In 2002, world leaders agreed to reduce the global rate of biodiversity loss by 2010. Sadly, a recent study found that “biodiversity is still being lost as fast as ever, and we have made little headway in reducing the pressures on species, habitats and ecosystems.” Published in the journal Science, the study confirms what conservationists [...]
When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision and balance for the convenience of man. And (unlike subsequent inventions for man’s convenience) the more he used it, the fitter his body became. Here, for once, was a product of man’s brain that was entirely beneficial [...]
In a new study released by Stanford University in April 2010, scientists have found evidence that links ocean acidification due to volcanic eruptions 250 million years ago, with the wiping out of 90% of marine species and 75% of land species. This event called the “end-Permian” extinction has conditions parallel to the combination of ocean acidification that [...]
The World’s People’s Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth was held recently in Cochabamba, Bolivia, April 19-22 as an alternative to the Copenhagen Summit held in December 2009, which are widely seen to have failed in securing a concrete commitment in reducing global carbon emissions reductions. Here is a video [...]
It’s all relative isn’t it? This infographic from the Fast Company blog ” What’s a Billion, Here and There?” which shows the comparative size of different expenditures and markets, really puts things in perspective. For a clearer picture, click here at Information is Beautiful. Cliff Kuang, the blog writer points to an important caveat in the diagram: The graph [...]
“Soil is the invisible biodiversity hero. We rely on healthy soils for some of the most fundamental ecosystem services, and without them life on our planet would grind to a halt. We share our soils, so I am convinced of the need for common legislation in this area. I am therefore calling on Environment ministers [...]
According to a recent life cycle analysis by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), the dairy industry accounts for 4% of global carbon emissions. As reported by “The Ecologist” : The vast majority of emissions, 93 per cent, take place on the farm, which includes the production and transport of all inputs used, such as [...]
The brand of cookies, bread, ketchup, chocolates or the multitude of edibles you put in your shopping trolley, has a direct bearing on your health and the health of your children. In case of sensitive people, such as children with ADHD, it could even affect learning ability and behaviour. This is due to a number of food additives that are used [...]
During my recent trip to Pulau Ubin, a fairly pristine island off mainland Singapore and a ten minute bumboat ride away from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, I was lucky to find myself in the midst of the rare and endangered species of Hornbills in Singapore – the Oriental Pied Hornbill or Anthracoceros albirostris. There used to be [...]
