Ouagadougou (AFP) June 26, 2021 Thousands of protesters in Burkina Faso on Saturday demanded greater government action to counter jihadist attacks, as the armed forces hailed recent success against militants. The protesters gathered in Kaya, the capital of Burkina Faso’s Centre-North region, waving placards reading “No to growing insecurity” and “We want to cultivate our fields in peace”. The latest demonstration follhttp://dlvr.it/S2hWdV Continue reading Burkina Faso protesters demand end to attacks as army touts success

Bangkok (AFP) June 29, 2021 Myanmar’s multi-billion-dollar jade mines risk becoming a “slush fund” for military repression, Global Witness said Tuesday, urging consumers to boycott purchasing any jade and gemstones from the coup-wracked nation. The country has been in turmoil since the military toppled the government of Aung San Suu Kyi, with more than 880 killed in a junta crackdown on dissent, according to a … Continue reading Myanmar jade industry becoming ‘slush fund’ for junta: report

Beijing (AFP) June 26, 2021 A mammoth trek across southern China by a herd of elephants that has captivated the world with their playful antics has thrown a spotlight on the loss of their habitat and conservation challenges. The lumbering mammals have journeyed around 500 kilometres (310 miles) from their home in one of the longest animal migrations of its kind recorded in China. Scientists … Continue reading March of the elephants: China’s rogue herd spotlights habitat loss

Beijing (AFP) June 28, 2021 China began operating the world’s second-largest hydropower station on Monday in what officials hailed as a milestone towards Beijing’s carbon neutrality goals, despite warnings of environmental damage. The 289-metre (948 feet) high Baihetan Hydropower Station in southwest China, second in the world only to the country’s Three Gorges Dam in terms of power generation, began partial operationhttp://dlvr.it/S2chB7 Continue reading World’s second-largest hydropower dam goes online in China

Madrid (AFP) June 24, 2021 The European Union’s top court warned Spain Thursday it needs to do more to protect Donana National Park, home to one of Europe’s largest wetlands which is threatened by intensive farming. The massive park in the southern region of Andalusia boasts a diverse ecosystem of lagoons, marshlands, scrub woodland, beaches and sand dunes and is home to fallow deer, wild … Continue reading Top EU court raps Spain over wetlands

Paris (ESA) Jun 25, 2021 Valuable data is flowing rapidly from Earth observing satellites back to the planet, thanks to the most sophisticated laser communication network ever built. Day-and-night radar images and multispectral high-resolution images of vegetation, soil and water cover, inland waterways and coastal areas – as well as information for emergency services – are arriving back at Earth in almost real tihttp://dlvr.it/S2QcVV Continue reading European system speeds data flow with 50 000 links

Washington DC (UPI) Jun 21, 2021 Researchers at Stanford University have designed open-source software to help policy makers and urban planners build more sustainable cities. The new software, described Monday in the journal Urban Sustainability, allows planners to map and visualize human health and environmental benefits of green spaces. “This software helps design cities that are better for both people and nathttp://dlvr.it/S2MsZc Continue reading New urban planning software may inspire more sustainable cities

Berlin (AFP) June 21, 2021 Germany’s conservatives called for “stability and renewal” on Monday as they launched their manifesto for September’s election, the first in 16 years without Chancellor Angela Merkel. The 139-page document, unveiled by conservative chancellor candidate Armin Laschet, promises no tax hikes, pragmatic action on climate change and a tough stance against Russia and China. Laschet’s Christianhttp://dlvr.it/S2MsNY Continue reading From climate to China, German conservatives’ manifesto

As people emerge from lockdowns and limitations in the coming months, and look toward getting out and exploring the world again, travel is anticipated to become a popular and valued activity. The E-Commerce Times spoke with several industry experts to get their perspective on new trends in travel and tourism.http://dlvr.it/S2LnG7 Continue reading Travel Industry Faces High Demand, New Expectations

Washington DC (UPI) Jun 21, 2021 Previous studies have shown birds are departing on their spring migrations earlier and earlier as the planet warms. Additionally, morphological surveys suggest the wings of birds are getting longer, while their bodies are getting smaller. The authors of the new paper, published Monday in the Journal of Animal Ecology, wanted to find out if these climate-driven changes are related.http://dlvr.it/S2J2H7 Continue reading Longer wings, smaller bodies, earlier migrations ‘new normal’ for birds