Photo 7- The June U.S. Heatwave Was Not an Average Heatwave

A very simple map capturing the heatwave that was prominent in the United States over the past few weeks.  Remember ‘red’ denotes hotter temperatures than average, not some idea of ‘hot’.  So, the fact that Colorado is engulfed in red is not simply saying that Colorado was ‘hot’ in June, but that it was significantly … Continue reading →

Photo 6- Mudslides in Brazil

Flooding throughout Brazil have killed scores and caused significant damage throughout the country.  Mudslides, in particular, are one aspect that is primarily driven by land use patterns and poor environmental management (note to self: do a post on number of landslides for past 10 years, see if they are going up).  The tragedy in Brazil … Continue reading →

Photo 5- Toxic Waste Return to Europe from Indonesia

This is one of 113 containers sent by Great Britain and the Netherlands to Indonesia as “scrap metal” discovered to actually contain electronic scraps, sulfuric acid, and toxic heavy metals.  All 113 containers are being shipped back to the countries of origin and the investigations have begun about other shipments. Their are fears that this … Continue reading →

Photo 4- Greenpeace’s Underwater Plea

I doubt there is one person organizing all the various Greenpeace art activities, but if there is, he/she is doing a pretty good job recently.  This picture is a Greenpeace welcome party at the Australia Aquarium for a UNESCO scientific study of how extractive activities will impact the Great Barrier Reef.  The argument from this … Continue reading →

Photo 3- Lynas Rare Earth Refinery Protest, Malaysia

Protesters opposed to the construction and operation of the Lynas Rare Earth Metals refinery organized in Malaysia over the weekend.  With most of the rare earth metal trade dominated by China, this is promoted by the company as a way to increase competition and supply significant amounts of rare earth metals to the world.  However, … Continue reading →

Photo 2- Rustenberg Mine Protest, South Africa

Protests organized by laborers and surrounding communities asking for mines to pay fairer wages to workers and to support surrounding communities have taken place throughout South Africa the past couple of days.   The most significant involved the Rustenburg Mine (pictured here).  But this is a larger debate about how the resources and hazards of mining … Continue reading →

Photo 1- Kingston Landfill Fire

Photo of the Riverton Landfill fire which has raged for days sending toxic plumes of smoke over Kingtson, Jamaica.  The landfill has been a persistent problem for years posing a risk to workers, people who live nearby, and the entire country.  When the discourse about the green economy talks about reducing ecological risks, the precarious … Continue reading →