21 – 25 Dec Guided Walks @ Bukit Brown
from a.t.Bukit Brown. Heritage. Habitat. History.
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November Was the Hottest on Earth Since 1880
Tia Ghose LiveScience.com Yahoo News 17 Dec 13;
It's confirmed: November 2013 was the hottest November on Earth since at least 1880.
This past November was the hottest on record, with land and ocean temperatures a toasty 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.78 degrees Celsius) above the average 20th century global temperature of 55.2 degrees Fahrenheit (12.9 degrees Celsius), according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). When only land temperatures are taken into account, this November was the second hottest on record.
Almost every region was warmer than usual, with a few exceptions: The central and eastern portions of North America, the Southern Ocean near Antarctica, northern Australia and southwestern Greenland were cooler than average. Meanwhile, Russia had its warmest November since 1880, with some areas seeing temperatures 14 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) above average, according to NOAA. [8 Hottest Places on Earth]
And don't expect a break from the heat, either: 2014 may be even hotter than 2013. That's because climate models are raising the odds of 2014 El Niño conditions, which warm sea water in the tropical Pacific and often raise global temperatures, according to data from the Climate Prediction Center and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society. If El Niño conditions prevail, they would be the first since the hottest year on record — 2010. El Niño conditions could make Southeast Asia and Australia drier and lessen rains in the Indian monsoon. The coast of California could also be battered by stronger storms in winter 2014, Quartz reported
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Emerging nations overtake West in dumping electronic trash
Alister Doyle PlanetArk 16 Dec 13;
China and other emerging economies have overtaken Western nations in dumping old electronic goods, from TVs to cellphones, and will lead a projected 33 percent surge in the amount of waste from 2012 to 2017, a U.N.-backed alliance said on Sunday.
The report, the first to map electronic waste by country to promote recycling and safer disposal of often toxic parts, shows how the economic rise of developing nations is transforming the world economy even in terms of pollution.
"The e-waste problem requires attention globally," Ruediger Kuehr of the U.N. University and executive secretary of the Solving the E-Waste Problem (StEP) initiative, told Reuters. StEP is run by U.N. agencies, governments, NGOs and scientists.
The weight of electronic goods discarded every year worldwide would rise to 65.4 million tonnes from 2012 to 2017 from 48.9 million in 2012, with most of the growth in developing nations, StEP said.
By 2017, it would make the annual piles of old washing machines, computers, fridges, electronic toys and other goods with an electric cord or battery the weight equivalent of 200 Empire State Buildings or 11 Great Pyramids of Giza, it said.
Some waste from rich countries ends up in developing nations, where many people work in hazardous conditions for low wages dismantling it.
Waste from emerging countries, as well as Russia and other former Soviet bloc nations, overtook totals from Western nations such as the United States, the European Union, Japan and Australia around 2012, StEP data showed.
In that year, the West produced 23.5 million tonnes of waste and all others 25.4 million, a shift from the previous estimates for 2007 when the West accounted for most, StEP said.
MOUNTAINS OF TRASH
By 2017, trash from the West would rise to 28.6 million tonnes, far less than the 36.7 million from other countries, a side-effect of the economic rise of emerging nations such as India, Brazil and South Africa.
"Although there is ample information about the negative environmental and health impacts of primitive e-waste recycling methods, the lack of comprehensive data has made it hard to grasp the full magnitude of the problem," Kuehr said in the report.
Consumers could help with better recycling, especially at Christmas, he said.
Waste can be valuable if recycled. One study estimated that a million cellphones can yield 24 kg (53 lb) of gold, 250 kg of silver, 9 kg of palladium and more than 9 tonnes of copper.
Sunday's report also showed that the average person on the planet produces 7 kg of electronic waste every year. Americans were among the highest with 29.8 kg each.
Separately, U.S.-based experts trying to track the fate of waste said that about two-thirds of U.S. electronics waste is collected for re-use or recycling and that only 8.5 percent of the collected units are exported.
Bigger electronic items, especially TVs and computer monitors, were exported to nations including Mexico, Venezuela, Paraguay and China, it said. Smaller items often went to Asia.
Jeremy Gregory, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a co-author of the report, told Reuters it was hard to track trade because the waste is often merely described as "mixed metals" on import documents.
StEP urged nations to adopt clearer trade descriptions.
(Editing by Alison Williams)
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Best of our wild blogs: 17 Dec 13
Sex and the Birds: 9. Polygyny and Baya Weavers
from Bird Ecology Study Group
Giant Honeybee
from Monday Morgue
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Malaysia: Crackdown on sale of wildlife meat
Ruben Sario The Star 17 Dec 13;
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Wildlife Department is stepping up its crackdown against those dealing in wildlife meat amid criticisms that such action was adversely affecting some indigenous communities here.
The Wildlife Rangers would be conducting more surprise checks at tamu or weekly farmers markets and other places where wildlife meat was being sold, said Department director Datuk Dr Laurentius Ambu.
Some of the meat sold there were of totally protected species, he added, in noting that the meat of endangered animals such as the binturong (bearcat) had been found in such markets.
He said under the law, all wildlife belonged to the Government and special permits were required for the hunting, trading or possession of wildlife meat.
He added that three individuals were detained after Wildlife Rangers seized some 160kg of Sambar and barking deer meat at the tamu in the remote town of Nabawan on Nov 11.
Following the crackdown, United Murut Community Organisation president Datuk Alizulfakar Alexius said the action ran contrary to the tradition of the indigenous community who had been hunting wildlife for protein which they had done for centuries.
He added that indigenous communities would usually hunt wildlife that had wandered into their farms or orchards and destroyed their crops.
He said the villagers selling their wildlife meat in the tamu should thus not be considered as committing a crime.
Wildlife officer Benedict Jani said Nabawan had become a hotspot for the sale of illegal bushmeat in recent years due to the vast road networks all the way to Tawau and they were not surprised if the bushmeat was illegally hunted in Maliau Basin or as far as some protected Forest Reserves in Tawau and Lahad Datu.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the war on illegal wildlife trade and poaching had just begun.
He said there would no compromise and offenders should be prepared to go to jail as well.
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Malaysia: Residents advised to brace for third wave of heavy rain
The Star 17 Dec 13;
KUALA LUMPUR: Residents in Terengganu, Pahang and Johor have been advised to be prepared for the third wave of heavy rain expected to begin between tomorrow and Friday.
The Meteorological Department’s weather forecast centre director Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said the rain was expected to be followed by high tide and strong winds in the South China Sea. The heavy rain could cause floods in low-lying areas, he said yesterday.
Among the areas involved in the states are Dungun and Kemaman in Terengganu, Pahang (Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin) and Johor (Segamat and Mersing).
On floods in the three states and in Kelantan recently, Muhammad Helmi said among the factors were short spells of heavy downpour.
He said the 300ml of rainfall recorded in Kuantan on Dec 2 was among the highest ever recorded in a day. — Bernama
Floods: Third wave of heavy rain to hit Terengganu, Pahang, Johor
The Star 16 Dec 13;
KUALA LUMPUR: Residents in Terengganu, Pahang and Johor have been advised to be prepared for the third wave of heavy rain expected between Wednesday and Friday.
The Meteorological Department's weather forecast centre director, Muhammad Helmi Abdullah said the rain was expected to be followed by high tide and strong winds in the South China Sea.
The heavy rain could cause floods in low-lying areas, he told Bernama.
Among the areas involved are Dungun and Kemaman in Terengganu, Pahang (Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin) and Johor (Segamat and Mersing).
On floods in the three states, and in Kelantan recently, Muhammad Helmi said among the factors were short spells of heavy downpour.
He said the 300ml of rainfall recorded in Kuantan on Dec 2, was among the highest ever recorded in a day.
"However, it is difficult for us to link the heavy rain to climate change. Nevertheless, scientists have admitted the situation caused extreme weather," he added.
'Second wave of floods likely to be more severe'
New Straits Times 17 Dec 13;
KUALA LUMPUR: The second wave of floods predicted to hit the east coast tomorrow will likely hit more areas.
The Meteorological Department, however, said more areas would be affected because of the combined factors of high tides, strong winds and heavy rains.
Its central forecast division director, Muhammad Helmi Abdullah, said the effects were likely to be "severe".
"The heavy rains, predicted to begin from Wednesday to Sunday, will coincide with the presence of the full moon.
"This will result in unusually high tides that may cause flooding.
"With the presence of strong winds, the situation could worsen."
He said intermittent rain was expected and this might cause floods in low-lying areas.
On Monday, the department issued a yellow alert (heavy rain) for Terengganu (Dungun and Kemaman), Pahang (Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin) and Johor (Segamat and Mersing).
He said more areas could be affected this time.
"Although three states are expected to be hit, there is a high chance that other areas will be affected, too, because of the tidal surge and strong winds."
Helmi urged the public to be alert and keep abreast with the latest developments through the department's website and Facebook page.
National Security Council secretary Datuk Thajudeen Abdul Wahab said the council was prepared for the second wave.
"All personnel from various agencies are on standby. As soon as the water level rises, we will initiate evacuation. To ensure sufficient food supply, the Social Welfare Department has replenished its stocks, including basic necessities, at its depot and forward bases."
He said evacuation centres that were previously inundated would not be used.
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Pollination and land degradation: top priorities for new intergovernmental body
First work plan and budget for the intergovernmental platform for biodiversity and ecosystem services (IPBES) approved
FAO 14 Dec 13;
Antalya, Turkey, December 14, 2013 - The groundbreaking Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) today agreed to develop a set of assessments on pollination and food production, land degradation and invasive species aimed at providing policymakers with the tools to tackle pressing environmental challenges.
Around 400 delegates from over 100 governments, scientific organizations, civil society and the private sector, attended the second meeting of the Platform in Antalya, Turkey. IPBES Member Governments present at the meeting adopted a very ambitious initial work programme for the Platform for the next five years, and demonstrated strong commitment to its implementation by already pledging more than half (US$ 25.4 million) of the total US$ 43.5 million required, in what will be remembered as the "Antalya consensus".
IPBES was established to assist governments and the public to better understand the trends and challenges facing the natural world and humanity in the 21st century, and thus promote human wellbeing and sustainable development through the sustainable use of biodiversity.
The first assessment, to be available as early as December 2015, will look at pollination and food production. Studies show that some three quarters of the world's crops depend on pollination by bees and other pollinators for optimum production. However, more information is needed in order to fully understand how pollination underpins food production and assess the effectiveness of current policies.
A second assessment will focus on the status of land degradation and restoration worldwide, as well as the effect this has on biodiversity, ecosystem services and human wellbeing. According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, land degradation over the next 25 years may reduce global food production by up to 12 percent, resulting in an increase of as much as 30 percent in global food prices.
Over the next five years, the sub-regional, regional and global scale assessment and capacity building activities undertaken by IPBES will strengthen the science-policy interface at all levels.
In doing so, IPBES will contribute to the objectives of the strategic plans of the biodiversity-related multilateral environmental agreements.
The Platform will also support work on the integration of indigenous and local knowledge in scientific processes, and on valuation and accounting of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Overall, this work will require contributions from thousands of scientists from around the globe in the fields of natural and social sciences, and indigenous and local knowledge. They will work together to synthesize cutting-edge scientific information and produce tools in order to support the creation of the best possible policies.
Malaysian Zakri Abdul Hamid, the first Chair of IPBES, noted that, in addition to its recognition of indigenous knowledge, a distinguishing characteristic of the IPBES is its mandate to build the capacity of developing countries to conduct biodiversity science.
"There's an old saying: We measure what we treasure," said Dr. Zakri. "Though we profess to treasure biodiversity, most nations have yet to devote or acquire the resources needed to properly measure and assess it along with the value of ecosystem services. Correcting that is a priority assignment from the world community to IPBES."
"The UN's 2015 Sustainable Development Goals, now under consideration, are expected to include biodiversity-related targets for achievement by 2030, together with indicators of progress," added Dr. Zakri, also recently appointed to the UN Secretary-General's new 26-member Scientific Advisory Board. To be effective, obviously, it is vital that nations have the tools and personnel to establish authoritative scientific baselines and collect ongoing data to know whether headway is being made or not."
The second session of the Plenary of IPBES also adopted a collaborative partnership arrangement with the
United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and the United Nations Development Programme. The arrangement is intended to provide a framework for collaboration between the four UN bodies and IPBES, recognizing the anticipated roles of each of them in providing specific support to IPBES.
The partnership agreement and the full participation of the UN bodies in IPBES will improve the dialogue between policy-makers and the scientific community on the critical role of biodiversity and ecosystem services. By representing the environment, the sciences, education, food and agriculture, development, and capacity-building, they will bring a range of expertise to support decision and policy-making.
The meeting announced that a French national, Anne Larigauderie, formerly Executive Director of DIVERSITAS and Head of Science in Society at the International Council for Science (ICSU) has been appointed as the Head of the IPBES Secretariat in Bonn, Germany.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES
Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw, Deputy Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP):
"The decisions taken at this meeting represent a milestone in our efforts to counter the degradation and loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. A firm understanding of the complex processes at play is essential to conserve these services for future generations, and IPBES will help ensure that countries have direct access to sound scientific knowledge for development planning and for the full integration of ecosystem services in our accounting systems."
Ms. Maria-Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General, Coordinator Natural Resources of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO):
"As biodiversity is key for food security, FAO is pleased to be a partner of IPBES. The collaboration between FAO and IPBES will contribute to our joint efforts to safeguard the environment, while adjusting and increasing food and agriculture production for global food security in a sustainable way."
Ms. Irina Bokova, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
"More precise knowledge of the status of biodiversity and of the services it provides is an indispensable precondition in order to change our attitudes and behavior. UNESCO is pleased to be part of IPBES and will continue to provide its expertise in the sciences as well as in education, culture and communication in order to improve our knowledge of biodiversity and stem its decline, thus ensuring sustainable development and improving well-being for all peoples in all cultures."
Mr. Magdy Martínez-Solimán, Director, a.i., Bureau for Development Policy, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
"UNDP is encouraged by progress in the IPBES meeting this week since this will help provide countries with the sound scientific information to make progress towards the next generation of development goals. We know that ecosystems provide invaluable services that underpin development, particularly for the billions of people worldwide who depend directly on biodiversity for their livelihoods and we welcome IPBES' focus on building capacity to protect and manage this natural capital."
NOTES TO EDITORS
About IPBES
IPBES was established in April 2012 in Panama City, Panama, and currently has 115 Member States. The Platform is an independent intergovernmental body, open to all member countries of the United Nations. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) provides the Secretariat for the Platform, which operates from Bonn in Germany.
Biodiversity from terrestrial, marine, coastal, and inland water ecosystems provides the basis for ecosystems and the services they provide that underpin human wellbeing. However, biodiversity and ecosystem services are declining at an unprecedented rate and the world failed to reach the Convention on Biological Diversity target of a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010.
In order to address this challenge, adequate local, national and international policies need to be adopted and implemented. To achieve this, decision makers need scientifically credible and independent information that takes into account the complex relationships between biodiversity, ecosystem services, and people. They also need effective methods to interpret this scientific information in order to make informed decisions. The scientific community also needs to understand the needs of decision makers better in order to provide them with relevant information.
IPBES was established to this end. It provides a mechanism recognized by both the scientific and policy communities to synthesize, review, assess and critically evaluate relevant information and knowledge generated worldwide by governments, academia, scientific organizations, non-governmental organizations and indigenous communities.
More information on IPBES, including Frequently Asked Questions and key facts and figures on biodiversity and ecosystem services, as well as opening and closing remarks made at the meeting is available at www.ipbes.net
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Humans not on crocodiles’ menu at Sungei Buloh
Tony O'Dempsey Today Online 16 Dec 13;
The letter, “Assess threat of crocodiles at Sungei Buloh” (Dec 12), cited crocodile attacks in Australia.
While I can understand the concern for public safety, I wish to point out that the crocodiles that have taken up residence at the wetland reserve over the past several years are small in size and number.
We are not on their menu, and the risk to the public remains within acceptable limits. Sensible precautions are, however, necessary.
Visitors should not approach the crocodiles or throw sticks or stones at them and should simply back away if one encounters the animal on a trail.
This also applies to monitor lizards, otters, snakes and monkeys, all of which may be encountered at Sungei Buloh. They are capable of inflicting injury when approached or abused.
We are fortunate to have a wildlife reserve like Sungei Buloh, where the coastal habitat has been restored through good management over the past 20 years, to the extent that native animals such as otters and crocodiles are prepared to make it their home.
I have visited it several times with my grandchildren for several years now and am at ease when it comes to their safety; none of them has been eaten by a crocodile.
Crocs at nature reserve don't pose major threat
Straits Times 17 Dec 13;
AS A birdwatcher, I have been a regular visitor to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for well over a decade, and can confirm that the presence of estuarine or saltwater crocodiles there is neither a recent occurrence nor a secret ("Crocodile threat underplayed" by Mr Shawn Low; Forum Online, last Thursday). And at no point have the crocodiles posed a significant threat to visitors.
In fact, prominent signs warning visitors of the potential presence of crocodiles have been in place since well before my first visit to the reserve in 2001, and several more have been put up recently.
Mr Low pointed out that crocodiles have attacked humans in Queensland, Australia. It is important to understand that Sungei Buloh and Queensland are different.
The riverine habitats of Queensland are much larger and more extensive than that of Sungei Buloh, allowing the crocodiles in Queensland to grow to a much larger size and form much larger populations.
In contrast, Sungei Buloh is much smaller, which means that while the crocodiles are able to find sufficient food, their size and population are likely to remain small, thus reducing the risk of attacks.
Most crocodile attacks occur when people are in the water. In Sungei Buloh, the raised gravel paths and boardwalks ensure that visitors are kept well away from the water, thus ensuring their safety.
This is not to say there is entirely no risk. It is important to remember that crocodiles are wild animals and will defend themselves when disturbed or provoked. Visitors to the nature reserve must remain respectful and keep their distance from wild crocodiles, even as they appreciate the animals' beauty in their natural habitat.
David Tan Jian Xiong
Sungei Buloh crocodiles unlikely to be a menace
Ben Lee Today Online 19 Dec 13;
I refer to the letter, “Assess threat of crocodiles at Sungei Buloh” (Dec 12).
Over the last 50 years, many wild animals in Singapore have become extinct, due to rapid urbanisation resulting in human encroachments on nature.
As a wildlife advocate since the ’80s, I have spotted several crocodiles in various parts of Singapore during my nature explorations.
Only some of the sightings were reported in the media.
Most notably, media attention on a crocodile at Pasir Ris led to its capture, due to the danger it might have otherwise posed to picnickers and park-goers.
However, in the case of Sungei Buloh, the park is gazetted as a nature reserve, which means more protection for its flora and fauna, as well as better facilities for the public to enjoy their visits.
The crocodiles there are usually found a safe distance from the walkway. Hence, the chance of an attack is almost negligible.
The small number of crocodiles in the reserve is another reason they are unlikely to be a menace. The warning signs that have been put up help to highlight their presence to the public and reduce danger.
Singapore does not have much wildlife left.
Still, we are perhaps fortunate to be able to see animals such as the Oriental smooth-coated otter, du-gong, slow loris, leopard cat, greater mousedeer, Malayan porcupine, wild boar and the estuarine crocodile (saltwater crocodile).
The re-emergence of crocodiles in recent years is a good sign that our rich biodiversity is attracting various fauna, and not only crocodiles.
I hope the ones in Sungei Buloh will be left alone in the wild for the public to enjoy as a learning session on our bio-heritage.
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Malaysia: Second wave of floods likely to hit 3 states
Audrey Dermawan and Tharanya Arumugan New Straits Times 16 Dec 13;
WARNING: Heavy rain expected in Johor, Terengganu Pahang next week
KUALA LUMPUR: THE Malaysian Meteorological Department yesterday issued a yellow-level warning (heavy rain) for Terengganu (Dungun and Kemaman), Pahang (Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin) and Johor (Segamat and Mersing).
Its central forecast division director, Muhammad Helmi Abdullah, said the third episode of heavy rain expected to occur from Wednesday to Friday would cause a second wave of floods.
He said intermittent rain was expected and this may cause floods at low-lying areas.
"The department has predicted downpour in the three states. It is yet to be known whether there will be heavy rain in Kelantan.
"We will issue an advisory on the level of warning (yellow, orange or red) should there be heavy rain in other states.
"We advise the public to be alert and to be up-to-date with the latest developments through our website and Facebook page."
The public should heed the advice of local authorities on evacuation plans if the situation took a turn for the worse, he said.
Helmi said the downpour would coincide with the presence of the full moon on Tuesday. It would result in unusually high tides that may cause flooding.
Meanwhile, all enforcement agencies, tasked with assisting flood victims, would mobilise their assets when the time comes.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said police, Malaysian Civil Defence Department (JPAM), Rela and other agencies, such as the National Registration Department, were on standby.
He said he had spoken to the armed forces regarding the use of its high-capacity Tetra lorries.
"This time, we are better prepared. With the armed forces roped in, it will be an integrated operation," he said when commenting on preparations for the second wave of floods.
Zahid said they had also requested the use of mobile kitchens and to get JPAM volunteers to cook for victims.
Reports received by the National Security Council stated that high tides in the east coast were expected between today and Saturday.
Preparing for 2nd wave
T. N. Alagesh and Hashini Kavishtri Kannan New Straits Times 18 Dec 13;
YELLOW ALERT: Residents on east coast expecting more floods
KUALA LUMPUR: PEOPLE in the affected areas should be prepared for floods should the intensity of rainfall increase today.
This advice from the Meteorological Department added that the Yellow alert would shift to Orange, signalling the possible start of the second round of floods in the east coast.
"We can detect intensity on our radar only when the situation occurs from our observation and the meteorological stations," said weather forecast centre director Muhammad Helmi Abdullah.
"It is too early to predict how much rainfall to expect. Usually 24 to 48 hours prior to the event, the Yellow alert is set and we will maintain this based on the intensity of the rain."
The highest rainfall recorded was 300mm in a day, which occurred in two consecutive days.
Residents in Terengganu, Pahang and Johor have been advised to prepare for the second wave of heavy rain, from today until Friday. High tides and strong winds in the South China Sea were also expected during this period.
In Bandar Baru Bangi, Welfare Department director-general Datuk Norani Mohd Hashim said it was prepared for the worst based on reports the second wave of floods in the east coast was likely to begin today.
"We have replenished food and other basic supplies at 513 distribution bases and five depots nationwide."
She said more than 5,000 volunteers registered under the department would be deployed to help victims when the floods reoccur.
Norani said 30,000 flood victims had been identified for the RM500 cash aid. She said the department was updating data on those eligible for aid, and once completed, the list would be submitted to the National Security Council for the dispersion of aid.
Norani said the data update would be completed by the end of this week and the distribution of aid to follow.
"We need to make sure only those eligible receive the cash aid. We also have to be careful as one house may not be occupied by just one family but two or three families," she said after the 13th Convocation of the Bangi Industrial Training And Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled here yesterday.
In Kuantan, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) deployed six helicopters to assist in relief and rescue efforts in the event of the second wave of floods.
Its director-general Maritime, Admiral Datuk Mohd Amdan Kurish, said the agency would station its helicopters -- three Agusta Westland 136 and three Eurocopter Dauphin -- on standby at the air operation branch in Subang to be deployed in case of floods.
"Two units will be used for the agency's routine duties, including patrolling the country's waters, and one will be deployed to flood- hit areas, if required.
"Four other helicopters will be on standby for mercy flights, humanitarian efforts, transporting aid to areas inaccessible by trucks and boats, and search and rescue operations.
"Our assets were involved in distributing aid to flood-hit areas during the first wave of floods that affected the east coast early this month.
"We will continue to work with government agencies, including police and military, to assist during the floods," he said after the passing-out parade of 53 MMEA trainee officers at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy in Gebeng yesterday.
Amdan said MMEA's involvement in providing logistic support in flood-stricken areas did not affect the agency's existing responsibilities in deploying its assets and personnel to patrol the country's waters.
Present yesterday was Eastern Region MMEA enforcement chief, First Admiral Datuk Nasir Adam.
Additional reporting by Fazleena Aziz
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'Every little helps' is a dangerous mantra for climate change
Plastic bag charges may seem a step forward but nudging and tweaking behaviours will never address climate change; a fundamentally different economic system is needed
Adam Corner Guardian Professional 13 Dec 13;
In 2014, England will follow the example set by Wales and Scotland and introduce a carrier bag charge. If the Welsh and Scottish experiences are anything to go by, the policy will drastically reduce the number of bags in circulation, keeping unnecessary waste out of landfill and removing a little polythene from the diet of our cities' seagulls.
Like recycling, re-using carrier bags has become something of an iconic "sustainable behaviour". But whatever else its benefits may be, it is not, in itself, an especially good way of cutting carbon. Like all simple and painless behavioural changes, its value hangs on whether it acts as a catalyst for other, more impactful, activities or support for political changes.
The evidence from Wales is not encouraging. My colleagues at Cardiff University analysed the impact of the introduction of the carrier bag charge. Although their use reduced dramatically, rates of other low-carbon behaviours among the general public remained unaffected.
To be clear: fewer plastic bags would be a small, good thing. But as a major two-day conference at the Royal Society headquarters in London this week made clear, "every little helps" is a dangerously misleading mantra when it comes to climate change.
The Radical Plan meeting featured contributions from across the physical and social sciences, as well as civil society. The organisers – Professors Kevin Anderson and Corinne Le Quere of the Tyndall Centre – posed contributors a brutally simple question: what would need to happen if we were to do more than simply pay lip service to the idea of avoiding dangerous climate change?
The answers were undeniably radical – and none mentioned re-using plastic bags.
Scientists and engineers described the unprecedented scale of energy system change necessary to decarbonise rapidly. Social scientists argued for a transformation in the way we view ourselves, our consumption, and our role in society. Economists demolished the idea that economic growth could be maintained forever in a fossil-fuel driven, finite world. Policy experts questioned whether our current carbon targets were fit for purpose.
But across almost all of the papers presented at the conference, there was an inescapable consensus: a fundamentally different economic system is required, if we are serious about avoiding dangerous climate change, based on nurturing wellbeing rather than stoking corporate profit.
This is, of course, not a new idea. But what was striking was the convergence across contributors from the breadth of the physical and social sciences. The clear message was that unrestrained capitalism is incompatible with decarbonisation: the sums simply don't add up.
Many sceptics see the issue of climate change as no more than a figleaf for ushering in a new era of socialism. The conclusions of the Radical Plan conference are unlikely to convince them otherwise. But for the vast majority of us – who say we "get" climate change, but still somehow cling on to the idea that small, incremental behavioural changes will be sufficient – the conference should be a wake-up call.
Nudging, tweaking, or cajoling people into piecemeal behavioural changes like re-using plastic bags is not a proportionate response to climate change. Engaging the public through their personal carbon footprints is really only a means to an end – and that end is a political and economic system that has sustainability as its central organising principle.
And if these sound like radical statements, unbecoming of the stately, reserved sentiments associated with the Royal Society, then consider the prospect of a world that is four or even six degrees hotter and the havoc and suffering that would be inevitable. This is also a radical choice.
Clearly, economic systems do not overhaul themselves – and in a democracy, majority support is a prerequisite for any significant societal shift. Politicians do not take risks if they don't think the electorate will support them. And civil society cannot function without a diverse supporter-base.
This means that public engagement still lies at the heart of the challenge of climate change, but it is a form of public engagement that goes way beyond plastic bags. And any public campaign that treats minor behavioural change as a valid goal in itself is also taking a radical stance: complicity in a dangerously warmer world.
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Best of our wild blogs: 15 Dec 13
Second Planting, Twice Lucky.
from Gamefish And Aquatic Rehabiliation Society
Favourite Nectaring Plants #3
from Butterflies of Singapore
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Malaysia: Poaching gone wild
Victoria Brown The Star 13 Dec 13;
Illegal wildlife trade in Malaysia may be rampant, but we should work to plug gaps in enforcement rather than concede defeat.HUSKS being sawed off, tigers being skinned, bears kept in captivity to harvest bile, and endangered animals being eating by humans.
Wildlife poaching and trade is becoming a huge problem in Malaysia.
I spoke to the Southeast Asia regional director of wildlife protection NGO Traffic Dr Chris Shepherd and he told me that Malaysia plays an important role in the global wildlife trade.
Malaysia is not only a source of exotic wildlife to be sold off in the black market, but we are also a consumer of illegal wildlife items, and transit point for several poachers around the world.
“Tigers are being poached all over Malaysia. Malaysia is also a source for pangolins, freshwater turtles and many more, for both the domestic market and export. Sambar deers are also being poached in a serious way which is mostly used for local consumption at the local restaurants,” said Shepherd.
The illegal slaughter of these animals have already caused banteng (wild cattle) and rhinos to be extinct in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Tigers are dwindling, and that’s sad because Malaysia really has a chance to keep its tigers. We will lose them if we don’t change,” said Shepherd.
Shepherd says that there is no excuse for the senseless drop in our wildlife population.
“The only reason it happened was because there wasn’t enough effort to protect them. The habitat is still there,” he said.
“There’s enough habitat to have over a thousand tigers for example, they’re just getting emptied out,” said Shepherd.
It is estimated that less than 500 tigers can be found in the wild in Malaysia.
“Everything is in decline. It’s very depressing that we’re losing so much wildlife so fast. Even though people know about this, the most depressing thing is that so little is being done,” said Shepherd.
The worse thing is that these illegal items harvested by poachers are relatively easy to find in Malaysia.
“Malaysia is one of the top five countries in the world for availability of illegal bear bile medicine.
“And it’s in the “group of eight” countries known for illegal ivory smuggling. It’s also a major consumer and transit point for illegal tortoises from India and Madagascar,” said Shepherd.
This business is not only responsible for the dwindling amounts of wildlife in Malaysia, but these poachers are earning millions out of the illegal trade.
“Anson Wong is just one of them. There are other dealers that is of the same scale as Anson Wong operating in Malaysia, and the authorities really need to do something about this because these guys are operating in huge volumes and big money,” said Shepherd.
He says that the authorities are aware of the issue, but corruption and complacency is a problem.
“There’s no way that dealers can operate on such a large scale without the authorities becoming aware of it. But being aware about it and doing something about it are different things,” said Shepherd.
He says that illegal wildlife trade has to become a priority for the government.
“The authorities have to be going after the big dealers in Malaysia and putting them out of business. They are completely plundering Malaysia’s forests and they think that they are untouchable. This has to change,” said Shepherd.
He says that authorities should be catching the big players and putting them in jail and slapping them with a huge fine (and not just a slap on the wrist).
“The wildlife trade is worth billions, if someone is earning millions of dollars of wildlife what good is it going to do fining them a thousand dollars?”
“Malaysia has really good laws actually, some of the best laws. But they are not always being enforced as well as they should be. We have the tools to tackle wildlife trade but if you don’t use them they are useless,” said Shepherd.
Everyone has to see that wildlife poaching is get worse year by year, with species being wiped out because of the trade.
“We have already seen the results of this kind of activities in other countries. Cambodia has no more tigers. Thailand has no more rhinos.
Vietnam lost its last rhino two years ago when it was shot,” said Shepherd.
Poaching and illegal traders are a even bigger threat to many species than habitat loss. So let’s learn from the mistakes of other countries and take action!
It is our concern that that poachers are killing protected animals in our jungles. It is concern that poachers are driving our wildlife to extinction for their own gain!
We can’t be sitting down thinking that somebody else is doing something or that it isn’t our problem. Stand up and take action!
“The public has to keep speaking up, the public has to stop eating at restaurants selling illegal wild meat.”
“The public has to stop going to shops that sell illegal medicines. If a shop sells bear bile, don’t go there. Don’t buy anything there.
Don’t even buy your bread there. Report it. It shouldn’t be just the NGOs making noise,” said Shepherd.
Everyone is going to lose at the end of the day if nothing is done.
Shepherd says that it’s not too late for Malaysia to turnaround and save our wildlife.
“Malaysia is unique in that there still is a good chance to keep its wildlife. There is still a lot of wildlife here and there are still many species still in good population numbers. Whereas other countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar, it is already too late for many species,” says Shepherd.
So let’s take a stand for our animals. Report shops selling illegal products from the trade. Urge for better wildlife enforcement and penalties. Speak up before it’s too late!
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