News

Wildfires are currently burning so intensely in the Amazon rainforest that smoke from the blaze has covered nearby cities in a dark haze. The blazes are so huge that smoke can be seen from space, and experts say the fires could have major climate impacts. 

The unrelenting deforestation of the Amazon region could lead to a dramatic increase to the risk of destructive wildfire outbreaks, research has shown. 

Original Article

Wildfires raging in the Amazon rainforest have jumped this year, with 72,843 fires detected so far by Brazil’s space research center INPE, as concerns grow over right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro’s environmental policy. Link to full article below. 

Scientists can improve how they inform politicians and other policymakers on how to make decisions, say Hannah Safford and Austin Brown.

Researchers surveyed the reefs this month for the first time since Hurricane Walaka pummeled the region last year.The same hurricane also wiped a small island off the map. Both the island and reef are located in one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world.

SPREP is recruiting a Communication Specialist on a consultancy contractual basis for the Ministry of Natural Resource Environment (MNRE) to develop a communication plan for the National Environment Sector Plan. 

This job exists to coordinate project delivery in the 4 project countries including providing and receiving information, aggregating and reporting as well as supporting the countries to implement their activities and reporting requirements.

This job exists to lead on Output 1 of the project to: Develop the methodology for tracking impacts of adaptation projects in the Pacific; Establish the Impacts Database for adaptation projects in the region, build capacity on its usage and incorporate it within the structure of the Pacific Clima

The position is expected to start in September 2019 on a contract up to the end of December 2020. The role will involve regular training missions within the region and participating as a member of the PLP-ESS Working Group. Link for further details below. 

With funding from the Waikato River Authority and advice from DairyNZ, Waikato Regional Council, Niwa, Opus International Consultants and Hill Laboratories, 12,320 native plants were placed in the wetland. As well as preventing groundwater coming into the wetland, they attract native birds.