The Significance of Total Logging Bans

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TOTAL LOGGING BANS

By Anton Antonio

February 19, 2016

Total logging bans are often used by governments all over the world to curb, check and restrain illegal logging activities and to better manage and preserve their forest cover and the ecology of the landscape.  There is, of course, a certain degree of uneasiness on whether this is the right thing to do.  The question still persists whether or not other initiatives available to total logging bans.  It becomes critical, therefore, that total logging bans are studied too.

The forest in the Philippines is very rich in biodiversity.  The numerous flora and fauna that could be found in tropical rainforests is due to the constant high temperature and humidity which characterize our normal weather condition.  It is unfortunate, however, that many forests are threatened due to deforestation… and deforestation is caused by irresponsible logging activities.  It is important to mention, at this point that logging in the Philippines is perceived as an “illegal” activity and anyone who is involved in the wood industry is an “illegal logger”.

Forestland largely form a sizeable part of landscape ecology.  Deforestation is the single, most negative, factor that affects landscape ecology.  A total logging ban, therefore, is also a big influencing factor in the ecology of the landscape.  Preserving our last remaining forest cover is imperative to ensure quality life on our planet for the next generations.

The purpose and objective, therefore, of a study on the significance of total logging bans (as the primary government initiative) should focus on and detail the following background, issues and concerns:

1.    Give a brief history on logging in the Philippines so we could better understand the development of the wood industry to its present status;

2.    Look into the socio-economic importance of logging so we could gain better insights to the realities of logging as a basic means of livelihood and how it affects people as social units;

3.    Answer the question “Is total logging ban possible?” so we could explore the sustainability of a long-term logging ban;

4.    Make a general distinction between legal and illegal logging activities so we could separate the myth from reality;

5.    Determine the effects of total logging ban in the forest cover and ecology of the landscape so we could make baseline assumptions on the relationship between logging activities and biodiversity;

6.    Find ways and means to mitigate the effects of total logging bans as the best way to go but making certain that the necessary safety nets are provided to stakeholders in the wood and timber industry;

7.    Come up with a synthesis or an alternative approach in balancing the need for wood and the ecology so we can also consider other ways and means to a total logging ban; and,

8.    Provide a new framework on the effects of total logging ban in the ecology of the landscape.

Reforestation should be an integral part of timber utilization.  Trees also have a lifespan and when trees die, the unutilized wood will decompose and return to the atmosphere in the form of carbon.  Carbon sequestration or biological sequestration can only happen when trees are felled in their maturity.  Premature harvesting of trees without the corresponding replenishment, through reforestation, is the single-biggest cause of forest cover loss.  But is the declaration of total logging bans the only alternative?  Or are there other options?  I firmly believe there are.  And, if there are, what then is the significance of total logging bans?

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/) 

Total Log Ban

TOTAL LOG BAN

By Anton Antonio

February 18, 2016

In my never-ending research for subject matters to blog about, I chanced upon this poster that says: “total log ban”.  (Please see accompanying image.)  How many times have you read this statement “total log ban”?  You’ve probably read it from newspapers describing a declaration or imposition by government.  Or a pro-environment advocacy group lobbying for it or evangelizing about it… a “total log ban”.  Sadly, however, the statement is simply wrong!

Let’s define the statement, “total log ban”, word for word.  The word “total” means complete, absolute or comprising the whole number, amount or volume of a given unit.   A “log” is a part of the trunk or a large branch of a tree that has fallen or has been cut off.  Please note that the growth of a tree is a natural process and phenomenon.  The word “ban” means officially or legally prohibited.  So, therefore, putting these definitions together, how can something that is a natural product like a tree (specifically the trunk and branch) be officially and legally prohibited (banned) from growing?  This just doesn’t make sense... or downright stupid!

What would make better sense is tweaking this statement (therefore, “total log ban”) to “total logging ban”.  In this case what we are officially and legally prohibiting or banning is the act of logging.  Logging is defined as the activity or business of felling trees and cutting and preparing the timber for utilization and conversion to other wood products.  In this application “logging”, as an activity, can be banned officially and legally by an authority.

The use of “log” over “logging” may seem like ordinary and insignificant semantics (meaning: the branch of linguistics and logic concerned with meaning) but wouldn’t it be ideal to use correct words to describe specific issues and concerns?  Let’s do everyone a favour, it would not be rude to gently correct others when they use the statement “total log ban”.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

Deforestation

DEFORESTATION

By Anton Antonio

February 16, 2016

A common coffee table topic when people exchange views on the environment is deforestation.  But what exactly is deforestation?  Deforestation is the clearing of trees that eventually transform a forest into a cleared land.  Here is a researched material on deforestation… “Deforestation, clearance or clearing is the removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a non-forest use.  Examples of deforestation include conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use.  Tropical rainforests is where the common concentrated deforestation occurs.  Almost 30% of the world is converted by forests, excluding water mass.  In temperate mesic climates, natural regeneration of forest stands often will not occur in the absence of disturbance, whether natural or anthropogenic.  Furthermore, biodiversity after regeneration harvest often mimics that found after natural disturbance, including biodiversity loss after naturally occurring rainforest destruction.  Deforestation occurs for many reasons: trees are cut down to be used or sold as fuel (sometimes in form of charcoal) or timber, while cleared land is used as pasture for livestock, plantations of commodities and settlements.  The removal of trees without sufficient reforestation has resulted in damage to habitat, biodiversity loss and aridity.  It has adverse impacts on biosequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide.  Deforestation has also been used in war to deprive the enemy of cover for its forces and also vital resources.  Modern examples of this were the use of Agent Orange by the British military in Malaya during the Malayan emergency and the United States military in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.  As of 2005, net deforestation rates have ceased to increase in countries with a per capita GDP of at least US$4,600.  Deforested regions typically incur significant adverse soil erosion and frequently degrade into wasteland.  Disregard of ascribed value, lax forest management and deficient environmental laws, are some of the factors that allow deforestation to occur on a large scale.  In many countries, deforestation, both naturally occurring and human induced, is an ongoing issue.  Deforestation causes extinction, changes to climatic conditions, desertification, and displacement of populations as observed by current conditions and in the past through the fossil record.  More than half of all plant and land animals species in the world live in tropical forests.  Between 2000 and 2013, 2.3 million square kilometers of forests around the world were cut down.  As a result of deforestation, only 6.2 million square kilometers remain of the original 16 million square kilometers of forest that formerly covered the earth.” (Wikipedia)

There are several (even confusing) data and statistics on the annual rate of deforestation from various sources.  More than establishing the deforestation rate, it is more important to acknowledge that deforestation happens every year.  And above all is the further importance of curbing, for the sake of future generations, deforestation.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCE:

Wikipedia, (2016).  “Deforestation”.  Retrieved on February 16, 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deforestation

International Tropical Timber Agreement

INTERNATIONAL TROPICAL TIMBER AGREEMENT

By Anton Antonio

February 16, 2016

The single-biggest cause for the depletion of the world’s forest cover is the illegal harvesting and trade of timber products.  This is not only a domestic problem of individual countries but a worldwide problem.  The European Union and the United States, in an effort to eradicate the international trade of illegally harvested forest products, have started to be strict in importing wood --- especially tropical hardwood --- without due certification from their true origin.

“The International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA, 2006) is to “promote the expansion and diversification of international trade in tropical timber from sustainably manages and legally harvested forests and to promote the sustainable management of tropical timber producing forests”.  It entered into force on 7 December 2011 and replaces the International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994.  As of late July 2015, there are 71 parties to the agreement.  Madagascar, Nigeria, and Paraguay have signed the agreement but have not ratified it.  Canada ratified the agreement in 2009 but has since denounced it.” (Wikipedia)

The ITTA, however, could only be effective if the governments (particularly the ministries and departments in charge of protecting forest resources) of individual countries do not connive (meaning: secretly allow something considered immoral, illegal, wrong and harmful to occur) with illegal loggers and traders.  Otherwise, this international accord will be useless; the International Tropical Timber Agreement.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCE:

Wikipedia, (2016).  “International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006”.  Retrieved on February 16, 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Tropical_Timber_Agreement,_2006

MARPOL 73/78

MARPOL 73/78

By Anton Antonio

February 15, 2016

It is common knowledge that approximately 71% of the earth’s surface is covered by water and the oceans and seas hold about 96.5% of all earth’s water.  These staggering data on the volume of water around us makes dumping of waste in water bodies, which will subsequently result to marine pollution, is a very critical issue and concern.  Towards the end and purpose of protecting our oceans and seas, the MARPOL 73/78 was conceived.

Here is a researched material on MARPOL…  “MARPOL 73/78 is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978.  (“MARPOL” is the short term for marine pollution and 73/78 is short for the years 1973 and 1978.)  MARPOL 73/78 is one of the most important international marine environmental conventions.  It was developed by the International Maritime Organization is an effort to minimize pollution of the oceans and seas, including dumping, oil and sir pollution.  The objective of this convention is to preserve the marine environment in an attempt to completely eliminate pollution by oil and other harmful substances and to minimize accidental spillage of such substances.  The original MARPOL was signed on 17 February 1973, but did not come into force at the signing date.  The current convention is a combination of the 1973 Convention and the 1978 Protocol.  It entered into force on 2 October 1983.  As of 2015, 152 states, representing 99.2 percent of the world’s shipping tonnage, are state parties to the convention.  All ships flagged under countries that are signatories to MARPOL are subject to its requirements, regardless of where they sail and member nations are responsible for vessels registered under their respective nationalities.”  (Wikipedia)

The MARPOL Conventions are quite hard to implement considering the vastness of our oceans and seas.  There are just too many ships out there that makes monitoring very daunting.  The success of the MARPOL Conventions will depend largely on the degree of commitment from individual countries who are participating in this initiative.  We could only wish and pray for the success of MARPOL 73/78.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCE:

Wikipedia, (2016).  “MARPOL 73/78”.  Retrieved on February 15, 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MARPOL_73/78

Saint Valentine and Valentine's Day

SAINT VALENTINE AND VALENTINE’S DAY

By Anton Antonio

February 14, 2016

Aside from birthdays and Christmas, the other more anticipated event in everyone’s life is Valentine’s Day.  But what exactly is Valentine’s Day?  Why is Valentine associated with falling in love romantically?

Here are researched materials on Valentine’s Day and Saint Valentine…

“Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is an annual holiday celebrated on February 14.  It originated as a Western Christian liturgical feast day honouring one or more early saints named Valentinus and is recognized as a significant cultural and commercial celebration in many regions around the world, although it is not a public holiday in any country.  Several martyrdom stories associated with various Valentines that were connected to February 14 were added to later martyrologies, including a popular hagiographical account of Saint Valentine of Rome which indicated he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire.  According to legend, during his imprisonment, Saint Valentine healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius, and before his execution, he wrote her a letter signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell.  The day first became associated with romantic love within the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14^th century, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.  In 18^th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”).  In Europe, Saint Valentine’s Keys are given to lovers “as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart”, as well as to children, in order to ward off epilepsy (called Saint Valentine’s Malady).  Valentine’s Day symbols that are used today include heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid.  Since the 19^th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.  Saint Valentine’s Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion, as well as the Lutheran Cgurch.  Many parts of the Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day, albeit on July 6 and July 30, the former date in honor of the Roman presbyter Saint Valentine, and the latter date in honor of Hieromartyr Valentine, the Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni).”  (Wikipedia)

“Saint Valentine, officially Saint Valentine of Rome, is a widely recognized third-century Roman saint commemorated on February 14 and associated since the High Middle Ages with a tradition of courtly love.  All that is reliably known of the saint commemorated on February 14 is his name and that he was martyred and buried at a cemetery on the Via Flaminia close to the Milvian bridge to the north of Rome on that day.  It is uncertain whether St. Valentine is to be indentified as one saint or the conflation of two saints of the same name.  Several different martyrologies have been added to later hagiographies that are unreliable.  Because so little is known to him, in 1969 the Roman Catholic Church removed his name from the General Roman Calendar, leaving his liturgical celebration to local calendars.  The Roman Catholic Church continues to recognize him as a saint, listing him as such in the February 14 entry in the Roman Martyrology and authorizing liturgical veneration of him on February 14 in any place where that day is not devoted to some other obligatory celebration in accordance with the rule that on such a day the Mass may be that of any saint listed in the Martyrology for that day.  Use of the pre-1970 liturgical calendar is also authorized under the conditions indicated in the motu propio Summorum Pontificum of 2007.  Saint Valentine’s Church in Rome, built in 1960 for the needs of the Olympic Village, continues as a modern, well-visited parish church.” (Wikipedia)

One thing for certain in life, aside from death, is falling in love.  And an integral part of falling in love is Saint Valentine and Valentine’s Day.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCE:

Wikipedia, (2016).  “Valentine’s Day”.  Retrieved on February 14, 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine%27s_Day

Wikipedia, (2016).  “Saint Valentine”.  Retrieved on February 14, 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Valentine

U.N. Decade on Biodiversity

U.N. DECADE ON BIODIVERSITY

By Anton Antonio

February 12, 2016

“Biodiversity” is commonly used as a term to replace the more clearly defines and previously established terms “species diversity” and “species richness”.  Biologists often define biodiversity as the totality of genes, species and ecosystems of a particular region.  The advantage of this definition is that it describes the most common circumstances and presents a universally accepted view of the traditional types of biological variety previously identified such as: (1) Taxonomic Diversity which is usually measured at the species diversity level; (2) Ecological Diversity which is often viewed from the perspective of ecosystem diversity; and, (3) Morphological Diversity which can be traced back from genetic diversity.

Biodiversity is such an important aspect of environmental protection that the United Nations General Assembly declared 2011-2020 the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity under Resolution 65/161.  The UN Decade on Biodiversity is intended to support and promote the implementation of the goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, with the goal of significantly curbing biodiversity loss.

Here is a researched material on the UN Decade on Biodiversity…  “On December 22, 2010, building on the International Year of Biodiversity (2010) and the goal of significantly reducing biodiversity loss, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2011-2020 the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity (Resolution 65/161).  The UN Decade on Biodiversity serves to support and promote implementation of the objectives of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and Aichi Biodiversity Targets, which were adopted at the 10^th Conference of the Parties to the CBD, in Nagoya, Japan, in 2010.  Throughout the UN Decade on Biodiversity, governments are encouraged to develop, implement and communicate the results of national strategies for implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity.  It also seeks to promote the involvement of a variety of national and intergovernmental factors and other stakeholders in the goal of mainstreaming biodiversity into broader development planning and economic activities.  The aim will be to place special focus on supporting actions that address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, including production and consumption patterns.”  (Wikipedia)

The year 2016 is well within the period of the UN Decade on Biodiversity.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCE:

Wikipedia (2016).  “United Nations Decade on Biodiversity”.  Retrieved on February 12, 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Decade_on_Biodiversity

Green Vote

GREEN VOTE

By Anton Antonio

February 12, 2016

What is a green vote?  For our purpose, let’s suppose that the definition of “green vote” is a vote for public office candidates who are supportive of pro-environment state policies and legislation, are knowledgeable about the problems and issues that involves the environment, encourage pro-environmental initiatives, and would always prefer to take the side of Mother Earth over other interests.  This is a very tough requirement as most politicians are into the business of politics because of popularity or they belong to political families who look at politics as their business and livelihood.  This is just a general statement as there are also people in elected positions who are qualified and deserve to be there… although they seem to be the exception rather than the norm.

It is also obvious that most candidates know less about the environment and would try to convince their audience with other issues (such as peace and order, graft and corruption, law and order and criminality, job and livelihood opportunities creation, etc.) which are all in the socio-economic and political realm.  A keen observation on the type of messaging 2016 presidential candidates make will reveal that either they don’t care about the environment or are afraid to venture into environmental science which is not part of their core competency.  They also must know that there is hardly a green vote.

There are 54,363,329 registered voters in the Philippines who are expected to cast their votes in May this year.  If we go by previous statistics, only 2.4% of our population have an acceptable level of awareness on environmental issues and concerns… therefore, approximately 1.3 million voters.  However, out of the 1.3 million only 8.2% have real knowledge on environmental issues and concerns… which translates to approximately 106 thousand voters out of the 2.17 million who have acceptable knowledge on the environmental matters.  If a presidential candidate needs at least 16 million votes to win and a senator needs at least 10 million votes to win, securing 106 thousand green votes will be less of a priority in crafting their campaign strategy.  This simply means that communicating environmental issues and concerns, as part of the campaign messaging strategy, may not be an effective tool.

There really is more effort to be made in developing a respectable green vote… perhaps in preparation for the next elections.  For our national elections scheduled in May 2016, pro-environmental advocates, activists and nature lovers will have to sadly accept that they still are not relevant and have less influence in national public policy-crafting and governance.  Hopefully, however, in the future, environmentalism will be an important part of the political landscape and where there will be an influential green vote.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

London Convention and Protocol

LONDON CONVENTION AND PROTOCOL

By Anton Antonio

February 12, 2016

It is common knowledge that approximately 71% of the earth’s surface is covered by water and the oceans and seas hold about 96.5% of all earth’s water.  These staggering data on the volume of water around us makes dumping of wastes in water bodies a very critical issue and concern.  Towards the end and purpose of protecting our oceans and seas, the London Convention and Protocol was conceived.

Here is a researched material on the London Convention and Protocol… “The Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of wastes and Other Matter 1972, commonly called the “London Convention” or “LC ‘72” and also abbreviated as Marine Dumping, is an agreement to control pollution of the sea by dumping and to encourage regional agreements supplementary to the Convention.  It covers the deliberate disposal at sea of wastes or other matter from vessels, aircraft, and platforms.  It does not cover discharges from land-based sources such as pipes and outfalls, wastes generated incidental to normal operation of vessels, or placement of materials for purposes other than mere disposal, providing such disposal is not contrary to aims of the Convention.  It was entered into force in 1975.  As of 2013, there were 87 Parties to the Convention.  The Convention was called for by the United Nations Conference on Human Environment (June 1972, Stockholm), the treaty was drafted at the Intergovernmental Conference on the Convention on Dumping of Wastes at Sea (13 November 1972, London) and it was opened for signature on 29 December 1972.  It entered into force on 30 August 1975 when 15 nations ratified it.  As of 1 October 2001, there were 78 Contracting Parties to the Convention.  International Administration of the Convention functions through Consultative Meetings held at International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London.  The London Convention consists of 22 Articles and three Annexes.  It follows a “black list/grey list” approach to regulating ocean dumping; Annex I materials (black list) generally may not be ocean dumped (though for certain Annex I materials dumping may be permissible it present only as “trace contaminants” or “rapidly rendered harmless” and Annex II materials (grey list) require “special care”.  Annex III lays out general technical factors to be considered in establishing criteria for issuance of ocean dumping permits.  The main objective of the London Convention is to prevent indiscriminate disposal at sea of wastes that could be liable for creating hazards to human health, harming living resources and marine life; damaging amenities; or interfering with other legitimate uses of the sea.  The 1972 Convention extends its scope over “all marine waters other than the internal waters” of the States and prohibits the dumping of certain hazardous materials.  It further required a prior special permit for the dumping of a number of other identified materials and a prior general permit for other wastes or matter.”  (Wikipedia)

We often read about and hear this statement: “Water is Life”.  And if life on earth anchors on clean and healthy water, this international accord becomes critically important… the London Convention and Protocol.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCE:

Wikipedia, (2016).  “London Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter”.  Retrieved on February 12, 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Convention_on_the_Prevention_of_Marine_Pollution_by_Dumping_of_Wastes_and_Other_Matter

Forest Genetic Resources

FOREST GENETIC RESOURCES

By Anton Antonio

February 12, 2016

Forest genetic resources have traditionally been managed by Mother Nature… the wind, the unassuming bee and other insects have plucked and delivered pollens from one flower to another is part of this natural process.  Man, being the most intelligent being in the animal kingdom, and his science, however, started to dip his fingers on this process.  This is not at all wrong and this must be shared, managed and protected on a sustainable basis.

To increase our knowledge and awareness, here is a researched material on forest genetic resources… “Forest genetic resources or tree genetic resources are genetic material of shrub and tree species of actual or future value.  Forest genetic resources are essential for forest-depending communities who rely for a substantial part of their livelihoods on timber and non-timber forest products (for example fruits, gums and resins) for food security, domestic use and income generation.  These resources are also the basis for large-scale wood production in planted forests to satisfy the worldwide need for timber and paper.  Genetic resources of several important timber, fruit and other non-timber tree species are conserved ex situ in genebanks or maintained in field collections.  Nevertheless, in situ conservation in forests and on farms is in the case of most tree species the most important measure to protect their genetic resources.  A better understanding of the diversity of these species is crucial for their sustainable use and conservation.  Monitoring of patterns of distribution and genetic diversity of these species allows the prioritization of populations for in situ conservation, identification of populations and species most at risk and existing gaps in genebank collection.  Also available in French and Spanish.  This is vital information which helps tackle global challenges such as food security and climate change.  In 2014, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations published the first State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources.  The publication addressed the conservation, management and sustainable use of forest tree and other woody plant genetic resources of actual and potential value for human well-being in the broad range of management systems.  It was prepared based on information provided by 86 countries, outcomes from regional and subregional consultations, and commissioned thematic studies.  Amongst the ten key findings, half of the forest species reported as regularly utilized by countries are threatened by the conversion of forest to pastures and farmland, overexploitation, and the impacts of climate change.  On the basis of the information and knowledge compiled by FAO for the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources, the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture developed the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources.  This Global Plan of Action identified 27 strategic priorities grouped into 4 areas: (1) improving the availability of, and access to, information on forest genetic resources; (2) conservation of forest genetic resources (in situ and ex situ); (3) sustainable use, development and management of forest genetic resources; (4) policies, institutions and capacity-building.” (Wikipedia)

There are admirable initiatives, which must be fully supported, that aim to develop, manage and protect forest genetic resources.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCE:

Wikipedia, (2016).  “Forest Genetic Resources”.  Retrieved on February 12, 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_genetic_resources

The Fire Monkey

THE FIRE MONKEY

By Anton Antonio

February 8, 2016

Today, February 8, 2016, marks the beginning of the Year of the Monkey based on the Chinese lunar calendar.  Specific for this year, 2016, is the Fire Monkey or the Red Monkey.  A lunar calendar is a calendar based on the cycles of the lunar phases.  This is directly different from the Gregorian calendar, or solar calendar, which is based on the revolution of the earth around the sun.  Since there are a little over twelve lunations (synodic months) in a solar year, the lunar year has 12 lunar months (or 254.37 days)… as opposed to 365 days in a solar year.

Here is a researched material on the people born in the Year of the Monkey, what to expect, and what is in store in the Year of the Fire Monkey…  “The year of the Monkey is ideal for a quantum leap in your life!  Now is the time to shake things up, create change, and innovate a new path.  Join Monkey’s enthusiast energy when risks are rewarded and anything can happen.  Even the most ambitious plans can succeed.  There will be more than enough action and opportunity to keep you busy.  In Monkey year, it’s fine to just make it up as you go along.  Just don’t be gullible and trust the wrong people, or wily Monkey will take all the peanuts and leave you only shells.  Those born in Monkey years (1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016) are clever, sharp, mercurial, and entertaining.  They are wonderful to be around because they are fun, creative, and bring the sparkling energy that only Monkey can provide.  Monkey embodies strong leadership potential and, like their bestfriend the Dragon, won’t allow anyone to tell her what to do.  Uninhibited Monkey rarely gets embarrassed by anything, and is free to express herself fearlessly.  In addition to acute mental alertness, Monkey also possesses physical stamina.  Monkey is good with her hands, has skills and dexterity with machines, naturally has technological talents, and can easily master new concepts.  A superb generalist, Monkey can do anything!  In relationships, a Monkey loves romance, and is very sensitive and generous.  But she can be fickle, run hot and cold, and treat relationships like a game.  But everyone loves the Monkey, and the birth rate skyrockets in Asia during a Monkey year.  Of the five Taoist elements Fire, Earth, Water, and Wood, this is the year of the red Fire Monkey.  Red means go!  Fire brings passion, creativity, and joy.  Fire types are strong, dynamic, and can overcome illness and obstacles.  Just be aware to not jump ahead of yourself this year, especially during the heat of summer.  And try to calm what is called Monkey mind in Buddhism: jump to a branch, grab a banana, peel it, take a bite, drop it.  Then jump to the next branch, grab a banana, peel it, take a bite, and drop it in a useless tail-chasing cycle.  As soon as you realize that a path is not fruitful, try a new one instead of staying stuck and trying to analyze the past.  Monkey year is very fortunate for all Monkeys, and for Monkey’s friends the Rat, Dragon, and Snake.  Monkey energy can, at times, be problematic for the Tiger.  Monkey correlates to the western sign Leo.” (Susan Levitt)

Most Feng Shui practitioners will say that the character and expectations akin to Monkeys also normally apply even to those with other lunations… although degrees of occurrence and strength of opportunity may vary.  Monkeys are just lucky for this is their year… the year of the Fire Monkey.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCE:

Susanlevitt.com, (2016).  “Monkey Year 2016”.  Retrieved on February 8, 2016 from

http://susanlevitt.com/astrology/monkey-year-2016/

No to GMO

NO TO GMO

By Anton Antonio

February 8, 2016

GMO or genetically modified organism refers to any food product that has been altered at the gene level.  Awareness on the process by which GMO foods are being produced has been spreading in the last five years.  With people all over the world becoming more aware of the truth behind gene modifications in plants (using genes from other plants, animals, bacterium and viruses) the level of resistance to GMOs has dramatically increased.

In the Philippines, the Supreme Court went as far as ban GMO crop trials.  Here is a research material on this particular legal initiative…

“HISTORIC SUPREME COURT RULING BANS GMO CROP TRIALS IN THE PHILIPPINES… The Supreme Court of the Philippines has ordered a permanent ban on field trials of GMO eggplant and a temporary halt on approving applications for the “continued use, import, commercialization and propagation” of GMO crops, including the import of GMO products.  The court rules in favour of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, as well as several Filipino activists, academics and politicians, in a major victory for Filipino farmers and activists around the world.  “This decision builds on a wave of countries in Europe rejecting GE crops and is a major setback for the GE industry,” said Virginia Benosa-Llorin, Ecological Agriculture campaigner for Greenpeace Philippines.  “The Philippines has been used as a model for GE regulatory policy around the world, but now we are finally making progress to give people a right to choose the food they want to eat and the type of agriculture they want to encourage.”  The temporary ban is in place until a new “administrative order” takes effect and includes the highly controversial GMO golden rice, an experimental project by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) that is currently back at the R&D stage due to the crop’s poor performance.  The Supreme Court decision sets a global precedent as it is the first legal decision on GMO in the Philippines using the Writ of Kalikasan (environment) --- a legal environmental remedy found only in the Philippines.  The court is also the first in the world to adopt the precautionary principle ---  which holds that it is best to err on the side of caution in the absence of scientific consensus --- regarding GMO products in its decision.  “This case vindicates the many cases of genetic contamination we and others have highlighted, as well as the simple fact that there is no scientific consensus on the safety of genetically engineered crops,” said Benosa-Llorin.  “It’s a major victory for Filipinos, especially for farmers struggling with incidents of genetic contamination.”  “GE crops promote an ineffective farming model based on industrial agriculture, a system that cannot withstand the impacts of a rapidly changing climate and which is failing to deliver what Filipinos currently need: food and nutritional security in times of erratic weather patterns,” said Benosa-Llorin.  The decision of the high court invalidates the Department of Agriculture’s Administrative Order No. 08-2002 (DAOS) and will bar the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Science and Technology from issuing any GE approvals, pending crafting and approval of a new administrative order.  It will also impact the trade of GE crops and products.  The Supreme Court affirmed the May 2013 Court of Appeals order for the government to prepare an immediate plan of action to rehabilitate field trial sites and protect, preserve and conserve the environment, as well as recommending measure to reform the current regulatory process.  Greenpeace Southeast Asia calls on the Philippines government to support ecological agriculture policies, investments and funding.” (ecowatch.com)

In the absence of reasonable and acceptable scientific proof of the safety of genetically engineered food products, we will just have to say no to GMO.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCE:

Ecowatch.com, (2015).  “GMOs Philippines”.  Retrieved on February 8, 2016 from http://ecowatch.com/2015/12/14/gmos-philippines/

Nagoya Protocol

NAGOYA PROTOCOL

By Anton Antonio

February 7, 2016

“The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity is a 2010 supplementary agreement to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).  It provides a transparent legal framework for the implementation of one of the three objectives of the CBD: the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, thereby contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.  The Protocol was adopted on 29 October 2010 in Nagoya, Japan, and entered into force on 12 October 2014.  It has been ratified by 69 parties, which includes 68 states and the European Union.  It is the second Protocol to the CBD; the first is the 2000 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.  The Nagoya Protocol is intended to create greater legal certainty and transparency for both providers and users of genetic resources by: (1) Establishing more predictable conditions for access to genetic resources; and, (2) Helping to ensure benefit-sharing when genetic resources leave the contradicting party providing the genetic resources.  By helping to ensure benefit-sharing, the Protocol creates incentives to conserve and sustainably use genetic resources, and therefore enhance the contribution of biodiversity to development and human well-being.  The Nagoya Protocol applies to genetic resources that are covered by the CBD and to the benefits arising from their utilization.  The Nagoya Protocol sets out obligations for its contracting parties to take measures in relation to access to genetic resources, benefit-sharing and compliance.”  (Wikipedia)

Please read the blogs listed below (references) for more information on and a better understanding of the Nagoya Protocol.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCES:

Antonio, A. C., (2016).  “Cartagena Protocol”.  Retrieved on February 7, 2016 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2016/01/cartagena-protocol.html

Antonio, A. C., (2016).  “Convention on Biological Diversity”.  Retrieved on February 7, 2016 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2016/01/convention-on-biological-diversity.html

Antonio, A. C., (2016).  “Genetic Resources”.  Retrieved on February 7, 2016 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2016/02/genetic-resources.html

Wikipedia, (2016).  “Nagoya Protocol”.  Retrieved on February 7, 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagoya_Protocol

Genetic Resources

GENETIC RESOURCES

By Anton Antonio

February 6, 2016

What are genetic resources?  The following is a researched material on genetic resources… “Genetic resources (GRs) refer to genetic material of actual or potential value.  Genetic material is any material of plant, animal, microbial or other origin containing functional units of heredity.  Examples include material of plant, animal, or microbial origin, such as medicinal plants, agricultural crops and animal breeds.  GRs as encountered in nature are not creations of the human mind and thus they cannot be directly protected as intellectual property (IP).  However, there are IP issues associated with GRs.  Inventions or plant varieties based on or developed using GRs (associated with traditional knowledge or not) may be patentable or protected by plant breeders’ rights.  In considering IP issues associated with GRs, WIPO’s (World Intellectual Property Organization) work complements the framework for access and benefit-sharing provided by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Nagoya Protocol, and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).  (Wikipedia)

I’ve listed several references on genetics, genetically modified organisms, GMO-free food products and Genetics to compliment the above-researched material.

The Nagoya Protocol (which will be featured in an up-coming blog) encourages all parties to allow access to data and information considered to be genetic resources.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCES:

Antonio, A.C., (2016). “Genetically Modified Organisms”.  Retrieved on February 6, 2016 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2016/01/genetically-modified-organisms.html

Antonio, A.C., (2016). “GMO-Free”.  Retrieved on February 6, 2016 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2016/02/gmo-free.html

Antonio, A.C., (2016). “Genetics”.  Retrieved on February 6, 2016 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2016/02/genetics.html

Wikipedia, (2016).  “Genetics”.  Retrieved on February 6, 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetics

Genetics

GENETICS

By Anton Antonio

February 5, 2016

Genetics is a branch of science which only a very few understand.  These few individuals spent most of their lives in academic training and scholarly work on a not-so-popular field of science for them to become knowledgeable in this field of study.  Not popular as it is, genetics, however, suddenly got into the consciousness of consumers all over the world.  The awareness on GMO (genetically modified organisms) began to increase in the last five years; people started asking questions on the safety and sustainability of GMO food products.

For us to better understand genetics as a science here is a researched material on this particular subject… “Genetics is the study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation in living organisms.  It is generally considered a field of biology, but it intersects frequently with many of the life sciences and is strongly linked with the study of information systems.  The father of genetics is Gregor Mendel, a late 19^th century scientist and Augustinian friar.  Mendel studied “trait inheritance”, patterns in the way traits were handed down from parents to offspring.  He observed that organisms (pea plants) inherit traits by way of discrete “units of inheritance”.  This term, still used today, is a somewhat ambiguous definition of what is referred to as a gene.  Trait inheritance and molecule inheritance mechanisms of genes are still a primary principle of genetics in the 21^st century, but modern genetics has expanded beyond inheritance to studying the function and behaviour of genes.  Gene structure and function, variation, and distribution are studies within the context of the cell, the organism (therefore, dominance) and within the context of a population.  Genetics has given rise to a number of sub-fields including epigenetics and population genetics.  Organisms studied within the broad field span the domain of life, including bacteria, plants, animals, and humans.  Genetic processes work in combination with an organism’s environment and experiences to influence development and behaviour, often referred to as nature versus nature.  The intra- or extra-cellular environment of a cell or organism may switch gene transcription on or off.  A classic example is two seeds of genetically identical corn, one placed in a temperate climate and one in an arid climate.  While the average height of the two corn stalks may be genetically determined to be equal, the one in arid climate only grows to half the height of the one in the temperate climate, due to lack of water and nutrients in its environment.  The observation that living things inherit traits from their parents has been used since prehistoric times to improve crop plants and animals through selective breeding.  The modern science of genetics, seeking to understand this process, began with the work of Gregor Mendel in the mid-19^th century.  Although the science of genetics began with the applied and theoretical work of Mendel, other theories of inheritance preceded his work.  A popular theory during Mendel’s time was the concept of blending inheritance: the idea that individuals inherit a smooth blend of traits from their parents.  Mendel’s work provided examples where traits were definitely not blended after hybridization, showing that traits are produced by combinations of distinct genes rather than a continuous blend.  Blending of traits in the progeny is now explained by the action of multiple genes with quantitative effects.  Another theory that had some support at that time was the inheritance of acquired characteristics: the belief that individuals inherit traits strengthened by their parents.  This theory (commonly associated with Jean-Baptiste Lamarck) is now known to be wrong --- the experiences of individuals do not affect the genes they pass to their children, although evidence in the field of epigenetics has revived some aspects of Lamarck’s theory.  Other theories included the pangenesis of Charles Darwin (which had both acquired and inherited aspects) and Francis Galton’s reformulation of pangenesis as both particulate and inherited.” (Wikipedia)

Genetic modification has a lot to do with the proliferation of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) food products at present.  Whether this is a cure or curse to our food supply efforts is something only the Gods know.  Wouldn’t it be wise to leave this in their (Gods) hands than to mortal scientists through genetics?

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCE:

Antonio, A.C., (2016). “Genetically Modified Organisms”.  Retrieved on February 5, 2016 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2016/01/genetically-modified-organisms.html

Antonio, A.C., (2016). “GMO-Free”.  Retrieved on February 5, 2016 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2016/02/gmo-free.html

Wikipedia, (2016).  “Genetics”.  Retrieved on February 5, 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetics

GMO-Free

GMO-Free

By Anton Antonio

February 4, 2016

Genetics is a branch of science which only a very few understand.  These few individuals spent most of their lives in academic study, clinical training and scholarly work on a not-so-popular field of science for them to become competently knowledgeable in this field of study.  Not popular as it is, genetics, however, suddenly got into the consciousness of people (particularly consumers) all over the world after genetically modified organisms or GMOs became headline news.  The awareness on GMO began to increase in the last five years; people started asking questions on the safety and sustainability of GMO food products.

What does GMO mean?  GMO is an acronym which stands for “genetically modified organisms” which refers to food products that has been altered at the gene level.  There are other terms that are also being used to describe GMOs such as “genetically engineered”, “genetically altered” or “genetically manipulated.” 

Plant modification is not new.  Gardeners and farmers have been doing this for centuries in a process called crossbreeding… and crossbreeding of different species of plants have resulted to bigger and more beautiful harvests.  Modern genetic engineering, however, is dramatically different from the simple traditional crossbreeding techniques, methods and practices.  The malaise that accompanies modern-day GMO technology is born out of the genetic engineering of plant genes using genes from other plants, animals, bacterium and/or viruses.  This process irreversibly alters the genetic code or genetic blueprint that determines the organism’s physical characteristics.  This modern genetic alteration method managed to produce plants and food products that (1) are weed-resistant, (2) produce their own pesticides, (3) glow in the dark when they need water, (4) contains vaccines against diseases such as malaria, cholera and hepatitis, and (5) contains a higher level of vitamins and minerals.  Genetically engineered crops in production at present are corn, soybeans, cotton and canola oil.  Genetically engineered corn soybean derivatives such as soy oil, soy flour, soy protein isolates, corn oil, corn starch, corn flour, and high fructose corn syrup are likewise considered as GMOs.

Pro-GMO proponents believe that the genetic engineering technology will ensure food security.  However, a growing number of scientists, health professionals, environmentalists and consumers are worried that the growing number of genetically modified foods in our food supply may cause more problems (to health and wellbeing of people and the environment) in the long run.

Food production is the biggest business activity in the world.  The food supply chain is of critical importance because people have to eat and their consumption patterns provide the backdrop for business to produce more food in the name of food security.  The danger of this purely business mindset is the fact that business is always in there for the money… the profits.   Food producers may easily label their products as “GMO-free” --- again, in the name of profits and profitability --- but what guarantee do we (consumers) have that they really are “GMO-free”.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

Cloud Seeding

CLOUD SEEDING

By Anton Antonio

February 3, 2016

I visited the University of the Philippines Open University campus in Los Baños, Laguna yesterday.  After meetings with my favourite dean, Dr. Inocencio E. Buot, Jr. and favourite mentors, Dr. Consuelo dL. Habito and Dr. Joanne V. Serrano, I decided to head back for the Big City.  However, on my way out of the main building, the headquarters of UPOU, I chanced upon a colleague and we had an interesting conversation.  After exchanging pleasantries we, as usual for environmental diehards, talked about the environment.  He expressed concern about the El Niño phenomenon which is presently wreaking havoc on agricultural activities in some parts of the country especially Mindanao.  He asked me about the possible solutions and I offered the following: (1) The planting of alternative crops to rice like soy beans which require less water and have a shorter planting-harvesting cycle; (2) Alternative livelihood opportunities for affected farmers to augment their income; and, (3) Cloud seeding.

What is cloud seeding?  Cloud seeding is a form of weather modification.  It is a microphysical process that attempts to change the amount or type of precipitation that falls from clouds through the introduction of substances into the atmosphere that serves as cloud condensation or ice nuclei.  Here is a researched material on cloud seeding… “Cloud seeding also occurs due to ice nucleators in nature, most of which are bacterial in origin.  The most common chemicals used for cloud seeding include silver iodide, potassium iodide and dry ice (solid carbon dioxide).  Liquid propane, which expands into a gas, has also been used. This can produce ice crystals at higher temperatures than silver iodide.  After promising research, the use of hygroscopic materials, such as table salt, is becoming more popular.  In mid-latitude clouds, the usual seeding strategy has been based on the fact that the equilibrium vapour pressure is lower over ice than over water.  The formation of ice particles in super cooled clouds allows those particles to grow at the expense of liquid droplets.  If sufficient growth takes place, the particles become heavy enough to fall as precipitation from clouds that otherwise would produce no precipitation.  This process is known as “static” seeding.  Seeding of warm-season tropical cumulonimbus (convective) clouds seeks to exploit the latent heat released by freezing.  This strategy of “dynamic” seeding assumes that the additional latent heat adds buoyancy, strengthens updrafts, ensures more low-level convergence, and ultimately causes rapid growth of properly selected clouds.  Cloud seeding chemicals may be dispersed by aircraft or by dispersion devices located on the ground (generators or canisters fired from anti-aircraft guns or rockets).  For release by aircraft, silver iodide flares are ignited and dispersed as an aircraft flies through the inflow of a cloud.  When released by devices on the ground, the fine particles are carries downward and upward by air currents after release.”  (Wikipedia)

If the El Niño phenomenon is an inevitable part of our weather system in the light of climate change, measures should really be on hand and available to mitigate its impact… one such solution is cloud seeding.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCE:

Wikipedia (2016).  “Could Seeding”.  Retrieved on February 3, 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_seeding

Game Changer

GAME CHANGER

By Anton Antonio

February 2, 2016

Three days ago, I published (on my blogsite http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/) an article titled “Respect”.  The last paragraph reads: “Last year, however, when two world leaders --- Pope Francis of the Holy See and President Barack H. Obama of the United States of America --- spoke on the realities of climate change… the world paused and listened.  After the Paris Climate Talks last December (2015), people and the world now view and treat pro-environment advocates and activists with a little bit more respect.” (Antonio, 2016)  In the beginning of the article, I also wrote how pro-environment advocates and activists were not treated fairly before.  I should say, however, that the timely intervention of Pope Francis and President Obama changed the attitude of people… and that this intervention was also prompted by game changer events.

A game changer is an event, idea, or procedure that effects a significant shift in the current manner of doing or thinking about something.  In the realm of environmental science, game changer events could be considered “freaks of nature” occurrences such as: (1) The phenomenal flooding in Saudi Arabia which is a desert state; (2) The sudden and unexpected snowfall in Vietnam which is a tropical country; (3) The abnormally hot summer in the United States which is a temperate (meaning: a region or climate characterised by mild temperatures) country; (4)  The frequent and stronger hurricanes that pass through south-central U.S.; and, (5) Other climactic conditions never experienced before.  In the Philippines in particular, the game changer event can easily be related to Typhoon Yolanda (International Name: “Haiyan”) which is the strongest tropical cyclone ever to make landfall.  The death toll in Typhoon Yolanda is the biggest in Philippine modern history.

Two decades or so ago, climate change was just a concept (meaning: an abstract idea; a general notion).  From a mere concept, most people today believe, accept and feel its presence.  However, there are still those, for whatever self-serving agenda, who deny its existence.  Like climate change, they probably do not also understand the term “game changer”.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCE:

Antonio, A.C. (2016). “Respect”. Retrieved on February 2, 2016 from http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/2016/01/respect.html

UNFCCC

UNFCCC

By Anton Antonio

February 1, 2016

The persistent question from most climate change observers is how come nothing substantial was achieved in the 20 Conferences of the Parties (COPs) which started in 1992 and culminated in 2015 at the Paris Climate Talks or COP 21.  The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCCC, is a just a framework agreement and recommends no particular level of reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.  More importantly, as a mere framework agreement, it also lacks an enforcement mechanism.  In fact, the target in climate change mitigation being suggested in the previous COPs held was only 2 degrees Celsius using the pre-industrial period as benchmark.

Here is a researched material on the UNFCCC…  “The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental treaty negotiated at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro from 3 to 14 June 1992, then entered into force on 21 March 1994.  The UNFCCC objective is to “stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system”.  The framework set no binding limits on greenhouse gas emissions for individual countries and contains no enforcement mechanism.  Instead, the framework outlines how specific international treaties (called “protocols” or “agreements”) may be negotiated to set binding limits on greenhouse gases.  Initially an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee produced the text of the Framework Convention during its meeting in New York from 30 April to 9 May 1992.  The UNFCCC was adopted on 9 May 1992, and opened for signature on 4 June 1992.  UNFCCC has 197 parties as of December 2015.  The convention enjoys broad legitimacy, largely due to its nearly universal membership.  The parties to the convention have met annually from 1995 in Conferences of the Parties (COP) to assess progress in dealing with climate change.  In 1997, the Kyoto Protocol was concluded and established legally binding obligations for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in the period 2008-2012.  The 2010 Cancun agreements state that future global warming should be limited to below 2.0 degrees Celsius relative to the pre-industrial level.  The protocol was amended in 2012 to encompass the period 2013-2012 in the Doha Amendment which was – as of December 2015 – not entered into force.  In 2015 the Paris Agreement was adopted, governing emission reductions from 2020 on through commitments of countries in ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions.  One of the first tasks set by the UNFCCC was for signatory nations to establish national greenhouse gas inventories of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals, which were used to create the 1990 benchmark levels for accession of Annex I countries to the Kyoto Protocol and for the commitment of those countries to GHG reductions.  Updated inventories must be regularly submitted by Annex I countries.”  (Wikipedia)

The passing of 20 COPs made people, especially climate scientists, worried that an acceptable GHG emission-limiting mechanism will never be realized.  But prior to COP21, or the Paris Climate Talks of 2015, the best strategy was laid on the table… the NDC or Nationally Determined Contributions.  In this initiative, individual countries were given the freedom to set their own individual targets.  And summing up these targets translated to a 1.5 degrees Celsius commitment from all participating parties… not the previously targeted 2.0 degrees Celsius.  With this, there is now better hope with what was started by the UNFCCC.

Thoughts to promote positive action…

(Please visit, like and share Pro-EARTH Crusaders on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/EarthCrusader/)

REFERENCE:

Wikipedia (2016).  “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”.  Retrieved on February 1, 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Framework_Convention_on_Climate_Change