Sunday 29 November 2009

World Cup 2010 Football to footprints: World Cup's carbon impact

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Africa's first football World Cup will generate 2.75m tonnes of carbon emissions, one of the biggest environmental impacts of any sporting event in history, a study has found.

The finals in South Africa next year are expected to have a carbon footprint eight times that of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, even before long-haul international travel is taken into account.

The main reasons for the discrepancy are the vast distances between South Africa's host cities and the lack of a green transport infrastructure.

The estimated output from South Africa is 896,661 tonnes of carbon dioxide, according to the optimistically entitled Feasibility Study for a Carbon Neutral 2010 Fifa World Cup, commissioned jointly by the South African and Norwegian governments. Another 1,856,589 tonnes will result from fans travelling from around the world, making the World Cup's footprint the biggest of any major event aiming to be "climate neutral", the report said.

 

Football to footprints: World Cup's carbon impact | Environment | The Guardian

Biggest storm of the year sweeps Britain off its feet with flooding, gales and lightning strikes | Mail Online

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Biggest storm of the year sweeps Britain off its feet with flooding, gales and lightning strikes | Mail Online

Watch your waste during the season of overindulgence | Money | The Observer

 image As a nation we throw out £12bn worth of food and drink every year – an average of £480 per household. This increases to £680 for families. We let £6.7bn worth go off, either completely untouched or opened but not finished, while the remaining £4.8bn of wastage comes from us cooking or preparing too much.

Christmas contributes a hefty whack to that sum. Families spend £182m on Christmas lunch or dinner, and increase their grocery spend by about 20% in the Christmas period, according to market researchers Nielson. Households (including families) spend £63m on turkey, £31m on stilton and cheddar, £15m on Christmas pudding, £14m on Christmas cake and £124m on bacon and sausages.

Watch your waste during the season of overindulgence | Money | The Observer

'I want an education. I want to change my life' | Katine | The Observer

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Looking back, Simon identifies two catastrophic moments that conspired to ruin his academic prospects. The first was in 2002 when his father abandoned the family home, never to return, leaving a pregnant wife and eight children.

The second was when his uncle, who sponsored him through school after his father's disappearance, unexpectedly announced that he could no longer afford to pay the fees, forcing Simon to give up his education. Since that day two years ago he has stayed at home (a huddle of four thatched mud-brick huts), helping to tend the family's fields. He is educated enough to feel frustrated by his fate, but not sufficiently qualified to have many other options for the future.

Christmas appeal 2009: 'I want an education. I want to change my life' | Katine | The Observer

CumbriaFloods Nov 2009 « GeogBlog@IoE

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Emergency rescue workers wade through a flooded street in Cockermouth, in north-west England. Photo source: AFP

Thanks to Dave Rayner for this set of very useful links

http://geogblogatioe.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/lake-district-floods-nov-2009/

Wednesday 25 November 2009

Cumbria Floods 2009- How the heaviest rainfall happened

In the hours before floods swept through Cumbria, the heaviest rain ever recorded in Britain fell on a hamlet in the county. Philip Eden unpicks the unique combination of factors which made this happen.

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1. A 'conveyor' of warm, very moist sub-tropical air was carried towards Britain from south of the Azores

2. When this mass of warm air - which holds more moisture than cold air - was blown by high winds over Cumbria's mountains it cooled, allowing the moisture to condense as heavy rain

3. What made matters worse was that the weather system, which extended south-west from Britain for thousands of miles into the Atlantic, got stuck over the hills of Cumbria and southern Scotland

4. The falling heavy rain entered the region's rivers, which were forced to carry exceptionally high water loads

5. This led to significant flooding, especially at their confluences, such as in Cockermouth

BBC News - How the heaviest rainfall happened

Rising sea levels hit Maputo, Rotterdam

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When people talk about the impact of rising sea levels, they often think of small island states that risk being submerged if global warming continues unchecked.

But it's not only those on low-lying islands who are in danger. Millions of people live by the sea - and are dependent on it for their livelihoods - and many of the world's largest cities are on the coast.

By 2050 the number of people living in delta cities is set to increase by as much as 70%, experts suggest, vastly increasing the number of those at risk.

To shed light the impact of rising sea levels, we are taking a close look at two very different cities, Rotterdam and Maputo , and their varying responses to the problem.

BBC News - Climate change: Rising sea levels hit Maputo, Rotterdam

November 2009 flooding

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November 2009 flooding

The Olympic Park View Tube

imageThe Olympic Park can today boast its first completed venue (assuming we're not counting an electricity substation as a venue). It's a viewing platform built from shipping containers, in the best Lea Valley tradition. The brightly coloured protuberance is hard to miss up on the Greenway, an old cycle path that cuts through the Park and provides the best opportunities to watch construction. The new building acts as a viewing point (slightly cringerly, they're calling it the View Tube), cafe and a community centre (presumably in legacy, right? - the only communities we've ever seen on the Greenway have beaks).

 

Map http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgeezer/4110866504/

In Pictures: The Olympic Park View Tube - Londonist

Sunday 22 November 2009

Tropical Rainforest

Cumbria FLOODS November 2009

Hurricane Katrina: It was not an act of God - Americas, World - The Independent

 image The US government could be facing a bill running to hundreds of billions of dollars after a federal judge ruled that failures by the US Army Corps of Engineers were responsible for the worst flooding that followed Hurricane Katrina.

The Corps – which is responsible for the design and upkeep of the levees surrounding New Orleans – had argued that Katrina was a once in a 100-year storm, an act of God, that had overwhelmed its hi-tech flood protection system. However, Judge Stanwood Duval Jr brought the debate back down to earth, blaming authorities for "negligence" in a strongly worded ruling that accused the Corps of "insouciance, myopia and short-sightedness".

Hurricane Katrina: It was not an act of God - Americas, World - The Independent

Thursday 19 November 2009

Top 100 Tools for Learning 2009

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Japan's hi-tech bid to boost food

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Japan is only growing 40% of its food needs, leaving it dependent on imports. In an effort to combat the problem, a Japanese company is experimenting with a "hi-tech" approach to farming.

BBC NEWS | World | Asia-Pacific | Japan's hi-tech bid to boost food

Educating women key to climate change

Channel 4 news

99 Stunning Photographs

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Mix Collection of 99 Stunning Photographs to Refresh Your Mind | Inspiration | instantShift

Tuesday 17 November 2009

Sunday 15 November 2009

Brazil celebrates 45% reduction in Amazon deforestation | Environment | The Guardian

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The Brazilian government yesterday announced a "historic" drop in the deforestation of the Amazon, weeks before world leaders meet in Copenhagen for climate change talks.

Brazilian authorities said that between August 2008 and July this year, deforestation in the world's largest tropical rainforest fell by the largest amount in more than 20 years, dropping by 45% from nearly 13,000 square kilometres to around 7,000 square kilometres (5,000 square miles to 2,700 square miles).

Brazil celebrates 45% reduction in Amazon deforestation | Environment | The Guardian

Green belt threat to 27 towns and cities revealed - Telegraph

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An analysis by The Sunday Telegraph has identified twenty-seven towns and cities which have been chosen by Whitehall planners as locations where parts of the Green Belt should be reviewed or sacrificed to make way for a massive programme of house building.

Green belt threat to 27 towns and cities revealed - Telegraph

Safe Drinking Water Is Essential

water

The Global Health and Education Foundation strives to advance the health and well-being of the world by improving access to clean water, public health and primary care, basic education, and economic development opportunities. The Global Health and Education Foundation’s inaugural operating foundation, WaterLeaders, is dedicated to alleviating the safe drinking water crisis. For more information, please visit www.waterleaders.org.

Safe Drinking Water Is Essential

d-maps.com : free blank maps, free outline maps

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World and oceans
Africa
Americas
Asia
Europe
Mediterranean sea
Oceania
Historical maps

d-maps.com : free blank maps, free outline maps

BBC NEWS | World | Africa | China's chequebook draws African nations

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China sees vast opportunity in Africa. Since 2001 total trade has grown tenfold - last year it stood at $107bn (£63.7bn).Add to that the significant sums of financial aid and direct investment that are on offer and you can see why the representatives of the 50 African states who have travelled to the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh are extremely keen to hear what China has to say.

BBC NEWS | World | Africa | China's chequebook draws African nations

Wednesday 11 November 2009

Oxfam presents interactive documentary on impact of climate change in Bangladesh

Oxfam launches landmark online interactive documentary that captures the shocking moment when cyclone Aila swept over Bangladesh in May, killing hundreds and causing chaos and devastation for the community. Featuring extraordinary footage of the cyclone's trail of destruction, the e-documentary allows the audience to chose its own journey through lives of the Gabura villagers, illustrating the harsh reality of climate change on some of the world's poorest people. Just click on the Take action button at the end of the introductory film
Read Barbara Stocking's blog about the Gabura interactive

Oxfam presents interactive documentary on impact of climate change in Bangladesh | Environment | guardian.co.uk

Tuesday 10 November 2009

How did Greggs conquer the High Street?

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While others have floundered in the recession, Greggs the baker has seen its fortunes rise and rise. Now it's planning to open another 600 stores.

BBC NEWS | Magazine | How did Greggs conquer the High Street?

Corporate Connection

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Co rporate Connection v.2, part 1, 2003 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Saturday 7 November 2009

Population Pyramid

Thursday 5 November 2009

1minutetosavetheworld

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1minutetosavetheworld

Wednesday 4 November 2009

BBC NEWS | Special Reports | copenhagen


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WHAT IS THE COPENHAGEN SUMMIT?

The UN Climate Change Conference known as COP15 takes place from 7 to 18 December.

More than 15,000 officials will attend from 192 countries, including some heads of

state.It is hoped countries will agree on:the main points of a deal to follow the Kyoto protocol, which expires in 2012;new targets for industrialised nations to reduce carbon emissions;

new targets for poorer nations to limit greenhouse gases;funding for developing countries to reduce emissions and adapt to a changing climate

Q&A: The Copenhagen climate summit

BBC NEWS | Special Reports | copenhagen

Why Africa welcomes the Chinese

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There is a debate among geopolitical and economic commentators about the merits of Chinese versus western involvement with Africa. One argument is that Chinese investment is exploitative and undermines the development of democracy and human rights on the continent. Others view the matter in terms of competition, arguing that China is encroaching on the decades-long monopoly of the west over Africa's natural resources.Neither of these viewpoints addresses the core issues. First, major players in global investment and development are discussing Africa without engaging its people as equal partners. Second, Africans are not seen to be proactive in setting their own priorities and terms of engagement.Development aid, fashioned on this skewed relationship, has long been a key source of income for the continent. While helpful, aid has not delivered sustainable development. It is clear that trade and investment bring greater opportunity for wealth creation. Africa welcomes investment, from the east and west, north and south, and Rwanda is no exception. We want investment that offers skills and jobs, encourages entrepreneurship, and provides the opportunity to improve millions of lives.

This call for investment and trade rather than traditional aid does not mean the latter's contribution to addressing poverty is not recognised. However, the fundamental problem with the current development aid practice is the danger countries face as they become perpetually reliant on handouts.So what should those who give aid, and those who receive it, focus on? The primary purpose of aid should ultimately be to work itself out, leaving a positive legacy behind. Aid should also be used to create opportunities for trade, enhance self-sufficiency and assist with the development of a robust private sector to attract investment. In many countries, for example, aid offers resources such as fertilisers for free. The intention is good but this often prevents local businesses from being able to provide these goods competitively. Given the choice, people would prefer to work and provide for themselves, rather than receive charity. Africans want self-determination and dignity.

Our continent, like others, requires investment to further its development. Efforts to pursue this need not be seen as a threat to the strengthening of democracy. Of course, African leaders should take good governance and human rights seriously – and most do. This is not – and should not be – because anybody else tells us to, or in return for investment, but because it is the right thing to do. The presence of Chinese investment in Africa does not discharge governments of their responsibilities any more than its presence in the EU or US should erode human rights there.

In Rwanda, we have worked hard to tackle the root causes of corruption and ensure there is a strong case for attracting investment. This programme of reform is yielding results and has been recognised by the World Bank's 2010 Doing Business Index, which saw Rwanda jump from 143rd to 67th position in one year, making it the world's leading reformer. In 2008, Rwanda's GDP grew at 11.2%, and despite the global financial crisis our 2009 projections give us cause for optimism. Wages in key export sectors have grown more than 20% annually over the last eight years, and all these developments have occurred while the percentage of our national budget funded by aid has been reduced by half since 2001.Ultimately, Africa's relationship with its international counterparts should be red

Defined. For too long, we have not been able to trade fairly with Europe and the US; trade barriers and subsidies, particularly in agriculture, have protected external markets from African products, hindering our ability to trade as equals. Investment and trade with willing countries, including intra-African trade, helps the continent to build a much-needed culture of entrepreneurship and development.

All would benefit if the world focused on increasing investment in Africa, and if Rwanda and the rest of the continent worked to establish more equitable international partnerships. A trade relationship built on this new approach would be more helpful in reaching what should be our common goal: sustainable development, mutual prosperity and respect.

Why Africa welcomes the Chinese | Paul Kagame | Comment is free | The Guardian

A people's history of the internet: from Arpanet in 1969 to today | Technology | guardian.co.uk

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To ma rk the 40th anniversary of the first stirrings of the internet we asked you to tell us your experiences of life online. Hundreds of you responded, and here we present an interactive documentary of your stories and videos, alongside our own research and interviews with key figures (About this project)

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A people's history of the internet: from Arpanet in 1969 to today | Technology | guardian.co.uk

Tuesday 3 November 2009

Red List 2009: Endangered species for every country in the world

Red-eyed tree frog

International conservation projects help to preserve the habitats of species like the red-eyed tree frog. Photograph: Rick Sammon/AP

Although animal extinction is part of the natural cycle, humankind's presence on the earth has accelerated the rate at which species are disappearing.

The list of endangered species around the world is growing due to a range of causes from overhunting to a loss of habitat.

The best source of data on this is the Red List, compiled by the IUCN species programme. It's an amazing source of data, from the summary below through to huge geospatial files.

Efforts to sustain pressured populations through captive breeding programmes are showing some signs of success but man continues to exert a pressure on the environment which continues to endanger many species across the globe.

Just over 6% of the total species are in Brazil, reflecting the pressure that widespread deforestation is causing in the highly biodiverse region.

Red List 2009: Endangered species for every country in the world | Environment | guardian.co.uk

Hot Cities

Hot Cities — Documentaries

Every week the latest episode in this groundbreaking series is available to steam straight to your computer. You can also get a behind the scenes look at each film by reading the directors comments.

The world’s biggest cities are already victims of climate change. There are real economic and social impacts as climate refugees swell urban populations, food and water supplies are threatened and sea levels rise. “Hot Cities” travels the world from Lagos to Los Angeles, from Shanghai to Surat, from Dhaka to Durban to see if our cites can adapt and survive.

Hot Cities

Species' extinction threat grows

 

Kihansi spray toad (Image: IUCN/Tim Herman)

More than a third of species assessed in a major international biodiversity study are threatened with extinction, scientists have warned.

Out of the 47,677 species in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 17,291 were deemed to be at serious risk.

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IUCN Red list of threatened species

BBC NEWS | Science & Environment | Species' extinction threat grows

Cheap Food

The Global Food Crisis    The End of Plenty

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Thanks to Mr Harrison for this one

Cheap Food — National Geographic Magazine

National Geographic Magazine

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Deforestation desertification Food production

Thanks to Mr Harrison for this

Ou r Good Earth - National Geographic Magazine

Monday 2 November 2009

Two years on, Katine offers much to celebrate – and much to feel frustrated about

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Every time I visit Katine, in north-east Uganda, an image remains in the mind for months afterwards. In May, it was a long queue of girls laughing and chatting as they waited at a dirty water pump for hours to fill their jerrycans. In September, it was the eager face of an 18-year-old boy who proudly showed me his school report and told me how it took him three and a half hours to walk to school – and three and a half hours back. I looked with incredulity at the teachers' praise for his schoolwork. When could he find time to do his homework?

Two years on, Katine offers much to celebrate – and much to feel frustrated about | Madeleine Bunting | Comment is free | The Guardian

Qatar Food Company Signs $1 billion Deal to Use Sudan Farmland

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Qatar furthers the trend of Gulf Arab Countries off-shoring their agricultural production to secure food supplies for its citizens and other populations in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Qatar’s Hassad Foods signed a deal last week, worth potentially $1 billion, to develop 20,000 acres of land in northern Sudan, Reuters reports. Cultivation could expand to 250,000 acres.Hassad foods was established a year ago by the Qatari Investment Authority (QIA) to establish the country’s current and future means of maintaining food security. The food company is hoping to develop six other deals in Latin America and Africa.

Qatar Food Company Signs $1 billion Deal to Use Sudan Farmland | Circle of Blue | WaterNews

Is surf reef good for Boscombe?

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Boscombe is on a big mission to improve its rundown image and attract a new crowd of visitors all year round. The Dorset town's centrepiece is the multimillion-pound artificial surf reef, the first of its kind in Europe which, it is hoped, is set to enhance the quality of waves and improve surfing conditions.

BBC NEWS | England | Dorset | Is surf reef good for Boscombe?