Tag: ecology

George Monbiot: Dead Line – Future corporate profits are officially more important than life on Earth

The human tragedy is that there is no connection between what we know and what we do. Almost everyone is now at least vaguely aware that we face the greatest catastrophe our species has ever confronted. Yet scarcely anyone alters their behaviour in response: above all, their driving, flying and consumption of meat and dairy.… Read More George Monbiot: Dead Line – Future corporate profits are officially more important than life on Earth

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Mahesh Chitnis – Landslide lessons: Kinnaur villagers vow to protect their hills from hydro projects

A massive landslide that struck National Highway number 5 near Nigulsari of Kinnaur district on August 11 killed at least 23 people and several people are still believed to be trapped under debris. Teams from National Disaster Response Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and other agencies are engaged in rescue operations. The increasing incidence of landslides… Read More Mahesh Chitnis – Landslide lessons: Kinnaur villagers vow to protect their hills from hydro projects

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It’s now or never: Scientists warn time of reckoning has come for the planet

Heatwaves and the heavy rains that cause flooding have become more intense and more frequent since the 1950s in most parts of the world, and climate change is now affecting all inhabited regions of the planet. Drought is increasing in many places and it is more than 66% likely that numbers of major hurricanes and typhoons have risen since the… Read More It’s now or never: Scientists warn time of reckoning has come for the planet

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William Taylor: Melting Mongolian ice reveals fragile clues about how past people lived

In the world’s high mountain regions, life needs ice. From the Rockies to the Himalayas, glaciers and other accumulations of snow and ice persist throughout the year. Often found on shaded slopes protected from the sun, these ice patches transform barren peaks into biological hot spots. As an archaeologist, I value these snow and ice… Read More William Taylor: Melting Mongolian ice reveals fragile clues about how past people lived

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CODE RED for Humanity – The IPCC report is clear: nothing short of transforming society will avert catastrophe

NB: In the midst of an unprecedented global catastrophe, political leadership is engaged in ruthless quest for power, destruction of democratic institutions, clampdown on honest journalism, instigating communal and racial hatred, and increasing defence budgets. Whenever society faces mortal danger, we attack the poor, invent enemies and scapegoats on all sides, and engage in verbal… Read More CODE RED for Humanity – The IPCC report is clear: nothing short of transforming society will avert catastrophe

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Environmental impact of bottled water ‘up to 3,500 times greater than tap water’

The impact of bottled water on natural resources is 3,500 times higher than for tap water, scientists have found. The research is the first of its kind and examined the impact of bottled water in Barcelona, where it is becoming increasingly popular despite improvements to the quality of tap water in recent years. Research led by the Barcelona Institute… Read More Environmental impact of bottled water ‘up to 3,500 times greater than tap water’

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Our leaders look climate change in the eyes, and shrug / Siberian heatwave led to new methane emissions / Terrifying documentary on US wildfires

There is a certain sort of amusement to be had in watching the developed world deal with the insistent onslaught of climate change. Like many horror stories, this one features a main character full of futile determination to maintain a sense of normalcy even as the ominous signs of doom become ever more impossible to… Read More Our leaders look climate change in the eyes, and shrug / Siberian heatwave led to new methane emissions / Terrifying documentary on US wildfires

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Gabrielle Canon: The disastrous impact of heatwaves on plants and animals

More than a billion sea creatures across the Pacific north-west perished in this year’s heatwave. And it’s just a taste of what’s to come.    When forecasts foreshadowed the Pacific north-west’s devastating heatwave at the end of June, marine biologist Christopher Harley was alarmed and intrigued. Then came the smell, and his feelings somberly shifted.… Read More Gabrielle Canon: The disastrous impact of heatwaves on plants and animals

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A floating device created to clean up plastic from the ocean is finally doing its job, organizers say

A huge trash-collecting system designed to clean up plastic floating in the Pacific Ocean is finally picking up plastic, its inventor announced Wednesday. The Netherlands-based nonprofit the Ocean Cleanup says its latest prototype was able to capture and hold debris ranging in size from huge, abandoned fishing gear, known as “ghost nets,” to tiny microplastics as small… Read More A floating device created to clean up plastic from the ocean is finally doing its job, organizers say

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