PLANET IN PERIL

by Larry Powell A field of durum wheat. (Wikimedia Commons) The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has detected the weedkiller glyphosate in almost thirty percent (29.7%) of food products it tested over the past two years.  The foods were; fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, grains, beverages, beans, peas, lentils, soy beans and children’s food. While small amounts were found in all of the food groups tested, the CFIA concludes, levels were only high enough to be of concern to human health in 1.3 percent, overall. The grain tested  (wheat and barley), had more  Glyphosate above the acceptable standard (3.9%)  than any other food group.  Less than one percent (.2% - .6%) of bean, pea, lentil and juice samples tested above the acceptable limit. While traces of the herbicide were found in all food groups tested, none of the fruits, vegetables, soy products or infant food were found to exceed the acceptable limit.   The agency says, where levels were unacce

UN News Centre A poor rural community in Tanzania after the failure of the rains,  facing drought and food insecurity. Photo - Wikimedia Commons. Nearly 50 per cent of all emergency food assistance to Africa is due to natural disasters, with advancing droughts significantly threatening both livelihoods and economic growth.  Story here.

Los Angeles Times California's climate has long been dominated by cycles of intense dry conditions, followed by heavy rain and snow. But never before in recorded history has the state seen such an extreme drought-to-deluge swing. Details here. Water rages under a bridge in Nevada City, California in January. Photo Credit -  California Department of Water Resources

 inside climate  news Research says more than 40 percent of the frozen tundra could un-freeze if global temperatures continue to rise, scientists. Story here. An exceptionally warm summer in 2004 triggered this 300m long slump associated with thawing permafrost at a national preserve in Alaska. NPS climate change response.

UN News Centre Applauding the Chinese Government’s closure of many of its ivory factories and retail outlets, the United Nations environment wing has called on other countries and territories to follow China’s example and improve the survival prospects for elephants across the world. Story here.  An Asian elephant in a park in India. Photo credit - Wikipedia.

The Washington Post Flight turbulence could increase significantly under climate change, a study warns, potentially upping the risk of injury — or at least flight anxiety — for future airline passengers. Furthermore, fuel and maintenance costs for carriers could rise. Story here. Photo credit:  Riik@mctr