How safe does protected status keep the world's national parks?
Protected areas and habitats are being downgraded and delisted so often, to accommodate mining, logging or population growth, the problem even has its own acronym. Environment 360 reports It’s the saddest truism in wildlife conservation: When politicians announce that they are setting aside precious habitat “in perpetuity”, what they really mean is until somebody else […]
Gas delivery startups want to change the world – but will they blow it up first?
Whether or not the practices are safe, some wonder why companies are pouring resources into an area that so many are trying to innovate out of existence It is hard to imagine a less hospitable niche for a startup to enter than gasoline – a combustible commodity that is (one hopes) being innovated into obsolescence. […]
Why did the death of Cecil the lion cause such an uproar?
Analysis of the huge news and online response to his death could offer conservationists an opportunity to turn the ‘Cecil moment’ into a ‘Cecil movement’, reports Conservation Magazine When the story of Cecil the lion’s death at the hands of an American hunter hit the media, the global response was “the largest reaction in the […]
The Valley: Demonstrating the circular economy at scale
Reaction to the first universal legally binding global climate deal, agreed at COP21 in Paris, and signed by 195 countries at the United Nations in New York on Earth Day. The signing has triggered headlines like “Experts Say Plans Don’t Pack a Wallop”, with the New York Times reporting that the accord is “bare bones” […]
We've been mayors of New York, Paris and Rio. We know climate action starts with cities
If we want to reduce emissions, cities are key. But they need to be empowered if they are to have an impact The Paris climate agreement, already signed by more than 175 countries, was successful in large part because national governments recognized cities’ progress in reducing carbon emissions. On Thursday, as world leaders gather in […]
When in drought: the California farmers who don’t water their crops
Dry farming forgoes modern irrigation and, farmers say, produces much tastier crops. In a drought-stricken state, should others follow suit? There’s something different about Will Bucklin’s grape vines. At first it’s hard to notice, but a drive through northern California’s Sonoma Valley, past waves of green, manicured vineyards, makes it clear. The black ribbon of […]
Bob Carr backs bid to abolish dolphin captivity in NSW
Former premier supports legislation, which has cross-party backing, as well as campaign by dolphin advocacy group to end captivity at the state’s only dolphin park in Coffs Harbour A legislative bid to abolish dolphin captivity in New South Wales, targeting the remaining park in the state in Coffs Harbour, has gained cross-party support as well […]
Animals die as Cambodia is gripped by worst drought in decades
Schools face water shortages and government says entire nation is affected as rainy season is forecast to be delayed by months Behind a clutch of huts that hug the major route between Cambodia’s capital and its famed Angkor temples, rice farmers Phem Phean and Sok Khoert peer into a cement hollow. Related: Armed guards at […]
Money trumpeted in budget for Great Barrier Reef previously announced
Federal government confirms $171m allocated to the reef is recycled funding and focuses on water quality not climate change All the $171m in funding announced in the budget for the Great Barrier Reef has come from other environmental programs, which already had significant amounts directed at conserving the reef, it emerged on Thursday. It was […]
Benefits of cycling and walking 'outweigh air pollution risk' in cities
Study finds only 1% of cities in world have such high levels of pollution that the activities could prove detrimental to health The health benefits of cycling and walking outweigh the harm from inhaling air loaded with traffic fumes in all but the world’s most polluted cities, according to a study. An international team of […]