Faye Cuevas Brings Higher Intelligence To Africa's War On Elephant Poaching

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Faye Cuevas Brings Higher Intelligence To Africa's War On Elephant Poaching

Calling herself "the accidental conservationist," (Faye) Cuevas can pinpoint the moment she realized that she wanted to fight poaching.

"The first time that I saw an elephant in the wild was in Amboseli National Park here in Kenya two years ago," she said in Feb. 2016. "It was life-changing."

"At the current rate of elephant decline, my 6-year-old daughter won't have an opportunity to see an elephant in the wild before she's old enough to vote," she said. "Which just is unacceptable to me, because if that is the case then we have nothing to blame that on but human apathy and greed."

"The Kenya Wildlife Service and other many conservation groups are doing fantastic conservation work," Cuevas said. "However, the reality is that there are other challenges — from a cyber perspective, from a global criminal network perspective — that really necessitate security approaches integrated into conservation strategies."

Enter tenBoma -- or '10 homesteads' -- which uses technology to pull together diverse sources of information, from rangers to conservation groups. She analyzes the data to "create value in information in ways that it rises to the level of intelligence."

Cameron Russell's 'Model Mafia' Roars In Fashion Industry #2 Only To Oil In Polluting Mother Earth

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Cameron Russell's 'Model Mafia' Roars In Fashion Industry #2 Only To Oil In Polluting Mother Earth

Top model Cameron Russell is one of the strongest voices in the fashion industry, and her 'Model Mafia' roared in May 2017, boarding a bus ride to Washington DC, to participate in the People's Climate March. The message on Russell's website is clear:

Models are uniquely poised to become fantastic activists because they are some of the few women who have very direct access to media. Especially on the issue of climate change, our voices are important and powerful. Fashion is one of the dirtiest industries in the world, but it's also one of the biggest and most influential, that's why if we can change how our industry works we have the potential to make an enormous difference and lead the way to a sustainable future. 

Fashion is the second largest industrial polluter, second only to oil, writes the 'Model Mafia', in Glamour magazine's coverage of 

 their busride from New York to DC. Who is better than models -- increasingly true global citizens coming to the industry from all over the world -- to address climate change from an intersectional perspective? 

Related: Recent Articles About Sustainability in the Fashion Industry:

Earth Day 2017: The Fashion Industry's Effect On the Environment, And the Brands That Are Taking Charge W Magazine

Fashion in new bid to be truly sustainable The Guardian

5 New Solutions For The Fashion Industry's Sustainability Problem Fast Company

Members of the Model Mafia weigh in on climate change:Cameron Russell's 'Model Mafia' Roars In Fashion Industry #2 Only To Oil In Polluting Mother Earth

Michael Bloomberg Leads 'We Are Still In' US Coalition Supporting Paris Agreement, As Trump Bows Out

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In the days since Trump's depressing remarks, the tech community has rallied, joined by its leaders, including billionaire philanthropist and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg. 

"In the absence of leadership from Washington, states, cities, colleges and universities and businesses representing a sizeable percentage of the U.S. economy will pursue ambitious climate goals, working together to take forceful action and to ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in reducing emissions," the coalition, which now consists of more than 1,000 cities, counties, states, universities and businesses, said in a statement released Monday. 

Going by the name "We Are Still In," the coalition called itself "the broadest cross section of the American economy yet assembled in pursuit of climate action." It includes states like New York and California, joined by more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies. 

"In the absence of a supportive federal coordinating role, [city, state, business, and civil society] actors will more closely coordinate their own decarbonization actions. Collectively, they will redouble their efforts to ensure that the U.S. achieves the carbon emissions reductions it pledged under the Paris Agreement," Bloomberg wrote in a letter to the United Nations secretary-general. 

Bloomberg added: "We do not intend to slow down."

The philanthropist has promised to contribute the $15 million the United Nations climate change secretariat now stands to lose from Washington. 

Lynelle Cameron, president of the Autodesk Foundation, expressed optimism that business leaders appear to be moving off the sidelines on climate change. 

"In Trump's first few months in office, he has done more to catalyze and motivate the private sector than Hurricane Katrina or Sandy, or the work of talented environmental organizations put together," Cameron wrote in an op-ed for CNBC. "Trump's latest decision will activate the private sector like we've never seen before."

Two prominent business leaders, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Disney chairman Bob Iger, resigned from the White House business advisory council last week to protest the president's decision. 

Gisele Bündchen Joins Paul Hawken In Promoting 'Drawdown' Book, 100 Solutions To Global Warming

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Gisele Bündchen Joins Paul Hawken In Promoting 'Drawdown' Book, 100 Solutions To Global Warning

Supermodel Gisele Bündchen covers the June/July issue of Vogue Paris, but talking fashion is not on her mind just now. Gisele is using her post-runway-retirement time to increase her commitment to Planet Earth, a long-standing passion for the world's top model.

Bündchen is using her global platform as an environmental advocate, articulate voice on deforestation in the Amazon, and role as a United Nations goodwill ambassador to promote environmentalist Paul Hawken's latest book, 'Drawdown.'

The 'Drawndown' website says that Hawken's new book:

". . . maps, measures, models, and describes the 100 most substantive solutions to global warming. For each solution, we describe its history, the carbon impact it provides, the relative cost and savings, the path to adoption, and how it works. The goal of the research that informs 'Drawdown' is to determine if we can reverse the buildup of atmospheric carbon within thirty years. All solutions modeled are already in place, well understood, analyzed based on peer-reviewed science, and are expanding around the world."

Leonardo DiCaprio Meets With Trump & Ivanka To Talk Green Jobs

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Just as Al Gore talked green jobs in his recent meeting with president-elect Donald Trump, Leonardo DiCaprio and the head of his foundation Terry Tamminen focused their 90-minute environmental presentation on job creation in the green sector when they met with Trump, his daughter Ivanka and other members of the Trump team on Wednesday at Trump Tower in New York.

"Today, we presented the President-elect and his advisors with a framework — which LDF developed in consultation with leading voices in the fields of economics and environmentalism — that details how to unleash a major economic revival across the United States that is centered on investments in sustainable infrastructure," Tamminen said. "Our conversation focused on how to create millions of secure, American jobs in the construction and operation of commercial and residential clean, renewable energy generation."

The Oscar-winning actor has been a strong advocate of fighting climate change and preserving wildlife, and his recent documentary, "Before the Flood," addresses the peril that the world faces because of climate change.

DiCaprio previously met with Ivanka Trump and presented her with a copy of the film.

On Wednesday Trump also announced that Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt -- a tremendous foe of the climate change and environmental protections -- will head the Environmental Protection Agency.

Doutzen Kroes: An Angel For Elephants By Ruven Afanador For Bloomberg Pursuits

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Doutzen Kroes: An Angel For Elephants By Ruven Afanador For Bloomberg Pursuits

Doutzen Kroes has been a voice for elephants and steps up again to lead the Knot On My Planet campaign. Kroes is deadly serious about the need to put an end to the ivory crisis and elephant extinction -- a passion burning inside her since she first visited Samburu, Kenya. 

Doutzen Kroes Leads Knot On My Planet, Igniting Fashion Industry For Elephant Conservation

Stella McCartney Delivers 2016 Kering Talk On Deforestation & Sustainable Viscose

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Salma Hayek supported good friend Stella McCartney's 2016 Kering Talk Monday evening at the London College of Fashion. Her nature-inspired print dress came from McCartney's vegetarian fashion collection. Hayek's husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, the Kering CEO, attended as well.

The focus of Stella's talk was the issue of deforestation and sustainable sourcing of viscose, one of the most used fabrics in the global fashion industry. 

The Stella McCartney lifestyle brand was launched in partnership with Kering in 2001. Fifteen years later, the designer is the luxury industry's most consistent voice for animal and environmental welfare and sustainable design. Materials like organic cotton and recycled cashmere are fundamental to the brand. 

When McCartney first launched her label she was “ridiculed” for banning leather and fur from her collections. “I was told definitely I would not have a business, I wouldn’t have an accessories business…by people I worked with, that I looked up to." But as luxury consumers have become more conscious of the impact of their consumption decisions on the planet's health, Stella McCartney sales have risen annually in the "double digits . . . for a while now."

“Fashion is one of the most harmful industries on the planet, and I think people are a little more aware of that now,” Stella said in her Kering Talk. While she says she doesn't want to preach, McCartney didn't hesitate to call out her parent company. “I’m sure [Kering] will give up python farms very soon,” she said wishfully. She was especially adamant that fashion companies trade out real fur for faux: “You really can’t tell the difference. There’s no reason to kill 15 million innocent creatures.”

'Years of Living Dangerously', Gisele's National Geographic Series On Climate Change in Amazon

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GISELE IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST, TALKING CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON TREES FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.

'Years of Living Dangerously', Gisele's National Geographic Series On Climate Change in Amazon

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen is among the most successful talents of all time. Gisele continues to dominate the Forbes Highest-earning Models List in 2016, with an estimated earnings of $30.5 million last year.  

Not everyone knows that Bündchen has been a dedicated environmentalist for many years. Next week the opening ceremonies star of the Rio Olympics takes cameras with her on an expedition into her home country. Starring in an episode of the award-winning National Geographic Channel series 'Years of Living Dangerously', Gisele next week directs an expedition deep into the Brazilian rain forest for a closeup view of deforestation and its effects on climate change. She explains:

Doutzen Kroes Leads Knot On My Planet, Igniting Fashion Industry For Elephant Conservation

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Doutzen Kroes Leads Knot On My Planet, Igniting Fashion Industry For Elephant Conservation

Sadly, new reports suggest that we are losing ground in the battle to save elephants. The goal of the Knot on My Planet campaign is to raise $15 million for the Elephant Crisis Fund. In addition to Tiffany & Company and these models stepping up for elephants, superwomen Candice Swanepoel, Adriana Lima and Cara Delevigne are on board -- joining Miranda Kerr, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell. These leaders of the campaign will incorporate a knot into their photos on social media to remind people to donate. 

Researchers Reveal Extinction of St Paul Island Woolly Mammoths

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Researchers Reveal Extinction of St Paul Island Woolly Mammoths | Shop Woolly Mammoth Jewelry

The majority of woolly mammoths have been extinct for a minimum of 10,000-100,000 years. But new research about woolly mammoths living on a remote island off the coast of Alaska are the subject of a scientific investigation by Prof Russell Graham, from Pennsylvania State University. Graham has focused on a group of woolly mammoths that lived on St Paul Island, located in the Bering Sea, for another 4,500 years. 

Scientists have long believed that the woolly mammoths became extinct due to human hunting and environmental connections. It's hoped that some of the research conclusions will have applications to human and animal populations living in areas impacted by climate change.

As the Earth warmed up after the Ice Age, sea levels rose, much as they are today across the globe. Prof Graham believes that as ocean salt water levels rose, available land mass on St Paul Island was reduced, along with necessary for survival freshwater watering holes. 

Cara Delevingne Uses Her Naked Body For Launch Of 'I'm Not A Trophy' Campaign

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Cara Delevingne Uses Her Naked Body For Launch Of 'I'm Not A Trophy' Campaign

Super talent and model Cara Delevingne poses naked in a new animal rights campaign 'I'm Not a Trophy', dedicated to raising awareness that the Earth has lost half of its wildlife in the past 40 years. Founded by artist and photographer Arno Elias -- a talent who has had significant impact on my life, moods and creative personality through his Buddha Bar recordings -- 'I'm Not a Trophy is focused not only on species decline and poaching  but also on trophy hunting. 

Delevingne is committed to saving all our endangered species, but lions are very close to Dara's heart. After Cecil the Lion was murdered last year by trophy hunger Walter Palmer, Cara auctioned off her watch to raise money for wildcru.org, Britain's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit. 

DNA Research Explains Giraffes' Long Necks As Global Population Plummets 40%

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DNA Research Explains Giraffes' Long Necks As Global Population Plummets 40%

The research team in Tazania believes that the most important take-away from the four-year study is to highlight the critical importance of giraffe conservation. It's estimated that the global giraffe population has fallen 40 percent in just 15 years. Statistically giraffes are more endangered than elephants.

If elephants are threatened by an international demand for ivory, giraffes are threatened with extinction because of the local market for 'bush meat' and demand for skins in the luxury market. Not all species of giraffes are equally threatened.

Kenya Will Burn 105 Tons Of Elephant Ivory As African Nations, Activists & Philanthropists Converge In Kenya April 29-30

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Kenya Will Burn 105 Tons Of Elephant Ivory As African Nations, Activists & Philanthropists Converge In Kenya April 29-30

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta will once again conduct a mass burning of ivory and rhino horn, setting fire to about 105 tons of ivory and 1.35 tons of rhino horn, representing about 4000 dead elephants. . The scale of the burning towers over Kenyatta's March 2015 fire of 15 tons of elephant ivory, called the largest ever burned in Africa,  a 10-foot tall pyre that smoldered for days until the ivory was reduced to ash.

PETA Launches Anti-Angora Campaign Against Free People & Urban Outfitters

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PETA Launches Anti-Angora Campaign Against Free People & Urban Outfitters

In August 2015 PETA issued a graphic report on Argentina-based, wool-supplier farm Ovis 21. The farm was a major supplier to Patagonia and also Stella McCartney, who dropped them immediately. The title of the report: 'Lambs Skinned Alive, Throats Slit, Tails Cut Off' was confirmed by Patagonia's subsequent, at once investigation, and the company also cut its ties to Ovis 21.

PETA issued a disturbing look into Chinese angora-wool farms, undermining a worldwide view that the rabbit-based product was obtained without farming the animals. As a result dozens of retailers including H&M, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, QVC and more stopped using angora wool. Anthropologie, too, stopped using angora wool as a result of the PETA report, but sister company Free People didn't get the message

Today, PETA announced a campaign against Free People, sold at its parent company's stores Urban Outfitters.  The New York Post reports that last week all 'angora' products were removed from the company's online website.

On World Lion Day One of Cecil's Cubs Is Killed & Jericho May Be Gone As Pride's Protector

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On World Lion Day One of Cecil’s Cubs Is Killed & Jericho May Be Gone As Pride’s Protector

Breaking news reports say that one of Cecil’s eight cubs has been killed by another male lion. Reports just published in the UK say:

“Lions practice infanticide – the male looking to take over and mate with the three lionesses would have crushed the cub’s skull as he looked to stake his claim.

“The lionesses fended off his advances but it is unlikely they can continue to protect the cubs for much longer.”

“Jericho has now taken over another pride and has been seen with other females,” a source at the park confirmed.

“We don’t know if Jericho would return to help the cubs if they were attacked again

Lupita Nyong'o Steps Up To Save Africa's Elephants

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Lupita Nyong'o Steps Up To Save Africa's Elephants As WildAid Global Ambassador

AOC loved Lupita before she won an Oscar. But to open an email from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where we support orphan elephants, and read that the stellar woman Lupita was there — as evidenced in this magnificent photo — brought tears to our eyes.

In addition to joining WildAid on behalf of elephants, Lupita will be promoting women’s causes, acting and the arts in her native Kenya. She also visited Amboseli National Park and filmed public service messages for international distribution in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the United States.

TUSIMAME Song Says 'Stand Up' For African Elephants As New York Crushes A Ton of Ivory

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TUSIMAME Song Says ‘Stand Up’ For African Elephants As New York Crushes A Ton of Ivory

TUSIMAME’ ‘is a powerhouse song about saving Africa’s elephants. It brings together talented artists including South Sudan’s Emmanuel Jal, Tanzania’sVanessa Mdee, Congo’s Syssi Managa and Juliani Kenya. 

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge In Botswana's Okavango Delta Is A Jewel Of Sustainability & Femininity

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Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge In Botswana’s Okavango Delta Is A Jewel Of Sustainability & Femininity

It’s been six years since AOCwrote about Botswana’s lush Okavango Delta. What a pleasure to see these female-centric, goddess-inspired images of Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, designed by Michaelis Boyd and Nick Plewman, and set adjacent to the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve.

Not only does the building blend in with the local landscape, but its 12 inner suites take on the appearance of weaverbird nests. Indeed the structures are cathedral-like, all designed to inspire and honor our inner nature goddess — for women and men alike.

Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge in part of the & Beyond community. a group of luxury ‘boutique’ safari lodges designed to be in complete harmony with the latest goals of sustainability hotel communities.

In a long list of accomplishments, Botswana has much to celebrate. Thanks to years of political stability and a farsighted conservation policy by the government, Botswana’s ecosystem is stable. More than a third of the country is protected in a luxury tourism model. Higher prices guarantee less wear and tear on the environment. The practice is elitist but working.