In light of the recent collapse of a Bangladeshi clothing factory, which killed over one thousand people, the debate surrounding fairtrade products has returned to the spotlight. We’ve heard of organic food, ethically traded coffee, conflict-free diamonds and clothes that have been produced under humane and fair conditions. Now a Dutch-based company is trying to [...]
Tag Archives: China
Press Review: Malaria in the UK & Preventing Landgrabs with Mobile Technology
Despite a statistical decrease in global poverty, the numbers aren’t as positive when China is removed from the picture. [CNN] Sexual violence in Syria is widespread, but international aid for the survivors of rape is non-existent. [Huffington Post] As the UK’s climate warms, health experts urge the British government to take immediate public health precautions [...]
Press Review: First international arms treaty passed & Ecuador auctions rainforest to big oil companies
The U.N. General Assembly had voted to create the first international arms treaty, which will make it more difficult to sell weapons to governments and groups that engage in war crimes and genocide. [Washington Post] Three million hectares of untouched Amazonian rainforest in Ecuador are set to be auction off to Chinese oil companies. Indigenous [...]
Signs of the NY Times: The NRA versus Iran. Kristallnacht in Myanmar. Hunger strike in Bahrain. Water problems in China.
Senate Republicans in America will be faced with a vexing dilemma in the coming weeks, as they will be asked to vote on a treaty governing the global trade of conventional weapons. Provided that the U.N. General Assembly passes the measure by majority vote and that President Obama signs it forthright – two uncertain, yet [...]
Press Review: Factory farming in China & Illegal wildlife trafficking continues to rise
The thousands of pig carcasses floating in a Chinese river signal the growing demand for meat in China and the impact of factory farms on the environment. [The Guardian] The U.N. issues a warning on the growing illegal wildlife trade saying the widespread practice combined with loss of habitat is threatening the survival of great [...]
Press Review: Fighting indoor air pollution in developing countries & Syria’s children lost to war
Aiming to eliminate the indoor air pollution that kills 4 million people each year, an India-based company produces clean cooking stoves for developing countries,. [The Guardian] Creating social programs that help transform gender roles and empower women are the key to tackling issues like food security, education, and health care in the developing world. [The [...]
Will ‘crazy bad’ air pollution force China to open up?
Air quality so bad that it’s literally off the charts has settled in once again over Beijing and much of eastern China. The return of the foul smog brings with it the familiar rituals of pedestrians sporting face masks, airlines cancelling flights and authorities advising people to stay indoors to protect their health. But is it sparking [...]
Burma der zwei Geschwindigkeiten
Über die Flüchtlingstragödie um die muslimischen Rohingya hinaus gefährdet der Konflikt im Kachin-Staat im Norden Burmas den demokratischen Aufbruch des Landes. Nach einem 17 Jahre anhaltenden Waffenstillstand waren im Juni 2011 Kämpfe ausgebrochen, als Regierungstruppen eine Offensive gegen die Kachin gestartet hatten. Seit Jahresbeginn hat sich der Krieg weiter verschärft. Ulrich Delius, Asien-Referent der Gesellschaft für [...]
Press Review: Labor unions at Foxconn & Forcing Uganda’s gay population into exile
Contract manufacturer Foxconn will hold labor union elections for its Chinese factory employees. [CNN] Uganda’s gay population will be forced into exile if lawmakers pass a new law that would make homosexuality a capital offense. [The Guardian] The Burmese government and Kachin rebels start peace talks in China. [The Guardian] Questions arise about the ability [...]
Press Review: Protest movement in Saudi Arabia & Guatemala shocked by violent crimes against women
China’s extreme air pollution problem might finally force the government to stop downplaying the problem and move towards action. [The Economist] A new UN report finds evidence of increased use of torture in Afghan jails and secret prisons. [The Guardian] New images from Nasa show the long-term damaging effects of climate change on the size [...]
Press Review: Beijing’s off-the-charts air pollution & Western intervention in Mali
Four-hundred indigenous villagers are ready to fight to the death in a looming confrontation with the Ecuadorian government and Petroamazonas, one of South America’s largest oil companies. The oil company plans to begin prospecting on the community’s land starting January 15. [The Guardian] Beijing’s noxious air pollution reached new highs over the weekend as it [...]
Signs of the NY Times: Carbon tax: 2 birds, 1 stone. Chemical migration. Slow progress in Syria.
Op-Ed Columnist Thomas Friedman makes a strong argument for a carbon tax. Friedman claims that it would go a long way to solving two of America’s biggest problems: excess carbon emissions and the skyrocketing debt. In so doing he scolds liberals for carrying so much about former and very little about the latter. And then he [...]
