16 Jan 2008

Ecological Internet


I wanted to praise the Ecological Internet...I have found their alerts on forests particularly useful for my own campaign work. I don't think you can save the world by email, however getting the information out embarrassing governments and making contact with activists on the ground globally is very useful.

The Ecological Internet page sends you on to portals dealing with climate change, rainforests, oceans, etc.

You can sign up for alerts here


This ancient forest cathedral is an unparalleled living museum, offering Europe and the world a window into the past. In Bialowieza, we can still observe how European temperate forest ecosystems functioned without human interference. The forest's huge old trees -- with spruce as tall as 55 meters, and oaks 40 meters tall -- inspire all generations. If humanity deserves our scientific name of sapiens (reasonable) man, preservation of these unique qualities for the future should be an issue of the highest priority. This vital part of European and global historical/cultural heritage must not be lost, so we campaign yet again on the issue.

The forest had been protected as a royal hunting ground for centuries, and it was only after World War I that large-scale commercial logging began. The Bialowieza National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, yet protects only about 10% of the area, while commercial cutting continues in the rest. These 80 years of exploitative timber extraction have had a dramatic effect on the unprotected forests, as the share of old-growth stands has dropped to less than 20%. There is no justifiable explanation for ravaging this invaluable fragment of wilderness for the interest of just one generation. All ancient, primary forest stands will soon be gone, and the last European primeval forest will be only history.
From Ecological Internet's rainforest portal

Glen Barry from ecological internet has his own blog here...sometimes I think he can be a bit too negative as with everybody (almost) I have my disagreements but it is well worth a look.


Even as we personally strive to live frugal, rich lives; necessary consumption should focus upon durable items that will last. Strong tools and minds are required to grow food, make a righteous living, and otherwise practice ecological living. Excessive consumption is a poor substitute for a truthful, fully aware, knowledge filled and experience rich life. All can and should enjoy some luxuries, rather than some enjoying all.

Global ecological threats are intensifying -- oceans lifeless, forests tattered, water scarce, and the atmosphere perhaps irreparably damaged. This occurs even as a climate change backlash builds, largely as a result of truthful apocalyptic warnings presented without adequate policies that go beyond greenwash responses and actually promise a hope filled solution likely and able to succeed.
More here.




'Thought-provoking, raw and frequently outrageous - but always Bright Green. These are the personal writings of Dr. Glen Barry.' Is what it says and I agree.

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