Ecobreves – CUBA: Endangered Parrot Population On the Rise

The population of parrots, an endemic but endangered species, has increased in the central Cuban province of Villa Clara, thanks to a program where the community plays a key role.

CO2 equivalents

Different types of gases contribute to the greenhouse effect to a greater or lesser degree.

Extreme weather

Extreme weather can include such things as unusually violent storms; heatwaves or droughts that are longer or hotter than normal, and exceptionally violent levels of precipitation.

Fossil fuels

Energy sources formed in the earth’s crust from the remains (fossils) of plants and animals that lived on earth many millions of years ago.

Greenhouse effect

The greenhouse effect is the name given to a process occurring naturally that insulates the earth against the loss of heat into space.

Nitrous oxide

A gas with the chemical formula N2O.

Renewable energy

Energy production based on sources of energy that do not run out, for example wind, water and solar power.

Sunspots

Areas on the surface of the sun, which in periods are a little colder than the rest of the surface and appear as dark spots.

Mexican Scientists and Communities Forge Eco-Alliances

Two worlds join forces in Mexico -- academia and common folk -- to confront environmental problems.

Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Engine

The touristic city of Neochea, Argentina, is putting together a pioneering plan for the compulsory collection of used cooking oil from restaurants in order to produce biodiesel.

Ecobreves – GLOBAL: Lawmakers Against Climate Change

Some 100 lawmaker from the 13 most polluting countries of the planet gathered Jun. 12-13 in the Italian capital to pursue an effective international agreement to fight climate change.

Ecobreves – CHILE: Natural Gas for Polluting Less

In late June, the first tanker carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) is scheduled to arrive in Chile from Trinidad and Tobago. The shipment will be "regasified" at a plant built in Quintero, in the central region of Valparaíso.

Carbon sink

The term used for natural mechanisms that absorb CO2 naturally.

Ecobreves – VENEZUELA: Botanical Garden Aims to Be Self-Sustaining

The Botanical Garden of the Venezuelan capital, covering 70 hectares and home to 2,500 plant species, is seeking its own funding because the government has not provided resources for more than four years.

CFC gases

A group of gases – part of the group called HFC gases – that have been used a lot industrially, for example in refrigerators or in firefighting appliances.

GRAINS AND GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY

The World Grain Forum that took place in Saint Petersburg June 6-7 is one in a series of high-level meetings devoted to food and agriculture this year. Such meetings -including the G8 agriculture ministers gathering in Treviso last April and FAO's conference on How to Feed the World in 2050 next October in Rome- show that powerful momentum is building for resolving outstanding food insecurity issues and establishing a new global agricultural order that can finally ensure that everyone on earth has enough to eat.

GLOBAL CRISIS SOWS PROBLEMS FOR AGRICULTURE

In the 250-year history of industrial capitalism, there have been numerous cyclical crises, at least three of them global and systemic, including this one. In the preceding crises, capitalists always introduced measures to repair the system and restart the cycle of expansion and capital formation.

Nature Paths Instead of Wall for Rio Slum

Rio de Janeiro's largest slum has halted construction of a much-criticized wall in exchange for ecological and recreational corridors between the impoverished neighborhood and a city forest.

Mexico Yet to Cross Clean Energy Threshold

Mexico, chosen as this year's headquarters for celebrations of World Environment Day, is lagging behind in developing renewable energy sources.

Ecobreves – ARGENTINA: Demands for Potable Water in Buenos Aires

In less than a week, some 30,000 people participated in an action to demand potable water for the residents of the Matanza-Riachuelo watershed in Buenos Aires, the country's most polluted waterway.

Ecobreves – HONDURAS: Military Begins Reforestation Effort

The Honduran Armed Forces launched a campaign to plant one million trees in the country's most vulnerable areas, deputy Defense minister Lionel Sevilla told Tierramérica.