The Ecologist

2 weeks ago | theecologist.org | Monica Piccinini

Brazil stands before the world as a self-declared leader in clean energy as it prepares to host COP30 in the city of Belém. The Amazon rainforest, often described as the lungs of the planet, has been at the heart of this vision, seen as a source of nearly limitless hydropower potential. For decades, Brazil has promoted hydroelectricity as a clean, sustainable, and cost-effective solution to boost economic growth and fulfil its climate commitments.

2 months ago | theecologist.org | Monica Piccinini

Indigenous people have fought a relentless battle to protect their lands and preserve their way of life since European colonisers set foot in Brazil. Centuries of oppression have forced them to alter their cultures, traditions and beliefs, yet their resilience remains unbroken. Today, they still endure violent invasions by farmers, loggers, miners, and organised crime, keeping their communities locked in a constant fight for survival.

2 months ago | theecologist.org | Catherine Early

The Agroforestry Research Trust wants to buy its pioneering garden from landowner the Dartington Hall Trust (DHT) following the latter's shock decision to end a long term tenancy.  The garden, near Totnes in Devon, has a global reputation as a pioneer in agroforestry, a method of growing both trees and food on the same piece of land in a way that can be both more productive, profitable and conserve natural resources compared with monoculture farming.

2 months ago | theecologist.org | Monica Piccinini

Brazil’s current pesticide legislation mandates a minimum safety distance of 90 metres during chemical applications to reduce exposure risks. This regulation aims to safeguard both human health and the environment from the harmful effects of pesticides. READ: CLIMATE POLICY AT THE CROSSROADSHowever, a new proposal - Bill 1833/2023 - seeks to significantly reduce this buffer zone, allowing just 25 metres for large properties.

2 months ago | theecologist.org | Jim Green

The proponents of nuclear power rely on an excessive optimism which, once again, sits in stark contrast to the reality of the decades-long stagnation the industry worldwide. That contrast is the subject of our new report for the EnergyScience Coalition. The latest nuclear proposals are built on three speculations, each of which is a castle built on sand. First, we have the projected AI-related energy demand. This ignores emerging evidence that such projections are overblown.