Stories about Environment from November, 2010
Korea: Serious Concerns Over Possible Volcanic Eruption in N. Korea
As South Korean government discusses launching a task force to prepare for possible volcanic eruption of Mount Paekdu, the highest mountain in North Korea, twitterers have nervously retweeted Wikitree's article[ko] telling that the Paekdu's eruption may cause far greater damage than Iceland's volcanic eruption did in April.
Mozambique: Anger at multinational pollution in Maputo
An aluminum smelter near Maputo owned by multinational company BHP Billiton began today a “bypass” operation. Campaigners say this means that polluting emissions from the Mozal Plant will go unfiltered for 4-5 months, near a metropolitan area of over 2 million. Blogger JPT at Ma-schamba blog [pt] called this “corporate...
Japan: “Investigations in Suburban Tokyo”
Chris Berthelsen from a-small-lab posted his slides for a workshop titled “Transforming Neighbourhoods – Tokyo/Berlin“, where he investigates the city of Tokyo for hints of “usable cities”.
Nigeria: Remembering an Activist, Fifteen Years After his Execution
In 1995 Ken Saro-Wiwa, a prominent activist and outspoken critic of the oil industry in Nigeria, was executed along with eight of his associates. Saro-Wiwa was a hero for many Nigerians, and his execution inflamed the international community against the notoriously authoritarian regime of Sani Abacha and the practices of Royal Dutch Shell. Fifteen years after his death, bloggers reflect on his legacy.
Online Video Contest on Responsible Consumption has Winner
A Colombian short film was selected as the winner from 10 international finalists in the 4th International online short film contest for Responsible Consumption Culture. This contest, organized by ECODES and the General Direction of Consumption for the Government of Aragon called for entries in Spanish from short film producers from Spain and Latin America.
St. Lucia: Hurricane Relief Efforts
Sun, Rain, Or… provides updates on the good, the bad and the ugly of relief efforts post-Hurricane Tomas.
Taiwan: The Na'vi in “Avatar” Join the Fight against Petrochemical Plant
The native blue giants “Na'vi” who fought with colonization armies from the earth in the blockbuster movie “Avatar” has become the spiritual symbol of young environmentalists and students in Taiwan who stand against the Kuo-Kuang Petrochemical project in Changhua County. A march against Kuo-Kuang will take place on 11/13, and...
Deforestation Is A Threat In Nepal
Bhumika Ghimire informs that Deforestation is a growing problem in Nepal with only 29% of the country's forests remaining.
China: Rising prices and rooftop gardens
Rising prices in China have led to grocery shoppers seeking bargains in Hong Kong, but are they also leading to more sustainable consumption?
Nigeria: Remembering Ken Saro-Wiwa
Sokari remembers Ken Saro-Wiwa: “Today marks the 15th anniversary of the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa by the Nigerian state under General Sani Abacha on November 10th 1995. I still remember the day, a Friday.”
U.S.V.I.: No-Smoking Legislation
The Department of Health neglected to hold enough committee meetings to make the no-smoking law a reality; Live De Life hopes that despite the delay, “the bar and restaurant owners choose to go ahead and put this in place now before the start of tourist season.”
St. Lucia: No Bananas
Repeating Islands notes that St. Lucia's banana industry “could take up to eight months to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Tomas.”
Taiwan: Reporting on Autumn Struggle 2010
The Annual Autumn Struggle(秋鬥) was held on 11/7 this year, more than 1000 people from various minority groups and social activists organizations-migrant workers, indigenous tribes, HIV+ patients, sex workers, environmentalists, and farmers deprived of their lands-joined the march together. CivilMedia's video report summarized demands from different groups[zht] while Coolloud's photo report captured...
India: Tigers In Danger In Madhya Pradesh
Bagchiblog informs that India's Madhya Pradesh government has taken several steps that threaten the existence of tigers in the state’s forests.
Costa Rica: Mudslides and Climate Change
In Central American Politics, Mike writes, “While most of the region's attention is on the river dispute between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, Costa Rica is also suffering through the worst natural disasters in recent memory. […] According to the Climate Change Vulnerability Index, most of Central America is highly vulnerable...
El Salvador: Anti-Mining Activists Kidnapped
Tim from Tim's El Salvador Blog reports: “Members of a Salvadoran environmental organization travelling to meet with the Guatemalan government to protest a gold mine were kidnapped and robbed by men wearing Guatemalan police uniforms. “
Mayotte: Marine Mammals of Mayotte
Jana blogs about marine mammals of Mayotte: “Mayotte is famous for being dolphins as well as humpback whales paradise(to be seen from August till October every year). While enjoying a day out in the ocean (one day for fishing, one day just for real sea sightseeing) we were lucky to...
Costa Rica: Rescue Efforts Continue in Rain Ravaged Areas
Many areas are still isolated due to the heavy rains and flooding in Costa Rica and the Costa Rican Red Cross is working hard to rescue and aid as many people as possible. This video shows a rescue worker crossing a makeshift bridge over a roaring river with a baby...
Madagascar: President linked to illegal logging
Wild Madagascar posts a video released by Global Witness and the Environmental Investigation Agency showing Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina involvement in illegal logging.
Russia: Journalist Oleg Kashin Severely Beaten in Moscow
Journalist Oleg Kashin (LJ user kashin/@KSHN) was severely beaten in Moscow Friday night and is now in intensive care. LJ users p0grebizhskaya and navalny host some of the initial Russophone discussions on the attack; Twitter reactions (RUS) are here. One of Kashin's recent texts for the Russian daily Kommersant dealt...
Sri Lanka: Exclusive Parks For Young Lovers
Himal Kotelawala reacts on the news that exclusive parks will be made in Sri Lanka for young lovers.
