Episode 12 - The Weekly News 11-05-2020

Election fever grips the studio. We aren’t concerned with the colour of your tie when it comes to issues of protecting the planet. Putting personal opinions aside, we discuss the recent article in National Geographic that compares the presidential candidates as it relates to issues of climate change, conservation and environmental policy. Then, with no chance to prepare, we put each other on the spot and compare notes as to what we would want any US president elect to do on behalf of the planet in 2020.National Geographic has broken the story of how Namibia and Botswana are potentially guilty of gross negligence when it comes to the seemingly laughable environmental impact assessment that has allowed a North American company to initiate the largest oil and gas drilling operation in recent times - right in the heart of the Okovango Delta. The long term risk to this UNESCO heritage site is epic. How can this be allowed!?The Waldron report suggests that protecting the planet is not just a moral imperative, it is also good for business. Should this report not be spearheading a more diligent investigation into divestment and for African states to aggressively explore alternatives to the unscrupulous consumptive use agendas so prevalent across the continent? We think so.Dr Jane Goodall addresses members of parliament in South Africa in a webinar arranged by ICCF and Wilderness Foundation. Dr Goodall suggests that “solutions create more problems” - but that’s a good thing as it shows progress. We must not be deterred!Peruvian indigenous people stop destruction and flex their First Nation muscle to prevent the exploitation of a critical ecosystem for - you guessed it - more oil. But how long can they hold their own government at bay?Some good news! Researchers have discovered a new reef off Australia’s  Queensland coast that is taller than the Empire State Building! This extension of the Great Barrier Reef is massive - over 1600 feet tall and a mile wide. Isn’t it awesome that even in this day, we are still finding amazing places in our oceans?EXCLUSIVE OFFER! The Mantis Collection is offering a staggering 20% to Art Of Conservation listeners to visit Siringit Serengeti Camp. To claim your exclusive discount code in your inbox and to start planning your stay at this luxury tented camp in the heart of Africa, sign up to our newsletter here.COMPETITION TIME!! To win a 2 night stay at Mantis Collection’s 5 star Ocean Beach & Wildlife Reserve, subscribe to the Art Of Conservation Podcast on your favourite platform, like our Instagram Page and sign up to our newsletter here. Competition deadline extended and runs until 15 November 2020!