Earthweek A diary of the planet

This week's reports are particularly interest.  The Swiss Federal Institue, after all these years, have determined that the cowbells put around the necks of cows have 100 to 113 decibels and cause the cows to go deaf, which also affects their feeding habits.  Someone named Julia Johns says the decibels are similar to those of a chain saw.  Poor cows!  And this is where I first read about the 50+ cows struck by lightening.  I keep thinking of the one who made her escape.

Palm oil producers have promised to stop expanding their plantations through deforestation.

One-half of the world's wildlife was wiped out between 1970 and 2010 due to habitat loss, hunting & fishing, and climate change.  This is a loss of 50% more than nature can withstand.