Latest news with #Environment
The Star
9 hours ago
- The Star
Tip off authorities on jumbo killings, Sabah villagers urged
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Christina Liew has issued an emotional plea to villagers to come forward with any information related to the recent spate of Borneo pygmy elephant killings in Tawau. Describing such killings as 'murder', the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister said the perpetrators must be brought to justice as such cruelty must not go unpunished. 'I have spoken to the Wildlife Department director. Despite our efforts, we have not been able to identify the person responsible for this cruel act, although there are some suspicions,' she told reporters at the Asean Travel Exchange 2025 launch here yesterday. 'We offered RM10,000 for any information but so far, no one has come forward. I have clearly told the department that these acts cannot go unpunished. 'Killing an elephant is murder. We absolutely cannot allow this to happen,' Liew said. At least three cases of beheaded elephants were reported between January and April. Investigations so far have yielded no solid evidence, and a post-mortem was not possible in the latest case due to the advanced decomposition of the carcass. She believes the local community may hold the key to solving the killings but many are afraid to speak up. 'We are working with village heads and the district police in the area to try and obtain more information. I suspect the kampung people know but they are very hesitant to say anything. Still, I am hopeful,' she said. Liew dismissed a theory that a crime syndicate could be behind the killings. 'I don't believe it is a syndicate. They did not take anything valuable; not the tusks, not the organs. They just cruelly chopped off the elephant's head. Very cruel.' On whether the government would consider increasing the RM10,000 reward, she replied: 'Let's negotiate on that.' 'There have been no new incidents recently, and I truly hope it stays that way. I get very upset when these things happen. I am an animal lover and I cannot bear to see this kind of cruelty,' she said. The Borneo pygmy elephant, which is native to Sabah, is a fully protected species under state law, with an estimated population of just 1,500. Anyone convicted of harming or killing the animal faces a fine of up to RM250,000 and a five-year jail sentence.
CairoScene
a day ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Recycling Rice Straw Generated Over USD 25 Million In One Year
Waste recycling, pollution reduction, and resource management have become central pillars of Egypt's environmental approach, with rice straw serving as a standout example. Jun 19, 2025 During a parliamentary session, Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad highlighted that recycling rice straw produced more than EGP 1.2 billion—over USD 25 million—in economic return over the span of one year. The initiative was framed as part of efforts to tie environmental concerns with economic and social outcomes, particularly under its 2024–2027 strategy. According to Minister of Environment Fouad, waste recycling, pollution reduction, and resource management have become central pillars of this approach, with rice straw serving as a standout example. Egypt began this transition in 2018, which saw a directive from the presidency to embed climate action into economic priorities. By 2025, the country had increased the number of sanitary landfills to 47 and raised its national recycling rate from just 10% to 37%. The rice straw project is part of a campaign that also includes air pollution monitoring, expanding waste processing infrastructure, and encouraging factories to profit from meeting environmental standards.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Your Ultimate Guide To A Stylish, Tech Smart, And Sustainable Summer
Summer Fashion in organic fashion brand Reistor Reistor Contributed Photo Summer will officially kick off on June 20 and whether you are ready or not, it will be here for 93 glorious days. For many of us, summer is a time to unwind, enjoy warm weather, eat well, bask in good company, and maybe even get lost in a new city or beach town. The question is how do we elevate that experience without leaving a trail of plastic, fast fashion, and emissions behind? This article will show you how to keep your summer fun and fresh while staying kind to the planet. From what you wear to how you cool off and stay connected, here are the top eco-essential swaps you can make this season: Hemp Short Dress with Back Embroidered Lace Detail Reistor The fashion industry contributes to roughly 10% of global carbon emissions and is responsible for 20% of global wastewater, according to Coupled with that, fast fashion's allure often fades with the season, but its impact lingers for decades. ethical fashion options that prioritize the planet and people. For this summer opt for natural fibers like linen, hemp, and organic cotton, which are more breathable and less taxing on the environment than synthetics like polyester which sheds microplastics when washed. Before buying anything new, start by shopping your own closet. You might be surprised by what you already have that can be reimagined, restyled, or repaired. If you still need something fresh, thrifting is the next best move as it extends the life of garments and keeps clothing out of landfills. REISTOR is an India-based label which produces minimal, comfortable clothing using organic fabrics and AZO-free dyes, meaning their fabrics are colored without the use of harmful synthetic chemicals that can release carcinogenic amines when broken down, especially under sweat or UV exposure. These dyes are banned in several countries due to their potential health and environmental risks. REISTOR partners with organizations that support women's employment and empowerment. Their breathable cotton dresses and linen tops are perfect for staying stylish in the heat while reducing your environmental footprint. Additionally the Pact brand which creates everyday essentials from organic cotton with water-saving techniques. is another option with its Certified Fair Trade and Global Organic Textile Standard. Cooling off with a desk fan getty As global temperatures rise, so do energy bills and carbon emissions from cooling systems. According to a 2024 Our World in Data report, air conditioning accounts for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. There are alternative methods to beat the heat and keep cool without overloading the grid. Invest in a good fan instead of blasting the AC or a personal favorite is using the AC on timer while the fan circulates the cool air. Next, you have to block out the heat by using thermal blackout curtains or bamboo shades to reduce indoor heat gain. Heat-blocking shades reduce indoor temperatures by limiting the amount of sunlight and heat that enters a room, easing the load on air conditioning systems. They also offer added benefits like UV protection, improved light control, and increased indoor comfort. Additionally, while you are outdoors, you can benefit from handheld fans, neck fans or even portable solar fans to keep cool. While outdoors, you can reach for a wide-brimmed hat made of raffia or organic cotton, and layer up with UPF-rated clothing for extra sun protection. For context, a UPF 50 garment blocks 98% of harmful UV rays, allowing only 1/50th to reach your skin. Tech is an essential part of our lives and you do not have to ditch tech to live sustainably, you just have to choose wisely. When used correctly, tech can actually help reduce waste and energy. Here are a few gadgets that can help you in these 93 summer days and beyond. Solar-powered gadgets are a smart way to enjoy your summer without relying on the grid. You have options to stream music through the Reveal Solar Speaker or charging your phone with solar charges like the the Anker 21W PowerPort. The beauty of it is that solar tech allows you to stay connected while reducing your carbon footprint. Smart plugs and energy monitors, such as the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug, help you manage your electricity usage by tracking and scheduling appliances. These actively reduce phantom power draw which is the energy consumed by electronics even when they are turned off. Typically, residential energy use accounts for about 20% of greenhouse gas emissions and any small tweaks in how we use tech can make a measurable difference. Summer is what you make it, and this year, you can make it count for both your joy and the sustainability of the planet. Whether you are trying to put together a summer wardrobe, staying cool with low-impact habits, or choosing gadgets that give more than they take, your decision to choose sustainable brands matter. So as the sun rises on these 93 days, choose what lasts, what aligns, and what truly reflect a sustainable summer.
Leaders
3 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Sets New Guinness Records in Water Desalination Technology
Saudi Arabia has achieved remarkable milestones by breaking two Guinness World Records in water desalination technology. The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) received these prestigious certificates, showcasing the Kingdom's leadership in the global water sector. The records were presented during a ceremony at the SWA headquarters in Riyadh. Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley attended the event, alongside a delegation from Guinness World Records, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The first record recognized the world's largest seawater desalination plant utilizing reverse osmosis (RO) technology. This facility is part of Phase II of the Al-Khobar Production System project. It boasts an impressive production capacity of 670,852.4 cubic meters per day. Notably, it was constructed on the smallest land area globally for a facility of its size. This achievement resulted from innovative technical methodologies and value engineering, with the official registration of this record occurred on 25 February, 2025. Lowest Energy Consumption Rate The second record highlights SWA's Technical Affairs and Projects Sector for achieving the lowest energy consumption rate for an RO-based desalination plant. This plant recorded an energy consumption rate of 1.7 kWh per cubic meter during the salt separation stage. Overall, the total energy consumption reached 2.34 kWh per cubic meter, marking the lowest ever documented worldwide. This significant achievement occurred during the construction of the Shuaibah Plant (Phase V) on April 22, 2025. The World Bank commended this accomplishment, which surpassed the Kingdom's previous record of 2.27 kWh per cubic meter. A Commitment to Sustainability These two recent achievements elevate SWA's total number of Guinness World Records to 11. This accomplishment further solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a global center of excellence and innovation in the water sector. Moreover, it emphasizes the Kingdom's critical role in fostering a more sustainable future for water resources. As Saudi Arabia continues to lead in water desalination technology, it sets a benchmark for other nations to follow. Short link : Post Views: 30 Related Stories
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'We will not tolerate attempts to threaten the government with PILs and stay orders,' says Dy CM DK Shivakumar
We will not tolerate attempts to threaten government with PILs, Stay orders, says DyCM Shivakumar Bengaluru: Coming down heavily on garbage contractors trying to prevent state government from rolling out garbage tendering process, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday cautioned them that the govt will not tolerate their intimidating tactics, including filing Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and obtaining stay orders. DyCM's strong words come in the backdrop of a stay issued by the Karnataka High Court on the state govt's fresh tender to address garbage disposal in Bengaluru. Addressing media persons in Vidhana Soudha, on the sidelines of a walkathon organised by the Environment, Ecology department and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), DK Shivakumar said, "Regardless of the work the state govt takes up, some groups are constantly resorting to intimidating tactics by filing PILs or obtaining stay orders from the courts just to threaten the govt. But we will not tolerate this, and such tactics will not work. " Hitting out sharply at garbage contractors who have been trying to prevent the state govt from rolling out fresh tenders to address the garbage disposal problem in Bengaluru, Shivakumar questioned, "Aren't we supposed to clean Bengaluru?" Responding to a question on the High Court's stay on rolling out garbage tenders, he said, "I will look into the orders of the court." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Terming the garbage contractors of Bengaluru as a 'mafia', Shivakumar further explained, "Previously, there were 89 tenders. All those who bagged these tenders have now come together and formed a group. This is nothing but a mafia. They all think that they can mislead us. But we will expose them in the court and apprise the court about their actions. We will mercilessly remove those trying to obstruct us and provide opportunities to new players to develop Bengaluru. " This is not the first time that Shivakumar has hit out strongly at the garbage mafia of Bengaluru. During the budget session of the state legislature in March 2025, Shivakumar told the legislature that all contractors formed a cartel to fight the govt and expressed unhappiness that a few of the MLAs are also part of this blackmailing process.
