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The document details the conservation values of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and the surrounding Crown of the Continent ecosystem, specifically the transboundary Flathead River basin. It assesses the risks associated with two primary industrial threats: coalbed methane (CBM) extraction, exemplified by BP Canada's Mist Mountain Project, and open-pit coal mining, specifically the Lodgepole Coal Mine proposed by Cline Mining Corp. The paper argues that these activities would cause severe, irreversible damage to water quality, critical fish spawning habitats for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout, and migratory corridors for rare carnivores like grizzly bears and wolverines. It emphasizes a critical lack of baseline environmental data and highlights the cumulative stress from other external threats such as highway expansion and logging.

The report argues that CAFOs are propped up by taxpayer subsidies and the externalization of costs related to pollution and public health. It highlights that these operations, while producing over 50% of U.S. food animals, create massive manure management problems and antibiotic resistance. The author suggests that medium-sized and pasture-based operations are cost-competitive alternatives that would be more viable if subsidies were redirected and antitrust laws were enforced.

The report analyzes the 'hidden costs' of CAFOs, including taxpayer-funded subsidies and externalized environmental and health damages. It argues that CAFOs are not more efficient than medium-sized or pasture-based alternatives but are favored by government policies and the market power of large meat processors. The document details the pollution caused by manure, the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, and the economic decline of rural communities, while proposing policy reforms to level the playing field for sustainable alternatives.

The report 'Losing Ground' documents the systemic human rights violations associated with the expansion of oil palm plantations in Indonesia. It details how the conversion of customary lands into industrial monocultures leads to land dispossession, violent conflict, and the erosion of indigenous cultures. The authors highlight the economic failure of many smallholder schemes, which often result in debt bondage rather than prosperity, and describe severe environmental degradation, including water pollution and the loss of biodiversity. The document calls for the adoption of the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and urges European governments to abandon biofuel targets that drive this unsustainable expansion.

The document assesses the bio-diesel sector in Lao PDR as a means to reduce oil import dependency and create economic opportunities. While the government views biofuels as a tool for climate change mitigation and energy security, the report warns of significant environmental risks, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution. It notes the absence of a cohesive national biofuel policy and recommends integrating strategic environmental assessments into policy development and private sector operations.

The silk handicrafts sector in the Lao PDR is an inherently environmentally-friendly industry facing growth driven by international demand, particularly from the United States. While the sector is currently characterized by small, unorganized family businesses, scaling up production poses risks of increased water consumption and pollution. The document recommends establishing a silk handicraft fund, improving wastewater treatment and recycling, and introducing environmental performance awards to ensure sustainable growth and capture 'green' market opportunities.

The Union of Concerned Scientists reports that the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) attempted to replace the 1983 stream buffer zone (SBZ) rule, which protects Appalachian streams from mountaintop removal mining, with weaker regulations. The report alleges that OSM's 2004 and 2007 environmental impact statements (EIS) were compromised by political interference and the systematic misrepresentation of scientific data regarding biodiversity, water toxins, and flood risks. Specifically, it claims OSM ignored findings on the ecological importance of temporary streams, the reduction of fish genetic diversity in West Virginia and Kentucky, and the presence of human toxins like manganese and selenium in mining-affected waters. The document concludes that the OSM prioritized the interests of the coal industry over scientific integrity and environmental protection.

The National Environmental Compliance & Enforcement Report 2007-8 details a significant increase in reported environmental enforcement activities in South Africa, including a tripling of arrests and a five-fold increase in convictions compared to the previous year. It highlights systemic non-compliance across the iron, steel, and refinery sectors, alongside targeted efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade, particularly rhino horn trafficking. The report also outlines judicial precedents regarding environmental directives and the ongoing training of magistrates and prosecutors to improve the adjudication of environmental crimes.

The document details the aftermath of the 2008 Kingston disaster, where over 1 billion gallons of coal ash slurry were released. It tracks TVA's legal battles, the health impacts on local communities and cleanup workers, the disposal of ash in Perry County, Alabama, and the prolonged struggle to compel the EPA to finalize federal coal ash disposal regulations by 2014.

A 2007 survey of EPA scientists conducted by the Union of Concerned Scientists and Iowa State University reveals widespread political interference, suppression of scientific findings, and restricted communication with the public. The findings indicate that a majority of respondents experienced political pressure, often originating from the White House Office of Management and Budget and commercial interests, leading to decreased job satisfaction and concerns over the agency's overall effectiveness in protecting human health and the environment.

The Federation of Native Cacataibo Communities (FENACOCA), supported by legal counsel, requests urgent precautionary measures from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to stop hydrocarbon exploration in Peru's Lote 107. The request highlights that 2D seismic exploration by Petroleum del Peru S.A.C. poses an imminent threat to isolated Cacataibo indigenous people through potential water contamination and the use of explosives, which could force contact and lead to irreversible damage or the extinction of these communities.

The paper analyzes how trade liberalization and increased foreign direct investment (FDI) affect the environment in Lao PDR, focusing on hydropower, mining, and construction materials. It highlights risks such as deforestation, water pollution from mining, and habitat loss, while noting opportunities for 'green' growth and renewable energy exports. The author argues that while the government is committed to sustainable development, institutional capacity for implementing environmental safeguards and coordinating Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) remains insufficient.

The report examines the intersection of foreign investment and environmental sustainability in Lao PDR, focusing on the hydropower, mining, and construction sectors. It highlights a gap between the government's formal environmental policies and actual implementation, noting that large-scale projects often bypass rigorous environmental impact assessments (EIAs). The document specifically discusses the Nam Theun 2 dam as a case study of social and environmental displacement, and it analyzes the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and international standards in mitigating industrial damage.

The document investigates the export potential of Lao silk and mulberry products, noting that while there is a growing international market for 'green products', the industry faces risks of deforestation and water pollution. It highlights that Laos has a significant land area of mountains (80-85%) and that sustainable production requires strict adherence to environmental standards, such as ISO 14,000, to access niche markets. The paper suggests that the government's Industrial and Handicraft Development Strategy towards 2020 provides a framework for growth, but emphasizes the need for a robust certification system to prevent environmental degradation.

The document assesses the rapid growth of the tourism sector in Lao PDR, highlighting its role as a priority export and its reliance on the country's natural environment. It contrasts the benefits of ecotourism, such as conservation advocacy and community income, with the risks of unplanned development, citing water pollution and waste issues in Vang Vieng. The paper argues that while regional integration through ASEAN and the WTO drives growth, strict capacity management and stronger private-sector engagement are necessary to protect the natural assets that underpin the industry.

The report examines the environmental challenges facing Thailand's fisheries sector, which is a major global exporter of fish and shrimp. It highlights the depletion of demersal fish stocks due to overcapacity and inappropriate gear, and the degradation of mangroves and aquatic environments caused by intensive aquaculture. While regulatory frameworks and voluntary standards like the 'Thai Quality Shrimp' label exist, the report warns that further trade liberalization may exacerbate these pressures unless coupled with effective management, stronger enforcement, and a shift toward sustainable, certified production.

A federal judge in West Virginia ruled that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers illegally issued permits for mountaintop removal coal mining that allowed the permanent burial of headwater streams, violating the Clean Water Act.

The document explains how wind energy integrates into the New England electricity grid to displace polluting fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, oil, and coal. It highlights the importance of siting turbines in high-wind areas to maximize pollution reduction and discusses policy mechanisms like cap-and-trade and renewable portfolio standards to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

The Rapid Trade and Environment Assessment (RTEA) for Thailand examines the intersection of trade liberalization and environmental sustainability. It identifies that while trade agreements like AFTA and JTEPA expand market access and attract foreign direct investment (FDI), they also risk increasing pollution, deforestation, and resource depletion. The report emphasizes that Thailand possesses a comprehensive regulatory framework, but suffers from a critical lack of implementation and enforcement. Sectoral analysis highlights specific risks, such as e-waste in electronics, wastewater in textiles, and overfishing in fisheries, while noting opportunities for 'green' niche markets in organic agriculture and sustainable seafood.

The report argues that transitioning from conventional confinement systems to pasture-based production for pigs, chickens, and eggs reduces environmental pollution and improves animal welfare. While it notes that non-ruminants cannot derive as many nutritional benefits from grass as cattle do, it highlights that pasture systems lower production costs for farmers and reduce public health risks associated with antibiotics and arsenic. The document identifies challenges such as seasonality and the need for hardier breeds, while calling for clearer labeling standards and increased technical assistance for producers.