Environment

A (Relatively) Steady Breeze Lifts Wind Power Worldwide

By |

From the American heartland to China and Latin America, wind energy is becoming an increasing popular alternative energy source — though questions remain about environmental impacts. The Fort Worth Business Press reports that Texas outranks all other states in the number of wind farms it operates. Iowa, where President Barack Obama made a symbolic visit April 22 to commemorate Earth Day, ranks second. In Ohio, the municipality of Avon Lake is the latest in the region to consider local initiatives to harness the breezes coming off nearby Lake Eerie. The American Wind Energy Association said U.S. wind-power capacity increased by 50 percent in 2008, edging out Germany as the world leader in the field.

Economy

'Blood Minerals' Taint Electronic Gadgets

By |

A new report by a Washington-based advocacy group links sexual violence in Africa and electronics manufacturing. Tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold are mined in illegal operations, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, then sent abroad to be used in electronic gadgets such as iPods, cell phones and laptops. Local rebel factions in the DRC trade these “conflict minerals” for weapons, and routinely terrorize residents in contested regions, according to the Enough Project’s findings. This includes looting, burning of property and ever-increasing sexual violence against women and girls. According to the study, more than 1,000 rapes are reported in the DRC monthly — the highest rate in the world.

Featured

Mexico City Tapped Out?

By |

With reservoirs at record lows, millions of Mexico City residents are experiencing water shortages and even cutoffs. Drought is to blame, but also leaky pipes, which lose as much as 40 percent of the water destined for the world’s largest city.Photo: Mexico City fountain/Tinou Bao

Democracy & Civics

Bolivia Universities Go Native

By |

Three universities for indigenous people will be established in Bolivia, according to reports. The schools will provide curriculums targeted to indigenous cultures and communities, and will also focus on political movements in step with the leftist agenda of President Evo Morales. Prensa Latina reports that the schools will offer classes in the Aymara, Quecha and Guarani languages, and are part of an effort to “decolonize” Bolivia’s culture. –Brittany Owens/Newsdesk.org
Sources:
“Bolivia Opens University for Indians”
Latin American Herald Tribune, April 12, 2009
“Bolivia to Open Indigenous Universities”
Prensa Latina, April 6, 2009

Environment

Clinton Adviser Fears Population Crunch

By |

Speaking on a BBC radio talk show, an adviser to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that there are “probably already too many people on the planet” than the Earth’s ecosystem can sustain. Dr. Nina Federoff, an adviser to Clinton as well as her predecessor, Condoleeza Rice, said that with a population of almost seven billion, humans will need to better manage water and “wild lands.” She also said genetically modified agriculture would be required to sustain large populations. –Brittany Owens/Newsdesk.org
Source:

“Earth population ‘exceeds limits'”
BBC News/March 31, 2009