Trump review threatens to rip up Obama protections for wilderness areas
Interior secretary to review past presidents’ national monument designations Designation of monuments could be ‘rescinded, modified or resized’ Donald Trump is triggering a review of protections that cover more than a billion acres of US public land and waters in a move that could potentially rescind the designation of several national monuments declared by previous […]
Punch a shark, whistle away a bear: how to survive deadly encounters | Jules Howard
From crocodiles in ponds to wasps in service stations or vampires in your hammock, your best bet for dealing with predators is simple: respect them Punching sharks in the face isn’t something to be attempted lightly, but in the jaws of death it can be the best means of remaining uneaten, as this weekend’s incident […]
Baby whales 'whisper' to mothers to avoid predators, study finds
Scientists reveal unique, intimate form of communication between humpback mothers and calves as well as silent method to initiate suckling Newborn humpback whales and their mothers whisper to each other to escape potential predators, scientists reported Wednesday, revealing the existence of a previously unknown survival technique. “They don’t want any unwanted listeners,” researcher Simone Videsen, […]
Will Sonny Perdue, Trump's agriculture pick, stand up for the little guy? Don't bank on it
In November, America’s beleaguered rural citizens voted against the status quo – but that’s exactly what Trump’s new agriculture secretary looks set to ensure Donald Trump owes his election in no small part to the support of farm country. But since entering office, almost all his actions and pronouncements have betrayed an abysmal understanding of […]
Most global investors recognise financial risk of climate change, report finds
Global index reveals 60% of asset owners are now taking some action, but warns there is still ‘enormous resistance’ to managing climate risk For the first time a majority of global investor heavyweights recognise the financial risks of climate change, according to the results of a major global index rating how investors manage such risks. […]
Plastic-eating bugs? It’s a great story – but there’s a sting in the tail | Philip Ball
Breeding wax moth caterpillars to devour our waste sounds good. But they would attack bee colonies too, and ultimately put crops at risk Caterpillars that can munch up plastic bags have just been identified, fuelling excited speculation that this could one day eliminate global pollution from plastic waste. The chance discovery, initially made by a […]
Policymakers can break the plastics stalemate
Policymakers across the world have a vital role to play in the transition towards a plastics system that works. More than ever, there is global momentum for a fundamental shift in how we produce, use and reuse plastics. This material and its applications, like packaging, are an integral part of the global economy and deliver […]
A government of death is plundering our ancient Munduruku lands. Help us stop it
As the UN forum on indigenous issues meets in New York, we, the Munduruku people of Brazil, demand an end to the destruction of our territory We, the Munduruku people, send our thoughts and words to you who live far away. We echo the cry for help from our mother, the forest, and from all […]
High court orders UK government to explain clean air plan delay
Critics say air pollution issue is public health and not political issue and ministers must defend delay in high court The government has been ordered back to the high court to explain its last-minute bid to delay publication of the UK’s clean air plan. Politicians and environmental groups had complained that ministers were “hiding behind […]
From Congo child soldier to award-winning wildlife ranger – a life in danger
Forced into the militia as a child in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rodrigue Katembo has now been awarded a Goldman prize for risking his life fighting to protect his country’s wildlife As an enforced child soldier, Rodrigue Katembo saw his little brother die and had to carry the news to his mother. Now 41, […]