All posts by nedhamson

Activist, writer, researcher, addicted to sharing information and facts.

Palm oil: The pros and cons of a controversial commodity

Stigmatis News

Answers to key questions about a commodity that, for better or for worse, is here to stay

Mike Shanahan

Oil palm fruit (Source: Alamy)


On 18 December 1591, a seven-month sea voyage from Africa to England ended when a ship anchored at Limehouse docks in London. Along with 150 elephant tusks and 589 sacks of pepper, the ship carried 32 barrels of palm oil. It is thought to have been the first arrival into Europe of what would become perhaps the most controversial plant product that is not a drug.

To say that palm oil is divisive is an understatement. To its advocates, it is a cornerstone of economic development, making efficient use of land and supporting millions of smallholders through profitable international trade. To its detractors, it is a cause of deforestation and social conflict, a direct threat to endangered species and a contributor to climate change.

As demand…

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Inside China’s controversial dog meat festival as canines seen on chopping boards

Stigmatis News

The controversial Yulin festival has been held every year since 2009, with footage obtained by an animal rights charity shedding new light on its horrors

By Ryan Fahey | World News Reporter

This year’s Yulin Dog Meat Festival is underway as distressing footage has emerged of chefs preparing for the controversial festival where thousands of pooches will be consumed.

Campaigners from the NoToDogMeat charity have recently arrived in Yulin, South East China, preparing to document the slaughter and rescue as many dogs as possible.

In footage obtained by the charity and shared with the Mirror, shops are seen laying out dog corpses on the counters shops ahead of the June 21 Summer Solstice event.

The dogs, which have been rounded up from nearby villages and transported to the festival, will be consumed for a period of 10 days.

A dog looks out from a cage during the 2015 market ( Image: AFP…

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¡Qué libros tan preciosos para introducir a los jóvenes en una cultura y una forma de vida magníficas! – « La Magia de la Amazonia Las aventuras de …

ilustración de « La Magia de la Amazonia – Las aventuras de Meromi, una niña Yanomami » « He pasado tiempo con sus dos libros, admirando las bellas y…

¡Qué libros tan preciosos para introducir a los jóvenes en una cultura y una forma de vida magníficas! – « La Magia de la Amazonia Las aventuras de …