Tag: global development
Computer scientist stages play to illustrate risk of overpopulation
A London-based scientist at Microsoft, and professor at Oxford University, was distressed that we never get a complete picture of the risks of climate change. But rather than merely talk about it, he turned the issue into a play that he's been performing solo in London and abroad....
Research into genetic modification of trees may enable more deforestation
Scientists are studying how to genetically modify desirable trees in order to make them more commercially beneficial. They say it will allow us to grow more productive trees on less land, protecting natural forests -- but environmentalists say it will just increase deforestation by giving businesses something better to do with the land....
King County in Washington trying to convert sewage to energy
King County wants to make you a deal. They'll give you access to their sewage for free. You just have to do something with it. If this sounds like a bit of a raw deal, hang on. That sewage is actually warm, and could become a source for clean, renewable heat for buildings....
Sri Lankan scientists create renewable batteries powered by plantain trees
About a quarter of all people worldwide live without electricity. For them, evenings and nights are spent by candlelight or kerosene lamp. But a group of scientists in Sri Lanka say they have found a creative way to bring simple electric lighting to rural households....
Researcher says rising corn prices could spark global food riots
The United States is the largest producer of one of the most world's important crops: corn. We use it to feed people, livestock and, when it's turned into ethanol, cars. But as the country faces the worst drought in more than 50 years, some experts say the U.S. can no longer afford to turn that food into fuel....
China turns to fracking to help meet growing energy demand
Hydraulic fracturing has recently emerged as an alternative source of energy in the United States. Now China, the world's largest energy consumer, is experimenting with it. The Chinese government hopes the controversial technology will help wean the country off dirty coal. ...
With Chinese immigration waning, U.S. Chinatowns are at a crossroads
Since Chinese immigrants first started coming to the United States in the mid 1800s, many have congregated, at least initially, in Chinatowns. But as immigration slows, and China's economy roars, that flow of immigrants is drying up. And that's meant Chinatowns across the country are facing changes....
Environmentalist says global climate catastrophe is inevitable without intervention
Catastrophic global warming can be staved off if humans can keep the climate from warming more than two degrees Celsius, and emit less than 565 Gigatons of carbon dioxide, some scientists believe. But environmentalist Bill McKibben says that's not enough. ...
Honduras looks to Hong Kong as a model for economic revitalization
Honduras' political leaders are hoping to jumpstart the country's flagging economy by separating one of the country's cities. A new law would allow the government to designate a city as a "charter city" subject to different laws and regulations and perhaps under some foreign supervision....
World powers battle for influence over Central Asia
Central Asia has long been the focus of tense geopolitical battles between world powers. The latest one started more than a decade ago, when the United States turned the region into a primary staging ground for its war in Afghanistan. A three-way struggle has since emerged between the U.S., China and Russia....
