Archive for January, 2009

Jan
29

Several British mammals are struggling with the effects of global warming and habitat loss, and are set to become on the endangered list. Figures are showing that the population numbers for many of the animals have fallen drastically in recent years. Hedgehogs, Hazel dormouse, water voles and certain bat species are all struggling in the uncertain world that we live in today. (more…)

Supermarket chain Co-op has become the first store to ban specific pesticides being used on products that may be causing the death of billions of bees all over the world. These pesticides have already been banned in some areas of Europe and are believed to have contributed to the sudden decline of bee populations. (more…)

Emperor Penguins are on the road to extinction, with numbers that could be reduced by a shocking 95% by the year 2100. These figures have arrived from models of what will happen if global warming continues the way it has been predicted. Ice plays a major role in the breeding of these unique creatures that travel miles over the Antarctic to lay their egg. (more…)

The introduction of the scheme to reduce carbon emissions by all vehicles has been put back a further four years. The EU regulations were aimed at reducing car emissions by 2012, but have now been postponed to 2015. Penalties for failing to meet the 130g/km have also been changed, and the fines agreed upon last year have been minimized and will not come into effect until 2019. (more…)

As everyone throughout the world begins to become more environmentally aware; green travel has become more of a priority. Not only are there more hybrid and green cars being manufactured and sold, but Stagecoach has joined the fight against global warming. The company has seen an increase in the number of bus travellers in the last year, which they contribute to not only environmentally aware individuals, but also the great promotions that they offer. Stagecoach are now planning to invest £70 million to become some of the greenest vehicles in Europe. (more…)

Narwhal tusks were entered into the sale at a London auction house last week and were expected to make up to £10,000 each before they were withdrawn. Animal conservationists were alerted of the items, and pressed the house to take them off the auction. The narwhal is a tusked whale of the northern seas, and has become increasingly hunted due to the demand of its ivory. (more…)

At the beginning of this year, the popular auction site ebay put a stop to the sale of ivory through their site. They had already installed a limited ban on the product in 2007, but were encouraged by conservationists to ban it completely. The international trade ban of ivory took effect in 1989, but elephants are still being killed around the world for their tusks. (more…)

As the ongoing recession has made people wary; many are opting to go organic and to start growing their own vegetables. Whereas before, it was primarily elderly people who tended allotments, the demand has risen significantly in the last few months. People without gardens are putting their names on waiting lists, in the hope that they too can start growing their own vegetables. Gardens all over the country are being dug up and changed by owners wanting to start cultivating their own fruit and vegetables. (more…)

A Giant Panda in the Beijing Zoo has attacked a man who entered his pen. Gu Gu weighs a large 108 kilograms and has a reputation for attacking tourists. The latest attack is the third since 2006 as Gu Gu does not like people entering his abode. The victim was a man who climbed over the enclosing in order to retrieve his child’s toy.  Gu Gu quickly showed him who the boss was by grabbing on to his leg and refusing to let go. Zoo attendants had to use force to pry the panda’s jaws open and let the man free. He is said to be recovering from surgery after damage to his ligaments, and police are unsure whether he will be facing charges. (more…)

NASA claims that the government could slow down worldwide global warming by cutting down on soot emissions.  Studies by NASA show that cutting down on soot would not only have an immediate cooling effect, but would also put a stop to many of the deaths caused by air pollution. When soot is formed, it typically travels through the air absorbing and releasing solar radiation which in turn begins to warm the atmosphere. Cutting soot emissions would be an immediate help against global warming, as the soot would quickly fall out of the atmosphere and begin to cool it down. (more…)