UNEP Launches New Online Resource Centre to Reduce Environmental Impact of Relief Work |
Humanitarian action and relief efforts save lives and provide essential aid in the aftermath of natural disasters, conflicts and other crises. But despite this critical role, humanitarian actions can result in damage to the environment, which is not often prioritized as a life-saving issue. |
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Pakistan: Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Others Working to Avoid Disease Outbreaks |
In the aftermath of a disaster that arrives as suddenly as the flooding in Pakistan did, the immediate impact—the deaths and the injuries—is usually followed by additional health risks caused by the difficult living conditions, the lack of hygiene, and the restricted access to clean water and basic health care services the disaster leaves in its wake. |
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US EPA Launches Web Forum on How to Best Protect America’s Drinking Water |
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a web-based discussion forum to gather public input on how the agency can improve protection of drinking water. |
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Bayer Agrees to Terminate All Uses of the Insecticide Aldicarb |
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Bayer CropScience, the manufacturer, have reached an agreement to end use of the pesticide aldicarb in the United States. |
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United Nations (UN) Launches Decade-Long Efforts to Tackle Desertification |
The United Nations is launching the Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification (2010-2020) today, 16 August 2010 , a 10-year long effort to raise awareness and action to improve the protection and management of the world's drylands. |
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Public Health Champion Dr Rita Colwell Receives 2010 Stockholm Water Prize |
Dr Rita Colwell, distinguished Professor from the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health in the United States, has been named the 2010 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate. |
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Relief Efforts for Flood Victims in Pakistan |
A list of humanitarian organizations that are accepting cash donations for flood response efforts in Pakistan can be found at www.interaction.org. |
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U.S. Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Sets First National Limits to Reduce Mercury and Other Toxic Emissions from Cement Plants |
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing final rules that will protect Americans’ health by cutting emissions of mercury, particle pollution and other harmful pollutants from Portland cement manufacturing, the third-largest source of mercury air emissions in the United States. |
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Super-Rare 'Elkhorn' Coral Found In Pacific |
An Australian scientist has discovered what could be the world’s rarest coral in the remote North Pacific Ocean. |
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Northern Rocky Mountain Gray Wolf Receives Renewed Protection |
On August 5, 2010, a U.S. District court overturned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) decision to remove gray wolves in the Northern Rockies from the endangered species list. The court sided conservation organizations that sued to restore federal protections. |