Last remaining relic of an ancient forest faces the axe

A bison in the Bialowieza Forest, a forest
 the Polish Government wants to log.

Warsaw: It is the last remaining relic of an ancient forest that stretched for millennia across the lowlands of Europe and Russia, a shadowy, mossy woodland where bison and lynx roam beneath towering oak trees up to 600 years old.

Conservationists believe the fate of the Bialowieza Forest, which straddles Poland and Belarus, is more threatened that at any time since the communist era due to a new Polish government plan for extensive logging in parts of the forest. The plan has pitted the government against environmentalists and many scientists, who are fighting to save the UNESCO world heritage site.

Seven environmental groups, including Greenpeace and WWF, have lodged a complaint with the European Commission hoping to prevent the large scale felling of trees, which is due to begin within days. Bialowieza has been declared a Natura 2000 site, meaning it is a protected area under European law. EU officials say they are working with the Polish authorities to ensure that any new interventions in the forest are in line with their regulations, but it's not yet clear what the result will be.

Read Vanessa Gera’s story in today’s Melbourne Age - “Logging to begin in last remaining European primeval forest.”

Earth Hour - will you 'turn off' to turn on to climate change mitigation

E

arth Hour - Saturday, March 28 at 8:30 to 9:30 PM local time

Join hundreds of millions of people around the world and turn off your lights for one hour to show your commitment to climate change action now.

It's time we speak up and demand a better future for our planet. Earth Hour demonstrates your commitment.

Countries around the world are committing to reduce their carbon emissions in an effort to work toward a new global agreement to tackle climate change. Now is the time to raise our voices and demand strong action from world leaders.

What starts as a simple flick of the light switch for Earth Hour brings us all together in a collective display of our commitment to creating a better future for the planet. We need your help to ensure our commitment is stronger than ever and seen all around the world.

Turn out your lights for one hour on Saturday, March 28 at 8:30 pm local time and take a stand against climate change. Can we count on you?

Australians among the 'big hitters' in the pollution stakes

When it comes to pollution we (Australia) are right up there with the big hitters.

A story today on the ABC headed: “Australia seventh-worst polluter on Earth: report” tells of the contribution we are making the future wellbeing of the planet.

The report, for the conservation group, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), says the spiralling global population and over-consumption are threatening the future health of the planet.