Torrential Rains and flooding have battered 25 provinces in the Philippines over the last two weeks. Flooding and mudslides have killed 42 people, with 8 injured and 5 people missing. A damage bill to agriculture, housing and infrastructure has been estimated to be 900 million pesos (about US$23million).
The first in depth national study of wild bees in the US has established that several species have suffered a severe decline in population and range. Honey bees are important for commercial crop pollination of fruit, nut, vegetable and seed production in the United States, indeed globally.
Have you noticed that no-one in the media is discussing Climate Change and the devastating Queensland floods? Floods that are directly affecting over 200,000 people, closing down three quarters of the coal mining industry in the state, plus major highways, rail links and public airports. Estimates of the damage are now running into the billions of dollars with at least 10 people killed so far.
Related: FoE: Heavy metals released into flood waters
Brisbane flood warnings, Great Barrier Reef lasting impact
Okay, climate change is now getting serious with global warming set to impact on the enjoyment of a nice strong cup of Assam tea or a good brew of Columbian coffee. Already the subtle flavors of Assam tea are starting to change. For the tea and coffee connoisseurs in the developed world we might find the price increasing on that skinny latte or cup of tea.
While we might bemoan subtle favor changes or price rises from the comfort of our street cafes and comfortable dwellings, the real hardship will be felt by the thousands of small growers in the developing world. Those who are dependent on tea or coffee as a major cash crop and boost to their local economies face the problems of increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns.
Coffee and Conservation | Oxfam Fairtrade coffee campaign | FairTrade Tea | Youtube videos: Two degrees up - Part One: Columbia | Sri Lanka Tea and Drought
An Australian scientist has warned against misinterpreting the cold spells in Europe and North America and the heavy rains and flooding in Australia as climate change not occurring. Barrie Hunt, an Honorary Research Fellow with the CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, said that seasonal cold spells will still be expected under enhanced greenhouse conditions and that the long term trend is that the global climate is warming.
A local activist has prevented the tug supplying the controversial offshore gas drilling rig from leaving the Port of Newcastle by attaching himself inside the tug.
The Tour Maline, which is berthed at the T1 terminal at Honeysuckle, was preparing itself to send supplies to the Ocean Patriot for exploratory drilling for gas and other minerals 55km off the shore of Newcastle.
Rising Tide spokesperson Phillipa Parsons said that offshore gas and/or oil drilling was too risky and could destroy the marine and coastal environment.
Tuesday, 7 December - At 7.30am Greenpeace activists re-branded ANZ as Australia's dirtiest bank – right in front of its NSW HQ in Martin Place.
The activists scaled 12 metre flagpoles, hung our re-branded banner and shone a spotlight on the offending bank.
"ANZ claim to be sustainable, but in fact, it is the biggest financer of polluting power in Australia," said Greenpeace Campaigner John Hepburn. "We're helping ANZ begin a new era of honesty with its customers."
A group of climate activists visited Fitzroy Island this weekend to highlight the need for urgent action on climate change to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
The group staged an underwater action on Sunday 5th to draw attention to the predicted climate change impacts on the Great Barrier Reef and the need to stabilise atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations at or below 350 parts per million.
