Green Technology is not more Expensive

The UK's Committee on Climate Change (CCC) have denied claims that wind farms and other carbon free technology will increase electricity prices. The CCC said that even though fuels bills had risen recently, 80% of the rises were not because of green technology. They also said that any rises could be offset through loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and double glazing.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16191900

Church v State Battle Over Contraception in the Philippines

The Philippines is a very religious country with over 80% of its citizens Catholic. It also has the highest birth rate and a population of over 90 million. Although contraception is freely available in most pharmacies. many poor people can not afford to buy them. Therefore the government has proposed a bill where contraceptives are handed to the poor for free. This has caused a bitter row with the church which is apposed to the use of artificial contraception.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15822637
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-10552591

Casual Dress Helps The Climate?

The chilean authorities are encouraging men to leave their ties at home during the hot summer months in order to limit air conditioning costs and reduce carbon emissions. It has been estimated if room temperatures are allowed to rise between 1 and 3 degrees Celsius then this could save 3% of energy costs (about $10 million)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16172476

More Filipinos Now Staying at Home Instead of Migrating Abroad

Roughly 10% if Filipinos move abroad to work and even though this number is still increasing a growing number of Filipinos are choosing to stay in the Philippines. Filipinos are now increasingly way up the costs and benefits of moving abroad or staying at home. Costs and benefits include:

Costs:

• Family division (possibly from children)
• Cost of living abroad
• Discrimination abroad
• Separation from culture

Benefits

• More jobs and better pay
• Chance of sending remittances home
• Increased recognition at home (especially for women)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16104640

Global Malaria Deaths Falling

It is estimated that malaria killed 655,000 people in 2010 co9mpared to 800,000 in 2004. The main factors that have reduced malaria deaths include:

• 145 million insecticide treated bed nets delivered to Sub-Saharan Africa
• Increased spraying around settlements to kill mosquitoes
• Improved drug treatment

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16161907

Canada to Withdraw from Kyoto Protocol

Canada are planning to formally withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol. He said Canada's failure to meet the Kyoto targets could cost the country $13.6 billion. He also pointed out that without the US and China signed up for Kyoto the agreement will have little impact in trying to reduce carbon emissions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16151310

Strong Earthquake Hits Mexico

A strong 6.7 magnitude hit Mexico over the weekend. The quake hit the province of Guerrero shaking buildings, cutting power and causing panic amongst local residents. The quake that was 65km deep has been reported to have caused two deaths.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16129035

Last minute Climate Deal in Durban

A last minute deal was reached at the climate deal in Durban. With the Kyoto protocol due to run out shortly, there were fears that the current climate talks were going to end in deadlock. However, through the night talks have come to the agreement to extend the carbon-cutting target in the Kyoto Protocol, until a new agreement is reached and bought into enforcement in 2020.

One important agreement has been the establishment of a so called green fund to help poorer countries develop greener technology and cut carbon emissions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16124670

Storms Leave 50,000 Without Power in UK

The UK got hit by hurricane force winds on Thursday leaving 50,000 Scottish residents without power. The strongest storm for over 10 years damaged roads, knocked over trees, closed schools and disrupted energy supplies. Some of the gusts reached up to 165 mph with many Scottish cities experiencing winds in excess of 80mph.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16102566

Adjusting to Volcanic Ash

A new piece of equipment designed to detect the density of ash clouds is currently being tested over Mount Etna on the island of Sicily. The equipment has been designed and tested to try and stop future closures of airspace following volcanic eruptions. In the summer of 2011 an Icelandic volcano forced the grounding of all flights in Europe for over one week, costing the airline industry an estimated $1.7billion. Research after the event showed that most of the cloud was actually safe to fly throw, but there was no way of pilots knowing. Therefore, a device is being tested to detect safe ash clouds densities and it is hoped in the future that it will be fitted to all commercial planes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16077139

Is Climate Change to Blame for Polar Bear Cannibalism?

Scientists have recently filmed an adult polar bear eating a polar bear cub. Normally polar bears eat seals, but the declining ice means that polar bears are having to find alternative sources of food. This means that some polar bears are being driven into settlements, while others are turning to cannibalism.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16081214

Migrant Workers Flock to Qatar

Qatar has become a magnet for both manual and professional workers. The construction boom based on oil and gas revenue has created an abundance of jobs for South Asians unable to find money at home. The growth of the banking and service sector along with the prospect of tax free earnings has also attracted many professionals from Europe. However, despite its popularity Qatar is often criticised for its treatment of manual workers who have to work long hours in stifling heat, live in cramped conditions and receive little holiday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16052572

Brazilian Senate Eases Amazon Protection Rules

The day after the announcement of the reduction in deforestation rates, the Brazilian senate has announced plans to ease regulations on the amount of land farmers must preserve as forest. The Brazilian government say the bill is necessary to increase food production, but environmentalists say it will just lead to greater deforestation.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16065069

Deforestation Rates Down in the Amazon

Brazil say rates of deforestation in the Amazon are at there lowest levels for 23 years, dropping 11% from previous year. Satellites are used to track rates of deforestation. The Brazilian government says the clamp down on illegal logging has been the main reason for success.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16048503

Calls for Greater Ambition on Climate Change

Based on current pledges to cut carbon emissions, scientists have calculated that the earth will be 3,5 degrees centigrade warmer in 2100 than it was in pre-industrial times. This is well above the 2 degree centigrade tipping point that is often talked about. As such scientists have asked governments to be more ambitious in their targets to cut emissions. Climate change talks are currently continuing in Durban, South Africa.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16052262

New Regional Bloc Established

Approval was given at a Venezuelan summit  for a new regional bloc which includes 33 members all from Latin American and the Caribbean. The bloc which includes El Salvador, also includes Cuba, but excludes Canada and the US. The bloc hopes to increase ties and trade between countries, as well as resolving conflicts and ongoing disputes. The bloc is called CELAC and is due to next meet in Chile in 2012.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16021120

Equality Has A Long Way To Go

A rape victim has been released from an Afghan jail two years into her 12 year sentence. However, the women named Gulnaz who gave birth to a child in prison after her rape, will have to marry her attacker to be set free. Even though Gulnaz was attacked and raped, the courts deemed that she had committed adultery because she was not married to her attacker at the time. Human rights groups say that Gulnaz is one of hundreds of Afghan women currently in jail because they have been raped or attacked.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15991641

How Animals Predict Earthquakes

Scientists now believe that animals may be able detect chemical changes in groundwater before an earthquake  strikes. Both in China and Italy toads have been recorded leaving their ponds days before earthquakes have hit. Scientists have suggested that the recording of animal behaviour could be added to other techniques that attempt to predict earthquakes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/15945014

Latin American Poverty at Lowest Level in 20 Years

The UN have said that Latin American Poverty has fallen from 48.4% to 31.4% over the last 20 years. The biggest drops in poverty was seen in South American countries like Peru and Argentina. The only countries to experience increases are Honduras and Mexico. Despite recent successes Latin America still faces many challenges like rising food prices, water security, crime and income inequality.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15957422

WMO Predicts World to get Hotter

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) predicts that the world will continue to get hotter even though 2011 is forecast to be only the 10th warmest year on record. The WMO in its report to the climate change conference state that La Nina has had a slight cooling influence. The WMO say temperatures continue to edge to the 2.0 to 2.4 degree centigrade change that would lead to irreversible damage.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15941820

New Climate Change Conference Opens

The latest UN climate change conference open today in Durban, South Africa. With the Kyoto Protocol due to expire in the coming years it seen as vitally important to find a replacement. However, mane of the world's major polluters are looking to stall talks and are in no rush to find a replacement. Nations that will be happy with slow talks include the likes of India, China, Brazil and the US.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15894948

Cash Crisis Hits Disease Battle

Efforts to tackle some of the world's worst diseases e.g. Aids, TB and Malaria maybe hampered by a shortage of funds and donations. The Global Fund to fight these diseases only received $11.5 billion in donations, well below the figure of $20 billion that they asked for and even below $13 billion needed to maintain current programmes. The current economic crisis is blamed for many countries like Germany and Sweden holding back current funding.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15873606

Australia Plans Huge Marine Reserve in Coaral Sea

The Australian government has announced plans to create the world's largest marine reserve in the Coral Sea. The area one and a half the times of France would see stricter fishing limits imposed as well as a ban on oil and gas exploration.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15889194

Migration to UK at Record High

Net migration gain in the UK was estimated to be at 252,000 in 2010 - the highest figure on record. Immigration remained fairly constant at 591,000, but emigration fell to 245,000, the lowest levels since 1998.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15868793

Afghan Woman's choice: 12 years in prison or marry her rapist

Human rights charities are criticising progress being made in Afghanistan, after the plight of a 19 year old Afghan woman was highlighted. Gulnaz was raped by her cousins husband two years ago and fell pregnant. Instead of being protected by the law she actually got convicted of sex outside of marriage and sentenced to 12 years in prison. She now faces the choice of marrying her attacker or serving the 12 years in prison with her young child. It is believed that if Gulnaz doesn't marry her attacker then she will be murdered by her family or community on her release. So called honour killings are common for people accused of bring shame on their family and community - being raped is considered to bring shame on the family.

However, some have argued that Gulnaz's imprisonment is actually sign of progress and that in the past, Gulnaz was actually have been stoned to death without trial, so imprisonment is better.

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/22/world/asia/afghanistan-rape/index.html?hpt=ias_t2

Brazil Government Fines Chevron $28 million

The Brazilian government has fined the American oil giant Chevron $28 million for an oil spill off the coast of Rio in January. Chevron admitted responsibility for the leak that was releasing between 200 and 330 barrels a day at the peak of the spill. This is oil spill again highlights some of the dangers of transporting oil around the world to meet our energy needs.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15829974

Aids deaths down 21% from Peak says UN

The UN say aids related deaths are at their lowest level since the peak in 2005. It is estimated that 34 million people now live with HIV/AIDS worldwide, but improved treatment mean that an estimated 700,000 deaths were averted last year. In total in 2007, there were 2.7 million newly infected (down from 1997 high of 3.2. million) and 1.8 million died (down from 2005 high of 2.2 million).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15816813

Climate Concerns Over Rise in Ozone Friendly HFCs

Scientists are concerned that a rise in the use of HFCs make contribute to further global warming. HFCs were introduced to replace ozone damaging CFCs. HFCs are widely used in air conditioning and fridges. However, as a greenhouse gas HFCS are many times more damaging than even carbon dioxide.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15818659

IPCC say Climate Impact Risk to Increase

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change say that the impacts caused by climate change are going to increase in the future. In particular they highlighted the likely increase in the frequency and magnitude of hurricanes as well as the vulnerability of low lying nations because of sea level rises.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15745408

FIFA pressed over worker conditions building up to Qatar World Cup

Like many Gulf countries, Qatar relies on migrant workers in order for the economy to grow and develop. In the next ten years Qatar plans to construct nine new stadiums to host the 2022 Football World Cup. Most of the workers who construct these stadiums will come from South Asia (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh). Many of these migrants live in cramped conditions and work extremely long hours in stifling heat. Trade Union activists have urged FIFA to look at the conditions of many of these workers in a bid to improve them.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15772284

Afghan Women Strike Blow For Equality

After being banned from participating in sport under the Taliban rule, Afghan women now fighting back and enjoying their new found freedom by boxing. It is hoped that boxing will give women greater confidence and independence in their battle with competing with men on an equal footing.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15723708

UN Warns of Crop Virus Epidemic

The UN has warned that a virus attacking the cassava plant in Africa is reaching near epidemic proportions. Cassava is a staple food in Africa and any reduction in its production could lead to undernourishment and possibly famine. The virus highlights the vulnerability of food production and the delicate balance between a population growth and resources. It also shows some of the problems that can come about because of monoculture.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15763330

Mexican Soldiers Find 140 Migrants in Lorry

Mexican soldiers have found 140 migrants hidden in a lorry travelling through Mexico. The majority of migrants are Central American attempting to get into the US. It is estimated that about half a million migrants illegally travel through Mexico each year in the search of a better life.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15731158

UK fruit ripening earlier

Researchers have found that on average native British fruits are ripening 18 days earlier than a decade ago. Researchers believe that this is probably due to climate change. Some people argue that this is a good thing because it mean more areas of the plant become hospitable for agriculture, growing seasons may extend and there will be less crop loss from frost damage. However, in the UK it is argued if fruit ripens early then there will be shortages leading into the winter, especially for wild animals.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15721263

Brazil Targets Drugs Gangs in Rio's Biggest Slum

Brazilian special forces have moved into Brazil's biggest favela Rocinha to try and take control ahead of the Football World Cup and the Olympic Games. Roccinha is home to an estimated 100,000 people and has been controlled by drugs gangs for years. Now that special forces have taken control permanent police stations are going to be erected. Critics argue that the government is only taking control of areas that will be visible to the public during the games.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15710719

DR Congo's Nyamulagira Volcano's Spectacular Eruption

The Nyamulagira volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently erupting in what vulcanologist believe is the volcano's biggest eruption in 100 years. The nearby town of Goma is currently not threatened, but the volcano is proving to be a popular tourist attraction.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15722488

Sea Temperatures use to help Predict Amazon Wildfires

Recent surveys suggest that anomalies in sea temperature can help predict Amazon wildfires. Scientists believe that there is a correlation between the El Nino effect in the Pacific and wildfires in the Amazon. Scientists belive that the findings could help predict future droughts and wildfires in the future.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15691060

UK Government spends further 103 million pounds on Renewable Energy

The UK government has just announced that it is spending a further 103 million pounds on renewable energy technology. Wave and tidal technologies are being developed in an attempt to help the UK meet its carbon reduction targets.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-15690682

World Population Exceeds 7 Billion

The UN estimated that the World population exceeded 7 billion on Monday 31st October. The UN also believes that the World's population could rise to 10 billion by the end of the century. Watch the video on the first link describing the growth and then go to the second link to calculate where you fit into the 7 billion.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-15517220

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-15391515

Strong Quake Causes Further Buildings to Collapse in Turkey

A strong aftershock in Eastern Turkey has caused at least 25 buildings to collapse. The aftershock measured 5.6 on the Richter Scale. Last month the region suffered a much stronger earthquake of 7.2. Many of the newly collapsed buildings were empty, but two were hotels occupied by journalists and aid workers. It is believed that many of the buildings must have been weakened in the original quake and clearly show how populations that have recently suffered on hazard are more vulnerable to future hazards.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15669753

Thai Flood Evacuations Widen

More residents of the Thai capital Bangkok have been forced to leave their homes as the flood water moves ever further south towards the sea. More than a third of Bangkok's district are subject to partial or complete evacuations. More than 500 people have now lost their lives in the ongoing floods. However, the authorities are still confident of being able to protect Bangkok's CBD (financial district).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15615876

Commonwealth ends male heir rule

Commonwealth rulers agreed to end the centuries old rule of favouring males over females in the line of succession to the British monarchy. In the future the first born (male or female) will be the heir to the throne, not the first born male. In addition it is now allowed for monarchs to be married to people from any religion, including Roman Catholocism.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15492607

Bangkok Residents Flee Flooding

Thousands of Bangkok residents are fleeing the Thai capital as rising flood water threaten to flood the entire city. So far over 360 people have died in Thailand's worst flooding for decades. Estimates suggest that flood water may remain in some districts for up to one month.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15471849

UN Sets out Population Challenges

As the world's population nears 7 billion the UN has pointed out the future challenges faced by the planet. Even though its highlights the successes of falling fertility rates and rising life expectancy it also states that the population could reach 10 billion by the end of the century causing massive problems. The UN explains that we should now be looking for solutions about how to feed, educate and keep healthy so many people. It also says we should be finding new ways for caring for the ageing population in many countries.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-15459643

China won't follow US on Carbon Emissions

A Chinese Minister has said that China will not allow per capita carbon dioxide emissions to reach the same level as the US. Chinese emissions have risen rapidly in recent years with heavy industrialisation, economic development on coal powered electricity generation. China plans to use more green technology in manufacturing process and increase the amount of renewable energy produced e.g. Three Gorges Dam.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15444858

Turkey Accepts Foreign Aid

Turkey will now accept foreign help after the devastating 7.2 earthquake that stroke on Sunday. Initially Turkey declined help, but with over 2000 buildings collapsed, over 460 dead and possibly thousands still trapped it will accept help from foreign governments and charities.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15457897

Javan Rhino Extinct in Vietnam

The Javan Rhino has just been declared extinct in Vietnam. Despite a national park being created for their protection (Cat Tien National Park), their small numbers and the constant threat of poaching has meant that they have disappeared from the wild in Vietnam. The last surviving rhino was believed to have been shot for their horn. It is now believed that there are fewer than 50 Javan rhinos remaining in the wild, all in Indonesia.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15430787

Search For Quake Survivors in Turkey

The region of Van in Eastern Turkey got hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake  on Sunday. The quake has caused widespread damage, with many buildings collapsing trapping their inhabitants. 265 people are known to have died but this figure is likely to increase rapidly with over 1,000 buildings having collapsed. Rescuers are desperately searching for people who may still be alive but trapped in buildings.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15425268

Unwanted Indian Girls Get Fresh Chance!

Over 200 girls in India who were named 'unwanted' (Nakusha) by their parents have been renamed in a ceremony aimed to give the girls a new start and highlight the problems of sex discrimination in India. Female infanticide still takes place in India where many parents favour having sons. The 2011 census showed that there were only 914 girls for every 1000 boys.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15414796

Climate Change Migration Warning

A humanitarian report commisioned by the UK government states that governments and aid agencies should help relocate populations vulnerable to climate change. The report looked at the affects of rising sea levels and environmental degradation caused by climate change. It said that millions of people will be forced to move and become climate refugees. The report suggests that if we don't help soon and plan in advance then populations will be left in situations that they can not escape from.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15341651

UK's First Carbon Capture Scheme Scrapped

The UK's first carbon capture scheme has been scrapped because the Ministry of Energy and and power companies can not reach agreement. The idea was to capture carbon being released from power stations and pump it underground. However, technical difficulties and money meant all sides could not reach agreement.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-15371258

Malaria Deaths Fall 20% in Decade

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has just announced that malarial deaths have fallen by just over 20% in the last decade. This is important because it is saving many lives and helps meets Millennium Development Goal number 6. Improved education, prevention, testing and treatment have all been credited with helping to rediuce malarial deaths.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15346624

Central American Floods KIll 80

The floods hitting Central America have now cost the lives of 80, with figure expected to rise further as rain persists. El Salvador is now the worst affected country with 32 people dead and 20,000 displaced. The whole country is in a state of emergency so public and private schools remain closed. Weather reports the bad weather could persist for another 48 hours. Because the bad weather is hitting at the end of the rain season, the ground is already saturated meaning that the water can no longer infiltrate and their is huge stress on hillsides which can lead to landslides.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15331290

Central American Floods Leave 40 Dead

At least 40 people have been killed in the floods currently affecting Central America. El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala have all been badly hit. The situation is still ongoing and rain continues ans the risk of landslides increase. Many people have lost their homes with charities appealing for supplies of food and water to help victimns.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15283869

Bangkok Bolsters Flood Defences

The Thai military continues to try and prepare Bangkok for the arrival of flood water, high tides and stormy weather. Sand bags are being used to raise existing defences and canals drained so that they can be used as overflow channels and diversion channels. The Thai government and military are trying to protect high value locations in the centre of Bangkok and divert flood water around Bangkok.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15319921

Bangkok is Safe from Floods?

The Thai Prime Minister has assured residents of Thailand's capital Bangkok that the city's flood defences are strong enough to protect it from the worst floods in decades. The floods that have been ongoing since July have cost the lives of over 280 people and continue to cost the Thai economy millions of dollars because of closed factories, lost tourism, protection and repair.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15302598

Deadly Storm Hits Central America

Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua are currently being hit by a series of tropical depressions originating in the Pacific Ocean. The storms are causing widespread flooding and landslides. Already the storms have been responsible for 13 deaths in Guatemala, 4 in NIcaragua and one in El Salvador. Meteorologists believe that the storms could carry on for another 48 hours. Academia Britanica Cuscatleca has been impacted by the storms and is currently closed to pupils!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15283869

EU Plans Greener Farm Subsidies

The EU has announced plans to reform its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The CAP which is designed to support European farming has often been criticised for its cost, for encouraging unsustainable farming, creating farming surpluses and unfairly subsidising European farmers at the expense of its LEDC rivals. Even though spending is going to stay at the same level (58 billion euros), there are now three more greener criteria in order to gain subsidies:

• arable farmers growing at least three different crops, with none exceeding 70% of the total farm area
• farmers leaving 7% of their land fallow
• ensuring permanent pasture is maintained

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15272815

Australian Parliament Passes Carbon Tax Law

The Australian lower house of parliament has just voted into a law a carbon tax scheme. Australia is currently the biggest exporter of coal and one of the biggest per capita polluters of greenhouse gases. The law will tax the 500 biggest polluters for every tonne of carbon dioxide they release into the atmosphere. Polluters will have to be $23 Australian dollars per tonne of pollution.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15269033

China aims to Reduce Resource Consumption

China is set to make a tax on oil and gas national. The tax set at between 5-10% is aimed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. However, some have argued it is just a way for the Chinese government to divert profit from companies to the government.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15252134

Urban Attractions Threatened by Tourism

The WMF (World Monuments Fund) is becoming increasingly concerned about the damage that unsustainable tourism and urban growth are doing to many of the world's monuments. The Nazca lines are under threat because there is no policy on sustainable growth of tourism, while towns like Charleston in South Carolina are becoming overcrowded by cruise ships.

http://www.bbc.com/travel/blog/20111006-an-increase-of-urban-areas-on-watch

Illegal Immigrants Given College Aid

The Californian Governor has just signed into law legislation allowing illegal immigrants state aid to attend college. Supporters say that it should benefit the economy as immigrants become better educated and skilled, while critics argue it will encourage more people to cross illegally into California. It is estimated that 2,500 will be eligible for the aid.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15231104

Grounded Container Ship Threatens Tourism and Biodiversity

Containerisation and the growth in the size of container ships has both increased the speed and ease of global trade as well as reducing its cost. However, with a greater number of super-ships on our oceans accidents are bound to happen. The MV Rena grounded of New Zealand's Bay of Plenty has already leaked 20-30 tonnes of oil, but could leak up to 1700 tonnes if approaching gale force winds force the ship to break up. The leaking oil could damage one of New Zealand's most important tourist attractions as well harming wildlife.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15235243

Three Women Share Nobel Peace Prize

Three women; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Lymah Gbowee from Liberia and Tawakul Karman from Yemen have shared this years Nobel Peace prize. All three have been awarded the award in recognition of there worki promoting and protecting women's rights. All three of them have pursued non-violent means to promote peace building and inclusion of women in conflict resolution.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15211861

Thailand's Monsoon Rains Kill Over 200

This year Thailand is receiving above average monsoon rains which have been responsible for over 200 deaths since July. The monsoon rains are vital for Thailand because they help recharge surface and ground water stores. These supplies of water are vital for sustaining Thailand's growing population and supporting one of Thailand's major exports, rice. However, the above average rainfall this year has caused widespread damage and affected tourism in towns like Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15178872

Women Rescued from Exploitation

Police in Peru have rescued 300 women from sexual exploitation in the Amazon region of Peru. Girls as young as 13 were rescued in the region which highlights the ongoing problem of slavery and exploitation around the world.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15165339

Help for Somalia Famine Victimns

Somalia in the horn of Africa is suffering from its worst drought in 60 years, which has led to widespread famine. It is believed that up to 12 million people in the east of Africa are impacted by the drought and famine and famine and of need of humanitarian assistance. Somalia itself up to 750,000 people face death from starvation. The work of aid charities has been made harder by fighting take place in Somalia, the militant group al-Shabab control large areas of the famine affected region.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15180670

Shark Sanctuary Protects Biodiversity and Promotes Tourism

The Marshall islands with a population of just 68,000 people has just created the world's largest shark sanctuary measuring nearly 2 million km2. The sanctuary should not only protect sharks which are endangered because of the demand for their fins, but should also promote tourism, particular diving. Fishermen breaking the new regulations can be fined up to $300,000.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15142472

Tuvalu Suffering From SEvere Water Shortages

The tiny Pacific nation of Tuvalu with a population of only 11,000 has declared a state of emergency because it has a severe shortage of freshwater. The island is currently experiencing below average precipitation which has been blamed on the La Nina weather phenomenon. The New Zealand air force has sent two desalination units ti help relieve the problem. However, the problem on Tuvalu is likely to worsen in the future with global warming causing rising sea levels and an increased risk of saltwater intrusion into its aquifers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15147043

Philippines Recovers From Second Typhoon In A Week

The Philippine island is recovering from its second typhoon in a week. Last week it was hit by Typhoon Nesat which is now blamed for 52 deaths and this weekend it was hit by Typhoon Nalgae which is blamed for at least three deaths. The two typhoons have dumped up to 50 centimetres of rain on parts of Luzon causing flooding and threats of landslides. Even though the Philippines has been hit by two typhoons in under a week, the region is not receiving above average typhoons for the year.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15141169

Maastricht in the Netherlands Aims to Clean up Tourism

The city of Maastricht in the Netherlands is going to ban foreigners from buying cannabis in local coffee shops in an attempt to stop drug tourism. The sale of cannabis is legal in licensed shops but some locals feel that it is cause public order problems and congestion. It is is estimated that 6,000 people visit Maastricht's coffee shops every day and that to ban foreigners from buying cannabis would cause a huge loss of income for the city.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15134669

Work on Burmese Dam is Suspended

Following the suspension of building work on a Brazilian dam yesterday, the Burmese President has just suspended building work on a controversial dam on the Irrawaddy River. The $3.6 billion dam was largely being built with Chinese money and technology and was due for completion in 2019. The reservoir created by the dam was due to flood an area rich in biodiversity and home to thousands of indigenous people, the natural flow of the Irrawaddy would also have been disturbed. The Burmese people would also have received little benefit from the dam with 90% of the electricity produced due to be exported to China.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15121801

Is All Renewable Energy Sustainable?

Work on a controversial dam in the Brazilian Amazon has been temporarily halted. The Brazilian government say that the dam is vital to meet Brazil's growing energy needs, while campaigners against the dam say it will flood sections of the rainforest, damage fishing grounds and threaten indigenous communities.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15102520

Typhoon batters the Philippines

The Philippines is cleaning up after Typhoon Nesat hit the main island of Luzon on Tuesday. The typhoon was the strongest this year and is known to have killed at least 18 people. The Philippines is considered to be a hazard hotspot. As well as suffering from regular typhoons, it also suffers from flooding, landslides, volcanoes and earthquakes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-15086050

Gender Equality still has a long way to go.

Despite women receiving the right to vote last week, a Saudi women was today sentenced to ten lashes for driving a car in Jeddah. The organisation women2drive is currently championing the rights of Saudi women to be able to drive.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15079620

Development and the Environment

Bolivia is currently having an impassioned debate over national development and the protection of the environment. The Bolivian government has started to build a new road that the President Evo Morales says is essential for the economic development of the country. However, the road cuts through a National Park, causing deforestation, pollution and damage to areas inhabited by indigenous groups. After ongoing protests the President has agreed to hold a referendum on the building of the new road.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15065442

Saudi women took one small step to equality when they were given the right to vote in municipal elections and be elected to sit on the Shura Council. Even though this is a step in the right direction, Saudi women still have a long way to go until they are treated equally and fairly. Women are still not allowed to drive or leave the country without a male member of their family.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15052030

In India the country's main planning body has come into criticism for suggesting that half a dollar a day is adequate for villagers to live on and buy food, water, education and healthcare. In cities they have suggested that 66 cents is adequate. Currently about 37% of India live below the poverty line and critics have argued that this is an attempt to artificially reduce these figure and reduce welfare payments. Critics have said that these new figures completely ignoring the rising cost of living with inflation hitting nearly 10%.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-14998248

People in the Philippines have found a great way to save money and save electricity. Electricity in the Philippines is the most expensive in Asia, accounting for a significant proportion of poor peoples expenditure. One budding entrepreneur has overcome the problem using only a small piece of metal, a plastic bottle and water (cost about $1). By filling the plastic water bottle with water and putting through the roof of the house, light naturally refracted around the room, stopping the need for artificial light and paying for electricity.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14967535

In the UK the courts have give permission for the local government to evict up to 400 travellers from a plot that they own. The plot of land is a brownfield site, but it is also located in the rural-urban fringe. The council wants to evict the travellers for failing to get proper planning permission.

This is an interesting story in terms of the debate about developments on brownfield sites and the rural-urban fringe.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-14983284

In L'Aquila, Italy six scientists are currently being prosecuted for allegedly giving false information about the likelihood of an earthquake in L'Aquila. Prosecutors say that the scientists underestimated the risk and made reassuring statements. The defendents have pointed out that it is impossible to predict earthquakes.

More than 309 people were killed in the 6.9 magnitude earthquake of 2009.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14981921

On your day off yesterday you may have felt a small earthquake. The USGS (US Geological Survey) had recorded the earthquake on their website within ten minutes. The epicentre of the earthquake was in Guatemala near the El Salvador border, about 100km from Santa Tecla. The earthquake measured 5.8 on the Richter Scale.

After the main earthquake there were two smaller earthquakes. One person was killed in the earthquakes.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usc0005wx9.php

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/19/world/americas/guatemala-earthquake/index.html?hpt=ila_c2

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