Stories about Environment from January, 2013
China's Transparent Reporting on Air Pollution
Beijing's record-breaking pollution has been reported by both Chinese and international media for the past few days. What's surprising is the official media's transparency in reporting about pollution, a topic often down played by Chinese media. CHINA DIGITAL TIMES extracts examples of reporting in Chinese media from international media. TeaLeafNation analyzed why.
“Avoid Outdoor Activities”: Record-Breaking Air Pollution in Beijing
A lingering 4-day heavy smog with jaw-dropping pollution readings hit the Chinese capital Beijing in mid-January,making news headlines and galvanizing an online community that has become increasingly vocal about the environmental issues.
China's Top 10 Cities with Worst Air Pollution
The smoggy air in Beijing has triggered widespread concerns over environment in China. However, Beijing is not alone. Offbeat China takes a look at the top 10 cities with worst air pollution in China.
Protesters Trap QMM Staff in Madagascar over Land Dispute
Bill at Madagascar Tribune reports that protesters held Rio Tinto QMM Staff hostages [fr] on January 11 in Southern Madagascar. After armed forces disrupted the protests with tear gas and freed the staff, police proceed to arrest a dozen of protesters [fr] today. Rio Tinto executives threatened to exit the country after the...
Man’s Death Inspires Solidarity in Midst of Devastating Storm in Lebanon
As a devastating storm rages in Lebanon, the death of a homeless man inspires a wave of solidarity. Few people knew his name before he was found dead near the American University of Beirut. But on January 7, 2012, Beirut mourned the death of Ali Abdallah, a homeless man who was a familiar face for the AUB community, often found on Bliss Street, where the university is located.
Jordan: Good White Morning from Amman
Amin Amin shares this photograph from the Jordanian capital Amman this morning:
Ecuador: “Children of the Jaguar” Documentary Wins National Geographic Prize
"Children of the Jaguar" is a vivid documentary that helps us to reflect on the damage caused by multinationals who attempt to exploit the oil reserves of the Ecuadorian Amazon forest and on the constant struggle by local inhabitants to defend their lands.
Madagascar's Vanilla Beans Came from Mexico
Antoine Ganne tells the unique story of how Vanilla came to populate the island of Madagascar and Reunion island [fr] from the Gulf of Mexico. Ganne explains that European traders brought Vanilla from Mexico to Louis XIV who wanted to grow it on Reunion Island but failed. A young Reunionese slave,...
Pakistan: CNG Withdrawal Hits Energy Sector
In Pakistan in 2012, the federal government announced plans to gradually phase out CNG due to gas shortages. Last week as supply to many CNG stations remained suspended, people queued in long lines to buy petrol for their vehicles. Teeth Maestro has more.
Unaware, China's Handan City Consumed Toxic Water for Days
The people of China's Handan city have been drinking, bathing and washing in toxic water for five days. The city's main water resource - the Zhanghe river - was contaminated by industrial pollutants from neighboring Shanxi Province on December 31, 2012. The local government’s suppression of the news and ignorance of their serious environmental violation has triggered widespread condemnation.
Taiwan's Nuclear-free New Year's Wish
The new year celebration was very special this year as popular singers, environmental and youth activists worked together to present a nuclear-free homeland as Taiwanese people's common wish for 2013.
China's Environmental Protests
China has seen many protests over environmental issues in the past five years. Chinadialogue analyzed what caused the protests and why environmental issues fail to make any progress in China.
Mauritius and Reunion Island Brace for Cyclone Dumile Impact
Lexpress.mu reports that Mauritius is on high alert [fr] as cyclone Dumile makes landfall on the island. Agaléga island was hit hard [fr] and was in blackout for 24h. Réunion island is also on high alert [fr].
