
 In the first four days of COP28 we set high standards 
for results; there is real hope out there, said the 
president of the 28th UN Climate Change 
Conference, Sultan Al Jaber. 
 
During a press conference, Al Jaber revealed the hope
 expressed by people he has spoken to, that this 
meeting, will be a major turning point and not 
missing the opportunity to deliver a real and 
tangible paradigm shift to correct course 
towards the right path of keeping 1.5 
degrees Celsius within reach.
December 4, 2023
10:21
 
“Let’s remember why we are all here. We are all here
 because we have issued a very clear call to action.
 The UAE takes on this task with humility and 
responsibility and fully understands the 
urgency of this issue,” he stressed.
 
He noted that so far at COP28 they were able to bring the 
United States and China together in an unprecedented 
commitment to reduce methane and other non-carbon
 dioxide (CO2) gases across the economy. These 
gases are more than 80 times more harmful 
than CO2, he warned.
 
Al Jaber also revealed pride - in having issued the first 
declarations on health and food systems, considered
 two huge priorities for the presidency’s action 
agenda. Three additional statements on 
hydrogen, refrigeration and gender, 
will be announced in the coming
 days, he confirmed.
 
 
__________________________________



COP 28: The G77+China 
Summit - is Inaugurated
December 2nd, 4:47pm
 (teleSUR)
 
This Saturday, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez 
inaugurated in Dubai the historic Summit of Leaders of the 
Group of 77 and China, within the framework of COP28.
 
On his opening speech he highlighted that: "The gap
 between the irrationally opulent North - and the 
increasingly impoverished South - widens -
with 
high human costs ---- while the
resources that 
nature makes
available to us, 
are
squandered".
 
It is our responsibility to assert the voice of the peoples 
of the South -- and to defend their legitimate interests 
and aspirations, Diaz-Canel, president pro tempore 
of the organization, posted on his X account.
 
"In inaugurating the G77-China Leaders Summit in the
context of COP28 -- President Diaz-Canel called for 
reflection, concerted action on the basis of what
 unites us and respect for our rich diversity, and
 together act now - to advance the legitimate 
demands of the South," said the Cuban 
Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez.
 
Also, the Website Presidencia Cuba, emphasized that
 this is the first time the Group has met at a COP to 
agree positions for climate change negotiations.
 
The COP28 Summit opened in Dubai on Thursday with 
the announcement of the creation of the loss and 
damage fund ---- to compensate the most 
vulnerable countries in the face of
 the climate crisis.
 
The largest global meeting to address climate change
 officially endorsed the resolution to operationalize 
the fund, It also received financial pledges from
 the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the
UK, 
US and Japan.
 
 
______________________________________



Pope Francis spurs: to speed up 
the ecological transition ------
after COP28
Dubai, December 2nd, 1:45pm 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
On Saturday, Pope Francis requested  in his speech sent to 
the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP28), 
as he was unable to attend here for health reasons, his
political willingness...... to speed up the 
ecological transition.
 
In the document, read in that forum by Cardinal Pietro
 Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State.... which was 
published on Saturday by the Holy See Press
 Office, Francis stated that, in that sense, 
that COP28 should be a turning point, 
as it is now urgent to return to the 
right track and give “a sign
 of hope.”
 
The Pope assured that this transition must be efficient,
 obligatory and easy to monitor, as well as -- it must 
cover the fields of energy efficiency, renewable 
sources, the removal of fossil fuels ------- and 
education must be directed towards 
less dependent lifestyles on
 fossil fuels.
 
“Are we working for a culture of life or a culture of death?” 
Pope Francis asked those attending the event ------ which 
opened in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates on November 
30 and will last until December 12, with the presence 
of over 150 heads of State and Government.
 
The Pope underscored that the ambition to produce and
 possess --- has turned into an obsession, leading to a
 boundless greed -- that has made the environment 
the target of unbridled exploitation. Finally, the 
senior Catholic authority noted ---  “the 
disturbed climate is a warning to us
--- to stop such a delirium of 
omnipotence.”
 
 
___________________________


Lukashenko urges West: 
to use money it wastes 
on wars.... to better 
the environment
December 1st, 1:08pm (TASS)
 
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, has suggested 
using the resources that Western countries waste on wars 
to address environmental issues around the globe.
 
"Those speakers who were the first to take the floor, talked 
about peace. They were saying -- that the planet must be 
kept clean -- and the future of grandchildren taken care 
of, while it is their countries that have unleashed and 
are waging ------ the worst war on the planet," the 
Belarusian leader told the World Climate 
Summit in Dubai. 
 
"This is many trillions of dollars. Well, let's use this money to
 make and keep the planet clean. Then there will be no 
need to go door to door and beg for it."
 
Lukashenko stressed that "wars are the 
main source of filth on our continent."
 
"Let's put an end to this. The most important thing
 is to talk less ----- and do more," Lukashenko said.
 
He urged the summit participants, especially the leading 
countries of the world, to carry "the burden of 
historical responsibility."
 
"First, make a proportionate contribution to solving the
 issues of climate security to repair the harm caused 
by a centuries-long thoughtless attitude to nature. 
Second, step up support for developing countries 
and economies in transition. Third, stop paying 
lip service to nature conservation and start 
acting in the name of preserving life on
 Earth," Lukashenko said.
 
 
________________________________________

 
 
Colombia, Uruguay, and
 Ecuador ------- receive 
OEI awards
November 28th, 12:11pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, 
Science, and Culture (OEI) has awarded innovation
 prizes to Colombia, Uruguay, and Ecuador.
 
In a press release, the OEI announced on Tuesday that 
among 200 candidates from 14 countries, it selected 
CaféLab, Ecofusion, and Pedagogy Without Limits 
as the best for “Innovation and the SDGs in 
educational centres.”
 
CaféLab, developed by the Municipal Montessori Educational
 Institution-San Francisco Headquarters in Pitalito, Huila, 
Colombia, won first place. The project aims to take
 advantage of the waste generated by coffee 
production to promote entrepreneurship 
and reduce pollution.
 
The second prize has gone in an equal state to two 
projects: Ecofusion from Uruguay and Pedagogy 
Without Limits, from Ecuador.
 
The jury has awarded special mentions to other 
projects from Cuba, Spain, Honduras, and Peru.
 
The awards recognize the efforts of schools in the region 
to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 
of the 2030 Agenda.
 
This edition awarded 10,000 Euros for the first place 
and 5,000 euros for each project in second place.
 
 
_____________________________________


Report --------- Climate Crisis, Energy Costs 
Fuel £600 Rise in UK Household Food Bill
November 27th, 12:11pm (FNA)
 
 British households’ food bills have been driven up by more 
than £600 over the past two years by the global climate
 emergency and soaring energy prices, according to 
a report warning of further increases to come 
in 2024.
 
Sounding the alarm over the impact from increasing extreme
 weather patterns for food production, the Energy and 
Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) thinktank said that 
global heating ----- is directly contributing to the 
cost of living crisis, The Guardian reports.
 
According to the analysis carried out by researchers from 
the universities of Bournemouth, Exeter and Sheffield, 
more extreme or unseasonal weather accounted for 
a third of all food price inflation in the UK this year.
 
While energy prices have fallen back this year, it
warned
 that the impact from the climate
emergency, 
is increasing.
 
Tom Lancaster, land analyst at ECIU, said, “Climate change 
is playing havoc with global food production, and this is
 inevitably feeding through to higher prices at the tills.
 Across 2022 and 2023, the climate emergency alone
 added the equivalent of six weekly shops to the 
average household food bill.”
 
The cost of the climate crisis rose from £171 in 2022 to £192
 in 2023, more than offsetting the effects of falling energy 
prices this year and having a greater impact than rising 
energy bills, according to analysis.
 
Official figures show ---- inflation in food and drink prices
peaked at an annual rate of almost 20% earlier this year,
the highest level since the 1970s, amid disruption to
food supplies from weather events and soaring
energy costs for producers.
 
Food price inflation has fallen back in recent months, but
remains at historical highs of close to 10%. Prices are
also still near record highs after recent storms –
including Storm Babet ----- flooded swathes of
farmland, hitting UK potato and vegetable
harvests in the run-up to Christmas.
 
In 2022, drought hit production of basic foodstuffs such as
potatoes and onions in the UK, followed by an unusually
wet harvest in 2023, and then the hottest September
on record.
 
It comes after heatwaves across the Mediterranean, India
& South America this year all had a major impact on food
production and prices. Staples including sugar, rice and
tomatoes were affected by extreme weather, such as
droughts in India, while olive oil rose in price by 50%
after two years of drought and heatwaves in Spain
and other major exporters in southern Europe.
 
The situation could be worse next year with the El Niño
 weather system leading possibly to more severe 
weather and further increases in food prices.
 
Prof Wyn Morgan of Sheffield University, one of the report 
authors, said, “Given we expect climate impacts to get 
worse, it is likely that climate change will continue to 
fuel a cost of living crisis for the foreseeable future.”
 
Anna Taylor, executive director at the Food Foundation, said 
that the government needed to “think more seriously how 
households can become more resilient to price volatility”
 in the light of the likely impact of the climate crisis.
 
She called on the government to revive its plans for a 
horticulture strategy, that would build production of 
fruit and vegetables in the UK and reduce reliance 
on crops grown in Southern Europe which is 
becoming increasingly vulnerable to 
drought and extreme heat as a 
result of the climate crisis.
 
A separate report from the Food Foundation warned that 
retailers and hospitality venues in Britain are failing to 
create a food environment where healthy choices 
are affordable, readily available and appealing.
 
It found healthy food ----- is already twice as expensive as 
unhealthy food per calorie, while the cost of sustainable 
alternatives to meat and dairy... can also be high.
 
Most main meals offered by many pub chains regularly 
exceed... 50% of the recommended daily intake for 
calories, saturated fat, salt and sugar, according 
to the report. Meanwhile, just 1% of food 
advertising spend goes towards fruit 
and vegetables compared with 9% 
on meat and dairy while 21.5% of
 buy-one-get-one-free deals are 
on meat and dairy compared 
with just 4.5% on fruit
 and vegetables.
 
Lancaster said that the dependence of the UK’s current
 farming system on volatile oil, gas and fertiliser prices
 had created a “perfect storm of extreme weather, 
high gas prices and global instability” --- to food
 price inflation.
 
He said, “The good news is that steps to make farming more
 sustainable cannot only cut emissions but also make our
 food production more resilient to the extremes of 
flooding and drought. Government plans --- in 
England - to support greener farming with 
more hedgerows, improved soil health 
and tree planting schemes are 
therefore vital to our future 
food security.”
 
 
__________________________________



Pesticides Found in US Baby Food
November 27th, 11:21am
(teleSUR)
 
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) published a study
 showing that baby food in the United States may still 
contain potentially harmful pesticides, but is less 
toxic than it was about 30 years ago.
 
Some 38 percent of conventional, or non-organic, baby food 
in the United States, is found to contain toxic pesticides,
 the EWG said, adding that at least one pesticide 
residue was detected in 22 of the 58 
conventional baby foods.
 
It warned that "babies and young children are particularly 
vulnerable to potential health harms from consuming food 
that contains residues of agricultural pesticides."
 
The NGO said it tested products from three popular brands in
 the United States -- Beech-Nut, Gerber, and Parent's Choice.
 
While the findings are alarming, the good news, according to
 the EWG, is that the pesticide levels in baby foods have 
been decreasing compared to a similar study 
conducted in 1995.
 
In the 1995 study, "an eye-popping 53 percent of 72 baby 
food products sampled --------- had residue of at least one
pesticide," and the pesticides discovered were, overall,
 far more toxic and dangerous than the ones the 
latest tests uncovered.
 
One toxic pesticide the EWG no longer found in baby food 
was the brain-damaging bug killer chlorpyrifos, which
 in very small amounts can permanently damage
 the health of babies and children.
 

[Rhondda Records adds:

the article soft soaps on
how much pesticide is
STILL POISONING US

methinks ''someone'' is very
scared of an ''eye-popping''
reaction to this !!!]



______________________________________



Germany Not to Reallocate 
COVID-19 Funds for 
Climate Actions
November 15th, 6:41pm
(teleSUR)
 
On Wednesday, Germany's Federal Constitutional Court
 annulled the national government's decision... to 
reallocate 60 billion euros from a COVID-19 
relief fund to be used for measures 
combatting climate change.
 
The law under which the funds were retroactively shifted 
to the Climate and Transformation Fund (CTF) at the 
beginning of 2022 for the previous year's budget 
"does not meet the constitutional requirements
 for emergency borrowing," the court ruled.
 
With its so-called debt brake, Germany has an instrument 
that prevents the government from taking on new debt, 
except in crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The 
court found that transferring the funds for another 
purpose circumvents this regulation.
 
The "de facto unlimited" continued use of emergency-
related credit authorizations in subsequent financial 
years ---------- is "inadmissible," the ruling added.
 
Since the 60 billion euros will now be withdrawn from
 Germany's climate fund, financed projects will have
 to be covered by other budget resources.
 
"The Federal Government will pay close attention to this
 ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court," Chancellor 
Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday. However, the 2024 
budget meetings scheduled for Thursday -- are to 
take place as planned.
 
The CTF has a total budget of 211.8 billion euros for the
 next four years. The German government wanted to 
invest 57.6 billion euros from the fund into green 
projects in areas such as transport, buildings 
and the switch to renewable energies
 in 2024.
 
Germany is aiming to achieve climate neutrality by 2045, 
five years ahead of the European Union (EU) target. As 
part of this process, Germany wants to achieve an 80 
percent share of renewable energies in its electricity 
supply by 2030, up from about 53 percent currently.
 
"This ruling is a bitter setback for climate protection," said 
Martin Kaiser, managing director of Greenpeace Germany, 
adding that all budgetary leeway must now be used on 
the path to climate neutrality, "because we are 
already in the midst of the climate crisis."
 
 
 
___________________________


 
Namibia ------ Launches First Seed 
Bank for Biodiversity Protection
November 14th (teleSUR)
 
On Tuesday, the Environment Investment Fund (EIF), a 
Namibian environmental fund, said the country has
 launched its first Community Seed Bank in 
Kavango West, one of the country's 14 
regions ------ to safeguard local seed 
varieties to promote biodiversity 
and ensure food security.
 
EIF spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata stated that the main 
objective of the seed bank is to protect natural resources 
by preventing overexploitation of different seed varieties.
 
"This proactive intervention not only prevents depletion of
 resources, but also ensures seed conservation for the
 benefit of future generations. Community seed banks
 play a crucial role in collecting, storing and 
safeguarding local seeds," he said.
 
"In times of crop damage or destruction, these banks act as
 an emergency seed supply, allowing farmers to access 
seed for the next planting season," he added.
 
According to official reports, beyond preserving seeds, the 
project emphasizes a broader goal of protecting natural 
resources, promoting environmental sustainability, and 
ensuring that Namibia's future generations have 
access to diverse and resilient 
agricultural resources.
 
Furthermore, Ndamanomhata highlighted that this initiative 
goes beyond financial support, representing a shared 
commitment to environmental sustainability and the 
preservation of the country's natural heritage.
 
The EIF was officially launched in 2012 and is currently
 funded by a government allocation with the mandate
 to tap into local conservation fees and
 environmental levies.
 
These funds will be used to invest in the protection of the 
environment, its biological diversity and ecological life-
support functions; and the promotion of sustainable 
natural resources use - for economic development 
by supporting green & environmental enterprises.
 
Namibia intends to expand the establishment of such
 infrastructure, with plans for upcoming projects in 
other regions within the next five years.
 
 While Namibia introduced its inaugural community seed 
bank in 2023, neighboring countries such as Zambia, 
South Africa, and Zimbabwe have already largely 
embraced this practice, with Zimbabwe now
boasting 26 community seed banks. 
 
 
 
______________________________________


 
Bolivian President begins 
Green Lungs program
November 11th, 9:53am 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Bolivian President Luis Arce has launched, today, in 
the municipality of El Alto, the Pulmones Verdes
 (Green Lungs) project by planting the first 
tree of a forest of native species to 
counter climate change.
 
The initiative was presented ---- by the Vice Minister of 
Coordination and Government Management - Gustavo 
Torrico, who initially proposed to start with a certain
amount of trees to generate a small forest in El Alto,
Gabriela Arauco, Director of Public Management in 
that government agency, explained.
 
In an interview granted to Prensa Latina, Arauco said that 
the support of other ministries made it possible to
advance 
towards, a larger and more
ambitious project.
 
'It will be the first forest with five hectares, five thousand 
seedlings, and it will not only be the planting stage, but 
the commitment of caring for them, so that these trees 
reach the necessary size and give the expected result: 
to improve the microclimate, the ecosystem and 
increase water levels and forestation in that 
environment’, she said.
 
The director explained to this news agency that the most 
important thing is that Pulmones Verdes will provide the 
community with access to cleaner air.
 
Pulmones Verdes promotes an effort to mitigate global 
warming, the greenhouse effect, the reduction of 
permafrost, the loss of water and the climatic 
crisis, and for this the State and the society 
of Bolivia receive the support of the youth 
of El Alto, as well as public and private 
business people.


______________________________________


Deforestation in Brazilian 
Amazon drops to 22.3%
November 9th, 4:47pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Deforestation rate in Brazil´s Amazon scaled down 22.3% 
from August 2022 to July 2023 -- the lowest figure in a 
12-month term since 2019, according to official data.
 
The National Institute for Space Research -- revealed that 
about 9,001 square kilometres of the Amazonian forest 
was deforested at that stage.
 
Such statistics were supported by the Real-Time 
Deforestation Detection System (DETER) which 
produces daily signals of alteration in forest 
cover for areas larger than three hectares 
(0.03 square kilometres).
 
Indications occur for totally deforested areas as well as
 for those in the process of wild degradation (logging, 
mining, burning and others).
 
DETER is not the official deforestation data, but 
an alert on where the problem is occurring.
 
The devastation in the Amazon increased under the 
government of former President Jair Bolsonaro 
(2019-2022).
 
 
___________________________________________


Luzhsky breeding centre.....
sent 500,000 pine saplings 
to the new region
November 8th, 6:54pm
(Komsomolskaya Pravda)
 
500 thousand pine seedlings were brought to the Donetsk
 People's Republic from the Luzhsky Forest selection and 
Seed production Centre. 
 
The Leningrad Region, helps the Donetsk People's
 Republic restore forests lost during the fighting. 

500 thousand pine seedlings were delivered to 
the new region of Russia from the Luzhsky 
Forest selection and seed Centre.

Seedlings of coniferous trees 
were grown in the nursery 
for two years. Now their 
new home will be 
the DPR.
 
The region participates in the restoration of Donetsk
 forests on behalf of Governor Alexander Drozdenko. 
The project is supervised by the Committee for 
Natural Resources of the Leningrad Region.
 
"When in April of this year, together with the head of the
 DPR, Denis Pushilin, we planted spruce and pine trees 
from the Leningrad region at the foot of Saur-Mogila,
promised that the supply of seedlings would be 
regular," said Governor Alexander Drozdenko. 
 
''This is part of our assistance to the Donbass...  it's 
systematic in nature. Today, the Leningrad Region
 continues to work at facilities in Yenakiyevo, 
Mariupol, and Makeyevka. We already 
perceive the residents of these 
localities.... as our own.''
 
''There is already a "Leningrad Quarter" in Mariupol, 
and there will eventually be a "Leningrad Forest"
 in the Donbas.''
 
Alexey Shebalkin, Chairman of the Forestry and Hunting
 Committee of the Donetsk People's Republic, said that
 the "green" cargo... has successfully arrived at its
 destination. This... is the second campaign to 
send seedlings from the Leningrad region
 in 2023. 
 
Earlier, in April, 70 thousand seedlings of scots pine and
 30 thousand seedlings of European spruce were 
brought to the Donetsk People's Republic. 
 
According to Governor Alexander Drozdenko, the young
 coniferous trees planted on Donetsk's land will help
 restore the forests damaged during the fighting.
 
"Leningrad kids" - in a decade - will turn into 250
hectares of forest.... traces of the war in the
Donetsk People's Republic. 

''The April batch of 100 thousand pine and spruce saplings 
has already taken root in a new place, including at Saur-
Mogila. Seedlings with a closed root system, were 
shipped from the Luzhsky breeding Centre - so 
that they could move on the road and adapt 
more easily to a new place," the head of 
the region noted.
 
Before taking the seedlings to the DPR, the planting
 material... is carefully checked. The best seedlings 
with high survival rates are selected for shipment.


 
________________________________________________


 
China’s initiative - wins 
UN’s most prestigious 
environmental prize
October 30th, 2:02pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
China's Blue Circle initiative has won the United Nations 
Environment Program's 2023 Champions of the Earth 
award for its innovative marine plastic treatment 
technology, Xinhua reported on Monday.
 
The Blue Circle initiative won the award in the
 Entrepreneurial Vision category --- for its 
contributions to monitoring the entire
 lifecycle... of plastic pollution in 
the oceans - comprehensively,
 encompassing collection ---
as well as regeneration,
re-
manufacturing, 
and re-sale.
 
Over 6,000 individuals and 200 enterprises from East 
China’s Zhejiang Province are involved in the project.
 To date, it has successfully gathered about 10,700 
tons of marine debris.
 
According to Xinhua, these data, make Blue
Circle China’s 
great marine plastic waste
collection program.
 
A study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in the United
 Kingdom.... estimated that -- oceans could carry more 
plastic than fish - by 2050, leading to more pollution.
 
The organization, founded in 2010 to accelerate the
 transition to a circular economy, pointed out that 
such materials take about 1,000 years to 
degrade -- which has very negative
 impacts on the oceans and 
the environment.
 

[R.R. adds: Well done, China -
we're all gonna die!]



_________________________

 
Ozone hole over Antarctica grows
-- to one of the largest on record
October 4th, 4:36pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The annual ozone hole that forms over Antarctica
has ballooned to near-record size, scientists say.
 
Measurements from satellite imaging taken on Sept. 16
 --- showed that the ozone depletion area had reached 
26 million square kilometres — roughly three times 
the size of Brazil, according to Copernicus, the 
European Union’s Earth observation program.
 
Every year, an ozone hole forms over the Antarctic due to 
the presence of ozone-depleting substances in the 
stratosphere and the specific conditions of
 the region, according to Copernicus.
 
The size of the ozone fluctuates from August to October,
typically reaching maximum depletion between mid-
September and mid-October.
 
This year, the ozone hole got off to an early start and has 
grown “rapidly” since mid-August -- “making it one of the 
biggest ozone holes on record,” Copernicus Atmosphere
 Monitoring Service senior scientist, Antje Inness, said
in 
a statement. The size of the ozone hole is largely 
determined... by the strength of a strong wind 
band that flows around the Antarctic area - 
a result of the rotation of the Earth and 
the oppositional temperature 
differences between polar
 and moderate latitudes.
 
Ozone levels usually return to normal by mid-December, 
after temperatures high up in the stratosphere rise in 
the southern hemisphere, slowing ozone depletion 
and weakening the polar vortex, according 
to Copernicus.
 
There is some speculation that the unusual behaviour 
of the ozone layer in 2023, is a result of the Tongan 
underwater volcano eruption in January 2022.
 
The immense amount of water vapour that was injected 
into the atmosphere likely just started reaching the 
south polar region after the end of the 2022 
ozone hole, Antje said.
 
The water vapour could have led to a heightened
formation 
of polar stratospheric clouds ---
allowing chlorofluorocarbons 
to react
and accelerate ozone depletion.
 
The impact of the widespread use of damaging 
chlorofluorocarbons in products such as 
refrigerators and aerosol tins in the 
1970s and 1980s -------- led to the 
depletion of the ozone high in 
the atmosphere, allowing for 
the ozone layer above 
Antarctica - to open 
up, according to 
Copernicus.
 
 
_____________________________



The scientist declared
deterioration of
 all
global ecological
characteristics
September 30th, 1:47pm
(RT.ru)
 
All global indicators in the field of ecology, except for the
 problem of ozone holes, are getting worse, said Viktor 
Danilov-Danilyan, a Russian scientist and scientific 
director of the Institute of Water Problems of the 
Russian Academy of Sciences.
 
"Absolutely all global environmental characteristics
are
 deteriorating, except ----- and this is the only 
exception ----- that characterizes the state of
the 
ozone layer," RIA Novosti quotes 
Danilov-Danilyan as saying, at
 the Altai Economic Forum
"Thread of Nature".
 
He noted that the situation with the ozone layer is 
improving, after the adoption of the Montreal 
Protocol --- and the implementation of 
its obligations.
 
The scientist added that the concentration of 
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is 
growing in the world, the area of 
forests is decreasing, and the
chemical poisoning of soils
 ...continues.
 
Earlier, US President, Joe Biden, said that 
global warming.... remains the only real 
threat to humanity.
 
 
 
_____________________________________
 


 Japanese scientists find --- 
microplastics are present
 in clouds
September 27th, 9:03pm
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Researchers in Japan have confirmed - microplastics
 are present in clouds, where they are likely affecting
 the climate in ways that aren't yet fully understood.
 
In a study published in Environmental Chemistry Letters, 
scientists climbed Mount Fuji and Mount Oyama in order 
to collect water from the mists that shroud their peaks, 
then applied advanced imaging techniques to the 
samples to determine their physical and 
chemical properties.
 
The team identified nine different types of polymers and 
one type of rubber in the airborne microplastics — 
ranging in size from 7.1 to 94.6 micrometres.
 
What’s more, “hydrophilic” or water-loving polymers were 
abundant, suggesting the particles play a significant 
role in rapid cloud formation and thus, 
climate systems.
 
“If the issue of ‘plastic air pollution’ is not addressed 
proactively, climate change and ecological risks 
may become a reality, causing irreversible 
and serious environmental damage in 
the future,” lead author, Hiroshi 
Okochi of Waseda University
 warned in a statement 
on Wednesday.
 
Microplastics — defined as plastic particles under 5 
millimeters - come from industrial effluent, textiles, 
synthetic car tires, personal care products, and 
much more.
 
These tiny fragments have been discovered inside fish 
in the deepest recesses of the ocean peppering Arctic 
sea ice and blanketing the snows on the Pyrenees 
mountains between France and Spain.
 
But the mechanisms of their transport have remained 
unclear, with research on airborne microplastic 
transport, in particular, limited.
 
“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on
 airborne microplastics in cloud water,” the authors 
wrote in their paper.
 
Emerging evidence has linked microplastics to a range of 
impacts on heart and lung health, as well as cancers, in 
addition to widespread environmental harm.


 
____________________________________________



 
 
South Korea to increase 
radiation meters in
the ocean
September 18th, 11:38am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
South Korea will strengthen emergency radiation tests to 
ease public concern over the discharge into the ocean 
of contaminated water from Japan's Fukushima 
nuclear power plant, it was announced.
 
South Korean Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Cho 
Seung-hwan told a news conference that more 
coastal measurement points will be added
 for this purpose.
 
''We chose the points where the released waters are expected 
to arrive first, given the ocean currents. We will add more 
locations to the list, especially in the East Sea, to 
ensure safety further,'' he said.
 
Cho explained that in addition to the 75 spots in territorial 
waters, radiation tests are conducted in 33 more distant 
areas, and the ministry plans to increase the number 
to nearly 250 by next year.
 
South Korea began conducting emergency radiation tests in 
July on samples from 75 coastal points in the east, west 
and south of the country, as well as in the waters off
 the southern island of Jeju.
 
The monitoring began about a month before Tokyo began 
discharging treated radioactive water into the sea.
 
In 2011, Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant was 
severely damaged by a strong earthquake and a 
subsequent tsunami.
 
 
_________________________________

 
Angola plans to eliminate 
refrigerant gases by 2030
September 17th, 9:17am
(Prensa Latina)
 
Angola plans to eliminate, by 2030, the use of refrigerant 
gases belonging to hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), 
according to sources from the Ministry
of Environment.
 
Since 2012 the country began to apply the schedule for the 
gradual elimination of these gases, which are harmful
to 
the ozone layer --- and cause global warming,
in 
compliance with the Montreal Protocol, 
Ivone Pascoal ---- the person in charge 
of the issue in the aforementioned 
ministry ---- explained to the 
Angolan Press Agency.
 
It is expected that the application of the measure of 
not importing these gases and their exclusion from
 consumption... will be completed by 2025, leaving 
a margin until 2030 for their total disappearance.
 
Reaching this point, required intense awareness-raising work 
on good refrigeration practices, the introduction of new
 techniques, and the implementation of rules on the 
export, re-export and import of ozone-depleting 
substances and equipment, among 
other actions.
 
However, the challenge remains, as the country sets out to 
reduce the consumption of substances that contribute to 
global warming until 2050, in compliance with the Kigali
 Amendment --- an agreement that provides for a
phased 
reduction in the consumption of
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) 
until that year.
 

____________________________________________________________



  Zakharova: ammunition with
 uranium ...makes Ukraine 
uninhabitable land
August 24th, 10:21pm
(RT.ru)
 
Supplies of depleted uranium ammunition, from the West, 
have already led to radiation contamination of Ukrainian
 territory...... which is turning into uninhabitable land.
 
This is stated in an article by the official representative 
of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, 
published on Komsomolskaya Pravda's website.
 
"The threat that Russia has repeatedly warned the 
Ukrainian population about, is also confirmed on
 Ukrainian territory," the diplomat said.
 
According to her, radiation contamination of 
the soil, is already taking place in Ukraine.
 
Zakharova also said that the Ukrainians 
should demand the export of depleted
 uranium shells.
 
 
_____________________________________


Japan’s residents - intend to file 
lawsuit: over discharge of nuke 
water from Fukushima NPP
August 23rd, 3:56pm (TASS)
 
Residents from the Fukushima, Miyagi and Ibaraki 
prefectures, which are located on the Pacific 
Coast of Japan, intend to file a lawsuit 
against the state, on September 8, 
demanding that the treated water 
from the Fukushima 1 Nuclear 
Power Plant (NPP) not be 
discharged, Kyodo news 
agency reported 
on Wednesday.
 
The lawsuit will include the Tokyo Electric 
Power (TEPCO) company, which operates 
the nuclear power plant.
 
According to the plaintiffs, the discharged water would mean 
the spread of destructive substances and would inflict harm 
on the region's residents. Local fishermen are among those 
who intend to launch the legal action, Kyodo added.
 
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said earlier that the 
discharge of water that was used to cool the reactors at 
the plant would begin on August 24, barring any 
obstacles in terms of the weather or 
sea conditions.
 
According to the Kyodo news agency, in the 2023 fiscal 
year (ending on March 31, 2024) as many as 31.2 
metric tons of wastewater will be released into
 the ocean. The overall concentration of 
tritium in it would be about
 5 trillion becquerels.
 
In March 2011, a tsunami caused damage to power supply
 and cooling systems at the Fukushima 1 Nuclear Power 
Plant, which caused a nuclear fuel meltdown in three 
reactors, accompanied by explosions and the 
emission of radiation into the atmosphere. 
Vast territories were contaminated, 
forcing the evacuation of tens of
 thousands of people.
 
The reactors used water for cooling, and storing this water
 has become problematic due to its large volume — over 
1.25 million tons. 
 
In April, 2021, the Japanese government authorized the
 discharge of a large amount of this water, which is 
said to be mostly cleared of radioactive 
substances, but still contains tritium, 
a radioactive hydrogen isotope.
 
TEPCO underscored --- that the tritium content in the water
 is being brought to one fortieth of the minimum allowable 
standard set by the International Commission on 
Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the 
government of Japan, and one 
seventh of the level allowed 
by the World Health 
Organization for 
drinking water.
 
Despite this, Tokyo’s plans have drawn sharp criticism from a 
number of countries, mainly Russia and China. Japan plans 
to discharge the water in stages over a 30-year period. 
 
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) intends 
to monitor the process on a continuous basis. In the 
past few years, IAEA specialists have carried out 
several inspections at the nuclear facility.
 
 
_____________________________________________


Environmentalists celebrate
 Referendum victory 
in Ecuador
August 21st, 3:39pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Different environmental and social sectors in Ecuador 
are celebrating today the "yes" vote in this Sunday's 
referendum and they consider this result ------ as an 
historic milestone in the South American nation.
 
For Ivone Ramos, member of the Accion Ecologica movement, 
with the consultations that seek to leave the Yasuni National 
Park oil underground and stop mining activity in the Andean 
Choco, direct democracy has been achieved -she said- it is
 an historic event, a great hope, she stressed.
 
For his part, Inti Arcos, member of the Commonwealth 
of the Andean Choco, recalled that all mining in the 
Andean Chocó --- is illegal.
 
Even large mining projects are illegal because
 they violate the rights of people and nature.
 
The popular consultation clearly states that 
we do not want any type of mining, he said.
 
During a press conference held on Monday, Freddy
 Larreategui, lawyer for the Quito without Mining 
Collective, said they will remain vigilant and 
will wait for the official results... to put 
pressure, so that they are respected.
 
All concessions granted or to be granted must 
be eliminated --- immediately, he demanded.
 
The jurist denounced that there are currently 12 
concessions granted - and eight in process - in
the 
Andean Choco; but none of them will be
able to
 be exploited or developed.
 
We will present all judicial and 
constitutional actions.
 
We will go wherever we have to go to ensure 
that the results and Quito people’s will are 
respected, he warned.
 
 
_________________________________________


Venezuela Controls
 Illegal Mining in
 Orinoco
August 16th (teleSUR)
 
On Wednesday, commander of the Bolivarian National Armed 
Forces (FANB) Gen. Domingo Hernandez announced that 
over 500 soldiers are traveling to the Alto Orinoco 
region to continue the operation against
 illegal mining.
 
The FANB soldiers... will go to the western edge of 
the Yapacana National Park "to fight for territorial 
integrity and national sovereignty, and against 
criminal groups that rape the environment," 
he said, adding that "environmental 
protection is everyone's task, it is
 a duty and a constitutional right".
 
The Bolivarian soldiers... continue to evacuate illegal 
miners from the Yapacana National Park, dismantle 
illegal facilities, and destroy environmentally 
damaging equipment.
 
Eight months ago, the FANB began Operation Autana,
 which allowed the eviction of thousands of illegal 
miners from a protected natural area located on 
the border with Colombia and Brazil. Those 
who left there voluntarily were relocated 
to other states.
 
So far, the FANB has detected 40 mining camps and
 evacuated over 8,000 people who voluntarily 
withdrew from the area --- as reported by 
TeleSur correspondent Madelein Garcia.
 
Illegal mining has caused irreversible damage to Amazon 
ecosystems due to the use of mercury to extract gold 
and other minerals. Another form of illegal mining 
consists of using artisan rafts that inject 
mercury ------ to suck minerals from 
the riverbed.
 
In an operation to fly over the Atabapo River, on the border 
between Colombia and Venezuela, FANB troops detected 
11 of these boats in less than a nautical mile. After being 
detected, these vessels ----- fled to Colombian territory, 
where irregular armed groups offer them protection.
 
 
___________________________________



Environmental commitments 
from the Amazon Summit 
stand out in Brazil
August 12th, 11:15am 
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
The various environmental commitments that emanated 
from the IV Amazon Summit, which held sessions for 
two days in Belém, capital of the northern state of 
Pará, stood out in Brazil in the week ending today.
 
The countries participating in the meeting, released a joint 
communiqué with final considerations in which they also 
request advantages for sustainable forest products in
 the markets of developed nations.
 
“We reinforce our understanding - that preferential access 
for forest products in the markets of developed countries 
will be an important lever for the economic development 
of developing countries,” the text indicates.
 
It reiterates commitments aimed at preserving forests, 
reducing the causes of deforestation and forest 
degradation, as well as conserving and 
valuing biodiversity.
 
The signatories also expressed their concern about the 
non-compliance of developed countries with respect to
the 100 billion dollars a year --- pledged for climate 
finance in developing countries.
 
In this regard, the Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula 
da Silva, host of the forum, defended the feasibility of 
international financing for sustainable projects in 
the biome.
 
“We cannot accept a green neocolonialism that, under 
the pretext of protecting the environment, imposes
 trade barriers and discriminatory measures and 
does not consider our regulatory frameworks 
and domestic policies,” Lula said at the end 
of the meeting.
 
For the head of state, “what we need is to make a leap
 in quality and long-term financing without conditions, 
for green infrastructure & industrialization projects.”
 
He announced that in the Brazilian presidency of the G20 
(a group made up of the finance ministers and heads of 
central banks of the 19 largest economies in the world
 plus the EU), to begin on December 1, “we will place
 sustainable development and the reduction of
 inequalities ----- at the centre of the 
international agenda”.
 
He warned they only have seven years to achieve the Goals 
of the 2030 Agenda and it is “time for our countries to come 
together. It is time to wake up to the urgency of the problem
 of climate change.”
 
He remarked that the adopted joint declaration will be “the 
first step towards a common position already at COP28
 this year (in the UAE), with a view to COP30.”
 
The summit in Belém involved, in addition to the countries of 
the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (Brazil, Bolivia, 
Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela), 
others that have large tracts of preserved tropical forests, 
such as the cases of Indonesia, the Congo and the 
Democratic Republic of the Congo.
 
 
___________________________________


 We Cannot Accept ---
Green Neocolonialism: 
Brazilian President
August 9th (teleSUR)
 
During the Amazon Summit on Wednesday, Brazilian 
President, Lula da Silva, stated --- that developing 
nations cannot accept "green neocolonialism."
 
"It's not Brazil, Colombia, or Venezuela that need the money. 
It's nature itself. It requires rich nations to pay their share 
to rectify the damage caused over 200 years of industrial 
development," Lula remarked as he concluded the 
meeting in the city of Belem.
 
He emphasized that Amazonian countries, along with the
 Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo,
 and Indonesia --- will convey a clear message to 
wealthier nations during the United Nations 
Climate Change Conference (COP28) 
scheduled for November in Dubai.
 
"We will tell them that if they wish to preserve what they 
demand from our forests -- it's necessary to contribute
funds not only for safeguarding the treetops but also 
for supporting the people beneath those trees who 
want to work and study," he expressed.
 
Lula urged developing nations -- not to "accept a green
 neocolonialism that, under the guise of environmental 
protection, imposes trade barriers and discriminatory 
measures, disregarding domestic policies and laws."
 
These statements... indirectly refer to the environmental 
demands that Europeans attempt to impose in the Free 
Trade Agreement (FTA) - between the European Union 
(EU) and MERCOSUR, an integration bloc comprising
 Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
 
As a result of the EU protectionist measures, negotiations 
for this free trade agreement have - once again - come to 
a standstill.
 
Lula recalled that the colonial era bequeathed to countries 
with tropical rainforests "a predatory economic model" 
built upon the irrational exploitation of natural 
resources and the systematic exclusion of
 Indigenous peoples.
 
A tweet reads "75 percent of the uranium exported from Niger 
to France was used in French nuclear power plants. In its
 northern region alone, Brazil potentially has around 
300,000 tons of uranium. The Bolivian president 
warned --- that the U.S. and the EU seek to 
control the Amazon."
 
"The effects of colonialism continue to be felt in our nations
 to this day," Lula emphasized during the meeting of the
 Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), an
 organization that includes Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, 
Guyana, Ecuador, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
 
"One cannot discuss tropical forests and climate change 
without addressing the historical responsibility of 
developed countries --- which have been the 
biggest squanderers of natural resources, 
and the largest contributors to planetary
 pollution over the centuries," Lula said.
 
"The top 10 percent of the world's population holds over 
75 percent of the wealth --- and emits nearly half of all 
carbon released into the atmosphere," the Brazilian 
president recalled.


teleSUR English
@telesurenglish
#Brazil | 
 
Rodrigues Alves Forest - Zoobotanical Garden of the Amazon,
 the meeting place of the Peoples of the Earth that will march
 today towards the Amazon Summit. At the end of the march, 
they will deliver their demands to the political leaders of the 
Pan-Amazon nations.
 
 
_________________________________________


 Strengthening Sovereignty 
to Protect the Amazon: 
VP Rodriguez
August 8th (teleSUR)
 
On Tuesday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called
 upon the nations that comprise the Amazon Cooperation
 Treaty Organization (ACTO) to establish a collaborative
 action plan --- to safeguard the Amazon forests and
their 
natural resources.
 
"Through hard work, effort, and a concrete action plan 
ready for implementation, let's unite in reforestation, 
sanitation, and restoration of the Amazon.... for the 
well-being of our Indigenous peoples," he tweeted, 
displaying optimism ---- and asserting that the 
Amazon countries are "heading towards 
a new humanity."
 
Due to an ear infection, the Bolivarian leader could not
 personally attend the 4th ACTO Presidential Summit
 in the city of Belem, in the state of Para. However, 
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez 
attended this high-level meeting.
 
She presented a specific action plan for the preservation 
of life and the rights of nature, with the main points
 as follows:
 
Establish an ACTO task force as a 
coordinating body among the 
region's countries.
 
Develop a comprehensive reforestation plan 
to map critical areas in the Amazon basin 
and promote sustainable practices as 
sovereign and ecological economic 
alternatives.
 
Establish a seed bank and research 
centre to preserve regional
 biodiversity.
 
Eliminate illegal mining activities.
 
Launch an Amazonian satellite
 into orbit for region monitoring.
 
Define an ecological and sovereign sustainable
 development plan that respects the rights 
of nature.
 
Strengthen the ACTO institutional capacity.
 
Rodriguez also emphasized that the Amazon 
countries... are obliged to reinforce their 
sovereignty --- if they wish to preserve 
"the environmental soul of the planet."
 
"There is no other path. We must be frank... There are 
grave threats we cannot evade: the voracity of 
transnational pharmaceutical and food 
empires, the outsourcing of state
 functions, and the aspirations 
of NATO --- that target the 
commercialization of 
the Amazon basin," 
she stated.
 
"What is at stake here is a profound debate between 
an international economic order and a sustainable 
development model that ensures a true balance 
among land, oceans, and the atmosphere," 
Rodriguez added, recalling that the 
Venezuelan message is 
"unity, unity, unity."
 
"The organization must serve the political, economic, 
and territorial sovereignty of the countries that
form
 the OTCA," she advocated.
 
 
__________________________________
 
 
Water temperature in world's 
oceans has reached new
 record values
August 5th, 12:15am
(Izvestia.ru)
 
Another temperature record was set in the world's oceans. 
This was reported on Friday, August 4th, by the AFP news 
agency... citing data from the European Union's (EU)
Earth 
observation program, Copernicus.
 
On this day, the surface of the oceans warmed up to 
+20.96 degrees, exceeding the indicators of March 
2016 (+20.95 degrees).
 
Earlier, on July 19, Copernicus experts presented a forecast 
according to which July 2023 on the planet may become 
the hottest in history. It was noted that, since spring, 
the oceans have been overheating, and the speed 
of this phenomenon... is very surprising to 
scientists around the world.
 
On July 31, Igor Shkradyuk, coordinator of the industrial 
greening program at the Centre for Wildlife Protection,
 told Izvestia ...about the warm current across the 
Pacific Ocean — El Nino. It is associated with a 
strong climate cycle, which repeats with a 
period of about 10 years, warming the 
ocean waters.
 
Earlier, on July 4, the World Meteorological Organization 
announced that for the first time in seven years, El Nino 
conditions were established in the tropical Pacific 
Ocean, which creates prerequisites, for a likely 
sharp increase in global temperatures ---- and 
destructive weather and climate conditions.

 It was noted that the probability of 
continuing El Nino in the second 
half of 2023 --- is 90%.
 
In addition, in June, a study was published in 
which scientists concluded that over the 
decade 2013-2022.... warming caused 
by human activity accelerated at a 
dangerous pace - and the planet
 became hotter by 0.2 degrees.
 
 
______________________________________

 
Until the end of the year, humanity will 
--- live on credit from the environment
August 3rd, 2023 
(source --- France 24
translated by InoTV)
 
By August 2, 2023, humanity had used the resources 
that the planet creates throughout the year, reports
 France 24. For the remaining 151 days, the world's
 population will live in a state of ecological deficit 
--- experts estimate. They blame our profligate
lifestyles, 
especially in the rich countries.
 
Since yesterday morning, humanity has been living on credit.
We 
have already used up all the resources that the Earth can 
produce in a year. In other words, for the remaining 151 
days of 2023 ------ humanity will live in a state of 
ecological deficit.
 
Matthis Wakkernagel, co-founder 
of the Global Habitat Network:
 
''We can calculate how much will be restored in a particular
country, then add up these figures for the whole world. We
can also calculate consumption -- in each country. There 
are also statistics that show the amount of consumption
of potatoes, milk and meat. So... we can take stock and
identify the capacities needed to produce the products.''
 
''In 1970, all the world's resources were used up by the end of
 December. Throughout the 1980s-in November. In the 1990s-
in October. This year, the line was crossed on August 2nd. 
The reason is our way of life, especially in rich countries. 
Greenhouse gas emissions, from the use of oil and coal 
- strongly affect the equilibrium. Oceans that are being
destroyed by overfishing; forests --- unable to absorb
 everything. Especially.... since the Amazon forests 
were cut down under the rule of Jair Bolsonaro.''
 
''The situation has stabilized for five years, but it is not
 changing. But... to meet the goal set by the Inter-
governmental Panel on Climate Change --- to 
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, by 43%
 by 2030 - it would be worth delaying the 
moment of Land depletion, by 19 days 
each year, over the next seven years.''
 
 
_______________________________________

 
Beijing Reports Heaviest 
Rainfall in 140 Years
 August 2nd, 3:16pm 
(teleSUR)
 
On Wednesday,  the Chinese authorities confirmed 
that Beijing has recorded its heaviest rainfall over
 the past few days since records began 
140 years ago.
 
The city logged 744.8 millimetres of rain, the maximum 
amount of precipitation recorded during the rainstorm, 
between 8 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Wednesday at 
the Wangjiayuan reservoir in Changping District, 
the Beijing Meteorological Service said.
 
The Chinese capital has experienced spells of torrential 
rain brought by Typhoon Doksuri since the start of the 
weekend, which had caused 11 fatalities, as of 
Tuesday morning.
 
The authorities lifted the red alert for floods on 
Wednesday morning... as the water flow in 
major rivers fell below the warning mark. 
 
Previously, some parts of the Fangshan District suffered from
 flood and geological disasters caused by recent rainstorms
 in the capital city. A rescue team comprised of firefighters, 
medical workers and volunteers set out to evacuate 
people afflicted by floods in Pinggezhuang Village 
of Liulihe Town, on Wednesday. 
 
The Chinese Finance Ministry has earmarked about 
US$14 million to support post-disaster 
reconstruction in Beijing and in the
neighbouring Hebei Province. 
 
It was also confirmed that central budget funds 
will be used to support the reconstruction of 
infrastructure and public services.
 
 
____________________________

 
Fishermen Stage New Protest 
Against Japanese Nuclear 
Wastewater
July 27th, 7:24pm 
 (teleSUR)
 
On Wednesday afternoon, South Korean fishermen staged a
 maritime rally in the southern coastal county of Boseong
 to protest against Japan's planned release of nuclear-
contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima
power 
plant, into the ocean.
 
Over 100 fishing boats set out from a port of the county, 
plowing their way through glittering blue waves with
 banners attached on the sides, that read "Oppose 
Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater 
discharge into the ocean," and "The ocean
 is not a dumping ground for nuclear-
contaminated wastewater."
 
The long line of boats circled around in southern waters, 
and 12 of them sailed toward two vessels at the centre
of the circle. From the two vessels, 120 boxes with a 
mark symbolizing nuclear pollutants were thrown
into the sea --- to represent Japan's radioactive 
wastewater discharge, while fishermen from 
the 12 boats pulled up the boxes from the 
sea ----- and delivered them back to the 
two vessels.
 
"It was a performance - showing that South Korean people 
collect the nuclear-contaminated wastewater, released 
by Japan, and return it back to Japan," said Kim 
Young-chul, executive chief of the Federation 
of Korean Fishermen's Associations.
 
"The fishing boats circled around to show that if Japan 
discharges Fukushima nuclear-contaminated waste-
water into the sea, South Korean vessels will 
surround the wastewater and make it no 
longer flow into other countries," 
he added.
 
"The ocean is the home of our lives. I have lived all my life 
with gratitude to the ocean, which is like family and a 
friend, and also my workplace...If Japan discharges
 Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater, it 
will become a sea of death. Fishermen will
also 
be dead."
 
Right before the maritime demonstration, the fishermen 
held a separate rally on land in protest of the nuclear-
contaminated wastewater dumping plan.
 
They chanted the slogan "The Japanese government should 
immediately retract its plan to dump Fukushima nuclear-
contaminated wastewater into the ocean," wearing a
 red band around their heads with the slogan 
"Protect our right to life."
 
 
_____________________
 
 
 
The Canada Wildfire 
Carbon Emissions... 
Exceed 1 Bln Tonnes
July 27th, 3pm
 (teleSUR)
 
Liu Zhihua, a researcher from the Institute of Applied
 Ecology, said that the massive carbon dioxide 
emissions from the raging wildfires in 
Canada ---- have exceeded 
one billion tonnes.
 
Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and 
nitrous oxide emitted by the wildfires in Canada have a 
noticeable impact on global warming and the wildfires 
have evolved into a global environmental event, 
said Liu.
 
According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre 
(CIFFC), as of July 26, there were 4,774 fires across the 
country, and the cumulative fire area has exceeded 
121,000 square kilometres.
 
The researchers conducted a rapid assessment of
 greenhouse gas emissions from the wildfires, 
based on remote sensing observations.
 
It is estimated that as of July 26 local time, the wildfires 
in Canada have directly emitted about one billion tonnes 
of carbon dioxide.
 
The greenhouse effect of methane and nitrous oxide 
emissions is about 110 million tonnes of carbon 
dioxide equivalent -- and the total greenhouse 
gas emissions are about 1.11 billion tonnes 
of carbon dioxide equivalent.
 
This number has exceeded Japan's energy-related carbon 
dioxide emissions of 1.067 billion tonnes in 2021, 
according to data cited from the Global 
Carbon Project.
 
In addition to affecting the climate, the wildfires in Canada 
also released air pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, organic 
aerosols, and black carbon, which harm human health.
 
In June, the air quality in New York, Chicago, and other 
places in the United States deteriorated significantly. 
These air pollutants are also transported over long 
distances worldwide under westerly circulation,
 affecting areas in Europe, North Africa, 
and Asia.
 
The wildfires have also wreaked havoc on forest ecosystems.
 The rapidly burning wildfires led to extensive vegetation
 destruction and biodiversity loss, depriving animals 
of habitats and food sources.
 
 
_______________________________
 
 
 
Iran: Hamoun Lake
and Wetlands Face 
Existential Risk
July 27th, 2:21pm 
(teleSUR)
 
On Wednesday, an Iranian environmental official warned 
that the Hamoun Lake and Wetlands near the common 
border in southeastern Iran with Afghanistan could 
dry up completely, leading to an "environmental
 and humanitarian disaster."
 
Mojtaba Zoljoudi, deputy for the marine environment and
 wetlands, of the Iranian Department of Environment, 
called on environmental officials & the international
community in Afghanistan to help revive the lake 
and wetlands, regardless of political issues.
 
Zoljoudi said the lake's survival depends on the floodwaters 
flowing into it from upstream rivers, including the Farah and
Helmand, in Afghanistan.
 
However, he said the lake has dried up completely due to a
 "diversion in the Helmand River's route, construction of 
numerous dams on the Farah River and Afghanistan's 
failure to uphold the historical and natural rights of 
the ecosystem."
 
Zoljoudi added that the sandstorms in the southeastern 
Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan, have sent 
thousands of people to hospitals over the past weeks, 
noting ------ that the storms even affected parts
o
f Afghanistan.
 
During the past months, high-ranking Iranian officials have
 called on the Taliban to allow an average of 820 million 
cubic metres of water per year, to Iran, from the 
Helmand River under a 1973 water-sharing 
pact between Tehran and Kabul.

The 
Taliban government said it is 
committed to the 1973 
treaty and does not
cause trouble for 
its neighbour.
 
The Helmand River originates in the Hindu Kush Mountains
 near Afghanistan's capital Kabul and runs over 1,100 km 
south before flowing into Hamoun Lake and Wetlands. 
The lake and wetlands --- are a vital source of water 
and food for the people of Sistan and Baluchestan.
 
 
__________________________________


 July heat waves: due 
to ''climate change''
by Elsy Fors Garzon
July 26th, 11:13am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The heat waves experienced to date in China, Europe
and North America, and which will increase, are 
largely generated.. by the effects of climate 
change, said a report by World Weather 
Attribution (WWA ).
 
“North America, Europe & China have experienced heat 
waves more frequently in recent years, as a result of 
global warming, caused by human activities,” the 
text underlines.
 
Extreme temperature events in these areas during the 
month of July would have been extremely rare, were
 it not for human-induced climate change, the 
report says.
 
The heat waves - were 2.5 degrees Celsius warmer 
in southern Europe, two degrees warmer, in North 
America and about one degree in China in today’s 
climate -- than they would have been without the
climate change exacerbated by the malpractice 
of humans.
 
“Unless the world quickly stops burning fossil fuels, these 
events will become even more common and the planet 
will experience even hotter and longer-lasting heat 
waves,” the text emphasizes.
 
This phenomenon would occur every two to five 
years in a world that is two degrees warmer 
than the pre-industrial climate, the 
WWA warned.
 
 
_________________________________


Venezuela to Set Special Plan to
Decontaminate Lake Maracaibo
July 25th, 2:38pm (teleSUR)
 
On Monday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced
 a special plan to decontaminate Lake Maracaibo, which has
 been affected by the cumulative effect of oil spills, the
 confluence of solid waste and the proliferation of
 a bacterium called verdigris.
 
"I have prepared a special care, decontamination and
 recovery plan for Lake Maracaibo. Public Service 
Minister Nestor Reverolwill be in charge of its 
implementation," he said, at an event to 
mark the bicentennial of the Naval 
Battle of Lake Maracaibo.
 
This plan was prepared with the support of scientists, 
technicians and the ministers of environment, oil, 
fishing and aquaculture, and electric power.
 
Maduro asked Zulia Governor, Manuel Rosales, and the
 Maracaibo Mayor, Rafael Ramirez, for "all the support" 
for the development of this plan, for which Venezuela 
will seek financing amid the U.S. Sanctions 
and blockade.
 
The Bolivarian leader also announced the construction of a 
33-hectare park, that will be able to provide services to
1.4 
million people... in the eastern and western parts
of 
Maracaibo, the capital city of the Zulia state.
 
This facility, which will be called Ana Maria Campos, in 
honour of a heroine in the war of independence, will 
have five lagoons, 14 sports fields, walkways, a
special space for pets and an area for children
 with disabilities.
 
"We are going to reforest the areas to the west and east
of Maracaibo, to have the protection of the trees...
It will be a 
monumental park," Maduro said, and
promised to hand 
over the first eight hectares
of the park, in December.


_________________________________


On the Uruguayan Coast
 
 over 300 Penguins
Appear - Dead
July 22nd,  2023
(teleSUR)
 
On Friday, the SOS Fauna Marina NGO confirmed that over 300
 Magellanic penguins appeared dead on the Uruguayan coast 
in the last week. This occurred during their annual migration 
from Argentine Patagonia to Brazil, where the penguins seek 
food and warmer waters for the winter.
 
“Food scarcity - as a consequence of the overfishing of the 
South Atlantic and the effects of climate change on ocean 
currents could be the causes of the catastrophe,” SOS
 Fauna Marina environmentalist, Richard Tesore, said, 
adding that most of the penguins were very skinny.
 
“They had no food in their stomachs, not a layer of fat. 
To make such a long trip, it is essential to eat a lot of 
calories and have a large layer of fat on the body, 
which acts as a thermal insulator and protects 
the animals from low temperatures. The 
animals died of hypothermia caused 
by lack of food,” he said.
 
For many years, the Uruguayan coasts have witnessed 
the appearance of lifeless penguins. In the last three 
years, however, this event has intensified.
 
Tesore commented that when he began his work as an 
environmentalist, more than 30 years ago, penguins 
used to die... from accidentally ingesting 
plastic materials.
 
“On this occasion, the massive deaths show the scarcity
 of food. The overexploitation of the fishing resource -
is noticeable - and it affects the birds as well”,
he explained.
 
Additionally, global warming began to alter marine currents
in the 1990s -- which has influenced some species of fish 
to no longer reach the waters near the Uruguayan coast. 
Among them is "manila," a species that penguins 
feed on.
 
Throughout this week, the Uruguayan Environmental Ministry
 performed necropsies on the Magellanic penguins. After
 forensic investigations, the authorities determined
 that their deaths are not related to bird flu.
 
In the last month, citizens found over 20 dead turtles on the 
Uruguayan coast. Dead dolphins were also detected on
 the coasts of Canelones, Maldonado and Rocha.
 
 
______________________________________


South Koreans -- Hold 
Rally Against Japan's 
Wastewater Discharge
July 21st, 1:22pm 
(teleSUR)
 
On Friday, South Korean fishermen held a maritime protest 
rally --- against Japan's planned discharge of wastewater
 from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean.
 
A group of local fishermen gathered on the seashore of the
 southwestern coastal county of Jangheung, carrying a
 rally called "flower bier" about 200 meters along the 
coast to protest against the contaminated water 
release plan.
 
"The flower bier is used for a traditionalritual to carry coffins
 when people die. We marched with the flower bier to say 
that if the Fukushima nuclear wastewater is released 
into the ocean, all humankind will die," said Kim 
Young-chul, executive chief of the Federation 
of Korean Fishermen's Associations.
 
The placard of "oppose discharging Fukushima nuclear 
contaminated water" was attached to both sides of 
the bier carried by the fishermen.
 
The same placards were also hung on the sides of about 
30 fishing boats that staged a maritime demonstration 
in waters off the county --- for some half an hour.
 
"I'd like to ask questions to the Japanese government. Why is 
it seeking to release the contaminated water into the ocean
 if the water is really safe as Japan claimed? Why is it 
seeking to dump it --- through a one-kilometre-long 
tunnel after dilution, if the water is safe enough 
to drink?" Kim said, noting that if it is a really 
safe and drinkable water, Japan can just 
choose to use it inside its territory for 
agricultural, industrial and
 drinking purposes.
 
Japan has been pushing for dumping the contaminated
 wastewater this summer from the Fukushima Daiichi 
nuclear power plant, which was hit by a massive
 earthquake and an ensuing tsunami, in 
March 2011.
 
The move has aroused strong opposition --- and doubts 
from domestic fishing groups, neighbouring countries 
and the South Pacific island countries, as well as the 
international community.
 
 
________________________________



''Mexico'' - to hold first 
Youth Climate Summit
 Tlaxcala 2023
by Alina Ramos Martin
July 21st, 10:04am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Young Mexicans aged 18 to 35 will be a fundamental part 
of the First Youth Climate Summit ---- Tlaxcala 2023, 
tomorrow Saturday, in the Gallery of the Palace
 of Culture of that state.
 
Hilda Margarita Castro, young ambassador for the climate of
 Mexico in the EU, said that this first event is a space
created from youths and for youths, in view of the
need to ''position'' this social sector at a local
level and 
propose inclusive and scientific
climate policies.
 
Likewise, this position will be presented at the Latin 
American Youth Climate Summit, as these meetings
 aim to give continuity and follow-up to Mexico’s 
climate commitments and obligations.
 
Mainly the contributions determined at a national level,
 strengthen the capacities and knowledge of youth on 
climate change, create a legitimate representation
of 
youth based on data and dialogue, and
influence 
public policies and
climate projects.
 
 
________________________________



 
Climate Change --- Affects the 
Resilience of Boreal Forests
July 19th, 12:44pm 
(teleSUR)


Earlier this week, the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire
 Centre confirmed that there were 888 active wildfires 
nationwide and the number of out-of-control wildfires
 was 586. So far this year, the number of wildfires 
reached 4,152, devouring about 100,000 
square km of land.
 
Paul Beckwith, a climate system scientist, warned that
 the boreal forests in Canada's wildfire region will likely 
not regrow... if the climate there has changed.
 
"We can't assume that when a forest burns down it will be
 replaced over time by another forest," he said, explaining 
that if the annual temperatures have changed and the
precipitation in that region, has also changed and 
reduced, the region where the forests used to be 
will become savanna, mostly grasslands with 
the odd, isolated trees, or just 
pure grasslands.
 
Formerly an assistant professor at the University of Ottawa,
 Beckwith studies abrupt climate system changes related 
to oceans, biosphere, air temperatures, the lithosphere 
and cryosphere.
 
"We haven't seen fires like this before in Canada for an awful
 long time. Maybe ever," Beckwith said, adding that wildfires
 in Canada are exceptional by any measure and this 
wouldn't be happening, without the heat waves 
and the lack of moisture.
 
A boreal forest is a wet and cold adapted forest which gets 
lots of rain and sunlight. But now Canada has warmed at 
over double the rate than the rest of the planet. 
 
Typically the return time of large fires in a boreal forest is
 about 50 to 100 years and forest fires are a part of the 
lifecycle of the boreal forests.
 
If a fire ignites in July or August, it's generally out in the fall,
 because as the weather gets colder, there's more rainfall. 
So the fire is there left alone to burn if it's not interfering 
with infrastructure, towns, roads, and rail, etc. It just 
burns itself out. But when there are too many at 
any one time, it really overstretches 
firefighting resources.
 
"The problem is that when you get these fires igniting in the
remote areas in the spring, do you really want to let them 
burn all summer? We've got to do firefighting differently
 in this country, for sure," Beckwith said.
 
The problem with the forest burning, is that the forests are 
a huge sink of carbon. And when they burn that carbon is 
released rapidly to the atmosphere-ocean system. And 
you also lose the carbon sink and the forests no 
longer exist to absorb all of that carbon.
 
 

_____________________________________


 
G20 meeting on energy
transitions ----
 takes
place in Goa, India
by Luis Linares Petrov
July 19th, 10:05am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
At least 100 delegates are participating in the fourth G20
 meeting on energy transitions that began in Goa, a state 
in southern India, and will last the next two days.
 
Priority areas are discussed with a view to global 
cooperation towards the development of clean 
and sustainable energy, according to a
 government source.
 
Topics such as addressing technological gaps, low-cost 
financing, energy security, and diversified supply 
chains will be discussed by representatives 
of the bloc’s nations, international 
organizations, and experts.
 
The meeting will also promote analysis of energy 
efficiency, low-carbon industrial transitions and 
responsible consumption, fuels for the future 
and universal access to clean energy 
through fair, affordable and
 inclusive channels.
 
The event will build on deliberations from previous 
meetings in Bangalore, Gandhinagar, and Mumbai
 in order to identify and promote best practices, 
policies and innovative approaches.
 
As a result of the analysis, the draft statement will 
be drawn up to be delivered to the ministers of 
the sector for its consolidation and 
subsequent approval.


 
__________________________________



 Demand for Cooling to Increase 
Due to Global Temperature Rise
July 24th (teleSUR)
 
Countries like New Zealand, Canada, and Britain, will likely 
see the greatest relative increase in the number of days 
that cooling will be needed each year, as global 
temperatures rise.
 
Researchers from the University of Oxford simulated likely
 temperatures around the world under 1.5 and 2 degrees 
of global warming to estimate the demand for cooling
 in different countries.
 
The study, led by Jesus Miranda, and published in Nature
 Sustainability, shows that New Zealand is in the top 10 
countries tying third, with a nearly 24 percent relative 
increase in cooling demand days as the world moves
 from 1.5 to 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels.
 
The 2015 Paris Agreement recognized --- that 1.5 degrees 
above pre-industrial levels is a critical threshold beyond
 which the world enters "dangerous climate change," 
which will be experienced through more intense 
and frequent extreme events, like storm-
induced flooding and also manifests
on hotter days... that cause 
heat stress.
 
This study, measures the absolute and relative increase in 
cooling demands due to hotter weather, using a measure
 called "Cooling Demand Days." It shows that even a 
small increase in average global temperature... 
affects heat exposure and cooling demand.
 
"New Zealand is not prepared for this impact. Climate and 
energy policies need to build resilience to a hotter local 
climate and the inevitability of heat stress," said Bruce
 Glavovic, professor of the School of People, 
Environment and Planning in 
Massey University.
 
The cross-party agreement is necessary to enact robust
 legislation, with enabling policies and resourcing, to 
reduce climate-compounded impacts and risk, he 
said, adding increasing heat stress and cooling 
demand, adds to the litany of climate-
compounded challenges in New 
Zealand as it navigates the 
aftermath of multiple
 flood disasters.
 
Nick Cradock-Henry, principal scientist of GNS Science, said 
as a mid-latitude nation, many of New Zealand's systems of
 production & distribution, and urban and rural populations 
are traditionally unprepared for high temperatures, and
 large-scale adaptation to heat resilience presents 
a novel, complex challenge.
 
This will affect the country's largest urban populations not
only through higher temperatures but placing additional 
demand on electricity supplies, potentially straining 
the already fragile infrastructure.
 
These findings also pose additional adaptation challenges
 for the primary industries, which rely on cool storage. 
Some 60 percent of New Zealand's food production, 
or by-products are exported in a refrigerated state, 
he said, adding that this presents an acute risk
for 
cold chains.... which are likely to face
higher 
energy demands and costs.
 
 
________________________________________


 Experts Criticize IAEA Report 
on Fukushima Nuclear 
Wastewater
July 11th,  3:14pm 
(teleSUR)
 
On Tuesday, a Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) expert panelist has
 criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 
for ignoring its own principle of justification in its report
 on Japan's planned dump of nuclear wastewater into 
the Pacific Ocean.
 
The IAEA final report released last week claimed that the
 plan "is in conformity with the agreed international
 standards." However, the report was criticized 
by Arjun Makhijani, president of the Institute 
for Energy and Environmental Research, 
the Fiji Times reported.
 
The IAEA report noted, that justification is a 
fundamental principle for the international 
standards of radiation protection.
 
"The IAEA has abandoned its responsibility to review the 
justification of actions, even though it is part of the
 fundamental safety principles," Makhijani said, 
adding that he has raised his concerns with 
the IAEA as part of the PIF expert panel.
 
The IAEA said in the report that the controlled, gradual
 release as planned by the Tokyo Electric Power 
Company (TEPCO) would have a "negligible
 radiological impact on people and
the environment."
 
"The IAEA is refusing to acknowledge its responsibility, and 
basically abandoning the countries of the Pacific region to 
whatever mercies the government of Japan might offer
them," he said.
 
The TEPCO has yet to confirm a start date for dumping 
the wastewater as Japan aims to start to do so around
this summer. The IAEA is set to meet with Pacific 
leaders next week.
 
The PIF independent scientific experts and the IAEA 
held the second technical dialogue on Fukushima 
wastewater last month.
 
During the meeting, the PIF experts said that the lack 
of TEPCO research into Fukushima nuclear waste-
water discharge on marine species, which are 
more common to the Pacific Forum nations,
left them unable to provide an informed 
decision to PIF members on a priority 
gap around the ecosystem and
food security impacts.
 
 
______________________________



''Climate Change'' to Reduce 
Grain Harvest in Germany
July 5th, 1pm
(teleSUR)
 
June was the second sunniest month since records
 began, in this European country, the National 
Meteorological Service said.
 
On Tuesday, the German Farmers' Association (DBV) 
said that this year's grain harvest in Germany is 
expected to be well below the average for
 2018 to 2022 and well below the 
previous year's result.
 
"In many parts of the country, the long drought in May and
 June caused significant damage to stocks. Agriculture is 
already clearly feeling the effects of climate change.
 The increase in extreme weather events is causing 
yields to decline and fluctuate," DBV President 
Joachim Rukwied said.
 
This past June was the second sunniest month since records
 began. The persistent summer heat reached oppressively 
hot levels, Germany's National Meteorological Service
 (DWD) said.
 
German farmers are hoping for "summer-like and hopefully 
often dry weather conditions" for the upcoming harvest. 
However, in order for corn, potatoes and sugar beets 
to make up for the delay in growth from the early 
summer, sufficient precipitation will also be 
needed in the coming weeks.
 
Weather forecasts are indicating heavy showers 
and thunderstorms at slightly lower 
temperatures for next week.
 
"The distribution and amount of precipitation are still very 
uncertain, so it is also unclear whether the drought will 
be dampened in the particularly affected regions," 
a DWD spokesperson said on Tuesday.
 
Farmers in Europe's largest economy are also troubled by
 new legislation. Besides the challenges of climate 
change for agriculture, the "across-the-board 
reduction targets for crop protection 
proposed by Brussels would lead 
to further yield declines," 
Rukwied warned.
 
The European Commission aims to reduce the use
 and risk of chemical and hazardous pesticides 
in the European Union by 50 percent by 2030.
 
To achieve this -- among other things -- new rules have 
been adopted to simplify the approval or authorization
of biological plant protection products containing 
microorganisms.
 
"The use and risk of crop protection products must 
be significantly reduced in order to protect the 
environment and biodiversity - and thus also
 safeguard our livelihoods for the future,"
 German Minister of Agriculture Cem 
Oezdemir said at the beginning of 
the year.


_________________________________

 
IAEA Greenlights -------- Japan's 
Nuclear Wastewater Discharge
 July 4th, 2023 (teleSUR)
 
On Tuesday, Rafael Grossi, the director of the International 
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), met with Japanese Prime
 Minister Fumio Kishida, to deliver the IAEA final 
assessment report on the Advanced Liquid 
Processing System (ALPS) proposed in
 the Japanese discharge plan.
 
He defended the "reliability" of the Japanese plan to process
 and discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima
 nuclear power plant into the sea.
 
The IAEA holds that the process devised by Japan "meets
 international safety standards" ..and will have "negligible 
radiological impact" on human health or the environment.
 
Nevertheless, the Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jiangha 
stated that the IAEA report, does not necessarily greenlight 
the Japanese plan to discharge nuclear-tainted water from 
the Fukushima nuclear plant ----- into the Pacific Ocean.
 
Following the ocean discharge decision announced in April 
2021 and the official plan released in July 2022, the
 Japanese government repeatedly declared that it 
would not delay the discharge long before the
IAEA task force completed the assessment 
and issued the final report, leaving the 
international community with a 
serious question mark over 
Japan's sincerity... the 
embassy told a press 
conference held 
in Tokyo.
 
The Chinese diplomat pointed out that the IAEA, in terms of 
functional authorization, is mandated to promote the safe, 
secure and peaceful uses of nuclear technology, but is 
not the appropriate body to assess the long-term 
effects of nuclear-contaminated water - on the 
marine environment and marine life's health.
 
Adding, that Japan limited the mandate of the IAEA task 
force and does not accept evaluation on other disposal 
options, it stated --- the IAEA report cannot prove the 
legitimacy and legality of Japan's ocean discharge
 plan, nor can it absolve Japan of its moral 
responsibility and obligations under
international law.
 
Wu called on the Japanese government to revoke its wrong
 decision -- of dumping wastewater into the ocean, urging
 it to face up to the legitimate and reasonable concerns 
both at home and abroad - and fulfill its obligations 
under international law.
 
Japan should seek disposal of nuclear-contaminated water
 in a scientific, safe, and transparent manner and accept 
strict international supervision, he added.
 
The Chinese embassy also elaborated on the huge risks that
 the discharge might bring to the global marine environment
 and human health and Japan's deliberate confusion about 
the tritium content in contaminated water from the 
crippled power plant and the amount of tritium 
contained in the normal cooling water 
discharged from other nuclear 
power plants.
 
 
______________________________



 
One quarter of world's population 
predicted in struggle for survival
July 4th, 3:20pm 
(Lenta.ru)
 
Global warming can cause significant damage to the
 inhabitants of the Asian region. Due to the large-
scale melting of glaciers, in the Ginkudush 
Himalayan region, about 2 billion people 
may be on the edge of survival, 
Bloomberg predicted.
 
Due to the increase in average temperatures in the region, 
up to 80% of the glacial mass of the mountain system in
 Central Asia may melt. If this happens, a quarter of the
 world's population will face a serious deterioration in
 living conditions.
 
In terms of its consequences, the melting of mountain 
glaciers may be larger than the floods in Pakistan 
that occurred in June 2022. Then, the damage 
from natural disasters to the local economy 
was estimated at more than $ 30 billion, 
and a total of eight million people
 lost their homes.
 
Previously Head of the Office of the High Commissioner 
(OHCHR) the UN's Volker Turk has predicted the threat 
of starvation for another 80 million people around the 
world... amid global warming. Because of natural 
disasters, agricultural land and livestock can
 be affected, which can cause food 
shortages in the world.
 
 
__________________________________________
 
 
 
G-77 plus China meeting on 
environment opens in Cuba
by Ileana Ferrer Fonte
July 4th, 1:12pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Deputy Prime Minister Inés María Chapman welcomed the 
meeting of top authorities and ministers of environment, 
science, technology, and innovation from the Group 
of 77 (G-77) plus China on Tuesday.
 
The meeting, which is taking place at the Hotel Nacional de 
Cuba, is part of the 14th Convention on Environment and 
Development, whose debates will focus on the impact 
of climate change on biodiversity, the economy, 
society, food security, and health, with severe
 consequences --- that require the attention
and
 cooperation of this integration bloc.
 
Venezuelan Science and Technology Minister Gabriela
 Jiménez noted the side effects of global warming on 
the most vulnerable sectors --- such as indigenous 
communities, women, and young people in Latin 
America, a region severely affected by this 
process; and called on them to become 
protagonists of actions ----- to 
preserve nature.
 
The G-77 plus China should seek alternatives to promote
 infrastructures and programs that will allow the member 
countries to face the challenges posed by the
 consequences of climate change  by using 
science, technology, and innovation, and 
the support of financial institutions and 
the private sector, Jiménez added.
 
Cuba is hosting this meeting as the pro tempore president of 
the G-77 plus China. The aim is to adopt a final declaration 
to fight climate change, land degradation, and pollution,
 and protect biodiversity.
 
The Convention on Environment and Development also 
..includes the 18th Conference of Directors of Ibero-
America Meteorological Services, in the presence 
of renowned prominent figures of this scientific 
discipline in the region and representatives 
of international agencies.
 
It would also promote unity, solidarity, and international 
cooperation and materialize projects from the South to 
support a recovery of ecosystems after the Covid-19 
pandemic, taking into account ----- their needs 
and specifications.
 
 
_______________________________________



10 Illegal Mining Camps
Are Dismantled in the
Brazilian Amazon
Published July 3rd
(teleSUR)


Justice Minister Dino said that there has been a
"continuous operation" against illegal mining
since January, resulting in the destruction
of 323 camps.
 
On Monday, the Brazilian Federal Police announced that it
had destroyed ten illegal mining camps during a four-day
operation in the Amazon basin.
 
The operation focused on - an "environmental devastation
scenario" equivalent to 118 football fields, located in the
Campos Amazonicos National Park and the Tenharim
Marmelos Indigenous Land, in the northern state
of Rondonia.
 
The Police stated that two hydraulic excavators,
11drainage motors, 4 power generators, and
8 vehicles were destroyed, with a total
value of US$1.6million,but no arrests
were reported.
 
Twenty federal officers, eight officials from the Chico
Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Preservation, and
two aircraft from this organization, participated
in the operation.
 
During the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro's government
(2019-2023), illegal mining experienced significant
expansion throughout the entire Amazon region,
contaminating rivers with mercury and
threatening the livelihoods of
Indigenous peoples.
 
Two weeks ago, Justice Minister Flavio Dino declared that
there has been a "continuous operation" against illegal
mining since January, resulting in the destruction of
323 camps and the blocking of approximately
US$400 million from accounts linked to
this activity.
 
The Yanomami ethnic reserve has been one of the main
fronts in this fight, with 200 camps dismantled and
nearly 20,000 miners expelled, in the first three
months of the year.
 
 
______________________________________



Japan Ratifies Decision to Dump 
Fukushima Nuclear Wastewater
July 3rd, 4:14pm (teleSUR)
 
On Monday, Japan's government spokesman Matsuno
 Hirokazu, said that his country will not change the
plan to start releasing water from the crippled 
Fukushima nuclear power plant into the 
Pacific Ocean, during this summer.
 
Previously, the leader of the Komeito party, which governs
 in coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), 
asked the Japanese government to delay the 
discharge of water.
 
"It may be better to avoid the bathing season. We should
 not cause unnecessary concern to the population, so
 it is something to be considered," Komeito leader 
Natsuo Yamaguchi said.
 
Nevertheless, the release of contaminated water - will 
severely impact various parts of the Pacific, including 
countries of the Association of Southeast Asian 
Nations (ASEAN) which depend on fisheries, 
both for domestic consumption and export, 
said Neow Choo Seong, the deputy chair-
man of the Diplomacy Bureau.... at the 
Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA).
 
The contamination of the fisheries sector would be
 especially harmful ------- not only in terms of harm
done
 to human health as a result of exposure, 
especially via seafood, contaminated 
with heavy metals, but also, would 
harm the region economically, as
 tourists would stay away, over 
negative perceptions and real 
risks.... while exports of
seafood
 would grind
to a stop, 
he
warned.
 
"There is no limit to the movement of ocean currents plus
 the marine life that constantly migrates, this radioactive 
wastewater may spread to the neighboring countries 
and wider sea waters across the region, including 
those global major seafood exporting countries 
like China, Vietnam, and Thailand. Hence, it 
will certainly contaminate the marine life, 
and food chain, and pose a long-term 
threat to our public health," 
Neow said.
 
He suggested that Malaysia should use its voice and
 leverage within ASEAN as well as other multilateral 
platforms such as the United Nations to raise the 
issue and make it clear to Japan that many 
nations are against its unilateral move 
and the lack of transparency 
surrounding it.
 
"The lack of transparency over this unilateral decision has
 raised concerns among the international community and
 strong reactions from the neighboring countries,
 international organizations, civil societies, as 
well as the fishermen communities in the 
region," he said.
 
"As one of ASEAN founding members, Malaysia can play a
 leading role through this regional platform, as well as 
other multilateral platforms, such as the United 
Nations to voice our concern and urge Japan 
not to go ahead, until it is proven to be safe 
environmentally and scientifically," 
he added.
 
Japan ---- plans to dump some 1.3 million tons of waste
water
 from its Fukushima power plant which suffered 
catastrophic damage during an earthquake in 2011.
It has built an underwater tunnel 
stretching from
its coast, into the Pacific, 
for the purpose.
 
Neow also urged Japan to drop its hypocritical approach
 to the issue, urging Japan to "lead by example" and 
use the wastewater for its own domestic 
consumption -- if it is indeed as safe 
as claimed. 
 
 
_______________________________
  

New Zealand: Plastic Produce 
Bags Banned From July 1
June 30th, 11:20am
(teleSUR)
 
Official statements show that New Zealand's major
 supermarkets have been preparing for the second
 phase of the national plastics ban, starting from 
Saturday (July 1), which will see the phase-out 
of more single-use plastics.
 
According to the Ministry for Environment, this round 
of the national ban targets single-use and hard-to-
recycle items, is expected to stop 150 million 
produce bags from ending up in landfills 
each year.
 
Official data shows that those plastics will be taken off
 the shelves from Saturday, and those businesses not 
complying with the new regulation could be fined
up 
to 100,000 NZ dollars (60,853 U.S. dollars).
 
Last October, single-use plastic cotton buds, drink 
stirrers and most plastic meat trays were banned 
from sale or manufacture in the first phase-out.
 
According to the Ministry for Environment's website,
the second round --- will ban plastic produce bags 
and stickers, plates, bowls, cutlery, and straws.
 
According to the nation’s three-year phase-out plan, 
other PVC and polystyrene food and beverage 
packaging will be banned, from mid-2025.
 
Official data shows that, on average, every year 
each New Zealander sends about 750 kg of 
waste to landfill.
 
"Stopping the sale of these plastic products will reduce
waste to landfill, improve our recycling 
systems and
encourage reusable or 
environmentally responsible 
alternatives," Environment Minister, David Parker,
said last September.
 
 
____________________________________


Ethiopian President launches 
Green Legacy Initiative
by Yasiel Betancourt Clavijo
June 24th, 12:08pm 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde arrived today
in the 
city of Hawassa, Sidama region (south), to
launch the 
second phase of the Green Legacy
Initiative, a 
reforestation program against
climate change.
 
Zewde was accompanied by Agriculture Minister Girma
 Amente, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa, 
among other senior officials...  and they were 
received by the region’s chief administrator, 
Desta Ledamo, state TV station Fana 
Broadcasting Corporate reported.
 
The second stage of the initiative also known as Green
 Legacy was launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed 
on June 8 and began with six billion trees planted 
across the country. It is expected to reach 25 
billion, a figure similar to that recorded in 
its first phase.
 
Ahmed revealed that it is themed “Plant our future today” 
and recalled that this initiative is the local approach to 
tackling climate change and environmental 
degradation, as well as creating
 job opportunities.
 
Similarly, Green Legacy is a means to enable food 
security by planting edible seedlings, he wrote 
on his Twitter account.
 
That reforestation program to combat climate change 
in the African country, whose first edition was in 
2019, aims to address environmental 
challenges by promoting a 
green culture.
 
According to official reports, more than four billion,
 five billion and six billion seedlings were planted 
across the country in 2019, 2020 and 2021, 
respectively, including 353 million in one 
day in the first year, considered a 
world record.
 
 
________________________________


 Paris Climate Summit Ends 
with Disappointing Results
June 23rd, 5:14pm (teleSUR)
 
On Friday --- President Emmanuel Macron's "Summit for a 
New Global Financing Pact" concluded by disappointing
 the expectations of developing countries.
 
The high-level meeting failed to reach even a deal for a 
tax on the greenhouse gas emissions produced from 
international shipping.
 
The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 
promised "more inclusive changes" but did not specify
 mechanisms to convert poor countries’ debts - into 
financing for projects aimed at mitigating the 
consequences of global climate change.
 
At the closing of the high-level meeting, Macron strove to 
present the existence of "a new consensus" to guide 
the reform of international financial institutions and 
the work of the 2023 United Nations Climate 
Change Conference (COP28). The concrete
 results of the Paris Summit, however, 
would seem to indicate otherwise.
 
Although he said that he supported the tax on 
thegreenhouse gas emissions produced from
international shipping, the French president
 implicitly acknowledged, that he had not 
gained the go-ahead from some of the 
big players in that business. 
 
Macron transferred the treatment of this matter to the 
International Maritime Organization (IMO), whose 
next meeting is scheduled for July.
 
Nor did the Paris Summit..... achieve the support of China, the
 United States, Germany and Japan for the implementation of 
the tax, which has only been supported by some 22 
countries and the European Commission, so far.
 
Regarding debt relief for the poorest countries, WB President
 Ajay Banga said that his institution will work on designing a 
mechanism to suspend repayment of debts in the event 
that a country suffers a natural catastrophe. 
 
Meanwhile, the IMF Director Kristalina Georgieva committed
 to "a more inclusive change". The only concrete result in 
this matter, however, was a debt restructuring 
agreement for Zambia.
 
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed
 skepticism about the new commitments --- as 
developed countries have so far failed to 
deliver on their pledges to allocate 
US$100 billion a year to finance
 climate-related actions in 
developing countries.
 
He also noted that the aspirations of the countries of 
the South "will not materialize" as long as global 
governance regimes and institutions...
remain
 the same.
 
 
________________________________
 
 
 
 Japan ----- Gets Ready to Dump 
Nuclear Water Into the Ocean
June 23rd (teleSUR)
 
Despite ongoing opposition.. from both home and abroad, 
Japan has been rushing to carry out its plan of dumping 
radioactive wastewater from the crippled Fukushima 
Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean,
raising growing anger in the global community.
 
Tokyo Electric Power Company(TEPCO), the plant's operator, 
began trialing the equipment for discharging the nuclear-
contaminated water into the Pacific on June 12. The 
test run of the discharge facility is expected to 
finish on June 26. The nuclear wastewater 
release led by the Japanese government 
seems to have entered the countdown.
 
WORLDWIDE FURY
 
"Nuclear-contaminated water must not be discharged into the
 sea. It is a crime, a crime against all living things on earth!"
 shouted Tatsuko Okawara... outside the Fukushima 
refectural Government Office, where a mass rally 
was held last week to voice strong opposition 
to the Japanese government's wastewater 
dumping move.
 
"The mountains and rivers will never return to the past, and 
the radiation will not disappear easily. But this country puts
 making money first --- compared to life and love," the
 Fukushima resident, from Tamura city, reciting a
 line from a puppet show she created, unveiling
 the hidden truth behind the government's 
relentless push.
 
Among the nearly 100 protesters who gathered for parades, 
rallies and petitions on Tuesday was Chiyo Oda, one of the
 rally's organizers, and co-representative of Koreumi, a
 Japanese citizens' conference to condemn further 
ocean pollution.
 
"The government says every day that the trial operation will
 end soon, making everyone feel that the ocean discharge 
is a fact, and wants us... to give up. But it is wrong to 
discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the 
sea, and there are still places for the water 
storage tanks, so it has not reached the 
point where it must be discharged," 
she said.
 
Masuko Eiichi, from the prefecture's Koriyama city, also 
criticized the discharge plan at the gathering, saying, 
 
"These storage tanks for nuclear-contaminated water can be 
stored for a long time as long as the government and TEPCO
 want to. But they have chosen the cheapest way to deal 
with them, by discharging the wastewater into the sea."
 
Regarding the government referring to the diluted nuclear-
contaminated water as "treated water," Sakurai from 
Niigata Prefecture, said it is a fraud, to confuse the 
public. According to Eiichi, nuclear-contaminated 
water can be diluted, but the total amount of 
nuclear pollutants discharged.....
 remains unchanged.
 
"Moreover, there are not only the radioactive element tritium
 in the water but also 57 kinds of radioactive substances 
such as cesium and strontium that cannot be removed," 
he added.
 
In the petition submitted to the Fukushima prefectural 
government, the participants said, "In the absence of 
a quantitative determination of all radioactive 
substances in the contaminated water --- 
discharging the water into the sea will 
cause many radioactive substances
 to spread to the entire Pacific 
Ocean through the coastal 
waters of Fukushima, and 
then -- pollute the global 
marine environment."
 
Countries in the region have also expressed their vehement 
opposition to the discharge plan. In South Korea, thousands 
of fishermen took to the streets to protest against Japan's 
disposal plan on June 12, when the test run of the 
discharge facility started. They rallied, near the 
parliamentary building in Seoul -- holding signs 
that read "Desperately oppose the Fukushima 
radioactive contaminated water discharge 
into the sea" and "SOS!! Pacific Ocean!"
 
During the 53rd regular United Nations Human Rights Council 
session on Thursday, a Chinese representative urged Japan 
to earnestly address the international community's
 legitimate concerns.
 
The representative emphasized that Japan's unilateral 
decision violates its obligations under the United 
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 
Japan has yet to provide convincing 
evidence regarding the 
discharge's safety.
 
Earlier this month, Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, 
Maria Zakharova criticized Japan for failing to demonstrate
 the desired level of openness on the wastewater disposal.
 Given Japan's history in nuclear safety, she said that 
Russia could not allow the situation to develop 
without proper scrutiny.
 
WIDESPREAD PANIC
 
According to a Research View survey of 1,000 South Korean
 adults conducted last month, 85.4% of the respondents
opposed Japan's contaminated water discharge, and
 72% said they would reduce the consumption of 
marine products, if the wastewater is
released
 into the ocean.
 
On rising worry about Japanese fishery products ahead of 
the planned discharge this summer, local media reported 
South Korea's import of Japanese seafood --- plummeted 
for the second consecutive month.
 
The import of Japanese seafood, including live, refrigerated
and frozen fish as well as shellfish, dropped 30.6 % over 
the year to 2,129 tons in May, after sinking 26.0% in 
April, Yonhap news agency said Monday, citing 
data from the Korea Customs Service.
 
On fears that Japan would push ahead with its discharge
 plan, salt demand in South Korea has soared over the 
past months.
 
Online transactions of salt products increased by 817%
between June 7-13 ---- compared to the same period a 
week earlier, according to online price comparison 
service provider, Danawa.
 
Offline sales of salt also surged. As reported by the Korea
 Herald... data from South Korea's largest supermarket 
chain E-mart revealed that its salt sales from June 1 
to 14 increased by 55.6% compared to last year, 
while sea salt sales jumped 118.5 percent.
 
A statement issued by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) on
Tuesday --- confirmed the second technical dialogue on
Fukushima wastewater was held on June 9 between 
the PIF independent scientific experts and the 
International Atomic Energy Agency.
 
Experts expressed concerns... about TEPCO's need for more
 research on the impact of water discharge from Fukushima
 on marine species in the Pacific region. This prevented 
them from providing informed decisions to PIF
 members regarding the impact on the 
surrounding ecosystem and 
food security.
 
HARM TO LIVELIHOODS
 
Amid Japan's reckless discharge push, local fishery industry
 and seafood businesses, whose livelihoods are at stake, 
reiterated their opposition and grave concern.
 
Masanobu Sakamoto, president of the national federation of
 fisheries cooperatives - known as JF Zengyoren - handed 
over a request: opposing the release plan to Japanese 
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry 
Yasutoshi Nishimura.
 
Sakamoto said the federation's opposition to the discharge
 would not change, and the government should take full 
responsibility. However, despite the fishery workers' 
concerns, Nishimura reportedly maintained 
that the release is ''unavoidable''.
 
 
Earlier Tuesday, local seafood business owners in Fukushima
 questioned government officials during a study session at 
Iwaki city's central wholesale fish market, demanding a 
sufficient explanation about the discharge.
 
An attendant in the sector said the government and TEPCO
 should think closely about why people are skeptical about 
the safety of marine products caught in waters near the
 plant. Another participant said fish stores would face
 questions from consumers about the safety of 
seafood, according to the NHK.
 
Koji Suzuki, head of a fishery company who organized the
 session, said he opposes the plan. Stakeholders in the
 industry, who continue to wait for an explanation of 
the release plan, need additional information that 
can be shared... with the customers who doubt
 the safety of seafood.
 
In a recent interview in Suva, Fiji --- Kalinga Seneviratne, a 
visiting lecturer at the University of the South Pacific, said 
Japan should respect the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone 
Treaty, inked by PIF members in 1985, which explicitly 
prohibits activities such as testing, manufacturing, 
and stationing nuclear explosive devices and 
dumping nuclear waste within the zone.
 
"The contamination will also affect the South Pacific Nuclear 
Free Zone Treaty areas when it eventually flows there. Also, 
since fish stocks are migratory, contaminated fish could be
 caught within the treaty area," he said.
 
"If Japan wants to protect a rules-based order, they need to
 subscribe to the principles of these rules and respect the
 wishes of the people in the Pacific who argue the treaty 
is there ------- to stop something like this happening," 
Seneviratne said. "Japan, should refrain from 
contaminating the sea with nuclear waste."
 
 
_________________________________


Gustavo Petro Calls for  
Marshall Plan Against 
Climate Change
June 22nd (teleSUR)
 
On Thursday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro demanded
 the implementation of a "Marshall Plan" to finance the fight
 against the consequences of global climate change.
 
"The climate crisis cannot be solved by the market, because
 the market has created it," he said during the Summit for a 
New Global Financial Pact, currently taking place in Paris.
 
Directly addressing the European Commission President 
Ursula von der Leyen -------- Petro assured that Brussels' 
environmental measures, including the establishment 
of pollution tariffs, rely too much on the 
private sector.
 
"The investment to fight the climate crisis amounts to 
hundreds of billions... and 'the capital' is guided by 
profitability," Petro emphasized, casting doubt on
 the ability of market mechanisms ---- to solve a 
global public problem such as climate change.
 
While the Colombian leader acknowledged that "there is no
 time to wage war on capital," he emphasized that decision
-makers must acknowledge ------ that businesses have 
limitations.. in providing the necessary resources
 to address the consequences of climate change.
 
That's why Petro asked world leaders to establish something
 similar to a new "Marshall Plan." which would enable
 financing actions against global warming through 
resources generated by a tax on financial 
transactions and special debt issues 
for climate investments.
 
"It would be about exchanging debt for climate action,"
 Petro said, pointing out that these new financing 
options presuppose a profound change in multi-
lateral institutions, such as the World Bank 
(WB) and the International Monetary
 Fund (IMF).
 
"States must reclaim their authority not to decree the end 
of markets, but to recognize the limitations of markets in
 the fight against climate change," the Colombian 
President said, insisting on a need for genuine 
dialogue ---- between developed and 
developing countries.
 
 
________________________________________
 

 
Global Financing Summit
to Address 
Climate-
Related Issues
 June 22nd (teleSUR)
 
Paris Summit participants are expected to lay the
groundwork for funding action against growing 
inequality, poverty, and climate change.
 
On Thursday, world leaders arrive in Paris to participate
 in the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, whose 
stated goal is to build a new contract between the 
countries of the North and the South to address
 global climate change.
 
The discussions are expected to jointly lay the foundation for
 a new global financing system capable of responding to 
new challenges, particularly those related to fighting 
inequality, climate change & protecting biodiversity.
 
RESPOND TO EXISTING CONCERNS
 
In a policy brief published in May, United Nations Secretary
 Guterres said that the existing international financial
 system, created in 1945 after World War II, has 
proven "totally unsuitable in the face of a 
world characterized by relentless 
climate change" --- and other 
challenges --- illustrating 
the urgency of reforms.
 
For Stephanie Segal, a researcher at the Centre for Strategic 
and International Studies, climate issues became a "catch-
all" term during the Spring Meetings of the International 
Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in April.
 
Climate-related issues are "increasingly recognized 
as central to the evolution of MDBs (multilateral 
development banks)," she said.
 
Eight years after adopting the Paris Agreement, France
 expects to build a new Paris consensus for "a more 
united international financial system" to combine 
the efforts of climate action and reforms of the
 international financial system.
 
Noting that "there is today a trust... that is crumbling, if 
not more, between the North and the South" at COP27
 in Egypt last November, French President Emmanuel 
Macron ....called for financial solidarity for 
climate justice.
 
Later, while attending the G20 summit in Bali, Macron
 announced an intention to hold an international
conference "on the new financing pact with
 the South."
 
"We are entering the era of the climate emergency," 
he said. "Today, nothing in our international 
financial rules takes these criteria 
into account."
 
CALL FOR ACTION
 
To jointly address climate-related issues, the summit in Paris
 covers the following areas: overhauling the international 
financial architecture, restoring confidence, forging
 partnerships for strategies --- innovating with
 instruments and financing, ensuring more 
reliable information and data, and 
creating a conducive 
environment.....  for 
the private sector.
 
The summit is expected to help outline the steps needed to
 reform the financial system and combat the high levels of
 debt that hold governments down when implementing 
ambitious climate action.
 
It comes before a flurry of international meetings, including 
the G20 summit in New Delhi in September, the annual 
meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in Marrakech, 
Morocco in October and the COP28 scheduled for the
 end of the year in Dubai.
 
France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine
 Colonna, said earlier, that the summit would aim to 
facilitate the access of vulnerable countries to 
the financing they need to address the 
consequences of ongoing and 
future crises.
 
"We will take a major step, as we will start by establishing 
a new consensus," Macron was quoted as saying on the
 official site of the summit. "The fight against poverty, 
the decarbonization of our economy in order to 
achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and the 
protection of biodiversity, are 
closely intertwined."
 
"We, therefore, need to agree together on the best means 
to address these challenges in the poor and emerging 
countries of the developing world, when it comes to
 the amount of investment --- to comprehensive 
reform of infrastructure like the World Bank, 
the IMF, and public and private funds, and 
how to set a new process in motion," 
Macron said.
 
 
__________________________________________

 
The EU and NATO considered it
impossible
 to cooperate with
the Russian Federation
 on climate change
June 21st, 5pm
(Izvestia.ru)
 
The European Union (EU) and NATO believe that it is 
impossible to cooperate with Russia on climate 
change.. due to the conflict in Ukraine. This 
was announced on Wednesday, June 21, 
by the head of EU diplomacy, Josep 
Borrel & NATO Secretary General 
Jens Stoltenberg.
 
"One of the consequences of the [conflict] is that it is difficult
 to sit at the table with Russia and discuss climate change," 
Stoltenberg said --- at a ''forum'' organized by the
German 
Marshall Fund --- a US ''think tank''.
 
At the same time, according to the NATO Secretary 
General, Russia has not been focused on solving 
climate problems..... before.
 
Borrel, in turn, added that, at the moment, there is 
no cooperation in the field of climate with Russia.
 
Earlier, on June 8, researchers concluded that over the 
decade 2013-2022 warming caused by human activity 
accelerated at a dangerous pace --- and the planet 
became hotter by 0.2 degrees. This increase is
 explained... by greenhouse gas emissions, 
which also hit historical highs in the 
designated period.
 
Earlier, on May 22, climatologist Alexey Kokorin said that 
global temperatures could reach record highs in 2025 or 
2026. He clarified that if a powerful volcanic eruption 
occurs on the planet, record hot temperatures may
 not happen. Ash entering the stratosphere, will 
lead to an anti-greenhouse effect and global 
cooling, the expert added.


 
____________________________


Wildlife Agencies -- Call for 
Protecting Marine Species
 in Kenya
June 20th, 1:08pm 
(teleSUR)
 
On Monday -- three wildlife agencies called for increased 
security to reduce harmful human activities threatening
 already vulnerable marine species along the 
Kenyan coast.
 
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Kenya 
Wildlife Service, and Wildlife Research and Training 
Institute, which released the findings from a first-in
-30-year survey --- conducted on marine species 
along the 600-km Kenyan coastline in March,
 cited harmful human activities ---- as the 
biggest threats to seagrass beds on 
which dugong and turtles feed.
 
IFAW Africa Director, James Isiche, said the results from
the survey are critical in gauging the health and status 
of marine life and the interventions needed to keep 
them alive and thriving.
 
"The existence of marine species and their habitat, though 
often overlooked, is critical to the survival of the human 
population," Isiche said.
 
Kenya's marine waters host more than 35 species of 
marine mammals, five species of marine turtles -- all
 listed as endangered or critically endangered -- and
 105 species of bony fishes, including sharks 
and rays.
 
The aerial survey aimed to establish the level of conservation
 efforts needed for marine species found in Kenyan territorial
 waters. It also sought to identify the threats facing these
 species and their distribution across the coast to help 
inform appropriate conservation and 
management measures.
 
Significant species of concern, were dugongs, humpback
dolphins, whale sharks, and other whale species --- 
threatened by degradation and habitat loss from 
harmful human activity. This includes... the 
construction of seaports and increased 
fisheries activities. Climate change 
also has a significant effect on 
the survival of these species.
 
The survey also revealed that dolphins, listed as critically 
endangered in East Africa, are Kenya's most dominant 
yet most vulnerable and threatened marine 
megafauna species.
 
These activities include the clearing of coastal forests for 
salt pans and construction of shrimp farms, sand mining
 resulting in massive soil erosion, and inshore silt loads, 
and the extraction of mangroves for building materials 
and firewood.
 
Accidental capture and their targeted exploitation for food
 and medicine also threaten the critically endangered 
dugong. Only two were sighted during the survey 
compared to groups of up to 500 individuals 
seen in the 1960s.
 
Sharks and rays are also declining because of overfishing
 and the rising global demand for shark products such 
as fins, meat, skin, cartilage, gill plates and liver.
 
The agencies called for stringent law enforcement measures
 to eradicate dangerous fishing gear, such as gill nets that 
kill dugongs. They also recommended engaging with 
small-scale fishing communities to implement 
marine conservation's best practices and 
sustainable fishing techniques.
 
 
______________________________________________


Researchers urge swift actions: on
rapid Arctic, Antarctic change
by Pavel López Lazo
June 17th, 8:52am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Polar scientists are presently calling for an urgent
intensification of national and international 
research and observational capabilities, 
in view of the rapid Arctic and 
Antarctic changes.
 
Sea ice is reducing globally at an unprecedented rate, 
with serious implications for not only Earth’s polar 
environments and inhabitants but also global 
weather and climate.
 
In particular, Antarctic sea ice has declined since 2016 
at a rate not observed since the beginning of satellite
records in the 1970s --- a phenomenon that is 
concerning the scientific community... and 
one that is currently not well understood.
 
Such a phenomenon raises deep concern about the 
changed state of the Antarctic sea ice floe within 
the broader Earth system. As the winter season 
draws near, its extent remains at historic lows.
 
Meanwhile, the Arctic could thaw completely before 2050,
 regardless of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission scenarios, 
with a strong anthropogenic influence as a major cause 
of melting in the region.
 
After analyzing the influence of three factors: natural, GHG
 and anthropogenic aerosols (small particles thrown into
 the atmosphere by human activities), experts stressed
 --- that it is not the natural particles from volcanic 
emissions, for example, nor the artificial ones
---- that are responsible for the inexorable 
melting of the Arctic.
 
 
_______________________________________


Ethiopia’s green economy at 
International Grains Council
by Ileana Ferrer Fonte
June 14th, 2:35pm 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Ethiopia's Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) 
strategy, reportedly, was the spotlight at the
International Grains Council Conference 
held in London, capital of the UK, 
on Wednesday.
 
Beyene Gebremeskel, Deputy Head of Mission of the
Ethiopian Embassy in London --- highlighted Addis 
Ababa’s policy and action responses to climate 
change, the integration of climate change 
mitigation in the 10-year development 
plan, and smallholder farmers-
focused initiatives.
 
Gebremeskel, quoted by Fana Broadcasting Corporate, 
noted the Green Legacy Initiative launched by Prime 
Minister Abiy Ahmed that resulted in the planting of 
25 billion seedlings in the first four years and the 
beginning of the second round with 25 billion 
seedlings in the coming four years.
 
He stressed the importance of support from the 
international community in terms of finance
and investment, technology, and crisis 
mitigation emergency contributions, 
to complement the national efforts.
 
Under the theme “Achieving food security for importers 
in volatile world markets,” representatives of exporters
plus importers’ partner institutions, and government 
officials, attended the Conference.
 


____________________________



Sana’a: Saudis Seeking 
to Turn Yemen into 
Toxic Waste Dump
June 10th, 4pm (FNA)
 
 The Yemeni National Salvation Government has condemned 
Saudi attempts to dump untreated hazardous waste on the
 ground or off the shores of the conflict-stricken Arab 
nation, warning that Riyadh is trying to turn Yemen 
into a toxic waste dump.
 
The Yemeni Ministry of Fisheries in a statement on Friday
 pointed to the environmental pollution, injuries, and 
adverse health risks that could arise as a result of 
any agreement between the Saudi Nuclear and 
Radiological Regulatory Commission and the 
so-called Yemeni Presidential Leadership 
Council, led by Rashad Al-Alimi, 
concerning nuclear radiation 
resulting from toxic waste, 
presstv reported.
 
It highlighted that the matter “portends a great environmental
 disaster due to the impact of Saudi waste that has been and 
will be buried in desert regions and other areas” in Yemen.
 
The ministry also pointed to “the continued dumping of toxic
 and chemical waste by foreign ships off the coast of Yemen”,
 noting that the “radiation recently detected in the Red Sea 
and the Arabian Sea waters has caused the death of a high
 number of fish and culminated in the destruction of coral 
reefs and the marine environment in the provinces of 
Aden, Abyan, Al-Mahra, and Hadhramaut.”
 
“The Saudi regime has turned Yemen, since the beginning of 
its aggression [in March 2015] --- into a testing ground for all 
internationally prohibited weapons, including cluster
bombs, incendiary munitions, & nuclear ammunition.
Saudi Arabia 
and its allies have employed such
munitions in Yemen with
 support from the
United States, Israel and certain
Western
 governments,”
it added.
 
The statement emphasized that attempts to turn Yemen 
into a dumping ground for toxic waste amount to a 
“crime against humanity”, calling on the
 international community --- to take 
immediate action to stop them.
 
It called for urgent measures to be taken to protect the 
Yemeni environment and population from such waste.
 
Saudi Arabia launched a brutal war of aggression against 
Yemen in March 2015, enlisting the assistance of some
 of its allies, including the United Arab Emirates.
 
The war, which has enjoyed generous arms, logistical, and
 political support from the United States and several other
 Western governments, has sought to restore power in 
Yemen to the former Riyadh- and Washington-
friendly government.
 
The former Yemeni government’s President Abd Rabbuh 
Mansur Hadi resigned from the presidency in late 2014 
and later fled to Riyadh amid a political conflict with 
Ansarullah. The movement has been running 
Yemen’s affairs in the absence of a 
functioning administration.
 
The war has, meanwhile, killed tens of thousands of Yemenis
 and turned all Yemen, into the scene of the world’s worst 
humanitarian crisis.
 
 
______________________________________________


 UN chief calls for restoring 
balance of the oceans
 by Pavel López Lazo
June 8th, 4:10pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, on Thursday, 
called on the international community -- to work to restore 
the balance & vitality of the oceans & marine ecosystems.
 
The message comes on the occasion of World Oceans Day, 
which aims to reflect on the significance of the oceans and 
the efforts needed to restore life and sustainability to their 
natural wealth.
 
“The ocean is the foundation of life. It supplies the air we
 breathe and food we eat. It regulates our climate and
 weather. The ocean is our planet´s greatest 
reservoir of biodiversity,” said Guterres.
 
However, he warned that marine biodiversity is also under 
attack from overfishing, over-exploitation and ocean
 acidification, fish stocks are being depleted, and
 coastal waters have been polluted ---- with 
chemicals, plastics and human waste.
 
“Over a third of fish stocks are being exploited at
 unsustainable levels. We are polluting our 
coastal waters with chemicals, plastics
and human waste,” Guterres stated.
 
An estimated 90% of large fish stocks 
are depleted, and 50% of coral reefs 
are destroyed.
 
 
______________________________________



Half of DPR forests 
destroyed or mined
 — official
May 29th, 12:34pm (DAN)
 
About 50% of woodland in the Donetsk People’s Republic has 
been destroyed or mined during hostilities, said chairman of 
the DPR State Forestry Committee Alexey Shebalkov. “The 
Republic’s forest coverage in relation to land area... is 7% 
(195,000 hectares of forest overall),” Shebalkov told the 
Donetsk News Agency. 
 
“According to our earlier estimates, at least 20,000 hectares
 of woodland were completely destroyed in fighting, and
another 70,000 hectares are accessible in principle - 
but we don’t know what happened: some forests
might 
have been destroyed, and some, mined.
Mine 
clearance operations will be
needed anyway.” 
 
The ongoing fighting - endangers the forests 
in the Slavyansk and Krasny Liman districts.
They are largely coniferous forests; the fire 
danger period is about to begin --- so wild 
fires are possible, amid the hostilities, 
he said.
 
 Earlier reports, said the Donetsk People’s Republic
 authorities, planned reforestation of 300 hectares 
in 2023-2025.
 
 
_______________________________________

 
Brazil To Host the COP30
 Climate Summit in 2025
May 26th, 6:07pm 
(teleSUR)
 
President Lula wants everyone to know, how 
the Amazonian rivers, jungles, and fauna are.
 
On Friday, Brazilian President Lula da Silva announced 
that the United Nations confirmed Brazil as the host 
of the COP30 Climate Summit, to be held in 2025.
 
He also mentioned that COP30 will take place in Belem do
 Para, a city near the mouth of the Amazon River into the
 Atlantic Ocean, and considered the confirmation 
received from the United Nations as 
"extraordinary news" for
 the country.
 
“I already participated in a COP in Egypt and in another 
in Copenhagen. In all of them, the attendees talked 
about the Amazon, but without ever having been 
there," Lula said.
 
"I always thought: why not hold a COP in the Amazon so 
that everyone gets to know the Amazon and see what
 the Amazonian rivers, jungles and fauna are like," 
he added.
 
Brazil had been chosen by the UN as the host of the
COP25 in 2019, but the far-right President Jair 
Bolsonaro (2019-2023), who assumed the 
presidency that same year, declined to 
take charge of organizing the event, 
which was ultimately held in Spain.
 
During his administration, the former Capitan promoted
 aggressive development policies in the Amazon and
 dismantled all environmental oversight agencies, 
which Lula has begun to strengthen again,
since 
taking office in January.
 
Furthermore, Lula has resumed programs to protect the
 Amazon and combat the climate crisis that existed 
before Bolsonaro came to power. Lula reinforced
 the Environment Ministry and created a new 
ministry specifically focused on 
indigenous peoples.
 
 
__________________________________
 

 
Venezuela Releases 20,000 Turtles
 for Species Conservation
May 26th (teleSUR)
 
On Friday, Venezuela's Environment Ministry announced 
that 20,000 Arrau turtle hatchlings were released in the 
state of Amazonas, as part of a plan for conserving
 endangered species.
 
The turtles were taken to their habitat in an area called 
"Cuba Island," which serves as a wildlife refuge and
 protective zone for this species, also known as 
the "Orinoco turtle."
 
The release event was led by the Amazonas Governor 
Miguel Rodriguez, the Environment Regional Director 
Doralbis Lara, and other members of the ministry.
 
"The conservation of the species, has led to the 
reproduction of Arrau turtles in shelters.. until
 they reach a size that ensures their survival 
against potential natural predators and
can 
be returned to their habitats,"
the 
Environment Ministry said.
 
The existence of the Arrau turtle is highly threatened, with
 humans being its greatest predator, as they are trafficked
 without authorization for their meat consumption and the 
trade of their shells for artisanal crafts.
 
Last Sunday, Environment Minister Josue Lorca also
 announced that over 300 Orinoco caimans will be
 released in the state of Apure.
 
He also mentioned that in the Laguna de la Restinga National
 Park, located in the state of Nueva Esparta, another 350 
seahorses would be returned to their habitat.
 
 
_________________________________



 Rwanda Marks Biodiversity Day 
With a Call to Protect Nature
May 22nd (teleSUR)
 
On Monday, Rwanda celebrates the International Day
 for Biological Diversity, with a call on the public to 
reconnect with nature and prioritize biodiversity.
 
The event, organized by the Environment Ministry in Kigali, 
featured discussions about the implementation of the
 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 
adopted last December --- as part of efforts to
halt 
and reverse nature loss.
 
Speaking at the event, Rwandan Environment Minister Jeanne
 d'Arc Mujawamariya said the country's development agenda
 recognizes the central role that biodiversity plays in terms 
of supporting national economic growth.
 
"We cannot develop our nation unless we put the environment
 at the heart of everything we do," Mujawamariya said - and 
warned against cutting down trees.
 
"We need to reverse this trend, and educate future
 generations to understand the importance of 
biodiversity in everything we do..... for a 
brighter future."
 
The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA)
 highlighted that Rwanda's biodiversity plays a critical 
role in ecosystem services - such as ensuring water 
provision, air for breathing, controlling soil erosion 
and flooding, as well as climate change mitigation.
 
"Biodiversity is part of our lives. Growing up, I was
surrounded by nature and this helped build my 
passion --- for protecting the environment
and 
understanding the importance of
 biodiversity. I encourage us all --- 
to reconnect with nature -- and 
prioritize biodiversity," REMA 
Director Juliet Kabera, said.
 
The International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated
 this year under the theme "From agreement to action: 
Build Back Biodiversity" to remind nations that 
biodiversity is essential to ecosystem 
functioning and services delivery.
 
 
____________________________________


Brazil: Amazon Rainforest 
Deforestation Fell 67.9% 
In April
May 12th, 3:55am 
(teleSUR)


The Brazilian Institute for Space Studies (INPE) reported
on Friday, that deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon 
rainforest fell 67.9 percent in April ---- compared
to
 the same month in 2022.
 
April last year, 1,026 square kilometres of rainforest were
 lost in the Amazon region, however, this year the figure 
is 329 square kilometres, the institute indicated.
 
In the first four months of the year, there was a 41
percent drop in the year-on-year comparison of
 deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
 
The area deforested in the Brazilian part of the world's
 largest rainforest in the first four months of the year
 was 1,173 square kilometres, INPE data indicate.
 
April's result is the first month with a reduction in Amazon
deforestation in Brazil, since President Luiz Inácio Lula 
da Silva took office. 
 
President Lula da Silva.. has stepped up the crackdown 
on environmental crime, including the use of the police 
force against illegal mining on indigenous lands.
 
The main states most affected by the devastation of the 
rainforest are Amazonas (north), Pará (north), and Mato
 Grosso (west).
 
Deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon soared by almost 60% 
in the 4 years of Jair Bolsonaro's government (2019-2022) 
compared to the previous four-year term.
 
 
_________________________________________


Developed Nations Should 
Deliver Climate Justice:
 Guterres
May 4th (teleSUR)
 
Developed countries, which are major contributors to the
 emission of planet-warming gases like methane and 
carbon dioxide, should honour their financial 
commitment to helping Africa adapt to the 
unfolding climate crisis, United Nations 
Secretary Antonio Guterres said 
on Wednesday.
 
Guterres, who is on an official visit to Kenya, said at a media 
briefing in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that the industrial 
north has a moral obligation to help African countries 
become climate resilient.
 
"Developed countries must deliver on the US$100 billion a 
year promised to developing countries and the loss and
 damage fund agreed in Sharm el-Sheikh," Guterres 
said --- adding that delivering climate justice in 
Africa is crucial for global peace, growth, 
and stability.
 
While reiterating that the transition to a green and resilient
 future, is urgent in Africa, Guterres called on developed
 nations and industry: to support the continent's quest 
for decarbonizing key economic sectors like energy.
 
The UN chief hailed Kenyan President William Ruto's 
commitment to a 100 percent transition to clean 
energy by 2030, adding that the African Union's 
ambitious Green Stimulus Program will 
reinvigorate climate response in 
the continent.
 
Guterres noted that South Africa's Just Energy Transition
 Partnership, and Egypt and Nigeria's energy transition 
plans were bold moves toward low carbon transition 
in Africa.
 
The UN chief disclosed that he has proposed a Climate 
Solidarity Pact --- in which developed countries lend 
financial and technical support to help emerging
 economies in Africa and beyond, hasten their 
transition to green energy.
 
Guterres observed that despite its minimal contribution to
 greenhouse gas emissions, Africa continues to bear the 
brunt of climate disasters... like floods and droughts.
 
The climate-induced drought crisis engulfing the Horn of 
Africa region is a wake-up call for governments, donors, 
and the private sector to back community-based 
resilient programs.
 
Guterres said 50 percent of climate financing in Africa 
should be channeled toward adaptation projects to 
enable communities to withstand climate-related
 shocks like hunger and water scarcity.
 
 
++++++++++++++++
 
 
teleSUR English
@telesurenglish
 
The Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Antonio
 Guterres warned the Security Council (UNSC) that the rise 
in sea level generated by climate change threatens entire 
communities on the planet and is especially serious to 
almost 900 million people living in low-lying areas
 
 
______________________________


Media: EU attempts to replace 
Russian gas with wind power 
failed
April 25th, 12:51pm
https://en.news-front.info/
 
Against the backdrop of a gradual refusal to purchase Russian 
gas, European countries decided to try to replace fuel supplies 
with wind energy. This is facilitated by the fact that EU 
member states are simultaneously trying to reduce
carbon emissions in the atmosphere in order to
fight global
 warming. However, the attempt
failed. This was 
stated by Bloomberg
analyst Mathis.
 
The European Union fails to overcome dependence on Russian
 gas with the help of offshore wind farms. Bloomberg analyst 
Will Mathis writes about this.
 
The EU countries have decided to stop buying Russian gas.
 In addition, they are trying to reduce carbon emissions in 
the atmosphere - in order to fight global warming.
 
About a year ago, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands 
and Denmark issued a declaration accelerating the 
construction of offshore wind farms to increase 
capacity to 65 gigawatts by 2030 – about five 
times more than today. Britain also decided 
to build wind turbines to increase 
generation by 50 gigawatts. 
However, European leaders 
realized that the plan failed.
 
“European efforts to rapidly build offshore wind farms, which
 should help reduce dependence on Russian natural gas and 
reduce global warming emissions, are failing, as developers 
struggle to implement the projects,” the publication says.


 
________________________________________________________


Russian scientists propose 
method.... to improve
 soil fertility
by Luis Linares Petrov
April 11th, 9:26am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Scientists from the Tyumen State University have proposed the
 use of biochar obtained from organic waste to improve soil 
properties and fertility, RIA Novosti reported.
 
“Since the introduction of biochar-based improvers in the soil 
has a positive effect on its fertility, it is possible to reduce 
the amount of accumulated organic waste and at the 
same time increase crop yields” --- said the head of 
the technologies laboratory from the university,
 Ivan Shanenkov.
 
According to the researchers, the results will ensure
 environmental cleanup for agricultural enterprises
 as a partial replacement for mineral fertilizers.
 
“We obtained the biochar from organic waste ---- which was 
used as an additive in increasing the yield of cereal crops,” 
Shanenkov added. He said that --- as a result of thermal 
processing in an oxygen-free environment --- organic 
waste.. such as sawdust, straw and pine nut shells, 
are converted into a highly porous carbon material.
 
“In our country, biochar is mainly woody and is used mainly as
 a fuel resource. We propose to consider it as an independent 
fertilizer for agricultural land, or as part of compositions with
 other types of soil improvers”, Konstantin Ponomarev, a
 scientist at the laboratory, explained.
 
According to Russia’s environmental safety strategy, by 2025
 the volume of waste production and consumption is 
expected to exceed 30 billion tons.
 
The Tyumen State University participates in the Priority-2030 
state strategic academic leadership program and the report 
is produced within the framework of the Ecosystems of the 
Future project.


 
__________________________________________


 
Brazil Proposes - Summit of Amazon
 Countries To Debate Climate Action
 April 10th (teleSUR)
 
The Brazilian government has scheduled a meeting in Belem 
for early August to revive the Amazon Cooperation Treaty 
Organization (ACTO), which brings together countries
 that make up the Amazon, as reported by 
Brasil 247, a partner of TV BRICS.
 
The meeting will contribute to define a single position for the 
region, on development and fighting the climate crisis in 
international forums.
 
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wants to use the position 
to be agreed at the ACTO meeting to define the line of his 
speech at the opening of the United Nations General 
Assembly in September.
 
The resumption of ACTO -- is one of Lula's goals in his third
 government. This body can be used to unify the discourse
 of the Amazon countries --- and attract investment to the
 region... within the policies of combating deforestation, 
protecting indigenous peoples and development, with
 the aim of strengthening the position in front of 
international organizations and developed 
countries, which are the ones most 
pressing for action in the region.
 
 
_________________________________


 
Biden - broke his promise 
not to touch oil in Alaska
April 7th, 12:12pm
https://en.news-front.info/
 
The US is starting to produce oil in Alaska. They have already
 brought equipment and people there. This is a prime example
 of an American president not keeping his campaign promises.
 
 American environmentalists are simply shocked at the betrayal 
of their elected representative. Why did Biden, an ardent 
supporter of the green agenda, defect to oil? And what 
role do Russia and the European Union play in it?
 
It’s only been a few weeks since Joe Biden’s administration 
approved the $8 billion Willow development and oil drilling
 in Alaska’s National Oil Refuge. This happened for the 
first time in twenty years.
 
But oil giant ConocoPhillips has already begun assembling
 equipment here and transporting workers and provisions
 to this largest stretch of unspoilt wilderness in the 
country, 250 miles beyond the Arctic Circle, writes 
the New York Times. More than two dozen yellow
 dump trucks are already waiting in the snow-
covered tundra at the northernmost tip of
 the United States on a glistening patch 
of ice.
 
The project has the potential to produce around 600 million
 barrels of oil over 30 years. To do so, ConocoPhillips will
drill wells in three sections of the field, the minimum 
volume that the company estimates...  makes it 
economically viable. It is a highly controversial 
project that has been fiercely fought by 
environmental activists.
 
The US is already the second largest emitter after China (it 
emits around 5.6 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide 
into the atmosphere every year). And burning that 
much oil in a new field could emit 9.2 million 
metric tons of carbon dioxide into the 
atmosphere annually, the equivalent 
of nearly two million new cars on
 the roads.
 
The approval of mining in Alaska immediately sparked a wave 
of outrage inside the US – among environmentalists and other 
Biden supporters alike. After all, the American president has
 radically changed his original position. In the 2020 election, 
one of his key pledges was that no new oil fields would 
come on stream in the country. 
 
Biden got all environmentalists on his side with such a tough
 “green agenda”. However, on 13 March, in a surprise move, 
the US approved a bill allowing drilling in Alaska as part of 
the Willow Field.
 
“The start of drilling at sites in Alaska is a massive blow to
 Biden’s image. He was betting the campaign on a ‘green 
agenda’ and now that promise is being broken,” says 
Artem Deyev, head of analysis at AMarkets.
 
Why did Biden go against himself, not even frightened by the
 criticism of his own supporters? What was he afraid of?
 
There are two main theories. The first, is that the U.S. economy
cannot absorb oil shortages and high oil prices - and the states
need more oil for themselves. The second is that the US wants
to increase its oil exports even more, to become a stronger
 exporter in the world in order to keep the same Europe in 
check, and at the same time to make even more money
 from the raw material.
 
“Sanctions against Russia have hit the US oil and gas industry. 
Their refineries consumed either Venezuelan oil or Russian
 Urals. But both countries are under sanctions, so there is
 not enough crude, and the attempt to restore relations 
with Caracas has failed: Venezuela would love to 
supply oil to the US again, but it is technically 
impossible as the industry is virtually ruined. 
 
Buying oil from Russia to bypass its sanctions means losing its 
reputation. And then there are the OPEC+ cuts in production. 
Quotations are rising, which will have a direct impact on the
 rising cost of fuel in the US. And the country’s strategic oil 
reserves have long been unloaded and need to be 
replenished,” explained Deyev.
 
Meanwhile, world oil prices are rising, but OPEC+ does not listen
 to the US and cuts production at will in order to keep black gold 
expensive – around $90 a barrel. And there is nothing 
Washington can do – and it is really pissed off. 
 
Adding to the problem of rising gasoline prices inside the US, 
for which Americans may not re-elect Biden, is the problem 
of inflation, the rate of which promises to accelerate again 
from such a situation. In other words, the USA is trying to 
win back oil.
 
Finally, against the backdrop of these difficulties also in the USA
 green energy has been relegated to the back burner (the EU 
has long since given up and switched even to coal).
 
The West admits without a word that the transition to green
 energy will take a long time. “During this transition time, oil 
products will remain in demand on the world market.. and 
are likely to be quite expensive, judging by the measures 
the OPEC+ countries are taking.. to achieve this,” says 
Vladimir Chernov, analyst at Freedom Finance Global.
 
 It is worth realising that development of the Alaska field is just
 starting from scratch and it is projected to take 6 years before 
the first oil from this project reaches the market. This clearly 
speaks to the US expectation that in six years oil will be in
 extremely high demand in the US market, and secondly, 
it will be expensive, because producing oil from 
scratch in a challenging environment like 
Alaska, is very expensive.
 
The statistics scream inexorably that the US needs more 
oil, and they are short of it. First, US drilling activity has 
been stagnant for more than six months and shale oil 
production has gone down because of rising 
production costs, Chernov notes.
 
Secondly, US oil inventories are decreasing. In March this year
 they fell by 4.35 million barrels and strategic reserves to their
 lowest level since 1983. “Last year the US actively released
 strategic oil reserves, which helped reduce domestic fuel 
prices slightly, but only slightly, by about one or two 
dollars per gallon,” Chernov says.
 
Finally, America is increasing exports to the EU --- to replace
 Russian energy supplies. And, to all appearances, the US 
plans to increase these exports and earn even more from 
them. While the US used to be both an oil importer and 
exporter, at the beginning of 2023, the US became a 
net oil exporter for the first time. They supply up to 
2 million barrels per day to other countries.
 
“Most likely, the US tactics now will not just be about energy
 neutrality, but about increasing oil exports, primarily to EU
 countries, so they need to increase production as well,” 
Chernov believes.
 
Although Deyev believes that the US itself needs this oil first and
 foremost – to solve its problems with fuel prices and reserves. 
“What cannot be done to keep the economy from collapsing: 
oil is the foundation of the modern economic system, 
without it - one can forget about development,”
 the expert believes.
 
“The Biden administration’s decision -- confirms only one thing: 
the world is facing a lack of resources amid sanctions against 
Russia. Because of that, unpopular projects, which were
 previously banned, have to be initiated. It was easier 
and better for the environment to buy oil from other 
countries than to produce it at home. It is also not 
for nothing that the UK has recently approved a 
project to frack and extract oil in its territory
 in this way. It is extremely unpopular in 
England, but they have to restart it, as
the island also needs oil,” concludes 
the interlocutor.
 
Olga Samofalova, VZGLYAD
 
 
___________________________________


Mexican Environmental Activist Is 
Found Dead In Michoacan State
April 5th, 1:38pm
 (teleSUR)
 
On Tuesday, Mexican authorities confirmed that Eustacio Alcala,
 an Indigenous activist who opposed mining activities, was
 found dead in a hilly area in the San Juan Huizontla 
community in the Michoacan state.
 
"Alcala's body had several gunshot wounds," the Attorney
 General’s Office (FGE) lamented and promised to 
investigate this murder thoroughly.
 
On Saturday, Alcala was transporting three nuns in his truck
 when armed men ordered him to stop the vehicle and 
detained him and the women. Hours later, the nuns
 were released. Alcala, however, remained 
missing for three days.
 
This activist had successfully prevented the opening of an iron
 mine that would contaminate the water resources of the San
 Juan Huitzontla community, where drug cartels usually 
extort mining companies and kill activists.
 
Mexico is the most dangerous country in the world for
 environmental activists. The Global Witness non-
governmental organization registered that - at 
least 54 activists were killed in this country
 in 2021.
 
Environmental activists Antonio Diaz and Ricardo Lagunes 
have been missing since January. The van in which they 
used to travel --- was found riddled with bullets near
where
 Alcala’s body appeared.
 
In February, activist Alfredo Cisneros, who opposed cartels-
related violence and illegal logging of pine and fir forests
 in the Michoacan state, was also shot dead in the 
Sicuicho Indigenous town.
 


_____________________________



Nature Day in Iran
April 2nd, 2:08pm (FNA)

 Iran Nature Day known as Sizdah-bedar is marked on the 13th
 day of the current month of Farvardin corresponding to April
the 2nd, when Iranians have the tradition of spending the 
day outdoors, each year.
 
'Sizdah' means thirteen, and '-bedar' outdoors. It is a tradition
 amongst the Iranian people to enjoy the fresh spring air of 
this day before ending the annual fortnightly holidays of 
the New Year, and to begin the work and 
education schedule.
 
The tradition of leaving the house on the thirteenth day of 
Farvardin is widespread throughout Iran. It is a day that is 
spent outside with joy, laughter and friendly get togethers. 
 
This is the last phase of the celebrations of the New Year. It 
is the custom of many Iranians to pass as many hours as
 possible outdoors. People leave their homes to go to 
the parks or mountains, for a picnic.
 
All kinds of food and delicacies are prepared with tea, sherbet, 
fruits, bread, cheese, fresh herbs, noodle soup called 'ash-e 
reshteh' and herbed rice with lamb called baqali polou and 
barreh, are favourites.
 
The occasion is a communal one and all close relatives and
 friends will participate. Iranian families all eat alfresco, 
preferably near water springs and lush greener spots,
 on this day.
 
Sizdah-bedar is the last day of the New Year holidays. On the 
following day, routine life resumes; schools and offices open 
after almost a fortnight and life heads back to normalcy. The
 occasion has no religious significance and is celebrated 
by all.
 
In addition to Iran, Sizdah Bedar is also among the festivals 
celebrated in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, India,
 and many other parts of the world.
 
Games using horses are often chosen, since this animal 
also represents rain. Adults and older people may play 
the traditional game of backgammon.
 
During the picnic day of Sizdah Bedar, some people also follow 
the oldest prank-tradition in the world and play jokes on each
 other. This has possibly led many men and women to 
consider that the origin of the April Fools' Day 
goes back to the Iranian tradition 
of Sizdah-bedar.
 
 
____________________________________



Russian environmentalists condemn 
UK decision to send depleted 
uranium shells to Kiev
March 27th, 2:59pm (TASS)
 
Great Britain’s plans to supply depleted uranium (DU) weapons
 to Ukraine will lead to mass health problems among the 
civilian population, as DU shells are chemical weapons, 
an environmental commission under Russia’s Civic 
Chamber said in a statement on Monday.
 
"The Commission on Ecology and Environmental Protection of 
the Russian Civic Chamber categorically condemns the 
decision by the British government to supply depleted 
uranium shells to Ukraine. Their use causes major 
uranium oxide contamination to the environment,"
 the commission said, referring to research 
showing that such contamination may 
lead to mass incidences of disease 
in both military personnel 
and civilians.
 
Among other things, the commission cited the WHO World Health 
Report 2001, mentioning the radiological and chemical toxicity o
f depleted uranium. In-depth research into workplace exposure 
to DU showed that the critical organs most prone to toxicity 
from DU munitions are the kidneys and the lungs, while 
young children could receive greater DU exposure 
from contaminated soil when playing within a 
conflict zone, according to the document.
 
In December 2008, 141 countries voted for a UN General 
Assembly resolution urging additional research into the 
effects of munitions containing DU by 2010, but this 
never took place for various reasons, primarily of 
a political nature, the commission said.
 
The environmentalists likened this to the use of Agent Orange, a
 chemical herbicide and defoliant, by the US Army in Vietnam.
 "The use of that chemical affected over 3 million people, 
with more than 1 million people under 18... left 
incapacitated, and suffering from hereditary 
diseases," the commission emphasized.
 
A British Defense Ministry official, Baroness Annabel Goldie, said
 in a written response to a question by a member of the House of 
Lords last week that the United Kingdom would supply Ukraine 
with shells containing DU, which she said are more effective
 in destroying armoured vehicles.
 
 
____________________________________



Norway Reaffirms Commitment 
to Brazilian Amazon Rainforest
March 23rd, 5:50pm (teleSUR)
 
President Lula da Silva reactivated the "Amazon Fund" 
that oversees some US$1 billion contributed by 
Norway and Germany.
 
On Wednesday, the Norwegian government reaffirmed its
 environmental commitment to the Brazilian Amazon 
region and announced that it will help in seeking 
additional resources from other donors --- to 
maintain the world's largest rainforest 
and jungle.
 
The announcement was made during a meeting between 
Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva and her 
Norwegian counterpart Espen Barth Eide at which 
they analyzed details of the Amazon Fund, a 
mechanism in which Norway has been
the 
main collaborator.
 
After the meeting, Silva announced that a package of 14 
sustainable development projects, which had been
 frozen during the Presidency of Jair Bolsonaro, 
now will have priority.
 
"We are continuing support and we are also trying to mobilize
 other donors to come in because we think this has been a 
very successful model," the Norwegian minister said, 
adding that his county is "very happy" to work with 
President Lula da Silva.
 
The projects include efforts to halt deforestation in the 
Amazon, to push forward with bioeconomic activities 
and to provide food security and protection to 
Indigenous peoples.
 
Silva said that the issues linked to climate change.. are 
also a priority for the Lula administration, adding that
 Brazil must look to clean energy sources.
 
The Amazon Fund was created in 2008 and operated until
 2019 ----, when the Bolsonaro administration decided to 
deactivate it ..amid a campaign to implement policies
 to push for increased mining and other economic 
activities in the region.
 
On his first day as Brazilian president, Lula overturned those
 policies and ordered the reactivation of the Amazon Fund,
 to which he now wants to attract the United States, 
China and France, among other big 
economic powers.
 
Currently, the Amazon Fund oversees some US$1 billion
 contributed by Norway and Germany and expectations
 are that the U.S. will join the effort with an initial 
donation of US$50 million.
 
 
______________________________


Russia plans to ban the
import of plastic goods
March 21st, 1:21am
(RT.ru)
 
The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade 
proposes to introduce a ban on the import 
of disposable plastic tableware to Russia.
 
This is reported by the newspaper 
"Izvestia" with reference to sources.
 
It is noted that there are only 28 products 
in the list. They are offered to replace 
them, with products made of a 
biodegradable analogue, eg,
glass, paper and wood.
 
 
_____________________________


CARICOM praises work on
 ocean biodiversity treaty
by Pavel López Lazo
March 10th, 5:53pm 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Friday heaped 
praise on the work done by the organization's experts
 in the just-agreed international treaty on Marine 
Biodiversity, beyond national jurisdictions, 
crucial to address climate change.
 
Our experts not only participated in discussions, but 
also facilitated the debate on the most important
 areas, CARICOM stressed.
 
It included representatives of the region’s Permanent 
Missions to the United Nations --- and experts who 
were supported by scientists and legal experts 
from the region’s institutions.
 
Among others, CARICOM mentioned the Ambassador of
Belize Janine Coye Felson who is responsible for the 
bloc’s area-based management tools and was also
 called upon by the conference chair to facilitate 
the group on marine genetic resources.
 
Our joint efforts to successfully negotiate this Treaty 
are examples of what we can do, when we are 
united, Felson stressed.
 
Known as the High Seas Treaty, this legal instrument will
 place 30% of the world’s oceans in protected areas, 
allocate more money for preservation and
cover 
access to and the use of,
marine 
genetic resources.
 
UN Secretary-General (UNSG), António Guterres,
said in a 
statement that this is a breakthrough
after nearly 20 years
 of negotiations.
 
 
____________________________________


Deforestation in Brazilian Amazon 
reached record high in February
by Ana Luisa Brown
March 3rd, 2:31pm
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The accumulated deforestation alerts in the Brazilian Legal
 Amazon was 291 square kilometres (km²) in February, the 
highest mark for the month in the entire historical series, 
started in 2015, it was announced today.
 
The data released by the Institute for Space Research (INPE) 
are supported by the Real-Time Deforestation Detection
 System (Detener), which produces daily signals of 
alteration in forest cover for areas larger than
 three hectares (0.03 km²).
 
Such indications occur for totally deforested areas as well 
as for those in the process of wild degradation (logging, 
mining, burning and others).
 
The Deter is not the official deforestation data, 
but an alert on where the problem is occurring.
 
The Legal Amazon corresponds to 59 percent of the national
 territory and includes the total area of eight states (Acre, 
Amapá, Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Pará, Rondônia, 
Roraima and Tocantins) and part of Maranhão.
 
The G1 portal assures that since December, January,
 February and March are rainy months in most of the 
states that are part of the biome, deforestation 
rates are typically lower during these months.
 
However, last month experts pointed out that INPE’s numbers
 for this year should be interpreted with caution, as January
 registered high cloud cover and a consequent drop in the 
period’s figures, now reflected in a rise in February.
 
‘The escalation in the area deforested in the first 
days of February should be viewed with caution.
 
Marco Astrini, Executive Sec. of the Climate Observatory
 believes that the current administration of President Luiz 
Inácio Lula da Silva adopted correct measures against 
deforestation, but the ‘work of rebuilding, putting the
 house in order is slower, more difficult than the 
destruction of the previous government’ of 
the defeated president Jair Bolsonaro.
 
 
________________________________________


Endangered dolphin population 
increases in China
by Alina Ramos Martin
March 1st 1:26pm 
(Prensa Latina) 
 
The population of the finless porpoise, a dolphin endemic 
to the Yangtze River, increased to 1,249 and the new 
animals are larger, a study by China's Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Affairs confirmed.
 
According to the research, the recovery of this species 
followed the fishing ban adopted in 2021 and there 
are now specimens in different provinces.
 
Along with the ban, many invasive plants disappeared and
 docks along the Yangtze river were dismantled, which
 contributed to clean water and ensured the
 dolphin’s food source.
 
However, experts are calling for increased measures to
 protect the animal and address the difficulties they
 face in their habitat due to human activities
 and shipping.
 
The finless porpoise is believed to be the last surviving
 mammal in the Yangtze, after the baiji was declared 
extinct in 2007.
 
 
_____________________________________
 
 
 
Youth leaders -- will debate in 
Panama on ocean protection
by Alina Ramos Martin
March 1st,  9:59am
(Prensa Latina)
 
 In the Preamble of the VIII Conference Our Ocean 2023, 
youth leaders from several nations will discuss, in 
Panama, the protection of marine resources.
 
According to the Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs and
 International Cooperation... of the Ministry of Foreign 
Affairs, Yill Otero, at the Our Ocean Youth Summit, 
some 70 solutions will be presented --- and the 
creation of alliances for sustainable action 
will be advocated.
 
The forum will begin tomorrow with the participation of more 
than 600 experts who will discuss six lines of action: marine 
protected areas, marine security, blue economy, sustainable
 fisheries, climate change and marine pollution.
 
During the two-day event, representatives of governments, 
private companies and civil society will share actions and 
policies for the protection of large bodies of water & the
 responsible management of marine resources for the 
future, as well as sustainable economic growth.
 
The meeting takes place at a time when climate change, 
marine pollution and the devastation of marine life have 
reached increasingly alarming levels --- due to the 
harmful actions of mankind.
 
In statements to La Prensa newspaper, Juan Monterrey, 
director of Geoversity’s Biocultural Leadership School, 
pointed out that this world conference cannot be
 another ‘diplomatic show’.
 
Panama will be the first Central American country to hold 
the Our Oceans conference, and in the opinion of Diana 
Laguna, vice-minister of the Environment, the world 
meeting is a key space for countries to 
their actions in favour of the oceans 
and expose them to the world.


 
_____________________________________________


 
China Adds Sites to Wetlands of
 International Importance List
February 2nd (teleSUR)
 
Wetlands can purify water and provide food and shelter 
to migratory birds. They are among the Earth's top 
stores of carbon.
 
On Thursday, the Chinese National Forestry and Grassland
 Administration (NFGA) announced that 18 wetlands in 
China were designated in 2022 as Wetlands of 
International Importance under the Ramsar 
Convention on Wetlands.
 
The 18 new sites include Beijing Wild Duck Lake Wetland, the
 nine turns and 18 bends on the Greater Khingan Range, and
 Baima Lake Wetland in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province. Following 
the expansion, the number of Wetlands of International 
Importance hit 82 in China, covering a surface area of 
7.647 million hectares, the fourth largest in the world.
 
February 2nd marks the World Wetlands Day, which is the date
 of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in the
 Iranian city of Ramsar. The Ramsar Convention is an
 agreement dedicated to the conservation and 
rational use of wetland ecosystems.
 
This year's theme of World Wetlands Day is "It's Time for 
Wetlands Restoration," highlighting the urgent need to
 prioritize wetland restoration. On Thursday, the 
NFGA released the results of the monitoring 
of the ecological status of wetlands in 
China in 2022.
 
The results show that the ecological status of the Wetlands of
 International Importance in China is generally stable, the total
 wetland area has increased compared with the previous year, 
there is a good trend in water quality, and the water supply 
status remains stable. China's wetland biodiversity has
 been enriched, with 2,391 plant species recorded.
 
During the 2016-2020 period, China allocated about US$1.47 
billion --- to carry out 53 wetland protection and restoration 
projects, and over 2,000 wetland ecological compensation 
projects, projects to return farmland to wetlands, as well 
as wetland protection and restoration subsidy projects.
 The restoration of 467,400 hectares of degraded 
wetlands has been achieved, and 202,600 
hectares of new wetlands were added.
 
Over the past decade, China has added or restored more than
 800,000 hectares of wetlands. China's first specialized law 
on wetland protection took effect in June 2022. China 
became a party to the Ramsar Convention in 1992.
 
So far, more than 2,400 wetlands around the world have been 
designated as Wetlands of International Importance, also
 known as Ramsar Sites. Wetlands include natural and 
artificial water bodies on land..... like rivers, lakes, 
swamps, rice paddies, and some coastal areas.
 
Known as the "kidneys of the Earth" and a reservoir of
 biodiversity, they can purify water and provide food 
and shelter to migratory birds. They are among the 
Earth's top stores of carbon, whose existence 
contributes to global efforts to reduce 
carbon emissions.
 
 
_____________________________________________


Colombia to Protect Santa Marta's 
Cienaga Grande Wetland
Colombia, 2023.
February 2nd (teleSUR)
 
This coastal ecosystem was declared a Ramsar wetland of
 international importance in 1998 and a UNESCO Biosphere
 Reserve in 2000.
 
On Wednesday, Environment Minister Susana Muhamad
presented the management plan for the Santa Marta's
 Cienaga Grande, the Colombian largest complex of 
coastal wetlands.
 
This plan contemplates an investment of US$8 million for the 
recovery of an ecosystem whose environmental goods and 
services directly benefit over 25,000 people in the 
surrounding region.
 
To preserve this wetland complex, the National Environmental 
System will work together with local communities on projects 
related to issues such as economic reconversion, ecological 
restoration, and the reestablishment of connections 
through channels.
 
To achieve these goals, the Inter-American Development Bank
 (IDB) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF)... will provide 
financing. These announcements were made.. in connection 
with World Wetlands Day, which is celebrated
every year, on February the 2nd.
 
During the last decades, the Santa Marta's Cienaga Grande
 has been seriously affected in its ability to sustain fishing
 production, from which, thousands of low-income 
families benefit.
 
A tweet reads, "We present to you the majestic Cienaga
 Grande de Santa Marta, the first site in the country 
included in the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands 
of International Importance."
 
"It's not just a matter of saving the ecosystem," said
 Muhamad, who explained that the administration of 
President Gustavo Petro... also seeks to provide 
economic opportunities for local families so 
that they can dignify their way of life 
and culture.
 
Currently, there are 28 monitoring stations in the Santa 
Marta's Cienaga Grande --- which was declared a 
Ramsar wetland of international importance 
in 1998 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve 
in 2000.
 
Through these stations, environmental scientists and 
technicians permanently evaluate the quality of 
water, a resource that nourishes an important
 fauna of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, 
mammals, reptiles, amphibians, 
and birds.
 
 
_________________________________________


Planet Earth could lose 
10% of biodiversity 
by 2050
by Pavel López Lazo
January 1st, 9:56am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
A new study indicates that the Earth is in danger 
of losing 10% of its biodiversity by 2050, due to
 climate change and poor land use.
 
Recently published by the scientific journal Science
 Advances, the research referred to the cascading
 extinctions of animals and plants on the planet, 
which could lead to the loss of up to 27% of
 biodiversity by 2100. 
 
This means that, if a certain species becomes extinct,
a predator species of the extinct one could disappear
as it runs out of food.
 
The same thing... will happen to plants, because, if
pollinating insects become extinct... due to harsh 
heat, they will also disappear because there will 
be no insect to pollinate them. This study 
proves, once again, that all species 
depend, in some way, on others.
 
The benefits of a rich biodiversity, lead to a balanced
 equilibrium of ecosystems and their respective food
 chains, noted Science Advances, so their resources
 are maximized where energy waste is minimal and 
if biological diversity is limited, there will not be a
 healthy ecosystem ------- with very detrimental
 repercussions for the planet.
 
Having a rich variety of flora and fauna means great
productivity - and improves the possibility of taking
advantage of all the resources it provides.
 
 
__________________________________


 Germany is starting 
to use coal -- again
December 22nd, 3:44pm
https://en.news-front.info/
 
Germany is restoring the performance of some coal-
fired power plants. It is reported by Bloomberg.
 
The German government has decided to return to fossil
 fuels, despite the promise to achieve its climate goals. 
Due to the economic situation in the country, the
 government is trying to prevent a rapid rise 
in energy prices.
 
The agency reports that the volume of electricity 
consumed in the third quarter was 13.3 percent 
more than in the same period a year ago.
 
Despite the current situation, the country is not 
backing down, on its pledge to phase out coal 
by 2030. But now the priority of the country’s
 authorities is aimed at supplying electricity 
to its citizens.
 
“We don’t stop sticking to our climate goals, but when
 we were faced with the challenge of keeping the
 lights on or cutting back on carbon emissions, 
we chose light,” says the International 
Energy Agency.


 
_________________________________________



 
Kazakhstan and Russia have 
potential -- to work together
 on decarbonization projects
December 22nd, 11:52am (TASS)
 
Kazakhstan proposes a joint project with Russia, 
to decarbonize the economy and hopes to solve
 various environmental problems together, 
Ambassador to Moscow, Ermek 
Kosherbaev, told TASS in 
an interview.
 
The environmental issue requires balanced, joint 
solutions, because the countries have similar 
problems: high levels of air, water and soil 
pollution and the buildup of radiation 
and industrial waste, the 
diplomat said. 
 
"We could jointly work on projects to decarbonize 
the economy. Kazakhstan, like Russia, is an 
energy-consuming country -- where up to 
60% of electricity is generated through 
burning coal," Kosherbaev noted.
 
Scarce forests are another problem where Russia can
 help Kazakhstan, the Ambassador said. Kazakhstan 
is implementing a state program to plant up to two
billion trees, by 2025, he noted. "We need help 
growing and preserving these forests," the
 diplomat stressed.
 
There is also a problem of a lack of fresh water. 
Kazakhstan’s water security - largely depends 
on the hydrological and ecological condition 
of cross-border rivers flowing in Russia. In
particular, the catastrophic shallowing &
pollution of the Ural river threatens the 
health of residents in the border 
regions of both countries, the 
diplomat noted.
 
"I hope that together we will be able to find ways of
 solving these problems - and preserve a clean and 
comfortable environment for future generations,"
 the Ambassador added.
 
 
_______________________________________________


 
Brazilian indigenous leader
denounces effects of 
climate change
by Martin Hacthoun
November 13th, 10:10am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
Climate change deeply affects the lives of indigenous 
peoples due to fires, floods and other similar
 phenomena, warned here, today, Ze 
Bajaga Apurin --- the leader of a
Brazilian indigenous community.
 
''In the past, the rainy season was very regular, but
 today it is different --- a situation that also occurs 
with floods,'' Bajaga Apurina who is also general
 coordinator of the Indigenous Organization 
and Community Federation of Pura said.
 
Now we can’t work all day in the fields, because of 
the high temperatures, he said, in an interview 
with the Egyptian daily Al Ahram.
 
Wearing his traditional feathered attire, Bajaga Apurina
 said it was for these reasons that he decided to
 attend the 27th Conference of the Parties to 
the United Nations Framework Convention 
on Climate Change, which is being held 
in this city, located in the north-
western Sinai Peninsula.
 
''We are here to bring a message to all governments
 and businessmen: what they are doing is not only
 endangering indigenous peoples, but the entire 
planet and all living beings,'' he stressed.
 
 
___________________________________

Rwanda Reduced 126,000 Tons 
of Carbon Emissions: in 9 Years
November 10th, 2022
(teleSUR)
 
At least 47,000 hectares of forests and agro-forestry
 were planted while 31,000 hectares of watershed 
and water bodies have been protected.
 
Rwanda has cut 126,000 tonnes of carbon emissions
 over the last nine years owing to strategic climate
 resilience investments made across the country,
 official data released during Finance Day at the 
27th session of the Conference of the Parties 
(COP27) in Egypt showed.
 
The data on green investments released by the
 Rwanda Green Fund showed that since 2013, 
funding worth US$247 million... has been 
mobilized for strategic climate resilient 
investments. The funding was invested 
in 46 green projects across the country 
that helped to cut carbon emissions. 
 
At least 47,000 hectares of forests and agro-forestry
 were planted while 31,000 hectares of watershed 
and water bodies have been protected.
 
 Over 88,000 households were given access to off-grid
 clean energy while 120,000 people were supported
to
 cope with the effects of climate change,
according to
 the data.
 
Rwanda needs an estimated US$11 billion
to mitigate,
 and adapt to climate change
effects up to 2030,
 Rwanda's Economic
Planning Minister 
Claudine Uwera said.
 
"COP27 is an opportunity to engage development
 partners, to meet the remaining financing of 
US$6.5 billion to accelerate momentum to 
deliver on Rwanda's climate agenda," 
she added.
 
Jeanne D'arc Mujawamariya, Rwandan Environment
 Minister called on rich nations to deliver on the US
$100 billion per annum pledge. Since 2009, the 
pledge of US$100 billion ------- by developed 
countries every year, by 2020, to support
developing countries ----- 
to cope with
climate change, 
is yet to be met.
 
During the Finance Day heads of governments and
 activists called for immediate and innovative
 solutions to drive the global climate finance 
landscape to complement public finance. 
 
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has said 
- questioning whether Africa is ready to 
make use of climate finance, should 
not be used as an excuse to 
justify inaction.
 
 
____________________________________________


Seychelles to Protect
100% 
of Mangroves
& Seagrass in 2023
 Says President At COP27
November 8th,
Seychelles News
Agency (Victoria)
 
Seychelles will move to 100 percent protection of all
 its mangroves and seagrass meadows, in 2023,
 adding to the already 32 percent protection 
of its ocean and 50 percent of its forest, 
President Wavel Ramkalawan said 
on Monday.
 
Ramkalawan made the announcement in his
 statement.. at the high-level segment for 
heads of state and government in the 
27th Conference of the Parties
(COP27) --- taking place in 
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
 
"Like other islands - we contribute less to the 
destruction of the planet, yet we suffer the 
most. For example, the carbon emissions 
of Seychelles are very low and we clean 
up through our mangroves & seagrass 
meadows, thus making us a zero 
contributor.. to the destruction 
of the planet, yet our islands 
are disappearing and our 
coasts are being 
destroyed,"
 he said.
 
Seychelles has one of the most biologically diverse
 marine ecosystems on the planet while the carbon
 ecosystems cover over two million hectares, with
 seagrass beds accounting for 99 percent of the 
blue carbon extent. 
 
The other carbon ecosystem in the island nation 
is mangrove forests with more than 80 percent 
located within the Aldabra atoll.
 
Ramkalawan took the opportunity to express
 Seychelles' support and solidarity -- with all 
nations that have experienced the terrible 
effects of climate change, lately.
 
The head of state of Seychelles, an archipelago 
in the western Indian Ocean, asked if the 
Conference of the Parties is a counting 
game or a real countdown to saving
 the planet.
 
"I pray that we leave Egypt with good decisions and 
pledges, that will be followed by concrete actions 
--- instead of another set of empty promises," 
he said.
 
Ramkalawan reiterated the need for the Multi 
Vulnerability Index (MVI) to be the new order 
as "SIDS [Small Island Developing States] 
are vulnerable and we need access to 
concessionary funding, in order to 
defend ourselves against climate 
change, while fulfilling the SDGs 
[Sustainable Development Goals] 
to give our people a better life."
 
"Industrialised nations must pay greater attention 
to the Damage and Loss agenda. We, the oceanic 
states that receive the harsh effects of your 
activities, have to be assisted in repairing 
the damage you cause to us," he added.
 
Ramkalawan said that Seychelles is playing
a leadership role... and building strong 
partnerships... however small the 
island nation is.
 
He spoke about the Ocean Race Summit the 
island nation hosted to discuss the urgency 
of saving the ocean.
 
"Later... we offered the venue for the first European 
Blue Invest Forum outside Europe to put emphasis 
on financing the Blue Economy and late last 
month we welcomed Prince Albert of 
Monaco and the Monaco research 
expedition in the search for 
resilient corals, plus we 
are active in promoting 
the Great Blue Wall 
project," he said.
 
"Let us be good partners, let us give our youth 
a better planet and may we leave Egypt with
 enhanced hope and commitment: to save 
our one and only blue planet," 
Ramkalawan concluded.
 
 
______________________________



 
China launches promotion 
of bamboo as a substitute
 for plastic
by Alina Ramos Martin
November 7th, 11am
 (Prensa Latina) 
 
China and the International Bamboo and Rattan 
Organization (Inbar) launched an initiative that 
seeks to promote the use of the first resource 
as a substitute for plastic, including durable 
types such as PVC.
 
The project aims to formulate policies at national, 
regional and global levels, identifying industries 
and coordinating standards for trade in
bamboo
 products. 
 
It calls for scientific research, expanding
technological innovation and defining 
standards in the development of this 
area, promoting the expansion of
the 
marketing, advertising and 
consumption of this plant as
a durable material -------- in 
construction, decoration,
furniture, paper making,
and disposable items.
 
The initiative is expected to serve as a roadmap 
to progress in mitigating plastic pollution and 
the effects of climate change.
 
China and Inbar prepared it as part of measures 
aimed at strengthening global partnerships and
 achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for 
Sustainable Development.
 
The parties presented the program during the opening
of the 2nd Bamboo and Rattan World Congress (BARC
2022), which is ongoing in Beijing until tomorrow with
the attendance of representatives from governments,
research institutes, international organizations, non-
governmental organizations and private sectors.
 
This meeting is seeking to create new platforms to 
support producers and achieve carbon neutrality,
 including high-level dialogues between 
policymakers, parallel sessions and 
a small exhibition of goods.
 
 
______________________________




New UN Weather Report 
'A Chronicle of Chaos
- UN Chief
Monday, November 7th, 2022
Pan-African News Wire
The world's only international 
daily Pan-African News source
 
UN News Service
 
The latest report from the UN World Meteorological 
Organization (WMO), released on Sunday, shows 
that the last 8 years have been the warmest
on record ------ fueled by ever-rising 
greenhouse gas concentrations.
 
The provisional 2022 State of the Global Climate study
 outlines the increasingly dramatic signs of the
 climate emergency, which include a doubling 
of the rate of sea level rise since 1993, to a 
new record high this year; and indications 
of unprecedented glacier melting on the 
European Alps.
 
The full 2022 report is due to be released in the Spring
 of 2023, but the provisional study was brought out
 ahead of COP27, the UN climate conference, 
raising awareness of the huge scale of the 
problems that world leaders must tackle, 
if they are to have any hope of getting 
the climate crisis under control.
 
"The greater the warming, the worse the impacts", 
said WMO chief Petter Taalas, who launched the
report.... at an event held in Sharm El-Sheikh, 
Egypt, the venue for this year's conference. 
 
"We have such high levels of carbon dioxide in the
 atmosphere now that the lower 1.5 degree of the
 Paris Agreement is barely within reach. It's 
already too late for many glaciers and the
 melting will continue for hundreds, if 
not thousands of years, with major 
implications for water security".
 
Critical conditions in all parts of the world
 
The report is a dizzying catalogue of worrying climate
 events, taking place against a backdrop of record
 levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous 
oxide - the three main greenhouse gases that 
contribute to global warming - which is 
currently estimated to be around 
1.15 degrees Celsius above 
pre-industrial levels.
 
Throughout the alps --- an average thickness loss of 
between three and over four metres was recorded, 
whilst in Switzerland, all snow melted during the
 summer season, the first time this has 
happened in recorded history; since 
the beginning of the century, the 
volume of glacier ice in the 
country, has dropped by 
more than a third.
 
The increasing ice melt worldwide has led to sea
 levels rising... over the last 30 years, at rapidly
 increasing rates. The rate of ocean warming 
has been exceptionally high over the past 
two decades; marine heatwaves... are 
becoming more frequent, and these
warming rates are expected to 
continue in the future.
 
The study, details the effects of both droughts and
 excessive rains. Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia are 
facing crop failure and food insecurity, because of
 another season of below-average rains, whilst 
more than a third of Pakistan was flooded in 
July and August, as a result of record-
breaking rain, displacing almost 
eight million people.
 
The southern Africa region, was battered by a series 
of cyclones over two months at the start of the year, 
hitting Madagascar hardest with torrential rain and 
devastating floods, and in September, Hurricane
 Ian caused extensive damage and loss of life
 in Cuba and southwest Florida.
 
Large parts of Europe sweltered in repeated episodes
of extreme heat: the UK saw a new national record 
on July 19th, when the temperature topped more 
than 40°C for the first time. This was 
accompanied by a persistent and 
damaging drought and wildfires.
 
Early warnings for all
 
In a statement released on Sunday, the UN 
Secretary-General, António Guterres, 
described the WMO report as a 
"chronicle of climate chaos," 
detailing the catastrophic 
speed of climate change, 
which is devastating 
lives and livelihoods 
on every continent.
 
Faced with the inevitability of continued climate
 shocks and extreme weather across the world, 
Mr. Guterres is to launch an action plan at 
COP27 to achieve Early Warnings for All 
in the next five years.
 
The UN chief explained that these early warning systems
 are necessary, to protect people and communities
 everywhere. "We must answer the planet's 
distress signal with action, ambitious, 
credible climate action," he argued. 
"COP27 must be the place - and 
now must be the time."
 

______________________________________



Scientific Plan for Nature-
Based Climate Solutions
October 13th, 2:23pm (FNA)
 
Agricultural engineering professor, Ben Runkle, has 
co-authored a leading ecosystem scientists and 
policy experts report --- calling for a scientific 
approach to nature-based climate solutions 
in the United States.
 
The report is the result of dozens of scientists and
policy experts --- gathering in Washington, DC, in 
June, to confront the consequences of climate 
change and ensure a scientific footing for 
nature-based climate solutions.
 
The report reviews the current knowledge in the field
 and offers a multidisciplinary plan for the science, 
tools and technologies needed to support a 
policy that will mitigate the effects of 
climate change.
 
The researchers are calling for a roughly $1 billion
 investment in science and infrastructure 
development to ensure nature-based 
climate solutions are robust and 
credible, that ground-based 
experiments & monitoring, 
inform rigorously bench-
marked maps, model 
predictions and also
protocol evaluations.
 
"Although... the investment necessary to generate this
 information is not small, it is a fraction of the amount
 already allocated, to implement nature-based 
solutions," Runkle said. "Investing in sound 
science to predict, monitor and verify the 
benefits of these strategies is 
fundamental to ensuring 
their success."
 
Nature-based climate solutions include reforestation, 
as well as climate-smart agriculture, and wetland
 restoration. They harness natural processes to
 reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the 
atmosphere and slow climate change.
 
These approaches have substantial and growing
 support from bipartisan lawmakers, the private 
sector and conservation-minded organizations, 
but the scientific evidence to support their
 effectiveness is not fully developed.
 
The authors identify critical gaps in the science needed..
 to support large-scale implementations of nature-based
 climate solutions and chart a research agenda to
 address these gaps. They also provide a set of
 principles to guide future assessments of the
 effectiveness and viability of nature-
based climate solutions.
 
Among the numerous strategies for achieving the
 overall goal, Runkle's research group focuses on
 ecosystem-scale measurement. They use 
micrometeorological flux towers to 
measure basic atmospheric 
conditions.
 
 The measurements will enable the team to enhance
 and expand ground-based monitoring networks 
and distributed experiments.
 
This effort includes: • Creating robust datasets against 
which models, mapping tools and monitoring protocols
 can be evaluated and compared. • Creating networks
 of distributed field trials and experiments to evaluate
 emerging or understudied strategies for nature-based
 climate solutions. • Enhancing existing environmental 
observation networks with more representative sites 
and data. • Creating a national soil-carbon-
monitoring network.
 
"Essentially we can use the many agricultural fields of
 Arkansas... as test-beds for research under real-world
 management conditions," Runkle said. "This provides
 a quicker and more thorough understanding of how
 field and farm management can be used to boost 
sustainability outcomes -- quicker because we
 don't have to work first in a greenhouse and
 then an experimental farm."
 
Runkle has already started. He recently received $1
 million from the USDA Climate Smart Agriculture
 Initiative, a project led by USA Rice and Ducks
 Unlimited. The award is part of $80 million in
funding from US Department of Agriculture 
to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions 
associated with rice production.
 
The grant was one of 70 announced in September, 
totaling a $2.8 billion investment.. in the creation
of 
Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities
by 
the USDA.
 
US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited Isbell 
Farms in central Arkansas on Sept. 16 to highlight 
the project. Runkle has collaborated with the 
Isbells for several years, focused on making 
rice production more sustainable and 
climate friendly.


 
________________________________________


$10.1 billion to be allocated to 
environmental programs for
 2023-2025: Russian minister
October 7th, 3:46pm (TASS)


 Funding for environmental protection, natural 
resources reproduction and use and forestry
 development programs... will amount to 
628 bln rubles ($10.1 bln) ..over the 
next three years, Russian Minister 
of Natural Resources Alexander 
Kozlov said on Friday.


"The Environment Protection state programs - 320 bln
 [rubles] ($5.1 bln) --- for the three-year period. We
have such positions here as hydrometeorology, 
environmental supervision, Arctic research 
and hunting, and such federal projects as 
Clean Country, Clean Air, Integrated 
System of Solid Communal Waste
 Management, and Preservation 
of Lake Baikal, Biodiversity 
and Eco-tourism," the 
Minister said.


Funding for the state program... of natural resources
 reproduction and use, will amount to 156 bln rubles
 ($2.5 bln) in the three years to come, and 152 bln 
rubles ($2.45 bln) will be provided for the state 
program of forestry development, 
Kozlov added.



__________________________________
 


Microplastics are 
now discovered
in 
plant leaves
September 12th, 10:37pm 
(Lenta.ru)
 
The University of Presov in Slovakia said that in the
 studied samples of plant leaves, scientists, for
the 
first time, found traces of microplastics.

The 
findings are published
in the
 journal BioRisk.
 
Plants from the genus of villi (Dipsacus) have
 characteristic leaves growing in pairs on 
several tiers --- which forms a kind of 
receptacle that collects water and 
attracts insects into it.
 
 In the samples taken, experts found fragments and
 fibres of multi-coloured microplastics -- some of 
which were up to 2.4 millimetres long. No third
-party sources of pollution around the territory 
were recorded, so the plastic got into the 
flowers from the polluted atmosphere, 
the researchers say. 
 
Another suggestion is that it could have been
 introduced by snails from the soil or from 
other plants.
 
In the future, experts plan to thoroughly study the
 impact of microplastics on ecosystems of flora 
and insects. In addition, they suggest using 
villi as bioindicators of environmental 
pollution.
 
In June 2022, the University of Canterbury 
announced the first detection of micro-
plastics in fresh snow.. in Antarctica.
 
 
________________________________________



Cuba will host the International 
Agroforestry Convention in
October
by Elsy Fors Garzon
August 27th, 3:43am
(Prensa Latina) 
 
Cuba will host the 2022 International Agroforestry 
Convention next October, a macro-event aimed 
at researchers, academics, businessmen and 
communicators, it was reported at a
 press conference.
 
The director of the Agroforestry Research Institute 
(INAF), Pedro Pablo Henry, highlighted that the VIII 
Forestry Congress of Cuba, the IV International
Congress of Coffee and Cocoa, the VIII 
International Meeting of Young 
Researchers and the VII Cuban
 Congress of Beekeeping, will 
meet, as part of the event.
 
Henry pointed out that for 4 days the event’s agenda
will occupy the link between forests and society, 
biodiversity and ecosystem services, climate 
change, production, as well as the 
interactions of forests and water 
and sustainable agricultural
production technologies.
 
Similarly, the director of the INAF, highlighted, that 
the integrated management of soils and nutrients, 
agroforestry activity  ....facing the challenges
to 
achieve the UNs Sustainable Development
Goals, the quality, benefit 
and by-products
of coffee, and cocoa, 
will be discussed &
the improvement 
and breeding of bees.
 
Henry stressed that the convention will be an opportune
 moment - to exchange endorsed scientific experiences 
that directly affect the increase in productive activity.
 
The director of the INAF reported that the presence of
 about 400 participants is estimated, and that to date 
specialists from Italy, Peru, Panama, Mexico, 
Colombia and Ecuador, have confirmed.
 
 
______________________________________________




Many Ways Nature 
Nurtures Human 
Well-Being
August 7th, 10:31am (FNA)
 
 A systematic review of 301 academic articles, 
on "cultural ecosystem services" has enabled
researchers to identify how the nonmaterial 
contributions from nature, are linked to and 
significantly affect, human well-being. 
 
They identified 227 unique pathways through which
 human interaction with nature - positively or 
negatively - affects well-being. These were 
then used to isolate 16 distinct underlying 
mechanisms, or types of connection, 
through which people experience 
these effects.
 
The comprehensive review brings together observations
from a fragmented field of research, which could be 
of great use to policymakers --- looking to benefit 
society through the careful use and protection 
of the intangible benefits of nature.
 
Do you ever feel the need for a bit of fresh air... to
 energize yourself, or to spend time in the garden 
to relax? Aside from clean water, food & useful 
raw materials, nature provides many other 
benefits, that we might overlook, or find 
hard to grasp and quantify. 
 
Research into cultural ecosystem services (CESs) the
 nonmaterial benefits we receive from nature, aims to
 better understand these contributions, whether they 
emerge through recreation and social experiences, 
or nature's spiritual value and our sense of place.
 
Hundreds of CESs studies have explored the
 connections between nature and human 
well-being. However -- they have often 
used different methods and measure
-ments -- or focused on different 
demographics and places. 
 
This fragmentation makes it difficult to identify
 overarching patterns or commonalities, on 
how these intangible contributions really 
affect human well-being. Better under-
standing them could aid real-world 
decision-making --- about the 
environment, which could 
benefit individuals and 
the wider society.
 
To try to get a "big-picture" view, graduate student
 Lam Huynh, from the Graduate Program in
 Sustainability Science at the University 
of Tokyo, and team... conducted a 
systematic literature review of 
301 academic articles. 
 
After a critical reading, they were able to identify 
hundreds of links. "We identified 227 unique 
linkages between a single CES (such as 
recreation or aesthetic value), and a 
single constituent of human well-
being (such as connectedness, 
spirituality, or health). 
 
''We knew that there are many linkages, but we were
 surprised ---- to find quite so many of them," said
Huynh. 
"Then, through further critical reading,
we could 
identify major commonalities."
 
In particular, they identified 16 distinct underlying 
"mechanisms," or types of connection, which 
refer to the different ways that people's 
interaction with nature... affects
their 
well-being. 
 
For example, there can be positive interactions through
 "cohesive," "creative" and "formative" mechanisms,
 but also, negative interactions, through "irritative" 
and "destructive" mechanisms. Previous studies 
had identified some of these mechanisms, but 
10 were newly defined --- including the more 
negative effects, clearly showing that our 
well-being is linked to the intangible 
aspects of nature, in many more 
ways than previously thought.
 
According to the paper, the negative contributions 
to human well-being came mainly through the
 degradation or loss of CESs, and through 
ecosystem "disservices" ------ such as 
annoyance at wildlife noise, which 
can affect some people's mental 
health, in particular. 
 
However, on the other hand, the highest positive 
contributions of CESs, were to both mental and 
physical health, which were generated mainly
 through: recreation, tourism and 
aesthetic value.
 
"It is particularly interesting to note that the identified
 pathways and mechanisms, rather than affecting
 human well-being independently, often interact
 strongly," explained co-author, Alexandros 
Gasparatos, associate professor at the 
Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI)
at 
the University of Tokyo. 
 
"This can create negative trade-offs in some contexts, 
but also important positive synergies that can be
 leveraged, to provide multiple benefits to 
human well-being."
 
Despite the comprehensiveness of the review, the
 researchers acknowledge that there may still be
 more links, that have not yet been identified,
 especially as the review revealed gaps in
 the current research landscape. 
 
"We hypothesize... that missing pathways and
mechanisms could be present in ecosystem
-dependent communities, and, especially, 
traditional and Indigenous communities, 
considering their very unique relations 
with nature," said Gasparatos.
 
"Another of the knowledge gaps we identified --- is 
that the existing literature on these nonmaterial 
dimensions of human-nature relationships 
--- mainly focuses... on the well-being of 
individuals, rather than on collective 
(community) well-being," 
explained Huynh.
 
 "This significant gap hinders our capacity to identify
 possible synergies and trade-offs in ecosystem
 management research and practice."
 
The team has now received a grant, to explore the
 effects of CESs provision to human well-being in
 the urban spaces of Tokyo. "This project is a 
logical follow-up, to test whether and how 
some of the identified pathways and 
mechanisms unfold in reality and
 ...intersect with human well-
being," said Gasparatos.
 
The researchers hope that this study and similar efforts,
 will make it possible to apply the key findings from this
 complex and diverse body of knowledge, to enable a
 real-world impact. 
 
Professor Kensuke Fukushi from IFI, and study co-
author, summarized their hope that: "an improved 
understanding of nature's many connections to 
human well-being & the underlying processes
 mediating them, can help policymakers to 
design appropriate interventions. Such 
coordinated actions - could leverage 
the positive contributions of these 
connections - & become another 
avenue to protect and manage 
ecosystems sustainably."
 
 
________________________________


EU Climate Plan Doomed 
Unless Anti-Russia 
Sanctions Lifted: 
Lawmaker
July 10th, 10:29am
(al Manar)
 
The controversial EU green transition plan, also known
 as Fit for 55, which was designed to reduce the bloc’s 
greenhouse gas emissions by 55%... by 2030, is
 unfeasible --- unless sanctions against Russia 
are lifted, EU lawmaker, Roman Haider, 
told Sputnik.
 
“They don’t know how to save their unrealistic
 and dangerous, Fit for 55 strategy --- without 
canceling the sanctions against Russia,”
 
Haider considered.
 
On Wednesday, the European Parliament backed EU 
regulations designating nuclear and gas energy: as
 environmentally sustainable economic activities, 
saying that private investment in gas and 
nuclear projects... may play a role in
the 
green transition process.
 
Massively harmful to the environment
 
Haider indicated that the European Parliament 
decision signaled that EU governments are 
facing a stark reality, recognizing that 
more time and more realistic goals 
are required to transform the 
energy infrastructure
 in Europe.
 
“This package is a massive threat to businesses in
 Europe. It makes Europe even more dependent
on
 imports and drives the price spiral further 
upwards. It destroys jobs, promotes the
 impoverishment of Europeans --- and is 
massively harmful to the environment.
In short, Fit for 55 - is a serious threat 
to Europe,” the EU lawmaker warned.
 
He also stressed that to achieve carbon neutrality
 by 2040.. and meet the goals of the Paris climate
 agreement, Austria would have to cut emissions,
 by 95% over the next 18 years, as a recent study
 shows that the country’s CO2 emissions in 2021 
reached 1990 levels.
 
Source: Agencies (edited by
 Al-Manar English Website)
 
 
______________________________


Colombians Reject Judicial 
Authorization for Fracking
July 8th, 2022
(teleSUR)
 
The decision disregards the risk of serious and
 irreversible damage that this experimental 
technique represents --- for the human 
environment, health, and integrity.
 
On Thursday, Colombian environmental defenders
 rejected a decision whereby the Council of State
 facilitates oil exploitation through hydraulic
 fracturing (fracking).
 
"The decision disregards the environmental 
precautionary principle -- and the risk of 
serious and irreversible damage that 
this experimental technique 
represents: for the human 
environment, health, and 
integrity" ...the Fracking 
Free Colombia Alliance
 (ACLF) stressed.
 
“Fracking is dangerous, in the context of the 
climate crisis and openly inconsistent with 
the international commitments acquired 
by Colombia,” it recalled.
 
The ACLF also recalled, that the implementation 
of this technique will increase risks to the lives 
of environmental defenders and Indigenous 
peoples in Magdalena Medio, "a territory 
that has suffered oil exploitation and 
armed violence, for more than 
a century."
 
The Colombian debate about fracking's environmental
 and social consequences intensified during the
 administration of President Juan Manuel 
Santos (2010-2018), who signed a 
decree that opened the doors to
 the use of fracking in so-called 
"unconventional deposits''.
 
Later, despite the social rejection of the pollution and
 violence associated with the operations of fracking
 companies, the far-right President Ivan Duque
implemented this exploitation practice, 
arguing that it would contribute to 
the country's energy security.
 
During the last electoral campaign, the Historical 
Pact candidate Gustavo Petro openly took a 
position against hydraulic fracturing.
 
On Thursday, ratifying his political promises, 
the President-elect Petro said "there will be 
no fracking in Colombia."


 
______________________________________________



The Brazilian Amazon Lost 
3,987 SQ KM of Vegetation
July 8th, 12:53pm (teleSUR)
 
Since Jair Bolsonaro came to power, in 
January 2019, the rates of devastation 
in the jungle have increased by 73%.
 
On Friday, Brazil's National Institute for Space
Research (INPE) revealed that deforestation
in the Brazilian Amazon broke a record in 
the first half of the year, with 3,987 
square kilometres of devastated 
vegetation, 10.6 percent more 
than the same period in 2021.
 
The area of lost vegetation is equivalent to 483 
football fields. In June alone, 1,120 square 
kilometres of native vegetation were 
destroyed in that region of the 
country, 5.5 percent more 
than in the same month 
of 2021.
 
These are the highest rates - for the month and for 
the semester - registered since 2016, when the
 measurement began. The data corresponds to
the Legal Amazon Deforestation 
Detection
System in Real Time 
(DETER) which uses
satellite 
images to offer early warnings 
about the areas that are being 
deforested in the Amazon.
 
This system captures monthly deforestation alarms in
 Brazil and differs from the PRODES system, which
 only issues annual information between August 
and July of the following year, which is 
considered the reference period for 
measuring environmental 
devastation.
 
However, the figures are beginning to worry, as the 
trend shows that the deforestation of the jungle 
will grow for the 4th consecutive year, 
something that environmentalists 
attribute to the lack of controls 
and supervision of President 
Bolsonaro's administration,
to stop the activities that 
destroy the forest, such 
as illegal mining or the 
illicit trade in wood.
 
In fact, the far-right politician defends the 
exploitation of natural resources in the 
Amazon and in indigenous territories, 
where the law prohibits 
extractive activities.
 
Since Bolsonaro came to power in January 2019, 
the rates of devastation in the jungle have 
increased by 73 percent to reach 13,038 
square kilometres in 2021. In 2018, a 
year before the former Capitan took 
office, only 7,536 sq. kilometres 
of jungle were devastated.
 
The largest tropical forest on the planet 
concentrates 72%of Brazil's mining 
extraction and 99% of the wood 
sold by the country is illegally 
extracted from the Amazon.
 
 
________________________________



Did you know...?
 
Russia is the only country in the world
where bio-resources... are increasing
every year: forests, fish and wildlife.


Cuba-proteccion-medio-ambiente

Environmental protection 
--- a priority in Cuba’s
legislative framework
by Ileana Ferrer Fonte
June 5th, 11:07am (Prensa Latina) 
 
The protection of the environment in Cuba has 
solid foundations in a regulatory framework 
adapted to the peculiarities of the 
Caribbean island, which faces 
the severe impacts of 
climate change.
  
The Government’s will to promote sustainable 
development is expressed in the design and
implementation of specific policies --- such 
as the Natural Resources & Environment 
Macro Program... that, in turn, responds
to 
the priorities established in Cuba’s 
National Economic and Social 
Development Plan.
 
Odalys Goicochea, general director for the 
Environment at the Ministry of Science, 
Technology and Environment (CITMA), 
explained how regulations respond
to the existing social demands
and problems.
 
“Tarea Vida” (Task Life), a Cuban State Plan to 
Face Climate Change, for example, underwent 
adjustments, in order to provide more specific 
attention to social aspects, and the need to 
involve scientists and the population 
--- to solve community problems, 
Goicochea said.
 
Several strategies... including the 
National Environmental Strategy 
- approved for the 2021-2025 
period - will allow measuring 
progress made in this area, 
thanks to indicators:- such 
as the ecological footprint 
index, the environmental 
quality index - & climate
resilience - are proof of 
the efforts made in the 
regulatory field.
 
The highest expression of Cuba’s political 
willingness to protect the environment, 
is the recent approval by the National 
People’s Power Assembly, of the 
Law on Natural Resources and 
Environment System.



Cuba-dia-mundial-del-medio-ambiente

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel 
marks World Environment Day
by Ileana Ferrer Fonte
June 5th, 10:17am (Prensa Latina) 
 
President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Sunday marked 
World Environment Day, which is celebrated 
in Cuba with firm steps to preserve nature.
 
On Twitter, the president recalled that Cuba has a 
new law on Natural Resources and Environment, 
includes the natural sphere in the Heritage 
Protection Law, & ''types'' environmental 
crimes in the Penal Code.
 
On #WorldEnvironmentDay, recalling that speech 
made by #Fidel in #RiodeJaneiro in 1992 is 
essential. It seems that it has been said 
for today, Diaz-Canel tweeted, in 
another of his messages.
 
The president referred to the speech given by the
 historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel 
Castro, at the United Nations Conference on 
Environment and Development in Brazil, 
where he warned 30 years ago about 
the negative impact of humankind 
on nature.
 
“Enough of selfishness. Enough of schemes 
of domination. Enough of insensitivity, 
irresponsibility and deceit. Tomorrow 
will be too late to do what we should 
have done a long time ago,” said 
Fidel Castro on that occasion, 
when he advocated for a just
 international economic order.
 
World Environment Day has been celebrated since
1973 --- to raise awareness among the world’s 
population -- about the importance of caring
 for ecosystems and promoting respect 
for nature.
 

___________________________

 

Plastic waste has more
than doubled since 2000
by Pavel López Lazo
February 24th, 6:35pm (Prensa Latina) 
 
A report entitled Global Plastics Outlook on
Thursday, revealed that the amount of 
plastic waste has more than doubled 
globally since 2000 --- and nearly a 
quarter, is dumped in uncontrolled 
sites, burned in open pits or leaks 
into the environment.
 
Plastic waste has more than doubled
worldwide, since 2000, with a
whopping 353 million tons
produced in 2019.
 
After taking into account losses during
recycling, only 9% of plastic waste 
was ultimately recycled, while 
19% was incinerated and 
nearly 50% went to 
sanitary landfills.
 
“The remaining 22% was disposed of in
 uncontrolled dumpsites, burned in 
open pits, or leaked into
 the environment.”
 
On the other hand, a scientific study shows 
the oceans already accumulate 24.4 billion
 pieces of microplastic.
 
Experts estimated that amounts range from
 82,000 to 578,000 tons, or the equivalent 
of roughly $30 billion 500-ml plastic 
water bottles.
 
According to the journal Microplastics and
 Nanoplastics, the study aimed to assess 
the true impact these particles have, on 
aquatic organisms and the environment.
 
Microplastics – up to 5-mm size – can travel
thousands of kilometres in the open sea 
and, depending on their degradation, 
remain at certain distances from 
the ocean surface.
 
Although more research is needed to know the 
effects of microplastics, several studies have
confirmed a real impact on people’s lives, as 
they can suffer from alveolar lung disease, 
and altered hormones, leading to other 
disorders, including infertility 
or hypothyroidism.
 
According to a report published by the World
 Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), people are at 
risk of ingesting around 5 grams of
micro-
plastic, per week.
 
 
_____________________________________


WHY WE ARE ALL

EATING SH*T


 
 "A recent publication by a European commission
on soil health found up 
to 70% of soils in the
EU, a
re losing the capacity to provide
crucial ecological 
functions."
 
"When soil is healthy, it stores and drains water.
It also grows 95% of the 
food humans eat.''

''When soil is 
degraded, its basic
life-giving 
processes don't
function 
properly. "
 
Go to this site before it's ''lost'':


https://www.sciencealert.com/experts-warn-
mediterranean-soil-is-reaching-a-critical-limit


_______________________________________



Illegal gold mines flood
 Amazon forests with
 toxic mercury
by Elsy Fors Garzon
 January 29th, 3:02am (Prensa Latina)
 
 Illegal gold mines in the Amazon jungle of Peru
 contaminate with mercury at levels as high as
 those found in the industrial regions of China,
 a new investigation revealed today.
 
The levels, 137 micrograms per square metre 
of soil each year, were higher than in any 
forest tested near coal-fired power plants
 in Europe and North America... the 
authors reported...  in the British
 journal Nature Communication.
 
They behaved on a par with industrial cities in China 
such as coal-dependent Chongqing, they described, 
adding that the findings suggest a sponge-like
 behaviour of the rainforest trees.
 
The leaves, which are coated with contaminated dust,
 also absorb gaseous mercury as they take in air,
 they noted in the article.
 
The metal, eventually, finds its way to the ground 
as leaves fall or rain washes away dust and after
capturing the dripping water, they discovered 
more than twice as much rain washout, 
compared to any other site.
 
The results indicated that forests can buffer some 
of the harmful effects of mercury, by hiding it in
 leaves and soil, the study participants noted.
 
People and wildlife are generally not at risk from 
this locked-up mercury, explained Luis 
Fernandez, a tropical ecologist and 
executive director of Wake Forest 
University’s Amazon Science
 Innovation Centre.
 
You could walk, swim in the water, bury yourself in
 the leaves... and you’re not going to get toxicity 
doing that -- a reason to keep tropical forests 
standing, the expert emphasized.
 
Still, the airborne form of mercury can become very
 dangerous when it seeps into water and sediment 
and is converted to something else, 
methylmercury, by bacteria in
 the liquid, he warned.
 
The team involved found sobering signs, that
 methylmercury is reaching forest creatures, 
and by testing three species of songbirds 
they had levels two to 12 times higher 
than similar species caught in a 
forest far from a mine.
 
This shows that it is entering the food web, said 
Emily Bernhardt, a subject supervisor for
 biogeochemistry and analysis at Duke 
University in North Carolina.
 
Research data shows that gold mining recently
overtook coal burning, as the world’s largest 
source of airborne mercury pollution, 
annually releasing up to 1,000 tons 
of the potent brain poison into 
the atmosphere.
 
 

__________________________________


Media report

environmental
 impact of sea
traffic
 in
Europe
 by Aleynes Palacios Hurtado
January 11th, 00:15am (Prensa Latina) 
 
Sea traffic in Europe accounts for 13.5 percent 
of the emission of greenhouse gases and 
carbon microparticles into the airways 
of crews working on ships, 
media reported.
 
The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) made
 public its 2021 report on the environmental impact 
of those operations, which revealed that container 
ships, bulk carriers and oil tankers account for 60
 percent of the emission of those particles (soot).
 
It noted that cruise ships, despite making up a low
percentage of the total fleet, emit 10 tons per ship 
a year, a figure lower than the 1.7 recorded for 
an oil tanker.
 
The report warned about wastewater discharge: large
 ships discharge huge quantities of dirty, oily, bilge
 and ballast water and solid waste (plastics, 
packages, food waste) into the sea, 
causing damage to the 
sea's ecosystems.
 
According to EMSA, the main dirty waters discharged
 into the sea are used to clean exhaust gases of 
chimneys through filters installed to retain
 polluting particles.
 
On the other hand, the report warned about the
 accidental loss of huge amounts of containers 
with all their content, which ends up at the 
bottom of the sea.
 
Another negative impact is the so-called underwater
 noise, caused by ships, which disturbs the life of 
cetaceans and other species that use
 frequencies to communicate with
 each other.
 
 
 
_____________________________

 
China's 'man-made sun' 
sets new world record
December 31st, 2:22pm (PressTV)
 
Chinese scientists have set a new world record
 by achieving a 1,056 second-long operation of 
a "man-made sun".
 
The breakthrough was made on Thursday during 
the latest round of experiments at the 
experimental advanced super-
conducting tokamak (EAST),
 or China's "man-made sun".
 
The scientists achieved a temperature of 70 million
degrees Celsius of long-pulse and high-parameter
 plasma, lasting for 1,056 seconds, according to 
Gong Xianzu, a researcher at the Institute of 
Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of 
Sciences. The scientist is in charge of the 
experiment conducted in Hefei, capital 
of east China's Anhui province.
 
They had earlier set a world record of achieving 
a plasma temperature of 120 million degrees 
Celsius for 101 seconds on May 28 this year.
 
The latest round of experiments started in early 
December this year, and will last until at least 
June 2022.
 
The ultimate goal of EAST, located in Hefei, is 
to create nuclear fusion like the Sun, using 
deuterium abounding in the sea, to 
provide a steady stream of 
clean energy.
 


_______________________________
 


World faces largest
species extinction 
since dinosaur era,
WWF warns
December 31st, 1:09pm (RT)
 
Around a million species might disappear 
within the next few decades.....  the 
conservation organization reports
 
The Earth is facing the biggest extinction event.. 
since the end of the dinosaur era, with a million 
species at risk of becoming extinct, within the 
next few decades, the World Wildlife Fund
 (WWF) has said in a report.
 
Titled ‘Winners and Losers of 2021’, the article, 
published on Wednesday, lists the endangered 
animals whose populations have shrunk or 
grown the most this year.
 
“African forest elephants, polar bears, tree frogs, 
cranes and species of fish such as sturgeon and 
huchen --- these are just some of the losers in
2021. 
They represent thousands of
endangered animal 
species,”
the WWF said.
 
Among the ‘winners’, the organization lists the Iberian
 lynx – one of the rarest cats in the world – along with
 Nepalese rhinos and great bustard birds. Noting that
the success of these species is a tribute to
 the efforts of conservationists, the WWF 
emphasizes that the situation 
remains serious.
 
“Around a million species could become extinct within
 the next few decades, which would mark the largest
 species extinction since the end of the dinosaur
 era,” the organization claimed.
 
According to a WWF board member Eberhard
 Brandes, species protection, now involves 
the question of “whether humanity will 
someday end up on the red list in a 
hazard category and become the
 loser of its own way of life.”
 
There are more than 40,000 animal and plant species
 currently on the International Red List, qualified as
 threatened with extinction by the International 
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 
 
In total the Red List includes almost 
142,600 endangered species.


 
____________________________

Fully biodegradable food 
packaging developed 
in Russia
December 21st, 2:55am (TASS) 
 
The first food packaging made of laminated 
cardboard, which decomposes in soil in 
six months, was developed in Russia, 
OSQ press service told TASS.
 
"Laminated craft packaging, when it gets into the
ground, 100% decomposes within six months
& has no analogs in Russia. For comparison, 
plastic food packaging begins to decompose 
in the ground only after 400 years. The 
products of the company’s previous 
brand underwent 70% 
decomposition in the 
environment," the
 statement said.
 
The company specified that the production of 
cardboard containers, cups, and other types 
of packaging has been established at the 
company's plant in Vidnoye, Moscow 
Region. In the future, additional 
capacities will be added to the 
plant in Kaliningrad - with the
investments in construction
of 1.1 bln rubles
($14.85 mln).
 
 
___________________________



‘Doomsday Glacier’ 
--- melting at an
alarming rate
December, 15th, 11:54am (RT)
 
A massive glacier in Antarctica, seen as crucial to
the 
global sea level rise, could lose its ice shelf in
“as little as five years,” a team of scientists
has warned.
 
The Thwaites Glacier in western Antarctica is
 sometimes called the Doomsday Glacier 
because of its great potential to raise 
sea levels once melted. The glacier
 is about 74,000 square miles... 
which is roughly the size of 
Florida, according to 
CBS News.
 
A team of US scientists reported at a US Geophysical
 Union meeting, this week, that new cracks were
forming on the eastern ice shelf --- which 
supports one third of the glacier.

The
 shelf, which “acts as a dam to slow 
the flow of ice off the continent into 
the ocean,” appears to be “losing 
its grip” ...due to warm water 
seeping under the glacier, 
researchers said, citing
 satellite images.
 
“If this floating ice shelf breaks apart, the Thwaites
 Glacier will accelerate, and its contribution to sea
 level rise, will increase by as much as 25%,” the
 scientists wrote, adding that the shelf could
be
 broken up in “as little as five years.”
 
According to the study, one of the fastest-melting
 glaciers in Antarctica is contributing as much as
 4% of global annual sea level rises, today, while 
the cracks are expanding into the central part 
of the ice shelf, at rates as high as 2km 
(1.2 miles) per year.
 
“There is going to be dramatic change in the front 
of the glacier, probably in less than a decade. 
Both published and unpublished studies 
point in that direction,” geology 
professor Ted Scambos, US 
lead coordinator for the 
International Thwaites 
Glacier Collaboration.. 
told the BBC, Tuesday.
 
 
____________________________



New FAO report on land, 
water resources, paints
 an alarming picture
by Pavel López Lazo
December 9th, 5:13pm (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
 Nations (FAO) on Thursday launched a landmark
 report highlighting the worsening state of the 
earth’s soil, land and water resources and 
the challenges it poses... for feeding a 
global population expected to near 
ten billion by 2050.
 
“The pressures on soil, land and water ecosystems...
 are now intense, and many are stressed to a critical
 point,” FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, wrote in
 the foreword to the synthesis report, entitled the 
State of the World´s Land and Water Resources 
for Food and Agriculture – Systems at breaking
 points (SOLAW 2021)....  “Against this back-
ground, it is clear our future food security 
will depend on safeguarding our land, 
soil and water resources.”
 
The report says if we keep to the current trajectory,
 producing the additional 50% more food needed
 could mean water withdrawals for agriculture 
increasing by up to 35%. That could create
 environmental disasters, increase 
competition for resources, and 
fuel new social challenges
 and conflicts.
 
Among other aspects, it stands out that human-induced
soil degradation affects 34% (1,660 
billion hectares)
of agricultural lands. Over 
95% of our food is
produced on land, but 
there is little room
for expanding areas 
of productive land.
Urban areas occupy 
less than 0.5% of
the Earth’s land 
surface but the rapid
growth of 
cities... has significantly
impacted
 land & water resources, 
polluting & encroaching on prime
agricultural land 
that’s crucial...
for 
productivity & food security.
 
With limited arable land and freshwater resources - a 
rapid scaling-up of technology and innovation is vital. 
We must strengthen the digital architecture needed
to
 provide basic data, information & science-based 
solutions for agriculture... that make full use of 
digital technologies and are climate-proofing.
 
Land and water governance must be more inclusive
 and adaptive, to benefit millions of smallholder
 farmers, women, youth, and indigenous 
peoples. They are the most vulnerable
 to climatic and other socio-economic 
risks, and face the greatest food
 insecurity.
 
Sustainable soils, land and water are the foundations
 for resilient agrifood systems. So the sustainable 
use of these resources... is key to achieving 
climate mitigation and adaptation targets.
 
 
 
___________________________

Earth is Getting Its Own
Black Box 
That Will Tell What Caused 
Humanity's Demise
December 6th, 1:08pm (Sputnik)
 
The device will be placed on an empty plain in
 Tasmania, Australia. The researchers behind
 the project, say the area was chosen for its 
geological as well as geopolitical stability. 
Other locations proposed, were located 
in Malta, Norway, and Qatar.
 
Researchers from the University of Tasmania... 
have partnered with the Australian marketing
 communications company, Clemenger 
BBDO, to create a black box for our 
planet, which they say.... will tell 
future generations (and maybe 
extraterrestrial guests, who 
knows)....... what caused
 humanity's demise.
 
Black boxes installed on airplanes and automobiles
 play an invaluable role in establishing the causes 
of accidents - so why shouldn't Earth have one, 
researchers apparently wondered. Jim Curtis,
the executive creative director at Clemenger 
BBDO, told ABC --- that the project is 
completely non-commercial.
 
The box will be made from 7.5 centimetre-thick steel
 ...and will be filled with a mass of storage drives, 
which, according to researchers, will record 
"every step we take... towards" a potential 
catastrophe, meaning they are gathering 
information: on pollution, the extinction 
of species, ocean acidification, as well 
as climate change-related events such
 as average temperatures, and levels 
of carbon dioxide. The latter traps 
heat radiated from the Sun and 
consequently leads to
 climate change.
 
The black box will have an internet connection and 
will also collect contextual data ...such as news 
about key international events like the United 
Nations Climate Change Conference, 
meetings between world
leaders, etc. 
 
Although the construction of the structure to house the
 box will begin in the middle of 2022, the hard drives 
have already begun recording information.
 
The black box, which will be the size of a bus, will also
 have solar panels to provide backup power storage.
 
Jonathan Kneebone, a co-founder of the artistic 
collective, Glue Society, which is also involved
 in the project, said the device is "built to 
outlive us all".
 
Researchers say that while the main objective is to
 help future civilisations, or whoever accesses the
 black box, to understand what should be done to
 prevent catastrophes, they also hope that it will
 make politicians... put their money where their 
mouths are, when it comes to preserving the 
environment and protecting life on Earth.
 
"It's also there to hold leaders to account – to make
 sure their action - or inaction - is recorded. When 
people know they're being recorded... it does 
have an influence on what they do and say",
 said Jonathan Kneebone.



________________________________________________


FAO calls for urgent action on
 sustainable soil management
by Luis Linares Petrov
December 4th, 00:15am (Prensa Latina) 
 
FAO Director General Qu Dongyu called to take
 urgent action - to improve information and 
capacities in favoor of sustainable soil.
 
The head of the United Nations Food and Agriculture
 Organization (FAO)took part in a video conference 
of the eighth edition of World Soil Day, which has 
been celebrated every December 5th, by 
decision of the General Assembly,
 since 2014.
 
Stopping salinization is the central topic this year, 
which according to Qu is one of the main threats
 to having healthy soils around the world.
 
The director general recalled that some 833 million
 hectares are affected by salinization in all corners 
of the planet, as shown in the World Soil Map 
presented in October.
 
He pointed out that it is a problem present in all
 regions, particularly in the Near East, South 
America, North Africa, as well as in the
 Pacific and Central Asia.
 
The effects of salt on soils pose a significant risk
 to world food security, he noted, and called to 
seek innovative ways to make agri-food 
systems more efficient, inclusive,
 resilient and sustainable.
 


________________________________


The US – the world’s biggest polluter – 
calls out countries that need to
 'step up' on climate change
December 2nd, 11:26am (PressTV)


US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John 
Kerry, has called out a number of countries 
that need to “step up” on climate change, 
despite the fact that the United States 
has contributed more than any other
country - to the atmospheric carbon 
dioxide that is scorching the planet.


According to studies, the US military is the 
largest consumer of hydrocarbons on 
the planet and one of the largest 
polluters in history.


However, Kerry, in an interview at the Reuters 
Next conference, on Wednesday, accused 
other countries of falling short on their 
commitments to stave off the worst 
effects of global warming.


“And that means you have China, India, Russia, 
Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, South Africa, a 
group of countries that are going to
 have to step up,” Kerry said.


“And we... have to help them. This, is not just 
unloading responsibility on them,” he added.


Kerry has said the current climate situation 
cannot be rectified... without the “full 
engagement and commitment” 
from China.


Democrats in the US House of Representatives 
and Senate --- have already called on US 
President Joe Biden to use targeted 
sanctions to punish individuals 
and companies that are 
worsening the global 
climate crisis.


In a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken 
and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen last month,
 Democratic lawmakers particularly targeted 
China and its companies.


The lawmakers urged the US administration to use
 sanction authorities under the Global Magnitsky
 Human Rights Accountability Act --- to target 
individuals and companies that are found 
to be involved in climate-related 
corruption and human rights 
abuses abroad.


Both the Trump and Biden administrations used 
the Magnitsky Act, to target individuals and
companies they said were engaged in 
corruption or human rights abuses
 around the world.


Largely, individuals and companies from Russia,
 China, Belarus, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Eritrea, 
and Cuba, have been targeted.


Last month, scores of countries convened in 
Glasgow, Scotland, for the COP26 climate 
summit, where they reached a deal that 
calls for cutting global carbon dioxide
emissions by 45% by 2030, when
 compared to 2010 levels.


Kerry on Wednesday said private investments for 
clean-energy technologies are also essential for 
fighting climate change, according to Reuters.


“No government on the planet has enough money 
to effect this transition... But, the private sector 
does have that money. I believe the private 
sector has the ability to win this battle
 for us,” he said.


US is world's biggest
plastic polluter:
Report


According to a new report submitted to the US 
federal government on Wednesday, the US is, 
by far, the biggest contributor to global 
plastic waste in the world.


Entitled "Reckoning with the U.S. Role in Global
Ocean Plastic Waste," the report calls for... a 
national strategy to tackle the growing crisis.


The US contributed around 42 million metric tons
 (MMT) in plastic waste in 2016: more than twice
 as much as China has --- and more than all the 
countries of the European Union combined,
according to
 the analysis.


Every US citizen generates 130 kilograms of plastic
waste in a year, with Britain next on the list --- at 
99 kilos per person, per year, followed by
South Korea, at 88 kilos per year,
 AFP reported.  


"The success of the 20th-century miracle invention (sic) 
of plastics, has also produced a global scale deluge 
of plastic waste, seemingly, everywhere we look,"
 wrote Margaret Spring, chief science officer of 
Monterey Bay Aquarium, who chaired the 
committee of experts that compiled 
this report.


Another Government report says climate change 
will shrink the US economy and kill thousands
of US people.



_______________________________________





Vietnam readies 2nd largest 
garbage recycling plant
...in the WORLD
 by Lino Céspedes Rodríguez
December 2nd, 10:03am (Prensa Latina) 


Vietnam polishes the finishing touches to a plant 
that will recycle garbage into energy, and be
 the second largest in the world, of its kind, 
officials from investment company Thien
 Y Environment, reported today.


Located on the outskirts of Hanoi, the plant will
have the capacity of processing 4,000 tons of 
waste per day (60% of what is produced by 
the capital) and producing 75 megawatts 
of electricity per hour.


Built at a cost of nearly $ 310 million dollars... the 
plant covers a surface of 173,900 square metres, 
making it the second largest in the world, after 
Chinese Shenzhen, which processes 5,000 
tons of garbage per day.


Left over matter, after being used to produce energy,
 will be incinerated and used in the manufacture of 
bricks and other construction materials.


To fully ensure safety, it will count on a gas 
filtration system: preventing the emission 
of dioxins, mercury, nitrogen and other 
polluting substances into
 the environment.


Vietnam thus takes a new step towards the 
full elimination and use of... solid waste.


Currently the 3 main ways of waste treatment 
in the country, are: burial, the production of 
microbiological fertilizers, and burning.


Only 30% of Vietnam’s existing dumping areas 
meet ecological standards, while most of its 
nearly 300 incinerators, are small-scale.




__________________________________


Climate change...... 
promises unfulfilled, 
pledges forgotten
November 25th, 7:41pm (PressTV)


Climate change, has long been debated under 
different settings, researched and debunked
 and ‘rebunked’ over the years, so much so 
that you would think, strides should have 
been made by now, unfortunately, how-
ever, that hasn't been the case. Major 
corporations and rich countries have 
all fallen short on their so called 
promises.
 
Hypocrisy and inaction
 
COP 26 still lacks large coal using countries. Studies 
show CO2 levels are back at pre COVID-19 levels in
 the COP countries but did not include Australia, 
China or the United States in the assessment.
 
Such a state of affairs led to climate protests decrying
 one of the highlights of the COP 26 Summit, the 
coal pledge.
 
Children Youth Act climate activists protested 
their concerns regarding the slow pace of 
emissions reductions and lack of action
 on the climate emergency.
 
Children Youth Act climate activists were rightly
 worried about the slow pace of emissions 
reductions and action on the 
climate emergency.
 
Nothing will be saved without it is important to 
begin with the fact you're born to be creators 
of the ground.
 
Yrsa Daley-Ward, Writer
 
The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties 
to the United Nations Framework Convention on
 Climate Change.
 
Carolina Schmidt, President, COP 25
 
The opening of the COP 26 summit in Glasgow 
was quite inspiring but it all came down to the 
final draft communiqué.
 
Well, you know we got a very lengthy 
draft decisions from the presidency…
 
Carolina Schmidt, President, COP25
 
We need much more concrete action to be 
sure to actually really meet this 1.5 target.
 
Maarten Van Aalst, Director, Intl.
 Red Crescent Climate Centre
 
But the details of the draft were inconsistent 
with the declared intention of phasing out 
coal as a fuel source.
 
As a reference of a phasing out of coal and we 
are strong believers that that phase out of 
coal [is imperative].
 
Luca Lacoboni, Greenpeace, Italy
 
Climate Reality, which is funded by the former US 
Vice President Al Gore, claimed in an article that 
more than 250,000 Americans are exposed to
 levels of cancer risk above the highest 
limits set by the EPA.
 
This is an environmental justice nightmare and the
 main culprit is toxic pollution from fossil fuels and
 petrochemical facilities.
 
This is what US Senator Ted Cruz said about 
the climate change summit that took place
 in Glasgow.
 
I’m not saying they do not believe what they're saying,
 but their hypocrisy is rampant. Headed to this
climate
 conference, these officials flew
in giant jets.
 
John Kerry has a private jet that has flown dozens 
of times, this past year, all around the country.
 
I don't know about you, but I don't have a private jet. 
I don't believe any of the people on this stage have
 their own private jet.
 
John Kerry when asked about his private jet said
 "really, for someone like me it's the only way 
that makes sense to travel".
 
What dripping, condescending, arrogance!
 
Ted Cruz, US Senator
 
Robert Evans is a former member of the European
 Parliament MEP, and a British Labour Cooperative
 politician..... who served as a member of the 
European Parliament from 1994 until 2009. 
He was first elected to the European 
Parliament for London Northwest 
and then in 1999 and 2004 for 
the London constituency.
 
Taking a look at what the US Senator Ted Cruz has
 said about US policy, slamming his fellow Senator
 John Kerry and other world leaders as a whole 
for travelling on jets to this cop 26 Glasgow 
Summit, does he have a point?
 
Yeah, I think it's sending entirely the wrong message. 
I realize the challenges that some global leaders have
 getting from A to B or getting from their own country
 to Glasgow, but I think it's sending entirely the 
wrong message when they are arriving in 
private  jets to go around.
 
Most of the airlines have flights that come to 
London where they could have got a train 
or a number of people could have 
managed it.
 
Using private airplanes, which are very, very 
carbon expensive, is entirely, not so much
 unnecessary, but it's sending completely 
the wrong message to everybody else.
 
We have the situation where our Prime Minister 
Boris Johnson came back to London by 
private jet. Well, I looked it up; there 
were six possible scheduled 
airlines flights he could
have taken, or a train 
from Glasgow 
to London.
 
We cannot have one rule for them 
and one rule for everybody else.
 
So global leaders need to reflect on that; 
whatever the challenges, there are 
plenty of airlines that could have
 accommodated them.
 
Robert Evens, Former MEP, British Labour Cooperative
 
That makes sense and sounds fair, but ‘therein lies 
the rub’ and the barely veiled hypocrisy of what US
 Senator Ted Cruz has said. He himself has, in fact,
 received more money from oil and gas companies 
in 2018 than any other senator.
 
Ted Cruz received nearly $800,000 from the oil and
 gas industry in the year 2018. And as for other US
 senators, one in four US Senators still hold fossil 
fuel investments.
 
The households of those 28 senators own a 
combined minimum of $3.7 million, and as 
much as $12.6 billion in fossil fuel assets.
 
"The vicious spiral of global debt these countries at
the frontline of the climate crisis, unable to respond 
to his Fallout, and the failure of the world's richest 
countries to lift the burden, exposes their climate
 hypocrisy", according to The Tribune.
 
Debt hypocrisy
 
COP 26.. actually exposed the debt hypocrisy of the
 rich nations, and that is where the problem is. Last 
year, we had $72 billion flowing out of low income
 countries in debt repayments. These are vital
 resources that could have been directed to 
tackling the climate emergency and easing
 the effects of the Pandemic.
 
Instead, lower income countries are now spending 
five times more on debt-repayments that they're
 spending on fighting the climate crisis.
 
Luca Lacoboni is a campaign manager for 
energy and climate at Greenpeace, Italy.
 
When you take a look at the developing countries
there was a lack of representation. Why was 
that at this conference? It's a summit?
 
[The] most affected countries, the countries that 
actually see climate change impacting their daily 
life almost every day around the world are those
 countries that are less represented in COP, in
Glasgow and this is absolutely unacceptable
 since the richest countries... are those who 
are feeling the impacts of climate change
less, --- 
and should hear the voices of
the most 
affected countries and of
the most 
effective people.
 
This is another important sign of the fact that at 
the moment, also that COP26 in Glasgow is 
doing a lot of words, but really, not 
enough action.
 
Luca Lacaboni, Greenpeace
 
One wonders how much money was actually spent
 fighting the COVID 19 pandemic, and how much 
was spent saving businesses and countries 
from actually crashing.
 
For the prime minister of Barbados, the COP26 
summit sheds light on how the desired 1.5 
degrees Celsius goal could already have
 been reached.
 
The central banks of the wealthiest countries engaged
 in $25 trillion of quantitative easing in the last 13
 years, 25 trillion, of that, 9 trillion was in the 
last 18 months, to fight the pandemic.
 
If we had used that 25 trillion to purchase bonds, the
 energy transition or the transition of how we eat or
 how we move ourselves in transport, we would 
now be reaching that 1.5 degrees limit that is 
so vital to us.
 
Mia Motley, PM Barbados
 
While social media giant Facebook changed its name
 to Meta, a group of protestors placed a large melting
 iceberg sculpture in front of the Capitol Building in
 Washington. This group said Facebook had played
 a major role --- by not stopping the spread of 
climate disinformation.
 
Actually, climate disinformation is rampant on
 Facebook. There's 1.3 million views of climate
 disinformation daily.
 
Facebook says that they send 100,000 people 
to their climate information centre every day.
 
But if we look at their numbers versus the numbers
 that we're getting from the researchers, there's a
 massive discrepancy of how much climate
 misinformation there really is, on 
their platform.
 
Rewan Al-Haddad, Sumofus Campaign Advisor
 
When it comes to climate change there needs to be
 strong will, on all fronts, from political incentives to
 budgetary allocations. With so much ground to 
cover on the issue, where would be the 
good place to start?
 
The companies that are responsible for most of 
the worlds greenhouse gas emissions would
 be a good place to start.
 
The 20 major fossil fuel companies are collectively
 responsible for 35% of global greenhouse gas
 emissions. Surely if we know who these 20 
companies are, then we should stop them 
from doing what they're doing. If only it 
were that simple.
 
What is needed is strong political will, and action 
by the gas and oil companies responsible.  
 
Considering the top corporations, for example, 
Saudi Aramco, Gazprom, Exxon, Mobil, BP, 
and Royal Dutch Shell, and examining how 
much CO2 they actually emitted into the
 atmosphere, we are looking at 480 
billion tons of carbon dioxide.
 
That's a lot of CO2, regardless of all environmental
 disasters that have happened over the past few
 decades, however, that is not where the 
controversy lies.
 
The whole notion of the use of coal, oil and gas and its
 detrimental effects on the planet and environments..
 has been known from as long ago as the year 1965.
 
In 1965 the US president’s scientific advisory
committee announced that pollutants had 
altered the carbon dioxide content of the 
air and the lead concentrations in ocean
waters and human populations... on a 
global scale.
 
In simpler language, fossil fuels were causing the
 release of carbon dioxide, which was altering the 
air on a global scale, posing a huge risk
 for mankind.
 
More examples
 
The American Petroleum Institute issued a warning
 that there's still time to save the planet from the
 catastrophic consequences of pollution but 
that time was running out.
 
So there has been warning after warning, and, as if
 that were not bad enough... an internal memo from
 Exxon Mobil, in 1981, reveals a shocking warning.
 
One of the managers issued an internal memo 
saying that the company's long term business 
plans produce effects which will indeed be
 catastrophic, at least for a substantial 
fraction of the Earth's population.
 
The big oil companies, however, were not going 
to ignore or forgo their profits, thus in 1989 a 
company --- by the name of Global Climate 
Coalition was established. It was, in fact, 
not an environmental group, as the name 
may suggest but was intended to really 
to sow doubts about climate change.
 
It actually induced lawmakers to block clean 
energy legislation and climate treaties 
throughout the 1990s.
 
Which is, more or less, when the general public 
began to doubt the effects of climate change.
 
The COP 26 goal was to reduce carbon 
emissions in the hope of eliminating 
it altogether.
 
The commitments made by various countries, for
 instance India, which has pledged net zero 
emissions by the year 2070, or Saudi 
Arabia, which made a commitment
 for net zero emissions by the 
year 2060 are both very far
 into the future.
 
We were under the impression that time is 
running out and it now appears that
 those commitments shall not 
be enough.
 
Saudi Arabia is a very rich country and it's 
done very well out of oil over many years. 
Of course, I understand why it's worried 
about changing it.
 
But if you're going to have a net zero by 2060, 
nearly 40 years away, it's totally unacceptable 
as a target. Now, it may be that they don't 
reach it till then but I do believe that 
countries have got to set ambitious
 targets and really make much 
greater moves.
 
You know, the reason that we are still driving around
 in petrol driven cars, to a large extent, when 50 years
 ago, they had the technology to build battery vehicles, 
they just haven't developed it, is because of the power 
of the oil industry over the years, the oil industry in 
the Middle East, and the plentiful supply of cheap oil. 
 
The amount of investment (that could have) gone into
 alternative forms that went into, for instance, mobile
 phones, which are now very sophisticated pieces 
of technology.
 
If the same amount of effort and energy had gone 
into more environmentally friendly, mass 
produced vehicles, we would not all be 
driving around in petrol driven 
vehicles at the moment.
 
Robert Evens, Former MEP, 
British Labour Cooperative
 
Subsidized Oil and Gas
 
The statement lays out important steps: CO2 
emissions, as well as including the need to 
accelerate using best efforts, by all of us,
 to phase down unabated coal in this 
decade, as fast as is achievable.
 
John F Kerry, US Climate Envoy
 
The US climate representative neglects to point out 
the fact that the US government has actually
subsidized coal, oil and gas for decades, 
to the tune of a billion dollars a year.
 
So, in the draft today, we saw that coal was referenced
in the draft... as well as subsidies. That's not good
enough! 86% of the emissions trapped in our 
atmosphere come from oil, gas and coal, 
....and while we talk about targets and 
emissions here - these governments, 
many of them, especially the wealthy 
nations, are proposing new projects 
that would take us past 1.5 degrees.
 
Tzeporah Berman, Chair, Fossil 
Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
 
It comes as no surprise... that there are
 protests against this blatant hypocrisy.
 
At the moment it isn't sufficient. And we need, you
 know, world leaders from the richest and most
 polluting countries to raise their efficiency 
and to provide a clear mandate for 
countries to come back to the 
table next year... with much
more ambitious emission 
reductions by 2030.
 
Armelle Le Comte, Climate 
Advocacy Manager, Oxfam
 
One of the things that stood out at the COP26 summit
 was the presence and the actions of the activists, 
urging world leaders to act on climate change, 
keen on pointing out the hypocrisy of
 feeding lies to the general public.
 
Take the group of activists led by members of the
 Extinction Rebellion direct action group who
 highlighted how the mode of transportation 
chosen makes a difference, like opting to 
travel by rail rather than air.
 
It is our job to make it very clear; travelling by train 
for this distance (instead of by air) is justified by 
the carbon emission when we compare that 
to airlines.
 
Jacques Damas, CEO, Eurostar
 
Another mode of transportation that needs reforming
 is global shipping. There is actually a trillion dollar
 push to decarbonize cargo ships, which are huge
 carbon emitters.
 
Therefore, if countries and companies hope to meet
 the Paris Agreement targets, they must change the
 way freight shipping is managed. The use of 
electric batteries or alternative fuels, is one 
way to go about this.
 
At present.. shipping products across the ocean using
freight ships creates more greenhouse gas emissions 
than the estimated 2 billion US cars and trucks on US
roads combined, at around 1 billion metric tons.
 
Activists with the group Ocean Rebellion held 
a theatrical demonstration in an attempt to 
demonstrate the need by COP 26 
attendees to step up efforts to 
protect their national borders, 
calling for greater investment 
in ocean based renewable 
energy, decarbonization 
of industries and further 
pertinent research.
 
So today, we have one of our Ocean Rebellion 
classic theatrical performances, creating 
conscious pricking imagery to try and 
help tell the story, which today, is on 
the eve of COP Ocean day, to draw 
attention to the delegates that our 
oceans need to be way up on
their agenda.
 
It covers 70% of our [planet] and provides 50 to
 80% of the oxygen that we breathe, so it's 
vitally important and our oceans are at
 crisis point.
 
Laura Baldwin, Ocean Rebellion, Member
 
$100 Million pledge made and lost in Copenhagen
 
12 years ago, at the United Nations climate summit in
 Copenhagen, rich nations made a significant pledge; 
they promised to channel 100 billion US dollars a 
year to less wealthy nations, by 2020, to help 
them tackle climate change and mitigate 
further rises in global temperatures.
 
Another clear case of climate hypocrisy was
 evidenced when one climate activist asked 
the British Finance minister about UK tax 
breaks and funding for fossil
 fuel companies.
 
The UK Prime Minister had earlier made a grand
 pledge..... to some bemused young pupils at an 
infant school to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
 
And then there was the United States Special 
Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry,
 talking about emissions.
 
The IPCC report is the synthesis report of the NDC's,
 indicates that we have to achieve somewhere in the
 vicinity of a 45% reduction over the next 10 years.
 
John F Kerry, US Climate Envoy
 
But the best these two so called world leaders could
 do was to squeeze a 2060 pledge out of Saudi Arabia.
 
I announce today that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
 aims to reach net zero in the year 2060, through 
the carbon circular economy approach, in line 
with its development plans and enabling its 
economic diversification and in accordance 
with the “Dynamic Baseline”, while 
preserving and reinforcing the 
Kingdom’s leading role.. in the 
security and stability of global 
energy markets.
 
 Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, 
Mohammad Bin Salman
 
The COP 26 Climate Summit has ended, more than 190
 nations reached a deal, but... without an enforcement
 mechanism, critics are saying the agreement, which 
calls on governments to strengthen greenhouse gas
 emission cuts, is going to fall short --- if not flat on 
its nether regions.
 
We are, globally speaking, a consumer driven society
 with billions of products - which are produced using
 material & substances produced by these oil firms.
 
Unless we change the way we live, our lifestyles, and
 how we spend our money, that's not going to change,
 and the petroleum companies are well aware of that, 
which is why they will most probably not live up to
 their  clean energy commitments;  thought 
provoking - yet hardly surprising.
 
 
_________________________________


 
Malaysian and Costa
Rican
 institutions
win UNESCO prize
by Ileana Ferrer Fonte
November 17th, 11:18am (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Forestry Research Institute in Malaysia and 
the University for International Cooperation in 
Costa Rica won the 2021 UNESCO-Sultan 
Qaboos Prize for Environmental 
Conservation, the multilateral 
organization announced 
on Wednesday.
 
In a communique, the specialized UN agency in 
education, science and culture issues, stated 
that the awarding ceremony will be held this 
Wednesday, in the context of celebrating
 the 50th anniversary of the Man and the
 Biosphere Program... during the 41st 
General Conference of UNESCO,
forum taking place from 
November 9th to 24th.
 
The Malaysian institution was awarded for its initiatives
to monitor & preserve endangered species of national
interest, producing publications such as the Plant 
Red List, and for documenting the traditional 
knowledge of indigenous peoples and
 local communities.
 
The Costa Rican university won the UNESCO-Sultan 
Qaboos Prize, for its support to creating new 
biosphere reserves in Latin America, such 
as Sumaco (Ecuador), Cabo de Hornos
 (Chile) and Agua y Paz, in Costa Rica.
 
According to the jury, both institutions also stood out 
for their outreach and public awareness, such as 
outdoor activities for students, and the 
development of community farms 
and eco-tourism.
 
Allocated every two years -- since 1991 -- the UNESCO-
Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Conservation 
was established, thanks to a donation by Sultan 
Qaboos Bin Said Al-Said, of Oman.
 
 
 
__________________________________


 
 
FAO supports Cuba in green-
house effect readings
by Erich Tellez Corrales
 November 17th, 11:16am (Prensa Latina) 
 
Cuba has reportedly widened its capacity 
to read greenhouse gas emissions - with 
technical assistance, from the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United 
Nations (FAO).
 
A workshop recently held by the CBIT- AFOLU project, 
implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture of Cuba, 
with technical assistance from the FAO and
funding 
from the Global Environment
Facility (GEF), 
has contributed
to this purpose.
 
A press release from the Office of that UN agency
in Cuba, 
referred to the assistance it provides in
strengthening
 technical capacities to assess
and report on, 
emissions and removals of
Greenhouse 
Gases (GHG)... in the
agriculture, forestry 
and other
land uses (AFOLU).
 
The meeting (from the 8th to the 12th of this month),
allowed the exchange of knowledge & experiences 
among Cuban experts, to advance towards an 
improvement of the National Inventory of 
Greenhouse Gases (GHG), the text 
also indicates.
 
It also points out that the above will contribute to increase
accuracy & comparability, in relation to the requirements
 established by the Enhanced Transparency Framework 
of the Paris Agreement.
 
In this regard, the workshop addressed the methodologies 
used for the calculation of estimates of emissions and 
removals of Greenhouse Gases --- according to the 
2006 guidelines of the Intergovernmental Panel 
on Climate Change (IPCC) in the AFOLU sector.
 
The participants in this process included professors 
from the Atmospheric Pollution and Chemistry 
Centre of the Institute of Meteorology, those 
responsible for preparing the inventory... 
and specialists from the Livestock 
Business Group’s Training 
Centre, the Soil Institute,
and the Agroforestry
 Research Institute.
 
The national coordinator of the CBIT-AFOLU project, 
Janet Blanco, referred to the problem of information 
gaps, in the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
 
She emphasized the need for scientific institutions 
to work on the identification of data and factors
that influence the emission of these gases
in 
Cuban agriculture.


 
___________________________________
 

Report Finds Air Pollution in Europe
 Still Killing Over 300,000 A Year
November 15th, 12:06pm (FNA)
 
Premature deaths caused by fine particle air pollution
 have fallen 10 percent annually across Europe, but 
the invisible killer still accounts for 307,000 
premature deaths a year, the European 
Environment Agency said Monday.
 
If the latest air quality guidelines from the World Health 
Organisation were followed by EU members, the latest
 number of fatalities recorded in 2019 could be cut in 
half, according to an EEA report, AFP reported.
 
Deaths linked to fine particulate matter -- with a diameter
 below 2.5 micrometres or PM2.5 -- were estimated at 
346,000 for 2018.
 
The clear reduction in deaths for the following year were 
put down partly to favourable weather but above all to
a
 progressive improvement in air quality across the 
continent, the European Union's air pollution data
 centre said.
 
In the early 1990s, fine particles, which penetrate deeply
 into the lungs, led to nearly a million premature deaths 
in the 27 EU member nations, according to the report.
 
That figure had been more than
 halved to 450,000 by 2005.
 
In 2019, fine particulate matter caused 53,800 premature
 deaths in Germany, 49,900 in Italy, 29,800 in France 
and 23,300 in Spain.
 
Poland saw 39,300 deaths, the highest
 figure per head of population.
 
The EEA also registers premature deaths linked to two 
other leading pollutants, but says it does not count 
them in its overall toll, to avoid doubling up.
 
Deaths caused by nitrogen dioxide -- mainly from cars, 
trucks and thermal power stations -- fell by a quarter
 to 40,000 between 2018 and 2019.
 
Fatalities linked to ground-level ozone in 2019
 also dropped 13 percent to 16,800 dead.
 
Air pollution remains the biggest environmental threat
 to human health in Europe, the agency said.
 
Heart disease and strokes cause most premature deaths
 blamed on air pollution, followed by lung ailments 
including cancer.
 
In children, atmospheric pollution can harm lung
 development, cause respiratory infections and
 aggravate asthma.
 
Even if the situation is improving, the EEA warned
 in September that most EU countries were still 
above the recommended pollution limits, be
 they European guidelines or the more 
ambitious WHO targets.
 
According to the UN health body, air pollution causes 
seven million premature deaths, annually, across the 
globe - on the same levels as smoking and poor diet.
 
In September, the alarming statistics led the WHO 
to tighten its recommended limits on major air 
pollutants for the first time since 2005.
 
"Investing in cleaner heating, mobility, agriculture 
and industry improves health, productivity and 
the quality of life for all Europeans, and 
particularly for the most vulnerable," 
said EEA director Hans Bruyninck.
 
The EU wants to slash premature deaths, due to 
fine air pollution by at least 55 percent in 2030 
compared to 2005.
 
If air pollution continues to fall at the current rate, 
the agency estimates the target will be reached 
by 2032.
 
However an ageing and increasingly urbanised
 population could make that more difficult.
 
"An older population is more sensitive to air pollution...
 and a higher rate of urbanisation typically means that 
more people are exposed to PM 2.5 concentrations, 
which tend to be higher in cities," said the report.
 
 
______________________________


Bill Dores: Wall Street and the 
Pentagon, not China, pose
 the largest climate threat
November 11th, 2:44pm (PressTV)
 
US political analyst and activist Bill Dores says 
Washington’s “attempt to frame China for the 
world climate crisis, is one of the most 
hypocritical acts in history,” as the 
US is the source of the deadliest 
corporate and military assault 
on the planet in history, 
not China.
 
Dores, a writer for Struggle/La Lucha, and a longtime 
antiwar activist, made the remarks in an interview 
with Press TV on Thursday, after Democrats in 
the US House of Representatives and Senate 
called on US President Joe Biden --- to use 
targeted sanctions to punish individuals 
and companies that are worsening the 
global climate crisis.
 
In a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and 
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen last week, Democrat
 lawmakers, particularly targeted China, and its 
companies despite the fact that studies show 
that the US military is the largest consumer 
of hydrocarbons on the planet and one 
of the largest polluters in history.
 
According to the New York Times, the US has contributed 
more than any other country to the atmospheric carbon
 dioxide that is scorching the planet.
 
Senators Ed Markey (D-Mass), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), 
Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-
Texas), who signed on the letter, called on the Biden 
administration to target individuals and companies 
“that are perpetrating the worst climate damage.”
 
Following is the complete text of 
Dores’s comment to Press TV:
 
US hypocrisy on
looming climate disaster
 
Washington’s attempt to frame China for the 
world climate crisis is one of the most 
hypocritical acts in history. It is also 
one of the most dangerous. It is a 
deliberate effort to sabotage the 
international cooperation needed
to stop looming climate disaster. 
 
And it is a step toward war  ---  the 
ultimate environmental destroyer.
 
Fracking industry agent Donald Trump claimed that 
climate change: is a “hoax created by and for the 
Chinese.” Joe Biden admits the climate crisis is 
real, but seeks to blame it on China. Some
US 
senators even say - China should
be 
sanctioned for its alleged 
environmental misdeeds.
 
What mendacity! China leads the world in renewable 
energy production, reforestation, electric vehicles,
 high-speed rail and solar panel manufacture.
 
In recent years, China has surpassed the US in overall 
carbon emissions. But China is the largest country in
 the world. It has nearly five times the population of 
the United States. Its per capita emissions are
less
 than half those of the US. And it has
a concrete 
strategy to seriously
reduce them.
 
Meanwhile, the watered-down infrastructure bill passed
 by Congress gifts tens of billions of dollars... to the US 
fossil fuel industry. That’s not surprising considering 
28 US senators are directly invested in fossil fuel 
companies. And that 11 lawyers for ExxonMobil 
helped to write the bill.
 
The Trump regime imposed tariffs on all Chinese-made 
solar panels, at the behest of his oil company bosses.
Biden.... has outright banned the import of Chinese-
made solar panels.
 
The White House claims Chinese solar panels are made 
with forced labour. Yet the racist US prison-industrial
 complex --- is the biggest exploiter of forced labour
in
 the world. Imagine how many jobs installing
those 
panels could create for workers here.
 
If Washington were really concerned about human rights,
 it could stop sending cops and marshals to attack the 
Water Protectors, Native activists and their allies, 
defending their land against fracking and 
pipelines.
 
 They have been gassed, clubbed, shot and jailed by 
federal and state agents, in the US and Canada. 
 
Under HR1374, a law now before Congress, state agents
 would be authorized to murder anti-pipeline protesters.
 
Biden seeks to weaponize
the climate crisis
 
Trump denied the climate crisis. Biden, seeks to weaponize
 it. Though their tactics be different, they share one object:
 To try and restore the stranglehold the US corporate 
ruling class once had on the world economy.
 
For decades, Washington and Wall Street, used their power 
to strangle economic development in Africa, Asia and Latin
 America.  They kept themselves at the centre of the world
 economy --- by keeping most of the world impoverished.
Meanwhile, US companies poisoned the air
with abandon.
 
Greenhouse gases don’t go away. At least 25 percent of 
those that now fill the atmosphere are made in the US. 
That doesn’t count the output of the offshore 
operations of US-owned corporations.
 
For decades after World War II, US corporations owned 
most of the world’s known oil reserves. That was key
 to US global power. They - purposely - kept oil-rich 
countries “underdeveloped” and dependent on 
selling oil. Today Washington tries to achieve 
that, with war and sanctions.
 
In the 1970s and ’80s, oil-producing countries began 
to take back ownership of their own resources. The
 Libyan Revolution of 1969, Iraq's nationalizations 
of 1972, and especially the Iranian Revolution
of 
1979, were catalysts in this process.
 
1 in 4 US senators heavily invested 
in fossil fuel industry: Report
 
The senators present a major hurdle in the way of 
President Joe Biden’s ambitious climate agenda.
 
In 1991, as soon as the Cold War ended, the US
went 
to war against oil-producing countries.
Under 
different names and pretexts, that
imperialist 
war has raged for 30 years.

It has destroyed 
millions of lives and cost
trillions of dollars. 
The climate is also
a victim.
 
US war machine is the most
polluting institution on earth
 
From 2001 to 2017, the US military poured 1.6 billion 
metric tons of carbon into the atmosphere. At least 
400 million tons of that, came from US military 
operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan 
and Syria.
 
The US war machine, with its massive global 
operations, is the most polluting institution 
on earth. In 2017... it unleashed 60 billion 
metric tons of carbon dioxide into the air. 
That was more than the individual output 
of 140 countries. Every year - it dumps 
750,000 tons of toxic waste-depleted 
uranium - oil, jet fuels, pesticides, 
defoliants, lead and other 
chemicals, into our air, 
water and soil. 
 
The US Army’s M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank uses nearly 
4 gallons of fuel per mile. An Air Force B2 bomber burns
 at least 4.2 gallons of jet fuel per mile, and has to be 
refueled every six hours. In the so-called “war on 
terror,” B2 bombers flew 44 hours from Missouri 
and Nebraska to rain bombs on people in Iraq 
and Afghanistan. But the biggest waste of 
energy, is the constant transport of 
troops, weapons and supplies 
around the world.
 
When the Clinton administration signed the Kyoto 
climate agreement in 1997, it insisted the US 
military be exempt from the treaty’s 
restrictions.
 
Washington’s 30-year oil war had another devastating 
impact on our planet’s climate. It unleashed the 
“shale oil revolution” that has made the US 
the world’s No. 1 fossil fuel producer.
 
US fracking industry
poisons the earth
 
After the US invaded Iraq, Corporate America pumped
hundreds of billions of dollars into fracking - the 
hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas from shale 
rock. War & sanctions against oil-producing 
countries created a triple-digit energy price
bubble that made these huge investments 
seem profitable. It stimulated the plunder 
of Canada’s tar sands, the DAPL and the
Enbridge 3 pipelines and mountain-top
removal projects, in Appalachia.
 
Fracking not only poisons the earth and water --- it 
unleashes much more methane, than conventional
 drilling. The collapse of the fracking boom has left 
many of these wells abandoned. There are over 3 
million abandoned oil and gas wells... across the 
United States. At least 2 million are unplugged: 
gushing out methane and other chemicals.
 
Plugging those wells and reclaiming the land around 
them would create a lot more jobs than fracking and 
pipelines do. So would investing in renewable 
energy, reforestation, mass transit and 
high-speed rail... instead of war.
 
Attacking China over climate change is a red herring. If 
Washington is serious about preventing environmental 
disaster -- it should end the US corporate and military 
assault on the planet. To make that happen will take 
a people’s struggle against corporate power.
 
End the wars and sanctions. Bring home all the troops, 
war fleets and warplanes. Invest that money in renew
-
able energy, expanding mass transit systems, 
affordable high-speed rail and reforestation. 
 
And help poorer countries do the same. Those things... 
could create millions of high-paying jobs. Ban fracking 
and shut down the DAPL and Enbridge pipelines. The
sky is the limit --- when the needs of humanity are
put 
before corporate profit.


_____________________________________________


 
UNESCO highlights role of forests
 in the face of climate change
 October 28th, 2:13pm (Prensa Latina) 
 
UNESCO highlighted the contribution of the forests 
inscribed on its World Heritage list, in confronting 
climate change, with an estimated annual 
absorption of carbon dioxide, at 
190 million tons.
 
UNESCO issued a statement sharing the results of an
 unpublished study on the role of forest ecosystems 
spread over 257 sites on the planet.
 
Researchers from UNESCO, the World Resources Institute
- and the International Union for Conservation of Nature - 
participated in the research, which made it possible to
 measure the impact of forests against the existential 
threat posed by climate change, and determine the 
causes of certain emissions of pollutants into 
the atmosphere.
 
According to the study, the 190 million tonnes of carbon
dioxide present in the atmosphere absorbed, represent
 around half of the CO2 generated by fossil fuels that 
the United Kingdom emits annually.
 
The forests registered by UNESCO cover a total area of 
69 million hectares, and constitute ecosystems rich in
 biodiversity capable of storing large amounts of 
carbon, which, if released, would adversely
 impact the climate.
 
The research, however, left worrying results, in 10 of the
 forests, where human action has led them to emit more
 carbon than captured, in the last two decades.
 
Among the causes, UNESCO pointed to the fragmentation 
of land, due to forest exploitation, and clearing for the 
benefit of agriculture, and reiterated its call --- to 
protect forests and prioritize their sustainable 
management - in order that they continue to 
play a key role on the lives of current and 
future generations of human beings.
 


________________________________




UN Chief Warns World
on
 ‘One-Way Ticket to 
Disaster’ over Climate
October 22nd, 3:28pm (FNA)
 
 United Nations Chief Antonio Guterres said the world’s
 current climate situation is “a one-way ticket for 
disaster”, reiterating the urgency of agreement 
at the COP26 climate conference at the end 
of the month.
 
The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, struck 
at the COP21 summit, called for global warming to 
be capped at well below two degrees Celsius 
(3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above the pre-
industrial level, and ideally closer to 
1.5C (2.7F), AFP reported.
 
But current UN estimates indicate a “catastrophic” 
warming of 2.7C  (4.8F) is on the cards.
 
Guterres said on Thursday that such an increase 
was “obviously a one-way ticket for disaster.”
 
“The carbon pollution of a handful of countries has 
brought humanity to its knees and they bear the 
greatest responsibility,” he told an online press 
conference with members of the Covering 
Climate Now international project.
 
“I hope we are still on time to avoid a failure in Glasgow, 
but time is running short, and things are getting more 
difficult and that is why I’m very very worried. I’m 
afraid things might go wrong,” he said.
 
The Glasgow summit begins on October 31st and is 
seen as crucial for agreeing on worldwide 
emission targets that will slow 
global heating.
 
The Group of 20, which includes the world’s biggest
 economies, is due to meet in Italy on October 30th,
 but leaders are said to be divided over phasing 
out coal and committing to the 1.5C target.
 
Earlier this month, COP26 President Alok Sharma, 
said the G20 meeting would be “make or break” 
for success in Glasgow.
 
“The G20 leaders will meet in Rome and they know 
their economies are responsible for four-fifths of 
the planet's carbon pollution,” Guterres said.
 
“If they do not stand up … we are headed 
for terrible human suffering,” he added.
 
He said, “China and the United States must do 
more than what they have announced so far.”
 
 
______________________________________

 
  
Among Europe’s dirtiest: ‘Green’ 
biomass power plant in Yorkshire
 burning ‘renewable’ wood emits
 MORE CO2 than UK’s coal
 – report
October 9th, 5:45pm (RT)
 
A supposedly “carbon neutral” Drax biomass power 
plant is the UK’s leading source of CO2 emissions 
--- and belches out more harmful carbon and 
particulate matter, than some of Europe’s 
dirtiest coal plants, according to a
new report.
 
Renewable energy firm Drax describes its plant in North 
Yorkshire as a “purely renewable” facility, boasting that 
it has slashed its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, by
90% since 2012. The plant burns biomass – pellets 
of compressed wood – and received £832 million
 ($1.13 billion) in direct government subsidies 
last year, on top of an estimated £258
million 
($351 million) in carbon
tax breaks.
 
Yet the energy generated at Drax... is far from green, a 
new report by environmental think tank Ember claims. 
While the UK and EU consider biomass power “carbon
 neutral,” this assessment is based on the assumption 
that biomass emissions are offset by the planting of
 new trees.
 
This forest regrowth takes time, and the European
 Academies’ Sciences Advisory Council (EASAC) 
reported earlier this year that switching plants 
from coal to biomass – as was the case at 
Drax’ Yorkshire facility – would not cause
 any drop in emissions for at least three
 to five decades. 
 
“Such technology is not effective in mitigating climate 
change and may even increase the risk of dangerous 
climate change,” the EASAC stated.
 
In the UK, wood burning plants like Drax’ currently spew 
out more CO2 than coal plants, including coal used in 
steel production. Drax is the country’s top emitter 
.......releasing 13.3 million tons of CO2 into the 
atmosphere per year ---- compared to the 
entire coal sector’s yearly emissions 
of 10 million tons.  
 
Data shows that Drax is Europe’s third-worst emitter 
of CO2, behind Germany's Neurath and Poland’s
BeÅ‚chatów coal plants. It is also Europe’s 4th
-worst emitter of PM10 particulate matter, 
coming in behind three coal plants in 
Poland and Romania. It is the only 
biomass facility... to rank in 
Europe’s top ten CO2 and
 PM10 emissions lists.
 
A Drax spokesman responded to Ember’s report by 
describing the think tank’s figures as “inaccurate 
and completely at odds with what the world’s 
leading climate scientists at the UN IPCC
say, about sustainable biomass being
crucial 
to delivering global 
climate targets.” 
The company says that its carbon emissions are 
“biologically sequestered,” meaning they are 
technically counted as zero under the 
previously-mentioned EU and UK 
assumptions of forest regrowth.
 
However, critics suggest that the scientific
consensus
 on “sustainable” biomass...
may soon change.
 
“Recent science demonstrates that burning forest 
biomass for power is unlikely to be carbon 
neutral – and there’s a real risk that it’s 
responsible for significant emissions,”
 Ember Chief Operating Officer
Phil 
MacDonald stated. 
 
“Before the government spends more taxpayer 
money on biomass..  we should make sure we 
know we’re getting the emissions reductions 
that we’re paying for.”
 
 

_________________________________



 Gazprom and Aeroflot behind 
Russia's first green aviation fuel
 September 24th, 12:30pm (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Russian companies Gazprom Oil and Aeroflot 
reported the signing of a deal to create the first 
production of aviation fuel with a minimal 
carbon footprint... from agro-forestry 
systems.
 
The oil company explained that the use of such a
green resource can reduce up greenhouse gas
 emissions in the sector up to 80 percent, 
TASS news agency reported.
 
The deal between the Russian firms... provides for 
the development of various efficient formulations
 of aviation fuel. In this case, the fuel is to be 
adjusted to various types of aircraft and
it will be certified in accordance with 
Russian and international aviation
 safety standards.
 
'In our country and around the world there is a potentially
 high demand from the aviation industry for green fuel, 
taking into account the task of reducing the carbon
 intensity of air traffic,' Gazprom Oil head 
Alexander Diukov noted.
 
He explained that the main research platform for the new 
product, will be the Gazprom Neft Industrial Innovation 
Technology Centre in Saint Petersburg.
 
According to Diukov, the partnership with Russia's largest 
airline will make the process of developing this aviation 
fuel more efficient.
 
According to Aeroflot CEO Mikhail Poluboyarinov, ecology 
is becoming one of the most important issues in aviation, 
and its relevance increased under the influence of the 
Covid-19 pandemic.
 
 
___________________________________________



FAO launches tools to encourage 
soil organic carbon sequestration
 September 9th, 12:45pm (Prensa Latina) 
 
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the 
United Nations, on Wednesday, launched 
two practical instruments designed to 
encourage soil organic carbon
 (SOC) maintenance and 
sequestration.
 
The two products unveiled today, part of the RECSOIL
 initiative, are a global map illustrating how much
and 
where, CO2 can be sequestered by soils...  
the 
GSOCseq, and a technical manual of
good 
practices, to sequester and
maintain SOC
 stocks in soils.
 
'We must look for innovative ways... to transform our agri-
food systems.. to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and 
sustainable. Healthy soils are critical to achieving this,' 
FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, told the opening 
session of the ninth Global Soil Partnership (GSP) 
Plenary Assembly.
 
While soils and soil health are well-rooted in the global 
agenda, tangible impacts remain an important 
challenge 'for better production, better 
nutrition, a better environment and
 a better life for all, leaving no
one 
behind,' Qu said.
 
 
 
___________________________________________
 

UN chief calls for bold action 
to curb biodiversity crisis
 August 31st, 12:51pm (Prensa Latina) 
 
UN Secretary-General (UNSG) António Guterres,
on Monday, warned about the threatening loss 
of biodiversity and called for greater actions 
to prevent further damage.
 
In remarks to a high-level virtual meeting to develop 
a new global framework to address biodiversity 
loss... Guterres underlined the need for 
commitment, ambition and credibility.
 
'As people and livestock encroach further into wild 
habitats, we run the risk of unleashing terrifying 
new pandemics,' he warned.
 
He also urged Governments to shift the 'perverse 
subsidies' that destroy healthy soils, pollute our
 water and empty the oceans of fish.
 
We must incentivize actions to sustain nature and also 
establish larger and better managed conservation 
areas to safeguard species, functioning 
ecosystems and carbon stocks - for
 current and future generations.
 
Likewise, he laid stress on the need to empower the 
leadership of indigenous peoples and local 
communities whose lands encompass 
much of the world's remaining 
biodiversity.
 
One million species are at risk of extinction: 
this is wiping out options for society, from 
medicines to food, passing over crucial 
solutions for mitigating and adapting
to climate changes, Guterres said.
 
Humanity is now waging an absurd and self-destructive 
war on nature, and peace must be declared as soon as 
possible, only courageous action on the ground, can
curb the biodiversity crisis, he added.
 
 

__________________________________
 

UN chief
 warns
 - about 
global temperature rise
 September 7th, 12:31pm (Prensa Latina) 
 
The planet is dangerously close to reaching the 
internationally agreed threshold of 1.5 degrees 
Celsius of temperature increase, the UN 
Secretary-General (UNSG) António 
Guterres, warned on Monday.
 
We must act decisively now --- in order to avoid 
climate catastrophe. There is no longer time for 
delays, and no room for excuses, Guterres 
posted on Twitter.
 
He shared a link to the interactive atlas containing 
information from the most recent report of the
Inter
governmental Panel on Climate Change 
(IPCC). The digital tool enables flexible 
spatial and temporal analysis... of a 
large part of information checked
 and projected on this issue,
in 
upcoming years.
 
According to IPCC, human-induced climate change 
is widespread and rapidly intensifying, while 
several trends are irreversible, at least 
during present period, and directly 
affect the happening of many 
extreme weather events.
 
Scientists also observed changes throughout the 
Earth's climate system, in the atmosphere, 
oceans, ice floes, and the ground.
 
Many of these transformations are unprecedented, 
and others, such as the continuing sea level rise,
are 
already 'irreversible' for centuries or
millennia
in the future, according
to the IPCC report.
 
On Monday, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina 
Mohammed called for courageous measures
for
 a global economy with zero emissions
of 
harmful gases by 2050, and to limit 
increased temperature levels.
 
The world is going through a season of wildfires 
and floods, which mainly affects fragile and 
vulnerable populations in rich and poor 
countries, she stressed.
 
 
____________________________
 
Era of leaded petrol
worldwide, is over
August 31st, 12:52pm (Prensa Latina) 
 
As the service stations in Algeria stopped providing leaded 
petrol in July, the use of this highly polluting fuel ended
globally, international organizations reported. Since 
1922, the use of tetraethyllead as a petrol additive 
to improve engine performance, has been a 
catastrophe for the environment and for
public health. 2021 has marked the 
end of leaded petrol worldwide, 
after it's contaminated the air, 
dust, soil drinking water and 
food crops, for the better 
part of a century... as 
reported by the UN´s
official website.
 
Plus... leaded petrol caused heart disease, stroke and 
cancer. It also affects the development of the human 
brain, especially harming children, with studies 
suggesting it reduced 5-10 IQ points... so the 
UN Environment Program (UNEP) began its 
campaign to eliminate lead in petrol 
in 2002.
 
Banning the use of leaded petrol has been estimated
to 
prevent over 1.2 million premature deaths per
year, 
increase IQ points among children, save
US$2.45 trillion for the global economy,
and decrease 
crime rates.
 
'The successful enforcement of the ban on leaded petrol, 
is a huge milestone for global health & our environment,'
 said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. 

'Overcoming a century of deaths and illnesses....
that affected hundreds of millions and degraded 
the environment worldwide, we are invigorated 
to change humanity's trajectory for the better,
through an accelerated transition to clean 
vehicles and electric mobility.'
 
Experts said, while the world has eliminated the largest 
source of lead pollution, bold actions are still needed 
to curb it from other sources, such as paints, 
batteries, and household items.
 
 
 
____________________________________



 
Environmentalists block 
central London on 
2nd day of protests
 August 24th, 9:33pm (Prensa Latina) 
 
Hundreds of people today blocked the streets around 
Parliament.. and several government buildings in the 
centre of this capital on the second day of protests 
to demand urgent action against climate change.
 
Several protesters called by the environmental movement
 Extinction Rebellion (XR), lay on the pavement behind a 
large green cloth, accusing the 'government of getting 
into bed with climate criminals,' while others danced 
and sang to the beat of drums. .
 
We are here because the government does not tell the truth 
about climate change and what it will mean for our children 
and grandchildren, one of the activists, who said her name 
was Mary, told Prensa Latina.
 
According to the member of XR, an organization that defines 
itself as peaceful, the authorities of the United Kingdom and 
other developed countries try to hide from people that the 
lack of food and water, is a consequence of
 this phenomenon.
 
Mary considers, in turn... that the promises made by British 
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to reduce carbon emissions
 to zero by 2050 and his plan to replace gasoline and diesel 
vehicles with electric ones are 'too few and they are too late'.
 
We need to act now, because there are people in the Global 
South who are already suffering terribly, and there are 
even wars for resources affected by climate change,
 she said.
 
Juliana, a Brazilian living in London who, like other protesters,
attended the protest accompanied by her children, explained 
that she brought them with her because the future of the new
 generations is in danger.
 
The British environmental group, which also requires the 
government to declare a climate emergency and allow 
citizen assemblies to decide policies to address 
climate change, announced that its so-called 
'Impossible Rebellion' will last for 2 weeks, 
after a pause of several months, due
to the 
Covid-19 pandemic.
 
In addition to its usual demands in central London, XR plans 
to also focus on the City's financial district, where the 
offices of banks that finance fossil fuel companies
 are located.
 
Although the protests were developing peacefully, the
 Metropolitan Police reported that at least 50 people
were
 arrested between Monday and Tuesday.
 
 
__________________________


Activists peacefully take over 
Ministry of Petroleum in Norway
August 23rd 5:20pm (Prensa Latina) 
 
A group of activists took over the Norwegian Ministry 
of Oil and Energy today, as part of environmental 
actions in various parts of the country...
 for 10 days.
 
These are members of the Extinction Rebellion group, 
which blocked the main entrance to the ministerial 
headquarters and called for the cessation of 
hydrocarbon exploitation.
 
Norway is the main producer in Western Europe 
and pumps about four million barrels daily.
 
In addition to a hundred protesters on the outskirts of 
the building with banners and messages in the palms 
of their hands, 17 people took to lobbying the 
Ministry to demand from its head, Tina Bru,
 the cessation of all activity in the sector.
 
The police, meanwhile, informed the NRK television station 
they would not suppress the protests for the moment,
 although they invited them to withdraw, in the
next 
20 minutes.
 
'For decades we have written letters, we have spoken, we 
have demonstrated. They let us talk, but they are not
 listening,' young Hanna Kristina Jakobsen said,
 over a megaphone, to the crowd.
 
That is why we now do peaceful civil disobedience. 
We are desperate, added the 22-year-old woman.
 
The issue is a point of debate for the September 13th
 elections, in which a centre-left opposition is 
expected to defeat the conservative-
led coalition.
 
Minister Bru said that, while she shares concerns
about 
climate change, protesters use what she
called 
undemocratic methods, that will not 
deliver results.
 
We will never be successful in fighting climate change 
if we scrap democracy along the way, she said, in 
a statement.
 
 
______________________________________




 Activists from the international 
environmental movement 
Extinction Rebellion
plan 
to begin weeks-
long 
protests in London.
 
SEE MORE... INCLUDING 
LIVE UP-TO-DATE NEWS
 
at https://sputniknews.com/uk/
 
 
_________________________




July was the hottest month 
on record in 142 years
  August 16th, 9:47am (Prensa Latina)
 
 Since weather records began in 1880, the month of 
July 2021, was the hottest on a global scale, it 
was known today.
 
According to the data published by the U.S. Office of 
the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, 
worldwide, the combined temperature of the land 
and ocean surface, was 0.93 degrees Celsius 
above the 20th century average of 
15.8 degrees.
 
This means one tenth of a degree higher than the 
previous record set in July 2016, which was then
 tied in 2019 and 2020, making July 2021 the 
hottest recorded in 142 years, the report 
from that entity pointed out.
 
It also indicated that in the northern hemisphere, the 
temperature on the earth's surface was the highest 
ever, with 1.54 degrees Celsius above the average,
 surpassing the previous record set in 2012.
 
Added to this is that the sea ice cover in the Arctic for 
July 2021 was the 4th smallest in the 43-year record
according to an analysis by the external link of the 
National Snow and Ice Data Centre of the US. Only 
July 2012, 2019 and 2020, had a lesser extension.
 
Those data could place 2021 among the 10 hottest years 
on record in the world, according to the Global Annual 
Temperature Rankings Outlook.
 
Recently, a study published in Science Advances journal, 
pointed out that the Earth could become more volatile as 
temperatures continue to rise, due to global warming, a 
paleoclimatic research on extreme phenomena warns.
 
Scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 
in the US, examined the last 66 million years during the 
Cenozoic era, which began shortly after the extinction
 of dinosaurs, and discovered a warming turn in 
climate fluctuations.
 
The finding confirmed the occurrence of more warming 
episodes lasting thousands of years than cooling ones, 
due to the release of carbon dioxide into the 
atmosphere by volcanoes, among other 
factors, the article said.
 
It also revealed that this process ended about five million 
years ago, and ice layers began to form in the northern 
hemisphere and, with the current melting of the Arctic
 ..it suggests a greater amplification of human-induced 
global warming.
 
 
_____________________________



Ocean Current System That Affects
 ‘Large Part of World’s Climate’ on
 Brink of Collapse, Study Says
by Andrei Dergalin
August 12th, 6:54pm (Sputnik)
 
The study postulates that the current system in question 
has suffered "an almost complete loss of stability, over 
the last century."
 
The ocean current system known as the Atlantic 
Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), 
which includes the Gulf Stream, may be on
 the brink of collapse, Live Science reports 
-- citing a new study.
 
The AMOC, is “responsible for moderating large parts of 
the world's climate” as its currents transport water from 
the tropics to the north, while bringing cold water from 
the north, back south.
 
Now, the new study warns that AMOC has suffered "an 
almost complete loss of stability over the last century."
 
According to the media outlet, the collapse of this system 
would have a "disastrous impact on global weather 
systems," with possible consequences, including: 
rising sea levels in the Atlantic, "greater cooling
 and more powerful storms across the Northern
 Hemisphere," and “severe disruption to the 
rain that billions of people rely upon to 
grow crops in Africa, South America 
and India."
 
Time to Hit the Brakes: Urgent Action Needed
 to Prevent ‘Runaway Climate Change’, 
Says UN Report
 
"The findings support the assessment that the AMOC decline 
is not just a fluctuation or a linear response to increasing 
temperatures but likely means the approaching of a 
critical threshold beyond which the circulation 
system could collapse," said Niklas Boers,
 researcher at the Potsdam Institute for
 Climate Impact Research, and
author 
of the study.
 
The study reportedly seeks to resolve a debate among scientists
 working on the subject about whether the weakening of the 
AMOC means its circulation will slow down – "but in a
way 
that humans can reduce through lowering carbon 
emissions," or if the system is "about to flip to a 
permanently weaker form, that could not be 
reversed for hundreds of years."
 
"The difference is crucial," Boers said, arguing that the latter 
would mean "the AMOC has approached its critical 
threshold, beyond which a substantial and, in 
practice, likely irreversible, transition to
the 
weak mode, could occur."
 
 
 
___________________________________



'Code Red for Humanity': 
Bombshell UN Climate 
Change Report Shows 
Global Warming 
Accelerating
August 9th, 1:11pm (FNA)
 
We ignored the warnings, and now it's too late: global 
heating has arrived with a vengeance and will see 
Earth's average temperature, reach 1.5 degrees 
Celsius above preindustrial levels around 2030, 
a decade earlier than projected only three 
years ago, according to a landmark UN 
assessment published on Monday.
 
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
 bombshell – landing 90 days before a key climate 
summit desperate to keep 1.5C in play – says the 
threshold will be breached around 2050, no 
matter how aggressively humanity draws 
down carbon pollution, France 
24 reported.
 
Years in the making, the sobering report approved by 
195 nations shines a harsh spotlight on governments 
dithering in the face of mounting evidence --- that 
climate change is an existential threat.
 
Nature itself has underscored their negligence.
 
With only 1.1C of warming so far, an unbroken cascade 
of deadly, unprecedented weather disasters bulked up 
by climate change has swept the world this summer, 
from asphalt-melting heatwaves in Canada, to 
rainstorms turning China's city streets into 
rivers, to untameable wildfires sweeping 
Greece and California.
 
"This report is a reality check," said Valerie Masson-
Delmotte, who co-led hundreds of scientists in 
reviewing a mountain of published 
climate science.
 
"It has been clear for decades that the Earth's climate is 
changing, and the role of human influence on the 
climate system is undisputed," Delmotte added.
 
Indeed, all but a tiny fraction of warming so far is 
"unequivocally caused by human activities", the 
IPCC concluded for the first time in its three-
decade history.
 
The world must brace itself for worse – potentially 
much worse – to come, the report made clear.
 
Even if the 1.5C target humanity is now poised to 
overshoot, is miraculously achieved, it would 
still generate heatwaves, rainfall, drought 
and other extreme weather 
"unprecedented.... in the 
observational record", 
it concluded.
 
At slightly higher levels of global heating, what is today 
once-a-century coastal flooding will happen every 
year by 2100, fuelled by storms gorged with 
extra moisture and rising seas.
 
"This report should send a shiver down the spine of 
everyone who reads it," said Dave Reay, director
of 
the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute at
the 
University of Edinburgh, who was not 
among the authors.
 
"In the unblinking delivery style of the IPCC, it sets out 
where we are now and where we are headed (on) 
climate change: in a hole, and still digging,"
 Reay added.
 
Another looming danger is "tipping points", invisible
 thresholds – triggered by rising temperatures – for
 irreversible changes in Earth's climate system.
 
Disintegrating ice sheets holding enough water to raise 
seas a dozen metres; the melting of permafrost laden
 with double the carbon in the atmosphere; the 
transition of the Amazon from tropical forest 
to savannah – these potential catastrophes 
"cannot be ruled out", the report cautions.
 
Our natural allies in the fight against climate change,
 meanwhile, are suffering battle fatigue.
 
Since about 1960, forests, soil and oceans have 
steadily absorbed 56 percent of all the CO2 
humanity has chucked into the atmosphere 
– even as those emissions have increased 
by half.
 
But these carbon sinks are becoming saturated, 
according to the IPCC, and the percentage
of 
human-induced carbon they soak up is 
likely to decline as the century unfolds.
 
The IPCC "report, is a code red for humanity", 
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.
 
"The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence 
is irrefutable: greenhouse gas emissions from 
fossil fuel burning and deforestation are 
choking our planet and putting billions 
of people at immediate risk," he said.
 
The report does offer a sliver of hope
 for keeping the 1.5C goal alive.
 
The IPPC projected the increase in global surface 
temperature for five emissions scenarios – 
ranging from wildly optimistic to outright 
reckless – and identifies best estimates 
for 20-year periods with mid-points of 
2030, 2050 and 2090.
 
By mid-century, the 1.5C threshold will be breached 
across the board – by a 10th of a degree along the 
most ambitious pathway, and by nearly a full 
degree at the opposite extreme.
 
But under the most optimistic storyline, Earth's surface 
will have cooled a notch, to 1.4C, by the century's end.
 
The other long-term trajectories, however, 
do not look promising.
 
Temperature increases, by 2090, range from a 
hugely challenging 1.8C to a catastrophic 4.4C.
 
The report's authors were at pains to emphasise
 that the 1.5C goal is not all-or-nothing.
 
"It is important politically, but it is not a cliff edge 
where everything will suddenly become very 
catastrophic," said lead author Amanda 
Maycock, director of the Institute for 
Climate and Atmospheric Sciences 
at the University of Leeds.
 
Ed Hawkins, a professor of climate science at the 
University of Reading and a lead author, said
 that "every bit of warming matters".
 
"The consequences get worse and worse as we 
get warmer and warmer. Every tonne of CO2 
matters," Hawkins added.
 
Part 2 of the IPCC assessment – on impacts – 
shows how climate change will fundamentally 
reshape life on Earth in the coming decades, 
according to a draft seen by AFP.
 
It is slated for publication in February. Part 3, 
to be released in March, focuses on ways 
to reduce carbon in the atmosphere.
 
The focus now will shift to the political arena, 
where a non-stop series of ministerial and 
summit meetings, including a critical G20 
in October, will lead up to the COP26 UN 
climate conference in Glasgow, hosted
 by Britain.
 
Countries do not see eye-to-eye on many 
basic issues, beginning with the 1.5C goal.
 
China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Russia are 
lukewarm on it, US special presidential Envoy 
for Climate John Kerry told the New Yorker
 last week.
 
Rich countries, meanwhile, have badly missed a 
deadline to provide funding for developing 
nations to green their economies and 
adapt to climate change already in 
the pipeline.
 
"The new IPCC report is not a drill but the final 
warning that the bubble of empty promises is 
about to burst," said Saleemul Huq, director 
of the International Centre for Climate 
Change and Development, in Dhaka.
 
"It's suicidal, and economically irrational, 
to keep procrastinating," Huq added.
 
 
 
_____________________________________


 
UK's COP26 Head Warns of 
Global 'Catastrophe', From 
Climate Breakdown: Unless 
Measures are Taken NOW
August 8th, 11:30am (Sputnik) 
 
 The UK president of the COP26 Climate Change 
Conference, Alok Sharma, has warned that the
 world is... on the brink of a "catastrophe" 
from climate breakdown, calling for 
urgent actions.
 
The remark, made in an interview with The Observer, 
came ahead of a report by the Intergovernmental 
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world's 
leading authority on climate science, set to 
be released on Monday. The paper...  on 
how close the world is to a potentially 
irreversible disaster due to extreme 
weather, will be "the starkest 
warning yet, that human 
behaviour is alarmingly 
accelerating global 
warming", the 
official said.
 
"I don't think we’re out of time but I think we're getting 
dangerously close to when we might be out of time. 
We will see [from the IPCC] a very, very clear 
warning: that unless we act now, we will, 
unfortunately, be out of time",  Sharma 
said late on Saturday, noting the 
consequences of failure, will
 be "catastrophic".
 
The UK minister in charge of the flagman UN climate talks 
noted that the impact of global warming was already 
evident across the world, citing deadly flooding in 
Europe and China, as well as wildfires and 
record high temperatures registered in
parts of the world.
 
 Because of climate change, more sea ice is being lost 
each summer than is being replenished in winters. 

Less sea ice coverage also means that less sun-
light will be reflected off the surface of the
ocean 
in a process known as the albedo
effect. The 
oceans... will absorb more
heat, further 
fueling global warming.
 
"I don't think there's any other word for it. You're seeing 
on a daily basis, what is happening across the world. 
Last year was the hottest on record, the last decade 
was the hottest decade on record", Sharma added.
 
Commenting on the upcoming reports, the official said 
that the paper would urge the international community 
— governments, businesses and individuals — to 
push for stronger action on greenhouse gas 
emissions at the COP26.
 
"This [IPCC report] is going to be a wake-up call, for anyone
 who hasn't yet understood why this next decade has to be
 absolutely decisive in terms of climate action. We will
also 
get a pretty clear understanding that human
activity is 
driving climate change at alarming
rates", he said.
 
The COP26 is set to take place in the Scottish city of Glasgow 
from 31 October to 12 November, gathering representatives
 from some 200 countries. The event, which was cancelled 
last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, will seek to
 speed up the implementation of the ground-breaking
 2016 Paris Agreement that aims at cutting carbon 
emissions and promote green transition.
 
___________________________________


Leaked report reveals US
 oil companies’ conspiracy
July 3rd, 6:27pm (PressTV)
 
A leaked report has revealed how some "shadow groups" 
are undermining government efforts to reduce green-
house gas emissions causing global warming.
 
The report, which was prepared by some of the world’s top 
climate scientists, blames disinformation and lobbying 
campaigns funded by big energy companies -- such 
as Exxon Mobil -- as a major setback in the fight 
against global warming, according to Politico 
on Friday.
 
In the report, which began emerging last week, the Inter-
governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) whose
 job is to examine the state and validity of climate 
research and studies across the globe,  blamed
think tanks, foundations, trade associations 
and other third-party groups -- funded by 
major energy companies, for spreading
“contrarian” information -- that misled 
the public, and undermined efforts to
implement climate policies... needed
 to stop global warming phenomena.
 
“Rhetoric on climate change & the undermining of science 
have contributed to misperceptions of the scientific 
consensus, uncertainty, unduly discounted risk 
and urgency, dissent, and - most importantly - 
polarized public support, delaying any
mitigation 
and adaptative action,
particularly in the 
US,” the
leaked IPCC report
pointed out.
 
In a related development, a British television broadcaster 
aired a video showing a top Exxon Mobil lobbyist 
admitting that the wealthy global energy giant 
gives financial support to "shadow groups" 
that engage in disinformation campaigns 
around climate science, a tactic that 
allowed the oil company to avoid 
direct scrutiny.
 
The revelations have prompted some Democratic lawmakers 
in the United States to step up efforts to force all major oil 
companies to disclose their money payment to research 
and study groups that follow an anti-environmental 
agenda, seeking to undermine climate action by 
distorting the facts and realities proved in 
climate science studies and research 
...about the damaging effect and 
detrimental impact... of burning 
fossil fuels. on climate change 
and global warming.
 
 
____________________________________


Extinction Rebellion Activists 
March Through Falmouth,
 Cornwall on 2nd Day 
of G7 Summit
June 12th, 11:07am GMT (Sputnik)
 
The environmental movement earlier promised to 
organise several major events in Cornwall over 
the weekend to demand that governments,
 corporations, and the media pay more 
attention to climate issues across
 the globe.
 
Sputnik is live from Falmouth, Cornwall, where 
environmental activists from the Extinction 
Rebellion are organising a rally to march 
through the town on the second day of
 the 47th G7 summit, urging global 
leaders to act against
 climate change.
 
Previously, XR members held a rally in the city of
 St Ives, blocking roads and accusing politicians 
of failing "to respect the global climate 
commitments they made in Paris
 in 2015". 
 
Follow Sputnik's Live Feed to Find Out More!
 
https://sputniknews.com/uk/202106121083
132718-extinction-rebellion-activists-march
-through-falmouth-cornwall-on-2nd-day-
of-g7-summit/
 
 
_______________________________



UNGA President
urges to
 create
sustainable economy
 to preserve oceans
 June 2nd 12:55pm (Prensa Latina) 
 
 
The President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) 
Volkan Bozkir on Tuesday called to create a 
sustainable economy capable of 
preserving the oceans.
 
Speaking on this Tuesday´s high-level debate on 
Sustainable Development Goal number 14
(SDG14) 
of the 2030 Agenda for the
preservation and sustainable
use of the oceans...  Bozkir
urged drawing up stronger
 policies... in favour of
marine ecosystems.
 
He recognized some countries and cities´ stances 
prioritizing coastal & marine areas over tourism, 
as well as their efforts to address illegal fishing 
and the regulation of maritime transport and 
resource extraction.
 
Peter Thomson, UNGA´s Special Envoy for the oceans, 
underlined the significance of complying with SDG14 
and for this reason he called for setting up a 
'sustainable blue economy'.
 
Similarly, Thomson referred to consequences of marine 
pollution by plastic waste in a world dependent on
such
 a material, for which, he advocated out-
laying on more 
infrastructure, for
recycling systems.
 
Oceans provide food, livelihoods and protection to more 
than one billion people, worldwide; while the value of 
economic activities related to the oceans,
exceeds 
US$1.5 trillion a year.
 

___________________________________________



‘Incredibly poisonous’ pesticide 
banned by EU --- may receive
 approval for use in Scottish
salmon farms
May 27th, 3pm (RT)
 
 
A pesticide that has been partially banned by the 
European Union and blamed for decimating bee 
populations is expected to receive approval for
 use in Scottish salmon farms, according 
to reports.
 
The Scottish fish farming industry plans to deploy
 imidacloprid, an insecticide, in order to kill sea 
lice that can fester among caged salmon. The 
chemical is used in a “water filtration” 
system developed by fish farm 
biotech company Benchmark, 
which is reportedly seeking 
to trial its CleanTreat 
product in Scotland. 
 
The system is designed to remove chemicals 
from fish farm treatment water, but its use of
 imidacloprid, raises serious red flags. 
 
According to US government scientists, imidacloprid 
is “very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.” 
And earlier this month, the European Union’s top 
court upheld the bloc’s partial ban on three 
insecticides, which are developed by Bayer
 CropScience. Restrictions were placed on 
the use of the chemical in 2013 after it was 
determined that imidacloprid was harming
 bee colonies. 
 
Despite the issues associated with the chemical, the 
Scottish government is reportedly paving the way 
for its use in salmon farms. In emails first revealed 
by investigative news outlet The Ferret, officials
 express willingness to help CleanTreat clear 
environmental regulations so that it can be
 cleared for approval. 
 
In one message, Annabel Turpie, director of Marine 
Scotland, the Scottish government agency that 
manages fisheries, made reference to offering 
“support” to help Benchmark “navigate Clean
Treat through the system.” She added that 
there was an expectation that CleanTreat 
would begin tests at a fish farm assuming 
that it received the regulatory greenlight. 
 
The initiative already has experts worried. A professor 
of biology at the University of Sussex, Dave Goulson, 
told the Guardian that imidacloprid was “incredibly 
toxic to insects and other invertebrates.” He said 
that it only takes “a billionth of a gram to harm 
aquatic life,” meaning that even tiny traces of
 the chemical have a serious impact on 
marine life. 
 
The CleanTreat system claims to filter imidacloprid from 
water, but the professor said that samples need to be 
tested at an independent laboratory. 
 
A spokesperson for the Scottish government insisted 
that all aquaculture farms are regulated and must 
meet “strict guidelines to ensure environmental 
effects are assessed and managed safely,” 
adding that the government is committed 
to promoting economic innovation 
across all sectors, including
 fish farming. 
 
Benchmark said - in a statement - that CleanTreat is “an 
award-winning and validated water-purification system” 
and claimed that its sea-lice solution, which contains
 imidacloprid, is currently used in Norway... but that 
there are no trials for it in Scotland. 
 
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_________________________________



Germans, Japanese and
Marylanders poisoned
by the US military
April 26th, 10:25am (PressTV)
by Pat Elder
 
PFAS in fire-fighting foams used on US bases worldwide 
are contaminating the environment and endangering 
public health. The Pentagon denies wrongdoing.
 
Günther Schneider, a farmer from Binsfeld, Germany has 
photos that show what the stream flowing through the 
village of Binsfeld looks like as aqueous film-forming 
foam, is released from a fire suppression system, in 
hangars on the Spangdahlem Airbase - like a fluffy 
white ribbon. All around in the meadows, shreds
of 
foam remain like huge snowballs... The toxic 
substances used in fire-fighting foams on base 
have contaminated the sewer water, ground 
water, surface water, and the air, both on 
and off the base. The foam contains the
highly toxic per-and poly fluoroalkyl
 substances, (PFAS).
 
Throughout the world, the US military has taught soldiers to 
practice putting out super-hot petroleum-based fires using 
these deadly foams on military installations. They dug one-
meter-deep craters that were 30 to 60 metres in diameter, 
and they filled them with jet fuel. They ignited the fuel 
before extinguishing the flames with the PFAS-laden 
foams. The toxic “forever chemicals” were allowed 
to leach into the groundwater and pour into sewer 
systems to contaminate the environment.
 
The groundwater monitoring program of the state of Rhineland-
Palatinate in the vicinity of the Spangdahlem Air Base found
 PFAS at concentrations of 1,935 parts per trillion, (ppt). The 
drainage system in Spangdahlem is still spreading the 
chemicals. Some US states, like New Jersey, limit two 
varieties of the PFAS found in the poisoned German 
ground at 14 parts per trillion for Perfluorooctanoic 
acid (PFOA) and 13 parts per trillion forPerfluoro-
octanesulfonic acid (PFOS). There are about 
8,000 types of PFAS --- and they’re all
believed
 to be dangerous.
 
The chemicals - in the tiniest amounts - are known to contribute 
to testicular, liver, breast, and kidney cancers, as well as
abnormalities in the developing fetus - and a host of
 childhood diseases - ranging from Attention Deficit 
Hyperactivity Disorder to childhood asthma. Most 
of the PFAS in our bodies comes from the food 
we eat, especially fish.
 
Alexander S. Neu, a member of Die Linke (The Left) in the 
German Bundestag, along with other Die Linke members 
of the parliament, have questioned the responsibility for
 the assumption of environmental damage caused by US 
troops in Germany. When Wittlich-Land town - close to
the sprawling NATO Spangdahlem base -  tried to sue 
the US military for poisoning the town’s sewer system 
and croplands, with PFAS... where the contaminated 
sludge was spread, it discovered it was not allowed
 to sue the Americans in court. The poisonous sludge 
grows poisonous crops. Today, the town incinerates 
the substances at great environmental and financial 
cost. The PFAS in the sludge, doesn’t burn. 
 
Incineration sprinkles tiny toxic particles of 
PFAS onto the homes and fields downwind.
 
A German Brown Trout caught in Spanger Bach Creek, 
near Spangdahlem was found to contain 82,000 parts 
per trillion of PFAS. Public health scientists around 
the world have been warning people not to 
consume more than 1 ppt of the 
poisons daily.
 
Last year, 9,000 kilometres away, a fire suppression system 
at an aircraft hangar discharged143,830 litres of the deadly 
firefighting foam from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in 
Okinawa. Carcinogenic clouds of foam soared 30 metres 
into the sky, settling on children at a nearby playground. 
 
Toshio Takahashia, an Okinawan environmental activist, 
reported immediately after the incident that frothy foam 
could be seen pouring from several sewer pipes coming 
from the Marine Corps base, into a a small stream. The 
deadly bubbles flow to the Hira River through Ginowan 
City into the East China Sea, poisoning water and fish 
along the way.
 
Tomohiro Yara, a representative of the National Diet from 
Okinawa, reflected the attitude of the Okinawan public 
when he said, “The US government should take full 
responsibility for cleaning up soil and water at any 
military base abroad. We must protect the 
environment for everyone on the planet.”
 
Swordtail, pearl danio, guppy, and tilapia caught near 
the base all contained more than 100,000 ppt of PFAS.
 
David Steele, Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Air Station, 
Futenma Okinawa, told the Okinawan people, “When it rains 
it will subside.” Sadly, these are “forever chemicals” and 
will poison people and the environment for many 
generations to come. The Americans accept no 
responsibility for their criminality, because
 they don’t have to.
 
Imperial subjects worldwide need only watch this video of a 
suppression system at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard 
Base, in Knoxville, Tennessee to witness the criminal 
assault on future generations in that state. One tea-
spoon of this foam is enough to poison the drinking 
water reservoir of a large, modern city.   
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK8IIRZ4Q80
 
The US military has known these chemicals are poisonous 
since the 1970’s. They have contaminated huge swaths of 
the earth while using them, and they will continue to use 
them, until they are forced to stop. Much of the world 
has moved beyond the toxic fire-fighting foams and 
has begun using extraordinarily capable flourine 
free foams, while the US military sticks to its 
killer chemicals.
 
The American military is not only at war against many of the 
world’s peoples, but it is also at war against its own people. 
It is a war of poisons. Rather than being fought with bombs 
and bullets --- it is fought with an arsenal of toxins. The 
American military is on a mission (we’re still trying to 
figure out exactly what it is) --- and everything is 
subservient to it. Fetal abnormalities, altered 
DNA, a host of cancers and childhood 
diseases, are no less a threat to 
humanity, than the American 
missiles hurled from afar 
to burn human flesh.
 
Truths conveyed here are largely unmarketable and 
unpalatable in the United States of America. The 
American people must learn to seek truth in 
media that may not include outlets like the 
New York Times or CNN.
 
Like Günther, Alexander, Toshio, and Tomohiro, I’m also 
a subject of the American empire. I have no rights or 
protections from the abuses of the American 
overlords, beyond those of my German 
and Japanese brethren.
 
The Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland (Pax 
River) reported last week that groundwater at Pax 
River’s Webster Outlying Field, contains 84,757 
ppt of PFOS. The toxins were detected at 
Building 8076, also known as Fire 
Station 3. The level of toxicity is 
1,200 times the 70 ppt federal 
non-mandatory advisory.
 
The groundwater and the surface water from the small 
naval installation drain into St. Inigoes Creek, a short 
distance to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay.
 
I live on the beach 1,800 feet across a deep saltwater 
creek from the area where PFAS was routinely 
released into the environment, over 
many years.
 
Webster Field is located 12 miles southwest of Pax 
River, in St. Mary’s County, MD, about 75 miles 
south of Washington.
 
Webster Field occupies the peninsula between St. Inigoes 
Creek and the St. Mary’s River, a tributary of the Potomac 
River. The Webster Outlying Field annex, is home to the 
Naval Air Warfare Centre Aircraft Division, along with 
Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes, and a component 
of the Maryland Army National Guard.
 
Building 8076 is adjacent to the aqueous film-forming foam 
(AFFF) Crash Truck Maintenance Area where trucks using
 foams containing PFAS were regularly tested. The site is 
less than 200 feet from St. Inigoes Creek --- right across 
from my family. The practice - according to the Navy - 
was discontinued in the 1990’s, although the damage 
continues. The high PFAS levels recently reported 
are a testament to the staying power of the 
so-called “forever chemicals.”
 
==========
 
Firehouse 3 Webster Field
 
Highest Readings
 
PFOS                    84,756.77
PFOA                   2,816.04
PFBS                    4,804.83
 
==========
 
In February, 2020 I tested the water on my beach on St. Inigoes 
Creek in St. Mary’s City for PFAS. The results I published -- 
shocked the community. The water was shown to contain 
a total of 1,894.3 ppt of PFAS with 1,544.4 ppt of PFOS. 
275 people packed into the Lexington Park Library, 
in early March, 2020, immediately before the 
pandemic, to hear the navy dismiss their 
concerns and defend its use of PFAS. 
 
Many were more concerned with the quality of the waters in the 
creeks and the rivers and the Chesapeake Bay than the drinking 
water. They had many unanswered questions for the navy. They
 were worried about contaminated seafood.
 
The results I received, were generated by the University of 
Michigan’s Biological Laboratory, using EPA method 537.1.
 
The Navy has only addressed  PFOS, PFOA, and PFBS. It  
fails to address the  levels of 11 other types of harmful 
PFAS found in St. Inigoes Creek: PFHxA, PFHpA,
 PFHxS, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnA, PFDoA, PFTrDA,
 PFTA, N-MeFOSAA, NEtFOSAA. 
 
 Instead, Patrick Gordon, NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs
 Officer, questioned the “veracity & accuracy” of my results.
 
This is pretty much a full-court press, and I don’t stand 
much of a chance, while trying to warn the public. The 
Navy wants to be left alone. The Maryland Department 
of the Environment doesn’t give a damn, and neither do
St. Mary’s County & Maryland health 
departments. The
five conservative Republican  
County Commissioners
aren’t leading a charge. 
Senators Cardin and Van
Hollen and Rep. Hoyer, 
have been largely silent.
 
The watermen see a threat to their livelihood. My neighbors 
say if it’s this bad, the authorities would have taken care of
 it by now.
 
It’s a lonely, frightening business, telling the
truth 
in the land of the free and the brave.
 
In response to the findings of high levels of the fire-fighting 
toxins at my beach last year, Ira May, who oversees federal 
site cleanups for Maryland Department of the Environment, 
told the Bay Journal that contamination in the creek, “if it 
exists...” could have another source. The chemicals are 
often found in landfills, he noted, as well as in biosolids 
and at sites where civilian fire departments sprayed
 foam. “So, there are multiple potential sources,” 
May said. “We’re just at the beginning of 
looking at all of those.”
 
It appears the state’s top environmental official was covering 
for the military. The nearest firehouse is five miles away, 
while the closest landfill is 11 miles away. My beach is 
1,800 feet from the deadly foam releases.
 
Fate and Transport of PFAS
 
It’s important to come to an understanding of the fate and 
transport of PFAS. The science isn’t settled. I found 
1,544 ppt of PFOS, while the Webster Field  
groundwater on the facility had 
84,000 ppt of PFOS. 
 
Our beach sits on a cove  north-northeast of the base while
 the prevailing winds blow from the south-southwest -- that
 is, from the base to our beach. The foams gather with the 
tide on many days.  Sometimes the foam is a foot high 
and becomes airborne. If the waves are too high,
the 
foam dissipates.
 
 Oysters, crabs, rockfish, anyone? 
   
Within about 1-2 hours of high tide, the foams dissolve into 
water, like dish detergent bubbles left alone in the sink.
Sometimes we can see the line of foam begin to form.. 
as it hits the shelf of the creek. For approximately 125 
metres the water in front of our house is about 1 - 1.5 
metres deep at low tide. Then, suddenly, it drops to
6-8 metres. That’s where the foams begin to build 
and move toward the beach. This is 20-30 years 
after the Navy says they stopped releasing the 
materials into the ground.
 
There are other factors to consider regarding the fate and 
transport of various PFAS in water. For starters, PFOS is 
the great PFAS swimmer and can travel for miles in 
groundwater and in surface water. The Germans 
and the Japanese know a lot about PFOS levels 
in their rivers near NATO and US bases. They 
know how poisoned their fish have become.
 
PFOA, on the other hand, seems to be more stationary and 
tends to contaminate the land, agricultural produce, beef, 
and  poultry. PFOS moves in the water, as is evidenced 
in the University of Michigan results of the water in 
St. Inigoes Creek.
 
After my water results were discredited by the state I tested 
the seafood from the creek for PFAS. Oysters were found 
to have 2,070 ppt; crabs had 6,650 ppt; and a rockfish 
was contaminated with 23,100 ppt of the substances.
There’s been no official response and no mea culpa
 from the military.
 
This stuff is poison.  The Environmental Working Group  says 
we ought to keep the consumption of  these chemicals under 
1 ppt daily in our drinking water. More importantly, the 
European Food Safety Authority says 86% of the 
PFAS in humans is from the food we consume, 
especially the seafood.
 
The state of Michigan tested 2,841 fish, for various PFAS 
chemicals and found the average fish contained 93,000 
ppt of PFOS alone. Meanwhile, the state limits drinking 
water to 16 ppt of PFOS - while people are free to 
consume fish with thousands of times more of 
the toxins. 
 
The 23,100 ppt found in our St. Mary’s City, Maryland rockfish 
may seem low compared to the Michigan average, but Webster 
Field is not a major airbase and cannot service the Navy’s
 large fighters, like the F-35. Larger installations typically 
have higher PFAS levels. A single F-35 may cost more 
than $100 million and the Pentagon wants to make
 sure they’re not destroyed in a hangar fire or a 
training exercise, so they make a judgement 
that the value of the jet fighter is greater 
than the value of a baby in the womb.
 
======================
 
“It is a curious situation.. that the sea, from which life
first arose should now be threatened by the activities
of one form of that life. But the sea, though changed
in a sinister way, will continue to exist; the
threat is, rather, to life itself.”

Rachel Carson, The Sea Around Us


_______________________________
 

Extinction Rebellion Blocks 
Roads Across UK in May 
Day Climate Protests
May 2nd, 11:35am (FNA)
 
 Extinction Rebellion protesters blocked traffic 
across the UK to urge the government to take 
tougher action on climate change.
 
More than 200 activists, including nurses, teachers 
and students, sat alone in front of traffic in towns
 and cities ranging from Bangor in Northern 
Ireland to Canterbury in Kent, The 
Independent reported.
 
The group described the “Rebellion of One” demonstrations 
held at 11am on Saturday, to mark 2 years since parliament's 
declaration of a climate emergency, as "multiple courageous 
acts of nonviolent civil disobedience".
 
Several protesters were arrested, including GP Sarah Benn, 
who said she obstructed a local road in Birmingham to 
protest "the woeful inertia of our elected leaders in
 taking the action needed to protect us and future 
generations from its effects".
 
Ten of the 40 protesters in London were arrested, according 
to Extinction Rebellion (XR). One man glued himself to 
Westminster Bridge, while Morgan Trowland, a 68-
year-old civil engineer from Hackney, East 
London, glued himself to Tower Bridge.
 
Trowland said, "I'm terrified that billions will die because of the 
climate crisis, humans and non-humans, adding, "I'm freaking 
out that many people are accepting this, or feel powerless to 
change the course. I want to show onlookers that we each 
have phenomenal power."
 
Each of the protesters wore signs bearing messages such as,
 “I am terrified for my grandson’s future because of the 
climate crisis.”
 
Andrea Muntiu, a 36-year-old nurse, who blocked traffic in her 
home town of Ipswich, said, "People may wonder what a nurse 
is doing, sitting in the road with a placard. They may wonder... 
what impact this will have on my career, or whether I'll get in
 trouble with the police."
 
"I am aware of the risks but I feel I have a moral duty to warn 
people about the catastrophic consequences of the climate 
crisis. Floods, hunger, drought, pandemics, species 
extinction and social collapse will all be a reality if 
we don’t act, and the children of this country and 
of this world will be the first and most affected," 
Muntiu said.
 
“We cannot let this happen. We can still change things, we can 
demand the government acts now and safeguards what we 
have," Muntiu added.
 
And Fiona Prior, a 58 year-old retired primary school teacher 
who blocked traffic in Carlisle, said, “I am terrified for the 
future of my 6-year old grandson. What should I tell him? 
That I stood back and did nothing or that nana Fi did 
everything she possibly could to make the changes 
happen?”
 
XR claimed that the government was more concerned about 
creating positive headlines by announcing tougher targets 
instead of taking real action.
 
"We are seeing today that people are scared and frustrated 
at the refusal of this government to accept the severity of 
the crisis," said XR Spokesperson Gully Bujak.
 
"The government needs to commission a national citizens’ 
assembly on climate and ecological justice, because even 
if politicians are scared to face the truth, ordinary people 
are ready for action," Bujak added.
 
May Day also saw several “Kill The Bill” demonstrations 
against proposed legislation which would give police 
more powers to restrict protests and make it an 
offence to “intentionally or recklessly cause 
public nuisance”.
 
The government says... the Police, Crime, Sentencing and 
Courts Bill is necessary to prevent widespread disruption 
caused by the XR protests of 2019 and last summer’s 
Black Lives Matter demonstrations.
 
 
____________________________



China launches spacecraft 
capable of clearing up
 space debris
April 27th,, 12:14 (RT)


China has launched a 30kg (66lb) prototype robot 
capable of catching dangerous space debris and 
destroying it as well as looking deep into space 
and observing celestial bodies for potential 
space mining.
 
On Tuesday, a Chinese space-mining start-up saw 
its unmanned spacecraft launched into low orbit 
on China National Space Administration’s Long
 March 6 rocket, the state-run Xinhua news 
agency reported. 
 
The NEO-01 robot... which was developed by Shenzhen
-based Origin Space, can scoop up debris left by other 
satellites in a net before burning it with its electric 
propulsion system. With thousands of satellites 
having been launched and older ones 
becoming redundant, the decay and 
breakup of spacecraft can present
 a real danger to operations in
 space.
 
 Origin Space, if successful, will become the first 
Chinese commercial company to demonstrate 
the ability to clean up space junk. 
 
Origin Space’s craft can also look deep into space... 
to analyze small celestial bodies, potentially paving 
the way for more technological development in the
 field of space mining. The company hopes to
l
aunch more satellites capable of observing 
asteroids & other bodies with the intention
of commencing its mining 
by 2045, its co-
founder, Su Meng, note
d, in an interview
with Chinese
 media, earlier this month.
 
China intends to become a major space
power by 2030, 
and hopes to catch up
with the leaders, Russia and the US.
 
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__________________________________________________




 Beijing tells Japanese politicians,
 to drink Fukushima’s wastewater
 to prove it’s safe, before they
 dump it into the ocean
April 15th,, 10:24am (RT)
 
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has called on 
politicians in Tokyo to use Fukushima’s 
wastewater for drinking, cooking, 
washing clothes, or irrigation
- in order to prove it is safe 
enough to be discharged 
into the ocean.
 
Speaking on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry 
spokesman, Zhao Lijian, reinforced Beijing’s 
opposition to Tokyo’s decision to dump 
over one million tons of “treated”
nuclear waste-
water into
the ocean. 
 
“Japan’s claims that the safety of nuclear wastewater 
relies only on unilaterally obtained data, which is 
completely unconvincing… The Tokyo Electric 
Power Company, which is responsible for 
operating the Fukushima nuclear power
 plant, has tampered with data and 
concealed the news,” the spokes
-
man claimed, insisting that 
international agencies be
 called upon.
 
Zhao said Japanese politicians are at the centre 
of the coverup, and demanded they prove the 
water’s safety.
 
The spokesman added that, as pointed out by a 
German marine science institute, the Fukushima 
coast has one of the strongest ocean currents
in
 the world. “Within 57 days from the date
of 
discharge, radioactive substances will 
spread to most of the Pacific Ocean, 
and spread to the global waters in
 10 years,” Zhao stated. 
 
On Monday, Tokyo announced it would be releasing 
the wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant, 
which went into meltdown in 2011 into the ocean 
“in around two years” as capacity to store the 
liquid runs out. The plan, which had been 
widely rumored to be Tokyo’s preferred 
option, was met with condemnation
by 
Japan’s neighbours. 
 
In 2020, Greenpeace claimed that the supposedly
 treated water, still contains: “dangerous levels of 
carbon-14,” a radioactive substance that has the 
“potential to damage human DNA.” More than a 
million tons of wastewater, containing radio-
active tritium, has accumulated since 
the meltdown.
 
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__________________________


European leaders ask US to
 reduce polluting emissions
 April 13th (Prensa Latina) 
 
European parliamentarians, managers and 
union leaders urged the United States to 
cut greenhouse gas emissions by half 
compared to 2005.
 
Continental authorities and industrial representatives 
sent an open letter to President Joe Biden asking him 
for a transatlantic alliance to combat climate change 
and achieve a 'just and sustainable transition' 
towards an economy with low carbon 
dioxide emissions.
 
This request, comes a week before a summit between 
environmental leaders and the president of the United
States, & is headed by the head of the environmental 
committee of the European Parliament, Pascal Canfin.
 
According to the letter, the countries of the bloc and 
the United States together account for a quarter of 
the world's carbon dioxide emissions.
 
The European Union agreed, last year, to cut pollutant 
flows by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
 
Executives from companies, such as the French auto-
maker Renault and the German energy company E.ON
backed the letter, that expresses European concerns 
about the cost of jobs, if the reduction of emissions 
is achieved.
 
Statistics from global organizations rank the US in 
second place, by country, in terms of polluting 
emissions into the atmosphere.
 
Germany tops the list in Europe, due to its great 
dependence on coal, and generates emissions
equivalent to a quarter of the continental total.
 
 
__________________________________



Amazon Lost 17 Percent to 
Deforestation in 2020
- Report
April 7th, (teleSUR)
 
Brazil accounts for 65 percent of the loss, 
followed by Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia. 
The primary forest loss in Bolivia, 
Ecuador, and Peru reached 
unprecedented levels
 last year.
 
The environmental organization Amazon 
Conservation reported on Wednesday -- 
that the South American rainforest lost
 17 percent of its area to deforestation 
in 2020, representing 2.3 million 
hectares devastated across
 nine countries.
 
The study found that "a common phenomenon 
observed in the satellite imagery through
 August -- was that rainforest areas were 
first deforested and then later burned 
-- causing major fires due to the 
abundant recently-cut 
biomass." 
 
This data explains why agricultural practices are
 a significant cause of deforestation in the region.
 
According to Amazon satellite monitoring project 
(MAAP) Matt Finer, "the primary cause of 
deforestation across the Amazon 
appears to be agriculture and 
cattle-related, ranging from:
 ''larger-scale'' operations in 
Brazil to the accumulation 
of smaller-scale clearings
 throughout the western 
Amazon."
 
 
__________________________



'Guilt is Strangling'Young 'PlogMan' in 
India Has Been Waking Up Pre-Dawn
for 
7 Years, Here's Why
by Radhika Parashar
15.03.2021 (Sputnik)


Last week, in the city of Faridabad in India’s Haryana state, a 
pregnant cow died on a busy road. Upon evaluation, it was 
revealed that the cow had grazed on 71 kilograms of 
garbage – with the plastic, iron nails, and glass 
pieces it had consumed injuring it internally. 
The sad case highlighted how unsorted 
waste is choking India.


Meet Vivek Gurav who lives in Pune city in Maharashtra and is 
famous by the name of “PlogMan” on social media. At 25 years 
of age, Gurav is a software engineer by profession, but before 
and after his nine-to-five job, the young techie jogs or walks 
around Pune, cleaning its streets and disposing off garbage 
littering the roads.


Talking to Sputnik, the public speaker revealed that he, along 
with a bunch of his friends, has “adopted” a small river named 
Indrayani to keep its water and banks from getting strangled 
with garbage. The Indrayani River flows just 4.2 kilometres 
before joining into a larger water body, and not too long ago,
like Delhi’s Yamuna River, Indrayani also began to froth with 
toxins on its banks.


“The river Indrayani near my college was a place where I went for 
a daily walk with my friends in the evening. We observed people 
who carelessly dumped a lot of trash and plastic in the river 
body as well as surrounding areas. Me and my friends 
initially blamed the local body and government for all 
these actions. But I personally felt it was the moral 
duty of citizens including me to follow cleanliness 
norms and keep the city clean. That was the 
moment I felt a very close belonging to 
nature”, Gurav said while recollecting 
how dead fish were seen floating
in 
the water as stray animals 
consumed them, as well 
as the polluted water.


Gurav believes that it takes a sudden epiphany for youngsters 
to decide for a lifetime of giving back to nature and 
the environment.


“I appealed to my friends to join me in cleaning Indrayani. Initially 
some were quite resistant, some people even ridiculed the idea, 
completely dismissing it, but I took up this challenge and started
 the cleanup journey solo four years ago. In some time, a few of 
my friends started supporting me and we adopted the River 
Indrayani for a mega cleanup mission”, the engineer and 
environmental enthusiast added.


The efforts of Gurav and his friends have been going on for seven 
years now and on a routine basis they clean the river region and
 areas around it in Pune. The river is healthier and safer for 
animals now, the techie adds.


“After my college days we took up the charge to not only clean 
rivers but all the public spaces in the city. For the last seven 
years, I have been waking up at five in the morning, and 
randomly taking on a jogging route, on which I pick-up 
trash as well for around 45 minutes. The realisation of 
knowing that you’ve done your little bit to benefit the 
air around you and survival resources for the stray 
animals – sleep comes sooner and deeper”, Gurav 
said, with a shy smile.


Recently, a rather touching video from the Himalayan valley 
of Jammu and Kashmir in India created a buzz around 
environmental conservation on social media. The 
video showed some foreigners collecting roadside
 trash in the market area of Lalchowk in Srinagar city.


Locals who shared the footage on their social media handles
 acknowledged that the video testified to how their own 
negligence towards maintaining cleanliness in public 
spaces has ruined the beauty of their city.


In recent years, the roadside garbage situation in cities in India 
has been overshadowed by ignorance despite numerous 
incidents like the death of stray animals crying for
 immediate attention.


In 2017, a survey, co-researched by Chintan, the Delhi Environment 
Department and German NGO GIZ, claimed that India's capital Delhi, 
inhabited by over 30 million residents, generates over 9,100 metric
 tonnes of garbage on average each year. The report also said that
 nearly 76 percent Delhiites wrongly believe that glass and metal 
are biodegradable, dump it on the roadside, and need more 
education on the subject.


While several individuals like Gurav, NGOs, and government 
programmes like the Swachh Bharat (clean India) mission 
are working on cleaning India, the new trend of “plogging”
 is seemingly picking up pace in the country. The term 
“plogging” was coined in Sweden in 2016 and defines
 the activity of “picking trash while jogging”.


“Youngsters are getting more sensitive about environment 
conservation in India, for sure. I am the founder of a 
community called Pune Ploggers, which is a group 
of individuals like me who all pick-up trash while
 jogging or walking. 


“We have more than 4,000 ploggers across India and we are now
 setting up city-wise communities. Collection of more than 250 
tonnes of waste in the last one year is a remarkable 
achievement due to the efforts of this community. 
With over 280 plogging drives across 22 cities in 
India, our community of environment enthusiasts 
has grown exponentially”, Gurav said.


The PlogMan from Pune has appealed to all potential climate 
activists in India to work every day towards passing on a 
greener and cleaner planet to the generations to come.


“Go zero-waste, avoid littering, manage household waste, use 
green alternatives for all the daily essentials, and buy only 
what we really need could be some simple changes we 
can add to all our lifestyles”, Gurav added.


The climate enthusiast noted that while India is emerging as a 
leader in sustainable practices like solar and electric ways of 
producing energy, Indians are far from fixing the real problem
 - accepting the crisis.


According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), ambient air 
pollution causes 4.2 million deaths every year. 91% of the 
world's population lives in places where air quality 
exceeds the WHO guidelines' limits.


Bangladesh, Pakistan, Mongolia, Afghanistan, and India 
make for the world’s five most polluted countries, 
according to a report by the World 
Population Review.


______________________________


 
Post-Brexit 'Loophole' 
Lets UK Keep Sending
 Plastic Waste to Poorer 
Countries, Report Says
12.01.2021 (Sputnik) 
 
 The United Kingdom is facing a backlash 
from 
environmentalists over a post-Brexit
"loophole" 
that allows it to ship plastic 
waste to 
developing countries --- in 
disregard of 
its previous pledges, 
The Guardian reported Tuesday.
 
From January 1, the European Union banned exports 
of non-recyclable plastic waste to countries outside 
the Organisation for Economic Co-operation 
and Development.
 
The UK, which left the EU’s single market and customs 
union on December 31, will continue the practice, 
despite Tory commitments that post-Brexit 
regulations would not undermine 
environmental standards, the 
British newspaper said.
 
The country, which is the 2nd-biggest producer of plastic 
waste after the United States, will now reportedly export 
plastic waste, under a procedure of prior informed 
consent, in accordance with which the importer 
can agree or disagree to take in 
such shipments.
 
Greenpeace political campaigner Sam Chetan-Welsh, 
quoted by the newspaper, slammed the UK 
government for creating a "loophole to
 
allow the dumping of our plastic trash 
on environments and communities" 
 in poorer countries, arguing that 
"this is not leadership, it’s failing 
to do the bare minimum."
 
_____________________________

 
Biden’s climate advisor has ties 
to oil and gas industry: Report
November 21st, 2020 (Press TV)


US President-elect Joe Biden’s senior advisor on climate change 
has faced strong criticism from environmental advocates over
 his ties with the oil and gas industry, according to a report.
 

Cedric Richmond, a Louisiana congressman who has played a 
key role in Biden’s presidential campaign, was named as a 
senior adviser to the president-elect and will become 
director of the White House Office of Public 
Engagement, The Guardian reported.


Richmond will advise Biden on climate change --- and help 
advance the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic.


At a press conference this week, Richmond – who has 
represented a south Louisiana district for 10 years – 
announced that he would resign from Congress 
to assume his new position.


“I look forward to changing not only Louisiana but the 
entire south and empowering its citizens,” he said.


The Democrat has been under criticism from both local 
constituents and climate activists for receiving 
generous donations from the oil, gas and 
chemical industries.


He has also exhibited a degree of indifference to local air 
pollution, with his congressional district being home 
to seven of the 10 most air-polluted census tracts
in the US.


Richmond pledged greater public engagement 
to address the issue.


Some advocates said while they were worried about 
Richmond’s track record on the climate, they were 
cautiously optimistic about his new appointment.


“I think he’s in a position now to be able to better serve the 
constituents of his district,” said Robert Taylor, president 
of the Concerned Citizens of St John Parish, a community 
group in one of the most polluted parts of the region.


“I’m happy to see him get the appointment, I just hope he 
uses it to help us,” he told the paper. Taylor added: “I 
would like to see him hold these chemical plants 
accountable because they are getting away
with murder.”


Biden has signaled his intent to put climate change on top 
of his administration's policy agenda. However, concerns 
persist about the degree to which the Democrat is willing 
to challenge the power of the fossil fuel industry.


Apart from Richmond, environmental activists are worried 
about Ernest Moniz, another individual with ties to the oil 
and gas industry who is widely speculated to have been 
picked to lead the Department of Energy.


Moniz was Secretary of Energy in the administration of 
former President Barack Obama from 2013 through to
2017 and played a critical role in mustering support 
for the controversial use of fracking to produce 
natural gas.


Moniz is currently a director of Southern Company, the 
second-highest carbon-polluting energy company 
in America.


During the 2020 campaign, Biden unequivocally rejected 
calls to ban fracking, which experts say is harmful to the 
environment and people’s health.


___________________________________________



Obsession with consumerism will
destroy the world of our children
by Ken Livingstone
December 24th, 2018.

Ken Livingstone is an English politician, he served as
 the Mayor of London between 2000 and 2008. He is
also a former MP and a former member of the
Labour Party.

Amid growing climate change concerns, what politicians
 fear most, is not standing up to the coal and oil
industries, but having to tell the people that
they need to buy and consume less.

As two hundred nations gathered in Poland to discuss
 climate change, the opening comments of David
Attenborough, went global across the
world’s media.

“Right now, we are facing a man-made disaster of global
scale, our greatest threat, in thousands of years…
climate change… If we don’t take action,
the 
collapse of our civilisations, and
the 
extinction of much of the natural

world, is on the horizon… Leaders
 of the world, you must lead. The
 continuation of civilisations and
 the natural world, upon which,
we
 depend, is in your hands,”
said
 Attenborough.

He went on to recommend that ordinary people make a
 change every day by using public transport and other
measures to reduce carbon emissions.

Yet, for all Attenborough’s warnings, we have seen the
election of a climate change denier to the White
House, in the form of Donald Trump, and the
recent election of a Brazilian president
who also denies climate change.

So,
 what is the truth?

The simple fact is that the twenty warmest years in
our history have been in the last twenty-two years
and the four warmest years have been the last
four years on our planet.

Scientists are now warning that we need to increase
 our actions to tackle climate change by at least five
 times, merely to stop the increase in temperature
going above 1.5 centigrade.

It’s not just temperatures that threaten our existence.

Since 1970, we have wiped out 60 percent of birds,
mammals, reptiles and fish across our planet. This
 information comes from a World Wildlife Fund
 report, which drew on the evidence of 59
scientists around the world.

The report warns that the rapid increase in the waste
 of food and other resources is wiping out the web of
 life ,on which our society depends, for clean air and
water. The director of science and conservation at
 the WWF, Mike Barrett, warned that we “are
sleepwalking towards the edge of a cliff.”

He pointed out that a similar 60 percent wiping out of
 the human population, would be the equivalent of
 killing every human in Europe, China, Africa and
the Americas. He went on to warn, that nature
is not just nice to have, but it is our life
support system.

The simple fact is, we are running out of time and,
unless
 
we find ways to restore our eco systems
and tackle 
climate change, we face the prospect
of humanity’s 
extinction, by the end of
the century.

. Since the 
dawn of civilisation, we have destroyed
eighty-
three percent of all mammals and half of
all
 plants, and it could take millions of years

for the world to recover.

The WWF report pointed out that the main cause of wildlife
 loss is the destruction of natural habitats, mainly to create
 new farmland. Three quarters of all the land on our planet
has now been affected by our activities. Here in Britain,
 we have seen the loss of most of our wildlife, and we
have less biodiversity, than 189 other nations.

Although politicians at their conferences keep agreeing
to 
limit the rise in the earth’s temperature to 2 degrees

centigrade and, if possible, just 1.5 degrees by the end
of this century. This would still mean the destruction
of all our coral reefs, which play a vital part in
sustaining the population of fish. There will
also be rising sea levels and increasing, 
violent weather events.

This year’s storms have devastated South Korea, Vietnam,
the Philippines and Tonga. Hurricanes also caused wide-
spread damage in the USA and wildfires erupted in
California, Canada and Greece, claiming many
lives. In Kerala, India nearly one and a half
million people were forced out of their
homes by violent floods, which also
occurred in East Africa and Japan.

In the last one hundred years the amount of carbon dioxide
 in our atmosphere has gone up by a third. The increase in
 greenhouse gas emissions has doubled since 1971,
mainly caused by industrial activity.

The UK’s Met Office [national weather service] has warned
 that rising sea levels and climate change threaten over
 one and a half million homes --- with the prospect of
farmland being turned into marshes and beaches
 washed away, by the end of the century.

The UK Climate Projections recent report predicted the sea
 around our shores will have risen by between three and
 four feet by the end of the century, putting 1.7 million
 homes at risk.

Many coastal towns will have to be abandoned, with large
parts of the counties of Kent, Somerset and Essex, being
submerged under the sea. The worst example is that the
 sea could now extend so far into Britain, that it could
 overwhelm the city of Cambridge.

The rise in sea level would leave 100,000 coastal homes
and other buildings at risk, with another 100,000
 vulnerable to collapse from landslides.

The report warns that, unless we reduce our emissions,
the temperature will have risen by 4 degrees centigrade
 by the end of the century, with melting glaciers and
ice caps overwhelming the Thames Barrier and
flooding London.

But it’s not just here in London that we are at risk. Houston,
 Shanghai and Jakarta, are increasingly vulnerable to
storms and flooding. The charity Christian Aid
warned in its recent report that city planners
 are failing to prepare for what is coming.

Most of our biggest cities are built close
to the coast or by large rivers and all
are now at risk.

In 2015, 195 countries meeting in France agreed to
 keep global warming below two degrees. But the
US has now announced it intends to withdraw
from this agreement, and here in Britain, one
of the first actions of the newly elected Tory
government, back in 2010, was to reduce
funding for green energy and it has now
unleashed a new strategy: for a vast
 increase in fracking across
the country.

Even the Tory MP Zac Goldsmith has warned his
government, of the risk of a political backlash.
The fracking - near Blackpool - caused several
minor earthquakes which forced the company,
Cuadrilla, to halt operations, after a 0.8
magnitude tremor.

In 2017, we saw fifteen deadly weather disasters:
heatwaves, floods and droughts. If I think back
to 
the 1960s, there would be one or two violent

weather events in the year: now, it’s become
 a regular part of our news coverage.

In September, Indonesia was struck by a tsunami
and an earthquake that killed thousands and left
many missing. Given the thousands of lives lost
this year, with just a one degree increase, I
 dread to think how many more are going
to die, even if we cap the increase at
1.5 centigrade.

 Even to meet that target, carbon emissions have to
 be cut by forty-five percent, by 2030, but they’re
still going up and most of the difficult decisions
- that should have been taken at the Poland
conference - have been deferred to the
 next meeting.

Although the US has a climate change denying president,
latest opinion polls show that 80% of Americans believe
 climate change is happening, including a majority
of Republicans.

Nicholas Stern, who cooperated with me when I was mayor
 of London and is author of a landmark report on climate
 change economics, said: “It is clear that the progress
 we are making is inadequate, given the scale and
urgency of the risks we face… a much more
attractive clean and efficient path for
economic development and poverty
 reduction, is in our hands.”

It was 26 years ago - in 1992 -  that the UN Framework
 Convention on Climate Change was signed, binding
governments to a commitment to reduce the level
 of carbon emissions. Yet now, a quarter of a
century on, even if we achieve the target
set by those governments, the world’s
temperature will increase by more
 than three degrees centigrade.

It’s not just that politicians lack the courage to stand up to
 the coal and oil industries, but what they fear most, is
having to tell all of us, that we need to buy and
consume less. A third of all the food used in
Europe and North America ends up wasted
and thrown away. More and more of the
 things we buy, are just left in our cup-
boards and drawers, until they are,
 eventually, thrown out.

I grew up in that post-war world where nothing was wasted
 and our pleasure came from the time we spent with our
friends and family, but, over these last fifty years, the
Western world has switched to an obsession with
shopping and consumption and we spend less
 time with our friends and our family. We can
 either go back to that world without waste,
 or we are going to destroy the world of
our children.

(Source - RT)



_____________________________________________



Japan finds itself
buried in plastic waste

 after China stops
importing world’s trash

21st of October, 2018, at 4:11am

Nations across the globe are beginning to suffer from
waste build-up, after China stopped importing
recyclable garbage this year. Japan has
become the latest country reporting
severe recycling industry overload.

China’s ban on imports of 24 types of solid waste materials,
such as soda bottles, mixed paper, recycled steel and
newsprint, has impacted the recycling chain across
the globe. Japan, which, last year, exported about
half its 1.5 million tons of annual plastic waste,
is now piled, higher and deeper, in its own
garbage, 
with many local governments
struggling to cope 
with the problem.

About a quarter of 102 local governments surveyed
 reported seeing accumulated plastic waste, which
in some cases overreached sanitary norms, the
Environment Ministry data showed, this week.

 At least 34 municipalities noted that they are failing to
 find new destinations to outsource their plastic, after
 the domestic costs of processing waste, shot up.

China’s refusal to accept more garbage is overstretching
the Japanese recycling industry, with 34.9 percent of
companies limiting or considering restricting the
quantities of plastics they can accept. To deal
with the problem, the Japanese ministry said
it will expand domestic capacity to process
plastic waste. The government also wants
 to introduce measures to prevent illegal
dumping and to expand the use of
bioplastics, 
which are
biodegradable.

A similar problem was reported this weekend in the UK,
which last year exported roughly two-thirds of its
recyclables. The Local Government Association
 (LGA) blamed the Chinese ban for the change
in councils’ recycling methods, which are
forcing the local authorities to add an
 extra £500,000 a year, in costs.

“It’s clear that the ban by China on imported waste, which
could, soon, be implemented by other countries, could
have a marked impact on councils’ ability to recycle,”
said Martin Tett, the LGA's environment spokesman.

China, which over the last 25 years was taking in 45 percent
 of cumulative plastic imports, without a doubt made a huge
 impact on the global recycling system. While many Chinese
companies relocated their operations to Malaysia, the Asian
 country does not have the capacity to replace China, and, 
this week, imposed a three-month ban on imports. We
 "will do our very best to ensure that Malaysia not be
 the plastic rubbish bin of developed countries,"
Science, Technology and Environment and
Climate Change minister Yeo Bee Yin said.

Vietnam, which once welcomed foreign shipments, is also
finding it hard to cope with recyclables, imposing a new
temporary ban on imports, between June & October.

Thailand, the other world destination of plastic
goods, 
reportedly, will ban imports, by 2021.

The closure of 
Asian countries to plastic, will also
affect the US, 
which, in the first six months of
this year, 
exported its recycling to Thailand,

Malaysia and Vietnam.



__________________________________________________



Clock is ticking: Planet
has 
only TWELVE years to
avert 
global climate chaos,

 UN warns
October 8th, at 11:59am

The world’s nations should unite in an “unprecedented”
 effort --- to curb the global rise of temperatures by a
larger-than-agreed margin, a UN climate-change
panel said. This would limit the damage
caused by industrialization.

The consequences of global climate change will be less
severe for our planet, if countries across the world
managed to curb the rising of temperatures to
1.5 º C above pre-industrial levels, instead of
the 2º C benchmark targeted today, the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) said on Monday.

Reaching this objective is possible, the study noted, but
will require revolutionary changes to power generation
 methods and the phasing out of fossil fuels, coal in
particular. A major transformation will also be
required to the transportation network, as
well as to human lifestyles, especially
when it comes to growing food.

The half-degree difference could stop the almost complete
 eradication of corals and would ease pressure on the
Arctic, which is seeing a steady meltdown. Sea level
rises would be 10 cm lower, with a 1.5º C rise
compared to 2º C by 2100. “Every extra bit
of warming matters, especially since a
warming of 1.5ºC or higher, increases
 the risk associated with long-lasting
or irreversible changes, such as the
loss of some ecosystems,” said
Hans-Otto Pörtner, Co-Chair of
IPCC Working Group II.

 “Limiting global warming to 1.5°C compared with 2°C
would reduce challenging impacts on ecosystems,
human health and well-being, making it easier to
achieve the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals,” Priyardarshi
Shukla, Co-Chair of IPCC WG III
 #ipcc #sr15

 ''Our top-level politicians should
make tackling climate
 change
their utmost priority,
before it's too late'' 

(Op-Ed by Ken Livingstone)
https://on.rt.com/9fll

The report, based on more than 6,000 scientific works,
 noted that consequences such as water scarcity,
extreme weather, the spread of diseases and
food shortages will be less severe at 1.5 º C
 rather than 2 ºC. If humanity passes the
1.5º C threshold, humans will need to
rely on technologies to remove
carbon from the atmosphere.

However, “the effectiveness of such techniques
is unproven at large scale and some may carry
significant risks for sustainable development,”
 the report notes.

Monday’s report is a follow-up to the 2015 Paris Climate
Change Agreement, under which 195 nations pledged
to hold global temperatures “well below” 2º C above
pre-industrial levels. Whether or not the goal is still
attainable, remains questionable, after President
Donald Trump pulled out of the agreement,
claiming it was unfair to his country. 

So far, the planet has witnessed a 1º C rise in temperature
compared to pre-industrial levels. National commitments
to cut emissions will not limit global warming to 1.5 º C,
the report warns, stressing that 1.5 º C warming will be
witnessed, sometime between 2030 and 2052, if the
current trends continue.

(Source - RT)


________________________________________________________



Fantastic news
from Wales –


 the Planning Inspectorate has rejected plans
for an opencast coal mine at Nant Llesg
near Merthyr Tydfil.
 
This historic victory comes after years of tireless
 campaigning by the local community campaign
United Valleys Action Group, alongside our
local group in Merthyr and the team at
Friends of the Earth Cymru.
 
If given the go-ahead, the mine would have seen
 6 million tonnes of coal extracted over the next
 14 years – causing huge harm to local residents,
wrecking our beautiful countryside, and
 contributing to runaway climate change.
 
But yesterday’s decision is a true testament to
 what we can achieve together when we put
 our minds to it. Alyson Austin, from the
local 
group, summed it up perfectly:

"Words can't express how pleased and relieved we
are, that communities in Rhymney, Pontlottyn

and Fochriw, have been spared this
horrendous
 experience – they
deserve this outcome."


__________________________________________________


Ukrainian chemical factory
triggers ecological disaster
 in Crimea
September 6th, at 11:41am

The work of the Crimean Titanium factory was suspended
for two weeks, because of emissions of sulfur dioxide. A
state of ecological disaster was declared, in the town
of Armyansk.

More than 4,000 children are being evacuated, schools in
 the town of Armyansk, were closed for two weeks, as a
result of the accident. Emissions of harmful substances
into the atmosphere occurred, due to the negligence of
both the owner of the factory and the local authorities.

 Crimean Titanium belongs to Ukrainian oligarch, Dmitry
 Firtash. Accidents have occurred at the factory before
 too, although they were on a smaller scale.

"The emission of chemicals into the atmosphere, led to
an increase in atmospheric air temperatures. They also
resulted in the sustainable absence of precipitation,
and a lower water level in the acid storage facility,"
Deputy Prime Minister of Crimea, Igor
Mikhailichenko, said.

This term 'acid storage facility' designates a diked part
of Sivash Lake, also known as the "Rotten Lake." The
owner of the factory continued with the dangerous
production, knowing that there was not enough
water to neutralize acid, and did not report
the emergency to the authorities.

As for the local authorities, supervisory bodies seem to
have ignored the fact that there was no water running
on the blocked North-Crimean channel to the factory.
The authorities were supposed to close the factory,
but they turned a blind eye on the problem and
preferred to let the chips fall, where they may.

Residents of Armyansk started complaining on August 23,
but the authorities set up a commission only on Aug. 28.
At first, most of the patients were diagnosed with ARVI
(acute respiratory viral infection), but they later
developed allergic conjunctivitis, allergic
pharyngitis and Quincke's edema.

Meanwhile, the head of the Crimea, Sergei Aksenov, continues
to say that people's lives are out of danger and there is no
threat to their health, although it was Aksenov, who
ordered children to be evacuated from the
affected region of the peninsula.

Crimean Titanium is the largest producer of titanium dioxide
 in Eastern Europe. The company also produces red iron
oxide pigment, mineral fertilizers, sulfuric acid,
aluminum sulfate, liquid sodium glass, and
iron vitriol.

(Source - Pravda.Ru)


____________________________________________________________



China builds an
‘Ecological Civilization’
while the world burns
August 31st, 2018
by Denis Etler

Like the Soviet Union in the 1930s with its accelerated push
to industrialize, China in the 1990s and 2000s threw caution
 to the winds, and industrialized at break neck speed. The
 Soviets realized, that if they didn’t rapidly industrialize,
 the Western capitalists, both of the liberal and fascist
 variety, would direct all their fire at the first worker’s
 state and try to destroy it. That Soviet drive to
industrialize had many negative consequences,
but if they hadn’t done so, the Nazi onslaught
in 
1941, may well have succeeded.

Such a result would have been an unprecedented disaster for
 the entire world. Instead, the Soviet Union was able to repel
and defeat German imperialism, a victory of unparalleled
 importance. The industrial foundation laid down by the
Soviet Union prior to and during, WW2, allowed for a
swift recovery from the devastation visited upon
her. After the war, the Soviet Union become a
bastion of peace and socialism, serving as
 a bulwark --- against the spread of US
imperialism and a steadfast ally of
 newly emerging nations fighting
for liberation from European
colonialism.

With the demise of the USSR and the collapse of the Soviet
 bloc - in the late 1980s and 90s - China found itself in the
cross-hairs of US imperialism. While disputes with the
USSR had protected the PRC from attempts by the US
 to destabilize and sabotage her, once the Soviet
Union
 was no more, China became the next
target. The 
Chinese leadership realized it
had to quickly 
industrialize, under the
new conditions of 
US global
hegemony.

Like the Soviets before them, China threw caution to the
winds --- and put all her efforts into a vast program of
industrialization, come hell or high water. As a result,
 China experienced severe environmental damage.

The Chinese people saw their country surge ahead
 to become an industrial power, the factory to the
world, and they put up with environmental
degradation and pollution.

But, many soon realized that the path taken, while
 expedient, was unsustainable. With the advent of
XJP, corrective measures were taken, which are
 turning things around, and setting China on a
course of sustainable development, towards
an ecological civilization. John Bachtell,
 national chair of the Communist Party
USA, has written an incisive essay,
 that recounts the history of China’s
 industrialization, its trials and
travails, and its new march
- towards sustainability.

In remarks to the CPC leadership in 2013, President Xi Jinping
said, “We will never again seek economic growth, at the cost
of the environment.”

 More recently, Xi stressed “To protect the ecological environment
 is to protect [the] productive forces. To improve the ecological
environment is to develop the productive forces. A good
ecological 
environment is the most just public product,
one that most 
fully promotes the well-being of all
the people.”

China has committed to a sustainable path and building an
“ecological civilization” as a national strategy, since the
17th CPC Congress, in 2007. The goal is, to form “an
energy and resource efficient, environmentally
friendly structure of industries, pattern of
growth, and mode of consumption.”

The concept of “ecological civilization construction” was
added to the CPC constitution, during the 18th CPC
 Congress, in 2012. It was placed on a par with
“economic, political, cultural and
social progress.”

The adoption of several reforms, in 2015, to accelerate
the 
process, addresses many of the country’s major

 environmental issues. “The proposals cover
the 
protection of natural resource rights; the

establishment of a national parks system;
better, stricter systems for the protection
of arable land, and water resources
management; the establishment of
 a green financing system; and the
improvement of environmental
 compensation mechanisms.”

Only an eco-socialist oriented society can move with such
 unity, purpose and speed, toward sustainability. It helps,
 that government and CPC leaders are deeply committed
 to building the ecological civilization and driving the
process, including President Xi and Premier
Li Keqiang.

Consequently, the CPC initiated a “war on pollution” just like
 its “war on poverty”, which will be eliminated entirely, in the
next 3-5 years. With an overall economic slowdown, the
priority has moved from quantity to quality: in
production,
 environmental protection, and
becoming a global leader
 in the fight
against the climate crisis.

A law passed in 2014 to reduce CO2 emissions from coal
 power plants, has resulted in a 14 percent reduction, as
of June 2018.

 New measures adopted in May 2018 will result in the
“comprehensive recycling” of hard waste materials. 

China is one of a few countries to pass laws and
 develop a strategy to create a circular economy
 (reuse, recycling and remanufacturing).

The ministry of Ecology & the Environment has identified
9 million sources of pollution, 7.4 million of them, being
 from industrial sources.

China is doubling the previous target for solar power
production, by 2020, and is the largest producer of
 solar panels, in the world.


________________________________________________________



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Campaigners accuse government
of silencing opposition to fracking
Friday, August 16th, 2018.
by Will Stone

Environmental campaigners accused the government today
 of silencing public opposition to fracking by removing
questions about the unpopular practice from its
quarterly opinion poll.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
 has announced that it will be reducing the frequency with
 which it surveys public opinion on fracking,
to 
once a year.

Its decision to omit fracking questions from the quarterly poll
was revealed in the department's latest public attitude
tracker on energy.

However, Green Party MEP Keith Taylor accused
 the department of trying to silence criticism.

He said: “Ministers have been asking the public whether
they support fracking on a quarterly basis, for over
 four years.

“But, despite a huge PR push, opposition has always
outstripped support, which has never exceeded 30%
and long languished below 20%.

“How have the Conservatives responded to such a
consistent rejection of the climate-destructive
 industry?

“By stopping asking what we think so often, and
giving fracking the green light, in the meantime.”

The government said that, following analysis of data,
it found “there is little change over the years” in
public opinion on certain questions, including
fracking, from one season to another.

Other topics removed from its quarterly poll include
trust in energy suppliers, knowledge of radioactive
waste and support or opposition to nuclear energy.

Friends of the Earth campaigner Tony Bosworth said:

 “The government’s very own survey, consistently
showed climbing support for renewable energy,
while support for fracking was really low.

“Perhaps, having recently tried to change planning rules
 so that fracking companies could drill more easily,
they were just scared of a record bad survey
result for them this time, so have stopped
even asking, any more.”

Greenpeace UK energy campaigner Nina Schrank added:

 “The government needs to catch up with the electorate,
 who can already see that our future is renewable.”

Fracking company Ineos, was granted permission by
the 
government's planning inspectorate, yesterday,
to launch 
the first shale gas exploration scheme
in Derbyshire.

(Source - Morning Star)



_______________________________________________________




Global Tree Cover Has Increased
7 Percent Since 1982,Says Study
August 10th, 2018

Prensa Latina - A team of US researchers has found that
new global tree growth over the past 35 years, has more
 than offset global tree cover losses.

In their paper published in the journal Nature, the group
describes using satellite data to track forest growth
and losses over the past 35 years and what they
found by doing so.

There has been a growing consensus in recent years
that because humans cut down so many trees (most
 particularly in the rainforests) that global tree cover
is shrinking. In this new effort, the researchers have
found that not to be the case. They contend that
global tree cover, is actually increasing.

The researchers report that most of the new tree cover
occurred in places that had previously been barren,
 such as in deserts, tundra areas, on mountains,
in
 cities and in other non-vegetated land.

They further report that much of the new growth came
about due to efforts by humans (such as reforestation
efforts in China, and parts of Africa) and because of
global warming, warmer temperatures have raised
timberlines in some mountainous regions, and
allowed forests to creep into tundra areas.

Other areas of new tree growth resulted from large farm
 abandonments in places like Russia and the U.S. The
researchers report that their calculations showed
that human activities have directly caused
approximately 60 percent of new global
 tree growth.

They suggest their technique for monitoring tree cover
could be used to predict tree cover changes in the
future, due to global warming.


___________________________________________________



The bloody slaughter
goes on and on

by Peter Frost
Friday, August 3rd, 2018

A sad PETER FROST discovers that despite
a little good news, the slaughter of whales
 still continues.

It seems incredible, and very sad, that every year
 we have to return to the subject of the bloody
 slaughter of whales and other sea mammals.

Japan, Iceland, and Norway still think it is OK to
 ignore worldwide public opinion, and even the
increasing anti-whaling views of their own
 populations.

One bit of recent news cheered me up a little.
Holiday giant Thomas Cook has announced
it will stop selling trips to aquariums and
animal parks that keep killer whales,
orcas, in captivity.

The tourism giant said it had made the decision
because more than 90 per cent of its customers
 were concerned about animal welfare, hence
they will no longer sell tickets to SeaWorld
in
 Florida and Loro Parque in Tenerife.

“When so many of our customers are so clear in
 their view, I could not allow our business to
ignore them,” Peter Fankhauser CEO of
Thomas Cook said.

Less good news has just arrived with the return of
the Icelandic whaling fleet after killing a very rare,
threatened - and supposedly legally protected -
blue whale.

The Icelanders rushed to find DNA evidence
that it was only a blue whale hybrid.

After viewing the photographic evidence of the dead
whale being winched aboard the ship, most experts
agreed --- the corpse had all the features of the
largest animal that has ever existed on Earth.
Mottled blue skin, black baleen, tiny hooked
dorsal fin — a blue whale.

The Icelandic fleet had resumed its whale hunt in June,
 after a three-year break -- caused by the Tokyo
government being unhappy with the standard
of the meat Iceland was seeking to sell
 to Japan.

Others suggested that the real reason was that
 the demand for whale meat in Japan, was
falling dramatically.

This year Iceland set itself a target of 191 fin whales
 and early reports suggest it has met this target.
Most meat will be heading for the sushi bars of
 Japan, the Icelanders hope, but the
international freight shipping
market - and many ports -
refuse to have anything
to do with this bloody
 trade.

A recent poll by Iceland itself, shows that, even in Iceland,
 support for whaling continues to drop. Only 34 per cent
of Icelanders now support continued commercial
whaling, while another 34 per cent of Icelanders
 say they are opposed to whaling - 31 per cent
say they are neutral.

As recently as five years ago a solid majority of Icelanders
 supported whaling. A 2013 poll found that 60 per cent of
 Icelanders supported it, while only 18% opposed it.

Another whaling nation, Norway, hasn’t just continued
whaling, but has angered environmentalists, by
provocatively announcing a 28 per cent
 increase of its annual whaling quota
 to 1,278 whales.

This, despite the fact that, in recent years, Norway’s
 whalers have failed to catch the quotas set by Oslo
 - and the number of whaling ships has plummeted.

The Norwegian government hopes that, by raising the
quota, more whalers will join the fleet — there were
just 11 Norwegian whaling ships in 2017 and that
 was just half of the previous year’s number.

Norway, says it only hunts the minke whale,
 which it kills, using explosive harpoons.

In both Norway and Iceland few people actually eat
whale any longer. In Iceland most is consumed by
tourists curious to sample the exotic, if
contentious, novelty.

Most of the Icelandic whale meat is sold to Japan
 but over the last few years the Icelandic whalers
 have had great difficulty finding ships or transit
ports prepared to handle the bloody cargo.

Which brings us to Japan itself. When three Japanese
whaling vessels returned to port from a controversial
trip to Antarctica earlier this year they had caught
333 minke whales. Tokyo claims the slaughter is
 for scientific purposes.

Japan is a signatory to the International Whaling
Commission moratorium on whale hunting, but
makes use of a loophole, that allows the
mammals to be killed for scientific
research.

Commercial hunting of whales was banned in 1986, but
 Japan would like to see it permitted once more. Tokyo
makes no secret of the fact that slaughtered whales
 often end up being eaten.

After tiny samples go to the laboratory, the rest ends up on
Japan’s dining tables, or feeding Japan’s many lap dogs.

Tokyo’s insistence on continuing with whale hunts, draws
 regular protests worldwide and Japanese ships have
clashed at sea, in the past, with animal rights
campaigners. This season there appear to
have been no such protests at sea.

The most recent hunt killed 120 pregnant female whales
among the 333 total. The International Whaling
Commission said that, apart from the pregnant
whales, another 114 were immature.

The Japanese proudly displayed pictures of the
slaughtered pregnant whales, each slit open
to
 reveal a fully developed foetus.

In 2014, the International Court of Justice ruled that
 the annual whale slaughter programme was for
commercial purposes, which is illegal.

The Japanese government scrapped the illegal
whaling programme and began a new one in
 2015, described as having a scientific
purpose, but, again, it is clearly just a
cover, to continue whaling for profit.

Even in Japan, eating whale becomes less and less
popular. Much of the whale harvest ends up in
expensive treats for pet dogs. Still, Japan’s
 legendary pride won’t let it fall in to line
 with the rest of the world and ban the
 slaughter of whales forever.

Only a continued political campaign, against Iceland,
Norway and, most of all, Japan, will end this murder
forever. Are you playing your part, in saving
 the whale?

(Source - Morning Star)



___________________________________________________



Pope Francis tells top oil executives
world ‘must convert to clean fuel’
May 9th, at 9:56am

Pope Francis, addressing top oil company executives,
 has said that the world must convert to clean fuel,
Reuters reports.

 “Civilization requires energy but energy use must not
 destroy civilization,” he told the group at the end of
 a two-day conference in the Vatican on Saturday.

 He also noted that climate change was a challenge of
 “epochal proportions,” saying that the world needs to
 come up with an energy mix that combats pollution,
 eliminates poverty, and promotes social justice.

The pope wrote a major document on protecting
 the environment from global warming, in 2015.

(Source - RT)



___________________________________________________




Beekeepers stage funeral for
France's dying bee population
Thursday June 7th, at 3:03pm

Bees in France are fast dying, say beekeepers who
 staged a mock funeral in central Paris on Thursday.

French beekeepers say an average of 30 percent of
 bee colonies died, following the last winter, due to
pesticides used across the country.

They said the ravaged bee population has severely
affected the honey harvest, hence threatening
their livelihood.

The colonies have deteriorated so badly that some
 beekeepers may not be able to carry on,
demonstrators said.

A small delegation marched toward the
presidential palace, but was stopped
by police.

Pesticides destroy insects and other organisms harmful
to cultivated plants and crops, with knock-on effects
through the food chain.

An EU court last month upheld a partial ban on three
insecticides known as neonicotinoids, saying the
European Commission had been right, in 2013, to
restrict their use, to protect bees.

(Source: Reuters)


________________________________________________



EU court upholds
partial ban 
on pesticides
threatening bees

 May 17th, at 8:23am

An EU court upheld a partial ban on three insecticides
 known as neonicotinoids, on Thursday.

The General Court of the European Union, said that
 the European Commission had been right to restrict
 their use in order to protect bees. The ruling covers
 three active substances - imidacloprid developed
by Bayer CropScience, clothianidin developed
by Takeda Chemical Industries and Bayer Crop-
Science, as well as Syngenta’s thiamethoxam,
Reuters said.

 However, the court did annul restrictions on the use
of another pesticide BASF’s fipronil, because the
Commission had not carried out “an adequate
assessment” of the impact of its measures.

___________________________

Huge dead zone in Gulf of Oman

 is far worse than feared - but
 what is it?
May 1st, 2018, at 1:48pm

A large ‘dead zone’ in the Gulf of Oman is increasing in size,
 according to scientists who warn the oxygen-scarce area
is worse than previously thought and poses a threat to
the environment. But what does that mean?

The dead zone in the Arabian Sea is now the world’s
biggest Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ). About the
size of Scotland or Florida, the dead zone
almost covers the entire Gulf of Oman,
which borders Iran, Oman, Pakistan
and the United Arab Emirates.

What is a dead zone?

A dead zone is an area of the sea or a large body of water
that’s almost entirely devoid of oxygen. The low-oxygen
areas are called dead zones as they can’t sustain
marine life. Fish, animals and plant life in the
zones suffocate as a result of low oxygen
 levels, while some marine life manages
to swim away from the area, leaving
it empty.

Scientists began noticing increasing areas of dead zones
in the 1970s. In 2008, 405 dead zones around the world
were noted by Sweden's Göteborg University.

One Third of 'Dead Zones' in World’s Oceans
 Around United States - Kerry

Roughly a third of all 'dead zones' in the
 world’s oceans, are in or around the US,
Secretary of State, John Kerry, revealed.

Conditions in Gulf of Oman

The existence of the Gulf of Oman dead zone has been known
for about 50 years, but the extent of the area has only recently
 been confirmed thanks to the use of underwater robots,
 called Seagliders.

“The Arabian Sea is the largest and thickest dead zone in the
 world. But until now, no-one really knew how bad the
situation was because piracy and conflicts in the
area have made it too dangerous to collect
data,”
 Dr Bastien Queste from UEA’s
School of 
Environmental Sciences said.

''We barely
 have any data collected for almost half

a century, because of how difficult it is
to send ships there.''

The remote-controlled submarines are the size of a small person
and can spend months underwater at 1km. They were deployed
 by researchers from the University of East Anglia to the Gulf of
 Oman for eight months.

The team’s findings have now been published in Geophysical
 Research Letters. They found a strong decrease of oxygen
in the afflicted zone compared to pre-1990 levels, and also
 charted how the oxygen is spread around the area across
different seasons.

“Our research shows that the situation is actually worse than
feared – and that the area of dead zone is vast and growing.
The ocean is suffocating,” Queste said.

What causes dead zones?

Dead zones can occur naturally, but also grow as a result of
 excessive nutrient pollution from human activities, the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
explains. Many chemical, physical and biological
factors combine to create dead zones, but
nutrient pollutions are the primary culprit.
Nitrogen and phosphorus in fertilizers
run into the water, and then act as
 nutrients which fertilize algae.

The algae eventually dies and decomposes in the water.
This feeds bacteria which consume the oxygen around
them, depleting the supply. Climate change has
exacerbated the issue, as warmer waters
contain less oxygen.

The Gulf of Mexico is home one of the largest dead zones,
which occurs each spring when farmers fertilize their land
 and the rain washes the fertilizer into rivers - and into the
sea. An area in the Baltic Sea, is another large dead zone.

Why are dead zones bad?

Dead zones are “a real environmental problem, with dire
consequences for humans too who rely on the oceans
 for food and employment.” Guete said.

More worryingly, dead zones produce nitrous oxide, which
 is more damaging to the environment than carbon dioxide.

Scientists warn that computer simulations of ocean oxygen
 reveal levels will decrease over the next 100 years, with
oxygen minimum zones growing. The next step for
researchers is further study - to determine all of
the contributing causes of the increasing
dead zone(s).



______________________________________________________




Six Fold Increase in Renewable
 Energy Required to Stay Below 2ºC
April 19th, 2018

Prensa Latina - A six-fold increase in renewable energy
adoption is required in order to prevent the world over-
heating beyond 2ºC, and this would also benefit
the global economy and human welfare, finds
the latest edition of the International
Renewable Energy Agency''s (IRENA)
long-term renewable energy outlook.

The latest edition of the International Renewable Energy
Agency's (IRENA) long-term renewable energy outlook
has concluded that increasing the speed of global
renewable energy adoption by at least a factor of
 six, critical to meeting energy-related emission
 reduction needs of the Paris Climate Agreement,
can limit global temperature rise to two degrees.

The report also finds that by 2050, the global economy would
grow by one percent and global welfare, including benefits
not captured by GDP, such as health benefits from reduced
air pollution and reduced climate impacts, among others,
would improve by 15 per cent, compared to the current
trajectory.

Global Energy Transformation: A Roadmap to 2050, was
launched today at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue.

The report also finds that increasing cumulative energy
system investment by 30 per cent to 2050 in favour of
renewable energy and energy efficiency, can create
over 11 million additional energy-sector jobs,
completely offsetting job losses in the
 fossil fuel industry.

Immediate action will also reduce the scale and value of
stranded energy-related assets in the future. The road-
map currently anticipates up to $11 trillion of stranded
energy assets by 2050 - a value that could double if
action is further delayed.

'Renewable energy and energy efficiency together form
 the cornerstone of the world's solution to energy-related
CO2 emissions, and can provide over 90 per cent of the
energy-related CO2 emission reductions required to
keep global temperature rise to two degrees Celsius'
said IRENA Director General Adnan Z. Amin.

'If we are to decarbonise global energy fast enough to avoid
 the most severe impacts of climate change, renewables
must account for at least two-thirds of total energy
by 2050.

'Transformation will not only support climate objectives, it
will support positive social and economic outcomes all
over the world, lifting millions out of energy poverty,
increasing energy independence and stimulating
sustainable job growth. An opportunity exists to
 ramp up investment in low-carbon technologies,
 and shift the global development paradigm from
 one of scarcity, inequality and competition to
 one of shared prosperity - in our lifetimes.

'That is an opportunity we must rally behind by
adopting strong policies, mobilising capital and
driving innovation across the energy system.'

Current government plans fall short of emission reduction
 needs. At today's trajectory, the world would exhaust its
 energy-related ‘carbon budget' (CO2) for 2°C in under
 20 years, despite continued strong growth in renewable
capacity additions.

By the end of 2017, global renewable generation capacity
 increased by 167 GW and reached 2,179 GW worldwide,
yearly growth of 8.3 per cent. However, without an
increase in deployment, fossil fuels such as oil,
natural gas & coal would continue to dominate
 the global energy mix by 2050. The roadmap
analysis outlines an energy system in which
 renewables account for up two-thirds of total
final energy consumption, and 85 per cent of
 power generation by 2050 - up from 18% and
25%, respectively, today.

To achieve this, at least a six-fold acceleration of renewable
 energy is needed, both through increased electrification of
transport and heat, and more direct use of renewables.

 Electrification, and renewable power are key drivers
outlined in the report, with solar and wind capacity
leading the energy transformation.


_______________________

US demands China reconsider

 ‘catastrophic’ ban on importing
 foreign garbage & recyclables
March 25th, at 12:45pm

Amid fears of a potentially devastating trade war
 between the US and China, Washington has
urged Beijing not to implement the ban on
US garbage and recyclable materials
that Asia’s giant threatened to
 impose last July.

In an effort to battle the "illegal foreign garbage" influx
into China, last July, China’s Ministry of Environmental
Protection notified the World Trade Organization (WTO)
that it plans to ban imports of 24 types of solid waste
materials, such as soda bottles, mixed paper, recycled
 steel and newsprint. Despite the threat to implement
the ban by the end of the year, the document stated
 that the “proposed date of adoption” is “to be
 determined.”

Concerned over the massive impact the ban could have
on the US economy, the US trade representative, on
Friday, urged China to re-examine its decision.

“We request that China immediately halt implementation
 and revise these measures in a manner consistent with
existing international standards for trade in scrap
materials, which provide a global framework for
transparent and environmentally sound trade
in recycled commodities,” the US spokes-
person noted at the WTO Council for
Trade in Goods session in Geneva.

“China’s import restrictions on recycled commodities
have caused a fundamental disruption in global
supply chains for scrap materials, directing
them away from productive reuse and
toward disposal,” the trade
representative pointed
out, 
reported Reuters.

Washington’s demand came a day after President Donald
 Trump ordered the US Trade Representative (USTR) to
 levy tariffs on at least $50 billion of Chinese imports.

Although the USTR was given 15 days by Trump to
propose a list of Chinese products that will be
 targeted, China’s commerce ministry has
already threatened to take legal action
against the US through the WTO. The
country is also mulling targeting
128 US products, through the
imposition of harsh
import tariffs.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also made clear that
it has all the necessary means to engage in a trade
 war with the US but urged Washington to reconsider
its aggressive economic policy. Beijing warned that
“the American consumers and enterprises will bear
the brunt” of a trade war with China.

China is by far the biggest importer of US recyclables.
Banning US junk imports will have a catastrophic
impact on the US labour market and will drive up
waste management costs. According to the US
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI),
in 2016 alone, American scrap exports to
China totalled $5.6 billion and provided
the industry with 155,000 jobs. While
the Chinese representative at the
meeting in Geneva on Friday (23)
agreed to relate the US-voiced
concerns to Beijing, the envoy
still noted that, ultimately,
individual countries are
responsible for their
own waste.

If the Asian giant closes off its waste management
market, recycling centres across the US, will be
faced with a hard choice. They can either hire
a much more expensive workforce, which
would raise prices for their services,
 require households to sort their
own waste, or be forced to
use 
more landfills across
all fifty US states.


The most viable option would be to redirect the flows
of US garbage into third countries, which, however,
may not have facilities for safe recycling. This
 would raise concerns over potential
environmental damage, the EU’s
representative noted at the
WTO meeting.

“In any given year, approximately one-third of the scrap
recycled in the United States is prepared for shipment
to the export market, and China is the recycling
industry's largest customer,” ISRI President
Robin Wiener told China Daily earlier.

 “This includes more than $1.9 billion in scrap paper
and $495 million in scrap plastics. A ban on
imports of scrap commodities into China
would be catastrophic to the
recycling industry.”


___________________________________________


What’s killing the world’s bees?

 New study claims a
surprising culprit
December 30th, 2017

Scientists have found what they believe to be the
 strongest factor leading to the worryingly steep
 decline of bumblebees… fungicides.

The discovery has now been added to the growing list
of threats that could potentially lead to the extinction
 of the essential pollinators. The revelation that
common fungicides are having the strongest
impact on the insects came as a surprise,
as they typically affect mold and mildew,
but appear to be killing bees, by making
them more susceptible to the nosema
parasite, or by exacerbating the
toxicity of other pesticides.

The discovery was made during a landscape-scale study,
published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society
 B, which used machine learning technology to analyze
24 different factors and how they impacted four
bumblebee species.

The study collected ‘subjects’ from 284 sites across 40
US states and tested them against various factors like
latitude, elevation, habitat type and damage, human
population and pesticide use.

For context, about 75 percent of the world’s crops are
 fertilized by pollinators. The widespread decline of
bees has been attributed to a number of factors
 including pesticides, destruction of habitats,
disease and climate change, but until now
it was unclear which was the most
decisive factor.

The unexpected culprit behind bee decline means
“people have not been looking in all the places
they probably should,” according to lead author
of the study, Cornell University’s Scott McArt.

“We threw everything but the kitchen sink at this analysis
 and the ‘winner’ was fungicides,” McArt said to UMass.
 “It turns out that fungicide use is the best predictor of
bumblebees getting sick and being lost from sites
across the U.S.”

“I was definitely surprised,” said McArt, to The Guardian,
as “fungicides have been largely overlooked,” until now.

Going forward, McArt says researchers will have to carry
out “much more work on fungicides and their role in bee
 declines”, if humanity is to make any progress
in 
regenerating the dying species.

Common systemic pesticide sprays are used worldwide
to manage landscapes, and are often found in nectar
and pollen. Another recent study, published in the
same journal, found chemicals are causing severe
nutritional stress on honey bees, affecting their
survival rates by a whopping fifty percent.

The Canadian government recently failed to protect bees
 after rejecting a plea by environmentalists to completely
 ban the use of insecticides, instead opting to continue
 their use of neonicotinoids, promising to consider
 limiting the use of pesticides by March 2018.

 (Sources - Stephane Mahe / Reuters / RT)


______________________________________



Menominee Tribe in US

 Fights to Defend Sacred Site
 From Mining by Canada Company
October 20th at 6:31pm

Sputnik - The plans of Canada’s exploration company to mine
gold, zinc, copper and other minerals in the US Midwest region
 threatens sacred sites of the Menominee Indian Tribe and the
Great Lakes’ ecosystem, tribe Chair Gary Besaw told Sputnik.

Besaw came to the Annual Convention of the National Congress
 of American Indians (NCAI) in Wisconsin to attract the public’s
 attention to the issue of the US federal government breaking
 its obligations and promises to the tribe.

"The Canadian company [Aquila Resources Inc.’s] is looking at
developing a mine on the interstate boundary river between the
 states of Wisconsin and upper Michigan. They are looking at
doing it on the upper Michigan side of the river," Besaw said.
"The footprint of that mine is on ancestral Menominee burial
sites, mounds, raised garden beds. There is a whole village
seen there, and this proposed mine would destroy them.
This area is up near our tribal nation's creation story."

Besaw explained that at one time that area was the Menominee
Indian Tribe’s ancestral territory, and the Menominee people had
moved away when they had ceded that territory, through treaty,
to the US government. So, while the natives are not there now,
their ancestral remains and the mounds are there and have
been there.

"We are trying to protect not only those cultural sites but also
protect the Menominee River ecosystem and the whole Great
lakes system," he said. "After they take all of the material out,
all of the gold, silver, copper everything they want out of there
of value, what remains is almost like talcum powder, pulverized
residual that they put in big slurry ponds. When this sulfide
mixes & is exposed to air and water it creates sulfuric acid."

"The sulfuric acid over time gets into the groundwater and that
sulfuric acid dissolves other toxins and they find their way,
being only 50 yards from Menominee River, into the
Menominee River that then drains into the Great
Lakes," the tribal leader added. "We have a
responsibility through our creation story
for protecting that area, as well as these
 waters, as Menominee people."

Besaw noted that the proposed Back Forty Mine
project is an open pit metallic sulfide mine.

"It's on a 580-acre parcel with the actual hole being probably
 750 feet, what we consider when we try to get a visual 2.5
Statue of Liberties deep," he added. "We do a lot of football
here, and a football field is about 100 yards, so we say it's
about five by seven football fields across. It's that big and
it's only 150 feet or 50 yards from the Menominee River."

In order for the company to go ahead with the project, it requires
four permits, and it has already received three, including the
Mining permit, the Air Use Permit, and the National Pollutant
 Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. It only needs
 to get the final wetlands permit.

"The wetlands permit, they've put in all of their materials and the
 Michigan Department of Environmental quality is now reviewing
 to see if it's administratively complete meaning that it has all
the components necessary for it to be called a complete
 application," Besaw said. "After that, it will be going
for review and public comment but that part has
 not started yet, until we know that it's
administratively complete."

Besaw went on to explain that the tribe is concerned that the
federal government made an agreement with the state of
 Michigan to allow them authority over what's called the
 Clean Water Act dredge and fill permits.

The chair stressed that they believe that some of their
treaty and Trust obligations "somehow have been
 diminished or somehow put in limbo."

"The state is saying we do not have to follow those protections
 because we never signed a treaty with you, Michigan never
signed a treaty with you, the federal government did. And
when we talk about the federal government they say
since we delegated the dredge and fill authority to
the state, now it's a state action," he explained.

"I can assure you, Menominee will fight to defend what we
believe is our rights and what really should happen," he
stressed.

Besaw also noted that this is not the only instance
when the treaty obligations get diminished.

"As the healthcare plan changes and they look at delegating
more power to the states, the same issue applies, there are
 treaty obligations," he said. "The federal government has
made and promised for this land we’re standing on to the
tribes and our concern is they will diminish much of those
 treaty obligations again, when the states now have the
authority to make determinations on funding for health-
care needs, so that might be a version of the same issue
 of that I am speaking of, regarding the back forty mine."

The chair also pointed out that while Menominee is
land rich and resource-rich, it has high poverty
rates 
and high unemployment.


The US federal government recognizes 567 Indian nations
in 33 states, including 229 in Alaska. Native American
 tribes are further recognized by their respective state
governments, according to the NCAI.

Established in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians
 is the oldest and largest non-profit organization representing
 US native tribes and the interests of tribal governments
 and communities.

READ MORE: Native American Tribes Set to
Continue Fight Against Keystone XL Pipeline



___________________________________________________________



Neonicotinoid pesticides found in
75% of honey worldwide: study
October 7th, 2017
 
Xinhua - About three-quarters of the world's honey is
contaminated with neonicotinoids, currently the most
 widely used class of insecticides worldwide, a new
study has found.

However, researchers of the study, published in Friday's
issue of the U.S. journal Science, were quick to point out
that the concentrations detected are below the amount
authorized for human consumption.

Widespread application of neonicotinoids has been identified
 as a key factor responsible for a global decline in pollinators,
 particularly bees.

Edward Mitchell of the University of Neuchatel in Switzerland
and colleagues tested 198 honey samples from all continents
 except Antarctica, as well as numerous isolated islands.

They measured the concentrations of five commonly used
 neonicotinoids: acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid,
thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam.

"Overall, 75% of all honey samples contained quantifiable
amounts of at least one neonicotinoid," the study wrote.

Of these contaminated samples, 30% contained a single
 neonicotinoid, 45% contained two or more, and 10%
 contained four or five, it found.

In addition, multiple contaminations were most frequent in
North America, Asia, and Europe --- and least frequent in
South America and Oceania.

"Our results confirm the exposure of bees to neonicotinoids
in their food throughout the world," it said.

Chris Connolly, reader in neurobiology at the University of
Dundee, who wrote a perspectives article published
alongside the research in Science, described the
findings as "alarming."

Connolly noted the levels of these chemicals detected in
honey "are unlikely to be a hazard to human health" and
"also not likely to be lethal to bees."

"However, the levels detected are sufficient to affect bee
 brain function and may hinder their ability to forage on,
and pollinate, our crops and our native plants," he said.

"Clearly, the use of neonicotinoids needs to be controlled."



____________________________________________________________



     Global Competition to
 Fight Marine Plastic
August 4th

Some 8 million tonnes of plastic end up each year
 in the oceans, increasing pollution and economic
damage, this is the starting point of the global
 competition opened today urging university
 students to submit solutions.

According to the United Nations Environment Program
(UNEP), young people with their innovative ideas
 could help mitigate the damage.

UNEP, Think Beyond Plastic & Marine Plastics Innovation
 Challenge are promoting the competition, the winners of
which will attend the Sixth International Marine Debris
 Conference in San Diego, California, in 2018, and gain
free mentorship to help them develop their ideas.

The deadline for entries is 6 October 2017 and to
participate, students need to be enrolled in a
 graduate or postgraduate program as of
June 2017.

They must also be supported by a faculty member,
& submit an entry in one or more of the categories:
engineering and design, communication,
the economy, prediction and recovery.

In the field of engineering and design they must submit
innovations in materials, manufacturing processes,
 packaging design and related fields that result in
 a measurable reduction in marine plastic.

In the communication field they must submit multimedia
 products, mobile apps, and innovative storytelling that
 raise awareness and inspire public action against
marine plastics.

In economics they must include innovative methodologies
 to assess the economic impact of plastic pollution and/or
 develop new financial and business models to address
 market failures.

In the prediction and recovery fields they have to include
the development of analytic tools (algorithms, models,
 hotspot identification) to better capture and monitor
 data about plastic pollution and propose solutions.

One winner in each category will be announced at the
Sixth International Marine Debris Conference in San
Diego, California, which will run from March 12th to
March 16th, 2018.

(Source - Prensa Latina)


_____________________________________________


Humans Have Produced 8,3 Billion

Metric Tonnes of Plastic Since 1950
July 20th 2017

Humans have produced 8,3 billion metric tonnes
of plastic by 2015, most of which now resides
in landfills or the sea, according to research
published in Science Advances magazine.

The research analyzed the historical production of
 this synthetic material worldwide, its use and
destination since 1950 (when it began to be
conducted on a large scale) up until two
years ago.

The researchers estimated that the weight of all
global plastic is about 822,000 times as heavy
as Eiffel Towers (Paris, France), 35,000 Empire
 State buildings (New York, United States),
1 billion elephants, or 80 million
blue whales.

Out of the eight billion tons of plastic, about half
has been made in the past 13 years & six billion
 finished up as waste.

Out of the waste, only nine percent was recycled,
12 percent incinerated and the remaining 79 %
accumulated in landfills or in ecosystems
around the world.

For specialists, if these current trends continue,
roughly 12 billion metric tonnes of plastic waste
will be in landfills - or what the study describes
as the ''natural environment''. by 2050.

Global production of plastics, mostly used for
disposable articles, increased from two million
 metric tonnes in 1950 to more than 400 million
 metric tonnes in 2015, the research, published
today, informs us.

DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT !!!

(Source -  Prensa Latina)


_____________________________________________



$340mn gold seam discovered on
‘sacred’ NZ mountain, activists
 form human chain to stop mining
July 19th

A newly-discovered seam of gold on New Zealand’s
North Island has sparked a bitter stand-off between
 a mining company and environmental activists.
Locals are concerned about the impact the
mining will have on their “sacred” mountain.

New Talisman Gold Mines announced that it had
 discovered the 8,500kg (18,739 lbs) seam at its
 Dubbo site in the Karangahake Gorge between
 the Coromandel and Kaimai mountain ranges
 earlier this month – and after examining
samples from the site, chief executive
Matthew Hill is expecting a major windfall.

"The grades that have come out show 21 grams a
 tonne which is in today's terms one of the top 5
 or certainly one of the top ten in the world," he
said, according to Radio NZ. The seam is
roughly valued at $340mn at time of writing.

However, fearing the scenic gorge will be ruined by
 the firm’s activities, the conservation group Protect
 Karangahake is now taking steps to fight back
against New Talisman’s bid to mine to the area.

The miner’s trucks and walkers are forced to share
one narrow access road to the popular tourist
spot, a fact that has angered some locals.

Ruby Jane Powell, a member of Protect Karangahake
 told the Guardian: “It is a really popular recreation
area. In general, our culture and economy is inter-
linked with the eco-tourism and outdoor aspect of
 life in the Coromandel, and mining threatens that.”

Protect Karangahake shut down operations for an hour
 and a half by forming a human chain on the road to the
 mine on Monday. The group is now preparing a further
series of measures, to disrupt the mining operation
going forward.

“It was a very peaceful process, we watched dawn on
 the mountain, we sang songs," Duncan Shearer,
chairman of Protect Karangahake, told Stuff.

"We are there as witnesses to what is going on,” Shearer
 added. “We're not some sort of silent presence, we're
in their faces as much as possible."

Green Party MP Catherine Delahunty told The Guardian
that the New Zealand government was “hell bent” on
allowing mining companies access to such areas,
regardless of how locals feel.

“This is public land which has been set aside to protect
 its ecological values and for recreation. It is a sacred
mountain to the indigenous people of the area and
local residents are actively & peacefully opposing
 the initial development of the mining activity on
the mountain,” she said.

Hill, however, believes the environmental
impacts of the mining, will be small.

"The footprint above surface where disturbances occur
is very small – less than 0.4 hectares [2.5 acres]. It has
been closed off since 1995, and was only opened for
12 months,” Hill said, as cited by Radio NZ.

"Most, if not 95 percent of our disturbances occur deep
underground & will not be noticed at the surface level.”

(Source - RT)


______________________________________________


 Convention on Environment
 in Cuba, Ratifies Actions
July 8th

The 11th International Convention on Environment and
 Development has reaffirmed Cuba''s actions in favor of
 the environment to deal with climate change and other
 pressing problems, Granma newspaper reported.

According to the daily, the president of the Environmental
Agency, Maritza Garcia, said after conclusion of the event
that the five-day meeting reaffirmed the achievement of a
 better and rational use of our natural resources and the
 importance of using integrated scientific results.

The meeting also emphasized the need to strengthen the
environmental policy and law, and citizens' awareness,
said Garcia, who is also president of the organizing
 committee for the Convention.

According to Garcia, it is urgent to undertake transcendental
changes today, more than ever, and the only alternative is to
 build fairer societies, putting the progress of science and
 technology at the service of the defense of the planet
and human dignity.

The meeting, which ended yesterday at Havana's Conference
 Centre, under the motto: United & integrated for prosperous
 and sustainable development, brought together 1,289
participants from 31 countries, the newspaper said.

The program included six congresses, three symposiums and
 two colloquiums, as well as a tribute to the renowned Cuban
 researcher, Gilberto Silva Taboada, on the occasion of his
90th birthday, in November.
 
 (Source - Prensa Latina)


_______________________________________________


New World Record: Indian State
 Plants Nearly 66 Million Trees
in One Day
July 4th

The Indian State of Madhya Pradesh set a new
Guinness world record for reforestation, by
planting 67 million trees, in 12 hours.

More than 1.5 million government officials, students,
homemakers and others planted a total of 66,750,000
 tree saplings in the central Indian state in a plantation
 area encompassing 24 districts of Narmada river basin.

The previous record was set in July 2016 by another
Indian state, Uttar Pradesh, when 800,000 volunteers
planted nearly fifty million trees, in just 24 hours...

Different nurseries from around Madhya Pradesh,
supplied 24 varieties of plants for the new record.

"I am greatly indebted to all who are planting trees today,"
 State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who took
part in the planting, said. "We will be contributing
significantly in saving nature. By participating in
a plantation, people are contributing their bit
to climate change initiatives and saving the
 environment," India.com reported.

"I am overwhelmed to witness the enthusiasm of
 volunteers planting trees at Amarkantak," he
 later wrote on Twitter.

Chouhad also posted to the social media platform
 saying, "By planting trees we are not only serving
 Madhya Pradesh, but the world at large," Indian
Express reports.

The massive planting effort is part of a $6.2-billion
 government initiative aimed at making India more
 green, as New Delhi made a pledge at the Paris
 Climate Change Conference to increase forest
coverage by 235 million acres, by 2030.

Similar reforestation efforts are underway in other
Indian states --- to help drive public awareness.
Maharashtra’s campaign seeks to plant forty
million trees this year, while Kerala planted
 more than 10 million trees, in June alone.


______________________________________________

Monsanto hit: California to add
glyphosate
 to its cancer-
causing chemicals list

June 27th, 2017

The state of California has moved ahead in its ongoing
 legal battle with agribusiness giant Monsanto,
announcing it is putting glyphosate, a key
ingredient of the firm’s popular weed
 killer Roundup, on a list of cancer-
causing chemicals
.
The notice on the herbicide’s inclusion onto the list of
chemicals "known to the state to cause cancer for
purposes of Proposition 65 [Safe Drinking Water
 and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986]" was
published by California’s Office of
Environmental Health Hazard
Assessment (OEHHA) after
 a failure by Monsanto to
block the listing in a
 trial court.

The inclusion into the list, to be enforced starting from July 7,
 will mean Monsanto and other companies selling products
 in which the herbicide is one of the components, will have
 one year before they are obliged to put a warning label
on the packages.

The company argues that the chemical, which has been on
 the market since 1974, does not provoke cancer and its
labelling as a carcinogen would be a blow to its
already tainted image.

Commenting on California's regulator decision, Monsanto's
 vice president of global strategy, Scott Partridge has vowed
to “continue to aggressively challenge” what he called an
“improper decision” by the OEHHA.

"This is not the final step in the process, and it has no bearing
 on the merits of the case,” Partridge commented to Reuters.

Meanwhile, Monsanto’s opponents welcomed the decision,
 saying it makes the state "the national leader in protecting
 people from cancer-causing pesticides," Reuters reported,
 citing a senior scientist at the Centre for Biological
Diversity, Nathan Donley.

In adding glyphosate to the carcinogen list, California acts in
 line with the World Health Organization's International Agency
 for Research on Cancer (IARC). The respective IARC report on
 the issue of glyphosate’s properties, in which it was dubbed
 “a probable carcinogen” came out in 2015, having sparked
 fierce debates on whether and to what extent, to restrict
the use of Monsanto's product.

Although some European countries opposed the renewal of
the license for the weed-killer at the time, it was extended
for another 18 months, last July.

Meanwhile, California health authorities are still looking into
the effects of glyphosate on human health, studying some
1,300 public comments submitted to OEHHA on the issue.

"We're reviewing those comments," OEHHA spokesman, Sam
 Delson said, as cited by AP, adding that whether the chemical
 poses a substantial danger to a person’s health, remains to
 be seen.

"We can't say for sure," he said.

In recent years, Monsanto and some of its products have
 become a target of widespread criticism, with thousands
 of environmental activists around the globe marching
against the corporation, every year.

Earlier this month, more than 1 million people signed an online
petition demanding the EU ban glyphosate. The EU is currently
 mulling whether to renew the license for the controversial
herbicide produced by Monsanto, and is set to formally
 decide on the matter, in December.

(Source - RT)


______________________________________________


China Exclusive: Qinghai
runs 7 days
 straight - on
renewable energy alone

June 19th 2017

 Xinhua - Northwest China's Qinghai Province has started
 a seven-day program to run solely on renewable energy.

From June 17 to 23, Qinghai will use renewable energy alone,
supplied by wind, solar & hydro power stations, according
 to Han Ti, vice manager of the provincial grid company.
The province is home to 5.8 million people.

Han said the grid would not completely shut down coal-fired
 power plants in the province, because it would be too costly
 to do so. Rather, coal-fired electricity would be transmitted
 to neighbouring provinces.

During the seven-day period, electricity consumption in the
 plateau province, bordering the Tibet Autonomous Region,
will be fully covered by clean energy, he said.

Located at the source of China's major rivers,
Qinghai has strong hydro-power and
solar supplies.

By May this year, the Qinghai power grid had a total
 installed capacity of 23.45 million kilowatts, about
82.8% supplied by hydro, solar and wind power.

"This is the first time in China that a province runs solely on
renewable energy for a long period of time. We believe it
will raise awareness on cutting emissions, and promote
the development of clean energy nationwide," Han said.

According to the provincial 13th Five-Year Plan, Qinghai plans
 to expand its solar and wind capacity to 35 million kilowatts
 by 2020.

By then, Qinghai will be able to supply 110 billion kilowatt hours
 of clean electricity every year to central & eastern parts of China.

China's enthusiasm for clean energy is pushing
 the global transition toward a low-carbon future.

China plans to invest 2.5 trillion yuan (368 billion U.S. dollars)
 in renewable energy projects during the 2016-2020 period,
creating over 13 million jobs in the sector, according
 to the National Energy Administration.

_________________________________________________


UN Calls for Combating
Desertification 
and Drought
on World Day

June 17th at 11:43am

 On World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the UN
urges the international community to prioritize attention to
 phenomena that have a serious impact on humanity.

In December 1994, the General Assembly chose this date to raise
 awareness of land damage and to promote the implementation
of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification,
a body that has 195 member countries.

This year's date tackles the link of land degradation to immigration
 flows, and is held in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso.

According to the UN, desertification is land degradation in arid,
semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, caused mainly by human
activity and climate change.

The UN said that the phenomenon is caused by the vulnerability
 of ecosystems in dry lands, which cover one-third of the world's
 surface, and also by overharvesting or the wrong use of lands,
 while poverty, political instability, deforestation, overgrazing
and poor irrigation systems, damage the soil's productivity.

Some 250 million people are directly damaged by desertification,
while nearly one billion people, which represents 15 percent of
 the world's population, live in risk areas, in over 100 countries.

 (Source - Prensa Latina)

_______________________________________________


Pope Francis:
 Environment

is a Collective Good
June 5th at 11:45am

 Pope Francisco called today in a message through his Twitter
 account, to never forget that the environment is a collective
good, the patrimony of all humanity and the responsibility
 of everyone.

The Sovereign Pontiff referred to World Environment Day,
which is celebrated today throughout the world, as a way
 of sensitizing people to the need to live in harmony with
 nature, to ensure sustainable development and the
future of humanity.

'Connecting people to nature' is the motto chosen by the
United Nations for this year's day, with a view to a more
 friendly and constructive relationship between
humans and the environment.

The purpose is to encourage us to 'go outside and go into
 nature to appreciate its beauty and reflect on how we are
 an integral part and how much we depend on it,' the
 world body highlights.

Francis is a passionate defender of the environment, one of
 the most important themes of the preaching of his pontificate
 to which he dedicated the encyclical 'Laudato si' ('Praise be
 to you'), a phrase of the 'Canticle of the Creatures' of St.
Francis of Assisi, considered as the first ecologist to
manifest in history.

 (Source - Prensa Latina)


 _____________________________________



Indonesian Borneo is finished:
Pollution now at epic proportions
by Andre Vltchek
May 28th, 2017

How destructive can man get, how ruthless, in
his quest to secure maximum profit, even as
he endangers the very survival of our planet?


The tropical forests of Kalimantan (known as Borneo
 in Malaysia), the third largest island in the world,
have almost totally disappeared. Coalmines are
 savagely scarring the hills; the rivers are
 polluted, and countless species are
endangered or extinct.

It is all a terrible sight, whether you see it from the air
or when driving (or walking) through the devastation
that is taking place on the ground. The soil is black;
 it is often saturated with chemicals. Dead stubs of
trees are accusatively pointing towards the sky.
Many wonderful creatures, big and small, who
 used to proudly inhabit this tropical paradise,
are now hiding in the depth of what remains
of one of the largest tropical jungles on earth.

Engines are constantly roaring everywhere; massive
equipment is continually cutting through something
 pure, or digging and finally transporting what has
 already been extracted, killed, or taken down
 mercilessly.

Ms. Mira Lubis, Senior Lecturer at Tanjungpura
University, Pontianak in Western Kalimantan,
summarizes the situation honestly but brutally:

“I think we, the people of Borneo, have lost our
sovereignty over our own space & resources,
 under the pressure of global capitalism...
Apparently, we just became poor ---
despite all the wealth that we have.”

One morning I looked from my hotel window in the city
of Samarinda (East Kalimantan), spotting an enormous
coal barge. It was sitting right in front of me, stubbornly,
under the bridge (one of only two bridges connecting
two shores of this steamy city of 850,000). The barge
 was too big to move, as the current appeared to be
 too strong. One push boat and one tugboat were
 trying to move it against the torrent, in vain.

I went downstairs and encountered a frustrated
Mr. Jailani, a shipping manager employed by a
coal company.


“They were supposed to use a pilot boat, but there is
 none in sight,” he lamented. “This happens so often.
Coal barges have already hit this bridge on at least
 three occasions.”

Coalmines were exactly what I was looking for, but he
 dismissed my questions with a polite but firm answer:

“You can never make it to the mines. They are off-limits.
Guards are everywhere, and you’d have to have special
permit to enter the area. And there is not much to see,
 anyway. Our company was recently awarded a prize
for environmental consciousness.”

I went to Sambutan, a mining town a 40-minute drive
 from Samarinda. At some point, continuous and
depressing urban sprawl gave way to a fully
 devastated landscape. Some images were
 striking: a man, alone, with a metal bar,
singlehandedly crumbling the entire
side of a mountain, supposedly in
 order to sell stone for a local
construction site.

Nearby, in a makeshift stall, a couple and a child were
selling fruit. I asked them about the mountain and the
man: they replied with a certain amount of admiration:

“We are selling coconuts here for almost two years. For
as long as we are here, he has been here as well. He is
 a real daredevil. What he is doing is so dangerous,
 but he never stumbles, never falls.”

Before Makroman town, we turn left, soon leaving the main
 road behind. Wherever one looks, the entire landscape is
ruined: mountains mutilated beyond recognition, forests
gone, and huge tracts of land “cleared.”

Despite what I already witnessed in all corners of Indonesia
for years, I’m still not prepared for what soon opens in front
 of my eyes:-  the endless and horrifying sprawl of natural
calamity: dozens of sq kilometers of dust, noise and mud.

I try to avoid 100-ton trucks which almost run my car off
the path. They're transporting coal. I see filthy processing
plants. I see old, rusty equipment scattered all around
the area.


Suddenly I realize that I’m “there,” in the middle of the
 notorious ‘PT CEM’ (Cahaya Energi Mandiri), a giant
Indonesian-South Korean coalmining joint venture.

I’m not supposed to be here, and to see all this with my own
eyes. But I’m entering the mining area with a car equipped
with local license plates. It is right before 1pm – the end of
 lunch hour. Checkpoints are unattended. I step on the gas,
and dash in. Guards will soon return, but it will be too late
 to stop me. My rented car is already cutting through dirt
and dust, progressing towards its goal.

PT CEM has operated in this area since 2008, and it counts
on mining concessions covering approximately 1,600
hectares, in the area of Sungai Siring, Samarinda.

In Indonesia, the images of natural disasters like this one
 are hardly ever publicized. Mining in Papua, Kalimantan,
 Sumatra, and elsewhere brings in billions of dollars
 annually, into both government coffers and into
 the deep pockets of corrupt individuals. This
 country, with the fourth-largest population
on earth, is producing very little, but is
extracting in an unbridled manner all
that is still available above and
 below the ground.

National mass media is fully subservient to
 both local and foreign business interests.

The native population is stuck with low-paying jobs &
almost no benefits. The environment is “changing,”
pollution is reaching epic proportions, but there is
 very little awareness, even among the poorest of
the poor, of the dreadfulness of the situation.

On the way out from the mining site, three men (sub-
contractors of PT CEM) are trying to fix their broken
 truck. “The pay here is very low. Our basic salary
consists of US$115 per month, which is below the
official minimum wage. We have no health
 insurance, and no housing allowances.”

In nearby Makroman, Ms. Suwarti, a housewife
 married to a farmer, explains:

“We have two lots, each with 200 square metres,
producing bananas and other crops --- but the
 mining company wanted to use it. They offered
compensation of only US$110. If we’d refused,
 the company would still grab and use the land,
 but would give us no compensation. After all
the coal was extracted from our plot, they
 filled the pit --- but now nothing can grow
 there, anymore. The land is ruined. We
were very angry, but what could small
people like us do?”

It is like this all over the area, all over Kalimantan,
 all over the entire Indonesian archipelago.

Mr. Yhenda Permana, director of LNG-producing
company PT Badak NGL, based in Kalimantan, says:

“I’m very sad to see the destruction of Kalimantan. If
we look from above, the island is already ‘bald,’ dotted
with black toxic lakes. They burn the forest, even with
 orangutans still living there. Local people do it, but
 who is behind them? Protected forests are also
logged out and burned. Afterwards, in most
cases, palm oil is planted.”

One of the national forests I visited, symbolically named ‘
Bukit Soeharto’ (Suharto’s Hill) is almost gone. I ask an
 old local lady, Ms. Halbi, who is selling basic goods at
 the side of the road, whether there is any respect for
native protected forests on this island:

“We are allowed to grow some plants here. Even I do.
Pepper & dragon fruit. It is not our land, but nobody
 does anything to stop us.”

Stubs & stubs, everywhere, ‘replacing’ magnificent
trees,
 in what used to be often described as
“the lungs of planet Earth.”


Ms. Windrati Kaliman, former lecturer at INSTIPER
(Plantation Technology Institute) Yogyakarta, has
her own theory on this:


“Massive deforestation accelerated after ‘de-centralization.’
 Now local governments are free to give permits for logging.
 Rainforest is being converted into palm oil plantations &
mines. In theory, protected forests and parks cannot be
used for logging, but in reality they are:-  In Kalimantan,
but also in Aceh, Riau & many other parts of the country.”

It is not only trees that are disappearing, and not
 only people who are living in increasing misery.

The legendary Borneo orangutan is almost extinct. And
so are bears, countless species of birds, and insects.

In Samboja Orangutan Sanctuary & Rehabilitation Centre,
 Mr. Andreas (a caretaker), can barely hide his outrage:

“You can't imagine what is being done to these intelligent
and fascinating apes. This one – we rescued him from a
timber plant. Just for fun, they had him chained under
a generator, for years. As a result, he lost his hearing
and suffers from brain damage. It is very common in
Kalimantan to hunt for female orangutans, shave
 them and sell them for sex to desperate forestry
 workers. It is like rape, like a horrible slavery.
Remember, these apes have 97% the same
 DNA as humans, and, like humans, they
 have 4 types of blood.”

I travelled through several parts of Indonesian Kalimantan,
around Samarinda and Balikpapan, as well as Pontianak.
I testify that I saw those “black lakes and rivers,” as well
as countless open pits, and palm oil plantations, almost
 everywhere. I flew over hundreds of kilometers of hellish
wastelands. I listened to people suffering from cancer,
 from respiratory diseases, but above all, from
hopelessness.

As Mr. Yhenda Permana concluded: “Can you imagine:
this once stunningly beautiful island with deep native
forests and thousands of living creatures, is now
converted & ‘dedicated’ to only 1 crop: palm oil?”

The tragedy is not only devastating Kalimantan, but almost
 the whole of Indonesia. This is what has been happening
to this country with a deep and ancient culture and
 enormous natural beauty, ever since the 1965
US-sponsored coup, and a re-introduction of
 this savage capitalism, feudalism, and
unrestrained corruption.

(Originally article appeared in RT)

___________________________


 Greenpeace:
Gulf of Mexico

Coasts are
Contaminated

 (source - Prensa Latina)

 The coasts off the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea
 and the Yucatan Peninsula, are contaminated by
plaguicides, because of the agricultural model
in Mexico, the environmental organization,
 Greenpeace, declares in an alert.

Aleira Lara, an expert from the agriculture program
of Greenpeace, urges the governors of Campeche,
 Yucatan and Quintana Roo, to let people know
of any plans they have, to take care of the
 natural areas under their protection.

Lara states that the remains of plaguicides and
 fertilizers are located at 300 and 500 metres off
 the coasts of the 3 Mexican states, provoking
 damaging affects to the sea's biomass, cliff
areas and fish.

In the Agreement for Sustainability of the Yucatan
 Peninsula, Greenpeace demands that ecological,
 sustainable agriculture, should be included.

__________________________________


Scientists
Turn Sewage
into Crude Oil


Prensa Latina - US scientists have developed a
 technique that can turn sewage into biocrude
oil.. in a matter of minutes, the Pacific North-
west National Laboratory (PNNL) announces.

The technique is called hydrothermal liquefaction,
and mimics the geological conditions required to
 create crude oil. What takes Nature millions of
years to do, can now be achieved in a few
 minutes, PNNL says.

By using hydrothermal liquefaction, human waste
can be turned into simpler chemical compounds.
The material is pressurized to 1,200 Kg per sq.
 inch, and then goes into a reactor system,
operating at about 350 degrees Celsius.

In a few minutes a material similar to petroleum
 is created, but with a small amount of water &
oxygen mixed in. This biocrude can be refined
 using normal petroleum refining techniques.


___________________________________


Cuba Only Country
in the World to Achieve
Sustainable Development

Cuba has been declared, this week, the only
country in the world to achieve sustainable
 development, according to a report which
the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) publishes
every two years.

The WWF document, presented in Beijing, China,
noted that, if things continue as they are now,
 humanity will need to use natural resources &
energy, equivalent to two Earths --- by 2050.

This is a vicious circle, as poor countries produce
 much lower per capita damage, to nature, but as
they develop (and China and India are following
this trend) the rate rises to unsustainable levels
for the planet.

And, within this panorama, Cuba stands out
for its favorable indicators, and although the
text clarifies that this does not mean that the
 tiny Caribbean nation is perfect; it's the only
country that complies with those conditions.

The WWF has played a key role in fostering
 an international environmental movement, 
combining growth and development -- and
Cuba's currently the most evident example.

On several occasions, the UN Development
Program (UNDP) has recognized that Cuba
is a benchmark for the continent regarding
the integration of policies and actions for
 sustainable development.

UNDP's deputy resident representative in
Cuba, Claudio Tomasi, told Prensa Latina
that the country's development scheme
combines its economic approach, with
 a social and environmental component
 through comprehensive programs, that
save effort & funds; with higher results.


__________________________________


Historic deal reached
on a New
 Marine
Sanctuary in
Antarctica!


24 countries and the EU, agree to create
 the world’s largest marine reserve in the
Antarctic Ocean by the frozen continent.

A deal to make Ross Sea, in Antarctica,
the world’s first large-scale marine park
in international waters, was reached on
Friday, Oct. 28th, in Hobart, Australia.

The agreement comes after years of diplomatic
wrangling and high-level talks between the US
 and Russia --- which have rejected the idea in
 the past.

The new marine reserve is located south of New
 Zealand, in a vast pristine area, which is cold &
 largely untouched by humans. The reserve will
cover 1.55 million square kilometers.

Some 1.12 million square kilometers of the reserve
 will be a no-fishing zone. The Ross Sea one of the
world's most ecologically important oceans.

Decisions on Antarctica need unanimous support
 among a 25-member commission, involving the
US, Russia, China, Japan, Australia, New
 Zealand and the EU, a hurdle which had
 left past efforts unsuccessful.

This week, in a rare show of unity, the 24
 countries and the European Union,
 agreed on the deal !

“To get them all to align - especially in the
context of divergent economic interests -
 is quite a challenge,” said Evan Bloom, a
director at the US State Department and
 leader of the US delegation at the event.

“This decision is very important not just for
the Antarctic --- but for efforts to promote
world marine conservation,” Bloom said.

In a statement, US Secretary of State John Kerry
 said it “will safeguard one of the last unspoiled
 ocean wilderness areas on the planet -- home
 to unparalleled marine biodiversity & thriving
 communities of penguins, seals, whales,
 seabirds, and fish.”

Scientists & activists have described the
 agreement, as a historic milestone in the
 global efforts to protect marine diversity.
The sanctuary will cover more than 12%
 of the Southern Ocean.

The Southern Ocean around Antarctica is one
 of the most diverse, fragile, & poorly studied
ocean ecosystems on Earth.

The Antarctic Ross Sea is home to over 10,000
 species -- including most of earth’s penguins,
whales, seabirds, giant squid, and Antarctic
tooth fish -- and is one of the world’s most
ecologically-important marine areas, and
the healthiest remaining marine
ecosystem on the planet.

___________________________________


Globally averaged
concentration of CO2
 reaches alarming
level in 2015: 
WMO


Globally averaged concentration of carbon dioxide
 (CO2)in the atmosphere reached the symbolic
milestone of 400 parts per million for the first
time in 2015 and surged again to new records
in 2016 on the back of the powerful El Nino
event, according to a report released by the
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
on October 24th.

WMO released its annual "Greenhouse Gas
Bulletin" ahead of the United Nations climate
change negotiations in Marrakech, Morocco,
to be held from November 7 to 18, providing
a scientific base for decision-making.

The report said CO2 levels had previously reached
the 400 ppm barrier for certain months of the year
 & in certain locations but never before on a global
average basis, for the entire year. Monitoring
systems predict that CO2 concentrations will
stay above 400 ppm for the whole of 2016 and
not dip below that level for many generations.

The growth spurt in CO2 was fueled by the El Nino
event, which started in 2015 & had a strong impact
well into 2016. This triggered droughts in tropical
regions and reduced the capacity of "sinks" like
 forests, vegetation & the oceans, to absorb CO2.

These sinks currently absorb about half of CO2
emissions but there is a risk that they may
become saturated, which would increase
 the fraction of emitted carbon dioxide
 staying in the atmosphere, states
 the report.

"The year 2015 ushered in a new era of optimism
 and climate action with the Paris climate change
 agreement. But it also makes history as marking
 a new era of climate change reality, with record
high greenhouse gas concentrations,"said WMO
Secretary-General Petteri Taalas."The El Nino
event's disappeared. Climate change has not."

The report highlighted there was a 37% increase in
 radiative forcing; the warming effect on our climate
- because of long-lived greenhouse gases, such as
carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide (N2O)
- from industrial, agricultural and domestic
activities, between 1990 and 2015.

In 2015, globally averaged CO2 levels
were 144% of pre-industrial levels.

In 2015, global annual average
CO2 concentrations, reached
400.0 ppm.


______________________________________


Experts push for
strong measures

to save Ozone Layer

They made the call during the opening technical
session of the 28th Meeting of Parties to the
Montreal Protocol (MOP28), in Rwanda's
capital, Kigali.

The Montreal Protocol treaty is a global agreement
 that protects the ozone layer, by phasing out the
 production of substances responsible for ozone
 depletion and climate change.

It was first signed on September 16, 1987, and is
widely considered to be one of the most-effective
multilateral environment treaties ever negotiated.
It's the only treaty in the United Nations system
to which every country is a signatory.

The UN Environment Program, says that
 HFC emissions are growing at about 7%
 per year. If the current mix of HFCs is
unchanged, increasing demand may
 result in HFC emissions of up to 8.8
gigatons of CO2 equivalent a year,
 by 2050.


_______________________________



‘By 2050 half the forms of
life we know, will be gone’
– conservation biologist

Humanity should start saving nature and switch to
 80% renewables by 2030, otherwise the Earth will
 keep losing species, and within 33 years around
 800,000 forms of life will be gone, conservation
 biologist Reese Halter, underlines.

Humans have changed the Earth so much that
 some scientists think we have entered a new
 geological age.

According to a report in the Science Magazine, the
 Earth is now in the anthropocene epoch. Millions of
 years from now our impact on Earth will be found in
rocks - just like we see fossils of plants and animals
 which lived years ago - except this time, scientists
of the future, will find radioactive elements from
 nuclear bombs, and fossilized plastic.

Reese Halter: "First of all, imagine you’re back on
 the football field. Each year in America - America
 alone - we throw away the equivalent of one foot-
ball field, 100 miles deep. That is the first thing.
The second thing is, we’ve entered the age of
climate instability. That means, from burning
 subsidized climate-altering fossil fuels, our
 food security is in jeopardy.

"The third thing that is striking, is we’re losing
species a thousand times faster than in the last
65 million years. At this rate within 33 years, by
 mid-century, that means 800,000 forms of life,
or half of everything we know, will be gone.
 The only way we can reverse this, is to do
things: save nature now, our life support
system, and we do this, by switching to
 80% renewables, by 2030.

 "It is a WWIII mentality. In America we have the
 technology; we have the blueprint. We lack the
 political will just right now. But in the next short
 while we will, because it is a matter of survival."

"As I said, we’re taking 160% more than mother
 Earth can sustain, with 7.4 billion people. The
 way to do it --- is to pull it back to 90%. If we
were a big bathtub, the ring would read:
 toxicity, toxicity, toxicity.

 "We’ve got to peel that back -- because
 what we do to the Earth, we do to
 ourselves."

Taken from RT interview

_______________________________


ENJOYING THE HEATWAVE?

Global Warning as Rapid Temperature Rise
 Steers Humanity Toward Catastrophe

 Global warming, rising at an unprecedented pace, is
 threatening the Earth, and humanity’s place upon it
with disaster, according to Gavin Schmidt, director
of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

Beginning in October 2015, each month has set a new
heat record --- and July has been the warmest month
 since global temperature observation began in 1880.

The speed of rising temperatures is much higher than
in the last millennium, according to data obtained by
 the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
 (NOAA), demonstrating that warming rates over the
 past 100 years are about 10 times faster than the
 century that preceded it.

"In the last 30 years we've really moved into
 exceptional territory. It's unprecedented in 1,000
 years. There's no period that has the trend seen
in the 20th century, in terms of the inclination (of
temperatures)," Schmidt told the Guardian.

For the next 100 years the prognosis isn't
good...  According to NASA, the pace of
increasing temperatures will be at least
20 times faster than the historical average.

Last year, the international community agreed
 to a 1.5 degree Celsius limit at a landmark Paris
 climate accord. As Schmidt pointed out, keeping
 temperatures within this limit will require rapid
& significant cuts in carbon dioxide emissions,
 a global economic shift that --- given current
 attitudes & habits, is arguably an impossible
 goal. But, according to climate scientists,
exceeding the temperature limit set at
 the Paris talks will bring dire outcomes.

Sea level increases as a result of melting polar ice,
 drought, and other severe weather conditions, will
lead to catastrophe for island nations & developing
countries. Finding a way to shift the dependence of
the developed world away from fossil fuels is of the
utmost importance, according to climate experts.


__________________________________________


New Study Shows
Controversial Pesticide
 Linked to Massive Bee
Die-Off

A new study published this week shows that
 pesticides called neonicotinoids, or neonics,
are probably linked to the decline of wild bee
 populations.

Published in the Nature Communications journal,
the study examines the wild bee population relative
 to the use of the controversial neonicotinoids in the
 18-year span of 1994-2011. Researchers discovered
 that extinction rates for bees, parallel the use of the
 pesticide on plants -- and this is found throughout
the country.

One of the co-authors, Dr. Nick Isaac:

"The negative effects reported previously, do
 scale up to long-term, large-scale multi-species
impacts that are harmful. Neonicotinoids are
 harmful -- we can be very confident about that
 -- and our mean correlation is three times more
negative for foragers, than for non-foragers."

The 34 species analyzed in the study, saw a 10%
 population drop across the board, with 5 of the
 species seeing a decrease of 20% or more, and
 the most-impacted group seeing a 30% drop.
 Researchers say this indicates that half of
 the population decline could be attributed
to the use of neonics.

"Historically, if you just have oilseed rape, many
 bees tend to benefit from that because it is this
 enormous foraging resource all over the country
-side," said Dr. Ben Woodcock, lead author of
the study. "But this correlation study suggests
that once it’s treated with neonicotinoids up to
85%, then they are starting to be exposed and
 it's starting to have these detrimental impacts
 on them." 

"Our results suggest that sub-lethal effects of
 neonicotinoids could scale up to cause losses
of bee biodiversity. Restrictions on the use of
neonicotinoids may cut population declines."

Friends of the Earth (FOE) environmental group
have launched a petition calling on the Ace and
True Value hardware companies to stop carrying
 the pesticides, as consumers grow ever more
 conscious of their devastating impact.

FOE said, "If these garden retailers don't act fast,
 they'll lose customers. A new poll shows that 66
 percent of Americans prefer to shop at Lowe's
and Home Depot, because they've committed
to stop selling bee-killing pesticides."

In a separate study, the group found that toxic
 chemical use is declining in the US, with 23%
 of plants in the nation testing positive for the
 chemicals, a decline from 50% two years ago.
FOE credits the drop in numbers, to hardware
 stores stopping selling products that contain
 harmful pesticides, including neonicotinoids.

"It's nice to see the use of long-term data to look
 at trends in pesticide impacts over a longer time
 scale." said Dara Stanley, plant ecology lecturer
 at the National University of Ireland Galway...

 "That is something that has been missing in the
 debate on bees and pesticides so far, and there
 have been many calls to look at the effects
 over time."

_________________________________________


The BIG lie about Jeremy
Corbyn is that there was
NO economic plan
- there was!

Below are just 8 0f the 10 pledges:

ENERGY PLEDGES

1) My over-arching commitment will be for
 Britain to take the lead in developing the
clean Energy Economy of the future.

2) As leader I would establish an Energy
Commission to draft a fundamental
shift in UK energy thinking.

3) The Commission will be tasked to produce
 a route-map into tomorrow’s ‘smart energy’
systems that will:

• Deliver more, but consume less

• Use clean energy before dirty

• Put energy saving before
 more consumption

• Use smart technologies to run localised
 storage, balancing & distribution mechanisms,
 
• Shift the costs of grid access and grid
balancing from clean energy across to dirty

• Be open, democratic, sustainable and
accountable (in ways that today’s market
 is not).

4) The Commission to be charged with bringing
 new partners into energy policy making. These
 will include:-  local authorities, communities,
energy co-operatives, & ‘smart’ technology
 companies, that are already working on
tomorrow’s ‘virtual’ power systems and
 new energy thinking.

5) As leader I will conduct a root & branch
 review of energy market subsidies;
moving away from the notion of everlasting
 hand-outs; instead, using public support as
 ‘transition funding’ that transforms Britain’s
 energy infrastructure.

6) I will expect the energy industry, not the
public, to meet the costs of their own clean-up.

7) I will look to re-define the roles of Ofgem,
 the National Grid and the Competition and
Markets Authority, to promote a genuinely
 open, competitive and sustainable energy
 market; one in which there are more players
and clean energy choices than we have today.

8) I will examine ways to allow communities
 to be owners of local energy systems, with
 the right (as in other parts of Europe) to have
 first use of energy they generate themselves.

Go here --- for the complete plan:

http://unionsforenergydemocracy.org/wp-content/uploads
/2015/09/Jeremy-Corbyn-Environment-plan-Aug-2015.pdf


_______________________________


 EU approves imports
of genetically modified
Monsanto soybeans

The European Commission has approved the
import & processing of Monsanto’s Roundup
 Ready 2 Xtend soybeans, after debates over
 glyphosate herbicide’s safety, delayed the
 introduction of the genetically modified
 soybean variety, for months.

“Today the Commission authorized three GMOs for
 food/feed uses (soybean MON 87708 x MON 89788,
 soybean MON 87705 x MON 89788 & soybean FG 72)
--- all of which have gone through a comprehensive
 authorization procedure, including a favorable
 scientific assessment by EFSA,” the European
 Commission statement reads.

Following the Commission’s approval Monsanto’s
 GMO soybeans are now authorized for use in the
 feed of animals and in human food --- but not for
 planting in the EU. The authorization is now valid
 for 10 years but the EU warns that “any products
 produced from these GMOs will be subject to the
 EU’s strict labeling and traceability rules.”

Although Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans are
 tolerant to glyphosate and dicamba herbicides,
 the use of dicamba herbicide over the Roundup
 Ready 2 Xtend soybeans remains in a late stage
 of the Environmental Protection Agency review
 and is not currently approved by the EPA.

Dicamba was first approved in 1967 & has been
 linked to high rates of cancer & birth defects in
 the families of food growers say the government
 and other scientific studies. Consumer, health,
 environmental, and farmer advocates, have
all fiercely opposed the new Xtend system,
over health and environmental concerns.

Europe is the second largest soybean customer as
 it relies on soybeans to meet demand for meat and
 dairy products. The entire bloc produces less than
1 million tons of soya a year, yet imports around
 35 million tons, according to the World Wide
Fund for Nature.

_____________________________________


France has banned
plastic bags?


While some countries like France have opted
for a ban, others like Ireland and the UK have
 introduced plastic bag charges in an effort
to minimize their use.

It is estimated that 100 billion plastic grocery
bags are used across Europe per year, with 8
 billion ending up as litter.

Environmental Danger

Depending on the type of plastic, these bags
have been estimated to take between 100 &
 500 years to decompose in the environment,
where they pose a great risk to wildlife.

According to a study published in the peer-
reviewed journal, PLUS ONE, in December
2014, there are a minimum of 5.25 trillion
 pieces of plastic in the world's oceans.

Because plastic takes so long to decompose,
 much longer than an animal does, one piece
can kill several living creatures.

In Sept 2015 Australian scientists estimated
that as many as nine in ten seabirds have
plastic in their gut, & that increasing rates
 of ingestion mean that this figure will reach
 99 percent of all species by 2050 --- unless
 there is more effective waste management.

Health Risk: Scientists warn that people
are ingesting plastic by eating ocean fish.


___________________________________________


Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
India to Build Roads
of Plastic


The government of Maharashtra state in India
 has decided to kill two birds with one stone.
Plastic waste now will be used with asphalt
 to improve roads’ durability and reduce soil
pollution at the same time.

Plastic bags & pouches, bin linings, household
 goods, bottles and bottle caps in Maharashtra,
 get a second chance to serve a good purpose
 as the state government plans to use plastic
 waste along with asphalt, to build roads.

Delhi's Central Road Research Institute studies
revealed, that plastic waste added to asphalt
makes road building cheaper & better quality.

Added in small doses, 5-10% of the weight of
the asphalt (3-6 kg of plastic for every 100 kg
 of tar), it helps to improve stability, strength,
 fatigue life and other desirable properties of
 the road material.

"Such roads will have higher resistance to
 deformation and water induced damage,
increase their durability & strength, and
ultimately, dispose of plastic waste in a
 larger amount to save pollution," say the
 recommendations of the institute to the
Maharashtra government, adding:- "The
 use of waste plastic thus contributes to
the construction of green roads."

As a survey conducted by the Central
 Pollution Control Board in 2015 says:
the plastic waste generated in 60 of
India's cities, is estimated at over
 15,300 tons a day and over 6,100
 tons remain uncollected,
 as litter.

____________________________________


World's biodiversity drops
below "safe" levels: study


Xinhua - Changes in land use have caused global
 biodiversity to fall below what's considered to be
"safe" levels & threatens efforts toward long-term
 sustainable development, a new study reveals.


The study, published in the US journal Science,
studied 2.38 million records of 39,100+ species

 at 18,600 sites ---- to estimate how biodiversity
in 
every square kilometre of land has changed

---- since humans modified the habitat.

For 58.1% of the world's land surface, where
 71.4% of the human population live, the level
 of biodiversity loss is substantial enough to
 question the ability of these ecosystems to
support human societies, it found.

The loss due to changes in land use puts levels
 of biodiversity, beyond the recently proposed
 planetary boundaries: an international frame-
work that defines a safe operating space for
 humanity.

"This is the first time we've quantified the effect
 of habitat loss on biodiversity, globally, in such
 detail and we've found that across most of the
 world, biodiversity loss is no longer within the
safe limit suggested by ecologists," the lead
researcher, Tim Newbold, from University
 College, London, says, in a statement.

"We know biodiversity loss affects ecosystem
 functioning, but how it does this, isn't entirely
clear. What we do know, is that in many parts
of the world, we are approaching a situation
 where human intervention might be needed
 to sustain ecosystem functioning," he says.

The study found that grasslands, savannas
 and shrublands were most affected by bio-
diversity loss, followed closely by many of
 the world's forests and woodlands.

It suggests the ability of biodiversity in
 these areas to support key ecosystem
functions, such as the growth of living
 organisms and nutrient cycling, has
 become increasingly uncertain.

The researchers also found that biodiversity
 hotspots - those that have seen habitat loss
 in the past, but have a lot of species only
 found in that area - are now threatened...
 & show high levels of biodiversity decline.

Some high biodiversity areas, eg Amazonia
- that haven't seen land use change - have
higher levels of biodiversity ---- and more
 scope for proactive conservation.

"The greatest changes have happened in the
 places where most people live, which might
affect physical & psychological well-being.

To address this, we would have to preserve
 the remaining areas of natural vegetation &
 restore human-used land," adds Dr Newbold.



________________________________________



Expansion of
Transgenic Seeds

   Stopped in Guatemala    

Prensa Latina - Indigenous communities, ancestral
authorities and social organizations celebrate today
 in Guatemala, the suspension by the Constitutional
Court (CC) of the agreement giving a green light to
 the expansion of genetically modified seeds.

This victory, which had much to do with the work
 of the Winaq deputy, Amilcar Pop, is seen by wide
 sectors, as an important step in defending the
natural resources and autochthonous seeds
 of the indigenous peoples of this country.

The CC of Guatemala notified, on June 17th,
the provisional suspension of Decree 6-2014
Protocol of Nagoya (Japan, 2010), dealing
 with Access to genetic resources and the
equitable distribution of the benefits
 arising from its use.

This treaty is questioned by civil organizations
 and the ancestral authorities --- because of the
procedure used in its approval, in Guatemala's
Congress --- as a matter of national urgency.

Also, the treaty did not gain the two thirds of
 the vote required by the Political Constitution
 (1985) and the organic law of the legislative
 power:-  despite which, it was implemented.

The Nagoya Protocol, legitimised after 6 years
 of negotiations within the context of the 10th
 Conference of the Parts of the agreement on
Biologic Diversity, pretends to promote new
 biotechnology for food production & genetic
 modification, as a benefit for natives and
 creoles.

This ruling -- by Guatemala's CC -- forces
the National Council of Protected Areas
to now suspend all actions oriented to
compliance, on Guatemalan territory.



________________________



One Third of 'Dead Zones'
in World’s Oceans

 Around United States
- Kerry


Roughly a third of all 'dead zones' in the
 world’s oceans, are in or around the US,
Secretary of State, John Kerry, reveals.

Sputnik - One third of the 400 "dead zones"
 in the world’s oceans depleted of oxygen,
 are in or around the US, Kerry informs a
classroom discussion in Silver Spring,
 Maryland.

"We have 166 dead zones in the United
States. The largest dead zone of all is
 about 5,000 square miles down in the
 Gulf of Mexico, where the Mississippi
 River comes out," Kerry said on Wed-
nesday in remarks published by the
 US Department of State.

"There are now over 400 dead zones on a
 global basis and they’ve gone up every
single decade, for the last decades.
What does that tell you? It tells you
 that we’re not solving the problem;
it’s getting worse, not better,"
 Kerry explained.

Which sea is the most heavily polluted in
 Europe? The North sea ---- around the UK.


________________________________



Plant-based motor oil
introduced in Iran


The fresh brand was reportedly synthesized
 with the use of environmentally friendly
extracts from plants.

The new class of bio-based oil is said to improve
engine performance and increase motor age,
plus making  it run cleaner.

It will, additionally, reduce sedimentation in the
 motor, which causes gradual engine power loss.

Officials, who attended the unveiling ceremony,
 hail the company’s latest effort as a step toward
to a healthy environment, Iranian reports say.

Studies show bio-based oils cause a reduction
of at least 80% in greenhouse gas emissions --
 compared to similar petrol-based synthetic oils.

A US report in 2013 said 40%+ of the pollution
 in US waterways ---- came from used motor oil.


__________________________________



 BRICS bank approves
first loans, $811mn

 investment in renew-
able energy projects



The BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) has
 approved its first package of loans worth some
 $811 million. The four projects in Brazil, China,
South Africa and India, are all in the renewal
energy development sphere.

The decision to approve the first loans, which
 are to be handed out in tranches, was passed
 by the NDB, at the board of governors on the
 sidelines of the International Monetary Fund
 (IMF) and the World Bank spring meetings in
 Washington DC, RIA reports.

The NDB decided to provide $300 million to Brazil,
 $81 million to China, $250 million to India & $180
 million to South Africa. The bank estimates that
 renewable energy field projects with a combined
 capacity of 2.37MW, can help reduce the amount
 of harmful emissions by 4 million tons annually.

“There are many more new projects in the pipeline
 including projects from Russia. They're at various
 stages of consideration or appraisal,” the NDB
 spokesperson says.

The ministers also discussed creating a credit
rating agency of their own, to tackle western
 dominance in this sphere.

“Deliberations were held on the efficacy
 of establishing a New Development Bank
 Institute and BRICS rating agency,” the
Indian media releases said:

“It was decided that a technical working
 group, will examine the issues in detail.”

The New Development Bank created by Brazil,
 Russia, India, China and South Africa, started
 its operations in July, 2015, with an initial
 authorized capital of $100 billion.

The goals of the bank --- with its headquarters
 in Shanghai, is to fund infrastructure projects
 in the emerging economies, for sustainable
 development.


________________________________



Whey To Go! UK Homes
 to Be Powered By Cheese

Protein from cheese residue, like the stuff used in
 energy supplements ---- will be used to power the
UK's gas grid and a creamery factory in the north
of England. The plant in Cumbria will be the first
in Europe to turn cheese waste into bio-methane.

Clearfleau, the firm behind the project, is
 to use bio-methane gas to power 40% of all
homes in the local area; the remaining gas
 will go back to power the creamery itself.

Lake District Biogas will run the First Milk
 Aspatria plant for 20 years and will be the
 first Anaerobic Digestion (AD) dairy plant
 in Europe to put bio-methane in the gas
grid ----- generated by cheese.


________________________________


China proposes
$50 trillion

global renewable
energy network


The company running China’s power grid is proposing
 a $50 trillion global electricity network --- to tackle
 pollution and climate change. If it goes ahead, the
 network would use advanced renewable solar
& wind technology, and be operating by 2050.

Beijing’s network will be the world’s biggest
 infrastructure project, if given the green light.
 
The State Grid has signed a memorandum
 of understanding, already, with Russia's
 energy grid Rosseti, Korea’s Electric
Power and SoftBank Group of Japan.

According to State Grid’s Chair, Liu Zhenya,
 the planet is facing "three major challenges",
 which are:-  energy scarcity, environmental
pollution and climate change.

Liu adds that smart grids, ultra-high voltage (UHV)
grids and clean energy are the only way to a green
low carbon, economical, efficient and open energy
system, with sustainable supplies.

Liu adds that the global network, could boost the
share of clean energy to 80% of world consumption
--- displacing fossil fuels as the main energy source.

"China is already the biggest country in the world
for wind, solar power generation & also UHV grids.
 And it has scale, so we can learn many things from
 China's success. Also, by interconnecting, we can
 help each other on supply and demand," SoftBank
 CEO, Masayoshi Son, tells the Global Times.

"It's a brilliant plan. It might encounter difficulties
 during construction --- but it is possible,"  Xue
 Jiancong, spokesperson for China Merchants
 New Energy Group, a leading renewable
 energy company, tells NBC News.

The major barriers for the project “are institutional,
 not technical,” the former US energy official David
 Sandalow, tells the Wall Street Journal. “It is an
open question, whether national governments
 will be open to such a revolutionary idea,”
he adds.


__________________________


TEPCO Starts
to Freeze Soil

at Fukushima
         Nuclear Plant  
 
            
 
 Prensa Latina - Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO)
 started work on Thursday to freeze soil around
the disaster-crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear
power plant, in an operation to slow the pace
 of increase in radioactive water there.

The measure is expected to reduce the amount
 of groundwater flowing into the facilities every
day to about 50 tons, from 100+ tons, currently.

TEPCO required a Nuclear Regulation Authority
permit that took two years, since the directors
feared environmental damage.

To freeze the soil, special coolant under 30
degrees centigrade, is circulated through
pipes driven into the ground around the 4
reactors at the plant -- which was heavily
 damaged in the March 2011 earthquake
 and tsunami.

TEPCO experts explain that the Nuclear
Regulation Authority has approved the
operational start of frozen soil shields
 -- on condition that the work is done
in stages and results will start
showing in 45 days.


______________________________


We’re #1! Carbon dioxide
is at its highest rate --
in 66 million years

After February’s most abnormally warm month
 on record, a new study in National Geoscience
 shows humans are releasing carbon dioxide at
a rate 10 times faster than at any time in the
 past 66 million years.

Carbon dioxide is necessary for the Earth, but the
 study by Richard Zeebe of the University of Hawaii
 at Manoa, Andy Ridgwell of the University of Bristol,
 and James C. Zachos of the University of California
 Santa Cruz, explains that “The Palaeocene–Eocene
 Thermal Maximum (PETM), is known, at present, to
have had the highest carbon release rates of the
past 66 million years.”

The PETM refers to a period 56 million years ago,
 when ''something'' caused the concentration of
atmospheric carbon dioxide, to spike at levels
 higher than today’s.

This caused Earth to warm, its oceans to acidify,
 & a mass extinction of animal and plant species.

 This is important, because the PETM took place
 over a long period of time.

Zeebe's team gathered their information on
 the PETM by examining a deep core of ocean
 sediment from the New Jersey coast... which
 was used to analyze ratios between isotopes
 of carbon & oxygen, and could consequently
 determine how atmospheric carbon dioxide
 levels have influenced temperatures.

Scott Wing, a paleobiologist and curator at
 the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
 in Washington, told Mashable:

 “If the rate of PETM carbon addition was a
 tenth of our rate, then the future will likely
 be much more extreme than the PETM, in
 many ways.”

Mashable reports that the PETM is believed
 to have lasted more than 4,000 years, with
 a maximum emission rate of 1.1 billion tons
 a year. Today, emission rates are estimated
 to be closer to 10 billion tons per year.

So what does this mean for planet Earth?
 Well, it’s hard to say, because the PETM
occurred very slowly, and there is no
analogue to be drawn between today’s
 high carbon dioxide emission rates,
and those of the PETM.

“... Unfortunately, because we’re doing it
 so fast, our conclusion is that the rate
of acidification will be much more
 severe in the future, and also that
the effects on the calcifiers are
likely to be more severe than
what we see during PETM,”
 Zeebe told Mashable.


________________________________


Tory inaction on emissions
‘insults people dying from
air pollution,’ say
green lawyers

Green campaigners are suing the government for
 failing to meet EU air pollution limits in UK cities.

Environmental law group ClientEarth issued a fresh
 legal challenge on March 18th, after accusing the
 Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
 (Defra), of delaying stricter pollution laws.

The government is legally required to meet EU
 targets on the toxic gas NO2, which is thought
 to kill about 25,000 people in the UK each year.

ClientEarth have asked the High Court to now
urgently review Defra’s plans to tackle the gas
- which is emitted from vehicles, and industry.

A lawyer for the group says the court could force
 the government to rewrite its policies to counter
 pollution.

“The plan they came up with [in Dec 2015],
was just not good enough. It was a plan for
a plan... These are classic delaying tactics.
Meanwhile, thousands of people are dying,”
ClientEarth lawyer Alan Andrews says.

“Government has been delaying for years.
This challenge will force a full legal
examination of Defra’s plans.”

ClientEarth’s case concerns 15 cities &
regions across the UK, including London,
Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.

Scottish and Welsh ministers, the Mayor of
London, and the Department for Transport,
will also be served with papers.

The group claimed victory last April, when the
 UK Supreme Court, ruled the government had
failed to meet EU pollution limits.

Alan Andrews, a lawyer from ClientEarth, says
 the government plans, were an insult to those
 dying from air pollution.

“As the government can’t be trusted to deal with
 toxic air pollution, we are now asking the court
 to intervene, and make sure it is taking action,”
 he says.

“It is a disgrace that we have had to take further
 legal action, to force the government to protect
 our health.

“The government’s plans were an insult to those
 being made sick and dying from air pollution and
 failed to consider strong measures ----- to get the
 worst-polluting diesel vehicles out of our towns
 and city centres."

In January, London exceeded its EU air pollution
 limits for the entire year in just 8 days, according
 to London Air Quality Network.

High levels of toxic gas are emitted from diesel
 exhaust fumes. A new study says that exposure
 to the fumes, can significantly impact people
 with asthma.

Researchers at Imperial College, London, have
found that both during and after a 2-hour walk
 along the city’s busy Oxford Street, volunteers
 experienced increased asthmatic symptoms
 including reduced lung capacity and
inflammation in the lungs.


_____________________________________


‘Climate Emergency’:
Scientists Stunned by
February Temperature
Records

Experts warn that we may be nearing a tipping
 point that could trigger a massive, apocalyptic
 temperature increase.

This weekend NASA released data showing
 that February 2016 was not only the hottest
February in recorded history, but soared so
 far past all previous records, as to cause
scientists to describe it as "an ominous
 milestone in our march towards an
 ever-warmer planet."

The average global surface temperature for
February was 1.35°C warmer than the average
for the month, as measured from 1951 to 1980.

 The previous record, 1.14°C above the 1951-1980
 baseline, was set one month earlier, in Jan. 2016.

According to meteorologists Bob Henson & Dr.
Jeff Masters, founder of the popular Weather
 Underground meteorological website, NASA's
 report is a "bombshell."

The meteorologists worry that Earth may
 have passed a critical tipping point, with
"February 2016 soaring past all rivals, as
 the warmest seasonally adjusted month
 in 100 + years, of global record-keeping."

Stefan Rahmstorf, of Potsdam Institute
 of Climate Impact Research, Germany,
 describes the development by using
 cataclysmic terminology.

"We are in a state of climate emergency now,"
 says Rahmstorf, adding, "the new figures are
 quite stunning --- and what we are seeing, is
completely unprecedented."

Generally, scientists caution against highlighting
 a one or two month temperature spike, particularly
 in an El Niño climate cycle, as Earth is experiencing
 this year. However, the climate data reported, is so
 extraordinary, many scientists believe it warrants
 serious alarm.

Temperatures reported in February 2016 exceed
 even the "super" El Niño of Feb. 1998 -- by 0.47°C.

Climatologists believe this string of monthly
 temperature records will continue, with record
 readings in the months and years to come, due
 to an increased concentration of carbon in the
global atmosphere, that, in turn, will drive
 higher longer-term temperatures.

What many scientists fear, beyond a gradual rise
 in temperatures, is reaching a tipping point, a full-
scale melting of the polar ice caps --- which would
 release methane, a powerful greenhouse gas with
 roughly 80 times the impact on world temperature
 as carbon dioxide.

If the ice caps melt, scientists speculate that it
could trigger a rapid, potentially apocalyptic
 temperature hike.


____________________________________


Pope Francis Calls to Address
           One of the Greatest Crises               
 
 Prensa Latina - "We can no longer remain silent
before one of the greatest environmental crises
 in world history", pope Francis said on Monday,
15th of February, during a mass held in Chiapas,
Mexico, before indigenous communities.

Francis criticized the irresponsible use
 and abuse of natural resources.

"We grew up thinking we were the world's
 owners and were authorized to plunder it,
he emphasized.

The Pope presided over the mass in the
main indigenous languages of Chiapas:
Tzeltal, Tzotzil and Chol. The liturgy
included readings, prayers and
hymns in those languages.

Francis said indigenous communities have
 much to teach mankind, as they know how
to relate harmoniously with nature.

He denounced how, in a systematic and
organized way, indigenous peoples have
 been misunderstood and excluded from
 society, over the course of history.

"Some have considered your values,
culture and traditions to be inferior",
 he emphasised. "Others, intoxicated
 by power, money and market trends,
have stolen your lands, or have
contaminated them."


_________________________________


 ‘Cut antibiotics use
in livestock to avert
superbug catastrophe’
– UK health review

Urgent cuts must be made in the use of antibiotics
 in livestock farming, as misuse of the drugs, risks
 sparking a global public health crisis, a UK-
government commissioned review says.

World governments need to reach internationally
 agreed targets, to reduce the use of antibiotics --
if medicine is to retain its effectiveness in killing
 bacteria.

The review, led by former Goldman Sachs chief
 economist Jim O’Neill, suggests countries follow
the lead set by Denmark and the Netherlands.

Denmark uses an average of less than 50mg of
 antibiotics a year per kilogram of livestock – a
 figure O’Neill says “may be a good starting
point for such a target.”

“Denmark has shown that a very productive farming
 industry can be sustained alongside relatively low
 levels of antibiotic use,” the review says.

In many countries the majority of antibiotics are
 used in livestock, not in humans, the study finds.

In the United States for example, over 70%
of medically important antibiotics are used
 on animals, while humans use 30%.

“This creates a big resistance risk for everyone,”
 O’Neill says. “It’s time for policy makers to act
 on this.”

Infectious disease expert and Wellcome Trust
director, Jeremy Farrar, says urgent action is
 needed, to combat a future crisis.

“We can now be certain that the health of live-
stock animals, and how we care for them, is
 inextricably linked to our own health and the
 effectiveness of medicines we rely on every
 day,” he says in a statement.

“We need international governments, policy
makers and the agricultural industry to coor-
dinate their actions, and set tangible targets
for the reduction, & better use of, antibiotics
 in animals.”

The review’s recommendations come amid
 global alarm over the discovery in China of
a gene dubbed MCR-1, that makes bacteria
 resistant to even the strongest antibiotic.

Professor Timothy Walsh of the University of
Cardiff’s Institute of Infection & Immunity told
 the BBC last month, that the world is on the
cusp of the “post-antibiotic era.”

“All the key players are now in place to make
 the post-antibiotic world a reality,” he said.

“If MCR-1 becomes global, which is a case of
when not if, & the gene aligns itself with other
 antibiotic resistance genes, which is inevitable,
then we will have very likely reached the start
of the post-antibiotic era.

“At that point if a patient is seriously ill, say
with E. coli, then there is virtually nothing
you can do,” he adds.


______________________________

 
Putin wants Russia
to become 
world's biggest
exporter of Non-GMO food


Russia could become the world's largest supplier of
 ecologically clean & high-quality organic food, said
 President Vladimir Putin on thursday. He also called
 on the country to become completely self-sufficient
 in food production by 2020.

"We are not only able to feed ourselves, taking into
 account our lands, water resources. Russia is able
 to become the largest world supplier of healthy,
 ecologically clean and high-quality food --- which
 the Western producers have long lost: especially
 given the fact that demand for such products in
 the world market, is steadily growing," said
Putin, addressing the Russian Parliament.

According to the President, Russia is now an
 exporter, not an importer, of food.

"10 years ago, we imported almost half of our food
 from abroad and were dependent on imports. Now
 Russia is among the exporters. Last year, Russian
 exports of agricultural products totalled almost
$20 billion - a quarter more than the revenue from
 the sale of arms, or one-third of the revenue from
gas exports," he said.

Putin said all this makes Russia fully capable
of supplying the domestic market with home-
grown food by 2020.

In September, the Kremlin decided against
producing food products with genetically
modified organisms (GMOs).

Russia imposed an embargo on the supply
of products from the EU & US, in response
 to Western sanctions. When Turkey shot
 down a Russian Su-24 bomber, Russia's
 authorities banned fruit, vegetables, &
poultry from Turkey, as from Jan. 1st.


__________________________________________________



Chernobyl memories fade?
Kiev turns blind eye... to
disaster-risk in nuclear
deal with US

The coup-imposed government in Kiev has
 resurrected a contract with a US company
 to supply fuel to Ukraine’s nuclear power
 plants, despite the fact that using US fuel
 rods was banned in 2012, because of a
dangerous
 incompatibility.

In April 2014, shortly after the armed coup, Kiev
 signed a new deal with the US’s leading nuclear
fuel producer, Westinghouse Electric Company,
instead of the Russian TVEL company that has
 been supplying fuel rods to Ukraine for years.

Ukraine’s 4 nuclear power plants constitute a
 huge part of the country's energy system. The
 country’s 15 nuclear reactors produce at least
 50% (over 13 megawatts) of all electric power
generation in Ukraine.

All nuclear fuel for Ukrainian reactors (worth
 hundreds of millions of dollars a year) has been
 produced in Russia, which also recycles
 Ukraine’s nuclear waste.

Moreover, Russia’s Rosatom state-owned nuclear
 monopoly is currently constructing a nuclear fuel
 fabrication plant in Ukraine, where nuclear fuel rods
 will be assembled using uranium enriched in Russia.

Ukraine has relied on Russia in all atomic
 matters – but since the coup the US has
 muscled in on the relationship.

The Westinghouse Electric Company has been
 trying to ‘ease’ the former Soviet-bloc country's
 energy reliance on Russia and enter the market
 in Eastern Europe for over a decade.

 Back in 2012, the then US Secretary of State Hillary
 Clinton attempted to convince Czech leaders to pick
 Westinghouse as a first nuclear fuel supply partner
 instead of Russia, which would create thousands of
 new jobs in the US.

Westinghouse has tried supplying nuclear fuel to
Energoatom nuclear power generating company,
in Ukraine before...


 In 2005, six experimental Westinghouse
 fuel assemblies, adopted for use in USSR-
developed reactors, were tried at the South
Ukraine plant in one reactor, together with
Russian fuel rods.

Though nuclear engineers were skeptical of
the pilot probe, the government of ex president
 Viktor Yushchenko signed a deal in 2008 with
 Westinghouse on fuel rod supply, despite the
fact that American nuclear fuel is significantly
 more expensive and technologically different.

 Russian nuclear fuel rods are hexagonal in
section, while US fuel assemblies are square.

Despite experts' fears, 42 fuel assemblies were
 loaded into three reactors at the South Ukraine
 nuclear power plant for a standard three-year
period of commercial operation.

When, in 2012, the time came to replace the
 fuel assemblies, Ukrainian nuclear engineers
found that Westinghouse assemblies deformed
during exploitation and got stuck in the core.

Energoatom accused Westinghouse of producing
 poorly engineered assemblies, and Westinghouse
 countered, by accusing the Ukrainian engineers
 of installing the rods badly.

After this, the use of US nuclear fuel was banned
 in Ukraine, while the fuel rods were returned to
the producer ‘to get fixed’, and Russian experts
 were summoned to help with the repair of the
 equipment, produced in the USSR.

 Energoatom Company lost approx. $175 million.

Similar problems with Westinghouse fuel assemblies
 occurred at a number of other USSR-constructed
 nuclear power plants: NPP Krško in Slovenia, NPP
 Loviisa in Finland and NPP Temelin in the Czech
 Republic.

All these countries opted to return to time-proved fuel
 assemblies produced by Russia’s TVEL Company.

Now Ukraine appears to be ready to fall into the
same trap twice.

 The coup-imposed Kiev regime has renewed the
 2008 nuclear fuel deal till 2020, to replace 25%
 of the Russian-made fuel rods, with an option to
 “provide more if needed,” reported AP in April -
 all for the sole purpose of ‘diversifying’ supply.

What happened back in 2012 at Zaporozhskaya
 NPP could have ended with another Chernobyl,
 because having unextractable fuel assemblies
 loaded means a potential loss of control over
 the fission processes inside the reactor.

But the new Kiev authorities, supported by
 Washington, are making every effort to cut
 Ukraine’s ties with Russia, so moving from
 Russian nuclear fuel to US assemblies is
 attractive to A. Yatsenyuk’s coup regime,
 despite the 2012 incident.

Worse, Westinghouse won’t recycle its fuel rods
 when they ‘burn out’, so Ukraine will spend even
 more budget money to prepare special storage
 facilities for nuclear waste.

Westinghouse has its eyes on a bigger prize...

“This move by Westinghouse is really to secure
 not just a fuel contract, which will go on for many
 years, but to put its foot in the door to build a fuel
 fabrication plant in eastern Ukraine. And that’s
 what’s most important and that’s what they’re
after,” John Large, an independent nuclear
 analyst from London, tells RT news.

Experts warn that nuclear power plants
should
 not undergo such drastic transitions.

“A nuclear reactor demands a coherent structure
of operations. The active reactor core is the most
 dangerous when it comes to the impact it may have
 on people and the environment. All reactors differ in
 smallest details, and toying around with them leads
 to no good,” Evgeny Akimov of the International
 Union of Nuclear Energy Veterans warns.

If something goes wrong, Kiev may find
 they face all the consequences alone.

“As far as I know, Westinghouse signs contracts
 in which the company bears no responsibility, so
 the burden will lie with Ukraine,” states Rafael
Arutyunyan, nuclear security expert & professor
 at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.

Kiev’s actions are being dictated by politics
and corruption rather than risks, even when
 the severe consequences may affect not just
Ukraine, but the entire European continent.

When the Chernobyl tragedy occurred in 1986,
 it was by pure coincidence that Ukraine’s wind
 direction, usually directed to Europe, changed,
 sending most radioactive fallout in the direction
 of Russia and Belarus.

In this over-politicized case, European capitals
 would do well to understand how the wind blows.


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