The Canadian Press: Scientists warn caribou collapse not unlike disappearance of cod stocks

N.W.T. biologists estimated the Bathurst herd of the central barrens had fallen from over 120,000 animals in 2006 to 32,000 – a 75 per cent implosion representing the loss of nearly 90,000 caribou in only three years.

The news was even worse to the east, where scientists studied cow-calf pairs in the Beverly herd.

Aerial survey teams couldn’t even find enough pairs to get statistically valid data. A herd that numbered 280,000 animals only 15 years ago was simply gone.

via The Canadian Press: Scientists warn caribou collapse not unlike disappearance of cod stocks.

Global climate deal at least a year away, negotiators say | Environment | guardian.co.uk

n a series of briefings, senior British and EU diplomats said they had abandoned any hope of reaching a legally binding treaty at the Copenhagen summit next month and had now started to plan only for a meeting of world leaders.

via Global climate deal at least a year away, negotiators say | Environment | guardian.co.uk.

Critics blast Kellogg’s claim that cereals can boost immunity – USATODAY.com

Kellogg, the nation’s largest cereal maker, is being called to task by critics who object to the swine flu-conscious claim now bannered in bold lettering on the front of Cocoa Krispies cereal boxes: “Now helps support your child’s IMMUNITY.”

Of all claims on cereal boxes, “this one belongs in the hall of fame,” says Kelly Brownell, director of Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. “By their logic, you can spray vitamins on a pile of leaves, and it will boost immunity.”

via Critics blast Kellogg’s claim that cereals can boost immunity – USATODAY.com.

Public welcomes harbour plans | London | News | London Free Press

“Now it’s up to Transport Canada.”

So says a Port Stanley citizen activist after a warm public reception greeted a $30-million makeover plan for the harbour.

Dan McNeil, who has been critical of the federal agency that wants to unload the harbour on Central Elgin, said the harbour plan in a $100,000 consultant’s report has wide backing.

“Are we crazy enough not to accept it?” he asked.

via Public welcomes harbour plans | London | News | London Free Press.

Study claims meat creates half of all greenhouse gases – Climate Change, Environment – The Independent

Climate change emissions from meat production are far higher than currently estimated, according to a controversial new study that will fuel the debate on whether people should eat fewer animal products to help the environment.

In a paper published by a respected US thinktank, the Worldwatch Institute, two World Bank environmental advisers claim that instead of 18 per cent of global emissions being caused by meat, the true figure is 51 per cent.

via Study claims meat creates half of all greenhouse gases – Climate Change, Environment – The Independent.

Ottawa needs to unlock Port Stanley’s potential | Editorial | Comment | London Free Press

So while other communities across the country, and indeed the world, have embraced their waterfronts, made improvements and become prosperous meccas for both tourists and residents, Port Stanley has been left to do as best it can, working around the ugly elephant in its midst — the port itself.

via Ottawa needs to unlock Port Stanley’s potential | Editorial | Comment | London Free Press.

One in Five Mammals Threatened With Extinction | CommonDreams.org

A fifth of the world’s known mammals, a third of amphibians and reptiles and more than two thirds of plants are threatened with extinction, according to the latest “Red List” of endangered species.

via One in Five Mammals Threatened With Extinction | CommonDreams.org.

Burwell resident fights council on turbine issues – Tillsonburg News – Ontario, CA

A Port Burwell resident who is energy self-sufficient, butted heads with Bayham council over zoning issues.

Matthew Redsell erected a wind turbine on his property in Port Burwell two years ago and was given the necessary temporary zoning at the time. Since the zoning was about to run out, Redsell spoke to Bayham councillors at a recent council meeting in a sometimes-heated exchange about the turbine zoning and what he called his “natural garden”.

Redsell made reference to the province’s recently-released Green Energy Act that takes the approval process for wind turbines out of the municipal planning process.

via Burwell resident fights council on turbine issues – Tillsonburg News – Ontario, CA.

Cemetery Club brims with life

When all the talk is of colds and flu and spirits are dampened by the wet and cold, Aylmer’s Community Theatre (ACT) is staging a play that is as good for the soul as a hearty bowl of chicken soup.

The Cemetery Club tells the story of three lifelong friends who have all been widowed prematurely. They meet every month at Ida’s home for tea and banter before going to visit their dear departed husbands at the cemetery. While there,  the vivacious, over-sexed Lucille meets Sam, a widowed butcher. Sam takes a liking to the sensible Ida, and the prim and proper Doris then enlists Lucille in an effort to put the kibosh on the budding relationship.

Not reported in your daily news: US used “false pretext” to invade Iraq in 2003, ElBaradei says – Monsters and Critics

Outgoing UN nuclear watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei criticized the United States on Monday for using a ‘false pretext’ to invade Iraq, costing ‘the lives of possibly hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians.’

via US used “false pretext” to invade Iraq in 2003, ElBaradei says – Monsters and Critics.