Today, 5^th June, is World Environment Day.

 

https://www.standard.co.uk/futurelondon/cleanair/world-environment-day-2019-uk-theme-air-pollution-un-a4159936.html

https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/what-causes-air-pollution#agriculture

 

Created in 1974 by the UN, World Environment Day happens every June 5. Hosted by a different country each year—this year it’s China—the day seeks to raise public awareness of environmental issues.

“The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment,” says the UN’s website.

 

 

How much pollution we breathe in is dependent on many factors, such as access to clean energy for cooking and heating, the time of day and the weather. Rush hour is an obvious source of local pollution, but air pollution can travel long distances, sometimes across continents on international weather patterns.

Nobody is safe from this pollution, which comes from five main human sources. These sources spew out a range of substances including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ground-level ozone, particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons, and lead–all of which are harmful to human health.

Agriculture

The major sources of air pollution from agriculture include livestock, which produces methane and ammonia, rice paddies, which produce methane, and the burning of agricultural waste. Methane emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which causes asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Methane is also a more potent global warming gas than carbon dioxide – its impact is 34 times greater over a 100-year period. Around 24 percent of all greenhouse gases emitted worldwide come agriculture, forestry and other land-use.

There are many ways to reduce air pollution from agriculture. People can move to a plant-based diet and/or reduce food waste, while farmers can reduce methane from livestock by optimizing feed digestibility and improving grazing and grassland management.

Industry

In many countries, power generation is a leading source of air pollution. Coal-burning power plants are a major contributor, while diesel generators are a growing concern in off-grid areas. Industrial processes and solvent use, in the chemical and mining industries, also pollute the air.

Policies and programmes aimed at increasing energy efficiency and production from renewable sources have a direct impact on a country’s air quality. At the moment, 82 countries out of 193 have incentives that promote investment in renewable energy production, cleaner production, energy efficiency and pollution control.

Transport

The global transport sector accounts for almost one-quarter of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions and this proportion is rising. Air pollution emissions from transport have been linked to nearly 400,000 premature deaths. Almost half of all deaths by air pollution from transport are caused by diesel emissions, while those living closest to major traffic arteries are up to 12 percent more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.

Reducing vehicle emissions is an important intervention to improve air quality, especially in urban areas. Policies and standards that require the use of cleaner fuels and advanced vehicle emissions standards can reduce vehicle emissions by 90 percent or more.

Household

The main source of household air pollution is the indoor burning of fossil fuels, wood and other biomass-based fuels to cook, heat and light homes. Around 3.8 million premature deaths are caused by indoor air pollution each year, the vast majority of them in the developing world.

Out of 193 countries, 97 countries have increased the percentage of households that have access to cleaner burning fuels to over 85 percent. However, 3 billion people continue to use solid fuels and open fires for cooking, heating, and lighting. The adoption of cleaner, more modern stoves and fuels can reduce the risks of illness and save lives.

 

Day Mask Challenge:

https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/get-involved/world-environment-day-mask-challenge

 

On World Environment Day, soak in these amazing Earth photos

 

It’s a day to see the environment through what may be a slightly different lens: 50 incredible images of our planet:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/06/amazing-earth-photos-world-environment-day/

 

 

 

Rescue mission: young Rocco is kept in a cold, metal cage all his life

Donate Now

Rocco the bear has never known a life outside of the cold metal cage he calls ‘home’. Today you could stop this cruelty.

Like most captive bears in Albania, we believe poor Rocco was stolen from his mother as a cub. Ever since, he’s been confined to this small metal cage. Rocco’s now 9 years old and deserves a better life! 

If we don’t act now Rocco could be sold any day to another unfit animal trader or – worse still – even starve to death because the owner is not willing to take care for him anymore. Today you could help rescue Rocco before it’s too late!

The cage Rocco lives in is small and offers no shelter from the cold or wet weather. Rocco gnaws at the metal bars in desperation of escape which risks causing permanent and painful damage to his teeth. He’s severely stressed and chews constantly at his nails to manage his trauma. 

Give him a new life

Rocco is one of Albania’s Saddest Bears. We want to put an end to the cruel keeping of bears in Albania as part of our “Saddest Bears” campaign. Together with the Albanian Ministry of Environment, we want to jointly find a solution for the last bears living in catastrophic conditions in Albania. Rocco is one of them! 

Thank you for your support and contribution to making these rescues a reality. 

Yours sincerely,

Martin

 

 

 

 

Excellent!  – France announces end of glyphosate!

French Minister of Agriculture Didier Guillaume announced that France will stop using glyphosate.
France also plans to halve the use of pesticides, insecticides and fungicides by 2025.

 

As early as January 2019, a court in France withdrew approval from Bayer’s Roundup Pro 360 weed killer.
This is a herbicide that contains glyphosate of the “Monsanto / Bayer” group and is mainly used in the wine industry. In 2018, a ban on five neonicotinoid pesticides entered into force in France.
This move brings the country to the head of a campaign against chemicals blamed for decimating bee colonies.

In May 2019, the Bayer / Monsanto group also lost the third trial. Bayer / Monsanto has to pay more than two billion dollars in compensation to a couple suffering from cancer. The jury was able to see company documents showing that Monsanto “never had any interest in finding out if Roundup was safe.”

There are already 13,400 complaints in the US against Monsanto. The EU extended glyphosate approval at the end of 2017 against French resistance.

But now it’s official: France stops using glyphosate! despite criticism from the main French agricultural association FNSEA.

According to a report by the Department of Agriculture (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), French Minister of Agriculture Didier Guillaume confirmed that France is banning the use of glyphosate from 2021 with limited exceptions.
He also announced that France plans to halve the use of pesticides, insecticides and fungicides by 2025.  Agriculture Minister Didier Guillaume recommends organic and biodynamic agriculture and urges producers to return to the methods of cultivation used by their grandparents, which have been forgotten, as read on Fruchtportal.de on 21 May.

The widespread use of pesticides is coming under increasing pressure as their negative impact on bees and other wildlife becomes more apparent, but that does not suit the chemical corporations.

“Agent Orange”- Poison Chemicals from Monsanto in Vietnam

 

Bayer, BASF and Syngenta are even threatening billions of euros in damages if the EU bans neonicotinoid insecticides on fields.
The EU did it anyway, but still with loopholes and not to the extent that France did.
Since 1 September 2018, the ban on five neonicotinoid pesticides in France is in force.

While France’s most important agricultural federation, FNSEA, and many other French agricultural organizations have already made negative statements, there are already producers of fruit and vegetables growing pesticide-free products.

https://netzfrauen.org/2019/05/27/glyphosat-4

https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/france-france-announces-end-glyphosate-use-2021

 

My comment: During the Vietnam war, Monsanto was one of the main producers of the notorious defoliant “Agent Orange” – incidentally in a joint venture with Bayer – with which the US forces contaminated entire areas of the war zone. The sprayed from the air plant poison led for decades to serious diseases and malformations in the Vietnamese population.
Then the Vietnamese victims of US weed killers should also be compensated. Because a complaint of Vietnamese victims was rejected in 2005 by a US federal court. Until today!

Thanks to the Minister Didier Guillaume!

Unlike to Germany, there is at least a trace of responsibility and character in France. Our Minister of Agriculture Klöckner, you and your stupid companions in government, I would like to give you this shit to eat, so you realize how healthy and wholesome it is.

My best regards to all, Venus

 

 

 

 

Firstly, we think that anyone who allows this to happen is not ‘Honourable’ – and being called the ‘Minister for Justice’ is simply a joke – where is the justice here ?

Please sign the petition so that the ‘honourable’ ‘Minister for Justice’ can wake up and do something about this.

 

Petition link to ‘the Honourable Minister’

https://animalpetitions.org/740792/punish-zoo-owner-reportedly-responsible-for-animal-deaths/ 

 

Dead and Suffering Zoo Animals Deserve Justice

Target: The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice for Canada

Goal: Punish the owner who allegedly neglected over 100 animals in a dilapidated zoo.

Over 100 animals suffered when they were reportedly neglected and denied life-saving care at a zoo. Investigators apparently found multiple species of animals in poor health with limited access to food. Demand that justice be served in this case.

“There were animals that didn’t seem to have access to adequate food and water, dilapidated enclosures, animals that appeared to be in need of veterinary care,” stated Ewa Demianowicz of Humane Society International Canada. SPCA Investigators descended on Montreal’s St-Édouard zoo following multiple allegations of animal cruelty and neglect. Visitors claimed that the enclosures were broken down and full of rocks and fallen branches. Grassy patches were seemingly sparse, limiting available food and prompting visitors to bring apples for the deer, alpacas, and goats. The investigation apparently found two alpacas in poor health and four deceased animals, including two tigers.

The zoo has been closed and animal welfare agencies are working together to transport the remaining animals to a safer location. Norman Trahan, the zoo’s owner, has been charged with two counts of cruelty and neglect. Sign below to demand that he receive the maximum penalty possible, if convicted.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Minister Lametti,

Rescuers are working to move over 100 animals to a safer and healthier location after they were reportedly starved and denied life-saving care at St-Édouard zoo. Four dead animals, including two tigers, and two sick alpacas triggered the investigation that led to one of Montreal’s largest animal cruelty allegations. Visitors claimed that the enclosures were filled with debris and the animals were forced to drink green water. Concerned citizens routinely brought apples for the grazing animals to compensate for their apparent lack of food. This is unacceptable.

The person responsible for the alleged mistreatment of these animals must be punished. I demand that you seek the maximum penalty in this case and ensure that the responsible party never be a caretaker for animals again.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit:  PublicDomainPictures

A deceased Kemp’s ridley sea turtle found stranded on the Texas coast.

 

Mark,

A record-breaking number of sea turtles stranded off the Texas coast in April and May during the height of nesting season. Sadly most turtles were found dead.

Turtle Island Restoration Network is concerned the increase in strandings (when sea turtles are found dead, injured, sick, or exhibit abnormal behavior) is caused by illegal fishing in the coastal waters. We need your help right now to save endangered sea turtles and ensure wildlife officers can detect and apprehend illegal vessels in waters off the Texas coast.

Please take a few moments to urge Congress to protect endangered sea turtles and request additional enforcement against illegal fishing in federal waters.

A total of 159 stranded sea turtles were recorded in April – the highest number of strandings since monitoring began in 1980. Strandings continue at a rapid pace, and the latest data shows 186 turtles stranded in Texas through May 21.

Among those found were 75 dead Kemp’s ridley sea turtles: the Texas state sea turtle and the world’s most endangered sea turtle, with a nesting population of only 7,000 – 9,000 female turtles. The death of even one Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is of grave concern.

It is often difficult to determine why a sea turtle strands, but we do know turtles are drowning in illegal longline and gillnet fishing operations along the United States – Mexico border in southern Texas. We need government agencies on both sides of the border to take action now.

Fishing vessels are illegally longlining and gillnetting in both state and federal waters – catching, maiming and drowning sea turtles as well as other marine life in their hooks and nets.

We need stricter federal laws for anyone caught illegally fishing in federal waters since current penalties have not been a deterrence and strandings are at an all-time high in Texas. Please urge Congress to stand up for marine wildlife and request additional enforcement in federal waters to save sea turtles from suffering and death.

Without adequate enforcement, it is difficult for federal and state wildlife officers to detect and apprehend illegal fishing operations – in waters off the Texas coast and throughout the country. Tell Congress you are outraged at the record high numbers of sea turtle strandings, and please ask your representatives to take a stand against destructive and illegal commercial fishing in federal waters.

We must act now. Without swift action, we are headed for another record number of standed turtles for May and beyond.

Thank you,

 

Joanie Steinhaus
Gulf Program Director
Turtle Island Restoration Network

 

https://seaturtles.org/about-us/ 

WAV Comment – Please don’t even talk to me about shit thick tourists who have to do this; ‘I have to get a selfie’ type thing.  This is what your brain dead heads lead to for animals – suffering and death.  No wonder the world is in crisis when we have to have shit crap business like this – Thailand is a disgrace – boycott it.  Mark.

UPDATE – Please sign to close the zoo.

The Tragic Story of “Dumbo”, the Real-Life Performing Baby Elephant –

Help close Phuket Zoo – PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE

https://www.movinganimals.org/savedumbo

If stupid, ignorant, uncaring idiots would refuse to pay to go to these horrific places, take “selfies” with wild animals,  it would stop because there would be no money to be made from abusing animals.  As we say, in despair (again).

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7062675/Thai-elephant-calf-collapses-exhaustion-chained-mother.html

Elephant calf ‘collapses with exhaustion’ while tied to its mother giving rides to tourists in Thailand

• Clip shows animal, believed to be age one, attached to mother by a chain 
• Elephant calf rolled on the ground as temperature approached 40C in Pattaya 
• Incident was filmed by concerned tourist at Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens

An elephant calf collapsed ‘with exhaustion’ while tied to its mother as she gave rides to tourists in eastern Thailand last week.

The animal, believed to be around a year old, was attached to its mother by the neck with a length of rope in Pattaya.

In the clip, filmed by a concerned tourist, onlookers can be heard saying ‘oh no he’s tired’ as the baby rolls on the ground as temperatures approached 40C.

He then stands up and scampers away to keep up with the adult at the Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens.

 

 

Earlier this month a baby elephant nicknamed Dumbo died at a show in Phuket, southern Thailand, became so skeletal its back legs snapped while performing.

His keepers took him to a veterinary clinic on April 17 where a scan showed that he had broken both of his back legs, and he died three days later.