Environment

Friday, December 30th 2011 - 21:17 UTC
Forest fire in Torres del Pain out of control because of the strong winds

Chile declared on Friday “catastrophe zone” the extreme south province of Ultima Esperanza where a forest fire, so far out of control, has ravaged over 9.000 hectares of pristine flora from the Torres del Paine national park.
Thursday, December 29th 2011 - 23:12 UTC
Tourists evacuated from Torres del Paine park threatened by forest fire

Twenty tourists had to be evacuated from the Torres del Paine national park in Chilean Patagonia following the outbreak of a forest fire that has extended to over twenty hectares because of strong winds and difficult access for fire-fighters, reports the local press.
Thursday, December 29th 2011 - 22:07 UTC
Scientists establish critical benchmark link for seabirds and available food

An international group of scientists has shown that many seabirds begin to suffer when the food available for them in the ocean declines below a critical level. This level is about one-third of the maximum measured amount of food available. They have found that this critical level is about the same for seabird species around the world. Their study — the most comprehensive ever undertaken — covers birds from the Arctic to the Antarctic and from the Pacific to the Atlantic.
Tuesday, December 27th 2011 - 13:54 UTC
Rousseff reiterates pledge to eliminate extreme poverty in Brazil by 2014

President Dilma Rousseff, about to complete her first year in office, reiterated she remains committed to eliminate extreme poverty in Brazil by the end of her term in 2013.
Thursday, December 15th 2011 - 17:58 UTC
Brazilian prosecutors suing Transocean and Chevron 10bn dollars for oil spill

Brazilian federal prosecutors are suing Transocean Ltd and Chevron Corp for 20 billion Reais (10.6 billion dollars) in environmental and social damages and asked a court to suspend their operations, according to a statement yesterday.
Wednesday, December 14th 2011 - 18:17 UTC
In summer take your ties off and help save power, says Chilean government

As has happened in other countries, Chilean Energy minister Rodrigo Alvarez has officially launched the campaign, “in summer, no ties” to help save with the use of air conditioners mainly in government offices.
Wednesday, December 14th 2011 - 18:05 UTC
China questions safety of Brazil’s dry bulk carriers, the world’s largest

China should be in no rush to allow Brazil’s new Valemax ships, the world's largest dry bulk carriers, into its ports, as they have not been thoroughly tested and any oil leak from one could be catastrophic, an influential Chinese industry group warned on Tuesday.
Wednesday, December 14th 2011 - 03:45 UTC
Brazil’s development bank helping finance wind energy farms

Brazil’s development bank, Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social, BNDES, will provide 1.8 billion Reais (966 million dollars) to finance wind farms as the renewable energy source dominates government auctions for new power capacity.
Tuesday, December 13th 2011 - 22:32 UTC
Canada’s withdrawal from Kyoto Protocol regrettable, says UN climate official

Canada’s decision to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol is surprising and regrettable, the United Nations climate change chief Christiana Figueres said on Tuesday, calling on developed countries to meet the commitments they recently made at the UN Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa.
Tuesday, December 13th 2011 - 17:56 UTC
With a global, comprehensive agreement still elusive, we need a new climate change 'road-map'

* By Lord Julian Hunt. The main aim of the UN climate summit at Durban, which concluded unsuccessfully on Friday/Saturday morning, was to produce an agreement about targets for emissions by developed countries, and longer term commitments from developing countries.