ON THE RUN FROM THE GREEN POLICE
Interpol released its first ever “Most Wanted” list of environmental criminals, which includes nine offenders from all over the world. Ahmed Kamran, 29, is wanted for smuggling more than 100 wild and large animals from Tanzania to Qatar on a military plane. The haul included four giraffes, two eagles, 88 gazelles, several wildebeests and 10 dik-diks.
Elsewhere (we assume), Sergey Darminov, 50, is on the lam after allegedly operating a $450 million illegal crab fishing scam in Russia.
The list includes poachers, smugglers, traffickers and polluters that contribute to what Interpol says is a $70-$213 billion dollar industry annually. According to Interpol, one East African terror group makes up to $56 million a year in illegal coal trade. Ivory trade also makes millions for terror groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic, while illegal logging accounts for $100 billion annually worldwide.
LOCAL FISH MAKES GOOD IN COMMUNITY
A team of researchers at Indiana University published a report this week about their discovery of genes that allow some organisms to alter their body form in response to climate change.
Researchers looked at the mighty Atlantic killifish, which can modify its gills based on whether it is in seawater or freshwater, and can shut off salt-secreting channels in its body. The study sheds light on the specific processes the fish goes through to adapt to the change in the ecosystem.
The team is now working on applying the killifish’s mechanisms to other organisms. The goal is to help predict and prepare for massive shifts in the global climate.
ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCESSES OF ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe is getting set to crown their next Miss Environment Zimbabwe at the end of November. Eighteen models will vie for the crown, which is awarded to the contestant who has proven to be the foremost steward of the environment and has looked good doing it.
Scores are tallied 90 percent based on environmental works and 10 percent on the runway performance. Runners up will be named Miss Climate and Miss Global Warming, while the most congenial wins Miss Anti-Pollution.
