The Human Imprint

2011 dawns

 

This is the last day of 2010 so I thought I would post a photo which sums up the year for me. We rely on food for our survival. In a world where we expect 24/7 living and everything always being available. It is hard to adapt that global system to one where food takes time to grow - we have to wait for harvests; we rely on nature to be kind to us .. not everyone around the world has seen the kindness of nature this year .. a thought to ponder on.

Grassland butterflies in steep decline across Europe

 

This is a picture from our farm of butterflies during the summer - for more photographs go to our sister blog Poultry Discussion. We have given some of our farmed area to wildlife under a UK scheme called the Higher Level Scheme (HLS). Why is this important? The Guardian reports that
a drop in numbers of 17 butterfly species' indicates a catastrophic loss of flower-rich meadows in many European countries. Follow the link to find out more.

Non-native species cost economy £1.7bn

The Independent reports that a report suggests that invasive non-native species such as grey squirrels and Japanese knotweed cost the British economy £1.7 billion every year. "The cost to the Scottish economy is £251 million a year and to the Welsh economy £133 million, according to the study, The Economic Cost of Invasive Non-Native Species to the British Economy. Costs to the English economy are significantly higher at £1.3 billion because more invasive non-native species (inns) have become established there. The rabbit is the most economically damaging species, followed by Japanese knotweed. Other creatures in the top 20 include the rat, the house mouse and the mink, along with plants such as the rhododendron and giant hogweed." Follow the link to read more. This article again shows how natural capital underpins a national economy.

China to spend 200 billion yuan on water conservation in 2011

Scientific American reports that the Chinese government is "expected to spend about 200 billion yuan ($30.10 billion) on water conservation projects in 2011, a tenth more than in 2010.Priority will be given to improving irrigation to ensure grain security and projects to combat drought and floods. " China continues to invest in water as a source of natural capital for the country in order to underpin food security and economic development. Check out the article.

Animal fat: a renewable fuel source?

National Geographic reports on the potential use of animal fat - a byproduct of meat processing as a renewable fuel source. 

Severe flooding in US

Check out this BBC News video. Half of annual rainfall in one week in California; several years rain in one storm in Utah .....

Onion exports banned in India

BBC News reports that India's government has banned the export of onions after the price has doubled in the last week. The increase in price is due to unusually heavy rains in growing areas, as well as on hoarders and speculators. Prices have jumped to 70 rupees ($1.55; £0.99) per kg from 35 rupees last week. The ban is until 15 January 2011 and India is also importing onions to ease shortages. Food inflation remains at 10% in India - critical for those families who spend over 50% of their income on food.

Extreme weather hits parts of Australia

Check out the BBC News video on the extreme weather events in Australia.

Facebook for China's farmers

BBC News reports how Chinese farmers are using mobile technology and social media to improve knowledge and skills. Check out the article.

Job centres to give food vouchers to unemployed

I wrote over a week ago about children living in the US on food stamps, or food vouchers.

During harvest celebrations in our parish we collected food for the foodbank in Hereford which assists the homeless and those in need. BBC News reports that job centres around Britain are to give food vouchers to people experiencing severe financial hardship.

"The vouchers, which can be redeemed at foodbanks run by the Trussell Trust charity, will be handed out by staff at Jobcentre Plus (JCP) branches. One voucher can be exchanged for three days' worth of food. The scheme will be piloted in Salisbury and Gloucester from 4 January, before expanding across England, Wales and Scotland in April. It will run in Jobcentre Plus branches that have a foodbank in the surrounding area. The Trussell Trust already has 78 foodbanks around the country and anticipates that there will be 86 foodbanks by April 2011." Follow the link to read more.