insert_link Environment Namibia strengthens climate resilience with insurance pact The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia and the Namibia Special Risks Insurance Association Limited have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. According to EIF spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata, the agreement will advance climate change-related insurance products that support sustainable development. todayFebruary 19, 2024 34
insert_link Africa Oromia makes up a third of Ethiopia’s landmass and is key to its fortunes: expert unpacks its significance By Bizuneh Yimenu, University of Birmingham Ethiopia’s largest and most populous region, Oromia, has been in the news following reports of a rise in kidnappings for ransom. The region is no stranger to war and strife. Its people have long fought against political marginalisation. But the region is more than just the site of conflict. We asked Bizuneh Yimenu, who’s researched the region for over a decade […] todayFebruary 19, 2024 28
insert_link Environment Rhinos can’t sweat, making them vulnerable to overheating: global warming could wipe them out in southern Africa By Timothy Randhir, UMass Amherst Southern Africa is home to 22,137 of the world’s 23,432 white and black African rhinos. But they’re facing grave threats because of a warming planet. Now, the first study of how climate change affects rhinos in southern Africa has found that they will cease to exist in the region’s national parks by 2085 if the world takes the worst-case scenario climate change […] todayFebruary 16, 2024 14
insert_link Environment Bangkok says work from home as pollution blankets city Bangkok city employees have been told to work from home to avoid harmful air pollution, as a layer of noxious haze blanketed the Thai capital on Thursday. City authorities asked for cooperation from employers to help workers in the city of about 11 million people avoid the pollution, which is expected to last into Friday. The air monitoring website IQAir ranked Bangkok among the 10 most polluted cities […] todayFebruary 15, 2024 12
insert_link Environment Furious protesting Indian farmers stalled but defiant By Arunabh SAIKIA Shambhu, India, Feb 14, 2024 (AFP) - The line of tractors stretches nearly far as one can see -- thousands of protesting Indian farmers heading to the capital New Delhi, determined to bring their anger and woes to politicians. Many have driven on slow-moving tractors across India's northern Punjab state to demand guaranteed crop prices, waving flags, honking horns and chanting protest slogans. But they […] todayFebruary 14, 2024 12
insert_link Environment Agritechnica exhibition expands reach in growing Asian markets Agritechnica Asia expands into Vietnam – Organizer DLG to meet high market demand for agricultural machinery knowledge in Asia with tailored country-specific Agritechnica formats – HortEx exhibition for horti- and floriculture to be held in parallel – DLG’s “Agritechnica Asia” event in Bangkok continues as hub for Asia. (DLG). The German Agricultural Society (DLG) is strengthening its services in Asia to meet greater demand and new requirements of […] todayFebruary 14, 2024 24
insert_link Environment HEATED: Challenging objectivity in climate journalism By Mike DiGirolamo, Rachel Donald Objectivity has been a main tenet of journalism since early in the 20th century, but its application is loosely defined and humanly impossible to achieve, some media experts argue. Presenting an issue like climate change as a debate with two sides, as is still somewhat common, is often justified under the banner of objectivity, but it’s only one of many dissonant standards that environmental reporters are […] todayFebruary 14, 2024 14
insert_link Environment Traditional healers in Philippines keep their ‘forest pharmacy’ standing By Keith Anthony S. Fabro In the heart of Siquijor province in the southern Philippines lies the secluded mountain village of Cantabon. Amid the verdant trees, the healing hut, or balay pahi-uli, of shamans Noel and Juanita Torremocha stands as a serene sanctuary, offering solace to patients seeking traditional folk remedies. Siquijor is famed for its thriving traditional healing practices that draw a diverse crowd, including international visitors, seeking […] todayFebruary 14, 2024 20
insert_link Environment 17 million South Africans live on communal land – new study of a rural valley offers insights on how to manage it Tyhume Valley in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Wonga Masiza, Author provided Wonga Masiza, Agricultural Research Council The Tyhume River, flowing from the forested Amathole Mountains in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, gives its name to a valley of 20 villages on communal land. Much of the land is being used to keep livestock, as crop production has declined over the years. This land is under the custodianship of traditional leaders. […] todayFebruary 14, 2024 8