Ten airlines, two Indian and eight Chinese, accounting for nearly 3% of global airline carbon emissions (which in turn account for around 1.6% of the total global carbon footprint), still refuse to meet a final, June 15 deadline to report their emissions data to the EU. According to an EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) effective from January 1, 2012, all airlines flying to EU countries are obliged to cover 15% of their emissions by purchasing emission permits. The extra charge, with carbon offset prices at record lows, expected to be paid by around 4,000 airlines, amounts to just 10 euros (on average) per ticket (close to the current cost of a ton of carbon) and very small to make flying less competitive than eco-friendlier modes of transport such as rail. It is also still unclear in what ways each EU country will use the funds so as to tackle climate change with the EU’s climate commissioner Connie Hedegaard still calling on EU finance ministers to earmark the ‘modest’ ETS cash for the environment. One more futile (or self-serving) attempt for green capitalism, indeed when the head of the International Energy Agency in 2009 said that the price per carbon ton needed to rise to U$175 in order to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions? And certain EU leaders would probably like to exclude their automakers (and political backers) when it comes to taxing pollution, cars accounting for six times the emissions of commercial aviation.
An excellent example of how ecological farm tourism can help revive the real, local economy in Greece. We want more of this, and not at all pharaonic mega-tourism & real estate projects or oil platforms in the Aegean or Ionian.
As I wrote in one of my recent travel stories, people are keen to see bears. Now there's an app for that. Where's the Bear app tells you where bears have been spotted in Yellowstone.
Bears are popular sightings with tourists
It makes it easier for wildlife watchers to see bears but it can also lead to bear jams and cause habituation of bears to people. This can ultimately lead to bear deaths. I also wonder if such an app could help poachers find wildlife. Currently it is used in a protected area but Parks are facing budget challengs which means there isn't a ranger behind every tree. And what is to stop technology to be used in this way outside of protected areas?
Sometimes technology has effects we hadn't counted on. What's your feelings on Where's the Bear app? You can post here or join a discussion on Flickr
The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre in Ban Khamyong, Luang Prabang province, Laos (TAEC) is a non-government museum that relies on ticket and shop sales to keep its doors open. Grants and donations allow us to undertake significant research, conservation and education projects.
Here in Laos, public cultural institutions and academia are in their infancy. The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre was founded to promote understanding of Laos’ ethnic diversity and advocate for the survival and transmission of its cultural traditions. Now is a critical time, as Laos undergoes rapid modernisation and economic development.
For almost year we have been promoting for free in our website as Media Sponsors, after being contacted by the organisers, a new, "nature-focused" upcoming film festival in a well-known tourism destination, only to find out that the organisers decided, without letting us know, not to keep their side of the agreement, namely to include our logo in the official event program and website. The explanation offered (adding insult to injury) was that "it would not be fair" to their other sponsors who also provided fiscal support...Well, this is life. Academics researching the ethics of event organising / promotion may take an interest in this as a case study, so that at least something good comes out of it.
Illegal fishing, unscrupulous divers and pleasure craft dropping anchors are all issues facing the fragile seascapes which hold a diverse range of plants and animals. Increasingly the dive community is taking action to help preserve these ecosystems.
The Posidonia Pipefish is one such animal which has suffered recently. Living a camouflaged life in Posidonia Seagrass meadows, they have been suffering from the loss of the plants which support them. Recent fishing controls in the Mediterranean were hoped to reduce the loss of this ecosystem, however increasing numbers of pleasure craft are dropping their anchors and destroying the Posidonia meadows.
Divers are trying to help protect the species through research and awareness raising. You can see a full article here - Divers help protect the Posidonia Pipefish, with further links where you can find additional information.
San Francisco, California, April 5, 2012, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Presentation on cultural-culinary heritage preservation projects in Crete, Greece by Chef Nikki Rose, Founder of the award-winning Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries Eco-Agritourism Network. Rose is author of “Crete: The Roots of the Mediterranean Diet, enjoying the benefits of one of the world‘s healthiest cuisines wherever you live.“ Presentation followed by book signing and meze at Roots Restaurant, Orchard Garden Hotel, 466 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA. Space is limited. Advance reservations required. Details: http://www.cookingincrete.com/Nikki-Rose-Book-Presentation-Crete-The-Roots-of-the-Mediterranean-Diet3.html
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