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The coronavirus pandemic is likely to be followed by even more deadly and destructive disease outbreaks unless their root cause – the rampant destruction of the natural world – is rapidly halted, the world’s leading biodiversity experts have warned. “There is a single species responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic – us,” they said. “Recent pandemics are a direct consequence of human…

The spread of COVID-19 poses a challenge for emerging markets such as those in Africa and Latin America. While governments around the world are suffering from a shortage of ventilators, hospital beds, and personal protective equipment, availability of these items is already extremely limited in some countries. In Africa, countries including Mali, Liberia, and Burkina Faso have only a few…

A leading meteorologist has warned that if heavy rains don't arrive soon, Germany could face its second drought in two years. Showers are forecast, but they might not be enough to protect much of this year's harvest. News Germany heading toward drought amid coronavirus crisis: forecaster A leading meteorologist has warned that if heavy rains don't arrive soon, Germany…

The key objectives of the initiative will be to restore resilience, confidence and food security to a food system which is currently profitable for retailers, but fails to serve the public interest in almost every other respect. In calling for this transformation, I would in no way rule out large food companies and retailers playing a role. I’d go further and say that those that don’t…

In March this year, the European Commission launched its new circular economy action plan for a more sustainable and greener Europe. The plan prioritises seven sectors, including – to no one’s surprise – the textiles value chain, for which the Commission has proposed to develop a ‘comprehensive strategy’. It is a great opportunity for the EU to move away from the prevailing linear ‘take-make…

The Civil Society Shadow European Strategy for Sustainable Textile, Garments, Leather and Footwear 65 civil society organisations, one joint vision for a fair and sustainable textile sector. The global Textile, Garments, Leather and Footwear (TGLF) sector has long been characterised by labour rights and human rights abuses along with the immense pressure it exerts on our environment and…