Ecobreves – BRAZIL: Sanitation Begins in the Kitchen

Recycling kitchen oils to produce biodiesel has the advantage of protecting the sewer system, as well as preventing soil and water contamination.

Ecobreves – ARGENTINA: Patagonia Ecologists for Clean Energy

A dozen environmental organizations from the southern Argentina region of Patagonia signed a declaration on energy that opposes expansion of nuclear, hydroelectric and coal-based projects.

Ecobreves – HONDURAS: Forest Planting Begins

The Honduran authorities have launched a plan to recover 25,000 hectares of forest, with an emphasis on areas degraded by fires and illegal logging.

As Humans Advance, Andean Glaciers Recede

The huge reserves of freshwater frozen in the Andes Mountains have been rapidly diminishing since the mid-20th century due to the "flawed model of energy consumption," says at least one scientist.

Ecobreves – HONDURAS: Alliance for Food Sovereignty

Around 30 non-governmental organizations in Honduras make up the Alliance for Food Sovereignty, whose mission is to promote sustainable agriculture and reforms that give a boost to small farmers.

Ecobreves – CUBA: Less Pollution, More Savings

A forest biomass gasification plant to produce electricity in Cocodrilo, a tiny community on Cuba's Isla de la Juventud, would mean considerable savings in fuel and reduce the emissions of greenhouse-effect gases.

Ecobreves – BRAZIL: Ecologically Produced Natural Rubber

It is finally possible in Brazil to produce high-quality natural rubber on a large scale and still save water and energy, thanks to technology developed by the University of Brasilia.

Ecobreves – VENEZUELA: Forest Inventory Advances

The inventory of the forests that cover approximately 40 percent of Venezuela's 916,500 square kilometers should be ready by 2012, project director Leonardo Lugo of the Environment Ministry told Tierramérica.

Ecobreves – HONDURAS: Emerald Hummingbird Closer to Extinction

The threat of extinction hanging over the emerald hummingbird (Amazilia luciae) is growing, as evidenced in the latest report, which found just 500 mating pairs in its habitat of tropical arid forest in the northern Honduran province of Yoro.

Ecobreves – ARGENTINA: Request for More Protected Nature Areas

The Argentine Wildlife Foundation has called upon the government of Cristina Fernández to increase the total coverage of protected areas, which currently remains below the minimum recommended by the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Market-Based Conservation Brewing in Nairobi

A project to create a Green Development Mechanism that would use the market to preserve biodiversity is seeing many of the same criticisms that were volleyed at a similar approach to climate change.

Ecobreves – MEXICO: Science Mission to the Arctic

An international science team left last week for the Arctic Ocean to study the effects of climate change.

CRISIS OF THE EUROPEAN POLITICAL CLASS

It was sixty years ago this May that French foreign minister Robert Schumann made his appeal for a United Europe that would prevent the wars and traumas that had haunted European history. It would be hard to imagine a less auspicious time for celebration.

Imagine a World Without Bluefin Tuna

The resistance against banning trade in bluefin tuna leaves the door open to industrial fishing, with unforeseen consequences for the ecological balance of the seas, say experts.

Latin America and Europe Set Sights on Next Climate Summit

Sustainable development actions are bringing Latin American and European countries together in agreements that activists are criticizing due to their "market-based profile."

Ecobreves – BRAZIL: Purified Water, No Energy Wasted

A technique developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo's school of agriculture could help Brazilians obtain purified water at low cost and using less energy.

Ecobreves – HONDURAS: Ex-Foreign Minister Accused of Environmental Crime

Honduran justice authorities are investigating former foreign minister and retired colonel César Elvir Sierra for the destruction of more than 1,000 pine trees in La Tigra mountain nature reserve, the main "lungs" of the nation's capital.

Ecobreves – CHILE: Massive Bird Die-Off

The deaths of some 700 sooty shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) along the cost of Cobquecura, 434 kilometers south of the Chilean capital, has prompted the authorities to open a legal investigation.

HOW TO OVERCOME THE KEY OBSTACLES TO NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT

There are three major issues concerning nuclear weapons, all very difficult: disarmament-nonproliferation, military use, and theological significance. But there is a universal remedy: solve the underlying conflicts. Achieving disarmament through peace is much easier than achieving peace through disarmament.

The Sun Lights Up the Night in Haiti

Photovoltaic panels are gradually appearing in Haiti, alongside streetlights, in a demonstration of what the Sun can do in a country with severe energy problems.

Ecobreves – ARGENTINA: A Seal for Timber Certification

As of this month, Argentina has its own forestry certification seal that ensures the sustainable management of its forests - native or planted - and proper handling of the tree from harvest to the final product.