<p>A hydroelectric dam project in Peru could destroy almost 3.7 million acres of jungle over the next 20 years, according to a study by ProNaturaleza, a Peruvian conservation organization. The nation is set to construct five dams as part of an energy agreement with Brazil. "There will be a serious impact on the Amazon ecosystems," said engineer Jose Serra of the project, which includes plans to build the largest dam in Peru and the fifth largest dam in Latin America.

<p>India is set to build an advanced ultra-super critical coal-fired power plant in the next six years, according to the <em>Business Standard</em>, putting it in a position to significantly reduce pollution compared to its current thermal plants.

<p>On the heels of a government decision to slash its rare earth materials export quota by 35 percent in 2011, Chinese <span>Minister of Land and Resources Xu Shaoshi</span> announced that the nation would tighten controls on rare earth mining, limiting its exports to conserve resources and protect the environment. The new rules, which are expected to be issued as early as February, will limit pollutants allowed in waste water and emissions of radioactive elements and phosphorus.