Queen Rania is the latest Middle Eastern elite to receive criticism from dissenting citizens. Like their Yemeni compatriots currently marching towards the presidential palace in Samaa, taking their cue and courage from jubilant Egyptians, thirty-six tribal leaders submitted a collective criticism of Jordan’s Queen Rania, according to an AFP report. Of Palestinian origin and born […]
Nobody thought to ask him if he approves of a mega solar project on his home turf Solar energy, whether from photovoltaic panels, solar thermal systems, or concentration of sunlight to heat water and create steam to operate an electricity producing turbine, is being promoted by many as the most promising energy source of the […]
New species of sea cucumber, found in Atlantic Ocean at depth of 2,700 feet. A newly concluded Census of Marine Life, covering most of the world’s seas and oceans, has discovered over 1,200 new species of sea creatures. The ten year study, completed in October, 2010, was composed of 3,000 scientists from 80 countries, including […]
This happy bug muncher couldn’t care less about stigmas. Time to bite the bug? Certain varieties are kosher and halal. You can learn how to cook locusts here. Are you craving for something different to satisfy the “munchies”? Or are you interested in trying a new kind of food that’s high in protein and low […]
Once ignorant youth wished they were forced to watch documentaries in school, so moved are they by their new eco-knowledge. Surrounded as they are by the glittering trappings of excess, where materialism appears to pave a golden path to happiness, convincing Dubai’s youth to care for their environment might seem like a colossal challenge. Not […]
One wonders if “raising game birds” is as environmental as Iran and Qatar claim it is Iran and Qatar are still interested in working together on environment projects. This time dealing with protecting endangered local animal species. A new agreement was signed by VP and Head of Iran’s Environment Protection Organization Mohammad-Javad Mohammadi-Zadeh , and […]
Plastic bottles might not work in the Emirate Palace Hotel – but opulent jewelry decor isn’t fitting either. Image via AFP “Deck the halls with boughs of diamonds tra-la-la-la-la-la-la-la”. Over extravagant Abu Dhabi has done it again! This time it’s with an opulent bejeweled Christmas tree that is now “decking” the main entrance hall of […]
These clumps of plastic debris killed the camels from whose bellies they were retrieved. I’m not going to beat around the bush: I loathe plastic bags. There are many reasons, chief of which is the impact they have on our domestic and wildlife. Months ago we reported that camels were discovered to have been killed […]
Already on her way to international acclaim, Israeli designer Anna Braverman talks to Tafline about the designboom competition, the philosophy of design, and life as a student in Japan. The winner of the Tokyo Designers Week in Japan and designboom endangered species competition, Anna was chosen out of 2,078 participants from 86 different countries. The […]
Interested in getting your child interested in the environment? Why not try a spunky environmentally-themed book? Communication absorbs our every day. Even so, sometimes knowing how to communicate certain messages is as tangible as algebra. “Green” media struggles to find the balance between providing pertinent climatic information that bears directly on the public, and being […]
Artists bridge the divide and draw attention to the plight of endangered species. Israel and Iran may be arch enemies politically, but a recent design competition demonstrates that their artists are more alike than different. Although we have featured many Israeli designs in the past, such as these outrageous shoes and this lovely ceramic e-cooler […]
Interested in finding out about Slow Food, Slow Travel and some of the most beautiful places in England to slow down? Want to know about people who have chosen the Slow Life? This is the book for you – a journey and a resource. It is a gentle meander through England, a ramble across the […]
Emirate children will have a chance to seek their teeth into nature at the new Ecoventure Field Study Center. Children in America were asked where their beef comes from. Their answer? The supermarket. This could be a classic case of the stupid American, or it could point to the wider implication. Many children have never […]
With a skype account and a compelling plan, Phil Aroneanu contacted organizers in just about every Middle Eastern country to amass an enormous 350.org following. Tafline asks him how it’s done: Until now, few people would have lumped community-centered environmental activism and the Middle East in the same sentence. But that stereotype is being flipped […]
Kathleen Rogers and the world wide web have revolutionized citizen environmental activism. Since 1970, Earth Day has pivoted grassroots environmental activism in a powerful way, uniting the global community with global concerns. Numerous other campaigns have also emerged, providing untold opportunities for ordinary citizens to voice their insistence on a cleaner, safer, and saner future. […]