EWM Express

Image via: Joe Chernov

Since news of Soco's intention to drill in the Virunga National Park in the Congo broke on the 1st of August, the big hitters have stepped up to the mark in the form of a WWF campaign to prevent oil exploration going ahead. Some may argue that the revenue earned from oil exploitation will help develop local communities.  Given the political situation in the country, local communities are likely to be treated as poorly as those in the Niger Delta by the large oil companies. As centrepiece of the campaign, WWF have published a report which shows the value of the reserve ($350 million/year) based on eco-tourism and other sustainable developments without the need to extract oil. Please support this campaign by signing the WWF Draw the Line petition here.   At least 94,348 people have signed it already, will you be 100,000? http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/virunga/

GM Rice Approval 'edging closer' Scientists in the Philippines are weeks from submitting a genetically modified variety of rice to the authorities for biosafety evaluations. This is an ethical minefield.  The rice in question is Golden Rice which has enhanced Vitamin A. Will this genetically modified rice really address the problems of malnutrition? If there is a chance it will reduce malnutrition, what right do we over-nourished Westerners have to stop it, despite the risks to the environment? There are obviously other, better ways of tackling malnutrition while so many developed countries waste tremendous quantities of food. Ways which cover a broad spectrum of nutrients rather than focusing on only one vitamin. Source:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23581877 Related Posts: Aphid Resistant GM Wheat The Time is Right for GM Crops Can Organic Agriculture Feed the World?