Bees and Pesticides in Southeast Asia Article Most beekeepers have, at one time or another, found themselves confronted with the painful experience of finding a carpet of dead bees on the floor of one of their hives, or of observing bees in front of their hives exhibiting tremors, uncoordinated movements and convulsions; all signs of insecticide poisoning. By Eric Guerin
Green jobs: the rhetoric and the reality Commentary Britain has been promised a quarter of a million ‘green jobs’. But as the government continues to struggle to contain Covid-19, the details are lacking. Ros Taylor looks at the scale of the UK’s ambition and some of the obstacles to decarbonisation. By Ros Taylor
Refuting the case for nuclear in the Middle East Article Although the epicenter of the world’s petro- economy, countries in the Middle East understand the need to diversify away from fossil fuels. To do so, some also bet on nuclear energy. The need to transition is most strongly driven by broader regional priorities to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and grow the economy while also providing jobs for the increasing population of young people. At first glance, nuclear seems an apt tool to help the region meet these dual objectives. However, Middle Eastern countries would be better served by investing resourced pegged to nuclear in the more promising solar and wind industries. By Joelle Thomas
Biden's climate summit brings some ambition boost but no true U.S. climate leadership Analysis With the two-day Biden leaders' summit on climate attended by 40 countries, the United States has returned to the international stage of climate diplomacy. Whether the increased ambition of new climate action pledges via video made by several core countries can be implemented in a binding manner, however, remains an open question - not only, but also including in the United States. An urgently needed signal that the Biden administration is prepared to take on a leadership role in international climate finance in the run-up to COP 26, however, was missing in action. By Liane Schalatek
The 7 reasons why nuclear energy is not the answer to solve climate change Analysis New nuclear power costs about 5 times more than onshore wind power per kWh. Nuclear takes 5 to 17 years longer between planning and operation and produces on average 23 times the emissions per unit electricity generated. In addition, it creates risk and cost associated with weapons proliferation, meltdown, mining lung cancer, and waste risks. Clean, renewables avoid all such risks. By Mark Z. Jacobson
Mycle Schneider: "Every euro invested in nuclear power makes the climate crisis worse" Interview Can nuclear energy help us meet climate goals? Mycle Schneider, editor of the annual World Nuclear Industry Status Report (WNISR), which assesses the status and trends of the global nuclear power industry, says no. Interview courtesy of DW. By Gero Rueter
Why We Should Protect Karst Landscapes Article With more than eight million sq. km of karst, Asia has the largest share worldwide. But karst areas like the Kendeng mountains in Indonesia are under threat to be destroyed by the cement industry. This article highlights the long-term value of intact karst systems. By Anett Keller
Plant-Based Food Finds Its Way into Post-pandemic Menu Article Bangkok residents are finding more options for plant-based meat, with names like ‘More Meat’, ’Never Meat’ or ‘Let’s Plant Eat’, in groceries. In Manila, a government agency ran a contest for creating plant-based versions of native dishes. Over in Vietnam, social media influencers are urging followers to think sustainability through their food habits. By Johanna Son
The climate crisis is a result of the commodification of land and social relations Interview The climate crisis is the result of relations of power and exploitation, between the Global North and the Global South as well as between people and nature. A decolonial approach in climate activism stands for a radical break with colonial principles of economic, political and social systems – including industrial agriculture and landgrabbing. A conversation with Ruth Nyambura, climate activist from Kenya. By Imeh Ituen
"Build Back Greener? "Biden's Plan for America's International Climate Commitment Commentary "Build back better" has been Joe Biden’s campaign promise. Climate policy is central to this, both in domestic and foreign policy. Ultimately, it is also a question of whether the Biden government can succeed in regaining lost credibility on the international stage. By Liane Schalatek