Monthly Archives: January 2021

2021-01-27: News Headlines

Pip Hinman (2021-01-28). Lendlease housing development a threat to koalas. greenleft.org.au A funeral procession for koalas was organised by Extinction Rebellion and other supporters of the endangered native.

Susan Price (2021-01-28). Change the system to save the climate. greenleft.org.au Andrew Chuter reviews a 2014 graphic novel that communicates the science, politics and personal impacts of what is arguably humanity's greatest existential threat.

RT (2021-01-27). Doomsday Clock poised at 100 seconds to midnight, scientists cite nuclear arms race & 'online lying' as threats. rt.com The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists' "Doomsday Clock" — a construct representing the threats to humanity from the nuclear to the natural — remains in the red at 100 seconds to midnight for 2021, its proprietors have warned. | The scientists released their While the clock's hands haven…

Kenny Stancil (2021-01-27). Kerry touts climate diplomacy, EU says end dirty energy subsidies. peoplesworld.org While President Joe Biden's top climate envoy John Kerry told world leaders at a virtual climate summit that the U.S. will fulfill its commitment to provide financial support to developing countries as they grapple with the deadly consequences of a warming planet, campaigners are urging the U.S. to follow the lead of European Union officials who on …

RJ Red (2021-01-27). Defiant protesters challenge the Biden administration in Buffalo, N.Y. workers.org Buffalo, N.Y. Jan. 21 — On Biden's first full day as president of the U.S. empire, activists and community members here wasted no time in putting pressure on his administration. At a demonstration called by Workers World Party-Buffalo, people gathered at the corner of Niagara Street and Porter Avenue to . . . |

Editor (2021-01-27). Reflecting the Authoritarian Climate, Washington Will Remain Militarized. scheerpost.com YouTube] By Glenn Greenwald / Substack Washington, DC has been continuously militarized beginning the week leading up to Joe Biden's inauguration, when 20,000 National Guard troops were deployed onto the streets of the nation's capital. The original justification was that this show of massive force was necessary to secure the inauguration in light of the January 6 riot at the Capitol. |

Staff (2021-01-27). Headlines for January 27, 2021. democracynow.org Biden Ramps Up Vaccine Rollout as World Tops 100 Million COVID Cases, U.S. Records Deadliest Month, U.K. Tops 100,000 Deaths as European Nations Move Toward Requiring Medical-Grade Masks, COVID Curfew Riots Rock Dutch Cities; Canadian Mogul Fined for Receiving Vaccine Meant for Indigenous Group, 45 Senate Republicans Back Dismissal of Trump Impeachment Trial, Biden Orders DOJ to End Contracts with Private Prisons, HUD to End Discrimination in Housing, Biden Issuing Orders Promoting Environmental Justice, Combating Climate Crisis, U.S. Judge Blocks Biden Deportation Moratorium While Texas Challenge Is Reviewed, U.

Staff (2021-01-27). Sunrise Movement's Varshini Prakash: Biden's Climate Agenda Must Go Beyond Undoing Trump's Damage. democracynow.org President Joe Biden is expected to issue executive orders to suspend new oil and gas leasing on federal property, reestablish a White House council of science advisers, and set a goal to protect 30% of federal land and water by 2030. He is also predicted to announce a number of initiatives prioritizing environmental justice by creating a White House interagency council on environmental justice and directing federal agencies to invest more in communities of color heavily impacted by pollution and the climate crisis. These actions, as well as executive orders to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline and put a moratorium…

RT (2021-01-27). UEFA boss Ceferin 'optimistic' that European Championships will still be held in 12 cities despite Covid-19 concerns. rt.com UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has doubled down on the original plans for last summer's postponed European Championships, saying that the tournament is vital in padding the coffers of football's various governing bodies. | European football's premier international tournament was slated to take place last summer in 12 European countries, the first time that the tournament was to be held in a continent-wide capacity. However, the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic laid waste to most major sport across the globe and prompted UEFA to reschedule to this coming summer. | The plight of the virus is still being…

Tracy Keeling (2021-01-27). An 'act of ecocide' shows how far the world is from treating the climate crisis like the emergency it is. thecanary.co The UN released the largest ever

RT (2021-01-27). Biden's climate crusade: Oil and gas drilling BANNED on federal land in new round of executive orders. rt.com President Joe Biden has signed more climate-focused executive orders. Among them are directives setting climate change as a national security priority, and imposing a controversial ban on fossil fuel drilling on federal land. | Biden's latest round of executive orders come after a record-breaking 40 presidential decrees during his first week in office. After day-one orders signing the US back up to the Paris climate agreement and cancelling the completion of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, Biden's latest round of orders, signed on Wednesday, again focus on the environment. | Pres. Biden signs a series of actions…

RT (2021-01-27). DOJ & EPA to get 'Climate Justice' offices under Biden's executive orders. rt.com Declaring his commitment to "environmental justice" for "disadvantaged communities," US President Joe Biden has ordered the creation of new enforcement offices in two departments and a regulatory agency. | As part of a sweeping executive order signed on Wednesday, the new or expanded "climate justice" offices will be established at the Department of Justice (DOJ), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). | "We know the communities who are being hurt, and we know we have to start enforcing the standards today in ensuring that they are part of the solution," Gina McCarthy, B…

Online News Editor (2021-01-27). World majority sees climate change as global emergency: UN survey. laprensalatina.com By Mario Villar United Nations, Jan 27 (efe-epa).- A majority of the world's citizens consider climate change a global emergency and support large-scale measures to combat it, according to the largest survey on this issue carried out to date. The survey, released Wednesday, was conducted by the United Nations and the University of Oxford, with …

news.un (2021-01-27). Climate change is a 'global emergency', biggest ever opinion poll finds. news.un.org Almost two-thirds of over 1.2 million people surveyed worldwide say that climate change is a global emergency, urging greater action to address the crisis, results from a new UN climate survey revealed on Wednesday.

news.un (2021-01-27). Climate change is a 'global emergency', people say in biggest ever climate poll. news.un.org Almost two-thirds of over 1.2 million people surveyed worldwide say that climate change is a global emergency, urging greater action to address the crisis, results from a new UN climate survey revealed on Wednesday.

Johanna Kichton (2021-01-27). People's Action: We're Living Through a Climate Emergency. Now Let's Act Like It. peoplesaction.org Contact: Johanna Kichton, 240.206.1145, press@peoplesaction.org WASHINGTON, D.C.—People's Action released the following statement from Climate Justice Campaign Director Kaniela Ing after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on President Biden to endorse the THRIVE Agenda and declare a climate emergency for the United States: "This echoes the demands of thousands of grassroots organizers, the declarations of 1,864 jurisdictions …

Andrew Rosenberg (2021-01-26). Impactful Biden climate actions nobody is talking about. peoplesworld.org The first 24 hours of the administration of President Joe Biden were filled not only with ceremony, but also with real action. Executive orders and other directives were quickly signed. More actions have followed. All consequential. Many provide a basis for not just undoing actions of the previous administration, but also making real advances in public policy …

Associated Press (2021-01-26). First Native American to win Caldecott Medal for children's book illustration. peoplesworld.org NEW YORK — Illustrator Michaela Goade became the first Native American to win the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal for best children's picture story, cited for "We Are Water Protectors," a celebration of nature and condemnation of the "black snake" Dakota Access Pipeline. "I am really honored and proud," the 30-year-old Goade told The Associated Press …

The Canary (2021-01-26). Tory MP, aged 40, defends decision to accept Covid-19 jab. thecanary.co A Conservative MP who volunteered at a local hospital has defended accepting a dose of Covid-19 vaccine, despite being 40 years old. | Brendan Clarke-Smith, who represents Bassetlaw in north Nottinghamshire, was given the AstraZeneca jab on Friday after having done a shift at Retford Hospital vaccination centre. | Vaccinations are currently limited to the government's four priority groups; the over-80s, over-70s, frontline health workers and those people classed as extremely clinically vulnerable. | Clarke-Smith said the dose he got was "left over" from that day's vaccine stock, preventing it going to waste. | On…

Staff (2021-01-26). Schumer Calls on Biden to Declare a Climate Emergency as Ice Loss Accelerates. truthout.org Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) called on President Joe Biden to declare the climate crisis a national emergency, echoing calls that other Democratic lawmakers and activists have been making in past months and years. | "I think it might be a good idea for President Biden to call a climate emergency,"

Brett Wilkins, staff writer (2021-01-26). On Eve of Fossil Fuel Lease Moratorium, Biden Urged to Permanently Protect US Coast From Offshore Drilling. commondreams.org "President Biden has an incredible opportunity to act on climate change and protect our coasts once and for all by closing the chapter on future offshore oil leasing." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/offshoredrilling_0.jpg

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2021-01-26). As Planet Cooks, One of the World's Coldest Towns Bids to Host 2032 Summer Olympics. commondreams.org "If we stand back and do nothing, letting global warming prevail, we will lose our identity, and the town we love—as well as many others around the world—will cease to exist as we know it," said the mayor of Salla. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/1_warm_heart-min1.jpg

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2021-01-26). NYC Pension Funds Set 'New Bar for Climate Finance Action' With Approval of $4 Billion Fossil Fuel Divestment. commondreams.org "Fossil fuels are not only bad for our planet and our frontline communities, they are a bad investment," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-12290402291.jpg

commondreams (2021-01-26). 350.org Responds to Biden's Climate Day. commondreams.org ______________________________…

commondreams (2021-01-26). People's Action: We're Living Through a Climate Emergency. Now Let's Act Like It. commondreams.org ______________________________…

news.un (2021-01-26). Climate litigation spikes, giving courts an 'essential role' in addressing climate crisis. news.un.org A rise in climate litigation cases has made courtrooms increasingly important as a venue for addressing climate change around the world, according to a report released on Tuesday by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Zach Conti (2021-01-26). High-Level Climate Summit to Launch Action Agenda. indybay.org World leaders, including Pope Francis, UN General Secretary António Guterres and the IMF's Kristalina Georgieva, gather for a high-level climate summit hosted by the Netherlands through Tuesday.

Liz Kimbrough (2021-01-26). Death by 1,000 Cuts: Are Major Insect Losses Imperiling Life on Earth? globalresearch.ca Scientists warn of ongoing global insect abundance losses and say we lack a full understanding of invertebrate extinction causes and synergies. Action to curb extinction rates desperately needed: Studies. | *** | Chances are, the works of the world's insects touch your …

INMSBUT (2021-01-26). Tuesday 1/26: Car Caravan: Climate Resistance Protest at Chevron Refinery in Richmond. indybay.org Fallas Paredes parking lot @ 13220 San Pablo Ave, San Pablo, CA 94806-3908 | Masks & Social Distancing Required…

Center for Biological Diversity (2021-01-26). Federal Bill Proposes Fracking, Drilling Halt on California's Central Coast, Bay Area. indybay.org WASHINGTON, January 25, 2021 — U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) reintroduced legislation today to create a moratorium on fracking and drilling along California's Central Coast and in the Bay Area.

Asad Ismi (2021-01-26). The US-Kenya Bilateral Free Trade Agreement. Garbage In, Garbage Out. globalresearch.ca Washington hopes a free trade pact with Kenya will give it a beachhead in its hot war with Al-Shabab and cold war with China—and an African dumping ground for GMOs and plastic waste. What Kenya gets in exchange is not …

teleSUR (2021-01-26). Argentine Asks Rich Countries for Climate Change Commitments. telesurenglish.net Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez on Monday called for a greater commitment against climate change from developed countries at the opening session of the 2021 United Nations Climate Adaptation Summit (CAS). | RELATED: | "We have the opportunity to act collectively in response to climate change," said Fernandez virtually at 2021 CAS, which is being hosted by the Netherlands on Jan. 25-26, and seeks to promote an ag…

Andrea Germanos, staff writer (2021-01-25). Groups Launch Grassroots Campaign Urging Senators to Reject Tom 'Mr. Monsanto' Vilsack for USDA Chief. commondreams.org www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/vilsack-campaign-biden.jpg

news.un (2021-01-25). In Davos speech, UN chief highlights private sector role in pandemic recovery. news.un.org The private sector has a key role to play in lifting countries out of both the COVID-19 and climate crises, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told international business leaders on Monday.

Pip Hinman (2021-01-25). Activists take aim at Santos' greenwashing. greenleft.org.au Fossil Free SA and Extinction Rebellion SA organised a week of climate action from January 24 to draw attention to the disastrous impact of gas on the climate and to call for the Tour Down Under to #BreakAwayFromGas, reports Kerry Smith.

Online News Editor (2021-01-25). Return of US to climate fight mobilizing world to adapt. laprensalatina.com By Imane Rachidi The Hague, Jan 25 (efe-epa).- With the return of the United States to the world fight against climate change, several world leaders committed themselves on Monday to work to adapt their economies to a changing climate and emphasized the need to include and help less developed countries who are the "hardest hit" …

2021-01-26: News Headlines

The Canary (2021-01-26). Tory MP, aged 40, defends decision to accept Covid-19 jab. thecanary.co A Conservative MP who volunteered at a local hospital has defended accepting a dose of Covid-19 vaccine, despite being 40 years old. | Brendan Clarke-Smith, who represents Bassetlaw in north Nottinghamshire, was given the AstraZeneca jab on Friday after having done a shift at Retford Hospital vaccination centre. | Vaccinations are currently limited to the government's four priority groups; the over-80s, over-70s, frontline health workers and those people classed as extremely clinically vulnerable. | Clarke-Smith said the dose he got was "left over" from that day's vaccine stock, preventing it going to waste. | On…

F. William Engdahl (2021-01-26). After COVID, Davos Moves to The "Great Reset" globalresearch.ca With the USA Biden Presidency, Washington has rejoined the Global Warming agenda of the Paris Accords. With China making loud pledges about meeting strict CO2 emission standards by 2060, now the World Economic Forum is about to unveil what will …

Staff (2021-01-26). Biden's First Climate Actions Are a Result of Years of Indigenous Activism. truthout.org Indigenous activists emerged as leaders of a climate movement that put increasing pressure on Joe Biden, who revoked a key permit for the Keystone XL pipeline shortly after becoming president. So, what happens next? Mike Ludwig speaks with Jade Begay, the Climate Justice Director of NDN Collective, an Indigenous led-organization building Indigenous power by working with front line activists. | Music by TRANSCRIPT: | Note: This a rush…

Associated Press (2021-01-26). First Native American to win Caldecott Medal for children's book illustration. peoplesworld.org NEW YORK — Illustrator Michaela Goade became the first Native American to win the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal for best children's picture story, cited for "We Are Water Protectors," a celebration of nature and condemnation of the "black snake" Dakota Access Pipeline. "I am really honored and proud," the 30-year-old Goade told The Associated Press …

Andrew Rosenberg (2021-01-26). Impactful Biden climate actions nobody is talking about. peoplesworld.org The first 24 hours of the administration of President Joe Biden were filled not only with ceremony, but also with real action. Executive orders and other directives were quickly signed. More actions have followed. All consequential. Many provide a basis for not just undoing actions of the previous administration, but also making real advances in public policy …

news.un (2021-01-26). Climate litigation spikes, giving courts an 'essential role' in addressing climate crisis. news.un.org A rise in climate litigation cases has made courtrooms increasingly important as a venue for addressing climate change around the world, according to a report released on Tuesday by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Center for Biological Diversity (2021-01-26). Federal Bill Proposes Fracking, Drilling Halt on California's Central Coast, Bay Area. indybay.org WASHINGTON, January 25, 2021 — U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) reintroduced legislation today to create a moratorium on fracking and drilling along California's Central Coast and in the Bay Area.

Asad Ismi (2021-01-26). The US-Kenya Bilateral Free Trade Agreement. Garbage In, Garbage Out. globalresearch.ca Washington hopes a free trade pact with Kenya will give it a beachhead in its hot war with Al-Shabab and cold war with China—and an African dumping ground for GMOs and plastic waste. What Kenya gets in exchange is not …

Zach Conti (2021-01-26). High-Level Climate Summit to Launch Action Agenda. indybay.org World leaders, including Pope Francis, UN General Secretary António Guterres and the IMF's Kristalina Georgieva, gather for a high-level climate summit hosted by the Netherlands through Tuesday.

Liz Kimbrough (2021-01-26). Death by 1,000 Cuts: Are Major Insect Losses Imperiling Life on Earth? globalresearch.ca Scientists warn of ongoing global insect abundance losses and say we lack a full understanding of invertebrate extinction causes and synergies. Action to curb extinction rates desperately needed: Studies. | *** | Chances are, the works of the world's insects touch your …

INMSBUT (2021-01-26). Tuesday 1/26: Car Caravan: Climate Resistance Protest at Chevron Refinery in Richmond. indybay.org Fallas Paredes parking lot @ 13220 San Pablo Ave, San Pablo, CA 94806-3908 | Masks & Social Distancing Required…

Jasmine Norden (2021-01-25). The US has re-joined the Paris Agreement. But it's not enough to save our climate. thecanary.co The US has re-joined the Paris Agreement and committed to climate action. But experts and activists On the first day of his presidency, Joe Biden

news.un (2021-01-25). In Davos speech, UN chief highlights private sector role in pandemic recovery. news.un.org The private sector has a key role to play in lifting countries out of both the COVID-19 and climate crises, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told international business leaders on Monday.

Andrea Germanos, staff writer (2021-01-25). Groups Launch Grassroots Campaign Urging Senators to Reject Tom 'Mr. Monsanto' Vilsack for USDA Chief. commondreams.org www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/vilsack-campaign-biden.jpg

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2021-01-25). Enough 'Blah Blah Blah' From Global Elites, Greta Thunberg Declares at Digital Davos. commondreams.org "I'm only here to once again remind you of the emergency we are in. The crisis that you and your predecessors have created and inflicted upon us." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/chill-donald-thunberg_0.jpg

news.un (2021-01-25). Scale up funding for climate adaptation programmes, Guterres urges. news.un.org The UN Secretary-General on Monday called for urgent scaling up of funds for climate change adaptation and resilience building programmes, so they can offer real and lasting protection against the impact of major events such as droughts, floods and rising sea-levels.

Kenny Stancil, staff writer (2021-01-25). As Kerry Touts US Commitment to Climate Diplomacy, Biden Urged to Follow EU Lead by Ending Dirty Energy Subsidies. commondreams.org "Biden should act boldly on his campaign commitments to end finance for dirty energy projects." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/build_back_fossil_free.jpg

Pip Hinman (2021-01-25). Activists take aim at Santos' greenwashing. greenleft.org.au Fossil Free SA and Extinction Rebellion SA organised a week of climate action from January 24 to draw attention to the disastrous impact of gas on the climate and to call for the Tour Down Under to #BreakAwayFromGas, reports Kerry Smith.

Jodi Archambault (2021-01-24). Biden Canceled Keystone XL. Indigenous Leaders Demand Same for DAPL. zcomm.org "The best thing that he can do is drop the appeals to this and stop the oil from flowing now."

Indigenous Environmental Network & partners (2021-01-24). Tuesday 1/26: Climate Crisis: Digital Rally to Build Back Fossil Free w/ Indigenous Frontline Leaders. indybay.org Virtual Rally…

sputniknews (2021-01-24). Biden, Macron Discuss Common Foreign Policy Agenda, COVID-19, Climate. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – US President Joe Biden has held telephone talks with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron agreeing on close cooperation, including in what concerns the global economic recovery and the pandemic, as well as foreign policy issues.

Rebecca White (2021-01-24). Burning Questions About the Future of Pacific Northwest Forests. commondreams.org Climate change has played an overarching role in the blazes, but a perfect storm of government mismanagement — privatization, lax enforcement, and outright corruption — has contributed a major share | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/oregon-wildfires-2020.jpg

Lothar Galow-Bergemann and Ernst Lohoff (2021-01-24). Why capitalism compels renunciation and we could work less. indybay.org The corona and climate crises demonstrate how 'our economy' is failing before the existential challenges of the time. Eternal growth, maximum profit and rising share prices are the lifeblood of the economy. Without them, it immediately begins to crumble. The climate crisis reveals that growth programmed for infinity will amount to the destruction of the planet in the medium rather than the long term.

Media Lens (2021-01-23). "A Ghastly Future"? Israeli Apartheid, Biden, Starmer, Assange and Mass Extinction. dissidentvoice.org Back in 2017, before WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange was silenced by Twitter, he used the platform to highlight an immutable truth: 'The overwhelming majority of information is classified to protect political security not national security.' Power hates being exposed. It hates having its inner machinations, its selfish priorities and ugly operations opened up to public …

Anoo Bhuyan (2021-01-23). [World Report] India begins COVID-19 vaccination amid trial allegations. thelancet.com Trial participants in Bhopal say that they could not read consent forms and have not been able to report adverse events. Anoo Bhuyan reports from Bhopal.

Rachel M. Cohen (2021-01-23). Climate Groups Begin Vying for Power in the Biden Era as Pressure for Unity Fades. zcomm.org As the BlueGreen Alliance gears up for a big staff expansion, debates around carbon capture, natural gas, and nuclear energy resurface…

_____ (2021-01-23). Washington Rejects Massive Methanol Refinery. popularresistance.org Kalama, WA —The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) denied permits for the massive fracked gas-to-methanol refinery proposed in Kalama, WA. Ecology nixed the fossil fuel processing and export proposal after deciding it would have a significant negative impact on the climate, Washington's shorelines, and the public interest. [read the full letter from WA Ecology and Director Watson] | "Without the necessary state and federal permits, this climate-wrecking proposal is going nowhere," said Brett VandenHeuvel, Executive Director with Columbia Riverkeeper. "Ecology's decision is cause for celebration for…