(August 22, 2008) Members of the umbrella group Patagonia Defense Council joined in Region XI’s Coyhaique on Thursday to demand that the regional Environmental Commission (CONAMA de Aysén) completely discard a 10,500 page environmental impact assessment (EIA) that the controversial multinational energy conglomerate HidroAysén submitted the week before.
EDC Legislation (Chapter E-20)
(August 18, 2008) All spin and no substance: Chapter E-20, the Export Development Act R.S. 1985, c. E20 (formerly Bill C-31) is a devious amendment to convince the public that EDC is doing something to protect the environment while, in fact, EDC is frustrating efforts to stop its environmentally damaging activities. Furthermore, this law prevents any references to the Export Development Corporation on pain of jail or a hefty fine. It needlessly curtails free speech.
Candu reactors
(August 18, 2008) EDC has been the source of life support for Candu nuclear exports over the years. It has financed Candu sales to South Korea, Argentina, and Romania.
Hidroaysen submits plan for Patagonia’s hydroelectric project
(August 15, 2008) Electric Power Congolmerate Hopes to Dam Chile’s Pascua and Baker Rivers Multinational energy congolmerate HidroAysén submitted its environmental impact statement to the Chilean government Thursday morning, outlining its plans to dam the Baker and Pascua Rivers in Chile’s southern Patagonia region. The proposed project includes five massive hydroelectric dams that have come under fierce criticism from environmentalists around the world.
The perils of delivering aid
(August 15, 2008) The gunning down of three female foreign aid workers – two of them Canadians – and their Afghan driver a few dozen miles south of Kabul on Wednesday is the latest bloody murder to underscore the relentless deterioration in Afghan security conditions.
Chilean tourism industry ready to battle Canadian investment
(August 7, 2008) In a recent story, Óscar Santelices, the director of Chile’s tourism bureau, SERNATUR, expressed concerns that the HidroAysén hydro electric project in Patagonia may hurt the region’s tourism business. He also said that he has expressed these concerns to the developers of the project.
Study shows dams unnecessary
(July 31, 2008) This study shows that a national policy based on energy efficiency and non-conventional renewable energy could reduce Chile’s energy demand by up to 4,000 MW, eliminating the need for large hydroelectric projects.
World Bank funds Brazil’s ethanol craze
(July 31, 2008) The World Bank is a leading financier and political promoter of Brazil’s campaign for sugar cane based ethanol. Currently, the Bank’s private sector arm, International Finance Corporation, is lending about US$200 million for three ethanol projects in Sao Paulo state.
World Bank funds Amazon slaughterhouse
(July 31, 2008) The World Bank’s private sector arm, International Finance Corporation, is providing Brazil’s cattle industry with US$9 million to expand their slaughterhouse operations in the southern Amazon, depite an environmental study showing the expansion would lead to the loss of up to 300,000 hectares of forest.
World Bank should improve environmental record, review says
(July 22, 2008) An internal World Bank evaluation of the lending giant’s environmental record gave the Bank a low rating for follow-through, the International Herald Tribune reports.
Business as usual for Fortis in Belize?
(July 21, 2008) On facing legal and regulatory battles in Belize, Fortis CEO Stanley Marshall says its a "normal aspect" of doing business.
Competing surveys receive varied attention in Chile’s main dailies
(June 18, 2008) A new poll concerning the HidroAysén dam project is raising questions not only about what Chileans really think of the controversial hydroelectric venture, but also about how the issue is being treated by the nation’s major newspapers.
UNDP Whistleblower Details Comprehensive Wrongdoing in Somalia Projects
(May 14, 2008) Evidence shows lack of oversight, retaliation, and program ties to terrorist group.
Kennedy Jr. lobbies hard against Chile dam project
(April 1, 2008) HidroAysén project a threat to Chile’s “pride and soul” says NRDC attorney
Probe International asks Canadian government to provide legal aid to Three Gorges dam victims
(February 13, 2008) Probe International is urging the Canadian government to set up a legal aid fund for the dam’s victims. Many of the people displaced by the dam were not given adequate compensation for their losses — others were even jailed or beaten for exposing corrupt officials.
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