· December, 2011

Stories about Environment from December, 2011

Chile: Neighbors and Netizens Unite to Save Concon Dunes

After 20 years of struggle against the construction of a real-estate project on a delicate and unique ecosystem called the Concon Dunes, neighbors and netizens have united their voices to continue the protest on the day the development company started closing in on this nature sanctuary.

30 December 2011

Singapore: Is it Flooding, or Just Ponding?

Singapore's Public Utilities Board used the term “ponded” rather than "flooded" when heavy rains caused flash floods in various parts of the city last week. The use of the word has led to much scorn and ridicule from Singaporeans online.

30 December 2011

Puerto Rico: Investigating Monsanto

The Center of Investigative Journalism published a three-part series on the little known operation in Puerto Rico of the multinational biotechnology corporation Monsanto, the principle producer of genetically engineered seeds.

28 December 2011

Cuba: #Twittsaneo

The blog El Microwave writes about the initiative #Twitsaneo [es], convened originally by El Taburete [es] and organized by a group of avid Cuban twitter users. #Twitsaneo was the name...

28 December 2011

Lebanon: Electric Xmas Decorations

From Lebanon, Habib Battah draws our attention to Christmas decorations in Lebanon, where the decorations are lit and and the electricity in the street lamps is switched off during the...

28 December 2011

Mauritania: Earth's Bulls Eye

Algerian-American Kal, or The Moor Next Door, shares this interesting geographical tidbit about Mauritania: “f readers ever get into space, they may find themselves looking for Mauritania, or its enormous...

28 December 2011

China: Top 10 Problems in 2011

Paul from ChinaSMACK translated Chinese Academy of Social Science's survey on the top 10 problems in 2011 as perceived by Chinese people.

27 December 2011

Philippines: State of National Calamity After Tropical Storm Sendong

A state of national calamity was declared by the Philippine president after tropical storm Sendong devastated many parts of north Mindanao Island. More than 1,000 people have already died in the flash floods and 1,000 are still missing. Here are some citizen media photos and reports of the flood impact.

23 December 2011

Bermuda: military mess?

The United States maintained a military base in Bermuda for 50 years, finally departing in 1995. Who should clean up the pollution that got left behind, asks Catch a Fire?...

22 December 2011

Brazil: How Many Lives Does the Guarani-Kaiowá's Land Cost?

Last November, 42 gunmen attacked an indigenous reserve in Mato Grosso do Sul, executing Nísio Gomes, 59, chief of the Guaraní Kaiowá and several other villagers. These attacks take place at the same time as Brazil consolidates its position as one of the leading exporters of agricultural goods and biofuels in the world, and Mato Grosso do Sul one of its most productive states.

20 December 2011

China: Guangdong Uprising, Now in Haimen

Since the village of Wukan in Guangdong province was placed under siege after kicking out party and government officials, at least two nearby towns have launched actions of their own. The most recent, which broke out today, has reportedly seen 30,000 people blocking a busy freeway.

20 December 2011

Philippines: Storm Leaves Hundreds Dead and Missing

Hundreds died in many parts of Mindanao Island in southern Philippines after tropical storm Sendong hit the country last Friday. The casualties could be worse and may even reach more than 600. It’s the worst flooding to hit the north part of Mindanao in many years. Netizens immediately used the web to report about the disaster and to call for support

17 December 2011