PLANET IN PERIL

SCIENCE: The number of tornadoes pounding the United States during the most extreme outbreaks has roughly doubled over the past 50 years, a new analysis shows. But the study also yields a big surprise: The increased severity of such tornado outbreaks, at least at first glance, doesn’t seem to be related to climate change. STORY HERE.

Friends of the Earth Health Canada’s PMRA has announced imidacloprid, one of the oldest and most widely used neonicotinoid pesticides,  is being taken off the market .  A Manitoba honeybee colony.  PinP  photo.   It’s been found in just about every water body and it’s considered harmful to aquatic species and to creatures such as birds dependent on the aquatic species. Unfortunately, the PMRA is proposing a long 3-year phase-out. With your help, we want to accelerate this phase-out. PinP: Oddly enough,  Health Canada did not even consider risks to pollinators in this re-evaluation. That will happen in a separate "risk assessment."    Health Canada Release The environmental assessment showed that, in aquatic environments in Canada, imidacloprid is being measured at levels that are harmful to aquatic insects. These insects are an important part of the ecosystem, including as a food source for fish, birds and other animals. Based on currently available info

The Washington Post Call it the opening shot in a brewing war over scientific integrity in the future Trump administration. Story here.

CommonDreams Nestlé, Kellogg's, Procter & Gamble, Unilever and others are linked to child labor and forced labor in Indonesia. Story here. A vast palm oil plantation in Indonesia.  Photo by Achmad Rabin Taim.

350.org Make Trudeau Listen; go here.

CBCnews Kinder Morgan, business groups cheer announcement as 'defining moment' for Canada's energy industry. Story here.

Friends of the Earth President Trump will be the greatest threat to the environment in living memory. To stop him from destroying the planet, we must join together and fight back. PLEASE DONATE NOW!

NATIONALOBSERVER An international report says the Arctic is perched on the edge of fundamental social and environmental change as it faces 19 tipping points ranging from loss of summer sea ice to the slow creep of shrubs and trees across the tundra. Story here.

thestar.com New analysis using provincial data reveals that mercury in an average meal of walleye from Clay Lake is 15 times the daily intake limit for adults. Story here.

theguardian The country’s worst drought in 25 years, spurred by poor management, El Niño and climate change, has reservoirs drying up and hospitals struggling. Story here.