Latest news with #MongabayIndonesia
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Government faces outcry over construction of massive 'engines of violence': 'These projects are fraudulently marketed'
A massive industrial development is underway in Indonesia — and it's threatening to displace Indigenous communities and destroy vital rainforests in the name of "green" energy. According to Mongabay, Indonesia and state-owned Malaysian companies are teaming up to build Southeast Asia's largest hydroelectric project in North Kalimantan — a remote province on the island of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. The $20 billion plan includes clearing massive amounts of forests for five dams, expected to generate 9,000 megawatts of electricity to power a sprawling new industrial park. Kalimantan Industrial Park Indonesia is positioned as a future global hub for electric vehicle battery and solar panel manufacturing. But critics warn the dams are already causing harm. One village of around 28 families has already been relocated, and over 500 families face removal as deforestation and construction continue. At a national forestry policy meeting last year, Indigenous leaders and environmental groups warned that locals were not properly informed or consulted, despite government claims that the project reflects the shared vision of all "stakeholders." "Finding fish and animals has already become difficult," Yusmarang, a member of North Kalimantan's Punan Indigenous community, told Mongabay Indonesia. Yusmarang was among those forced to leave his homeland. In 2007, the governments of Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia (three of the countries in Borneo) signed the Heart of Borneo initiative and pledged to conserve nature on the island. But plans for the new dams include flooding more than 600 acres of Kayan Mentarang National Park — the largest unbroken stretch of protected rainforest on the island and home to over 500 types of orchid and hundreds of rare animal species like clouded leopards, Borneo elephants, and sun bears. While these hydro projects count toward international clean energy goals, environmental groups argue they come at a steep cost. Dams can trigger the "forcible displacement and deforestation of high-conservation-value forests," Mongabay Indonesia reported. Do you think governments should ban the production of gas-powered lawn equipment? Absolutely Yes — but not yet I don't know Heck no Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Clearing these forests stops trees from being able to absorb polluting gases and releases stored carbon, which will encourage temperatures to creep up and increase the risk of extreme weather patterns. In Borneo, these forests are also biodiversity hotspots. Their destruction erases crucial habitats and food sources for rare species, and it could even hinder future medical discoveries. What's more, dams disrupt river ecosystems. As submerged vegetation rots, it produces methane — a potent planet-warming gas. Dams also fragment water flows and disrupt aquatic migration. The project raises the question: Is the energy gain worth the environmental and human cost? On the 28th International Day of Action Against Dams in March, communities impacted by dam projects, including those along the Mentarang River, called them "engines of violence, displacement and destruction," per the World Rainforest Movement. "These projects are fraudulently marketed as green energy, as they ravage rivers, forests and Indigenous communities," the statement continued. Moving forward, environmental and community leaders can look to Brazil and the Amazon rainforest as a recent example of successful deforestation reduction, with a reduction of over 80% of clearing activity achieved between 2000 and 2010. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Villagers devastated by phenomenon linked to massive factories in their area: 'Everything's filthy'
Indonesia is the world's leading producer of nickel (almost half of the world's supply, per Statista), but that economic progress has come at a high price for locals near processing sites. Residents at a village near Weda Bay Industrial Park are speaking out against the dire health consequences that have arisen since the park's establishment in 2018. The development is a joint venture between French and Chinese companies. Weda Bay Industrial Park is on Halmahera Island, one of roughly 17,000 islands (Indonesia doesn't even know exactly how many islands it has, the BBC explained) on the archipelago and home to over 600,000 people. Respiratory infections have spiked dramatically since the nickel processing plant was built. Mongabay Indonesia reports that the number has gone from 434 reported cases in 2020 to over 10,000 in 2023. "Everything's filthy," a villager told Mongabay Indonesia. "You need to wear a mask just to go out onto the road." Weda Bay is powered by coal, the dirtiest fuel source of all; one terawatt-hour of coal electricity causes an average of 24.6 deaths, according to Our World in Data. Aside from accidents caused by coal extraction — still a very dangerous occupation — coal leads to many harmful emissions. These include carbon and sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury, and fly and bottom ash, which the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports all contribute to respiratory illnesses. Additionally, clearances for more nickel plants are causing other environmental consequences through deforestation. As the Associated Press reported, each new plant leads to over 24 square miles of rainforest loss, yet Indonesia plans to build 22 more plants. Timer Manurung, chairman of Auriga, an Indonesian nonprofit, told the AP: "Deforestation has significantly increased … rivers are polluted, mangroves are cut to develop smelter areas, coastal areas and coral are being damaged by the smelters," Manurung said. Much of the environmental damage caused by the processing plants is due to their fuel source. If, instead of coal, the companies utilized clean, renewable energy, the impact would be sharply reduced. Clean energy already accounts for about a third of the world's supply and is becoming cheaper and more efficient every year, so it also makes economic sense. Another avenue is putting pressure on the companies that use Indonesian nickel. Considering the material is a critical component of batteries used in electric vehicles, this could be an opportunity for brands to pave the way in responsible consumption and incentivization. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. China currently dominates Indonesian nickel production but is actively seeking new international partners, per Reuters, which could also present an opportunity for negotiation. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
