Brazil’s controversial environment minister, Ricardo Salles, announced his resignation Wednesday, just over a month after the Supreme Court ordered an investigation into allegations he was involved in a timber trafficking scheme. “I have presented my resignation to the president, which he accepted,” Salles, 46, told a news conference at the presidential palace in Brasilia. Salles, […]
environment
Crushing climate impacts to hit sooner than feared: draft UN report
Climate change will fundamentally reshape life on Earth in the coming decades, even if humans can tame planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, according to a landmark draft report from the UN’s climate science advisors obtained by AFP. Species extinction, more widespread disease, unliveable heat, ecosystem collapse, cities menaced by rising seas — these and other devastating […]
Australia to challenge UNESCO downgrade of Great Barrier Reef
Australia said Tuesday it will strongly oppose a UNESCO plan to list the Great Barrier Reef as “in danger” over deterioration caused by climate change. The UN body released a draft report on Monday recommending the reef’s World Heritage status be downgraded because of its dramatic coral decline, after years of public threats to do so. […]
Mexico’s bee guardians on mission to save species
Adriana Veliz whispered affectionately as she removed a colony of bees from inside a statue in a Mexican backyard — part of her mission to help save them from extinction. “Relax babies, relax. You’ll be fine,” the 32-year-old veterinarian said as the bees swarmed around her and clung to the white suit she wore to […]
General Motors hits the gas on electric, autonomous push
General Motors is hitting the accelerator on its drive towards electric autos, significantly boosting its near-term investments as it unveils new models and builds production capacity. The biggest US automaker announced it will raise spending by 30 percent to $35 billion through 2025 and plans to build two additional battery cell plants. Some of the […]
General Motors lifts electric auto investment to $35 bn through 2025
General Motors again boosted its investments in electric and autonomous vehicles, announcing Wednesday it is raising planned spending by 30 percent to $35 billion through 2025 as it unveils new models and builds capacity. The big US automaker cited strong consumer reception to its early electric vehicle (EV) models and beneficial public policies as factors that […]
China says ‘no abnormality’ in radiation levels around Taishan nuclear plant
Beijing said Tuesday that there had been no change in radiation levels at the Taishan nuclear power station in southern China, after its French operator said it was working to resolve an issue linked to gas build-up. “There is no abnormality in the radiation levels around the nuclear power plant, and safety is guaranteed,” said […]
World ‘way off track’ on climate: UK business lobby
World efforts to tackle climate change are “way off track”, the head of Britain’s main business lobby group said Monday after a G7 pledge to step up action. Tony Danker, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, also urged the UK government to speed up greener housing, energy and transport measures to help meet its […]
Conservation tourism sites in snow leopard habitats unique initiative to support local communities, preservation: Amin
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam on Monday said development of conservation tourism sites in snow leopard habitats is a unique initiative to support the local communities and promote the snow leopard conservation. The SAPM was speaking at the launching of the Glamping site as chief guest at […]
Oil spill nears Corsica coast
French officials were racing Saturday to minimise the environmental impact of an oil spill approaching eastern Corsica, with two navy boats armed with clean-up equipment heading to the Mediterranean island. “We fear that part of this pollution will reach the Corsican coast today,” maritime official Christine Ribbe told AFP. Two ship from the national navy, […]