Decemeber is planting season in Muscat! Marigolds, petunias, flowering shrubs.
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Israel Ends Drought Tax but Raises Water Prices
Israel is known for her smart use of water (still using much more than Palestinians are able to use). However a recent economic fix to conserve is not working for the state. First, the price of water was set to increase, in phases, from January 2010 to 2011. Second, a drought tax aimed to decrease water demand by taxing by the cubic meter of water used above a threshold. The public has not been happy with these developments although Israel’s director of Friends of the Earth stated, “The drought levy has little to no impact on low to middle income Israelis…because it's a tiered system it only comes into effect when people use inappropriate amounts of water, with large gardens, pools and things like this.” Still, policies that interfere with the price and quantity of water are intrinsically political and provocative (as I am finding in my own research!). The article raises important themes such as: public awareness on water laws and regulations, funding desalination, and the problems of an increasing population.
This line is why I feel compelled to study environmental politics: “Because of all the financial demands from the desalination plants and all our other investments, we need to raise water prices,” said Shor, the Water Authority spokesperson. “But raising the price of water is not an easy thing to do politically. We are not politicians, but that’s the problem.”
Muslims Adopt A 7-Year Plan As Part of Islam’s Green Agenda
The UN has hosted an interfaith initiative to understand religious perspectives on climate change and the environment, and the Muslim component has published a seven year plan committing energy to environmental conservation.
As the Green Prophet summarizes for us, ideas from the Muslim community include:
- Develop and implement a “Green Hajj”. With 2-3 million people visiting Mecca during Hajj alone, transforming the experience into an environmentally-friendly pilgrimage will reap immediate benefits.
- Construct a “green mosque” and introduce this model for other Islamic buildings worldwide.
- In the first phase, develop 2-3 green model cities; in the second phase, adapt ten other Muslim cities to implement the model.
- Integrate eco-awareness into Islamic education.
- Publish “green Qurans”, printed on paper procured from sustainable wood.
- Create a specialized TV channel focused on Islam and the environment.
- Create award and prize systems for excellence in this field
Obama Hobbled in Fight Against Global Warming
At home, Obama is facing plenty of opposition which is sure to stall US mobilization against global warming. A global agreement on a climate deal will have to wait until next year Obama admitted, despite the Copenhagen conference next month... Reminds me of the Egyptian mentality "Bokra, inshallah" "Tomorrow, godwilling."
"Mr. Obama has been a champion of climate change regulation. He has moved unilaterally to limit greenhouse gases from vehicles and large sources such as coal-burning power plants. And in recent months, China, India, Brazil and some other developing countries have issued promises to slow the growth of emissions, although with the knowledge that a binding treaty to enforce such pledges will not take effect for at least several years.
Yet Mr. Obama has found himself limited in his ambitions by a Congress that is unwilling to move as far or as fast as he would like."
TEEB report released on the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for National and International Policymakers
The United Nations Environmental Programme press release describes a report published by The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) initiative, pushing policymakers to switch from a mindset of "short-term opportunism" to "long-term stewardship" to benefit economies and the ecosystem.
"Policy-makers who factor the planet's multi-trillion dollar ecosystem services into their national and international investment strategies are likely to see far higher rates of return and stronger economic growth in the 21st century, a new report issued today says."
Money talks, hopefully this can give incentive to conserve.
"Mr. Obama has been a champion of climate change regulation. He has moved unilaterally to limit greenhouse gases from vehicles and large sources such as coal-burning power plants. And in recent months, China, India, Brazil and some other developing countries have issued promises to slow the growth of emissions, although with the knowledge that a binding treaty to enforce such pledges will not take effect for at least several years.
Yet Mr. Obama has found himself limited in his ambitions by a Congress that is unwilling to move as far or as fast as he would like."
TEEB report released on the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for National and International Policymakers
The United Nations Environmental Programme press release describes a report published by The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) initiative, pushing policymakers to switch from a mindset of "short-term opportunism" to "long-term stewardship" to benefit economies and the ecosystem.
"Policy-makers who factor the planet's multi-trillion dollar ecosystem services into their national and international investment strategies are likely to see far higher rates of return and stronger economic growth in the 21st century, a new report issued today says."
Money talks, hopefully this can give incentive to conserve.
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