All articles tagged with #environmental damage
Southern Water is responsible for a significant plastic pellet spill at Camber Sands, likely caused by a filter failure at their Eastbourne wastewater treatment plant, leading to extensive pollution and a large-scale cleanup effort, with authorities investigating and emphasizing the environmental impact.
Stuart Cox, a British hiker, is campaigning against the environmental harm caused by stone stacks or cairns on the Mam Tor trail in England’s Peak District, often removing them to protect habitats and historical sites, and raising awareness through social media to discourage their construction.
China's dominance in rare earth metals has come at a significant environmental cost, with decades of pollution from mining and processing activities, especially in Baotou, leading to contaminated water, soil, and health issues, despite recent efforts to improve industry practices.
The sinking of the Rubymar, a cargo ship damaged in a Houthi attack, has caused an oil slick in the Red Sea, raising concerns about environmental damage to coral reefs and marine life. The ship is leaking oil and may also be carrying ammonium nitrate fertilizer, posing a threat to the marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Urgent action is needed to assess the damage and formulate a rescue strategy to prevent further environmental harm.
EU countries, led by Germany's Free Democrats, blocked a law requiring large companies to audit their supply chains for forced labor and environmental damage, citing concerns about excessive bureaucracy. This marks the second time the proposed corporate sustainability due diligence directive has been stalled, with Belgium considering addressing member states' concerns. The law, designed to take effect in 2027, would apply to EU companies with over 500 employees and a net worldwide turnover above 150 million euros.
A new report reveals that the plastic industry has deceived the public about the viability of recycling for over 50 years, despite knowing it's not a sustainable solution. The report by the Center for Climate Integrity Research (CCI) suggests that plastic producers should be held accountable for their deception and pay for the damage caused. The industry's fraudulent marketing campaigns allowed single-use plastics to expand while avoiding effective waste regulation. Legal action is being considered, and it's emphasized that the best way to reduce plastic pollution is to avoid single-use plastics altogether.
Campaigners are calling for an immediate ban on bonuses for water company executives if their firms cause environmental harm, such as illegal sewage spills into rivers. The UK's water companies have faced criticism over leaks and sewage discharges, and the regulator Ofwat is considering plans to ban bonuses for bosses found to have harmed the environment. The government hopes the policy will apply to bonuses for the next financial year, and there are calls for stricter measures to hold water companies accountable for environmental and customer service failures.
Germany's Free Democrats have blocked the adoption of a proposed EU law requiring large companies to assess their supply chains for forced labor and environmental damage, leading to the postponement of the vote by the Belgian EU presidency. The corporate sustainability due diligence directive (CSDDD) would apply to large EU companies and non-EU companies doing business in the EU, with fines for violations potentially reaching 5% of global turnover. The law faces opposition from German business groups and the Free Democrats, who argue it would impose excessive bureaucracy and unnecessary costs, while their coalition partners support the legislation and warn of Germany losing credibility in the EU.
Andrew Howard was convicted of tampering and vandalism for diverting the Platte River in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to create easier boat access to Lake Michigan. His actions caused the river to create a new channel to the lake, leading to increased fishing activity. Howard's attorney did not respond to requests for comment, and U.S. Attorney Mark Totten stated that Howard took matters into his own hands due to a policy dispute with the National Park Service, which no longer dredges the river, leading to sediment and sand buildup.
Andrew Howard was convicted of misdemeanors for tampering and vandalism after he diverted a national park river to create easier boat access to Lake Michigan within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Howard was witnessed digging with a shovel, causing the river to divert and create a new channel to the lake, leading to increased fishing activity. The incident stemmed from a policy dispute with the National Park Service, which no longer dredges the river, resulting in sediment and sand buildup that hinders boat access.
The Department of Justice has ordered a recall of 600,000 Ram trucks as part of a settlement with engine maker Cummins Inc., which illegally installed emissions control software in the vehicles. Cummins will pay a $2 billion penalty, the largest ever under the Clean Air Act, to remedy environmental damage caused by the illegal software. The settlement aims to address the harmful impact of excess emissions of nitrogen oxides and underscores the importance of compliance with emission limits to protect the environment and human health. This case follows similar emissions cheating scandals involving other auto industry players, highlighting the need for stringent enforcement and deterrents to prioritize public health and environmental protection.
Meat processing giant JBS SA and three other slaughterhouses are facing lawsuits seeking millions of dollars in damages for allegedly purchasing cattle raised illegally in a protected area in the Brazilian Amazon. The lawsuits target the exploitation of a protected area known as Jaci-Parana, which has been transformed into grassland by land-grabbers, loggers, and cattle ranchers. The lawsuits contain evidence showing cows going straight to the slaughterhouse from protected areas, with information provided by illegal ranchers themselves. The lawsuits aim to put a price on the destruction of old-growth rainforest, with damages estimated at around $1 billion. Deforestation in the Amazon is a major concern, threatening biodiversity and exacerbating climate change.
A closed rock salt mine belonging to Brazilian petrochemical giant Braskem partially collapsed in the northeastern city of Maceio, causing no harm to people as the area had been evacuated. The mine's collapse was anticipated due to the company's 40 years of rock salt mining, which has resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of residents and the sinking of land. Braskem had warned of the imminent risk, and the mine is expected to stabilize following the partial collapse. The company is currently in the process of filling other cavities with sand.
The Navy successfully recovered a military spy plane that had been stuck in Kaneohe Bay for almost two weeks after overshooting the runway. The operation, which lasted 13 hours, involved meticulous planning, specialized equipment, and a multidisciplinary team of military and civilian experts. No environmental damage was found, and the cost of the salvage operation is estimated to be $1.5 million. The incident is currently under investigation.
Underwater video released by the US Navy shows a plane that overshot a runway resting on a coral reef in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The plane, which has been stuck for over a week, is partially supported by the reef, with the left engine resting on coral. The Navy is investigating the cause of the incident and has removed most of the fuel from the aircraft. Environmental concerns have been raised due to potential damage to the reef, and a damage assessment will be conducted once the plane is removed.