The Great Barrier Reef has been declared dead by scientists at 25 million years old — bringing an end to the colorful life of the world’s largest single structure of living organisms. The incredible Coral Sea wilderness, which stretches for roughly 1,400 miles over an area of roughly 133,00 square miles, has finally succumbed to bleaching. The icon of the natural world is … [Read more...]
These are the countries most at risk from climate change
Climate change can affect countries and regions in terms of economic and environmental impact. Standard & Poor's has assessed the effects of climate change on a country's economy by evaluating the percentage of population living in coastal areas, the percentage of agriculture that makes up a country's gross domestic product and the vulnerability index developed by the … [Read more...]
Protect our oceans from seabed mining!
Massive companies are rushing to mine the fragile ocean floor. But the twenty-four people who make the rules are meeting this week, and we can stop this plunder if we back scientists’ warnings with a massive wake-up call. For years they’ve poisoned rivers, devastated forests and displaced communities, and now massive companies are rushing to dig up the seabed for precious … [Read more...]
204 512 people from 160 countries help save Great Barrier Reef
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in Doha, Qatar, on 18 June 2014 was a huge win for the future of the Great Barrier Reef and the millions who united around the world in its passionate support. In the face of intense pressure, the World Heritage Committee held the line and put the Australian Government firmly on notice to take stronger action to protect the Great … [Read more...]
Coal expansion in China means water scarcity for many
'China’s huge thirst for energy is going to increase the scarcity of water already threatening people in western China and Inner Mongolia,' says Brian Blomme. A planned major expansion of coal mines, coal-fired electricity plants and coal-based chemical plants in northwest China will drain almost 10 billion cubic metres of water a year from water resources. This new … [Read more...]
Future Policy Award 2010 winners announced
As proven by the Costa Rican Biodiversity Law, exemplary biodiversity legislation can be successfully put into practice. On 25 October, delegates, ministers, decision-makers, media and donors gathered at the Future Policy Award 2010 Ceremony in Nagoya, Japan, to witness the first prize be awarded to Costa Rica and to celebrate the Costa Rican Biodiversity Law as a milestone of … [Read more...]