Environment

A group of doctors are challenging the theory that the Zika virus is responsible for birth defects in babies in Brazil, saying that Monsanto are responsible for microcephaly among newborns. A report from the Argentine doctors’ organisation, Physicians in the Crop-Sprayed Towns, says that a chemical larvicide that produces malformations in mosquitoes was introduced into the public drinking water supply in 2014. Healthynaturalcures.org reports: This poison, Pyriproxyfen, is used in a State-controlled programme aimed at eradicating disease-carrying mosquitoes.

An elephant calf has been rescued after getting trapped in an uncovered drain in Sri Lanka. Local residents in the port of Hambantota joined forces with rescue workers and wildlife officials to free the stuck animal. BBC YouTube video: The baby elephant was taken for treatment with a suspected broken leg, according to the BBC. Officials used basic tools like hammers and chisels to free the animal.

Be afraid... be very afraid (oh and lay down your arms)...

Source: The Burning Platform

Exxon Mobile filed court papers in Texas last month seeking to block a subpoena issued in March by the attorney general of the U.S. Virgin Islands which alleges that Exxon is deceiving the public and shareholders about the effects of climate change.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has given the green light for the 2016 Rio Olympics to go ahead, despite the high risk the Zika virus outbreak poses to visitors.  In a surprising move WHO said they would not postpone or move the games, saying that they believed the games would “not significantly alter” the spread of the virus. BBC News reports: In an open letter to the WHO, more than 100 leading scientists had said new findings about Zika made it “unethical” for the Games to go ahead. They also said the global health body should revisit its Zika guidance.