In The News

Global Warming Is Real and Has Consequences – Part II

Pavin Chachavalpongpun April 6, 2012
Climate-change naysayers claim that shifting from fossil fuels to alternative energies is unnecessary or too costly for economies. Yet, the cost of climate change is clearly evident. Manufacturers are considering moving from Thailand and other countries threatened by flooding and other forces related to climate change, according to Pavin Chachavalpongpun, associate professor at the Centre for...

Nuclear Power Goes Rogue

Henry Sokolski November 30, 2011
The Fukushima nuclear accident has imposed immense ripple effects throughout the global nuclear power industry. Fukushima presents a clear example of the dangers and costs of nuclear power – Japanese officials have pegged the cost of the Fukushima accident at $64 billion. As many in the developed world are reconsidering nuclear power as part of their energy strategy, nuclear suppliers turn to the...

How Space Technology Aids a Flood Response

November 4, 2011
Increasing accuracy of weather predictions has saved countless lives, and now satellite mapping that monitors flooding is doing the same, reports IRIN, a United Nations news service. During disasters, countries without technology can obtain access to satellite programs free of charge. Since 2000, such access has been requested more than 130 times, most often for flooding. UN agencies provide...

UN Report Ties Climate Change to Extreme Weather

Marlowe Hood November 4, 2011
The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change of the United Nations has released a draft report that anticipates a rise in record-setting storms, floods and temperatures. The report’s release is Nov 18, reports AFP, but “the overall picture that emerges is one of enhanced volatility and frequency of dangerous weather, leading in turn to a sharply increased risk for large swathes of humanity in...

Floods Threaten Global Trade Hub

Pavin Chachavalpongpun October 24, 2011
Monsoon rains and typhoons have contributed to record flooding that saturates Thailand. Bangkok is under threat even as authorities try to relieve pressure by reinforcing levees, draining fields and releasing floodwaters into the sea. Most of Thailand is affected with rice fields submerged, food prices climbing, and supply-chain operations of multinational firms like Western Digital and Toyota...

Economic Fixes Should Not Worsen Environmental Crisis

Dodo J. Thampapillai October 19, 2011
During economic crises, political leaders often urge suspension of environmental protections to save jobs. That is a mistake, argues economist Dodo J. Thampapillai, with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, because the economy ultimately depends on a healthy environment and sustainable use of resources. The current financial crisis presents an opportunity...

Japan in a Post 3/11 World – Part II

John Berthelsen October 7, 2011
Disasters present new beginning and perspectives with the need to build anew. Whether vowing to rebuild and replicate or relocate, those reviving Japan will strive for security and improvements. This YaleGlobal series explores the transformative effects of spring’s earthquake-tsunami on Japanese politics, energy policy and business. The disaster has prompted Japanese manufacturers to scout Asia...