Hasten efforts to achieve sustainable global goals, urges deputy UN chief – “Our assessment clearly shows that the pace of progress is insufficient”

8 September 2017 (United Nations) – Noting the efforts being undertaken around the globe to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed called for picking up the pace to ensure that the 2030 deadline is met.“The SDGs have jumped from the General Assembly Hall to communities across the world [and] […]

Fishing mortality of mako sharks ten times higher than fisheries’ estimates

By Neha Jain 5 September 2017 (Mongabay) – It’s no secret that widespread overfishing is driving many shark species to extinction. Many of these apex predators are ensnared incidentally as bycatch in longline fisheries targeting tuna or swordfish. Shortfin mako sharks — the fastest sharks in the ocean — are among the shark species that […]

Making the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals consistent with sustainability

1 September 2017  (Global Footprint Network) – This month, the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72) will convene in New York City for its 72nd Regular Session. The summit’s theme is “Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet.” The phrase closely echoes Global Footprint Network’s vision “that […]

Japan passes whaling bill with view to resume commercial whaling

By Rachel Mealey 7 July 2017 TOKYO (ABC News) – Japan has passed a law enshrining the practice of whaling and is considering upgrading its fleet of vessels in a step toward returning to the controversial commercial practice. The new whaling bill sets out Japan’s plan to one day resume commercial whaling, with one MP […]

Lake Tanganyika hit by global warming, overfishing, and refugees

16 June 2017 (BBC) – Millions of people rely on Lake Tanganyika for their livelihoods. But the second largest lake in Africa is in crisis. It is suffering from the effects of climate change, over-fishing, and deforestation and has been nominated by the Global Nature Fund as the “most threatened lake of the year”. The […]

Marine expert warns of climate emergency as fish abandon tropical waters – “Now nothing protects the fish”

By Helen Davidson 14 June 2017 DARWIN (The Guardian) – As climate change pushes marine species towards cooler waters, and the fishing industry expands around the globe, the tropics are emptying out, a leading fisheries expert has warned.The federal government is expected to release its new management plan for marine reserves in coming weeks, after […]

Experts identify 12 major epicenters of climate risks to international security

Oxford, UK, 9 June 2017 (The Center for Climate and Security) – Security experts have identified 12 key climatic risks to international security that may shape the geostrategic landscape of the 21st century. These 12 risks are explored in a multi-author volume by the Center for Climate and Security and partners titled Epicenters of Climate […]

Trump administration cancels new protection for endangered West Coast whales

By Ellen Knickmeyer 12 June 2017 SAN FRANCISCO (Associated Press) – The Trump administration on Monday threw out a new rule intended to limit the numbers of endangered whales and sea turtles getting caught in fishing nets off the West Coast, even though the fishing industry had proposed the measure. The National Marine Fisheries Service […]

At Ocean Conference, UN agencies commit to cutting harmful fishing subsidies

6 June 2017 (United Nations) – As the international community focuses this week on preserving the health of global oceans and seas, the United Nations agencies on agriculture, environment and trade are committing to the sustainable trade of fisheries.The agencies – the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the […]

UN Ocean Conference opens with calls for united action to reverse human damage

5 June 2017 (United Nations) – Opening a “game-changing” international conference on the health of the world’s oceans and seas, top United Nations officials today urged coordinated global action to protect the planet.Speaking in the UN General Assembly Hall, Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned Governments that unless they overcome short-term territorial and resource interests, the state […]

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