Profile for Mother of Danone
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Malaysia
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We join in this discussion to represent our family because we love nature and it's biodiversity. There are so many less known or forgotten delicious edible wild and native plants that are no longer in use which makes us really sad. We want to find them and popularise them and make it economically viable and sustainable alongside existing food crops. We're looking for ways to make agriculture works like a natural ecosystem with diverse biological residents and provide high yields, contesting conventional farming. But the question of economically efficient harvesting is still something that we need to solve. Everyone wants mechanised harvesting.
All Messages
We buy more local produce... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 16 2009 at 03:58AM by Mother of Danone
We do the best that we can as a family. Buy local produce and grow our own. For instance we grow several variaties of chilies at home. Seven and encounting. We had a lot of extra chilies. We sell them and give some to our friends when there was too much.
We also scout around for wild varieties of fruits and vegetables. People gives us strange stares whenever we stop by the side of the road and poking around the bushes looking for them. We don't just stop at edible plants. We also collected herbs and wild medicinal plants. Of course we only took a few specimens and leave the rest to grow happily on their own where we found them.
One of our sisters works in nature conservation in Borneo.
Since we're building up our own apothecary, we'll be buying less store bought drugs like painkillers etc.
We've grown lots of flowering plants that bees and other insects likes. But this year we don't seem to seem them around anymore. Also it's fireflies season already and we can't see them around as well. Hopefully they comeback. But we seems to be having more birdy visitors this year.
Local governments and politicians should definitely pay attention to species extinction. There are laws protecting wildlife and the habitats but lack of monitoring and poor regulation reinforcement made them obsolete.
It's still disappointing that our country is still in the news about deforestation and illegal logging. We thought it was getting better until three days ago. More indigineous people displaced from their lands to grow palm oil. The goverment and oil corporations tries to sell the idea was good for the local people but we all know who benefits and the social implications to the displaced people. They are forced to rebuild their village somewhere else, deeper into the interior furthering the human footprint into the wildlife habitat or they are relocated into urban areas where whole communities are split leaving friends and families spread across long distances.
Hyping on heritage and the sentimental values in between the economical arguements pro and against does nothing for the people nor the environment. In developing countries, a revolution from the bottom up is difficult and almost impossible due to geo-political reasons. The governments are the ones entrusted with tax payers money. They have the capabilities to actually change things, not waste in campaigning for the next election. We are still hoping that our politicians kept their promises. In the mean time, lets all just do our best as individuals and communities.
It's sad thing is... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 16 2009 at 04:25AM by Mother of Danone
The sad thing is, for instance the case in Borneo. The rate of deforestation is so rapid the number of displaced wild animals, one of them is the urangutans is so great that the animal rescuers and conservationists are unable to cope that some of them had to be release back to the forest, to starve due to declining source of food in the forests or sent to overseas zoos. Most of the urangutans rescued are orphans, which means their mothers were killed by illegal loggers or poachers. This is not the way to treat our cousins.
Read more on this topic »We agree about the awareness... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 16 2009 at 04:40AM by Mother of Danone
Ordinary people are not aware enough about the importance of the natural world and in conserving it. It's surprising how some people can willy-nilly say some species should disappear. Two words. Arrogance and ignorance. Painful but true. But attitudes are changing. Whether soon enough before we lost everything we will just have to wait and do what we can.
You've done fantastic works Lari. We admire you!
Read more on this topic »You showed them Jerry! in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 16 2009 at 04:54AM by Mother of Danone
You'd actually said that to them rich retired pensioners?! You didn't even had to be rude to get you're message across. Good on you. If you notice some people cusses a lot when it comes to nature conservation. I'm glad that you're not one of them. We think if you want to be right, you have to be civilised. When harsh criticism is necessary, use gentle words with profound sarcasm. Instead of ridiculing, you are making people think.
Read more on this topic »We're documenting native and wild plants as well... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 16 2009 at 05:28AM by Mother of Danone
We're documenting native and wild plants as well but not
professionally as you are doing. Ours is like pictures with some
captions like it's names and descriptions. We don't even know how
to organise it. It's better than nothing isn't it. Keep your good work
in the Caribbean. We hate to see the region looking like Haiti after
the hurricanes. Countries that criticises Cuba failed to fare better
during natural disasters. Despite its economical disadvantages,
they manage to protect the environment. Who said a nation has to
be rich to do that.
Some farmers markets don't sell heritahe breeds anymore in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 17 2009 at 01:20AM by Mother of Danone
Back in the countryside, there was so many different breeds of crops
a decade ago. But now most farmers markets don't sell heritage
breeds anymore in favour of seeds imported from outside promising
higher yields. There was a local breed of tomato similar to the italian
oblong. Now you can't find them anymore. Now everyone sells the
round variety that is not as sweet. They keep well but lacks flavour.
Now people are asking for the old varieties to comeback. Too late
now.
Reptilians are widely used in chinese medicians... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 17 2009 at 01:40AM by Mother of Danone
Reptilians are widely used in chinese medicians... I know that
reptilians are used for some alleged elixer of life for centuries and
dried vipers were used in body hair depilatory remedies in ancient
times. When it comes to boas, it's probably used in medicines and
consumed as delicacies. It's the biggest form of trade for reptilians
and more lucrative, other than leather making and the niche market
for reptilian pets.
You're correct achurch. Humans are part of the biosphere... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 24 2009 at 01:09AM by Mother of Danone
Some people do forget that humans are part of the ecosystem rather than the common perception that people kind are separate from nature. Humans are part of the natural world just they are able to mould their environment in a more profound way that affect a wider aspect of the whole ecosystem. People have so much potential in making a good job of their stewardship on earth. Great job on growing your heirloom vegetables. And breeding local bees, Genius!
Read more on this topic »True... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 24 2009 at 01:29AM by Mother of Danone
It is fortunate that our governments have signed a treaty. So far, things are getting better regulated and in any occurance of violations are shown in the media. The idea of an "orangutan island". Is it really a good idea or just water under the bridge? Is it a project for exiled orangutans so human expansion can assume deeper into the forests for exploitation of its resources. Already the countries in the region (SE Asia) are considering nuclear as a new energy source and recent explorations discovered a rich source of coal and uranium in the Maliau Basin (Lembah Maliau) of Sabah and that area is considered a unique ultratropic forest. In the current economic situation and a forseeable energy crisis, temptation can be so great, it can get messy.
Read more on this topic »Introducing a pest's predator could be another problem... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 24 2009 at 01:51AM by Mother of Danone
We're FOR using natural pest control but here it is.
Introducing the pest's predator which may originate from a different
part of the world where the pest probably came from could be
another problem. It may backfire, for instance in Hawaii, they
introduce a cannibal snail from Africa as source of food. It didn't
catch on theplate. It ate all the native snails and small animals.
Then predators were introduced. Instead of eating the alien snails
they also ate the native animals. Several attempts made to control
the snails and the solution to the snail pest that became a new
pest but they only wreak havoc on the environment. Now the only
thing that can be done is numbers control done by the locals and
volunteers to pick them up from their hiding places and God
knows, eat them, feed them to fishes, sell them to the French?
Don't forget the problem with opium cyclingforenvironment... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 24 2009 at 02:30AM by Mother of Danone
In the interior of Vietnam, some communities still uses opium and
hooked to it. Ever since Vietnam's government banned the locals
from growing opium poppies, they had to buy them from elsewhere.
To make lots of money to satisfy the addiction, yup... poaching.
Without eliminating the drug problem, it's hard to help the local
communities to integrate into the whole mechanism of the protected
area system.
People do buy sea sponges... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 24 2009 at 03:06AM by Mother of Danone
Spongebob Squarepants did a campaign about the coral reefs. Yes, Spongebob is not a real sea sponge but if we make cartoons about endangered animals that are not as cute or as fuzzy as Knute the polar bear and use similar concept like the Nickelodeon cartoons just less annoying and disgusting, children and grown ups coul be mould to care more about them just as the cute and fuzzy ones. Whatever happened to The Wild Thornberrys? That was a good cartoon series. Read more on this topic »
Aging population... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 31 2009 at 04:41AM by Mother of Danone
Don't forget the world's human population is aging. Even the baby booming nations of the world like India and China currently have an increasing aging population. Now the city of Shanghai is allowing a 2 child per family policy to make up for the expected high number of pensioners in the future.
Read more on this topic »Yes. The introduction of some alien species are beneficial.... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 31 2009 at 04:47AM by Mother of Danone
You are right gquimbayo. The introduction of some alien species
are beneficial, in some cases enhances the existing ecosystem
comprising of native species.
For instance, in South East Asia, the
introduction of foraging vegetations from Africa and South America
with the intention to provide better forage for the meat and dairy
industries actually helps protecting the soil from erosion and
degradation. Their introduction also helps native species to thrive
because of their nature in improving soil quality and create a sort of
living nurseries that protects them from diseases, sometimes
pests and incourage local leaf eaters and insects to thrive.
Though some experiments are a double edged sword. For instance,
the introduction of the acacia plant from Australia for the pulp
industry and the starter vegetation in reforestation. The tree
sucks the moisture out of the ground, depriving fragile native
vegetations of water reducing the biodiversity. Their resilience
displaces and invades local species habitat causing problem to
biodiversity that relied on the existing natural order that is unique
to the region. The introduced rubber tree integrate well into the
natural ecosystem but the acacia, not so much.
You have a project that more or less improve and helps in sustaining a
healthy ecosystem and on the other hand, an experiment waiting
to give the country a negative deficit later in the future due to loss
of biodiversity.
I've read the article you shared with Jennyjst and the community
touches controversial and enlighting arguements about alien and
native species. Thank you.
Gold mining in Lombok... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 31 2009 at 05:49AM by Mother of Danone
Reading Jennyjst and gquimbayo's comment made me think. When the local governments that are not so responsible towards their people and their local environment, the people are all alone without an engine that can help locally the people to really integrate with their natural surrounding to be able to develop sustainably.
We had a gardener (Osman) a month ago. He went missing for over a month and we were very worried about what happened to him. Of course we alerted the authority and the Indonesian Embassy.
Last week Al-Jazeera made a coverage about dangerous gold mining on the island of Lombok, Indonesia where our gardener originate. Apparently a gold rush is currently happening there where people from all over Indonesia flocked to seek their fortune in gold. The miners were extracting gold using mercury, which is a heavy metal. You know the rest. When we first employed Osman, we knew he had a history of mercury poisoning because of his eyes has the symptom probably from gold and silver extraction. We found out he's back to gold mining in his homeland exposing himself to mercury and he's already a weak man.
The local government of the area is seeking to legalise private mining where health and safety is not monitored. This is seriously worrying. We know one of those miners. Also, thick of the environmental impact. Lombok is not a densely populated island, with the thousands of illegal miners coming have to cause a major negative environmental impact. This is a serious matter.
Al-Jazeera Coverage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCmMD3dtx7M
Oops... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Jul 31 2009 at 05:53AM by Mother of Danone
Ignore my spelling mistakes and double typing please. There's
a problem with the connection or something that I had to copy and
paste my comments so I don't lose it.
Here here... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Aug 07 2009 at 01:02AM by Mother of Danone
Reminds me of the program that the Canadian Wade Davis said in his program, Light at the Edge of the World. I can't remember the exact words but you were not far off. Though the word you should've used was "assimilation" instead of "integration". We need people to talk, share and communicate with each other to enrich our lives. In Sociological terms, assimilation meant totally absorbed into a system and integration meant being part of the system and interacts with the rest of the elements within it but stays distinctly separate in characteristics and nature to the system. I think this is what they mean. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Read more on this topic »Peacefuljeff, probably because... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Aug 07 2009 at 01:17AM by Mother of Danone
Peacefuljeff, probably because one meeting doesn't compile
everything that is needed for it to be called the Earth Protocol.
When we have enough protocols, then maybe it can be called as
such, that is if there is still anything left for them to be implimented
on. Anyway, the Copenhagen Protocol is probably going to be a
measure like the Kyoto Protocol, not really a long term policy for
the Earth forever. Keep optimistic though!
You are so right myriaddome... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Aug 07 2009 at 01:57AM by Mother of Danone
For instance, the endorsement of free trade in the nineties causes country to import food instead of producing it themselves. Now these countries, Malaysia included, scrambles to get food back to the people when producers no longer able to export to fullfil the market's demand. Anyway, Uganda's problem is political isn't it? Compliments to Uganda's dried fruits products. They are delicious! The sort of dried fruits we have here are like crystalised in sugar. Not nice at all.
Read more on this topic »Political stability and food security in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Aug 12 2009 at 01:05AM by Mother of Danone
Africa is so rich in natural resources and and fertile lands. It doesn't make sense that Africans have to burn their forests to export so people can have a barbecue. It's obvious the continent's poverty is down to mismanagement due to political instability. What is left to debate about if almost all of the efforts made to bring Africans and their natural environment to live in harmony when the next day a conflict strikes and everything comes in vain. Like the BBC drama Judge John Deed said, we are short in current days' good role-models. Now we all get the feeling that the idea of really good role-model is far fetched, thank to the society's obsession to so-called entertainment industry driven by sex and money, some multi-national corporate companies drunk on profit and "globalisation" while neglecting their responsibilities, still barely getting back on its feet even after we heard the news that the world's economy is recovering. If only there is a way to balance Mankind's "individuality" and the "greater good". Most of the time we wonder if we are good enough to aspire people to do good and great things while looking at figures back in history that achieved and became a role-model. Where are we without them?
Read more on this topic »Tree planting and rites of passage... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Aug 12 2009 at 01:22AM by Mother of Danone
Isn't in some cultures around the world, example some tribes in Afghanistan and Nepal, tree planting is a rites of passage for births, reaching adulthood, marriages etc.
Read more on this topic »But paulmalouf... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Aug 12 2009 at 01:29AM by Mother of Danone
Shouldn't developing countries also contribute in the fund however small the contribution is, in capital nor initiative and executive power? At least they can have a stake in the fund and people can't say they are only at the receiving end.
Read more on this topic »Now countries are on sale to other countries, land rights... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Aug 12 2009 at 01:52AM by Mother of Danone
Now developing countries are on sale to other richer countries to grow food for respective countries. Some of of the programs are beneficial to the countries, but some are rather exploitative. When it comes to land rights is when it turns controversial. In Sudan, Arab companies buys land rights to grow food where the market is a guarantee sale and both the people and the corporations benefits, but in some Latin American countries, where people without land were distributed with them but the land remain unproductive because the people only know subsistance farming. The sad thing is the land used to be forests with an ecosystem. It's a waste to let precious lands standing idled once the initially existing ecosystem were destroyed. The dispute between land rights and ownership along with nature's biodiversity conservation comes together almost all the time.
Read more on this topic »Morakot... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Aug 14 2009 at 01:44AM by Mother of Danone
Here in the Pacific, people been expecting a looming hot spell, El Nino. Then there's typhoon Morakot. It's no surprise Taiwan was badly hit because historically most of the forests was logged and the slopes were left unprotected. Talking about a disaster waiting to happen. The picture is reminiscent of the tragedy landslide on Bukit Bintang in Malaysia last year.http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE57A3DB20090811
Read more on this topic »Strong words Hasrun... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Aug 18 2009 at 12:49AM by Mother of Danone
You're passionate views is something to be admired of. Costa Rica is famed for its pristeen forests and biodiversity, notably the wide variety of amphibians. Do Costa Ricans' really that indifferent about the state of their country and the world (other than you of course)? Surely there in need to be a lot of work to be done to "educate" your countrymen to the importance of the environment and biodiversity. They should know that their future generations have a stake in what this generation is doing right now. If the current situation is bad with the perceived water stress and bad land and marine management, the looming dire situation is inevitable. If ones are not so "tiddled up" about being alive, think of the terrible suffering their children and children's children and so on will have to endure. We all know it will happen, but by minimising the negative impact in this current situation, we can reduce the amount of future suffering significantly. Tell them that Hasrun!
Read more on this topic »Not just Japan... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Aug 18 2009 at 01:17AM by Mother of Danone
Several nothern countries does whaling activities (Finland, Russia etc.) as well. May not be for domestic consumption but mostly exports but still part of the greater network. Whaling shouldn't be forbidden but they do need to be restricted. Some whaling cultures went back centuries and the peoples' fundamental survival based on whaling and other sort of hunting. We can't just say stop to whaling. The Billion Tree Campaign is a great initiative. There are local lands left barren for half a decade eroding and remain unproductive whether for aforestation effort or simply re-vegetation. It just doesn't make sense to countries famed for their fertile geographical situation, does it?
Read more on this topic »India is capable... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Aug 18 2009 at 01:44AM by Mother of Danone
Faisallatif420, I think India do have the tools and technology to fully and sustainably exploit in the long term, conducive and progressive sense of their natural resources. It's all about awareness in opportunities and potentials together with the distribution of the necessary tools. The people need to reassert their rights for a healthy environment. The sense of responsibilty and care for public property that people had in the past is something that ought to be brought back having realising their rights and responsibilty. Technological advancements are made all the time in India all the time and it's still industrialising even during this so-called global recession. The lacking of the former seems highly unlikely. India and so many other under developed nations have so many potentials but the people just don't know all of the options available for them or they are entitled to demand.
Read more on this topic »We need to come to a conclusion... in Species - The extinction crisis
Posted on Aug 27 2009 at 01:45AM by Mother of Danone
Cheers Sarah.Janicke for the Local Action of Biodiversity info.
We're going to join in the effort.
How will the conclusion at the end of the discussion on
"The extinction crisis" or rather as put by "pc88", the mass
extinction, will turn out to be. Hopefully it brings more enthusiasm
than the doom and gloom we hear at the 'latter end'.
Underwater volcanoes... in Evidence of climate change and ideas
Posted on Sep 01 2009 at 11:47PM by Mother of Danone
Freezing carbon dioxide? Doesn't CO2 has a really low freezing point? Cooling it down into solid itself requires a high amount of energy and we all know what that means especially since we are still dependent on hydrocarbons for energy, more CO2. Also, most deep ocean waters suitable for the frozen gas, theoratically not subliminate back to the surface, are located along the underwater continental rifts where underwater volcanoes are. We know very little about the ecosystem of our deep oceans. Contrary to our older beliefs that they are too barren for life, with underwater exploration submarines, we were so wrong. Right now, only trees are the most efficient means of carbon sequestration.
Read more on this topic »It's like putting an opaque acetate in front of your eyes... in Evidence of climate change and ideas
Posted on Sep 02 2009 at 08:40AM by Mother of Danone
When we were growing up during the 90's, in Sabah, Malaysia, we used to see the hills behind our old home. No haze in sight. Now we we can hardly see the hills' top, and it's just a few yards away from our front door and Sabah is the least developed state in Malaysia. Southeast Asia had been having problems with air pollution from cars and open-burning for agriculture as well as some regions, but our politicians have pledged to sort it out more co-operatively between countries instead of the blame game they had been playing all this time. And Pola is right, it is getting rather hotter most of the time, though from where we are living here, el nino was forecasted, instead we've been having wet weather. Weather forecasting is till an art after all rather that a real science.
We have been doing the little things like using electricity conservatively and collect rain water, as well as recycling and "going local".
Our dad is one of the lecturers in UMS that are researching in alleviating poverty in Sabah. Amongst the proposed projects are marine fisheries managed by the poor fishermen that are losing their livelihood due to depleting fish stocks and the push for a better regulated fishing industries. The questions on sustainable fish feed which usually made from other smaller fish and marine animals and favouring a mangrove swamp to rear fish rather than the conventional stone embankments and floating cages and the fear of dioxins were addressed, but the committees need more help, especially advises and suggestions from experts in sustainable marine management.
There should be more emphasis and investment on transnational/regional energy systems. For instance, a deal between Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa.
http://ecotality.com/life/2007/12/03/out-of-africa-a-grand-plan-for-powering-europe-via-the-sun/
Biochar, "terra preta" said the Portugese... in Evidence of climate change and ideas
Posted on Sep 04 2009 at 12:03AM by Mother of Danone
You're so right hughlaue about biochar. There are hundreds of tonnes of municipal waste from plant off-cuts, wasted through meaningless incineration sometimes left to rot and clog the drains that leads to more problems like eutrophication and flooding. They could've been used as a mean for energy with the added advantage of the by-product, charcoal(biochar). People been pushing for coal powerstations to be adapted to use this wasted resource but little action. In some places, nothing happened.
Read more on this topic »Adapting and geo-engineering in Evidence of climate change and ideas
Posted on Sep 04 2009 at 12:48AM by Mother of Danone
The world hasn't got a choice prajakta. It is already starting to adapt to the changing climate though not as fast as people would've hoped. Though you are right about everything and everyone interconnected in a network of chains that interacts and interdepends with each other.
ICoelho suggested a link about geoengineering about putting mirrors in space because polar caps are melting. It's a real problem that the polar caps function to reflect the sunlight back into space is diminishing and that the areas where the ice had receeded, forests are encroaching, which some people said causes more problem in increasing the atmospheric temperature fueling global warming given organic life adsorb energy, heat. Some people say geoengineering is barmy, ones here remain skeptical.
Anyone care to elaborate?
Geoengineering.... in Evidence of climate change and ideas
Posted on Sep 07 2009 at 12:56AM by Mother of Danone
You're right peacefuljeff. So far all of the geoengineering ideas seems far-fetched, but really a whole lot of nonsense. We appreciated their ideas and thoughts but really most of them contains more dissatisfying consequential implications than real solutions. For instance, making water droplets in clouds bigger using sea water. If the winds blow the clouds with saline materials somewhere else, say a landmass, the water table will be contaminated increasing the salinity of the soil killing of vegetation unable to adapt, which in drought stricken country is the least of their problem having to find potable water fit for drinking.
Read more on this topic »Algae... in Evidence of climate change and ideas
Posted on Sep 07 2009 at 01:44AM by Mother of Danone
Algae had already been applied in industries like food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. They are also currently intensely farmed in some countries. This is not something new. Their use is so widespread, people just ignore their role, just like when people may still be oblivious about the use palm oil in almost every processed products they have for consumption and use.
Run-offs from agriculture made algae thrive causing a major environmental pollution. Perhaps harvesting these algae for energy first ought to be considered rather than letting them to decay causing all sort of health hazard. Not saying that pollution from "nutritious run-offs" from places like farms and landfills should be allowed to persist. It's just that it seems like a waste.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8209472.stm
Not really... in Politics and policy
Posted on Sep 09 2009 at 11:40PM by Mother of Danone
There is more politcal nonsense and shenanigans rather than any real actions and strong policies regarding climate change. The politicians in Malaysia are too busy with power and conspiracies to care and the local news programs are awashed with them everyday. Now they are trying to delude the people with "the People are Placed First, Achievements are Prioritised". It's an embarrassing matter.
Read more on this topic »Natural ecosystems and biodiversity of the Holy Land... in Politics and policy
Posted on Sep 09 2009 at 11:56PM by Mother of Danone
Contrary to what some people thought, Palestine/Israel have it's own range of biodiversity. Care to share with us what you know about the natural environment of where you live and the impacts human have on them, jalal?
Read more on this topic »Flooding in Istanbul and Gabon... in Evidence of climate change and ideas
Posted on Sep 10 2009 at 12:11AM by Mother of Danone
Another case of the consequences of bad urban planning in Turkey. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHNqa7MoMhI
Also, Gabon has begun to diversify it's economy. We should pay more attention to the African country. It have a population of around 1 million and 75% of the country is forested. After the oil dries up, all sort of havoc may break loose.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNwzGkwtjKs
EleanorK... in Evidence of climate change and ideas
Posted on Sep 10 2009 at 12:20AM by Mother of Danone
First you click the top "2009" folder, then you clip on the link saying "Demand climate justice in Copenhagen".
Read more on this topic »Education... in Education and awareness
Posted on Sep 10 2009 at 01:08AM by Mother of Danone
What is exactly "people need to be educated about the environment"?
People don't like to be preached upon. Most people on earth knows that healthy, stable ecosystem are imperitive for the survival of all species, including humans.
In retrospect from past to current observation, in Malaysia for instance, year after year we had campaigns sponsored by the goverment for environmental conservation and stewardship but nothing happens in practice as if the collective mentality is numbed. The people made no effort to really understand the way the natural world works and actually do simple information research. They know it's importance theoretically but knows absolute nothing or rather hardly a modest acknowledgement in an abstract understanding.
The government is also to blame. They promised to facilitate the people in creating a green economy but failed. Last year, our administration promised to create a working nationwide recycling collection and processing industry. It was the mouth of the country for a whole month, then, nothing. What we need now are real actions and environmental policies enforced with no loop-holes. The role of governments are to facilitate the process with an enduring political will professed in actions, not rhetorics. It's about time our people take up responsibility as an emerging industrial polluter.
We're going to handout the WWF Climate Deal Pocket Handbook to everyone and maybe make a case study on our local beach involving the local people. The people need to wake up that their country is no longer a small developing country in the backwaters of the Pacific. Hopefully. If not we'll all be like the 'Geek's that peacefullyjeff described in one of his 4th September posts. That man has a lot of passion and a good sense of humour when looking at the "num nums" in politics with sarcasm.
Read more on this topic »Consumers' apathy in Politics and policy
Posted on Sep 11 2009 at 12:59AM by Mother of Danone
Nigel Marven, it is probably due to consumer apathy with the
recession and having to juggle 2 to 3 jobs, especially for the
working class. Public confidence is also not that optimistic
since some analysts said we are more likely to have a 'W'
shape recovery.
Compared to the Brits and Malaysians, collectively in the way of thinking in regards to the environment and nature conservation is first class. We know because we lived in England a few years back. It's not that people don't care, it's mobilising the people that is hard. It's like you have to pay them even when you explain it to the brim what is at stake. No sense of action fpr the common good. Here, you've shown the facts, you showed them the horrid truth in human activities right on their doorstep. On television. Cries of anger then nothing as if all the problems had blown over. It's embarrassing.
The world are rather jealous of the UK, or rather the Europeans in their approach to climate change and nature conservation. If the EPCs pulls through, surely the whole world will follow suit. Europe should catch up because the Japan may be in the lead in targeting 25% cuts in emissions. As for Malaysia and the Southeast Asia region, we're working on empowering the people to push the government into action and environmental policy enforcement.
Read more on this topic »Green tax in Politics and policy
Posted on Sep 11 2009 at 01:17AM by Mother of Danone
Insulation manufacturer should pay 'green' tax because the product they produce is not as 'green' as ones perceive both in itself and its manufacturing process. Though the idea of taxation may put them off from co-operating with policy makers, so perhaps giving them a break from the tax if the companies are willing to be more active in making their operation more efficient and less environmentally demanding by innovations. They may also get a break from the 'green' tax if they improve their relationship with their consumers and made effort to reel in more clients to improve the efficiency of their homes. Of course, all industries involved, not just the insulation companies should work more closely. They know it makes sense.
Read more on this topic »Baseline year, 1990 in Politics and policy
Posted on Sep 11 2009 at 01:28AM by Mother of Danone
Shlapak, the baseline year for the 5% reduction target is 1990 CO2 concentration around 300 ppm (parts per million of air).
Read more on this topic »Municipal plant off-cuts... in Evidence of climate change and ideas
Posted on Sep 11 2009 at 02:27AM by Mother of Danone
Yeah, shlapak was right Climatechange. Municipal organic waste is best used for biofuel because it is what it is, a waste if not utilised. Cutting trees down for fuel is hardly sustainable. Are the trees that are going to be cut down be replaced? Liberia ought to planting trees like mango and avocado because they produce many branches and some of these branches can be trimmed and used for fuel. And because mango and avocado are delicious and highly in demand, though domestic consumption should be put first, I think you'll agree.
There are so many varieties of tropical trees that can be used for its fruits and eaten as vegetables that can be sustainably cultivated, both native and introduced to the region that can be used for biofuel. Nottingham University did a research on using every part of the banana tree for energy a while back if you remember causing a worldwide interest.
A recent UN report said flooding affected West Africa. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5874YU20090908
How is Liberia effected and how is it dealt with? Thank you.
Read more on this topic »All we need is love... in Lifestyle and economic changes
Posted on Sep 14 2009 at 12:44AM by Mother of Danone
In this messed up time of human history, even 'love' is confused over obsessions and depravity rather than 'true' passions and virtues. It seems like we always have to look to the past for role models of morals. Even love comes with ethics unlike in the 60's where "free love" is an excuse to neglect responsibilities. The human being will really the greatest discovery for the third millenium if anyone is left to enjoy it when the time comes.
Read more on this topic »Norman Borlaug... in Lifestyle and economic changes
Posted on Sep 14 2009 at 12:56AM by Mother of Danone
God bless his soul. Hope he had a very happy and fulfilling life after living for almost a century. A great man here people! He's among the people that worked for global food security yet we're still wasting over half of our good harvest. Thank you Sir Norman Borlaug! You were one cool Viking!
Read more on this topic »Politics... politics... politics in Lifestyle and economic changes
Posted on Sep 14 2009 at 01:13AM by Mother of Danone
Politicians shouldn't abuse their position for business but nooooo... It's shameful how some governments and politicians become vendors for ludicrous ideas in search for quick-fix solution at the same time tries to deceive the people on conflicting matters. When it comes to people power, the concept is dead in some cases. It's like you have to hit on the politician heads with a saucepan for them to get the idea, at least in Malaysia anyway. Nuclear power by 2025. Phooey!
Read more on this topic »Existing refugees... in Politics and policy
Posted on Sep 30 2009 at 05:14AM by Mother of Danone
Malaysia already have refugees and asylum seekers from the South East Asian region cooped up it holding camps fleeing from our less prospering neighbours (notably from the Philippines). Treatment to our refugees and migrant workers is still bad (just look at how officials treat the peaceful civil protests of their own citizen, to refugees it must be worse) but there is a push from outside and within to improve better conditions, even if it is rather slow.
When the sea level rises, Malaysia will have no choice but to absorb the climate refugees as well and this country isn't making any real measures to address the looming crisis other than half thought policies and projects that probably be cancelled later. As complex as the circumstances of current refugee situation, the world can do without a major mass global refugee crisis of a greater scale.
It's inevitable that there will be future climate refugees because it is highly unlikely the world will be weaned off from producing GHGs as fast as hoped, not making excuses for not making the 350 target here. To be angry at the countries on the receiving end for climate refugees is unfair when the regimes that suppose to serve these refugees are not doing their jobs rather being notably oppressive (Myanmar) and corrupt (the Philippines).
Read more on this topic »So true... in Lifestyle and economic changes
Posted on Oct 02 2009 at 03:59AM by Mother of Danone
Clever people did everything they could to make people wake up to the seriousness and urgency of the matter but both government and some ordinary people that couldn't care less just dismiss them because it is easier for them not to care and do anything about. Even the little things like reducing unnecessary wastage in electricity uses and food, let alone NOT littering.
It seems like our (or some) society is going towards a downward spiral to self-destruction. It's a wonder if some of them deserve to survive the future catastrophe for ignoring the matter out of convenience. Now how do you deal with that situation. Anyone?
Read more on this topic »Scary outlook... in Lifestyle and economic changes
Posted on Oct 02 2009 at 04:26AM by Mother of Danone
I'm scared that people will get tired of their government's inaction that they will resort to violence then we'll be having another new term with 'terrorism' pinned to it. Later we'll be having people worst hit by climate change instead of seen as climate refugees, labeled as 'climate terrorists'. What will become of us?
Read more on this topic »Road signs and spaghetti junctions... in Lifestyle and economic changes
Posted on Oct 02 2009 at 06:38AM by Mother of Danone
It's them false road signs and confusing spaghetti junctions in the cities and motorways that are one of the contributors to the production of greenhouse gases by getting drivers going round in circles, using up on fuel. Talking about being metaphorical and literal at the same time.
As for GDP, we all know that in some countries the actual resources are used by Gross Domestic Politicians for their feast parties, in Malaysia at least. Ever since there have been a probe into the misuse of tax payers money, them monsters in the cupboard been trembling with fear. Some was caught out. You should see their faces. It's a serious matter but ones can't help but laugh at their pathetic voices trying to defend their frivolous spendings.
Read more on this topic »Well done Climatechange... in Lifestyle and economic changes
Posted on Oct 02 2009 at 07:01AM by Mother of Danone
Great that you were able to mobilise a lot of your fellow countrymen to make a change and raise awareness. Hopefully our 'poop gas' (biogas digester) that we built at our home works so we can demonstrate it's feasibility to our local community. By having one in every household, you can cut out the GHG emission from cars to keep replacing your gas tank for cooking. Also, the gas tank is really heavy, without it, we can avoid the back breaking work of carrying it around in the first place. We're testing it this weekend. Wish us luck!
Read more on this topic »Slow progress... in Lifestyle and economic changes
Posted on Oct 05 2009 at 01:08AM by Mother of Danone
Shlapak, we are using grass cuttings and anything plant based. We want to integrate biological waste (if you know what I mean) but people are a little dubious about We're starting with rural areas as a source for cooking gas, later when we have enough people to demand for it, we're going to get the local goverment to convert our coal power station to biomass. Slow, but someone need to start something.
Right now we need a sort of a collection tank for the combustible gas. The progress is so slow when you have little resources.
Read more on this topic »Another typhoon! in Evidence of climate change and ideas
Posted on Oct 05 2009 at 01:29AM by Mother of Danone
First Ketsana, then Parma. This time it's called Melur which means Jasmine. There is nothing sweet about its coming. Malaysia may not be worst hit, but trees were blown to pieces when Ketsana came around the corner. Still thinking global warming is a myth?
Read more on this topic »The Olympic Committee was never free ... in Politics and policy
Posted on Oct 05 2009 at 01:49AM by Mother of Danone
The Olympic Committee was never free from political and corporate opportunists which governs international associations. Ones just have to flip through history and see the stains running through its tapestry to the present day. Forgot how the Nazis used the Olympics to promote their Aryan aspirations. As for the Olympic Games 2008, we don't even have to tweeze out the flaws happening behind the impressively extravagant pageantry that we saw. China has turned 60 this year after all. Anything could happen.
Read more on this topic »Misleading advertisement... in Lifestyle and economic changes
Posted on Oct 05 2009 at 02:10AM by Mother of Danone
They are still selling tap water in plastic bottles on the TV, giving the misperception of claimed health benefits, and here people are buying them in crates. Most people somewhat ignore this 'tall' endorsement but this doesn't stop them from giving their party guests drinking water in plastic packaging. Changing minds and attitudes is a great challenge especially when the culture of convenience is so ingrained in the psyche of the society regardless of the environmental impacts. Harsh as it may sound, the stubbornness of mankind to learn from their mistakes seems to only manifest when mother nature comes around with a metaphorical stick to beat them into their senses.
Read more on this topic »That tree looks familiar... in Lifestyle and economic changes
Posted on Oct 07 2009 at 01:23AM by Mother of Danone
We have that tree growing at our home. We've been looking all over for it's name. What is it called if you don't mind telliing.
Read more on this topic »Soya... in Evidence of climate change and ideas
Posted on Oct 09 2009 at 01:34AM by Mother of Danone
True Vidal. Let's not forget that soya bean is nutritionally complete as a vegetable protein. It seems a waste to use them as feed to livestocks because they are, after all, the most popular alternative to proteins derived from animals.
Also, animal husbandry accounts to be one of the major greenhouse gases emitters. To degrade masses of land that used to be a free source of carbon capture to grow soya then feed the product to pigs and cattle is just unethical. Pigs have a really bad digestive system. Most of the feed end up as faeces anyway. What a waste!
Winoria was right. We should go veggie or at least eat less meat and actually appreciate and savour it when we do rather than ramming it down our throats like the way we treat our urban sewers.
Read more on this topic »Guatemala in Lifestyle and economic changes
Posted on Oct 09 2009 at 02:57AM by Mother of Danone
Guatemala is also historically part of the Greater Ancient Mayan Civilisation and one of the many theories to its collapse is due to climate change. If we don't learn from our ancestors, then we are all doomed to the same fate.
Read more on this topic »Displaced Indigineous People in Colombia... in Politics and policy
Posted on Oct 13 2009 at 05:27AM by Mother of Danone
Adding climate refugees on top of the existing conflict we have now, Africa, the Middle East, we already have too much on our plate. It's not only the Amazon but the indigenous people of the Arctic Circle and the small island nations of the Pacific and Indian Ocean. Never forget the mass displacement of people of the inevitable after effects of climate change.
Read more on this topic »Reproduction and longer life expectancy... in Discussion in Spanish
Posted on Oct 20 2009 at 09:10AM by Mother of Danone
Fear of human population growing exponentially above the Earth's capacity due to high birth rate and lower infant mortality rate, people are also living for longer. Read this article.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8314442.stm
Read more on this topic »There is a model city in Latin America in Lifestyle and economic changes
Posted on Oct 21 2009 at 12:53AM by Mother of Danone
Curitiba, Brasil. It seems people forgot about this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curitiba
Organic in Lifestyle and economic changes
Posted on Oct 23 2009 at 01:06AM by Mother of Danone
Commercially, 'organic' means the produce is grown without synthetic fertilisers, hormones(cattle, poultry, pigs) and pesticides/herbicides and if it is then turned into processed end product, it is manufactured in a way that doesn't use any synthetic additives. Some would even extend this to the packaging stage.
I think commercial 'organic' farming is possible to feed the world. The key is 'biodiversity' and moving away from mono-cropping agriculture. What is needed to be developed is a model, or rather several models, depending on the climate and latitude to make viable as the way to go commercially along side with conventional farming. Theoretically, when the model is complete, it will require less maintenance and protection from pests and diseases, in a way a functioning ecosystem but productive. But it is still under research.
Read more on this topic »Videos/images by Mother of Danone
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