- Greenpeace undercover sting revealed two prominent climate skeptics that were available for hire to write reports that would cast doubt on the dangers of global warming.
- Researchers captured more than 20,000 photographs of a wide variety of wildlife, including the first-known record of forest elephants.
- A search on the photo-sharing site, Instagram, reveals a booming population of baby chimpanzees and orangutans in wealthy Arab Gulf nations.
Undercover sting by Greenpeace exposes two prominent skeptics [The Guardian]
Posing as consultants to fossil fuel companies, Greenpeace was able to uncover two prominent climate skeptics that were available for hire to write reports that would cast doubt on the dangers of global warming.
Up to a quarter of Alaska’s permafrost could melt by 2100 [Guardian UK]
So what’s the big deal with thawing soil? This permafrost, soil that’s been frozen for thousands of years, has been storing pools of carbon. As the permafrost begins to thaw, carbon and methane is released, thereby fueling more warming and melting, which in turn accelerates the warming of our climate even more.
Affects from climate change has islanders pleading for help [Reuters]
As rising sea levels and tidal waves wash away the coastlines of Maldives islands, the residents are asking for insurance to help cover the costs of the damage. There are some insurance options for other extreme weather losses, such as high waters and flooding, but not for costal erosion.
Nepal’s endangered river dolphins are making a comeback [SciDev.net]
Conservation efforts in Nepal have been focused on tigers, elephants and one-horned rhinoceros, but not much focus has been placed on the lesser-charismatic Ganges river dolphin. However, the first river dolphin study in two decades estimates that the species has increased to about 50 individuals.
What we’re risking by leaving oceans out of climate plan [National Geographic]
Scientists are insisting that in addition to deforestation and the burning of coal oil and gas, that the protection of our marine world be added to the global climate change strategy agenda. Not only because our oceans are also a victim of climate change, but also because they can be a part of the overall solution.
First-ever photos of forest elephants and other animals in South Sudan [Mongabay]
Researchers captured more than 20,000 photographs of a wide variety of wildlife, including the first-known record of forest elephants. Many of these animals have never been recorded in the country before, even in the pre-independece era, they say.
Paris climate talks may need more time, but positive outcome expected [BBC]
Throughout the conference, French president, Laurent Fabius insisted the global climate deal would be completed by Friday, but he has since realized that some critical issues remain and more time would be needed. When speaking of the meeting however, he did say that the “conditions were never better” for a strong, global climate agreement.
Jane Goodall to Congress Republicans, “Just sit down and forget about politics” [Newsweek]
This Monday at the climate summit in Paris, Jane Goodall, a renowned conservationist, asked the Republicans in Congress to back down from opposing an international agreement on climate change. She also pointed out that a binding agreement isn’t going to fix anything unless there is a follow through by each nation to their commitments made in Paris.
MONGABAY HIGHLIGHTS
Is Instagram a hub for illegal ape deals?
A search on the photo-sharing site, Instagram, reveals a booming population of baby chimpanzees and orangutans in wealthy Arab Gulf nations. At press time, Instagram and its parent company Facebook had not responded to requests for comment on the discovery of this apparent market for endangered animals.
Bolivian indigenous group awarded a big prize for reducing deforestation
The Tacana, a Bolivian indigenous group, have spent years developing sustainable land-use methods for their communities. Earlier this week their efforts were rewarded when U.S. actor Alec Baldwin presented the prestigious Equator Prize to the Tacana indigenous council during a ceremony at COP21 in Paris.
Watch this rehabilitated Siberian tiger with her two cubs in the wild
On December 9, researchers photographed Zolushka, a test case for conservation, in Bastak reserve with two small cubs huddled underneath her. Researchers say the discovery of Zolushka’s cubs is a “watershed event”, proving that conservation on the ground can and does work.
Here’s why market-based initiatives alone won’t save the world’s forests and climate
If COP21 negotiators want to get serious about enlisting the help of forest peoples in saving forests, they should consider the fact that indigenous and other local communities probably aren’t just in it for the money.