Paris, France | AFP | The leopard population in a region of South Africa once thick with the big cats is crashing, and could be wiped out within a few years, scientists warned Wednesday. Illegal killing of leopards in the Soutpansberg Mountains has reduced their numbers by two-thirds in the …
Read More »HAGUE: People’s tribunal accuses Monsanto of possible ‘ecocide’
The Hague, Netherlands | AFP | An informal people’s tribunal headed by five professional international judges Tuesday accused US seeds firm Monsanto of harming the environment and possible “ecocide”. Monsanto, which produces genetically-modified seeds as well as controversial pesticides, however said the event was “staged by a select group …
Read More »Trump love not enough to bring back coal
New York, United States | AFP | President Donald Trump pledged Tuesday to revive America’s coal industry by rolling back regulation, but energy experts expressed doubt his moves would significantly boost prospects for the controversial energy source. Trump, flanked by coal miners and Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt, a …
Read More »Another reason to flip the off switch: light pollution
Paris, France | AFP | For the 11th year running, cities worldwide will turn their lights off Saturday to mark Earth Hour in a global call to action on climate change. But the moment of darkness should also serve as a reminder, activists say, of another problem that gets far …
Read More »Paris mayor to spend 1.5 million euros for ‘war on rats’
Paris, France | AFP | The mayor of Paris said Sunday the city would spend 1.5 million euros ($1.6 million) to rid the French capital of rats and install more public ashtrays to clean up the city’s streets. In an interview with Journal du Dimanche weekly, Mayor Anne Hidalgo unveiled a …
Read More »China vows blue skies despite economic challenges
Beijing, China | AFP | China will work to clear its skies by increasing investment in clean energy and punishing polluters, Premier Li Keqiang said Sunday in comments aimed at mollifying public anger over chronic smog. Swathes of northern China were blanketed under toxic smog this winter, affecting more than …
Read More »City noise linked to hearing loss
Paris, France | AFP | Urban noise pollution and hearing loss are closely linked, according to rankings of 50 large cities in both categories released on Friday. High-decibel urban areas — such as Guangzhou, New Delhi, Cairo and Istanbul — topped the list of cities where hearing was most degraded, …
Read More »Magufuli’s Tanzania bans booze sachets
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | AFP | A ban on alcohol sold in plastic sachets will come into force in Tanzania this week, the government said Wednesday, as it seeks to protect the environment and curb youth boozing. The import, manufacture, sale and consumption of the 50 millilitre alcoholic sachets …
Read More »After Asia, palm oil faces backlash in Africa
Libreville, Gabon | AFP | Its lower cost has made it popular in commercial food production, but after being blamed for deforestation in Asia, palm oil plantations are now getting a similar rap in Africa. The sheer scale of land required is having an impact in Gabon, Cameroon and the …
Read More »VIDEO: Lake Victoria pollution threatens lives
VIDEO: A rise in pollution levels at Murchison bay in Luzira, Kampala is threatening the life of millions of Ugandans – with little hope that the situation is set to improve soon. The National Environment Management Authority blames the pollution on the destruction of the Nakivubo wetland, a natural filter of …
Read More »