The Power of Collective Action
and the diminishing power of the Green parties in the EU
Dear community,
In the face of the intensifying heatwaves around the world, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the state of our warming world and the deepening crisis we are living day to day. In these moments, we focus on the power of simple actions, of people overcoming the fear to offer love to the natural beings and environments that surround them.
This week we look to Projeto Biodiversidade and TAOLA+ and their incredible work protecting the biodiversity of Cape Verde. Scroll down to read more.
🗞️ In Climate News
🇮🇩 Rhino poacher gets 12 years in record sentence for wildlife crime in Indonesia
🇲🇽 Mass fish death in Mexico's Chihuahua State blamed on severe drought
🪸 Sea urchin pandemic spreads beyond Red Sea, endangering coral reefs
🇦🇹 Deadly floods spread across central Europe and hit Austria
⛈️ NOAA issues highest-ever early forecast for the coming hurricane season
🇮🇩 In Indonesia, women ranger teams go on patrol to slow deforestation
🇬🇧 Top 1% of UK earners cause 'seven times more transport emissions than average', report finds
🇪🇺 Green parties in the European Union lose significant ground in the latest elections
📈 Cool Trends
♾️ eco-stories
The Power of Collective Action 💪
Neocolonialism refers to the indirect control that powerful countries exert over less developed nations, primarily through economic, political or cultural pressures (rather than direct military or political domination). The effects of neocolonialism are visible in environmental and conservation efforts, as foreign entities often initiate and control conservation projects in developing countries. These projects typically prioritise global environmental goals over local needs, sometimes displacing indigenous communities and imposing western conservation models that may not be sustainable or beneficial for local ecosystems.
After centuries of Portuguese colonial rule, Cape Verde, an archipelago of 10 islands in the central Atlantic Ocean, gained independence on July 5, 1975. Sal, one of the islands in the archipelago, historically thrived on salt production, but in the late 20th century an Italian investor purchased the salt mines and began building hotels and resorts, effectively controlling the island’s economy. This transition from salt production to tourism altered Sal’s economic landscape, highlighting the impact of foreign investment on local communities.
🌏 The Culture Column
📺 What we’re watching: India’s disappearing mountains
📸 Profile of the week: @disharavii
📖 What we’re reading: Growing Up in the Grassroots: Finding Unity in Climate Activism Across Generations, by Joy Reeves
🤯 Shocking fact we learnt this week: Toxic dust is causing hundreds of deadly silicosis and cancer among locals in the Aravalli mountains