Environment

Tuesday, August 22nd 2023 - 10:40 UTC
Heavy rains in Chile leave 2 people dead, thousands stranded

Heavy rains in central and southern Chile have resulted in at least two people dead plus thousands stranded or taken to shelters, it was reported Monday. The victims were a driver who was hit by a tree and a firefighter who was killed Sunday when trying to rescue a lamb from the river in the town of Cañete, in the Bíobio region, some 550 kilometers south of Santiago, Undersecretary of the Interior Manuel Monsalve said.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2023 - 10:29 UTC
Ecuador voted to ban mining and oil drilling in an Amazon national park

The Ecuadorian electorate voted on Sunday against oil drilling, according to results of an election-day referendum published early Monday. Voters were asked whether to ban mining in the highlands and further oil drilling in Yasuni National Park in the Amazon.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2023 - 07:20 UTC
WindWings: cargo vessel travelling to Brazil fitted with giant sails

A cargo ship fitted with giant, rigid British-designed sails has set out on its maiden voyage. Shipping firm Cargill, which has chartered the vessel, hopes the technology will help the industry chart a course toward a greener future.
Monday, August 21st 2023 - 11:01 UTC
Dramatic report on world water resources, four billion people affected

One-fourth of the planet’s population in 25 countries experiences extremely high water stress annually, using nearly all of their available water supply on a regular basis, according to new data from the World Resources Institute (WRI)’s Aqueduct Water Risk.
Monday, August 21st 2023 - 10:43 UTC
World scientists call for more research on the Southern Ocean and climate change

Three hundred scientists from 25 nations have met this week in the Antarctic gateway city of Hobart, Australia, for the first-ever international conference of the Southern Ocean Observing System, SOOS.
Thursday, August 17th 2023 - 10:13 UTC
Penguin Propulsion: The Physics Behind the World’s Fastest Swimming Birds

A piece from the American Institute of Physics points out that Gentoo penguins are the fastest swimming birds in the world, and that ability comes from their unique and sophisticated wings.
Thursday, August 17th 2023 - 08:10 UTC
Lula, Biden discuss climate change over the phone

Presidents Joseph Biden of the United States and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil Wednesday discussed climate change during a telephone conversation in which a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders next year was also considered.
Saturday, August 12th 2023 - 10:36 UTC
Water transfer pipeline operational in Uruguay to fight drough

Water began being transferred from the San José River dam to the Aguas Corrientes area of the Santa Lucía River in a move to alleviate the drinking water supply to the Uruguayan capital, it was reported in Montevideo. The works carried out in record time are expected to result in lower salinity in the metropolitan area.
Friday, August 11th 2023 - 11:48 UTC
“EU approach on trade accord with Mercosur is simply unacceptable,” Paraguayan President elect Peña

Paraguay President-elect Santiago Peña has said that Mercosur and the European Union should put on hold talks over a free trade agreement since the current environmental demands from the EU are “unacceptable.”
Friday, August 11th 2023 - 11:37 UTC
Evidence found against 40 people for illegal mining in Roraima in 2023

Brazil's Federal Police (PF) found evidence against 40 people for illegal mining in Roraima in 2023, Agência Brasil reported citing data obtained through the Access to Information Law (LAI). The PF is due to forward the investigation to the Public Prosecutor's Office, which may or may not file a case before the courts, it was explained.