Stories about Environment from November, 2021
As shorebird populations drastically decline in the French Caribbean, hunting traditions persist
The colonial era practice is still popular in Martinique and Guadeloupe, and also takes place in French Guiana, Suriname and, to a lesser extent, Barbados.
Human-elephant conflict could lead to the extinction of elephants in Bangladesh
Around three dozens of resident and migrant elephants were killed in different parts of Bangladesh since January 2020, seven were killed in November 2021 alone.
More leeway to the ship recycling industry from the environmental authorities in Bangladesh triggers criticism
Activists in Bangladesh are criticising the recent decision of the environmental authorities who downgraded the status of the ship recycling industry from red to orange.
‘Strollout’: Australia’s word of 2021 alludes to the slow vaccine rollout and delayed climate action
Cartoonist Veteran Peter Broelman joked, "‘The government is a bunch of heartless climate-denying rorting crooks who only look after themselves’ was too long to fit on a page."
Indonesian official tries to silence Greenpeace activists, changes course amid criticism
The report has since been withdrawn to avoid "politicization" and insinuations that the government does not welcome criticism.
Paper lives: Turkey's trash collectors face deportations, arrests, and midnight raids
Istanbul police conducted raids on waste collectors' depots last month, allegedly to address potential health hazards, public security concerns, and the employment of unregistered migrants.
Take a hike! Some of the Caribbean's most scenic trails in photos
Many Caribbean people are avid hikers—these photos will show you why.
Nepal: Drowning in sorrow
Despite protests, defiant sand mining and quarry contractors have continued to leave large abandoned pits along Nepal’s rivers in which children drown by the dozens every year.
Japan named ‘Fossil of the Day’ for ‘clean coal’ plans
Efforts by Japan to reduce carbon emissions over the next decade appear to be marginal at best.
Antigua and Barbuda says polluters ‘must pay,’ as climate change remains existential threat to Small Island Developing States
Many small island developing states (SIDS) are struggling to survive, prompting the Caribbean island state of Antigua and Barbuda to call for financial compensation at COP26 for "loss and damage".
An all-women coral conservation team is helping to revive Indonesia's world-famous Gili reefs
"I believe that empowering women and promoting gender equality is crucial to accelerating sustainable development."
COP26: Kenyan sports personalities call for decisive action to combat the climate crisis
In November, over 50 Olympians and Paralympians called on world leaders to deliver climate action during the COP26 in Glasgow in a video campaign titled ‘Dear Leaders of the World’
Meet the Pacific Islanders fighting for climate action at COP26
"We are resilient people, but we recognise the need for other countries to build their resilience as well if we are to have a fighting chance!"
Barbados prime minister Mia Mottley's defence of Small Island Developing States at COP26 makes her a regional rock star
"How does Barbados feel about [Prime Minister] Mia Mottley? Because the rest of the Caribbean feels as though y’all won the lottery in the PM dept."
Days after COP26 agreement, Indonesian officials renege on anti-deforestation pledge
Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar has dismissed the UN plan to end industrial deforestation by 2030, saying: "Forcing Indonesia to zero deforestation in 2030 is clearly inappropriate and unfair."
The best of both worlds? Guyana wants to be a low-carbon oil producer
The South American nation believes it is time to make its citizens rich, and thinks it can do so while keeping the forests intact and pursuing a prolific oil industry.
What can we expect from Russia at COP26?
As COP26 continues, Open Democracy asks experts whether the Kremlin’s latest moves on climate, including its 2060 net-zero target, heralds genuine change or more greenwash.
Caribbean negotiators should seek solutions and support at COP26
“If you don’t have a proper system to transparently account for [certain measures], you can’t really tell whether you’re making it to carbon neutrality by 2050.”