#tech and environment

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People's Climate March Dominate Australian Cities

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/11/peoples-climate-march-dominate-australian-cities/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

In  lead the lead up to the Paris Climate talks thousands have gathered in major cities across Australia to show their support for action on climate change.

The People’s Climate rallies that scattered across Australia’s major cities are part of a global initiative to pressure governments to propose more progressive targets for Paris. Other civil movements in Seoul, Paris, Hong Kong, Berlin and London joined together in a national day of action.

The Australian protests today have highlighted the public support for increased action by Australian political representatives.  Australia has been criticised internationally for its limited proposals for the 2015 conference (ABC). The Direct Action plans proposed by the coalition government continue to be pursued in the eve of the conference despite the changes in party leadership.

While the new Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, was in Malta attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting  (CHOGM) protesters brought a larger than life version of the current and former Prime Minister.

  Almost 45,000 Sydneysiders flooded the CBD, congregating in the Domain park lands where a series of speakers addressed the crowd.

Among the dignities were; Sydney’s Lord Mayor, Clover Moore whose administration has managed to make the city of Sydney carbon neutral; former Australian of the Year professor Tim Flannery a leading global warming activist; and representatives of One Million Women.

It’s time for bold leadership and courageous action to cut emissions. We’re ready to march!#peoplesclimate pic.twitter.com/fc0e6Ymb3J

— Clover Moore (@CloverMoore) November 29, 2015

Attendees were encouraged to join eight colour bloc – representing different concerns associated with climate change.

Representatives of the CSIRO appeared at the march. As part of the ‘White’ group these marchers are voicing their concerns for the medical health affects of global warming.

The Yellow group – also known as “the solution” – were marching to support alternative renewable energy sources.

The Red groups represented groups most likely to be affected by the effects of climate change.

Protesters drummed up attention as they marched through the city.

A delegation of Pacific Nations made their appearance at the protest. As some of the smallest and lowest nations these are high risk communities.

Pacific Nation delegates dress in regional costumes and designs.

A banner from the Pacific Nations delegation

The crowds then made their way around Hyde Parks and continued through the city to their final destination at the Opera House.

The marches in Sydney were matched by similar demonstrations in Hobart, Canberra, Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne.

60,000 people #Melbourne #peoplesclimate march @Peoples_Climate pic.twitter.com/n6Na2gwfVj

— Samantha Dunn (@SamanthaDunnMP) November 27, 2015

8000 turnout for Perth #PeoplesClimate March! GO W.A.!!! pic.twitter.com/imNJetJDcU

— 350Australia (@350Australia) November 29, 2015

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Breaking The Trend, Sikkim Goes Organic

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/11/breaking-the-trend-sikkim-goes-organic/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

In India, the agriculture industry is going through big changes. The drive for this is a state in the country, Sikkim, which turned organic in its approach to agricultural farming. The effects this has had on the agricultural industry in India is what is most impressive about the change. 

Agriculture has been the biggest sector of employment in India, with a major chunk of the country’s population engaged in it. Unsurprisingly, in order to get big harvests and quick profits, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is quite common throughout the country. While its adverse effects on the environment and living beings are widely recognised, not much is done due to how important agriculture is to the economy. Therefore, it was a pleasant surprise when the state of Sikkim turned organic this year.

Sikkim Organic Mission: What is it?

It was Sikkim’s incumbent Chief Minister Shri Pawan Champing’s vision to transform Sikkim into a completely organic state. A resolution declaring passed back in 2003 in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, making Sikkim the first Indian state to frame and execute such a long-term policy. As the benefits of organic farming became more obvious in various awareness programs, a number of farmers and civil society clubs decided to get on board.

But still, the state of Sikkim was nothing short of a reservoir of untapped potential. The distant land was pretty much untouched by chemicals and was relatively less cultivable. Instead of acting as an obstacle, this gave Sikkim a head start in adopting organic farming. The local ban on using chemicals for farming also helped matters.

Development of bio-villages and compost formation soon overtook the pesticides and fertilizers. Along with increasing the overall levels of health, prosperity, wealth and Gross Happiness Index of the state, the mission has also inspired the rest of the country to reduce environmental decline. Furthermore, the concept of organic agriculture has also led to the conservation of flora and fauna. Organic tourism has also been greatly promoted. Especially considering tourism is the biggest source of income for Sikkim.

Vision of the Policy:

Frame policy of organic farming in the state.

Prepare a clear cut implementable road map of organic farming.

To implement the programmes of organic farming with a systematic approach to achieve the target set by the Govt.

To develop and explore markets of Organic commodities.

To develop linkage between the organic farmers and the market with intervention of certification agencies so as to continue the policy permanently.

To develop Sikkim organic brand with proper logo.

To make farming profitable, sustainable and environmentally acceptable.

Global Status & Achievements:

As of now, India ranks 33rd and 80th in terms of total and agricultural land under organic cultivation respectively. Approximately 6 Lakhs farmers are engaged in producing organic commodities estimated to value about Rs. 5600 Crores. These include a wide range of products including tea, honey, spices and a host of other products. Among India’s major exporters are the European Union, North America, Japan and in the Middle East.

Mission 2015 was successfully accomplished this year. The movement still continues, aiming at an organic India and spreading its roots further ahead through more and more international cooperation.

More information can be obtained on the GoI’s official Sikkim Organic Mission website.

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