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Insecticides found in U.S. tap water for first time as Gallup poll shows Americans are more fearful about their water quality, reports BluewaterBluewater Group - Apr 28, 2017 04:47 EDTThe health of honey bees and other pollinators is threatened by widespread use of insecticides say various international studies.Stockholm, Sweden, April 24, 2017 – American scientists have found traces of an insecticide in U.S. tap water for the first time, reports Bluewater, a world leader in residential water purification solutions. Bluewater notes the findings come as a Gallup poll published in April indicates Americans are more concerned about water pollution than they have been since 2001. According to a study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, chemists and engineers from the U.S. Geological Survey, a federal agency, and the University of Iowa, identified the presence of three neonicotinoids in drinking water delivered from an Iowa City treatment facility. Neonicotinoids have ranked one of the most popular pesticides harnessed by American farmers in recent decades, and are considered difficult to treat in conventional water treatment processes. With a chemical structure similar to that of nicotine, neonicotinoids have been blamed alongside habitat loss and disease for a decline in honeybee populations. The pesticide has also been found in insects, microbes, and even coastal shellfish, prompting several countries in Europe such as Germany, France and Italy as well as a number of states in the United States to restrict the use of neonicotinoids. Meanwhile, a Gallup poll conducted March 1-5, 2017, reveals Americans are more concerned about water pollution than they have been since 2001. The latest percentages of Americans who are worried "a great deal" about the pollution of drinking water (63%) and of rivers, lakes and reservoirs (57%) have inched past the elevated levels of concern seen since 2014, according to the Gallup survey of 1,018 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. According to Gallup, 'water pollution remains Americans' greatest concern'. |
Friday, April 28, 2017
Insecticides found in U.S. tap water for first time as Gallup poll shows Americans are more fearful about their water quality, reports Bluewater
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Mr. Moncef Harrabi is the new Med-TSO President - Press Release
After an election by acclamation Mr. Moncef Harrabi has become the new President of Med-TSO, the association of the Mediterranean transmission system operators. It happened during the General Assembly of the Mediterranean TSOs, which took place on 20th April in Tunis. Mr. Harrabi, Chairman and Director General of Steg (Société Tunisienne de Electricité et du Gaz), started his career in 1987 an then he is grown with success inside the company. He has taken the role of Mr. Ameur Bchir, from the same company, who retired in December.
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Press release: What is the point of view of Millennials on the global water situation?
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Access to improved drinking water: a major achievement for the international community According to the latest figures from the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme in 2015, 91% of the global population uses an improved drinking water source, up from 76% in 1990. This highlights that there has been significant progress in access to drinking water, as 2,6 billion people, equivalent to one-third of the current global population, have gained access to an improved drinking water source since 1990. However, due to poor quality water and poor management, improved water sources does not equate to access to safe drinking water. In addition, while access to improved sources has increased in all regions, rates of progress have varied. Coverage in Asia has increased dramatically, with over half a billion people gaining access in China alone. In Latin America and the Caribbean 95% of the population now have access to improved drinking water sources. However in Sub-Saharan Africa, a lot remains to be done, as approximately one-third of the population is still without improved access to drinking water sources. Furthermore, there are significant rural and urban disparities. Four out of five people living in urban areas now have access to piped drinking water on premises, compared with just one in three people living in rural areas. Moreover, the global progress achieved in access to sanitation lags far behind water, as the Millennial Development Goal (MDG) for sanitation failed to meet its target. By the time the MDGs reached their deadline in 2015, it was estimated that 32% (2,4 billion) people globally still didn't have access to improved sanitation facilities. Improved water sources are not always safe water sources Despite the global achievements in improved water sources, it is estimated that at least 25% of improved water sources are essentially unsafe due to various reasons, including among others, the presence of fecal contaminants. Actually, over one-third of Millennials polled have experienced firsthand negative effects of a lack of safe water. Although, nearly half of the Millennials are aware that there has been huge progress in access to safe water in Asia over the past 5 years, less than one-third think that progress has been made in Africa. World Water Council President Benedito Braga comments: "World leaders realize that sanitation is fundamental to public health, but we need to act now. In order to make water and sanitation universally available by 2030, we need commitment at the highest levels. Of equal importance is that water sources are being optimized to ensure that they are safe water sources." Investing in water security offers a high return on investment Braga continues: "For every dollar invested in water and sanitation, there is an estimated $4,3 dollar (400%) return in the form of reduced health care costs for individuals and society worldwide. And this does not take into account the benefits to global development, which enables countries and societies to progress economically, culturally and politically. For example, for every $1 billion dollars invested in water and waste water, an estimated 28.500 jobs will be created." It is, therefore, important to invest in infrastructure that improves water security and resilient management of resources, for populations, for economies, and for the environment. Indeed, businesses are also increasingly aware of the importance of investment in sustainable water resources management, with 46% of CEOs agreeing that resource scarcity and climate change will transform their business in the next five years. Csaba Kőrösi, Director of Environmental Sustainability at the Office of the President of the Republic of Hungary and Sherpa of the High Level Panel on Water (HLPW), comments: "Global water investments must be tripled to the level of $600 billion a year to meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. A promising first step was that during a meeting with the High Level Panel on Water in Budapest last year, the World Bank and eight other Multilateral Development Banks as well as the Green Climate Fund collectively pledged to work towards doubling the amount invested into water infrastructure over the next 5 years. However, public and concessional finances will not be enough to reach the investment level necessary for a water secure world. Private funds must have a role as well." Kőrösi continues: "Time is in short supply. We have 15 to 20 years before facing a significantly bigger challenge emanating from climate change and regional water crises interlinking into a global one." Water for everyone: sharing actions and responsibilities The World Water Council (WWC), founded in 1996, is comprised of over 300 member organizations globally, with the primary goal to catalyze action on critical water issues at every level so as to improve water security around the world. "The World Water Council (WWC) calls on all stakeholders to share the actions and responsibilities for our common endeavor," President Braga says. In particular, the World Water Council (WWC) is recognized as a key facilitator in water security finance discussions and a driving force for political change in the quest for water security. The World Water Council (WWC) pioneers numerous exciting and innovative programs, working to promote adaptation measures for water usage in the face of imminent climate change, increase political investment, and create water-conscious cities. The World Water Council (WWC) considers it is equally important to keep the public informed, which includes Millennials, on the progress being made towards improving water security. Traditional media (64%) and the Internet and social networks (45%) are the main source of information for Millennials about issues such as climate change and water issues, far ahead of universities (21%), family and friends (15%), work (10%) and government (9%). The World Water Forum: catalyzing change for a water-secure world This week, continuing in its mission to improve water security, the World Water Council (WWC) organizes a stakeholder meeting in Brasilia attended by 500 high-level representatives, Heads of States and water experts; this meeting is to prepare for the 8th World Water Forum. The Forum is expected to be attended by over 30.000 participants and will take place from the 18th to the 23rd of March 2018, in Brazil, under the theme "Sharing Water." The event is composed of five processes, namely the Thematic Process, Political Process, Regional Process, Citizens' Forum and Sustainability Focus Group. Braga comments: "As the creator and owner of the World Water Forum, the World Water Council (WWC) looks forward to building on the success achieved during the 7th World Water Forum in Korea in 2015, which marked a step forward in international water cooperation by implementing a roadmap to guide work and by securing major political agreements." Braga concludes: "During the 8th World Water Forum, the world's largest water-related event, we are committed to engaging policy and decision-makers in a multi-stakeholder dialogue to establish commitments for improved water resources and service development." Click to download image of President Braga Click to download the Infographic Click to see the VNR Downloadable VNR in WeTransfer Downloadable VNR in Google Drive Please note that when using VNR or Infographic it is mandatory to source World Water Council (WWC). World Water Council President Benedito Braga available for interviews upon request. About the World Water Council: The World Water Council (WWC) is an international multi-stakeholder platform organization, the founder and co-organizer of the World Water Forum. The World Water Council's mission is to mobilize action on critical water issues at all levels, including the highest decision-making level, by engaging people in debate and challenging conventional thinking. The Council focuses on the political dimensions of water security, adaptation, and sustainability, and works to position water at the top of the global political agenda. Headquartered in Marseille, France, and created in 1996, the World Water Council brings together over 300 member organizations from more than 50 different countries. More on www.worldwatercouncil.org @wwatercouncil #wwatercouncil For more information, please contact: Selina Ashdown – selina@marcodecomunicacion.com (+34) 689 911 653 Evelyne Hollands – evelyne@marcodecomunicacion. The Millennials poll was carried out from 17 to 19 April 2017 by Cint on behalf of the World Water Council in 16 countries globally:
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Thursday, April 20, 2017
Press release: Levi's drawn into growing Madagascan dockworkers dispute
20 April 2017
Levi's drawn into growing Madagascan dockworkers dispute
Attention: Fashion, Industrial, Transport, Shipping, Labor, Foreign and Africa news desks
International clothing company Levi Strauss and Co. is under pressure to help end the exploitation of Madagascan dockworkers as the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) calls on the company to stop the labour rights double standard.
The union is launching a major report, Levi's: End the Double Standard in your Supply Chain highlighting Levi's involvement in the exploitation of Madagascan dockworkers. Actions at Levi's stores will occur across the globe to highlight the issue starting in Sydney.
Paddy Crumlin, ITF President said the union is seeking the intervention of the global clothing company in a widening dispute with the Madagascan Government and port operator ICTSI.
"Levi's are industry leaders in developing policies to improve workers' rights in their factories but the same rights need to be extended to their global supply chains.
"Levi's policies have seen improvements in working conditions for the garment workers but transport workers that deliver Levi's jeans and other apparel to stores across the globe are being exploited and working in dangerous conditions.
"Levi's exports through the Port of Toamasina (Tamatave), where casual dock workers often work without safety equipment, and struggle to make ends meet on their wages. 43 were fired when they came together to fight for better working conditions. The Government of Madagascar faces an International Labour Organisation (ILO) complaint over the dispute," Mr Crumlin said.
For copies of the report and more information go to www.justicefordockworkers.org/levis
The ICTSI operated Port of Toamasina is the main gateway for $360 million worth of textile products exported to Europe, $100 million to South Africa, and $60 million to the USA. Major international brands source clothing in Madagascar – including Levi Strauss.
About ITF
ITF is the international union federation representing around 700 transport unions, and more than 4.5 million transport workers from 150 countries. Ends
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For more details please contact: ITF Sydney Campaign Office: Australia +61402399572 or mediasydney@itf.org.uk
20 avril 2017
L'ITF interpelle Levi's dans le conflit des dockers de Madagascar
À l'intention des bureaux d'information : Mode, Industrie, Transport, Transports maritimes, Syndicats, Étranger et Afrique
Les projecteurs sont braqués sur la multinationale de l'habillement Levi Strauss and Co. alors que la Fédération internationale des ouvriers du transport (ITF) l'appelle à intervenir pour faire cesser l'exploitation des dockers de Madagascar et à abandonner le deux poids deux mesures en matière de respect des droits des travailleuses et travailleurs.
Le syndicat publie un nouveau rapport d'envergure, Levi's: End the Double Standard in your Supply Chain (« Stop au deux poids deux mesures dans la chaîne d'approvisionnement Levi's ») lequel dénonce la complicité de Levi's dans l'exploitation des dockers malgaches. Des actions de sensibilisation seront menées dans les boutiques Levi's du monde entier, en commençant par Sydney.
Paddy Crumlin, Président de l'ITF, a déclaré que le syndicat réclamait l'intervention de la société d'habillement dans l'escalade du conflit entre le gouvernement malgache et l'opérateur portuaire ICTSI.
« La société Levi's est l'une des pionnières des politiques d'amélioration des droits des travailleuses et travailleurs de ses usines, mais les personnels de ses chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales doivent bénéficier des mêmes droits. »
« Les politiques de Levi's ont permis d'améliorer les conditions de travail dans le textile, mais les personnels des transports qui livrent les jeans et autres vêtements Levi's dans les boutiques du monde entier sont exploités et victimes de conditions de travail dangereuses. »
« Les vêtements Levi's quittent Madagascar par le port de Toamasina (Tamatave), où les dockers journaliers travaillent souvent sans équipement de sécurité et se battent pour joindre les deux bouts. Quarante-trois ont été licenciés quand ils ont voulu s'unir pour réclamer de meilleures conditions de travail. Le gouvernement malgache fait d'ailleurs l'objet d'une plainte auprès de l'Organisation internationale du travail (OIT) à ce sujet », a déclaré M. Crumlin.
Pour consulter ce rapport et en savoir plus : www.justicefordockworkers.org/levis
Le Port de Toamasina, exploité par ICTSI, est la principale plaque tournante pour l'exportation de produits textiles d'une valeur de 360 millions d'USD vers l'Europe, 100 millions d'USD vers l'Afrique du Sud et 60 millions d'USD vers les États-Unis. De grandes marques internationales s'approvisionnent en vêtements à Madagascar – y compris Levi Strauss.
Au sujet de l'ITF
L'ITF est la fédération syndicale internationale représentant environ 700 syndicats des transports, et plus de 4,5 millions de travailleuses et travailleurs des transports de 150 pays.
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Pour en savoir plus, veuillez contacter : Bureau de campagne de l'ITF Sydney, Australie +61402399572 ou mediasydneyitf@itf.org.uk
This email is confidential and may be privileged. If you have received it in error, please notify the sender and then delete it immediately. You should not copy it or use it for any purpose nor disclose its contents to any other person. Any views or opinions expressed within the email are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of the ITF or the Seafarers' Trust.
Friday, April 7, 2017
Press release: ITF condemns 'politically motivated' Portland fines
7 April 2017
ITF condemns 'politically motivated' Portland fines
The ITF (International Transport Workers' Federation) Cabotage Taskforce has condemned as 'unbelivable' fines requested by Australia's Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) against crew members of the MV Portland.
ITF Cabotage Taskforce chair James Given stated. "This is shameful, unbelievable news. These men were defending their jobs when they were ejected from the ship that was their workplace in a dawn raid. Pursuing them in the court literally adds insult to injury. That the FWO is going down that path calls its motives into question. You have to ask if this move, coming as it does as Australia's Productivity Commission pushes for maritime deregulation, is politically motivated." (See goo.gl/CfDvTn )
ITF president and MUA (Maritime Union of Australia) national secretary Paddy Crumlin added: "Alcoa's actions have been condemned by the MUA, ITF* and seafarer unions around the world as an abusive attack on Australian seafarers' legal and national rights to work.
"Instead of cuddling up to this outrageous corporate behaviour by Alcoa the Fair Work Ombudsman is prosecuting hardworking Australian citizens who have always paid their taxes and taken no industrial action in this long-standing national shipping route over the last 27 years.
"The MUA will always defend any member who is dragged from their bunk at 1am while at work by dozens of security guards, given five minutes to pack their bags, and then unceremoniously dumped on the wharf."
He concluded: "These hardworking Australian seafarers have been replaced by flag of convenience shipping which pays exploited foreign workers as little as USD2 an hour and registers ships in places like Liberia, Mongolia and Panama as part of one of the biggest tax avoidance scams on the planet."
"One of the replacement vessels for the MV Portland even got busted paying bribes in Nigeria and Argentina. What is going on here?"
For more reactions from Australia please see the ACTU (Australia Council of Trade Unions) press release at https://goo.gl/EU96PC.
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This email is confidential and may be privileged. If you have received it in error, please notify the sender and then delete it immediately. You should not copy it or use it for any purpose nor disclose its contents to any other person. Any views or opinions expressed within the email are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of the ITF or the Seafarers' Trust.
