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