From today's Miami Herald:
"We have been slow to develop new technologies to prevent, mitigate and clean up oil spills,'' Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., who drafted the legislation [currently in the House about the federal response to oil spills], said in a statement. "The fact that we are responding to the BP oil spill with basically the same technology that we used with the Exxon Valdez spill 20 years ago pretty much says it all.''
- Ocean Roundup: Seafood Fraud Ring Uncovered in Australia, Fish Species Found to Change Skin Color, and More Posted Fri, October 17, 2014
- Ocean Roundup: Oceans Seeing Largest Sea Level Rise in 6,000 Years, Red King Crab Fishery Opens in Alaska, and More Posted Tue, October 14, 2014
- Video: Oceana Makes Plea for Mediterranean Swordfish, Says EU Overlooking Its Decline Posted Wed, October 15, 2014
- CEO Note: President Obama Designates Largest Marine Reserve in the World Posted Fri, October 17, 2014
- Deep Sea Sharks in Northeast Atlantic Still at Risk from Overexploitation, Warns Group Posted Tue, October 14, 2014


- What will happen if you inhale too much cleaning products?
- Does bleaching cause cancer?
- What household items cause cancer?
- Can cleaning products cause sore throat?
- What is the most dangerous household chemical?
- Why are household chemicals dangerous?
- Can you mix 409 and bleach?
- Can you mix Pine Sol and bleach?
- What chemicals are toxic to humans?
- What gas kills you instantly?
- What elements can kill you?
- Can floor cleaner kill you?
- What is the most toxic gas on earth?
- What to do if you breathe in cleaning chemicals?
- What household cleaning products can kill you?
What will happen if you inhale too much cleaning products?
When mixed, the contents of certain cleaners can trigger dangerous chemical reactions, such as the combination of ammonia and bleach.
Mixing them produces toxic fumes that, when inhaled, cause coughing; difficulty breathing; and irritation of the throat, eyes and nose..
Does bleaching cause cancer?
Carcinogens. The Myth: “Isn’t bleach a carcinogenic chemical?” The Fact: No, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has concluded that bleach does not cause cancer.
What household items cause cancer?
Air fresheners. Air fresheners contain formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, p-dichlorobenzene and aerosol propellants. These chemicals are thought to cause cancer and brain damage. They also are strong irritants to eyes, skin, and throat.
Can cleaning products cause sore throat?
Irritants: Exposure to certain irritants can affect the throat and cause symptoms. Common environmental irritants include tobacco smoke, cigarettes, air pollution, cleaning products, beauty products, and other household chemicals. Allergies: Allergic reactions can lead to chronic sore throats.
What is the most dangerous household chemical?
What Are the Most Dangerous Household Chemicals?Antifreeze. Swallowing antifreeze (ethylene glycol) may cause damage to the heart, brain, kidney and other internal organs. … Bleach. Being a strong corrosive substance, bleach can affect the respiratory system if inhaled. … Drain cleaners. … Carpet or upholstery cleaners. … Ammonia. … Air fresheners.
Why are household chemicals dangerous?
Many cleaning supplies or household products can irritate the eyes or throat, or cause headaches and other health problems, including cancer. Some products release dangerous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Other harmful ingredients include ammonia and bleach.
Can you mix 409 and bleach?
Q: Can I mix Formula 409® Multi-Surface Cleaner with other products, like bleach? A: No, we don’t recommend mixing with anything that’s not water, even on a double dog dare.
Can you mix Pine Sol and bleach?
Bleach and Pine-Sol: Mixing these two chemicals in large amounts will create chlorine gas and can restrict your breathing.
What chemicals are toxic to humans?
What are ten of the most dangerous chemicals?Batrachotoxin isn’t very good for you. … Chlorine trifluoride is highly corrosive. … Potassium cyanide has killed some notable people in the past. … VX is used in chemical weapons. … Botulinum toxin A, also known as Botox. … Ricin is pretty nasty. … Sarin will kill you in minutes.More items…•
What gas kills you instantly?
Carbon monoxideCarbon monoxide, or “CO,” is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you.
What elements can kill you?
So here is a list of substances that are more poisonous than their LD50 values might indicate.Botulinum toxins. Even though some of them are used in the cosmetic industry (including in botox), the botulinum family of neurotoxins includes the most toxic substances known to man. … Snake toxins. … Arsenic. … Polonium-210. … Mercury.
Can floor cleaner kill you?
NEVER mix bleach with ammonia, as the fumes can be deadly. Carpet and Upholstery Shampoos generally contain highly toxic substances like perchlorethylene (a known carcinogen that damages the liver, kidneys, and nervous system) and ammonium hydroxide (a corrosive that irritates eyes, skin, and respiratory passages).
What is the most toxic gas on earth?
Sarin (inhaled) Sarin is one of the deadliest nerve gases, hundreds of times more toxic than cyanide.
What to do if you breathe in cleaning chemicals?
Home careBreathe fresh air for the next few hours. … Don’t use any cleaning products, paints, mineral spirits, or other volatile chemicals. … Rest until you are feeling back to normal again. … During the next 24 hours, don’t smoke cigarettes.More items…
What household cleaning products can kill you?
The household cleaners that you should never mix at the risk of creating toxic gassesBleach is especially toxic and should not be mixed with anything other than water.Some of the most deadly combinations are ammonia and bleach, vinegar and bleach, and rubbing alcohol and bleach.More items…•


Delhi fumes as air quality deteriorates to ‘very poor’ category
The air quality in Delhi remains in the poor category, owing to constant stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana. As per the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) data, the air quality of Delhi's Lodhi Road area showed levels of prominent pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 at 224 and 272, respectively, above normal. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". On the other hand, farmers in Punjab are continuing to burn stubble in Ludhiana's Raul village, owing to the absence of machinery. Particles from stubble burning combine with industrial pollution, vehicle exhaust and dust to cover the region every year as winter approaches and wind speeds drop. Following the directions of the Supreme Court, the Centre approved a large sum of money for modern tools and technology to combat the problem.
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AP FACT CHECK: Trump misses on storms, science, clean air
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump in his interview with The Associated Press said he has "a natural instinct for science." But what he said about hurricanes, clean air and climate doesn't quite get the science right.
Air quality better in North India, but that may change
The Centre and northern states have taken measures this year to discourage farmers from a practice that they follow to prepare fields between the summer and winter crops.
Delhi's air quality deteriorates, may worsen by Sunday: Authorities
An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.
Delhi's air quality remains 'poor' for 4th consecutive day even as wind speed improved: Authorities
The overall air quality index (AQI) recorded at 4 pm on Thursday stood at 210, which falls under 'poor' category, authorities said. On Wednesday, Delhi's AQI stood at 239, according to a data by the Central Pollution Control Board.
India aims to cut stubble burning in key states by 70 per cent, but experts sceptical
The official said that the government was educating farmers about the problems of burning stubble as well as providing subsidies for equipment that would allow them to mulch the stubble instead.
Emergency pollution plan starts in Delhi. Here are things that are banned from today
Delhi had adopted an emergency action plan GRAP last year under which stringent actions are implemented based on the air quality of the city.
Experts blame perfume, hair gel for fuelling smog in Beijing
The air quality index in Beijing climbed to 213 on Monday. While several studies have been conducted on the reasons for heavy pollution in Beijing attributing to heavy industrialisation and automobiles, experts now blame the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Common household products like paints, perfume, hair gel, insecticide, cleaning products give off the VOCs.
BoB's PS Jayakumar clears the air over his one-year extension, 3-way bank merger and more
“We will start seeing some benefits on the revenue and cost sides and synergies.”
High levels of air pollution can increase risk of oral cancer
Men exposed to the highest levels of PM2.5s had an increased risk of mouth cancer.
Delhi's air quality turns 'good' for second time this year: CPCB data
The overall Air Quality Index of New Delhi was recorded at 48 which falls under the "good" category, as per the data of the Central Pollution Control Board.
Constant exposure to ozone may backfire on health
A new study has utilised a novel method to estimate long-term ozone exposure to measure its effect on health.


The environment and human well-being are inextricably linked. When governments, businesses and others make decisions about land and natural resources, they inevitably impact the health, livelihoods and quality-of-life of local communities. So it stands to reason that the public should have a right to be involved in environmental decision-making—specifically, to know what is at stake, to participate in the decision itself, and to have the ability to challenge decisions that disregard human rights or harm ecosystems.
These three fundamental rights are known as environmental democracy—and not all nations provide it to their citizens.
The new Environmental Democracy Index (EDI) is the first-ever online platform that tracks and scores 70 countries’ progress in enacting national laws that promote transparency, accountability and citizen engagement in environmental decision-making. The analysis, based on 75 indicators, identifies the best and worst countries for environmental democracy. The results may surprise you.
The Top Countries with Strong National Laws for Environmental Democracy
The top three countries are all former Soviet states—Lithuania, Latvia and Russia. Many of their relevant national laws were enacted as part of democratization reforms in the 1990s and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s (UNECE) legally binding Aarhus Convention on access to information, public participation and access to justice in environmental matters. Lithuania and Latvia have both ratified this convention and strengthened their legislation after doing so, such as Lithuania’s amendments to its Law on Environmental Protection and Latvia’s passage of its Environmental Protection Law.
Russia in particular may stand out to some as surprising, especially in light of several environmental activists recently fleeing the country out of fear for their freedom and safety. Therein lies a powerful lesson: Countries’ national laws may be quite progressive on paper, but the enforcement of those laws is oftentimes weak or subject to corruption.
All of the top 10 performers have statutes to support the public’s right to access government-held environmental information such as forestry management plans or mining permits, and all of them require at least a majority of government agencies to place environmental information like air and drinking water quality information in the public domain. While public participation scored the lowest across the index, all of the top 10 countries provide the public with the right to participate in major, national environmental decisions, such as infrastructure projects, forest management planning, pollution permitting and more. Lithuania stands out for having the highest score on the justice pillar. Its Civil Procedure Code and Law on Environmental Protection provides for communities to bring environmental cases in the public interest.
What’s also interesting about the top 10 performers is that wealth is not necessarily the defining factor of strong environmental democracy laws. Panama and Colombia are resource-strapped nations, and South Africa is an upper middle income country; nevertheless, they’ve committed to enacting strong environmental laws.
The Lowest-Scoring Countries for Environmental Democracy
Haiti, Malaysia and Namibia scored lowest on the index. Of the bottom 10 countries, some had right-to-information laws, but most lacked provisions requiring that government agencies proactively make environmental information public. In countries like Philippines, Republic of Congo and Pakistan, citizens need to go through time-consuming or expensive information requests to obtain crucial information like statistics on air or drinking water quality. The government may or may not honor these formal requests.
Many of the bottom performers also lacked requirements on collecting environmental information and monitoring compliance. National governments in Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Bangladesh and Thailand do not actually ensure that factories, mines and other facilities aren’t harming people or the planet. And requirements for public participation in these countries are almost always limited to environmental impact assessments, leaving out other important decisions such as the development of forest management plans, protected area policies or environmental protection laws.
One positive note is that even at the bottom of the list, Saint Lucia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Republic of Congo allow an individual to file lawsuits in the public interest. Otherwise, the right to challenge or appeal government or private sector decisions is not as well established in these countries.
There’s Room for Improvement Across the Board
Even in countries that scored relatively well, there’s still room for improvement. Almost 50 percent of the countries assessed, for instance, are not making real-time air quality data available online for their capital cities. And while nearly half of the countries require agencies to monitor environmental compliance, 64 percent of those with laws on the books do not release any information to the public on emissions or wastewater discharges, pollutants that can impact human health and the environment.
And even if countries have strong laws on the books, it doesn’t mean that they are adequately enforced. EDI measured countries based on the existence of national laws, not implementation. However, supplemental to the legal index, EDI includes 24 indicators on environmental democracy in practice. These indicators are not comprehensive, but they do provide some key insights to allow some comparison with legal scores.
National laws aren’t the only way to improve environmental democracy, but they’re an important first step. EDI can help governments who want to promote transparent, inclusive and accountable environmental decision-making by providing an index to benchmark progress, as well as examples of good practices from around the world. It’s time to give citizens a voice—for the good of the planet, and for the good of communities around the world.
How Does the Environmental Democracy Index Work?
EDI was developed by the Access Initiative and WRI in collaboration with partners around the world. The index evaluates 70 countries, across 75 legal indicators, based on objective and internationally recognized standards established by the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Bali Guidelines. EDI also includes a supplemental set of 24 limited practice indicators that provide insight on a country’s performance in implementation. The national laws and practices were assessed and scored by more than 140 lawyers around the world. Country assessments were conducted in 2014 and will be updated every two years. Scores are provisional until August 30, 2015 as results are being shared with governments and civil society for feedback until July 15.
For more information on how experts ranked the countries, please see our technical document.


Street outreach workers are trying to get homeless people off the streets because of extreme cold.
Toronto is under an Extreme Cold Weather Alert. The city puts out this type of alert when Environment Canada forecasts a wind chill of -15, or an actual temperature of -15°C.
Frigid conditions across southern Ontario prompted other cities in the region, including Hamilton and London, to issue cold weather alerts at the same time on Friday.
Outreach workers want to persuade the homeless to stay off the streets Friday evening, when it will feel even colder. Free transportation to shelters is being offered.
Farther east, Ottawa Public Health issued a frostbite alert for Friday and Saturday. The alert targets shelters and groups like the Red Cross and Salvation Army that help care for vulnerable people on cold nights.
Very cold wind chills are possible from Saturday into Sunday morning for the region, resulting from a large arctic area of high pressure over northern Ontario. There is a possibility that the -35 threshold could be reached. The cold Arctic air will blast Toronto as well. It could feel like -27 with the wind chill, so make sure to bundle up.
On Thursday, residents of a Toronto apartment complex were forced out into the cold when connected North York highrise buildings lost heat. About 1,000 people had to leave freezing apartments after a problem with the complex's electrical system.
Northwest of the city, a blackout hit about 7,000 Ontario Hydro customers overnight in Orangeville, Caledon, and other areas.
Bitter cold also gripped northern Ontario on Thursday night, making it feel like -40 to -50
On January 17, a woman froze to death in Toronto's east end after she had wandered away from her house without a coat. An Extreme Cold Weather Alert was in effect at the time of her passing.
With files from Jill Colton.


To make the waste water and the air in the capital is much cleaner in bacteria was proposed by the specialists of the Department of biotechnology and bioenergetics, National research centre “Kurchatov Institute”.
As reported by “MK” senior researcher Kirill Gorin, photosynthetic microorganisms (e.g., euglena, Chlorella) now used worldwide for air purification, because they are getting energy from the Sun, very effectively absorb from the air carbon dioxide.
However, most of the waste of storm and melt water, which in bad weather flow through the streets, not really cleaned and all harmful impurities drain into rivers and lakes. If the set in photobioreactors with euglena or Chlorella, then they will be able to purify water from organic carbon to 39%. This result scientists have received in his lab, growing phototrophic micro-organisms in the melt water, taken from the capital’s streets. The degree of purification is so high that allows you to use a purified melt and storm water repeatedly, for example, for watering lawns and roads, washing of floors and other technical needs.
— In addition to water purification, euglena and Chlorella, as was already mentioned, clean the air of CO2, releasing oxygen. They do this several times more efficient than, for example, trees, — says the scientist. — The use of euglena and Chlorella to clean air and water in the city would solve a number of environmental problems.
If you seek to experience a German scientist who created the original design of the buildings by using photobioreactors. For example, in Hamburg the entire facade of one of the high-rise buildings laid out in a transparent photobioreactors. They grow photosynthetic microorganisms using light and absorbing carbon dioxide. From the grown biomass biogas and fertilizer. In addition, due to the large volumes of water, photobioreactors are also used in the system thermal control of the building.
In China want to build a skyscraper with a facade of microalgae, they serve as giant filters, smog in large cities.
— Our goal is not only to achieve clean air and water, says Gorin, but to examine what nutrients can be produced by photosynthetic microorganisms. For example, their chlorophyll green pigment can be used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Obtained after water purification the biomass of photosynthetic microorganisms can be used for biodiesel production and biokerosene.
The first test of the new “single-celled assistants” that they intend in the near future to conduct on-site of his Institute. There will be organized site that allows you to explore the behavior of photosynthetic microorganisms in real conditions of the cleaning process of surface discharge.


Event Date : December 6, 2013
Sustainable Food Trust conference at the Royal Geographical Society in London.
This conference will address one of the most important barriers preventing sustainable food systems from becoming mainstream – the absence of pricing that reflects the true cost of production – True Cost Accounting
At present, food producers are not financially accountable for their impacts on environmental and public health, which means that the polluter doesn’t pay, and those that are making food sustainably are not rewarded for positive outcomes.
Bringing together experts from across food and agriculture, including leading economic thinkers, researchers, policy-makers and food-companies, this event presents a unique opportunity to discuss the development of a new economic model for a sustainable future.
A panel of international speakers will explore how to identify and price these external costs, and develop the policy mechanisms required to drive the change that is needed.
For more information go to Sustainable Food Trust
Be the first to hear about the latest organic and agroecological research and get tips to improve your success with organic farming and land management with the ORC e-bulletin. Delivered to your inbox monthly.


October 1, 2009
New Method To Measure Faults May Help Predict Quakes
Researchers at the Carnegie Institution say that they have discovered a method of measuring and monitoring geological fault lines beneath the Earth's crust"”a development that could significantly enhance scientists' ability to accurately predict earthquakes.
Geologists previously had no means with which to detect and measure the fluctuating strength of faults that are hidden beneath the Earth's surface. Now, however, researchers from the Carnegie Institution's Department of Terrestrial Magnetism have teamed up with experts from Rice University and the University of California, Berkeley and have successfully used a hyper-sensitive seismometer to measure barely perceptible changes in earthquake waves moving through the San Andreas Fault zone in California.The group's research"”conducted over the last 22 years"”has pointed to a progressive weakening of the fault, corresponding to an increased instance of smaller, more frequent earthquakes along the fault line.
"Fault strength is a fundamental property of seismic zones," explained Taka'aki Taira of the University of California, Berkeley.
"Earthquakes are caused when a fault fails, either because of the build-up of stress or because of a weakening of the fault. Changes in fault strength are much harder to measure than changes in stress, especially for faults deep in the crust. Our result opens up exciting possibilities for monitoring seismic risk and understanding the causes of earthquakes."
The portion of the San Andreas Fault near Parkfield, California"”dubbed the "Earthquake Capitol of the World""”is one of the most-studied fault lines on the planet and has served as a sort of natural laboratory for seismologists since the advent of the field of study.
The researchers observed that their seismographic readings from small earthquakes indicated areas of fluid-filled fractures within the fault zone. Puzzling, however, was the fact that these small areas appeared to move periodically, corresponding to a series of more frequent earthquakes of smaller magnitude"”something the experts recognized as a tell-tale sign of a weakening fault.
"Movement of the fluid in these fractures lubricates the fault zone and thereby weakens the fault," explained Fenglin Niu of Rice University.
"The total displacement of the fluids is only about 10 meters at a depth of about three kilometers, so it takes very sensitive seismometers to detect the changes, such as we have at Parkfield."
Turning to the question of what caused the movement of these fluids, the team stumbled upon their most remarkable observation.
They observed that in at least two separate incidences, the fluid shifts came after there was a disturbance in the fault zone caused by seismic waves from severe but distance earthquakes"”the most significant of which was the 9.1 giant quake that rocked western Sumatra in December 2004, some 5,000 miles away. The researchers believe that the force of these waves rippling below the Earth's crust may have been strong enough to cause the subterranean fluids to flow.
According to Niu, "it is possible that the strength of faults and earthquake risk is affected by seismic events on the other side of the world""”a possibility that could forever change the way seismologists understand and predict earthquakes.
On the Net:


Pesticide Residue and Fertility Potential
Adapted from Fruit and vegetable intake and their pesticide residues in relation to semen quality among men from a fertility clinic and EWG’s 2015 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™
A study by Harvard University researchers found that consumption of fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of pesticide residue was associated with a lower sperm count and lower percentage of morphologically (shape-wise) normal sperm among men presenting to a fertility clinic.
Men who consumed the largest amounts of high pesticide residue fruits and vegetables had 49 percent lower sperm counts and 32 percent fewer normal-appearing sperm than men who ate fruits and vegetables with the smallest amounts of pesticide contamination.
Careful washing of the foods did not eliminate the chemicals since the pesticide residue can get into the roots of fruits and vegetables from the ground and into the substance of the foods themselves.
This does not mean that people should stop eating fruits and vegetables, which are a necessary part of a healthy reproductive medicine diet, but people should choose organic fruits and vegetables, which have been shown to contain much less pesticide residue, or, at least, select fruits and vegetables that do not absorb as much pesticide.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit advocacy organization, produced a Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ based on the test results of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The EWG did not participate in the above Harvard University study of pesticides and male reproductive function. USDA found a total of 165 different pesticides in thousands of fruit and vegetables samples.
- 99 percent of apple samples, 98 percent of peaches, and 97 percent of nectarines tested positive for at least one pesticide residue.
- The average potato had more pesticides by weight than any other produce.
- A single grape sample and a sweet bell pepper sample contained 15 pesticides.
- Single samples of cherry tomatoes, nectarines, peaches, imported snap peas and strawberries showed 13 different pesticides apiece.
- A significant portion of commercially available baby food, particularly applesauce, apple juice, grape juice, and peaches, contain alarming levels of pesticides.
- Avocados were the cleanest: only 1 percent of avocado samples showed any detectable pesticides.
- Some 89 percent of pineapples, 82 percent of kiwi, 80 percent of papayas, 88 percent of mango and 61 percent of cantaloupe had no residues.
Smart shopping choices matter. People who eat organic produce eat fewer pesticides. A study by Cynthia Curl of the University of Washington found that people who report they "often or always" buy organic produce had significantly less organophosphate insecticides in their urine samples, even though they reported eating 70 percent more servings of fruits and vegetables per day than adults reporting they "rarely or never" purchase organic produce.
The following table will help you decide which produce may be safe to buy conventional and which you should always purchase organic (click on the table to download a pdf copy).
(Lower Numbers = More Pesticides = Buy Organic Instead)
Adapted from Environmental Working Group.
It is very important that you make fruits and vegetables the foundation of your reproductive health diet. The health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables even outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure. If you cannot buy organic, eating conventionally grown produce is better than skipping fruits and vegetables.


Nuclear power? Yes please...
Exclusive: leading greens join forces in a major U-turn
Britain must embrace nuclear power if it is to meet its commitments on climate change, four of the country’s leading environmentalists – who spent much of their lives opposing atomic energy – warn today.
The one-time opponents of nuclear power, who include the former head of Greenpeace, have told The Independent that they have now changed their minds over atomic energy because of the urgent need to curb emissions of carbon dioxide.
They all take the view that the building of nuclear power stations is now imperative and that to delay the process with time-consuming public inquiries and legal challenges would seriously undermine Britain’s promise to cut its carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.
The volte-face has come at a time when the Government has lifted its self-imposed moratorium on the construction of the next generation of nuclear power stations and is actively seeking public support in the selection of the strategically important sites where they will be built by 2025.
The intervention is important as it is the first time that senior environmental campaigners have broken cover and publicly backed nuclear power.
It will be a welcome boost to the Government, which is expecting strong protests about the new generation of nuclear power stations at the planning stage.
The four leading environmentalists who are now lobbying in favour of nuclear power are Stephen Tindale, former director of Greenpeace; Lord Chris Smith of Finsbury, the chairman of the Environment Agency; Mark Lynas, author of the Royal Society’s science book of the year, and Chris Goodall, a Green Party activist and prospective parliamentary candidate.
Mr Tindale, who ran Greenpeace for five years until he resigned in 2005, has taken a vehemently anti-nuclear stance through out his career as an environmentalist. “My position was necessarily that nuclear power was wrong, partly for the pollution and nuclear waste reasons but primarily because of the risk of proliferation of nuclear weapons,” Mr Tindale said.
“My change of mind wasn’t sudden, but gradual over the past four years. But the key moment when I thought that we needed to be extremely serious was when it was reported that the permafrost in Siberia was melting massively, giving up methane, which is a very serious problem for the world,” he said.
“It was kind of like a religious conversion. Being anti-nuclear was an essential part of being an environmentalist for a long time but now that I’m talking to a number of environmentalists about this, it’s actually quite widespread this view that nuclear power is not ideal but it’s better than climate change,” he added.
None of the four was in favour of nuclear power a decade ago, but recent scientific evidence of just how severe climate change may become as a result of the burning of oil, gas and coal in conventional power stations has transformed their views.
“The issue that has primarily changed my mind is the absolute imperative of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Fifteen years ago we knew less about climate change. We knew it was likely to happen, we didn’t quite realise how fast,” said Lord Smith, who described himself as a long-time sceptic regarding nuclear power.
“What’s happened is that we’ve woken up to the very serious nature of the climate-change problem, the essential task of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and the need to decarbonise electricity production over the course of the next 20 to 30 years,” he said.
Renewable sources of energy, such as wind, wave and solar power, are still necessary in the fight against global warming, but achieving low-carbon electricity generation is far more difficult without nuclear power, Lord Smith said.
Mark Lynas said that his change of mind was also a gradual affair borne out of the need to do something concrete to counter the growing emissions of carbon dioxide created by producing electricity from the burning of fossil fuels. “I’ve been equivocating over this for many years; it’s not as if it’s a sudden conversion, but it’s taken a long time to come out of the closet. For an environmentalist, it’s a bit like admitting you are gay to your parents because you’re kind of worried about being rejected,” Mr Lynas said.
“I’ve been standardly anti-nuclear throughout most of my environmental career. I certainly assumed that the standard mantra about it being dirty, dangerous and unnecessary was correct,” he said.
“The thing that initially pushed me was seeing how long and difficult the road to going to 100 per cent renewable economy would be, and realising that if we really are serious about tackling global warming it the next decade or two then we certainly need to consider a new generation of nuclear power stations.”
The long moratorium on building nuclear power plants in Britain came about largely because of intense lobbying by environmentalists in the 1970s and 1980s – a campaign that may have caused more harm than good, Mr Lynas said.
“In retrospect, it will come to be seen as an enormous mistake for which the earth’s climate is now paying the price. To give an example, the environmentalists stopped a nuclear plant in Austria from being switched on, a colossal waste of money, and instead [Austria] built two coal plants,” he said.
The four will now join the ranks of those like Sir David King, the former chief scientific adviser to the Government and now director of the Smith Centre in Oxford, who was sceptical about nuclear power until he was presented with data on the scale of the climate-change problem.
Dolphins ‘deliberately get high’ on puffer fish nerve toxins by carefully chewing and passing them around
Iberian lynx cubs born in the wild bring hope for the world's most endangered feline species
Morne Hardenberg: 'Great white sharks have a softer side most people never get to see'
Animal Extinction - the greatest threat to mankind
Great white sharks - the misunderstood giants with a softer side
- 1 'Fire at every person you see': Israeli soldiers reveal they were ordered to shoot to kill in Gaza – even if the targets may have been civilians
- 2 Italian police 'reveal' what Jesus looked like as a young boy
- 3 General Election 2015: 14-year-old boy asks Nick Clegg – 'can you kill Katie Hopkins?'
- 4 Garland shooting: Isis claims attack on Prophet Mohamed cartoon contest in Texas as its first action on US soil
- 5 Met Gala 2015: Beyoncé manages to out-skimp Rihanna, Miley and Kim Kardashian combined with near-naked ensemble
In defence of liberal democracy
Over 50,000 families shipped out of London boroughs in the past three years due to welfare cuts and soaring rents
EU asylum policy is 'a direct threat to our civilisation', says Nigel Farage
The Rothschild Libel: Why has it taken 200 years for an anti-Semitic slur that emerged from the Battle of Waterloo to be dismissed?
General Election 2015: UK will be 'run for the wealthy and powerful' if Tories retain power, Labour warns
Schools forced to act as 'miniature welfare states' with teachers buying underwear and even haircuts for poor pupils
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Renewable energy’s share in the energy mix decreased marginally from 11.4 per cent in Q2 FY20 to 10.7 per cent in Q2 FY21, according to the latest edition of the CEEW Centre for Energy Finance’s quarterly Market Handbook. A prominent reason for the decline was the unseasonable and sharp reduction in wind speeds in resource-rich states (Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu), leading to a ~41 per cent reduction in wind generation in July 2020 as compared to July 2019. Q2 typically records the highest wind energy generation every year.
The CEEW-CEF Market Handbook also highlighted that 3.2 GW of renewables were auctioned in Q2 of FY21, as compared to 4.4 GW (excluding 8 GW sanctioned as part of a manufacturing-linked upsizing of a solar auction from an earlier quarter) in Q1 FY21. Further, auctions for vanilla renewable energy projects gave way to auctions for blended generation mixes in the last quarter. Auctioning blended solar and wind projects is aimed at improving the transmission infrastructure utilisation with higher capacity utilisation.
The Handbook also highlighted that market concentration – i.e. the share of top five developers in the total project capacity sanctioned – increased to 84 per cent this quarter as compared to 81 per cent in the previous quarter, and is expected to remain high going forward.
Further, aggregate renewable energy capacity additions slowed down in Q2, partly owing to supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19, which impacted grid-scale capacity additions. In contrast, rooftop solar picked up with 399 MW capacity being added in Q2 FY21 (vs 188 MW in Q2 FY20). Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu led the growth in rooftop solar installations. Meanwhile, coal capacity addition remained subdued with net Q2 addition of 550 MW, approximately a third of renewable energy additions of 1,560 MW during the same period.
Nikhil Sharma, Associate at the CEEW Centre for Energy Finance (CEEW-CEF), said, “Among renewables, grid-scale and rooftop solar continued to dominate capacity additions in the quarter, accounting for a nearly 60 per cent share. A five-month extension granted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for grid-scale project commissioning could result in a noticeable uptick in renewable energy capacity additions as the lockdown eases further.”
The Handbook also indicated that short-term electricity prices (in both day-ahead and real-time spot markets) saw an increase to 2.53 INR/kWh and 2.42 INR/kWh in Q2 FY21 (from 2.35 INR/kWh and 2.22 INR/kWh in Q1 FY21), respectively. This was due to a recovery in demand from discoms and increased volumes when compared to Q2 FY20 levels.
On the discom payables front, the Handbook highlighted the ~INR 1.4 lakh crore discom overdues to power producers as of September 2020, representing an increase of 50 per cent compared to overdues in September 2019. However, the pace of increase in overdues has dropped significantly, increasing only 5 per cent over the quarter, compared to a 30 per cent spike during Q1 FY21. Moreover, the Handbook stated that the INR 90,000 crore liquidity package announced for discoms under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan had been increased to INR 1,18,273 crore by the Ministry of Power. This could further help discoms in clearing their dues to power producers.


|Forlag||Cambridge Scholars Publishing|
|Emne||Aid & relief programmes; Social impact of disasters|
|Se flere detaljer|
Om Rebuilding Sustainable Communities after
This volume examines lessons learned in reducing the impact of disasters on communities in China, Japan and other countries world- wide. Asia is the most disaster-prone continent. The 2012 data on natural disasters in 28 Asian countries, released by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Belgian-based Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters on December 11th, 2012 showed that, from 1950 to 2011, nine out of ten people affected by disasters globally were in Asia; that of the top five disasters that created the most damage in 2012, three were in China; that China led the list of most disasters in 2012; and, that China was the only "multi-hazard"-prone country. Similarly, the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake was the greatest known earthquake ever to have hit Japan and one of the five strongest ever recorded earthquakes in the world since 1900. Subsequently, the Center for Rebuilding Sustainable Communities after Disasters at the University of Massachusetts Boston organized a conference in November 2012 to survey the best practices in post-disaster rebuilding efforts in China and Japan. This edited book consists of selected papers from the proceedings of that event and previously invited contributions from leading scholars in post-disaster rebuilding in China, Japan and Namibia.


"Alvarez drives home the point that for buildings and communities located in hurricane-prone regions, it is not a question of whether the area will be impacted, but when it will be impacted. The book makes a strong case for taking responsibility to understand the vulnerabilities of buildings and structures to hurricane impacts."
-Timothy Reinhold, PhD, from the Foreword
Focusing on coastal regions affected by tropical cyclones, Hurricane Mitigation for the Built Environment highlights vulnerability, natural hazards, risk, damage, emergency management, and hazard mitigation as they relate to the threat and occurrence of hurricanes. The product of more than 25 years of the author's experiences with post-event assessments and studies of hurricane damage, it looks particularly at common sequences of failures and oversights in planning for a hurricane that amplify the damage caused by storms.
This book combines observations of actual damage to the built environment in coastal regions caused by hurricanes with applied research and testing. It uses case studies and imagery from recent storms to show some of the strengths and weaknesses of infrastructure, landscaping, and city planning. The case studies also illustrate, in great detail, what community planning efforts have worked and those that have failed.
The book also goes beyond analyzing immediately visible structural damages following a hurricane. It addresses long-term issues such as beach erosion and struggling tourism economies. It also describes specific, realistic, and essential mitigation measures for reducing the damage potential of future hurricanes and urges developers, designers, and owners to incorporate new knowledge into the design of new buildings or into the retrofitting of existing buildings. By applying the information presented in this book, communities susceptible to recurring hurricanes can reduce storm damage as well as the potential for extended losses that frequently follow a hurricane.
To view this DRM protected ebook on your desktop or laptop you will need to have Adobe Digital Editions installed. It is a free software. We also strongly recommend that you sign up for an AdobeID at the Adobe website. For more details please see FAQ 1&2. To view this ebook on an iPhone, iPad or Android mobile device you will need the Adobe Digital Editions app, or BlueFire Reader or Txtr app. These are free, too. For more details see this article.
|Size: ||40.5 MB|
|Publisher: ||CRC Press|
|Date published: || 2015|
|ISBN: ||9781498715003 (DRM-PDF)|
|Read Aloud: ||not allowed|


This product is made of 100% Mongolian yak down.
The color is the natural hair color of the yaks. This means three things. First, there is no bleaching or dyeing involved in the production process. Second, the color may vary from product to product. Third, you can wash the product with lighter-colored items.
The carbon emitted during our shipments is neutralized by the planting of trees in Madagascar.
Two percent of our sales will go back to climate projects regenerating the deteriorated grassland in Mongolia.
The male model in the photo has a height of 182cm and weighs 72kgs. He is wearing our pullover in size M.
The female model in the photo has a height of 168cm and weighs 58kgs. She is wearing our pullover in size S.


Agency: Escape Partners
The World Wildlife Fund and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature have released this funny new viral to promote the connect2earth.org website.
It features an out of shape superhero turning a blind eye to the problems around him - a person falling from a building, a run away pram, a granny crossing a road.
Meeting up with a fellow superhero they agree, they "Can't be bothered."
The closing frames remind viewers, "You don't need to be a superhero to save the world."
Funny ad addressing a serious environmental subject.


How Do Bees Make Honey? How does the honey-making process of bees happen?
The Honey Story of the Bee, How does the honey-making process of bees begin and end? How much honey does a bee make per day? How many flowers does the bee visit in a day while making honey? Why does bee make honey? Honey made by bees actually contains a large amount of sugar. Apart […]
What is the most popular outdoor plant?
Outdoor ornamental plants used in landscaping are ornamental plants. These plants; to beautify the area where they are used in terms of other social, cultural, human and environmental health and tourism they are of great importance. Some of the outdoor ornamental plants do very well in some areas. While it grows, it may not develop […]
Is England a hot or cold country?
What is the UK Climate and Vegetation Cover? It is a known fact that English and British culture stand out in the world. The center of the British Empire is actually an island state geographically. The UK has a temperate and humid “Ocean Climate”. For this reason, the climate of England varies. When we look […]
Where do chrysanthemums grow best?
Chrysanthemum (lat. Chrysanthemum) is a flowering plant from the Composite family. Chrysanthemum is originally from China. The name Chrysanthemum means ‘golden flower’ in Greek. Its flower resembles a small sun. The chrysanthemum genus is quite varied – there are around 150 species worldwide. Chrysanthemums can be either tall or short, pompous or semi-pompous, spherical or […]
Canada’s What are the most beautiful ground cover plants?
Ground cover plants of Canada; forming a dense leaf layer on the soil surface, wrapping, They are creeping, spreading and stunted plants. It is herbaceous, woody, evergreen or solitary green. plants look like grass cover and serve the same purpose as grass cover. groundcovers It acts as a kind of vegetative flooring in landscape areas. […]


The third Sustainable Cleaning Products Summit will be hosted in New York City on 2 to 3 May, 2017.
For the first time in North America, an executive summit will focus on the health and environmental impacts of cleaning products.
Discussions over the two-day summit will cover sustainable development, green labels, environmental impacts and green surfactants.
As green labels make headway on detergents and cleaning products, an update will be given on sustainability standards and certification schemes.
Green Seal and Natural Products Association, two of the leading certification schemes, will give details on their formulation requirements.
A major natural foods retailer will also give insights on its eco-rating system for cleaning products.
Martin Wolf and Chantal Bergeron from Seventh Generation will give the brands perspective when formulating natural cleaning products.
Mark S. Rossi, executive director of Clean Production Network, will state the health and environmental impacts of cleaning product chemicals.
Alan Lewis from Natural Grocers will give his perspectives on sustainability, highlighting how the natural food retailer selects and markets green consumer products.
Steve French from NMI will give present the latest consumer research on such products.
As concerns grow about the sustainability of palm oil, Fair Trade USA will make the case for sustainable coconut oil as detergent feedstock.
Two workshops will tackle two of the major sustainability issues in the cleaning products industry: environmental impacts and green surfactants. The latest life-cycle analysis of home care products will be presented, with key environmental parameters.
Practical guidance will be given to brands and ingredient firms on how to lower their footprints.
The second workshop will give an update on green surfactants and their use in cleaning products, emphasizing the sustainability and performance issues.
The third edition of the Sustainable Cleaning Products Summit will be hosted alongside the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit, taking place in New York City on 3-5th May 2017.


This video shows us several types of ornamental grass that can be used in landscape projects. Although none of these grasses are appropriate for use in lawns, they are great options for those who are concerned about water conservation. Ricegrass is a bunch grass with long stems and silver heads. It is a cool-season grass and will go dormant in hot weather. Little Bluestem grows quickly in the Spring and is known for its variety of colors including blue, green, and yellow. Giant Sacaton is a great windbreak grass because it can grow to 6 or 8 feet tall with very little water.
Start your career in Graphic Design with the WonderHowTo's Beginners’s Guide to Photoshop Course


Dyna-Stix® STP is a 4 in 1 silane terminated polymer adhesive (designed for use on high moisture slabs) for the installation of multi-ply engineered wood, high-density fiber board core wood and acrylic impregnated wood plank, as well as finished and unfinished solid wood flooring (approved in writing by the wood flooring manufacturer for glue down installations), parquet and bamboo over properly prepared substrates. Follow NWFA guidelines when installing solid wood flooring directly to concrete substrates. Dyna-Stix STP should not be installed over existing VCT, vinyl sheet, plank, tile, or other resilient flooring.
Dyna-Stix STP is made with MicroSept® Advanced Antimicrobial System to protect the adhesive from bacteria and fungal growth and is FloorScore® certified for IAQ. Dyna-Stix STP passes code requirements for sound reduction per ASTM E90-09 and ASTM E413-10 (>55 decibels).
- No Isocyanates
- Solvent free, very low odor


Farmers and Ranchers Embrace Drones in AgricultureWed, 25 Mar 2015 09:41:57 CDT
Farm Bureau member Jeff VanderWerff explained the value and risks of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in agriculture in his testimony before a Senate subcommittee Tuesday. The Michigan farmer and agronomist discussed how farmers and ranchers are leading the way in exploring commercial use for this technology.
America's farmers and ranchers embrace technology that allows their farming businesses to be more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly. VanderWerff sees these benefits firsthand on his farm where he where uses precision technology. "I rely on data to produce the accurate information critical to my day-to-day business decisions. These decisions affect my yield, environmental impact and ultimately the economic viability of my farm," he said.
According to VanderWerff, UAS would provide a valuable tool for farmers and ranchers to manage their fields and respond to threats quickly before they turn catastrophic. "Currently, I spend about 12 hours a week walking the nearly 3,000 acres of land we farm. This may be effective, but it is not efficient," he said. UAS can also help farmers reduce their environmental impact. "With the imagery from unmanned aircraft, I can spot-treat sections of my fields as opposed to watering and spraying the entire field," VanderWerff said.
Precision technology does not come without potential risks, however. Farmers and ranchers must be sure their data is secure and cannot be used unfairly against them by any third party, including the government. "The use of unmanned aircraft will be an important addition to a farmer's management toolbox, but it is critical that the data remain under the ownership and control of the farmer," VanderWerff said.
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Burger King is testing reusable packaging, encouraging customers to return these special Whopper boxes and soda and coffee cups to wash and reuse.
has plans for reusable coffee cups in the UK
Burger King will launch a pilot program next year with TerraCycle’s waste-free circular packaging service, Loop, whose products can be cleaned and reused hygienically as long as the integrity of the packaging is maintained.
Initial test cities are New York, Portland, Ore., And Tokyo, with more cities expected to be added in the coming months. Loop officials have said previously that consumers should consider their project reminiscent of how households used to get milk – in reusable bottles.
“During COVID, we have seen the environmental impact of increasing takeaway orders, which makes this Burger King initiative even more important,” said Tom Szaky, CEO of TerraCycle and Loop.
The announcement is the latest feature in Burger King’s pledge to get 100% of guest packaging from renewable, recycled or certified sources by 2025.
Take-away or diners who choose reusable packaging will be charged a deposit at the time of purchase, and when the packaging is returned, they receive a refund.
“As part of the Restaurant Brands for Good plan, we are investing in developing sustainable packaging solutions that will help propel the food service industry forward in reducing packaging waste,” said Matthew Banton, Burger King Global’s head of innovation and sustainability. “The Loop system gives us confidence in a reusable solution that meets our high safety standards, while offering our guests comfort while on the move.”
In July, the fast food chain announced a version of Whopper made from lemongrass-fed beef, which it said would reduce methane emissions. The beef industry has become a major target for environmentalists.
Another brand restaurant property, Tim Hortons, said this week end the practice of double cupping hot drinks, a move it says will remove hundreds of millions of cups from landfills every year. Coffee and breakfast retailers will introduce paper napkins early next year that use 25% less material and are made from 100% recycled fiber, which is expected to save 900 metric tons of paper a year. And the chain is phasing out plastic straws from its 4,000 restaurants across Canada.


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In June 2012 we submitted our planning application for the new Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF). We will continue to update you with the core aspects of this application on this website. If you have any questions please contact us.
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This gas might emerge as a more significant greenhouse gas, after a study conducted warned that this highly reactive gas might be weakening one of Earth’s important cooling system.
The study published in the journal, ‘Nature Climate Change’, says that ozone in the lower atmosphere, in particular, contributed to warming in the southern ocean.
Ozone hit the headlines in the 1980s when a hole was discovered in the ozone layer high in the atmosphere over the South Pole, due to damage caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a gas used in industry and consumer products.
What is Ozone
Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It is both a natural and a man-made product that occurs in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. (the stratosphere) and lower atmosphere (the troposphere). Depending on where it is in the atmosphere, ozone affects life on Earth in either good or bad ways.
Ozone is created in the upper atmosphere by the interaction between oxygen molecules and UV radiation from the sun. In the lower atmosphere, it forms due to chemical reactions between pollutants like vehicle exhaust fumes and other emissions.
Changes in ozone concentrations in the atmosphere affect westerly winds in the Southern Hemisphere as well as cause contrasting levels of salt and temperature close to the surface in the Southern Ocean. Both affect ocean currents in distinct ways, thereby affecting ocean heat uptake.
The ozone layer is vital as it filters dangerous ultraviolet radiation from reaching Earth’s surface. This discovery led to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement to halt the production of CFCs.
What does the study say about Ozone
-Ozone is more than just a pollutant, but may be playing a significant role in climate change.
-Ozone in the lower atmosphere, in particular, contributed to warming in the southern ocean.
-Changes to Ozone levels in the upper and lower atmosphere were responsible for almost a third of the warming seen in ocean waters bordering Antarctica in the second half of the 20th century.
How was the study conducted
The team used models to simulate changes in ozone levels in the upper and lower atmosphere between 1955 and 2000, to isolate them from other influences and increase the currently poor understanding of their impact on the Southern Ocean heat uptake.
These simulations showed that a decrease in ozone in the upper atmosphere and increase in the lower atmosphere both contributed to the warming seen in the upper 2km of the ocean waters in the high latitudes by overall greenhouse gas increases.
Conclusions drawn from study
The study revealed that the increased ozone in the lower atmosphere caused 60% of the overall ozone-induced warming seen in the Southern Ocean over the period studied -far more than previously thought. This was surprising because tropospheric ozone increases are mainly thought of as a climate forcing in the Northern hemisphere since that is where the main pollution occurs.
Dr Michaela Hegglin, an Associate Professor in atmospheric chemistry and one of the study’s authors, said, “Ozone close to Earth’s surface is harmful to people and the environment, but this study reveals it also has a big impact on the ocean’s ability to absorb excess heat from the atmosphere.”
“These findings are an eye-opener and hammer home the importance of regulating air pollution to prevent increased ozone levels and global temperatures rising further still,” she added.
Dr Hegglin said, “We have known for a while that ozone depletion high in the atmosphere has affected surface climate in the Southern Hemisphere. Our research has shown that ozone increases in the lower atmosphere due to air pollution, which occurs primarily in the Northern Hemisphere and ‘leaks’ into the Southern Hemisphere, is a serious problem as well.”
“There is hope to find solutions, and the success of the Montreal Protocol at cutting CFC use shows that international action is possible to prevent damage to the planet,” she added.
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In recent years, there have been some concerns about rising sea levels. This page provides the latest reports on this issue as of 2022 with some older reports for context. Additional materials will be added during the year. Content is listed in chronological order with the most recent at the top. Emphasis is placed on the source of each report.
PBS NewsHour (14 Sep 2022)
“Report shows devastating economic impact of rising sea levels along American coast” — For years, scientists have warned about the dangerous consequences of climate change, and many dire outcomes are more urgent than most people realize. A new report shows sea-level rise will threaten homes and properties in hundreds of counties along the coast of the United States. As William Brangham reports, it could make many places unlivable and take an enormous economic toll.
ABC News (3 Aug 2022)
“NOAA report on US sea level rise a ‘wake-up call'” — ABC News Meteorologist Melissa Griffin breaks down a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report showing high-tide flooding is rising at concerning levels across the U.S. coastlines.
PBS (1 Aug 2022)
“Chesapeake Bay Island Towns Disappearing to Sea Level Rise” — Tangier is an island community off Virginia isolated enough to speak its own dialect of America English. Rising tides mean a rapid period of change for a historic town of 800 residents. The region is home to many enclaves already lost to sea-level rise, leaving residents to wonder what the future holds.
Channel 4 News (28 Jul 2022)
“Met Office: UK sea level rise speeding up” — This year’s climate has already smashed records, with temperatures last week topping 40 degrees Celsius. Higher temperatures are now the new normal according to a Met Office report which highlights how climate change is affecting the UK.
WMTW (23 Jul 2022)
“Maine’s coastline faces threat from rising sea levels and flooding without rain” – Sea levels are rising, impacting the Maine coast. We are even seeing flooding when it does not rain.
CNN (17 Feb 2022)
“‘Mind boggling’: See how rising sea levels will affect the coasts” — Rising sea levels could impact the world’s coasts by 2050, a new study says. CNN meteorologist Tom Sater shows “astonishing” images of what that might look like.
ABC Action News (15 Feb 2022)
“Sea level to rise up to a foot by 2050, Interagency report projects” — An interagency sea level rise task force that includes NASA, NOAA, and other federal agencies said Tuesday the ocean height is projected to rise by up to a foot over the next 30 years. [View on YouTube]
Earth Stories (15 Dec 2021)
“Why Are Sea Levels Continuing To Rise?” — Disappearing glaciers, shrinking sea ice, and thawing permafrost is increasing from year to year. This is threatening the planet with loss of drinking water and rising sea levels.
Bloomberg (2 Feb 2021)
“Sea Levels Are Rising Faster Than Most Pessimistic Forecasts” — Climate change is causing oceans to rise quicker than scientists’ most pessimistic forecasts, resulting in earlier flood risks to coastal economies already struggling to adapt. The revised estimates published Tuesday in Ocean Science impact the two-fifths of the Earth’s population who live near coastlines. Insured property worth trillions of dollars could face even greater danger from floods, superstorms and tidal surges. The research suggests that countries will have to rein in their greenhouse gas emissions even more than expected to keep sea levels in check.
NBC News (1 May 2020)
“Rising Sea Levels” — In the past century, as the climate has warmed, sea level rise has accelerated. Scientists predict it will only increase, and they’re studying changes in the ocean and land to better understand how and why the water is rising. “Changing Planet” is produced in partnership with the National Science Foundation.
Channel 4 News (18 Sep 2019)
“Climate crisis: Americans forced to move twice because of rising sea levels” – Now we turn to the shorelines of the US East Coast. Rising sea levels and warmer waters are costing the state of Rhode Island a fortune, jeopardising livelihoods and forcing families to move their homes. And the state was the first to attempt to sue oil companies over the effects of climate change.
Verge Science (23 Apr 2019)
“This is what sea level rise will do to coastal cities” — Sea level rise is already redrawing coastlines around the world. What happens when the coast retreats through a major city? We look at how the world map will change in the year 2100, and what coastal cities can do to defend themselves. Correction: An early version of this video suggested that researchers expect to see four feet of sea level rise by the end of the century. While researchers do expect to see at least that level of sea level rise in the future, the exact timing is difficult to project. We regret the error.
CBC News Canada (18 Jun 2018)
“Rising sea levels will put U.S. homes at risk in near future” — Rising sea levels will put U.S. homes at risk in the near future, according to a study done by the Union of Concerned Scientists. It says more than 310,000 existing homes are projected to be at risk of flooding every two weeks by 2045. The National visited one coastal community to see how it’s dealing with the problem.
CBS (27 Aug 2017)
“Lessons from Holland on fighting rising sea levels” – Windmills are more than just a traditional part of the Dutch landscape; they have played a key role in the war Holland has waged against the sea for centuries. Today the Dutch are using ever-more innovative methods to combat rising sea levels, strategies that may also benefit other nations confronting the effects of climate change. Martha Teichner reports. Originally broadcast on May 21, 2017. [View on YouTube]
France 24 English (27 Jan 2017)
“Climate change: Florida faces rising sea levels” – Florida is the US state that faces the greatest threat from global warming. This is apparent in two of its most iconic locations: the vast wetlands of the Everglades and Miami’s seafront. Both urban areas and fragile ecosystems are under threat from rising sea levels and the destruction of freshwater reserves by seawater infiltration. But some scientists say that if properly protected, Florida’s wetlands could hold the key to a brighter future – not only for the state but for the entire planet. A programme prepared by Patrick Lovett and Elom Marcel Toble.
TEDx Talks (18 Nov 2016)
“The Sea Also Rises: Prepare for a Changing Shoreline” — If you’re on the fence about whether or not the sea rising is real, you better find a taller fence, at least if you plan on watching Eric Morris’s absolutely riveting talk about sea level rise. (You’re going to need that fence’s elevation). Filled with convincing data and unique visualization techniques based on Morris’s work using lidar imagery, this talk is one you’ll want to share.
Science Insider (22 Jun 2016)
“Rising Sea Levels Could Displace Millions Of Americans By 2100” — A recent study published in Nature Climate Change projects that over 4 million residents of the continental US could be affected if sea levels rise 3 feet by the end of the century. The researchers calculated the number of at-risk residents by looking at coastal areas expected to be inundated by sea-level rise and estimating the population of those regions in 2100 using population-trend data.
PBS NewsHour (2 Jul 2015)
“Two cities, two very different responses to rising sea levels” — While New York City is taking aggressive action to prevent future catastrophes like Hurricane Sandy, other vulnerable cities, such as Charleston, South Carolina, are not tackling the threat of rising sea level and climate change with the same urgency. Special correspondent Jackie Judd reports.
South Florida PBS (17 Jan 2014)
“South Florida’s Rising Seas – Sea Level Rise Documentary” — Two SJMC faculty, Kate MacMillin and Juliet Pinto, explore the narrative of a South Florida community under threat from sea level rise in this half-hour documentary.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (22 Jun 2012)
“Sea-level Rise for the Coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington: Past, Present, Future” — Tide gauges show that global sea level has risen about 7 inches during the 20th century, and recent satellite data show that the rate of sea-level rise is accelerating. As Earth warms, sea levels are rising mainly because ocean water expands as it warms; and water from melting glaciers and ice sheets is flowing into the ocean. Sea-level rise poses enormous risks to the valuable infrastructure, development, and wetlands that line much of the 1,600 mile shoreline of California, Oregon, and Washington. As those states seek to incorporate projections of sea-level rise into coastal planning, they asked the National Research Council to make independent projections of sea-level rise along their coasts for the years 2030, 2050, and 2100, taking into account regional factors that affect sea level. [Report]


Strong showers and storms developed quickly across Southwest Florida Thursday, with highs soaring into the upper 80s. The showers and storms will slowly end this evening, with temps holding in the 70s. Overnight lows will be in the upper 60s.
More storms could be on the way for Friday. Much of Good Friday will be dry, but storms may push in from the Gulf late in the day into Friday Night. Highs will be in the upper 80s.
Some showers and storms may linger into early Saturday, with clearing skies through the rest of the day. Highs will be cooler, in the low 80s.
Easter Sunday is still looking great. Expect plenty of sun, morning temps in the low 60s and afternoon highs in the low 80s.
Quiet weather will settle in as we head into next week, with plenty of sun and highs holding in the low to mid 80s.


Visiting the Blue Lotus Water Garden is such a good treat. The very symbolic lotus flower is so beautiful and reminds me to be humble in any way.
Seeing the whole vast lotus flower floating on the water will make you feel the peacefulness of the place and admire its tranquility.
Spanning over 14 acres, the Blue Lotus Water Garden contains more than 40 different ponds, lakes, and water features which produce the biggest display of lotus and waterlily flowers in the southern hemisphere. The grounds also contain an amazing array of exotic plants, garden exhibits, fountains, waterfalls, floral sculptures, walks, and scenic vistas.
Depicted as the largest lake in the garden holding over 11 million liters of water. It stretches almost 500m long and contains over 70 varieties of waterlily flowers creating a carpet of color across the surface of the lake. A feature of the display is the prized collection of Claude Monet’s original water lilies, that he planted in his garden at Giverny in France.
At the end of the lake, a plantation of hundreds of Mrs. Perry Slocum Lotus, Hindu Lotus, and Cream Lutea Lotus add to the visual experience, producing thousands of blooms every day. The gardens surrounding the lake also contain a plethora of perennial flowers and shade-giving banana and cocos palms. The lake also features a 300m walk through its middle, with 11 bridges including the famous red arched bridge. Often native water birds such as Giant Egrets, Water Hens, Spoon Bills, and numerous ducks are seen foraging for food or building nests.
On the southern side of the lake, a sandy pathway offers easy access with numerous picnic shelters for people to rest and take in the stunning views. Adding to the vista are two fountains built in the shape of giant lotus flowers, they seem to float on the lake’s surface producing a dancing reflective effect of their surroundings.
Many people don’t realize there are more than 17 species of native water lilies and two species of native lotus have been discovered in Northern Australia. Most of these species are sub-tropical and tropical varieties that normally grow north of the Tropic of Capricorn. However, the Blue Lotus Water Garden has been successful in growing a number of them in their new “Kakadu Lagoon” exhibit.
Over the past 20 years, Geoff Cochrane (owner of the gardens) has collected seeds of these beautiful plants during many expeditions to Northern Australia. The seed is then germinated in experimental ponds at Mossman, Queensland before the mature plants are relocated to our Kakadu Lagoon display which makes up part of our Tropical World complex.
The featured varieties you will see on display include Gigantea Waterlily, Immutabilis Waterlily, Violacea Waterlily, Cape York Lotus, and Waltzing Matilda Lotus. All these native beauties have been selected for their showy long-lasting flowers.
The lake produces the largest display of lotus flowers in the garden with over 10,000 blooms on display. The featured flowers are Carolina Queen Lotus (pink) and Cream Lutea Lotus (white) with blossoms as large as a dinner plate. The flowers grow around the entire 500m circumference of the lake, creating an intoxicating visual experience.
The gardens edging the sandy pathway have all been carefully created and planted with exotic flowering plants, adding to the wonderful vistas. Featured flowering plants include a range of salvias, impatiens, succulents, cordylines, begonias, canna lilies, crepe myrtles, and pergola vines. Banana palms and cocos palms provide shade as you wander, along with numerous reed-covered rotundas offering great vantage points to take in the serenity.
This giant amazon and cruziana waterlilies are all sheltered in this big greenhouse to recreate its natural habitat’s temperature. These are well-protected species, and very important in our biological ecosystem.
Giant Amazon Waterlily
The Giant Amazon Waterlily that grows in Blue Lotus Water Garden is named Victoria Cruziana, which is slightly smaller than its cousin, the Victoria Amazonica. The plant is native to the subtropical regions of South America and grows in a slightly cooler habitat to its cousin. The V.Cruziana is a spectacular plant and produces very large lily pads that reach 1.5 – 2 meters in diameter. The leaves are slightly different from the V.Amazonica, featuring higher sides and a greener appearance on the underside. Like its cousin, the Cruziana’s leaves and stalks are also covered in razor-sharp spines and it produces very large flowers, up to 30cm in diameter.
Giant Asian Waterlily
Also known as the “Crocodile Plant” or Euryale ferox is a type of giant waterlily, native to the tropical regions of Asia. This amazing waterlily produces massive spiny leaves over 1m in diameter and is covered in razor-sharp barbs on both sides. The color markings and texture of the lily pads also have similar characteristics to crocodile skin. This is why crocodiles have been known to hide under the leaves because they offer great camouflage from unsuspecting prey. The flower is very small and beautiful with delicate purple petals often seen protruding through a leaf. The seed is eaten extensively in Asia and is commonly called foxnuts or makhana. It’s believed the Chinese have cultivated this prickly plant (for food) for over 3,000 years.
Winch Waterlily Collection
Mr. Charles Winch was one of the world’s foremost breeders of tropical waterlilies breeding over 600 different hybrids signified by their large colorful flowers and amazing variegated leaves. On display is a selection of his most spectacular varieties.
From late March until mid-April the garden gets a fresh burst of color provided by thousands of flowering perennial and annual exotic plants. Throughout the grounds, we have planted tens of thousands of non-water plants such as salvias, petunias, impatiens, canna lilies, bougainvillea, hibiscus, sunflowers, iris, and many others.
Some of the best places to view these beauties are along the lower side of Monet’s Lake wall. The embankment has been planted with masses of impatiens, salvias, petunias and features 5m high towers of bougainvillea flowers. The walk at the bottom of the embankment is just stunning in Autumn.
For lovers of hibiscus, the Lotus Wetlands area contains huge stands of pink, red and variegated hibiscus flowers. The plants grow up to 2m tall with flowers up to 20cm in diameter that attracts all manner of insects and honeyeater birds. And our large Fairy Garden provides a colorful experience for both young and young at heart. It features a great range of cottage flowering plants including some of the best-looking orange, bronze, and yellow perennial sunflowers in the country.
Take a picnic out into the water gardens, or enjoy the very attractive surroundings of Café Lotus. Here, all dining is al fresco, with covered verandahs and barbecue areas semi-circling a lotus-packed pond. And the main attraction is on the menu too. Here at Café Lotus, you can try an Australian first – Lotus Root Chips. Tasting like a cross between potato and parsnip, these distinctively patterned chips are lightly seasoned and served with aioli on a fresh lotus leaf.
To complete your experience, there’s a lotus-themed gift shop and boutique, and on your way out through the nursery, you may have been inspired enough to buy your own lotus plants and water lilies, or even a mere bloom or two to grace a table for a special occasion. Certainly, if you want to know how to grow and care for one of the world’s most acclaimed flowers, Blue Lotus Water Gardens is your destination. And it’s a lovely day out. Don’t forget to take your camera. To complete your experience, there’s a lotus-themed gift shop and boutique, and on your way out through the nursery, you may have been inspired enough to buy your own lotus plants and water lilies, or even a mere bloom or two to grace a table for a special occasion. Certainly, if you want to know how to grow and care for one of the world’s most acclaimed flowers, Blue Lotus Water Gardens is your destination. And it’s a lovely day out. Don’t forget to take your camera.
(*all prices in Australian dollars)
Adult (Anyone 16 years and older) – $22.00
Senior or Pensioner – $19.50 (Must have a valid Seniors Card or Pension Card)
WEEKDAY SENIOR and PENSIONER SPECIAL – $17.50
Condition: Must visit on a weekday excluding public holidays and have a valid Seniors Card or Pension Card.
Child (4-15 years) – $6.00
Condition: Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with a ticket. School groups excluded.
Child (0-3 years) – $Free
Condition: Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with a paid ticket.
Group bookings and discounts are NOT available on weekends or public holidays. For our latest weekday group deals, please click on the Groups tab in the menu.
Companion Card or Professional Carer – $Free
Condition: Must be assisting a person with a disability that has a paid ticket. Must have a valid Companion or Professional Carers Card.
Visitors can purchase tickets over the counter on the day of your visit or you can purchase online. We recommend online tickets if coming on busy weekends or public holidays.
@blair.villanueva #fashiontiktok #traveltiktok #tiktokaustralia #bluelotus #garden #nature #lotus #travelaustralia #foryourpage #pinoytiktok #tiktokph #tiktokindia #fyp #lotusflower ♬ ALMOST HOME – Mad Adix, Marc Steinmeier
The Blue Lotus Water Garden
2628 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction VIC 3797
Phone: (03) 5967 2061
Email: [email protected]


Wading birds are being given a helping hand by farmers in the Yorkshire Dales.
Arkengarthdale and Swaledale are hotspots for wading birds like curlew, redshank, lapwing and snipe, and the farmers are working with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) and Natural England to improve the habitats.
Helen Keep and Ian Court, from the YDNPA’s Conservation and Policy department, organised a workshop for farmers to look at ways they could help the birds and improve the quality of the allotment land for their livestock.
“We held a workshop at Bouldershaw Farm in Arkengarthdale This farm is in an Environmental Stewardship Agreement funded by Natural England, with management focused on improving the habitats for wading birds. The numbers using the farm are regionally significant but there is room for improving the habitat. The farm has been set up as a demonstration farm in order to show other farmers how easy it is to benefit waders,” she said.
“The Authority has worked very closely with the farmer, Stuart Parker, to develop the habitats that benefit these birds. We have looked at controlling and managing rush beds by mowing and spraying them and we have also put in a number of shallow scrapes that dry up in summer but are full of water in spring during the nesting season and create excellent habitats for invertebrates, which the chicks feed off.
“We had a very positive feedback from the day and a lot of farmers said they would actively take up the work, especially the rush mowing, which opens the land up for grazing and really benefits the habitat of breeding lapwings.
“We are now planning another similar event this year and we would like to hear from any farmers in the south of the National Park who are already in an agri-environment scheme and feel their farms are a good example of this type of management and could be used as a demonstration farm.”
Andrew Colley, the YDNPA’s Member Champion for Conservation of the Natural Environment, said: “We have nationally-important populations of wading birds spread across large areas of the National Park.
“The uplands are becoming the last refuge for these wonderful birds so it is vitally important that we help our farmers to provide the habitats that will ensure they survive and flourish.”
Wooler Work Web Brings Training to Rural Community
New Job Opportunities, but Few Takers
Planning Decision Boosts Local Economy


CHARGING STATION FOR E-CARS
The 4-star PhiLeRo Hotel Köln offer a charging station for e-cars.
This charging station for electric cars is located in the underground car park.
If you have any questions about the charging station, please do not hesitate
to contact our friendly service team at the PhiLeRo Hotel Köln. Thank you!
Parking at our hotel in Cologne is possible in our underground car park with
a total of 30 spaces. The underground parking fee for a car is 14,00 Euro per day.


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From the bulletin Whale Portraits, July 17, 2018
By Camille Begin-Marchand
Bp059 is nicknamed “Trou” (Translator’s note: “hole” in French) in the Marine Park due to the protuberance behind her blowhole on her left flank that resembles a volcanic crater. Her dorsal fin is marked by two notches at both ends; her chevrons show very little contrast. A biopsy taken in 2000 allowed researchers to conclude that Trou is a female. In 2006 and 2009, Trou was seen with a calf. This year again, Trou was sighted with a little one at her side. Keep your eyes peeled, as we will need to observe the calf multiple times at her side over the course of the season to confirm whether or not this offspring indeed belongs to Trou. In 1996, Trou was tracked by radio telemetry as part of a program to study fin whales’ use of the area and to evaluate the impact that boats have on their behaviour. The tag remained in place 12 hours. Trou’s frequent use of the Estuary means that she is considered a “seasonal resident”.
Like the other cetaceans of the St. Lawrence, fin whales frequent the mouth of the Saguenay to feed. They are known for their particularly impressive feeding strategies. Thanks to the use of drones and aerial observations from research groups around the world, we have a better understanding of these fascinating behaviours. We can occasionally see them execute a complete roll-over. Similar to blue whales, fin whales turn on their sides, accelerate and open their mouths by angling their lower jaws to nearly 90° to engulf a volume of water that sometimes exceeds their own volume. In fact, a fin whale’s belly, with its expandable ventral grooves, increases on average 162% in circumference and 38% in length, allowing it to take in up to 80,000 litres of water in just a few seconds. This water is then expelled through the baleen, leaving only prey trapped inside the animal’s mouth. With gulps spaced just over 40 seconds apart, this large rorqual can thus take more than one bite per dive.
The colouration of the fin whale’s jaw is asymmetrical: white on the right side and darker on the left. Some researchers hypothesize that this asymmetry might allow the animal to better camouflage itself when it is hunting large schools of fish. Others believe that fin whales use this particular trait to better disorient their schools of prey when encircling them. Hopefully we’ll have the chance to witness such displays this season!
From the bulletin Whale Portraits, August 18, 2017
At last, fin whales are being seen more regularly in the Marine Park! Among them was Bp059, photo-ID’d off Cap de Bon-Désir between Les Bergeronnes and the Paradis Marin campground, and later near Pointe à Pierre-Paul. Bp059 received the somewhat unusual name of “Trou” (French for “hole”) in reference to the protuberance on her left flank behind her blowhole. The cavity at the centre of the bulging outgrowth resembles the shape of a volcanic crater. Trou also has two slight notches in her arched dorsal fin and her back is marked by a discreet dip just in front of the dorsal fin. The light gray markings of her chevron are not strongly contrasting.
Fin whales may occasionally be confused with another species of the same family that sometimes frequents the area: sei whales. The sei whale is often described as a smaller version of the fin whale: 12 to 16 m versus 18 to 21 m. Unlike the fin whale, the sei whale shows no pigment asymmetry in the jaw and baleen. The back of the fin whale is slate gray, while that of the sei whale tends toward dark green, with small white dots under the belly.
This cosmopolitan species is found scattered throughout the oceans of both hemispheres; observations in the St. Lawrence are rare. Thanks to genetic analysis, Marine Mammal Emergencies was able to confirm that a sei whale carcass washed up in Baie-Comeau in 2009.
One feeding habit of the sei whale that is not found in other rorquals is that it often “skims” its prey – even if it has ventral grooves – thus filtering its food as it swims along.
Sei whales, which have been decimated by hunting, are under-studied. Encounters with these denizens of deep waters far from the coast are rare, unpredictable and brief. However, the Falkland Islands (South Atlantic) have been designated as a hot spot for the species, hence the creation in 2016 of the Sei Whale Project in the archipelago, which aims to gather data to better understand these animals.
Taken from the newsletter Portrait de baleines, July 21, 2014
Trou owes her name to a huge depression surrounded by a blister behind her blowhole on the left side. On her right side, less spectacular characteristics are used to identify her: a rather curved dorsal fin with two quite discrete notches; another depression in front of her dorsal fin breaks the continuous line of her back. Trou lacks the contrasting chevron present in most fin whales.
This year, she was seen for the first time by the GREMM team on June 11. After disappearing from the Marine Park for some time, she reappeared on August 11.
Trou is considered a seasonal resident of the Estuary, as she has been seen more than three quarters of the years since she was first observed in 1994.
Trou was spotted with a calf in 2006 and in 2009, though it is not possible to determine the existence of kinship between them. This three-year interval corresponds well however to the minimum time span between births in fin whales. After a gestation period of 11 to 12 months, calves are born between November and January. The newborn weighs nearly 2 t and measures over 6 m. It is nursed by its mother for 6 to 7 months. Once weaned, the young sometimes seeks the company of an adult, though not necessarily that of its mother.
In winter, fin whales of the North Atlantic – including those individuals that frequent the St. Lawrence – set out for temperate waters to reproduce. Their calving grounds, which are certainly farther south in the ocean, are poorly known, as are their migratory movements. These solitary animals form temporary associations in pairs or in groups. In the 1980s and 90s, groups of several dozen fin whales (up to 40 individuals) were observed in the Estuary.
Since 1986 the GREMM has been managing a catalogue of fin whales of the Estuary, which contains approximately 100 individuals. Fin whales identified in the Gulf – about 450 individuals – have been catalogued by MICS since 1980. In Canada, the conservation status of the fin whale is “Special Concern”.
Video of a breathing sequence of a group of fin whales.


CIFOR was ranked 5th out of the top 100 climate think tanks by the International Center for Climate Governance, which assesses organizations that conduct results-oriented research to influence climate change and energy policy.
Rewarding tropical countries for keeping their carbon-rich forests standing is the basis of the United Nations program on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+). This year, CIFOR’s Global Comparative Study on REDD moved into its third phase with five more years of funding to build on its track record for policy-oriented evidence, tools and analysis.
CIFOR scientists were among 245 experts from 27 countries whose policy briefs were chosen for inclusion in the United Nations Global Sustainable Development Report. Research from three CIFOR briefs on gender and climate change was highlighted in the chapter ‘Ensuring that no one is left behind and the 2030 Agenda.’
If you intervene at the environment level in a landscape, you need to know that you are changing power relations. This is very important in a project like REDD+. When you intervene, you need to understand which kind of social impact this will have, including on gender relations.
Houria Djoudi, CIFOR Scientist, speaking in the panel discussion ‘How to walk the talk: Promoting gender equality in national climate policy and action’ at the Global Landscapes Forum in Marrakesh
Indigenous groups, non-governmental organizations and the private sector – called non-state actors – are helping to drive momentum for action on climate change. But without overall coordination, how can governments track progress transparently? We set out key recommendations for climate negotiators.
CIFOR was asked by the UN climate change scientific advisory body to analyze members’ submissions on adaptation and agriculture, and concluded that more holistic approaches are needed.
At a side event during the Bonn climate talks in May, CIFOR scientists shared lessons on results-based payments for REDD+ for more effective policies.
To support countries in meeting their Paris Agreement commitments to lower greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and agriculture, we published recommendations on how to use independent monitoring approaches – unbiased data, tools and methods – for more transparent and accountable land use reporting.
Although preventing climate change and dealing with its effects are two sides of the same coin, they’re often treated separately. We explored the links being made between adaptation and mitigation – and how to avoid trade-offs.
It takes optimism and commitment for a state to break away from the entrenched interests driving deforestation.
CIFOR REDD+ scientists, REDD+ politics – or why it is so difficult to tackle large-scale drivers of deforestation
CIFOR’s Climate and energy team was highly active at global climate events, coordinating side events and engaging partners in topics ranging from gender-responsive climate policy to managing risks in REDD+.
The world is gearing up for action on climate change and sustainable
2016, CIFOR research showed how putting landscapes and forests at the fore can
promote integrated action with better outcomes for human well-being, equity and
Stepping up to the new climate and development agenda
Our new ten-year strategy evolved from a deep understanding of the many ways
contributes to sustainable development. Our work is grounded by a three-pillar approach that
spans six thematic work areas, which are aligned with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development
CIFOR and the SDGs
FOREST & HUMAN WELL-BEING
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES & FOOD
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES, GENDER, JUSTICE & TENURE
CLIMATE CHANGE, ENERGY & LCD
VALUE CHAINS, FINANCE & INVESTMENTS
FOREST MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION
GLOBAL LANDSCAPES FORUM
CIFOR by the numbers
Pillar 1. Research for impact
204 Journal articles: 60% in Open Access journals
Visit through Google Books:
25% increase from 2015
Pillar 2. Capacity development
Pillar 3. Outreach and engagement
Memoranda of understanding
Letters of agreement
with strong gender focus
events organized or supported, with
times on Forests News
times on Forests News
CIFOR’s contribution to the global policy dialogue gained more international recognition this year.
out of 100 top Climate Think Tanks
International Center for Climate Governance
out of 95 top Environment Policy Think Tanks
Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program: Global Go To Think Tank Index Report
CIFOR and its partners contribute to the following global processes, frameworks, panels and conventions:
CIFOR launched a set of key performance indicators in 2016 to chart our impact through research, capacity development and engagement, and to measure our operational performance.
Where we work
Climate change, energy and low carbon development
Sustainable landscapes & food
Forest management & restoration
Forest and human well-being
Equal opportunities, gender, justice and tenure
Value chains, finance and investments
Gender across CIFOR’s work
CIFOR takes a rights-based approach to gender equality. Beyond the simple recognition that failing to understand local-level gender dynamics can skew research findings, we ground our work in the idea that all humans deserve an equal opportunity to thrive. Understanding gender dynamics is both a focus of specific research projects and a key aspect in all of CIFOR’s activities.
Things are still framed in terms of women as victims of climate change. This whole stereotyping needs to shift, and we should really focus on gender quality and women's' empowerment as a goal in their own right, not because victims need to be saved
Under the Paris Agreement, countries are ramping up to meet their climate change commitments while also moving toward their Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. CIFOR is working at the nexus of climate change, energy and low-carbon development to deliver integrated ecological, social and economic information to policy makers and practitioner communities in these countries. We also support, with information, analysis and tools, actors working in the international climate policy arena.
Forest communities have an intimate understanding of their natural resources and can manage them effectively – if they have the rights to their land and gain benefit from forests and trees. Women hold much of this knowledge and, when they are free to make key decisions, can help transform the physical and cultural landscape. And when land and forest tenure laws are clear, local and international investors will help sustainable forest-based enterprises grow.
CIFOR is working to help countries meet their restoration targets, as momentum builds for the Bonn Challenge, the World Resources Institute Initiative 20×20 and other global plans to restore millions of hectares of forest by 2020. Focusing on two main areas, diversified forest management and forest landscape restoration, this work aims to address factors that help or hinder rural people’s access to forest resources and to find more equitable ways to manage forests for better productivity.
Tens of millions of rural households in tropical countries gain significant income, food, fuel and shelter from forests. But this fact is often underappreciated or ignored by strict conservation approaches and poverty-reduction policies. This can lead to missed opportunities and unintended consequences that further drive forest loss and undercut rural livelihoods. A better understanding of how forests contribute to human well-being will give policy makers the evidence base they need to make effective decisions that support both forests and people.
One billion people worldwide rely to varying degrees on forests for food and income. Wild meat and freshwater fish are essential to the diets of some vulnerable rural communities. And both subsistence and industrial farming systems depend on trees and forests for water and climate regulation, pollination and pest control. As competition for land grows, countries are looking for strategies to lower poverty while building environmental resilience. Landscape approaches have the potential to resolve local challenges and meet national commitments.
The current push by private sector companies, governments and financial services providers to promote and invest in activities that contribute to sustainable development and reduce pressures on forests is driving a transformation in how timber, palm oil, soy, sugar and beef are produced. CIFOR aims to facilitate innovations in public policy, business models, private investments and finance to stimulate the sustainable and inclusive supply of timber from natural and planted forests, enhance sustainable production of high-value tree crops and reduce the impacts of agricultural expansion in forests.
CIFOR advances human well-being, equity and environmental integrity by conducting innovative research, developing partners’ capacity, and actively engaging in dialogue with all stakeholders to inform policies and practices that affect forests and people. CIFOR is a CGIAR Research Center, and leads the CGIAR Research Program on Forests, Trees and Agroforestry (FTA). Our headquarters are in Bogor, Indonesia, with offices in Nairobi, Kenya, Yaounde, Cameroon, and Lima, Peru.
CIFOR leads the CGIAR Research Program on Forests, Trees and Agroforestry
CIFOR is currently a member of these CGIAR Research Programs:
CIFOR’s work is possible thanks to the financial support of our Funding Partners and the collaboration
of our Strategic Partners. We work closely with a range of local and international organizations
and institutions to deliver research projects with the greatest potential impact.