Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Climate change summit in Copenhagen brings more polluting carbon emission
In spite of the economic downturn that needs some form of austerity among delegates of the global warming conference in Copenhagen, those who will attend will display a measure of extravagance. The huge number of cars, limousines, and gas-guzzling private jets coming to the capital city of Denmark will produce polluting carbon dioxide---the agent that is blamed for the planet's warming.
According to Majken Friss Jorgensen, managing director of Copenhagen's biggest limousine business, her company has only twelve vehicles, but during the summit there will be 200. Together with other limousine companies, the number of vehicles is expected to reach more than 1,200. Of these, only 5 will be among the class of “non-polluting cars”---the electric or the hybrid.
In addition to the agents of pollution on the road, Danish airports are expecting 140 private jets to be used by the VIP delegates and guests.
“The airport says it is expecting up to 140 extra private jets during the peak period alone, so far over its capacity that the planes will have to fly off to regional airports – or to Sweden – to park, returning to Copenhagen to pick up their VIP passengers.
As well 15,000 delegates and officials, 5,000 journalists and 98 world leaders, the Danish capital will be blessed by the presence of Leonardo DiCaprio, Daryl Hannah, Helena Christensen, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Prince Charles. A Republican US senator, Jim Inhofe, is jetting in at the head of an anti-climate-change "Truth Squad." The top hotels – all fully booked at £650 a night – are readying their Climate Convention menus of (no doubt sustainable) scallops, foie gras and sculpted caviar wedges. “---Telegraph.co.uk (12/05/09, Gilligan, A.)
Whether this flashy summit will realize its goal of saving the planet is unclear. The strident controversies behind global warming are still raging. There is no unanimity if the observed climatic alteration is truly a man-made phenomenon or part of a cycle of planetary change. There are serious questions on the validity and veracity of certain climate data on which decisions have been based.
The doubts behind global warming have intensified as scientists have been accused of tampering data to influence policy and public opinion. An embarrassment to the global warming proponents, the fraud reports cast a bad shadow on the credibility and recommendations of the environmental scientists.(Photo Credit: chrismadden.co.uk) =0=
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$30 billion aid needed by poor countries to curb global warming
Just as the Copenhagen international conference on climate change is about to start, United Nations climate chief Yvo de Boer said an emergency $30 billion funding is needed by poor countries to help them deal with the effects of climate change. The funding which will largely come from rich donor-countries is endorsed by the European Union is needed to curb carbon emissions that are thought to be some experts to the main cause of global warming.
“Scientists say carbon gas emissions must be reduced globally in the next decade by 25 to 40 percent from 1990 levels to control rising temperatures. The European Union has pledged 20 percent cuts, and more if other nations agree.
China has proposed reducing its emissions by 45 percent from 2005 levels, while India has offered a 20 to 25 percent cut.”---VOA, (12/06/09) (Photo Credit: magazine.ucla.edu.)
Small and poor countries decry the fact that they bear the brunt of pollution that they are not largely responsible of. The aggressive move of rich countries to advance industrialization cause many parts of the world to suffer from pollutants brought by the destruction of the environment =0=
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Miss Brazil is Miss Earth 2009
The 2009 Miss Earth beauty contest in Boracay Island, Philippines brought in a winner in Miss Larissa Ramos of Brazil who romped away with the crown and the cash prize.
Runner-ups in the pageant which promotes environmetalism, fights pollution, and spreads consciousness for the planet's preservation the planet are Miss Fire Alejandra Echeverria of Spain, Miss Air Sandra Seifert of the Philippines, and Miss Water Jessica Barboza of Venezuela. The top contenders for the Miss Earth title were selected from young participants from about 80 countries. (Photo Credits: Eric Ranodoc/ Reuters) =0=
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Coal mine blast in China points to the cost of development for 1.3 billion people
Out of the 528 people working in XinXing coal mine, 420 survived the predawn blast on Saturday, Novermber 21, 2009. A total 104 died after gas levels suddenly went up and triggered a huge explosion. At least 4 were still unaccounted for and about 40 were brought to nearby hospital for treatment of burns and injuries.
According the survivors, some of their friends were not able to escape in spite of the warning they relayed on the impending explosion. Soon after the fatal blast, fearful mine workers in an adjacent site of the accident were hesitant to come down the shaft, but they had no choice for they need to work. Otherwise, they will be jobless and have no means of livelihood.
The blast is the worst in 2 years as China tries to generate its energy source for fuel for its 1.3 billion people. Coal is the source of ¾ of China’s electricity. The communist country, accelerating to grow and attain development, wants to achieve 8% economic growth for this year. This is part of their desire to boost their economy and have prominence among the world's influential nations.
In 2007, shafts at two neighboring mines suffered flooding which killed 181 miners in eastern Shandong province. A massive landslide caused by heavy mining led to deaths of 277 people in mud in Shanxi province.
Residents were awakened by the latest blast in the early morning in Hegang province, an old city with snow which often is dark-gray resulting from coal contamination---a big issue in environmental pollution. Despite closure of about 1,000 dangerous mines last year, accidents and deaths of miners still happen. (Photo Credit: Niklausberger) =0=
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Can a marathon save a dying river in Manila?
Many believed a marathon can save a dying river. About 21,000 runners participated in a run last Saturday, November 7, 2009 in Manila to demonstrate their awareness and support to revitalize the life of Pasig River---- an important waterway in the huge city.
Aside from a tributary for transport, the Pasig River is important in providing drainage of water during typhoons and inclement weather. In the last tropical storm, 85% of the city was submerged. People realized the importance of a clean and unobstructed waterway to avoid disastrous flooding over the metropolis.
Tons of garbage illegally dumped in Pasig river choked the waterway's vitality. The filthy water is murky--- heavy with silt and sediments. Plastic refuse, pieces of discarded household items, and toxic chemicals accumulated in the natural habitat of fish and animals in the area, destroying much the ecosystem.
Along its banks stood squatter shanties that impeded the river flow. Government authorities had long tried to offer solution to the problem of pollution by relocating illegal dwellers for years but without much success. Funding for clean-up, dredging, public cooperation by law-abiding and socially conscious citizens are part of saving a river. (Photo Credit: Zimrilim) =0=
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Miss Earth 2009 candidates & their message
(Photo Credits: www.missearth.info) =0=
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Typhoon Santi left with at least 12 people dead in Bicol
Although the destruction and casualties of Typhoon Santi (Code Name; Mirinae) was minimized because of some disaster preparedness waged by the public, significant displacement, deaths and damage were still experienced by people on the way of the wicked weather.
The fast-moving typhoon that brought strong winds and heavy rains on its path left the country yesterday with 12 reported deaths in Bicol. Four people were suffered injuries and another four were missing.
“Raffy Alejandro, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional director, identified the casualties mostly from Camarines Norte as Sarah Mae Vargas, Jose Edoña, Flora Estacion, Rodrigo Rodriguez, Maria Ferrer, Rogelio Rasco, Analiza de la Cruz, Louie Alano of Bagamanoc, Catanduanes and four others (two from Jose Panganiban town and one each from Daet and Paracale." ----Philstar (11/02/09, Flores, H; Mananghaya, J.)
As the storm hit land, many travelers were stranded in bus stations and seaports. According to reports, 1,507 homes were completely damaged in Basud, Paracale, San Lorenzo, Talisay, Vinzons and Labo in Camarines Norte. Six thousand four hundred forty one (6,441) were partially damaged in same area. Eighty eight (88) houses were totally destroyed in the town of Siruma, among the 528 which were partially destroyed in various towns in Camarines Sur.
There were flooding in certain areas in Manila and Southern Luzon. About 19,000 individuals went to evacuation centers to seek safety. According to the NDCC, The weather disturbance affected an estimated 2,853 families or 13,456 individuals in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa Region and Metro Manila. (Photo Credit: Bullit Marquez/ AP) =0=
RELATED POST: "Typhoon Santi slams Luzon with strong wind and flash flooding" Posted by mesiamd at 10/31/2009; "Typhoon Santi heads for Central Luzon" Posted by mesiamd at 10/30/2009
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Dying whale shark found in Manila Bay
An obvious setback to conservation, protection, and preservation of animals, the death of a 17 foot whale shark (butanding) in Manila Bay was a big loss. The huge female sea creature estimated to be about 2 years old and weighing about 1 ton had shown unexpected eye injuries and a few lacerations on the tail when found almost lifeless in the polluted waters of South Harbor.
"The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources has classified whale sharks as vulnerable species, which means they face high risk of extinction in the wilds in the medium term. In the Philippines, the whale shark is protected by the Philippine Fisheries Code (Republic Act 8550) of 1998, which bans the fishing or taking of rare, threatened, or endangered species. Violators face 12 to 20 years of imprisonment and a P120,000 fine."--- Inquirer (11/02/09)
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are known to be docile animals which show extraordinary friendliness to human beings. They have been seen to frequent places like Donsol and Matnog, Sorsogon in Bicol. Possible causes of death include illnesses, entanglement in sea-fishing equipment, predation, and pollution.
Fishermen of the area and volunteers from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) attempted to revive the spotted gray-blue animal, but died soon after it towed to shore.
On examination of the remains, the whale shark harbored plastics and nails in its stomach prompting environmental authorities to theorize pollution as the probable cause of death. The whale shark subsists on planktons and krill found in the bay where polluting garbage and non-biodegradable debris abound. The death of the whale shark is another reminder that conservation of the environmnet including protection of sea animals must be pursued. (Photo Credit: Zamora, R/ Inquirer)=0=
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8.3 quake hits Samoa
A strong quake with a magnitude of 8.3 in the Richter scale hit the Samoan Islands in the Pacific triggering a tsunami of about 1.6 meters in height in Pago-Pago, American Samoa.
No reports of casualties and damage have so far been reported. A tsunami warning was raised in the southern Pacific region as a result of the quake which occurred at about 6:50 AM, local time on Tuesday, September 29, 2009. (Photo Credit: Flovic)
UPDATE: Subsequent reports revealed that at least 14 died when a tsunami surged into the islands of Tutuilla and Leone. An unspecified number was also reportedly killed in the Samoan Island. A village was quickly flattened with the generated big wave that rose to about 5 to 13 feet. Many people ran to higher ground up the mountain when the tsunami warning was raised, but was later recinded. =0=
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As the calamity fund dries up, human suffering continues in Manila's flood
Typhoon Ondoy and the Manila Flood
Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo admitted that the government is helpless in answering the needs of the victims of the massive flood brought by Typhoon Ondoy. Hundreds of hapless Filipinos drowned and thousands had to be evacuated to emergency shelters. Others had to wade through muddy streets that posed myriad dangers to their health. The president could only appeal to international donors to help the city that was 80%submerged at the height of heavy rains.
Congestion of about 10 million people in an urban setting, squatting, inadequate sewer drainage, clogged waterways, silted rivers, and lack of disaster preparedness were among the factors that aggravated the misery of the people. The clean-up and rehabilitation could be staggering.
The pictures here have been among the most harrowing I’ve seen in the internet and in the email. They remind us of the horrors of Hurricane Katrina that devastated Louisiana. (Photo Credit: Phils 600; anonymous; AFP/ Getty/ Jay Directo/ the globeandmail.com; Ray Bruna/ Reuters; YahooNews)
"Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez says the government has set aside P2 billion to cover for natural catastrophes, but the money spent so far in 2009 is already more than P20 billion. The entire budget has been spent in the first three months of the year."---UP Ibalon Bicol (09/11/09, mesiamd)
The calamity fund for the nation was reported to have been depleted as soon as the typhoon season started. No one on the top leadership thought this was an urgent priority. Our national leaders as usual, had been distracted by politics----the slow prosecution of the Dacer-Corbito murder case involving warring national political figures and the fielding of candidates for the May 2010 election. =0=
RELATED BLOG: Severe shortage of calamity fund in RP Posted by mesiamd at 9/11/2009
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Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo admitted that the government is helpless in answering the needs of the victims of the massive flood brought by Typhoon Ondoy. Hundreds of hapless Filipinos drowned and thousands had to be evacuated to emergency shelters. Others had to wade through muddy streets that posed myriad dangers to their health. The president could only appeal to international donors to help the city that was 80%submerged at the height of heavy rains.
Congestion of about 10 million people in an urban setting, squatting, inadequate sewer drainage, clogged waterways, silted rivers, and lack of disaster preparedness were among the factors that aggravated the misery of the people. The clean-up and rehabilitation could be staggering.
The pictures here have been among the most harrowing I’ve seen in the internet and in the email. They remind us of the horrors of Hurricane Katrina that devastated Louisiana. (Photo Credit: Phils 600; anonymous; AFP/ Getty/ Jay Directo/ the globeandmail.com; Ray Bruna/ Reuters; YahooNews)
"Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez says the government has set aside P2 billion to cover for natural catastrophes, but the money spent so far in 2009 is already more than P20 billion. The entire budget has been spent in the first three months of the year."---UP Ibalon Bicol (09/11/09, mesiamd)
The calamity fund for the nation was reported to have been depleted as soon as the typhoon season started. No one on the top leadership thought this was an urgent priority. Our national leaders as usual, had been distracted by politics----the slow prosecution of the Dacer-Corbito murder case involving warring national political figures and the fielding of candidates for the May 2010 election. =0=
RELATED BLOG: Severe shortage of calamity fund in RP Posted by mesiamd at 9/11/2009
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Record flooding in Manila by Typhoon Ondoy
On September 26, 2009, Saturday, between 8 AM to 2 PM, a heavy downpour in Metro Manila brought water rising--- surpassing a previous record of rainful in 1967. According to PAGASA, the rain brought by Typhoon Ondoy, registered 341 millimeters in a 6-hour period. It surpassed the record 42 years ago for the highest rainfall record in a 24-hour period of 334 millimeters in the area.
Metro Manila and 25 provinces were put on disaster emergency. The provinces affected by the flooding were Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Quezon, Isabela, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Marinduque, Camarines Norte, and Bataan.
“At least 25 villages in Marilao, Meycauayan, San Miguel and Bocaue in Bulacan were also flooded, with floodwaters reaching up to waist-high. In Metro Manila, at least 33 villages in Marikina, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Quezon, Makati, Pasay, Pasig, Valenzuela and San Juan Cities were also flooded.”---GMAnews.TV (09/25/09)
Typhoon Ondoy waterlogged streets in the city of Manila, hampering movement and forcing at least 363 families of more than a thousand individuals (mainly from San Mateo town) to evacuate their homes. At least 9 people were reported missing as the typhoon lashed the country. The poor drainage system and clogging of sewers and waterways were partly to blame for the torrential flood.
It is unclear if this wicked weather is related to the climate change brought by global warming as currently debated. Believers of man-made weather changes assert that catastrophes from high C02 emissions and pollution could cause these foul weather aberrations. On the other hand, there are those who believe that the earth’s climate changes in cycles that spans in centuries--- with man, contributing little to the fluctuations in weather.
Whatever the reason(s), it is expected that flooding in many areas could displace many people which might cause considerable suffering, political and social instability. The weather experience in the Manila, Philippines where about 10 million people live is not an isolated one. (PHoto Credits: GMAnews.TV; Kerolic) =0=
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Fighting global warming and pollution
On my way home this Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from NYU Clinical Cancer Center, I wasn’t able to use my usual route to Queensboro bridge using First Avenue where the UN Headquarters building stands. Many police officers guarded each street corner preventing motorists like me to go close to the United Nations building which was having a general assembly. I almost crossed a red light when a police officer distracted me with the brisk order that I had to change course. In spite of the onset of fall, the weather was hot.
At Third Avenue, it took me almost an hour to reach the bridge to Astoria and I had time to listen to the radio inside my car, one among those that clogged the streets. What was discussed in the airwaves was the climate summit in UN where Pres. Barack Obama warned of worldwide catastrophes if nothing is done on global change. His tone was almost hyperbolic, but an NY tabloid printed alarming articles of the disasters that may befall the city if man-made global warming is not halted.
America is the biggest polluter of the environment. Obama is speaking for planet preservation, but the United States is not among the countries who signed the Kyoto Treaty on the environment. Among the fastest growing economies and significant polluters, China and India ignore their hydrogen fuel and methane gas emissions. Like the US, if they strictly comply with the standards by cutting their emissions, their industries will suffer.
The believers of global warming are as many as those who doubt its existence. The UN scientific panel studying environmental changes said in February 2007 that global warming is real and “unequivocal,” and for the last 50 years, human activity i.e. industrial use of fossil fuel and burning of forests, is likely to have contributed to the alteration the earth’s climate. The UN speakers ominously told the world that time is running out before global catastrophes occur.
“The latest report from the climate panel predicted that the global climate is likely to rise between 3.5 and 8 degrees Fahrenheit if the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere reaches twice the level of 1750. By 2100, sea levels are likely to rise between 7 to 23 inches, it said, and the changes now underway will continue for centuries to come. “ ---New York Times (09/25/09, Science)
I’m reminded by hypocrisy when leaders who support measures to rescue the planet are among the biggest contributors of CO2 emissions and pollution. In New York, the streets are filled with gas guzzlers that give rides to the UN delegates. In their expensive limousines, diplomats and head of states display their disregard of global warming ---their limousines burn lots of hydrocarbons as they idle on the streets.
Former vice-president Al Gore, America’s leading advocate against global warming who was awarded an Oscar for a documentary “The Inconvenient Truth” had been repeatedly criticized for his jet travels that ruin the ozone layer. Senators and congressmen are similarly cited for their lifestyles that contribute to environmental damage. If these guys are serious about cleaning up the pollution and saving the earth, I guess the work on the environment must be done right at their home and backyard. (Photo Credit: freejay3) =0=
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Green czar resigns; raises questions on the need for the other “czars” in the White House
The czar system that provides counsel to Pres. Barack Obama gets a beating with the resignation of Van Jones, the White House green jobs and energy adviser.
Van Jones’ being forced to leave office casts doubts on the usefulness of the “czars” who serve as presidential advisers whose backgrounds and expertise aren't properly vetted. With practcally no one to answer to except the president, their positions aren't approved by congress, hence the question of propriety, competence, and accountability.
Among the 31 “czars” working for the White House, Jones is supposed to be an “expert” on environmental quality jobs and energy issues. He was heavily criticized for his radical left-wing political alliances and derogatory comments against the Republicans. A known civil rights activist and lawyer before he became an ”environmental expert,” his extremist background was exposed in stunning detail by Fox News TV host Glen Beck.
In the past, Jones engaged in abrasive rhetoric and he stated that the Bush administration might have been complicit in the “staging” of the 911 attack. In defense he said, he was a victim of “vicious smear campaign” forcing him to resign so he would not come on the way of Obama’s agenda. While others are relieved of Jones' decision, his supporters, mostly from the democratic party, expressed regrets over his resignation. (Photo Credit: AFP; Getty Images; Bucci, V.) =0=
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Nepenthes attenboroughii: tanom na na-nga-ngakan nin kino, aninipot, sagkod amamangui
“An dahon kan burak naserbing higda’an nin sarong nobya na ang Amang Diyos iyo an na-guibo---kurtina na pano nin olor, malumoy na mga hamot…”---Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778)
Naturaleza nin Kinaban
Talagang may mga tanom na na-nga-ngakan nin mga hayop. Haloy ng nadiskubre iyan--- panahon pa ni Carl Linnaeus. Tubong Uppsala, Sweden, gikan sa Unibersidad de Lund asin Harderwijk (Netherlands), si Linnaeus sarong mahigos na maestro. Siya nagpa-uso kan pag-adal, pag-grupo (taxonomic classification), pagdiskubri nin mga tinanom sa kinaban. Prominenteng nag-contribuir sa sciencia nin Botaniya. Saro sa mga enot na scientipikong nag-tukdo sa pag-apreciar kan kagayunan nin azul na planeta.
Experiencia sa Pilipinas
Kan tiempong Hapon an mga soldados na Amerikano tinukdu'an kun paano mabuhay sa kadlagan nin Pilipinas habang ang guerra ipinaglalaban. Inaram ninda ang mga tinanom sa gubat na pwedeng kakanon, mga yierbas na dapat dulagan ta nakakalason o tanom na na-nga-ngakan nin hayop o tawo!
Ang Amerikano natakot sa mga plantas na karneboro. Paglakaw ninda sa kadlagan, pirme sindang handa! Ang saindang sundang pirmeng matarom, an badil naka-kasa ingkaso. Arog sa takot sa halas o linta, ang mga guerrero maingat na naglikay. Kaipuhan ninda sa sobrevivir (survival) sa marambong na kagubatan.
An tanom na pitsil
Sa www.popsci.com, kan naka-aguing bulan, nabasa ko ang mga Nepenthes, sarong grupo nin plantas na natutuparan sa kadlagan kan Pilipinas. Sarong pagpaguiromdom nin natural na yaman kan satuyang isla sa Asia na dapat tang atamanon.
Si Stewart McPherson sagkod si Alistair Robinson, mga Britanikong dalubhasa (botanists) nin mga plantas nag-anuncio na pinangaran ki Sir David Attenborough (personalidad sa telebisyon, sarong mahilig man sa flora,) an misteriosong tanom sa kagubatan sa satuyang lugar----Nepenthes attenboroughii. Pambihira ang tanom na ini, pero magayon. Maka-nga-ngalas! Uyogon mo, na-nga-ngakan nin kino sagkod alibangbang!
Hilinga ang ang kagayunan kan Nepenthes sa mga retrato. An hitsura garo pitsil na nakolektang tubig sa ambon, ragiri, sagkod uran kan kagubatan. Makolor. Igua siya nin mahamis na taguk na gusto nin animales. Kun mapano ang pitsel kan Nepenthes nin tubig, nakakalamos ini nin mga namok, tanga, aninipot, gamo-gamo, paru-paro, kuto, mga bubuyog atbp.
Pag ang mga insekto nagadan sa pitsil, si sustansiya kan tinanom iyo ang nalusaw kan saradit na hayop. An proceso siempre luway-luway, hanggang mahigop kan Nepenthes an restos asin sustansiya kan mga insekto.
Tan’o ta maski ma-ulyas na kino pwedeng kakanon kan tinanom na ini? Kun an pistil kan Nepenthes dakula, an tubig hararom, pwedeng ang babu, halas, gamgam o ano man na hayop na daradakula mala’om sa pistil. Pwede sindang magkagaradan arog kan mga sadit na duli-duli sagkod mga amamangui.(Photo Credito Red Fern Natioal History/ www.popsci.com x 2)=0=
Nepenthes attenboruoughii among 120 species
Found in the remote mountain in Palawan, Philippines, Nepenthes attenboroughii was discovered in 2007 and was officially named this year after naturalist and TV personality David Attenborough. The plant enthusiast featured the species in his TV series Zoo Quest and also The Private Life of Plants in 1995. It’s one among 120 diverse species so far described by botanist-taxonomist Stewart McPherson in the last three years. About 30 of them are encountered in Palawan, most of them have not been fully studied and described in publcation.
The carnivorous plant produces enzymes that dissolve small mice and insects in a pitcher-like receptacle. The only pitcher plant larger than N. attenboroughii is N. rajah which British naturalist Spencer St John observed in Borneo to have drowned and digested a rodent in 1862.=0=
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California wildfires burn 21 homes and threaten 12,000 more
The wildfire in the Angeles National Forest has raged for days and grown more than twice its original size burning at least 21 homes in the foothills and endangering 12,000 more.
Firefighters are battling the huge blaze which darkens the sky in the last 6 days, destroying 164 square miles of trees and vegetation. Using fire retardants and water, they try to protect Mount Wilson on whose slopes several edifices rest.
Defying evacuation orders, three people sustained significant burns. Five people have called for help near Gold Creek, Los Angeles, but rescuers find it hard to reach them.
On Monday, August 31, 2009, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in the counties of Monterey, Placer, Los Angeles, and Mariposa. The conflagration of about 20 miles fed on brush and inched through the terrain to threaten communication lines and an astronomy observatory in Mount Wilson.
Close to 7,000 homes were given evacuation orders as the wall of fire raged. Two of the 2,500 firefighters who battled the blaze were killed in line of their duty. (Photo Credi: Justin Sullivan/ Getty Images; Jason Redmond/ AP) =0=
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Bicol bishops up against coal mining in Catanduanes
Bishops in Bicol have voiced their opposition against the Monte de Oro Resources and Energy Inc. which was awarded exploration of 7,000 hectares for coal mining in towns of San Andres, Caramoan and Panganiban in Catanduanes.
A friend of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo, Enrique Razon is the owner of the private company which has an additional 8,000 hectares allocated by the Department of Energy for the same purpose. The mining operation is expected to yield P6.2 billion, bringing the government 3% return of P186 million and P9 million in taxes.
The bishops are planning to ask help from Pope Benedict XVI in their rejection of the mining project which endangers the environment, disrupts livelihood, and threatens destruction of Catanduanes Island. Their position is supported by the Provincial Board of Catanduanes which passed a resolution supporting the pro-environmet and anti-mining stance.
The bishops recall the mining experience of Rapu-Rapu, Albay in the Diocese of Legazpi, which caused pollution and threatened the health of the residents in the area. In December 2008, the bishops informed the pope of their concerns and they plan to follow the issue with him in the Vatican.
“We are going to meet this coming November to come up with another pastoral letter, statements and another letter to be sent to the Pope,” said Bishop Quiambao.
The 2008 letter was signed by Bishops Leonardo Legaspi of the metropolitan archbishop of Caceres, Arturo Bastes of the Diocese of Sorsogon, Manolo A. de los Santos of Virac, Gilbert Carcera of Daet, Joel Baylon Masbate, Jose Rojas Jr. of Libmanan, and Quiambao.”---Inquirer (08/20/09, Nasol, Rey, M; Gianan, F.)
The mining exploration is not bad per se. Mining provides livelihood and improves the economy in the community. Yet to operate, it has to have safeguards against pollution and environmental destruction. A rejection of the exploration is valid if these safeguards aren’t met and the benefits of the operation will not benefit the the community.(Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva) =0=
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400 missing in Taiwan mudslide
Typhoon Morakot lashed Taiwan in the weekend killing at least 14 people, destroying homes and rendering them inaccessible. Believed to be buried by a landslide, about 400 people were reported missing in the aftermath of the storm. A mountainside caved after 2 meters of rain caused flooding in the area. According to AP, 100 villagers were rescued last August 9, 2009.
A 6-storey hotel in Chihpen, Taitung, Taiwan tumbled down into a river when torrents of water destroyed the building’s foundation. Rescue teams were dispatched by the government, but bad weather partly hampered their operations in the affected villages. (Photo Credit: Kevulike) =0=
UPDATE August 11, 2009---At least 300 were so far rescued and brougt in a mountainous area in Kaohsiung from a place called Shiao Lin, but hundreds are still unaccounted for after the landslide, buried in thick mud. A Taiwanese rescue helicopter crashed with at least 3 people on board. =0=
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Prime Minister Vladimir Putin takes a plunge down Lake Baikal
Propping up his macho image, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, on board a deep water craft Mir-2 descended in the pristine recesses of Lake Baikal, the world’s largest and deepest fresh body of water. The lake carries a fifth of the world’s fresh water reserve.
On August 1, 2009, the former KGB operative had a view of the lake at about 4,600 feet below the surface bringing attention to his physical fitness and the need for environmental conservation.
In the largely undisturbed area of the lake floor are deposits of clathrate hydrate---which is a good source of natural gas. Russia is finding a way to economically extract methane fuel from these crystals. (Photo Credit: Mima11vladimir)
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Even the birds must learn how to fish
"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." ---Lao Tzu
What the Chinese proverb says about people also applies to the birds. In this stunning picture, an osprey shows dexterity in holding a meal tightly on its sharp talons. Truly, nature teaches the feathered creatures to take care of themselves.
The bird of prey is caught in glorious flight after a successful fishing trip in a stunning photo by Wilfredo Lee/ AFP as it flies over the Players Championship golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Friday, May 8, 2009.
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RP’s Bataan nuclear power plant sold for a measly $2,859 million
One of the most stupid deals that the disgraced Marcos regime left the Filipinos was the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP)--- a white elephant which was never used because of safety concerns. Studies on the facility disclosed numerous safety-defects which made it too costly to revive after more than 3 decades of non-operation.
Built in 1976 and finished in 1984 in response to the oil crisis three decades ago, the overpriced behemoth energy facility that could have supplied the country of needed electricity was offered for sale in 2005. Only now did the nuclear plant have its buyer.
The sale surely brought back bitter recall of a useless facility in Morong, Bataan which never generated electricity, but caused Filipino taxpayers $155,000 per day for more than 30 years. It was built by the Marcos at cost of $.2.3 billion on a borrowed funding of $1.06 billion, the country’s greatest single debt obligation,
“When Marcos was overthrown by the so-called People Power Revolution in early 1986 a team of international inspectors visited the site and declared it unsafe and inoperable as it was built near major earthquake fault lines and near the Pinatubo volcano which at the time was dormant.”----Energy Bulletin (06/03/04, Wilson, K)
As scrap, Philippine government sold BNPP to a local company, the Ruberon Inc., for a give-away sum of $2,859 million (0.124% of its construction cost) ----the measly tag (doesn't include the land) for the plant’s building structures, plant equipment, and accessories apt to be recycled and sold for a profit. Ruberon’s officer on legal affairs Feliciano Clemencio had this to say of BNPP:
“Because the asset had been decommissioned, the company would dismantle the facilities, retrieve some usable materials, and then recycle it to be sold to local and foreign buyers. The trading of metals is better than opening new mining sites. This is one alternative: recycling some of the metals and melting them” ---Manila Standard (04/18-19/99, Flores, AM)
Considered an environmental hazard, the failed nuclear plant located 60 miles north of Manila is one among the best examples of mismanagement during the time of Marcos whose aftermath is still being felt by Filipinos today. The principal players in the deal were never made to account for their irresponsibility.
“The failure of the Philippines in its attempt to use nuclear energy can be traced to corruption. The nuclear plant, if designed and constructed properly, could have been used to avert a power blackout in the 1980s. The power crisis not only plunged the whole country into darkness, it crippled the local economy, especially the manufacturing sector.” ---Yehey (07/03/09, Palatino, M)
Under Pres. Cory Aquino’s watch, the BNPP’s operation was banned and written in the constitution. Subsequent administrations were unsuccessful in finding ways to make outdated BNPP useful. The debt burden of the mothballed nuclear plant had caused tremendous financial pain for the country long before the current economic crisis came. (Photo Credit: IAEA.org/ Rotaru, I) =0=
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