UN World Wildlife Crime Report Reveals Harm of Wildlife Trafficking (UN Office on Drugs and Crime)

In the third World Wildlife Crime Report, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) discussed trends in illicit trafficking of protected species, analyzed wildlife crime harms and impacts, and took stock of all current knowledge on intervention effectiveness. This report is more comprehensive than its predecessors in 2016 and 2020 due to increased reporting. Despite 20 years of effort, wildlife trafficking persists and is connected with powerful organized crime groups operating in fragile ecosystems. This has implications not only for the spread of organized crime, but also for biodiversity loss and subsequent impacts on climatic fragility.

Measuring data between 2015 and 2021 in 162 countries, UNODC found that more than 4,000 plant and animal species fall prey to wildlife trafficking annually. Over this period, law enforcement seized 13 million items total. The diversity and geographical scope of trafficking is huge and flows across a wide range of sectors including food, medicine, and more. While progress to reach the sustainable development goal to end wildlife trafficking is far off track, elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn trafficking have diminished significantly—offering hope for the future of anti-poaching legislation.

Wide knowledge gaps about the full extent of wildlife crime remain. Further, poachers are constantly changing their strategies and adapting to avoid prosecution, so legislation must be adaptable. These challenges are underscored by the fact that efforts to counter wildlife trafficking are easily undermined by corruption. Solutions must be tailored appropriately and accompanied by increased research. While seizures and arrests may be positive outcomes, without insights into whether they are actually providing long-term benefits, progress will not be made.

READ | Can the Growing Trans-Pacific Wildlife Trade Be Stopped?

Brine Mining for Critical Minerals Poses Immense Opportunity (Yale Environment 360)

Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and magnesium are in growing demand for the energy transition, but acquiring them is no simple feat. Thus, some argue the “next frontier” for critical minerals may be in salty water, or brine. Brine was ignored in the past as a source of metal because it was not cost-effective. However, new technologies make brine mining simpler and cheaper. A wide variety of innovators in Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the EU have experimented with brine mining and been  moderately successful.

Desalination plants produce 37 billion gallons of brine containing copper, zinc, magnesium, and other metals daily worth an estimated $2.2 trillion. Disposing of brine from the plants has been a long-term challenge because its toxicity makes desalination plants potentially dangerous. This challenge is only worsening as desalination plants proliferate globally, but also poses an opportunity if the waste can be harnessed for use.

Since no large-scale brine mining operation exists, it is unclear what the negative environmental impacts may be, if any. Furthermore, lack of transparency, high initial investment, complex regulatory framework, and more persist as hurdles to brine mining. However, the scientific community remains optimistic that brine mining will become more popular particularly as companies that produce wastewater are required to do more to dispose of pollutants safely.

READ | A Tale of Two Coastlines: Desalination in China and California

Indian Heatwaves May Impact Election Results (Al Jazeera)

India is simultaneously facing an extreme heatwave and a seven-phase election cycle. Already, a series of Indian politicians, election officials, and campaign managers have passed out or faced other adverse health impacts from the extreme heat. Beyond solely impacting those running for office, the extreme heat will also certainly have an impact on the country’s 970 million voters, who are already reluctant to attend political events. Voter turnout in the first four election phases so far has been lower than it was in 2019.

Historically, Indian elections have taken place in April and May. However, with recent years facing extreme temperatures of upwards of 113°F at this time of the year, holding elections at this time becomes increasingly risky. The Election Committee of India set up a task force to review the heat’s impact on elections and noted that managing public health crises during this period is critical.

Research has also revealed that high temperatures can also sway voter sentiments and may potentially impact the results of the election. Beyond solely heat’s health impacts, it also can impact crop outputs and spike energy demands which impact the way voters lean more directly. As one example, farmers vote in larger numbers when high temperatures damage crops, which hurts their incomes. While analysts note that heat will not likely cause a huge sway among voters, candidates with an agricultural background or who prioritize water availability may see more support. 

READ | The Next Feminist Wave: Heat