News from planet Earth:
UN conference predictably down-beat. Grist reports from the first day of the UN conference on global warming taking place in Poland at the moment, where the news is: things aren’t looking good. “A volley of grim warnings sounded out at the start of the marathon talks, a step to a new worldwide treaty to reduce greenhouse gases and help countries exposed to the wrath of an altered climate.”
Wind farm powers up. Europe’s biggest wind farm, located in northern Portugal, has switched on today, with 120 windmills providing 1% of Portugal’s total power.
Rich countries want to grow their food in poor countries. “Qatar has asked Kenya to lease it 40,000 hectares of land to grow crops” reports the Guardian, and it’s not the first time it’s been done.
Bald eagle killer pardoned. An American animal killer responsible for the death of there bald eagles has been pardoned by President Bush. In fairness, he only meant to kill coyotes, which don’t symbolise freedom and democracy and apple pie, so it’s not quite as bad.
Is recycling worth it? Ever wondered exactly what happens after you put the green bin out? Popular Mechanics looks at recycling and its economic and environmental impact in the US.
