It is a hot subject in the ever-changing topical world of ecology, but why – one may ask – does biodiversity matter to Britain?

Quite simply, because without it we no longer have Great Britain as we know it… Ask a question you get an answer.

But in all seriousness, there is a growing number of wild species being stricken from the environmental list that once made Britain great. Frogs, gulls, it seems even the most common of British conservational nobodies are in danger of becoming celebrities for all the wrong reasons. Take, for instance, the eel; a creature renowned for its capacity to live and breed and prosper in the most hostile of habitats – this creature is now considered critically endangered! And that’s not to mention public favourites such as the honey bee, which are slipping in droves by the day.

What’s even more frightening is that as we lose key-links in the eco-cycles which gave birth to the British countryside, we may soon lose parts of the British countryside itself.

But the borders of biodiversity are not only shrinking within Britain’s small ecological circles; the international debate over the totemic bluefin tuna is still rife, worldwide. And the fact that industrial powerhouse Japan remains resistant to the proposed bans is an absolute absurdity.

A prohibition on bluefin fishing has been put forward to span several years in order to allow breeding to take full effect and save this magnificent species from slipping off the very edge and brink of extinction. Surely it’s a simple quandary to solve: the population of the bluefin tuna is a hair’s width away from extinction under the current fishing laws, but remains on the cusp. If the fish is allowed to breed for a substantial amount of time it will return to its former glory as a species. This is when the fishing ban could come under reform and modernise to accommodate a more sustainable balance…Simple, yes?

Apparently not. Japanese trade officials are slamming their heavy hands on the proverbial democratic table in protest against the bans. Instead they’re insisting on a continued license to fish the Atlantic and hook even the last specimen in order to feed their swollen-stomach seafood industry. But the logic behind these actions is all but obvious.

If the bluefin tuna is fished at current rates it will not survive the turn of the new year: mitigating that side of industry regardless of any demands. Does it not, therefore, seem like a smarter – let’s say, more of a ‘long-term’ – business strategy to keep the species around for years to come?

And it is cross-roads such as these that remain at the very centre of biodiversity as a subject around the world and back home in Britain. Put it this way: if you were a painter would you choose to paint in one colour; if you were a writer would you choose one word to express your story; and if you were a musician, could one note suffice? These questions and more do seem ridiculous; but in the face of it they’re not too far from the truth.

In simple terms, we are, as a race, choosing to eliminate choice. We are reducing the bounty of a world which – as a matter of fact – relies on eco-systems and biodiversity to exist as we know it. And we are doing this one species at a time: disrupting the harmony of things (and if you’re uncomfortable with the word ‘harmony’ try thinking of ’cause and effect’ – without the honey bee would we have as many flowers each Spring?).

Britain faces a growing decline in a number of ecological areas, sure to provoke only an unbalance throughout the nation’s conservation sites and countrysides. But what remains to be done is still a little misty. However, like anything, the first step is awareness. Once a problem is addressed it ceases to be a problem and moves, quite covertly, into the realms of the questionable – Would it really be Summer without the bumble bee? Winter without creeping moss? Britain without a countryside? – and then soon enough, an answer appears.

Posted under Articles, Wildlife

They’ve been at the forefront of the media industry, international popular cinema and, unfortunately, the international culinary elite. Bluefish tuna have become the worldwide symbol for the state of the over-fished oceans.

Brought into focus by Cannes film festival only a few years ago with the debut of The End of the Line (a film documenting the harsh realities and fishing habits of local and international fisherman) bluefish tuna are on the brink of extinction.

Leading national tuna industries remain polemic in their approach to such a serious topic. Two countries in particular – Malta, who harvest a billion dollar tuna industry, and Greece, another nation with a thriving fishing market – are posed to take up this discussion this March, through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) which is sure to expand on the problems facing the bluefin tuna and its equals this Spring.

Despite international rallying to ban fishing on this particular species, the bluefin remains only three years away from total extinction, scientists say.

The EU Environment Commissioner, Stavros Dimas, has been a key speaker for the ban to take place. On an ethical and economical footing, Dimas has taken a stand against continued harvesting of bluefin. His arguments have followed such logical conclusions that insist by following existing methods the industry is simply creating cause for its own collapse.

In reaction to recent media coverage concerning these affairs, high street retailers such as Pret have since taken positive action to help ensure the survival of the bluefin and the longevity of tuna fishing as a whole. The End of the Line movie-documentary also did its best to bring together the severity of the situation and rise it to the fore of public concern.

But now, with Maltese interests defining the short-term tone of political response to existing concerns, there seems to be waves of ecological pessimism driving through our soon to be empty oceans.

Cites, who was instrumental in saving the African elephant from ivory poachers, rely on European support in banning trade in the bluefin. Hopes rest with commissioners such as Nicolas Sarkozy, who last year publicly supported that a ban should be enforced. However, as was proved since the ebb-and-flow of last year’s political declarations, the French industry’s interest may not be enough to keep support for the ban buoyant.

One can only wait and watch as issues like that of the bluefin tuna are sprinkled into March’s political fish tank, and hope that any growing pessimism is filtered out.

Posted under Articles, Wildlife

With over 80 years of success, Her Majesty The Queen as the organisation’s patron, and 60,000 members in cities, towns and villages throughout the UK, the Campaign to Protect Rural England is proud to call themselves “the champions of England’s countryside”. And here at EcoSwitch, we think this is something to be celebrated!

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is campaigning year in, year out to ensure that the beautiful British countryside is kept to its lovely and legendary status of being some of the most lustrious soils in the world. The art that has been inspired by it, the changes its seen and supported throughout our history, and the future of what’s yet to come is already there and all around us lucky Brits. But have we taken our hill, hillocks and hideaways for granted?

CPRE is a vital asset to the UK’s decision makers, who are lobbying to uphold these long stretches of land. Working alongside national, regional and local councils, organisations, businesses and individuals who share their core values and who are willing to challenge those who put the countryside at threat.

Their campaigns led some of the ways to create National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Green Belts up and down the country:

“Since 1926, the Campaign to Protect Rural England has fought to protect the beauty, life and uniqueness of our countryside,” says CPRE’s website “The countryside, its wildlife and natural resources as well as its sheer beauty and tranquility, are under threat from sprawl, new road and airport infrastructure, from noise, air and light pollution. Farming, too, is under pressure to become ever more intensive and productive to meet globalised competition, yet we expect farmers to be among the leading custodians of the countryside. And climate change is coming.”

The ominous register of these statements reveal a note of caution that needs to be heard by the country at large. It is true to say that the CPRE is a tremendously successful organisation, but is it strong enough to compete with an ever modernising Britain?

Of course, we hope it is. But the CPRE is a registered charity, which means that it relies on independent support throughout the year. You can help the CPRE by registering donations and helping its Trustees retain the values it works increasingly hard not to compromise on:

“CPRE wants a beautiful, tranquil and diverse countryside that everyone can value and enjoy; a working countryside that contributes to national well being by enriching our quality of life, as well as providing us with crucial natural resources, including food.

We wish to see the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country. The countryside, including its villages and towns is ever changing, but we strive to ensure that change and development respect the character of England’s natural and built landscapes, enhancing the environment for the enjoyment and benefit of all.”

It really is a worthy cause. One that supports an innate beauty and benefit that is all to easily taken for granted. To find out how you can help support the CPRE, click here to visit its website, and do that little bit more than simply wishing it the Best of British.

Posted under Articles, Companies, Wildlife

Starting out by selling candles made from the beeswax produced as a by-product of their honey business, then expanding to an abandoned bowling alley, emerging into the cosmetics industry, and taking on the world with its environmental conservation, Burt’s Bees has only been around for a short 25 years, but its business policy is really setting standards. And we’re going to show you what the buzz is all about!

Burt’s Culture of Care

It is simply about working together. Burt’s Bees believe in an honest, harmonious work environment. Their passionate team have embraced change and developed their brand without losing a hint of its personality. Everything from the packaging to the clear cut quality of the final product, Burt’s Bees really do deliver:

‘We’ve worked hard to create products that are honest and authentic, just like us. They reflect the culture that really exists within our walls – not flashy or fancy, but highly dedicated to doing the right thing for our brand and our loyal consumers,’ they say. ‘Burt’s Bees is a company that cares about its consumers, the environment and the community and, equally as important, we care about each other.’

This warm attitude towards teamwork does not exist solely inside the hive of their success. Burt’s Bees employees work hard on developing community initiatives to spread the good vibes out and about the centre. Recent community initiatives include helping Habitat for Humanity build the first Earth-friendly and affordable housing in North Carolina. Other such work can be seen in ECOBEES (Environmentally Conscious Organization Bringing Ecologically Empowered Solutions):

‘As a company, we have set clear sustainability goals to reduce our impact on the environment. Our ECOBEES is a group of volunteer employees that helps to develop company-wide initiatives that both educate and implement our sustainability goals, including recycling and efficiency programs.’

Proof is in the Product

Burt’s Bees sell all sorts of health care and cosmetic products, entirely sourced from natural produce. Their goals and values are intrinsically entwined to each batch of beauty product:

‘At Burt’s Bees, our goal is to help create a world where people have the information and tools they need to make the highest ethical choices and do the best for themselves, their families and the environment. That’s no short order, but it is attainable.’ They continue, ‘We’ve started with a strong and on-going commitment to a set of values and activities that support the well-being of people and our planet. We call it The Greater Good.’

And it’s this Greater Good that has encouraged the business to sort out more rigid definitions for companies using the buzzword ‘natural’ under false pretenses. Working alongside the Natural Product Association, Burt’s Bees have outlined a standard guideline to help regiment which ingrediants can truely be understood as natural. Such considerations take on board more discursive areas such as Responsibility, Sustainability and Safety, and bring them together under a concrete label – Natural now has a consciousness.

But after all’s said and done, Burt’s Bees delivery a rare quality that, we hope unlike its name sake, is not facing exstinction – and continue to Bee the buzz around town!

Burt’s Bees products can be found in the UK via www.myburtsbees.co.uk

Source: Burt’s Bees

Posted under Articles, Eco Reviews, Wildlife

A number of recent reports (including the BBC’s and WWF‘s) have highlighted the plight of Sumatran Tigers in Indonesia and in-turn, have drawn attention to the links between our consumption patterns and the welfare of whole eco-systems in far-flung parts of the globe. The situation in Indonesia, where the tiger’s habitats are threatened, shows how the demand for paper products and palm oil, effects not only the forests themselves, but the animals and people who depend upon them. Oxford-based rainforest alliance group, Global Canopy Programme, recently reiterated that deforestation is a key catalyst for global warming; claiming that one day’s deforestation is the equivalent to the carbon footprint of eight million people flying London to New York. In Indonesia, a country without a significant amount of industrial emissions, the deforestation that takes place has helped make it the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world; second only to the U.S. and China (see reference).

Over 1 million hectares of Indonesian forest, precious to the tiger’s survival, have been pulped since the 1980s. One of the giants in the region is Asia Pulp & Paper, and, the reports suggest, their actions, along with those of illegal loggers, have put the lives of locals at risk; with over 55 deaths in the last 12 years from tiger attacks. The tigers too are in danger. As their habitat gets smaller and smaller, they are forced to leave the remaining forest and many have subsequently been shot. With a dwindling population that sits around 400, every tiger lost is a major threat to the survival of the species. So, as the companies push for greater access to more of the forest, to meet our demand for paper, the emissions increase and the livelihoods of locals and the precious ecosystem are severely damaged.

Consumers, and indeed non-consumers, are in the position to lessen the demands that large companies are making on the planet and its resources. Greater knowledge and understanding, can help connect the dots to face the challenges ahead.

Posted under Corporate, Environmental News, Wildlife

Not surprising. Considering the broadening demands for rhinoceros horns used in East Asia for medicinal and aphrodisiac purposes, we are witnessing a drastic decline in the species’ population, so far as to epitomise its complete extinction. Empirical statistics reveal severe slumps in African rhinoceros density, compelling proactive measures to be taken by concerned entities such as the UN. In fact several pro-environmental organisations have tried to bust the illegal horn trade but their efforts failed due to the continued smuggling of horns between Africa and Far East Asia.

Already in 1970, the wildlife trade monitoring network, also called TRAFFIC, confirmed that only 2,400 black rhinoceros and 7,562 white rhinoceros out of an original total of 70,000 rhinoceros remained in the African wild. At that time rhino horns’ poaching was gaining momentum to prop up the manufacture of Yemeni daggers or Jambiyan in which the crafted horns served as handles. From a respite to the full embrace of the counteracting policies, Yemen finally officially condemned the ruthless, yet lucrative transaction of rhino horns. This said, overwhelming concern has then been allocated to the soaring Chinese market which, in contrast, is still forging hard in the prohibited rhino horn business.

It is not unknown that for centuries, traditional Chinese medicines have ascribed healing properties to specific parts of animals, including endangered species. It is believed that the rhinoceros horn powder, similar in texture to fine hair, has aphrodisiac properties and is sometimes mixed with Viagra, according to reports. TRAFFIC has also estimated the price for 1 Kg of unprocessed horn powder to be worth more than US $1,000.

Like Yemen, the Chinese did sign the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1981, a convention which originally banned the international trade in rhinoceros horn in 1977. What was the outcome then? Disappointment. Investigations have found several medicine shops in China still selling rhino horn products. The Chinese are still transgressing the covenant, in spite of the awareness that rhinoceroses live on the cusp of extinction.

The most recent arrest occurred on Friday where 11 suspects were identified by South African police. Among the criminals were Chinese, Mozambicans and South Africans. The officials also spoke of the killing conditions, all effected in the scope of mere cruelty where the horns were hacked out while the animals were still alive.  The series of accusations included the following: illegal hunt activity, the illicit possession and transaction of rhino horn and ultimately, the outlawed possession of firearms.

In fact, other than South Africa, regions such as India, Zimbabwe, Nepal and the Republic of Congo are also witnessing the plummeting of their rhinoceros populations. In West Africa, the UN’s Environment Programme has identified armed conflict and political instability as factors which beget unlawful poaching. This said, the rhino horn trade will not cease unless stimulus protection and legal actions are taken to prevent the irreversible extermination of the rhinos.  

Posted under Environmental News, Wildlife

Wouldn’t it be awfully nice to plant a tree in stead of cutting one down in an altruistic spirit of Christmas? To know that somewhere out there, a gesture of yours that actually means something is turned into action. The NGO’s have been doing it for years after all and if I may indulge a little bit in self-righteousness, last Christmas my six nephews/nieces received 1000sqm each of rain forest. And that was it, no dolls, computer-games or plastic consumerism. Most of the recipients too small to understand the significance of such a gift did not seem to mind. I felt very proud and conscientious. Nothing to do with carbon offset it is true but still, a tree-hugging whim all the same. This year the alternative feel-good of inverse Christmas tree planting has reached impressive proportions with everyone, from Formula One to manufacturers of air-conditioners sowing forests to ease the bad conscience and showcase some green washing goodwill. Fair enough, it is probably better than nothing even if no-one seems to know exactly how much CO2 one tree actually soaks up. The only thing they (the newly green companies no matter what business they are in) usually want in exchange is your signature on some contract, be it for electricity or a brand new car. Sign-up now and save the world! So once again is up to you and me, the consumers, to do our bit. Since it is at least something it is perhaps not anything to get worked up about. But then we have something that is really endearing, it is when the top ten polluters do the same. From The Guardian today:

BP, one of the world’s biggest producers of carbon-emitting products [...] reported that among 100 trees planted for Andara at Alladale on 15 September 2008, the company had “allotted one tree to BP to offset carbon emissions of 0.75 tons per tree”. It’s nice to know BP is doing its bit for the climate, after all. *

Well, it is always something right? Let us put it this way, if you plant a tree it makes up for a larger percentage of your carbon footprint than that of BP when they plant one.

Merry Christmas tree planting.

* Article ‘Greenwash: Carbon offset trees are not just for Christmas’ by Fred Pearce in The Guardian 18 December 2008, read it here.

Leif Ahnland leif ahnland

Posted under Climate, Corporate, Environmental News, Gardening & Outdoors, How To's & Guides, Wildlife

Is Global Warming happening for real?

Indeed, global warming is no myth. Not only affirmed a posteriori by global warming scientists around the globe but Mother Nature confirms it.  Each day the sources of the cataclysmic phenomena are growing and there are numerous evidences to prove it. On a global scale, most countries are already experiencing the drastic fluctuations in atmospheric temperatures – from extremely hot summers to unbearably cold winters.  Our planet is clearly succumbing to the power of Global warming unless we start to tackle its sources.

The sources of Global Warming:

·         Anthropogenic (man-made) Greenhouse gases (CO2, N20, CH4, …)

·         Emissions of carbon dioxide (56.6% deriving from the burning of fossil fuels)

·         Pollution of our environment by non-biodegradable substances

·         Deforestation (responsible for at least 25% of greenhouse gas emissions)

·         Natural causes such as methane released from Arctic Tundra and Wetlands.

The impacts of Global Warming:

There is no doubt cast upon the obvious interrelationship between the sources of global warming and the ‘bizarre’ catastrophes now happening around the world. For those who do not feel concerned about global warming, read on below to identify how the global crisis is affecting your quality of life.

Further Evidence of Global Warming unveiled:

       From this to:       

·  Coral reef bleaching is the result of extreme temperatures caused by Global warming to which oceans are exposed. Consequently,  the once rich multi coloured corals metamorphose into a ghostly white hue.  

Most of the stunning islands located in the Indian Ocean are already encountering the deterioration process of their corals. These include the Seychelles Islands, Mauritius Island, the Maldives, Madagascar and Andaman Islands.

Soon our exotic summer holidays will be drained of its colours completely if the Global warming process is not addressed by each one of us.

·  Rise in Sea-Level is a clear product of Global warming due to the ceaseless melting of land ice and the thermal expansion of sea water. As a result, the coastal areas of numerous countries and islands are shrinking.  such as Rufisque, situated on the South Coast of Senegal. Other ramifications of sea level rises are catastrophic tide waves, floods and change in water density and salinity.

The seriousness of the situation bolts out further when we realise how many coastal residences will have to be deserted in the near future, including hotels and all the attractions based in the coastal areas. Therefore, now is the ideal time to begin tackling Global Warming.        

·  Fatal Malaria epidemic across Kenya and Tanzania have increased due to the massive rise in temperature. Scientists have confirmed this is a direct effect of Global warming. 

·  Excessive warmth leading to drought in most cases, especially in regions nearest to the equator such as Cairo in Egypt, Kenya and South Africa.  

·  Decrease in ice thickness in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. This result obviously relates to the unusually high temperature experienced by this region. As an outcome of this Global warming threat, an unbelievable number of penguins are perishing. So far 33% of the penguin’s population have already vanished. 

·  Receding glaciers in places such as Peru, Venezuela and Argentina. South America is suffering from a drastic rise in temperature, which has killed unusually high numbers of people.

Posted under Climate, Environmental News, Lifestyle & Fashion, Wildlife

A German professor of geography has developed a system of mountain “wind-catching” which he claims could slow or even halt the catastrophic rate at which Europe’s glaciers are melting.

Professor Hans-Joachim Fuchs from Germany’s Mainz University says wind screens could keep chilly breezes on top of Europe’s glaciers, and perhaps save them from melting. Glacier experts say he’s wasting his time. But an experiment set to take place in Switzerland could provide some much needed answers.

Some researchers estimate that within 30 years Europe’s glaciers will all but vanish. With the world’s temperature rising, there seem to be very few options to save or even help the glaciers. Even if the world’s carbon emissions were dramatically reduced in the near future, the fate of the glaciers seems sealed.

Until now, only one method has proven itself as an effective prevention from glacial melting: vast, light colored covers that keep the glaciers cool by reflecting sunlight. But, realistically, these sheets are usually only enough to preserve a few ski slopes. Glaciers in the Alps can spread across dozens of kilometers.

Geographer Hans-Joachim Fuchs in the western German city Mainz has another idea. He wants to hamper the power of cold mountain winds – namely kabatic winds or streams of cold, dense air that flow downhill – with high-altitude windscreens. The screens would harness the cool air, keeping it on top of the glaciers, hopefully preserving them for a little longer.

Fuchs has been recommending his idea for years, and last month he took his propositions and 27 assistant-students to test it out. Heading to the Rhone glacier in Switzerland, Fuchs and his team set off to install a windscreen measuring 15 meters long (50 feet) and 3 meters high at an elevation of 2,300 meters (7,545 feet) on the leading edge of the glacier. However the plan has met resistance even before its initial testing.

“Something like that would certainly not be very effective,” says Martin Funk, a glaciologist at the Swiss Technical Institute (ETH) in Zurich. If you’re looking for a local cooling effect, a windscreen “is crazy,” Funk says. “Covers are much more effective.”

But what Fuchs is in search of is a more viable solution than the under-sized covers. Covering up an entire glacier is hardly practical, Fuchs says, “Covers aren’t a solution, in my opinion. They are just there for ski tourists.”

Glaciologists are still fighting Fuchs’ brainchild. “Even if you built a wind screen big enough, it’s doubtful whether you could meaningfully alter the wind patterns,” says Andreas Bauder, ETH Zurich glaciologist.

Undeterred Fuchs posits his project as a “little test”. “If all goes well, then we’ll go ahead with something much larger,” he says, “One German University is trying out something daring.” Fuchs says, “We’ve got lots of sponsors who see that something’s going on here, and they support us.”

Many proponents of the project are hoping that the typical rally of naysayer is not enough to deter future experimentation, and reproach such negative criticism directed toward the ambitious geography professor.

Posted under Articles, Wildlife

After the increase in global awareness about the dwindling Brazilian rainforest in recent years, it seems worrying that there is once again concern over its destruction after official government data emerged recently stating that deforestation has risen by 64 percent in the last twelve months. This sudden increase in deforestation can be attributed to loggers and soy farmers pushing ever further into the Amazon jungle and the recent high commodity prices.

This week, Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research said that around 3,145 square miles – an area about half the size of Wales – of forest were destroyed between August 2007 and August 2008. The satellite images were captured by a real-time monitoring system, known in Brazil as Deter. It comes as a shock – and a terrible step backwards – that deforestation has picked up again after it seemed to be diminishing over the last three years.

The rainforest statistics have been highlighted by the Brazilian newspapers, sparking a debate over how best to preserve the Amazon rainforest and triggering environmental campaigners to attack the government, claiming that the battle to protect the rainforest is not being given sufficient recognition.

This information about the yearly rise in deforestation was released soon after an announcement of monthly figures assessing deforestation per month, which actually showed that it had decreased. Government figures show that between May and June this year deforestation fell by 25%. “This is not about luck, it is about work, work, work,” said Brazil’s environment minister, Carlos Minc who described the levels of forest destruction as “alarming”.

Although the monthly decline in deforestation is of course positive, Environmentalists think that the annual statistics give a more accurate representation of the damage being done to the rainforest, and the environment cannot afford for them to be ignored. Minc is aware that the government still has to combat large problems such as illegal logging. “We can’t celebrate because deforestation is still very large. We have to invest everything into sustainable development,” Minc was quoted in an interview with the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper.

Environmental campaigners are now accusing the government of backing out of its original promises to protect the Amazon rainforest, which has been constantly destroyed since the 1970s by a mixture of logging, cattle ranching and soy farming. Brazil is striving to expand its economy and develop the Amazon region; however the campaigners fear that this is at the expense of Brazil’s natural resources.

“The president (Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva) said there would be no steps backwards,” the former environment minister Marina Silva said in an interview with the O Globo newspaper. “But suddenly there is a conjuncture of things that go against everything that was being done.”

We can only hope that the Brazilian government hasn’t just been making these claims to pacify environmentalists and that they really are willing to crack down extensively on the decimation of this rainforest before the destruction becomes uncontrollable and it is too late

Posted under Articles, Environmental News, Wildlife