Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Footprint Futures: A Global Youth Summit
Footprint Futures: A Global Youth Summit: "The goal of the Footprint Futures curriculum is to provide students with the analytical tools to explore and answer the question: What is the optimal level of resource use for a given country? Ultimately, the Footprint Futures curriculum is designed to cultivate in the next generation of leaders the ability to engage critically with the most pressing issue of the 21st century – how to achieve lasting human well-being amidst tightening resource constraints."
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tunisia ranked first in North Africa in matters of governance
Tunisia ranked first in North Africa in matters of governance: "Tunisia ranked first in North Africa in matters of governance
Tunisia was ranked first in North Africa in matters of governance with a score of 71.5 points out of 100 by the annual report of “Kennedy School of Government,” an academic institution coming under the prestigious American University of Harvard .
Tunisia distinguished itself by its performance in matters of “human development,” “transparency and rule of law” and the “climate of security” prevailing in the country, with scores of 89, 70.5 and 100 points respectively.
Tunisia was ranked ahead of Algeria (7th), Morocco (12th), Egypt (18th) and Libya (21st)."
Tunisia was ranked first in North Africa in matters of governance with a score of 71.5 points out of 100 by the annual report of “Kennedy School of Government,” an academic institution coming under the prestigious American University of Harvard .
Tunisia distinguished itself by its performance in matters of “human development,” “transparency and rule of law” and the “climate of security” prevailing in the country, with scores of 89, 70.5 and 100 points respectively.
Tunisia was ranked ahead of Algeria (7th), Morocco (12th), Egypt (18th) and Libya (21st)."
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The Associated Press: Obama adviser says no climate change law this year
The Associated Press: Obama adviser says no climate change law this year: "Obama adviser says no climate change law this year
(AP) – 23 hours ago
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's top energy adviser says there is no way Congress will be able to pass a bill on climate change this year.
'That's not going to happen,' the adviser, Carol Browner, said Friday.
Browner made the statement at a conference organized by The Atlantic magazine, just days after Senate Democrats introduced a major bill on climate change. In a video posted on the magazine's Web site, Browner was asked about the prospects of enacting climate legislation by the time negotiations on a global climate treaty begin in December in Copenhagen.
'Obviously, we'd like to be through the process, but that's not going to happen,' Browner said. 'I think we would all agree the likelihood you would have a bill signed by the president on comprehensive energy by the time we go early in December is not likely.'
Senate Democrats unveiled a bill Wednesday that aims to cut greenhouse gasses by 20 percent by 2020. The House passed a bill in June that calls for a 17 percent emission cut by 2020.
The Senate bill includes an economy-wide cap-and-trade system that would require power plants, industrial facilities and refineries to cut carbon dioxide and othe"
(AP) – 23 hours ago
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's top energy adviser says there is no way Congress will be able to pass a bill on climate change this year.
'That's not going to happen,' the adviser, Carol Browner, said Friday.
Browner made the statement at a conference organized by The Atlantic magazine, just days after Senate Democrats introduced a major bill on climate change. In a video posted on the magazine's Web site, Browner was asked about the prospects of enacting climate legislation by the time negotiations on a global climate treaty begin in December in Copenhagen.
'Obviously, we'd like to be through the process, but that's not going to happen,' Browner said. 'I think we would all agree the likelihood you would have a bill signed by the president on comprehensive energy by the time we go early in December is not likely.'
Senate Democrats unveiled a bill Wednesday that aims to cut greenhouse gasses by 20 percent by 2020. The House passed a bill in June that calls for a 17 percent emission cut by 2020.
The Senate bill includes an economy-wide cap-and-trade system that would require power plants, industrial facilities and refineries to cut carbon dioxide and othe"
AFP: Climate change hits poor countries hardest: WB
AFP: Climate change hits poor countries hardest: WB: "Climate change hits poor countries hardest: WB
(AFP) – 13 hours ago
ISTANBUL — The developing world will suffer about 80 percent of the damage from climate change despite accounting for only around a third of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the World Bank said on Sunday.
'The damage of climate change, about 75 to 80 percent, will be suffered by developing countries although they only contribute about one third of greenhouse gases,' World Bank chief economist Justin Lin told reporters.
Lin spoke in Istanbul, host city of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund meetings this year, at the presentation of the World Bank's new development report for 2010 entitled 'Development and Climate Change.'
'Climate change is an urgent issue and the needs are enormous and we are waiting and hoping to see an international agreement in Copenhagen,' Lin said, referring to UN-sponsored talks in December aimed at curbing global warming.
Marianne Fay, the World Bank's chief economist for sustainable development, said the costs of mitigating and adapting to climate change would add up to around 300 billion dollars (206 billion euros) a year from 2030.
Following the release of the World Bank report, Caroline Pearce, policy advisor to international aid agency Oxfam, said that"
(AFP) – 13 hours ago
ISTANBUL — The developing world will suffer about 80 percent of the damage from climate change despite accounting for only around a third of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the World Bank said on Sunday.
'The damage of climate change, about 75 to 80 percent, will be suffered by developing countries although they only contribute about one third of greenhouse gases,' World Bank chief economist Justin Lin told reporters.
Lin spoke in Istanbul, host city of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund meetings this year, at the presentation of the World Bank's new development report for 2010 entitled 'Development and Climate Change.'
'Climate change is an urgent issue and the needs are enormous and we are waiting and hoping to see an international agreement in Copenhagen,' Lin said, referring to UN-sponsored talks in December aimed at curbing global warming.
Marianne Fay, the World Bank's chief economist for sustainable development, said the costs of mitigating and adapting to climate change would add up to around 300 billion dollars (206 billion euros) a year from 2030.
Following the release of the World Bank report, Caroline Pearce, policy advisor to international aid agency Oxfam, said that"
Friday, October 2, 2009
Why we need to “Seal the Deal” in Copenhagen
Why we need to “Seal the Deal” in Copenhagen: "Why we need to “Seal the Deal” in Copenhagen
Saturday, 12 September 2009 00:00
Attention: open in a new window. PDFPrintE-mail
Summit on Climate Change banner
On 7 December 2009, representatives from 193 Parties will convene in Copenhagen seeking to seal the deal on a fair, comprehensive and scientifically rigorous climate agreement for the post-2012 period.
This year, we have the opportunity to choose a new path. Copenhagen offers the chance to retool our global economy – to invest in clean energy, boost prosperity and lift millions out of poverty. By sealing the deal in Copenhagen, we can provide a more livable planet for our children and generations to come."
Saturday, 12 September 2009 00:00
Attention: open in a new window. PDFPrintE-mail
Summit on Climate Change banner
On 7 December 2009, representatives from 193 Parties will convene in Copenhagen seeking to seal the deal on a fair, comprehensive and scientifically rigorous climate agreement for the post-2012 period.
This year, we have the opportunity to choose a new path. Copenhagen offers the chance to retool our global economy – to invest in clean energy, boost prosperity and lift millions out of poverty. By sealing the deal in Copenhagen, we can provide a more livable planet for our children and generations to come."
World Bank Says India Right In Resisting Mandatory Emission Reductions : Red, Green, and Blue
World Bank Says India Right In Resisting Mandatory Emission Reductions : Red, Green, and Blue: "World Bank Says India Right In Resisting Mandatory Emission Reductions
Written by Mridul Chadha
Published on May 9th, 2009
3 Comments
Posted in Climate Change, Energy, World
The World Bank has found through a study that it would be impossible for India to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions without adversely affecting its fight to eliminate poverty."
Written by Mridul Chadha
Published on May 9th, 2009
3 Comments
Posted in Climate Change, Energy, World
The World Bank has found through a study that it would be impossible for India to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions without adversely affecting its fight to eliminate poverty."
US Playing Spoilsport at International Climate Negotiations? : Red, Green, and Blue
US Playing Spoilsport at International Climate Negotiations? : Red, Green, and Blue: "US Playing Spoilsport at International Climate Negotiations?
Written by Mridul Chadha
Published on September 30th, 2009
Posted in Climate Change, Editor's Choice, U.S., World
Just as it seemed that differences over contentious issues regarding the next climate treaty were ironing out and all parties moving ahead with a common agenda, the developed countries, US in particular, threatened to stall negotiations until developing countries pledge equal emission reduction measures."
Written by Mridul Chadha
Published on September 30th, 2009
Posted in Climate Change, Editor's Choice, U.S., World
Just as it seemed that differences over contentious issues regarding the next climate treaty were ironing out and all parties moving ahead with a common agenda, the developed countries, US in particular, threatened to stall negotiations until developing countries pledge equal emission reduction measures."
US Back in Spotlight as China, India Increase Pressure by Announcing Aggressive Mitigation Plans : Red, Green, and Blue
US Back in Spotlight as China, India Increase Pressure by Announcing Aggressive Mitigation Plans : Red, Green, and Blue: "US Back in Spotlight as China, India Increase Pressure by Announcing Aggressive Mitigation Plans
Written by Mridul Chadha
Published on September 26th, 2009
Posted in Climate Change, Editor's Choice, U.S., World
About ten weeks from now leaders from nearly 200 countries will meet in Copenhagen to discuss the next climate treaty. During the last two to three years governments around the world moved to and fro over contentious issues like funding, technology transfer, intellectual property rights and emission reduction targets. As the world started to look for a replacement of the Kyoto Protocol, the start was slow with no sign of urgency even as the UNFCCC recommended a 25 to 40 percent reduction in global carbon emissions by 2020."
Written by Mridul Chadha
Published on September 26th, 2009
Posted in Climate Change, Editor's Choice, U.S., World
About ten weeks from now leaders from nearly 200 countries will meet in Copenhagen to discuss the next climate treaty. During the last two to three years governments around the world moved to and fro over contentious issues like funding, technology transfer, intellectual property rights and emission reduction targets. As the world started to look for a replacement of the Kyoto Protocol, the start was slow with no sign of urgency even as the UNFCCC recommended a 25 to 40 percent reduction in global carbon emissions by 2020."
Monday, September 28, 2009
World Environment News - China, South Korea Lead In Green Stimulus Investment - Planet Ark
World Environment News - China, South Korea Lead In Green Stimulus Investment - Planet Ark: "China, South Korea Lead In Green Stimulus Investment
Date: 25-Sep-09
Country: US
Author: Deborah Zabarenko, Environment Correspondent
WASHINGTON - South Korea and China lead the world's 20 largest economies in the percentage of economic stimulus money they invest in environmental projects, the U.N. Environment Program reported on Thursday.
Other members of the Group of 20 leading economic powers, including the United States, trail behind in percentage of green investment from stimulus money, the agency found.
Almost exactly a year after the global financial crisis began, the U.N. agency found that about 15 percent of the estimated $3.1 trillion in global stimulus funds are 'green' in nature.
But only 3 percent of stimulus funds committed to environmental projects were actually disbursed by the middle of this year, and the total in committed funds is still below 1 percent of global gross domestic product, the amount economists recommend to reduce dependence on carbon and fuel the transition to a greener world economy, the agency said.
The level of funding for renewable energy is not enough to cut carbon emissions and limit average global warming to 3.6 degrees F (2 degrees C), the increase above which some of the most severe effects of climate change are predicted.
T"
Date: 25-Sep-09
Country: US
Author: Deborah Zabarenko, Environment Correspondent
WASHINGTON - South Korea and China lead the world's 20 largest economies in the percentage of economic stimulus money they invest in environmental projects, the U.N. Environment Program reported on Thursday.
Other members of the Group of 20 leading economic powers, including the United States, trail behind in percentage of green investment from stimulus money, the agency found.
Almost exactly a year after the global financial crisis began, the U.N. agency found that about 15 percent of the estimated $3.1 trillion in global stimulus funds are 'green' in nature.
But only 3 percent of stimulus funds committed to environmental projects were actually disbursed by the middle of this year, and the total in committed funds is still below 1 percent of global gross domestic product, the amount economists recommend to reduce dependence on carbon and fuel the transition to a greener world economy, the agency said.
The level of funding for renewable energy is not enough to cut carbon emissions and limit average global warming to 3.6 degrees F (2 degrees C), the increase above which some of the most severe effects of climate change are predicted.
T"
World Environment News - Manila Hit Over Aid Delay After Storm Kills 140 - Planet Ark
World Environment News - Manila Hit Over Aid Delay After Storm Kills 140 - Planet Ark: "Manila Hit Over Aid Delay After Storm Kills 140
Date: 29-Sep-09
Country: PHILIPPINES
Author: Rosemarie Francisco
Manila Hit Over Aid Delay After Storm Kills 140 Photo: Erik de Castro
Rescuers assist residents from floodwaters caused by Typhoon Ondoy as they board a rubber boat in Cainta Rizal east of Manila September 27, 2009.
Photo: Erik de Castro
MANILA - Philippine officials scampered to send relief aid Monday to hundreds of thousands hit by weekend floods in and around Manila, while anger mounted over what was seen as an inadequate response from the government.
As the death toll from flash floods soared to 140, analysts said the anger could damage the prospects of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, the administration's candidate in the May 2010 presidential election.
'His 0.2 percent popularity could be zero by now,' said political analyst and columnist Nelson Navarro, of Teodoro.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, already deeply unpopular in opinion polls, ordered an emergency center be set up in the presidential palace Monday, two days after the floods, highlighting for some the haphazard response to the disaster.
At least 450,000 people were affected, including about 150,000 displaced.
Officials said the economic damage from the worst rains on record"
Date: 29-Sep-09
Country: PHILIPPINES
Author: Rosemarie Francisco
Manila Hit Over Aid Delay After Storm Kills 140 Photo: Erik de Castro
Rescuers assist residents from floodwaters caused by Typhoon Ondoy as they board a rubber boat in Cainta Rizal east of Manila September 27, 2009.
Photo: Erik de Castro
MANILA - Philippine officials scampered to send relief aid Monday to hundreds of thousands hit by weekend floods in and around Manila, while anger mounted over what was seen as an inadequate response from the government.
As the death toll from flash floods soared to 140, analysts said the anger could damage the prospects of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, the administration's candidate in the May 2010 presidential election.
'His 0.2 percent popularity could be zero by now,' said political analyst and columnist Nelson Navarro, of Teodoro.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, already deeply unpopular in opinion polls, ordered an emergency center be set up in the presidential palace Monday, two days after the floods, highlighting for some the haphazard response to the disaster.
At least 450,000 people were affected, including about 150,000 displaced.
Officials said the economic damage from the worst rains on record"
India sets out ambitious solar power plan to be paid for by rich nations | Environment | guardian.co.uk
India sets out ambitious solar power plan to be paid for by rich nations | Environment | guardian.co.uk: "India sets out ambitious solar power plan to be paid for by rich nations
India plans to generate 20GW from sunlight by 2020, putting green energy targets of developed nations in the shade
* Maseeh Rahman in New Delhi
* guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 4 August 2009 18.01 BST
* Article history
India has decided to push ahead with a vastly ambitious plan to tap the power of the sun to generate clean electricity, and after a meeting chaired by the prime minister, Manmohan Singh, it wants rich nations to pay the bill.
Although India has virtually no solar power now, the plan envisages the country generating 20GW from sunlight by 2020. Global solar capacity is predicted to be 27GW by then, according to the International Energy Agency, meaning India expects to be producing 75% of this within just 10 years.
Four-hundred million Indians have no electricity and the solar power would help spark the country's development and end the power cuts that plague the nation. It would also, say some analysts, assuage international criticism that India is not doing enough to confront its carbon emissions. It is currently heavily reliant on highly polluting coal for power.
The"
India plans to generate 20GW from sunlight by 2020, putting green energy targets of developed nations in the shade
* Maseeh Rahman in New Delhi
* guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 4 August 2009 18.01 BST
* Article history
India has decided to push ahead with a vastly ambitious plan to tap the power of the sun to generate clean electricity, and after a meeting chaired by the prime minister, Manmohan Singh, it wants rich nations to pay the bill.
Although India has virtually no solar power now, the plan envisages the country generating 20GW from sunlight by 2020. Global solar capacity is predicted to be 27GW by then, according to the International Energy Agency, meaning India expects to be producing 75% of this within just 10 years.
Four-hundred million Indians have no electricity and the solar power would help spark the country's development and end the power cuts that plague the nation. It would also, say some analysts, assuage international criticism that India is not doing enough to confront its carbon emissions. It is currently heavily reliant on highly polluting coal for power.
The"
Climate change package
Climate change package: "2009 is full of promise
Sunita Narain, January 1, 2009
I spent a week at the climate change conference in Poznan, and realized the world is in deep trouble and deeper denial. Worse, the denial is now entirely on the side of action. It is well accepted that climate change is a reality. Scientists say we need to cap temperature increases at 2°C to avoid catastrophe, which means capping emissions at 450 ppm. We know global average temperatures have already increased by 0.8°C and there is enough greenhouse gas in the atmosphere to lead to another 0.8°C increase. There is still a window of opportunity, a tiny one, to tackle the crisis.
But where’s the action? In the 1990s, when the world did even not understand, let alone accept, the crisis, it was more willing to move to tackle climate change. Today, we are in reverse gear. The rich world has realized it is easy to talk big, but tough to take steps to actually reduce emissions. The agreement was that these countries would reduce so that the developing world could increase. Instead, between 1990 and 2006, their carbon dioxide emissions increased by a whopping 14.5 per cent; even green countries of Europe are unable to match words with action.
So it was that, at the Poznan conference, rich countries aggressively pushed a new climate-tack. They cannot reduce at home, so"
Sunita Narain, January 1, 2009
I spent a week at the climate change conference in Poznan, and realized the world is in deep trouble and deeper denial. Worse, the denial is now entirely on the side of action. It is well accepted that climate change is a reality. Scientists say we need to cap temperature increases at 2°C to avoid catastrophe, which means capping emissions at 450 ppm. We know global average temperatures have already increased by 0.8°C and there is enough greenhouse gas in the atmosphere to lead to another 0.8°C increase. There is still a window of opportunity, a tiny one, to tackle the crisis.
But where’s the action? In the 1990s, when the world did even not understand, let alone accept, the crisis, it was more willing to move to tackle climate change. Today, we are in reverse gear. The rich world has realized it is easy to talk big, but tough to take steps to actually reduce emissions. The agreement was that these countries would reduce so that the developing world could increase. Instead, between 1990 and 2006, their carbon dioxide emissions increased by a whopping 14.5 per cent; even green countries of Europe are unable to match words with action.
So it was that, at the Poznan conference, rich countries aggressively pushed a new climate-tack. They cannot reduce at home, so"
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