To slow the climate crisis, we must end our reliance on single-use plastics. The same fossil fuel companies that have destroyed our climate have continued to see profits grow through their expanded production of single-use plastics. Almost all plastic is produced from fossil fuels, so we can strike a significant blow to these companies by phasing out single-use plastics … [Read more...]
California frogs proposed for species protection
In response to a Center for Biological Diversity petition and lawsuit, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed Endangered Species Act protection for four populations of foothill yellow-legged frogs in the Sierra Nevada and central and Southern California. This stream-dwelling frog species has disappeared from more than 50% of its historic habitat in the state. “At … [Read more...]
Lawsuit to protect polar bears from Arctic oil exploration
The Center For Biological Diversity has filed a formal notice of intent to sue the U.S. Department of the Interior and Bureau of Land Management for failing to protect imperilled polar bears from an oil exploration project in the Western Arctic. “Every new oil well in the Arctic is another step toward the polar bear’s extinction,” said Kristen Monsell, a senior attorney at … [Read more...]
Help researchers photograph endangered butterflies
Butterflies have an extraordinary power over us. For centuries, these delicate and colorful creatures have enchanted us with their beauty. Sadly, in recent times, butterflies and moths’ populations have plummeted to the point that numerous species could disappear from the face of the earth. Friend of the Earth, an initiative of the World Sustainability Organisation, has … [Read more...]
Countries commit to develop climate-smart health care at COP26
A group of 47 countries have committed to develop climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26), in response to growing evidence of the impact of climate change on people’s health. The governments of these 47 countries, which include some of those most vulnerable to the health harms caused by climate change as well as … [Read more...]
Celebrating Kenya’s fourth plastic ban anniversary
As Kenya marks the fourth anniversary of the ambitious plastics ban much has been achieved including limiting the pollution by carrier bags and the president's directive in protected areas but, still more needs to be done. Greenpeace Africa applauds the gains that the country has made and urges the government to urgently ‘’pronounce its support for the global plastic … [Read more...]
Helping nations gain steam on stronger climate goals
When the Conference of the Parties meets in Scotland this November for COP26 – assuming that they will, in some form or fashion – all eyes will be on the ambition levels of the revised national climate plans that are a part of the Paris Agreement. This meeting of the annual climate conference is where countries are being asked to bring forward ambitious 2030 emissions … [Read more...]
Report details the growing threat of ageing dams
By 2050, most people on Earth will live downstream of tens of thousands of large dams built in the 20th century, many of them already operating at or beyond their design life, according to a UN University analysis. The report, Ageing water infrastructure: An emerging global risk, by UNU's Canadian-based Institute for Water, Environment and Health, says most of the 58,700 … [Read more...]
Calling on banks to stop funding East African oil pipeline
Standard Bank, Africa’s biggest lender, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) of Japan are reportedly about to finance a 1,443-kilometer crude oil pipeline through Uganda and Tanzania. If built, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) would be the longest heated crude oil pipeline in the world. Extinction Rebellion SA condemns the pipeline project and will take … [Read more...]
South Africa’s live cheetah export exposed
South Africa is well-known for its intensive captive lion breeding industry, but its captive cheetah breeding side has never received the same exposure. As with lions, captive bred cheetah cubs are taken away from their mothers within days of birth to be hand-reared, which starts the habituating process. They are then used for petting, walking with cheetahs, and as photo … [Read more...]
Team effort needed to conserve South Africa’s natural heritage
In three recent papers, South African biologists and environmentalists have listed pertinent research priorities for the next decade. These could help steer the protection of the country's plant and animal wealth, and that of the Cape Floristic Region in particular. The authors believe that the priorities set out could go a long way in addressing key threats raised in the … [Read more...]
Time to add giraffes to the Endangered Species List
After pictures of a 37-year-old American woman posing next to the carcass of a giraffe bull surfaced online, social media exploded in disgust. Kentucky-born Tess Thompson Talley posted the photos on Facebook with the caption: "Prayers for my once in a lifetime dream hunt came true today! Spotted this rare black giraffe bull and stalked him for quite a while." Will & … [Read more...]
UN demands more ambition as US weighs climate pullout
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the world to raise its ambition in implementing the Paris climate agreement as the United States weighed pulling out of the landmark emissions-cutting deal. Making his first address on climate since taking the UN helm five months ago, Guterres said it was "absolutely essential" the world implements the 2015 agreement "with … [Read more...]
