News
Garbage “engulfing” Manila after severe storm highlights plastic and climate crises
Waves of plastic pollution has engulfed parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces, after a combination of heavy storm and monsoon rains, with garbage clogging drainage and causing floods.
In various videos and images taken by locals and shared online of the recent tropical storm Yagi (local name: Karding), garbage can be seen washing and crashing over the shoreline, plastic floating on flooded roads, and people trying to clean up the mess after the storm.
“No amount of recycling can get us out of this global mess. Corporations may have conned us by providing so-called convenience but it’s not convenient when your city, oceans, roads, and rivers are clogged by plastic garbage,” says Abigail Aguilar, Campaigner at Greenpeace Philippines.
“This is a problem they started, and this is a crisis they have to tackle and be made accountable for.”
In a beach clean-up and brand audit conducted by Greenpeace Philippines and the Break Free from Plastic movement on 2017 on Freedom Island, a critical wetland habitat in Manila Bay, it was found that Nestlé, Unilever, and Indonesian company PT Torabika Mayora were the top three contributors of plastic waste discovered in the area.
“Our insatiable appetite for single-use plastics has left us with more waste than we can ever manage in our lifetime and yet producers are set to increase production by an additional 40% over the next decade. We are scrambling to find solutions to this crisis and clean up their mess, but corporations like Nestle, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and others will continue producing more plastics, which inevitably pour into our waterways and oceans,” says Aguilar.
“Although individuals and governments have taken on some efforts to minimise waste, corporations, especially the producers of fast-moving consumer goods, continue to avoid taking on responsibility of the long-term impacts of their products. Items like single-use plastic are problematic because as long as these are widely sold, they will be bought. Big corporations, which have the resources to look into innovation, should also introduce innovative delivery systems other than polluting plastics.”
With climate change making weather disturbances more intense and frequent, and the Philippines experiencing up to 20 typhoons a year, the impact of climate change extends further than trying to curb carbon emissions.
“Just like climate change, plastic threatens our rights to a clean, healthy environment and our very lives and livelihoods. More people are realising that we cannot go on with “business as usual” and are trying to cut down their own carbon footprint or consumption. Corporations and governments must do the same.”
For more information about the work of Greenpeace visit their website by clicking here.
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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
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Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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