News Bin - June 29, 2018
Bringing you the latest news, information, and resources from around the web. In the June 29th edition, read more about the following:
- Latin America and the Caribbean bids good-bye to plastic bags
- Coral reef ‘oases’ that thrive amid threats give hope for conservation
- 18 Ways to Navigate Stress at the Airport
- Africa's Oldest Trees Are Dying, and Scientists Are Stumped
- National Audubon Society: We're Suing the Federal Government to Protect Birds
Latin America and the Caribbean bids good-bye to plastic bags
The world consumes up to 5 trillion plastic bags annually… each bag requires about 500 years to degrade… only 9% of all plastic waste is recycled. In the face of such sobering facts, many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are mobilizing. Antigua and Barbuda banned plastic bags in 2016, followed by Colombia, Panama, and Chile. Now Costa Rica, Belize, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Galapagos are implementing plans to eradicate single-use plastics. Supermarkets in Mexico City, São Paulo and Buenos Aires are also prohibited from dispensing free plastic bags.
Coral reef ‘oases’ that thrive amid threats give hope for conservation
While many of the world’s coral reefs are suffering irreparable damage as a result of warming oceans and other environmental hazards, scientists have identified 38 coral reef “oases” that are actually holding strong – having either “escaped,” “resisted,” or “rebounded from” decline. By studying these specific hotspots, scientists aim to pinpoint their success characteristics to improve conservation efforts worldwide.
18 Ways to Navigate Stress at the Airport
For many travelers, getting through the airport experience is the most stressful aspect of taking a trip – and it still seems to be getting worse. To help you navigate the chaos and ease your own anxiety, here are practical tips and therapeutic suggestions, from the logistical to the mental to the physical.
Africa's Oldest Trees Are Dying, and Scientists Are Stumped
Within the past 15 years, an unprecedented number of Africa’s oldest and largest baobab trees have suddenly collapsed or died. Scientists can conclude that this is not mere coincidence, and not due to natural causes. Although research is ongoing, signs point to warmer, dryer temperatures – a result of climate change.
National Audubon Society: We're Suing the Federal Government to Protect Birds
National Audubon Society has filed a lawsuit against the Department of the Interior to defend the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The act was passed in 1918 to protect birds from intentional killing for profit. But in December, the Department of Interior announced it won’t enforce the law when bird deaths are unintentionally caused by industry. Read President and CEO David Yarnold’s formal letter for details, and how you can help.