Portion of River Jordan Closed

Last week environmental groups were warning about pollution levels in the Jordan River. Further probing has found their fears to be correct. Israel’s ministry of health has closed the site where Jesus is believed to have been baptized so that further quality tests can be conducted. Preliminary results showed high levels of sewage and chemicals from agriculture.

The news is not only a devastating blow to the near 100,000 people that come to the site yearly for baptism, but also for Israel’s tourism industry. Israel invested $2 million in infrastructure aimed at attracting even more people to the river. Officials say they will do everything to keep the site open.

Source: The Guardian

Polluted Water in China

The Ministry of Environmental Protection reported that 49.3 percent of the country’s water is potable. Every year the ministry takes samples from the largest lakes and rivers to determine the water quality. Although the figure is higher than last year’s 48 percent, over 24 percent cannot even be used for industrial purposes.

Why is China’s water quality so bad?

In the past decade regulations have increased; however, industrial waste is still being dumped directly into waterways creating a nasty concoction of chemical toxins.

Source: Reuters

Meet the Mini Cow

Ranchers around the world are rediscovering the benefits of miniature cattle. The mini cow was popular in the 1600’s at just under 42 inches, they required less land, food, and resources. And now the mini cow is making a comeback in a big way. It is even being hailed as the future of environmentally friendly beef.

Why?

It takes ten mini cows to emit the same amount of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as one average size cow. A 1,200-pound cow needs about 2.5 acres of pasture whereas the same acreage can sustain five mini cattle. They convert food 25% more efficiently and some breeds have less cholesterol than chicken. One mini yields 350 pounds of beef.

Source: The Guardian