globalbriefs


News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.


Pesticide Peril Common Agrichemicals Endanger Hundreds of Species


Under the Obama administration, the U.S. Envi- ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) found in its first rigorous nationwide analysis of the effects of pesticides on endangered species, that 97 percent of the 1,800-plus animals and plants protected under the Endangered Species Act are likely to be harmed by malathion and chlorpyrifos, two commonly used pesticides; another 78 percent are likely to be hurt by another, diazinon. But now the new EPA administration under President Trump


has declined to ban chloripyrifos; the decision may be challenged in court. All three pesticides are organophosphates widely used on crops such as corn,


watermelon and wheat. Last year, the World Health Organization announced that malathion and diazinon are probable carcinogens. Based on the EPA’s conclusions, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service will issue biological opinions to identify mitigation measures and changes to pesticide use to ensure that targeted products will no longer potentially harm any endangered species. As part of a legal settlement with the Center for Biological Diversity, the biological opinions are due by December.


Autonomous Autos Driverless Cars Promise Safety and Savings


Mock Meats Vegetarian Protein Options on the Rise


Last year, the United Nations International Year of Pulses recognized dry peas, lentils and chickpeas because they are affordable, nutritious and have a low eco-footprint. New, inno- vative, plant-based proteins will extend the options. The Journal of Hunger &


Environmental Nutrition reported that vegetarians can save at least $750 annually over meat eaters by reducing or replacing


consumption of animal products and switching to sources that adhere to higher animal welfare standards. The Impossible Burger simulates the sizzle, the smell and the juicy first bite of the real thing to rave reviews. The similar Beyond Burger is a hit at Whole Foods Markets. Tyson Foods is investing in the protein alternative company, Beyond Meat,


and launching a $150 million venture capital fund to support plant-based foods. Some large German meat producers are also seeking to diversify with plant-based versions of traditional meaty favorites.


24 Long Island Edition www.NaturalAwakeningsLI.com


Hyundai demonstrated its Ioniq autono- mous, or driverless, hybrid car concept at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show, demonstrating that such vehicles— equipped with sophisticated sensors, GPS and computers—could be for sale within five to seven years. Safety is paramount. Estimates for the U.S., based on a 2013 Eco Center for Transportation study, projected that if 90 percent of vehicles were autono- mous, the number of driving-related deaths would plummet from an annual 32,400 to approximately 11,300. “Drivers are excited that driverless cars will offer 90 percent fewer U.S. traffic accidents, 40 percent lower in- surance costs, the end of drunk driving accidents and newfound freedom for seniors and people with disabilities,” says Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Asso- ciation. Its 2016 report Self-Driving Vehicles: Consumer Sentiments found that nearly 75 percent of consumers surveyed like the proffered benefits. In Driverless, authors Hod Lipson


and Melba Kurman highlight significant ecological benefits, including McKinsey research findings that driverless cars will yield up to 20 percent fuel savings, and a corresponding reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Their smoother driv- ing also extends a vehicle’s life. Ford intends to deliver a fully


autonomous vehicle for ride sharing in 2021, according to Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company president and CEO. Companies such as Uber and Lyft already are testing driverless vehicles in pilot cities.


gary powell/Shutterstock.com


Pat_Hastings/Shutterstock.com


chombosan/Shutterstock.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56