In recent months, I’ve addressed the range of environmental anecdotes, U.S. climate “scandals” and the larger debate over the legitimacy of climate science. Generally speaking, it’s obvious to me that no matter your stance on the issue, waiting for 100% clarity is waiting too long. Instead, we can take very meaningful action now that, in […]
Treat yourself right and watch this remarkable TED video, featuring the charming and enlightening Dan Barber. Owner of the famous Pocantico Hills farm, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Dan is an expert in sustainable farming and an accomplished chef. In this 20 minute video, he talks about the grim realities of “sustainable fishing.” Another shout […]
Last month Steven Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations published an excellent summary of the ongoing investigations in Turkey and how they continue to roil the politics of that country. “The Weakening of Turkey’s Military” is available here. Those interested in the topic should also take a look at Soli Ozel’s blog at World […]
A good report, from the Current Science Journal, passed over my desk this week. From 2009, the paper looks at the issue of climate change from a developing country perspective and provides a climate strategy suited to their unique priorities. The authors are in favor of opportunities that benefit both the environment and the economy […]
For the past three days I participated in USAID’s online dialogue about various international development topics. Called “Global Pulse 2010, “ USAID has the following to say about it: …a 3-day, online collaboration event, that will bring together individual socially-engaged participants and organizations from around the world. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is […]
The March 1st issue of Newsweek magazine has a good article outlining how climate science has become a bruised, intensely politicized issue that is negatively impacting public support for environmental causes. “The battle between “alarmists” and “deniers” has taken a huge toll, not just on [scientists]. It has also damaged the credibility of climate science […]
With the health care debate kicked forward, various post mortems are speculating whether the bill passing makes a cap-and-trade legislation more or less likely. On the one hand, Obama’s win on contentious health reforms may have boosted the momentum to now pass what is comparatively easy. From the gang at Climate Progress: “If progressives can […]
Though I tend to stick to climate related topics, new-to-me OECD foreign aid data (via William Easterly’s blog) seemed particularly relevant to draw attention to here. Below is a graph showing all U.S. aid, by recipient, from 2004-2008. It’s like an ugly joke, rendered useless by illegible font and an unapparent color scheme. But with […]
Many exciting opportunities are popping up from the U.S. Foreign Policy Association. Readers may find it useful to see these in one place and so, voila: 1. The U.S. FPA wants more bloggers. Apply here! Take it from one who knows, blogging for the FPA is an immense opportunity, offering you a chance to […]
1. On March 3rd, the Obama Administration announced its support to declare the bluefish tuna endangered and to ban international trade of the fish. Japan is not happy and Europe is divided. Sushi aficionados in Japan and elsewhere have consumed bluefin for decades, causing the fish’s population to plummet. This month, representatives from 175 countries […]
When I was in Uganda last month I was fortunate to learn more about an interesting parliamentary internship program being carried out by the Center for International Development (CID) of the State University of New York (full disclosure: I used to work there). Supported by Higher Education for Development (which uses fairly small grants to […]
A quick post to direct readers to the new climate change portal website, run by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration. Launched earlier this month, the site is intended to be a one-stop-shop for all U.S. climate related information. According to the NOAA, the site is designed to address […]
In 2005, global warming doomsayers warned that Hurricane Katrina was so destructive that it could attributed only to a threat as pervasive as global warming. Similarly, this winter’s record snowfall in the Eastern U.S. has led many, mainstream media outlets to link the unusual weather events to accelerating climate change. In stark opposition, others arguing […]
This week I returned from a trip to Uganda. While there I saw evidence of the favorite topic of many in the international development community – the role of Chinese foreign assistance in Africa. Across the street from the parliament building is an enormous construction site with working ongoing 24 hours a day, 7 days […]
I have written before about Robert Kennedy’s trip to South Africa in 1966 (that post is here). A movie has just been made about that trip and the connections between the anti-apartheid and American civil rights movements. “RFK in the Land of Apartheid: A Ripple of Hope” is directed by Tami Gold and Larry Shore […]