The global cost of disasters is growing: The economic burden of disasters is intensifying. While the direct costs of disasters averaged $70–80 billion a year between 1970 and 2000, between 2001 and 2020 these annual costs grew significantly to $180–200 billion. But the real cost is far higher. Disaster costs …
>> By 2007, one-half of the world's population will live in urban areas compared to little more than one-third in 1972. By the end of 2002 some 70 per cent of the world's urban population will be living in Africa, Asia or Latin America >> 1,200 million more people in …
The world has reached an environmental crossroads, according to the third Global Environment Outlook (geo-3) report. And the choice between greed and humanity will decide the fate of millions of people for decades to come. While painting a bleak picture of the future, the document stated that present human actions …
in a move that is likely to clear the air on the intentions of key signatories, Japan and all the 15 member-states of the European Union (eu) have ratified the Kyoto Protocol. The international treaty seeks to cut the emission of greenhouse gases. Both the groups have urged the us …
This film, produced by Toxic Comedy Pictures, captures the directors and crew of this independent film travelling to America's vinyl manufacturing capital and beyond in search of answers to troubling questions about the nature of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Armed with two environmentalists from Greenpeace, Helfand visits her parents' vinyl-sided home …
a new computer model by National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) can now indicate exactly where rain or snow originate across the world. The model simulates water movement in the atmosphere around the world and traces it from the places where it evaporates to the places where it falls back …
in a valiant attempt to reduce inequalities in healthcare between rich and poor nations, the World Health Organisation (who) has suggested a strategy to help developing countries benefit from new discoveries in genetic research. The suggestions were made in a recently released who report called Genomics and World Health. The …
Clear pictures of a galaxy colliding with another smaller one and spewing trails of stars, billowing pillars of dust and enormous gas fields splashed with different hues: the Hubble Space Telescope, with its new camera, has produced the most spectacular images of the universe. The two galaxies are 300 million …
The first three months of the year 2002 were globally the warmest months ever recorded, say scientists. During these months, temperatures across the world were 0.71
The global fund to combat aids, tuberculosis and malaria is finally set to become a reality with disbursements due to begin shortly. A grant of us $378 million will be given to governments of 31 developing countries over two years to fight these deadly diseases. More two-year grants worth us …
Looked at on a geological timescale, the planet's biodiversity has always been faced with threats of one form or another. But, at present, the threat is more pronounced than ever: species loss is said to be 27,000 every year. The main reason behind this loss is degrading natural habitats. An …
LESTER Brown, founder of Worldwatch Institute, recently published the book 'Eco-Economy' - an ambitious and broad sketch of a new global economy that prioritises the ecological imperatives of our time. Brown refers to Thomas Kuhn who, to recapitulate, is the philosopher of science who made 'paradigm shifts' famous. It is …
THE concept of community participation has been globally accepted as an essential tool for the protection of forest resources. In developed countries community participation has been considered necessary for the exchange of information, education and training. Forest policies in these countries also stress on the recreation of communities through forestry …
The problem of mining-induced displacement and resettlement (MIDR) poses major risks to societal sustainability. Unfortunately, no global survey has assessed the scale of MIDR. Available evidence suggests that the problem is significant. Mining displaced 2.55 million people in India between 1950 and 1990. The likelihood that MIDR will be a …
Despite environmental pressure against the use of chemical fertilisers, the deadly substances continue to be used unabated across the globe. At the end of the 20th century an average of 91 kgs of fertilisers were used for every hectare of cropland
Devinder Sharma New Delhi-based food and trade analyst the issue is a part of the trends in global trade in totality. Western countries are trying to put obstacles in the name of sanitary and phytosanitary measures. They are trying to erect trade barriers in the name of environment and health. …
the challenge faced in the control of infectious diseases such as hiv/aids, tb and malaria is now seen more as a political and communications one than scientific and medical. Medical and technical solutions to keep major contagions in check are now available. Yet, they remain major killers, says a recent …
