In The News

Deforestation: The Hidden Cause of Global Warming

Daniel Howden May 19, 2008
Deforestation accounts for about 25 percent of carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. Reducing slash-and-burn techniques in the world’s rainforests could substantially slow climate change, suggests Daniel Howden for the Independent, in explaining a report from the Global Canopy Programme, an alliance of 29 scientific institutions in 19 countries. “No new technology is needed, says...

Polar Bear to Be Designated As Threatened Species

Ian Talley May 15, 2008
The Bush administration has shown little fervor for environmental protection, and only recently acknowledges that climate change has imperiled earth’s ecosystems. By designating the polar bear as a “threatened" species, President George Bush also acknowledges that thinning sea ice poses a threat to the bears’ long-term prospects for survival. Though polar bears are not yet listed as “...

Food for Thought

Nayan Chanda May 8, 2008
While trying to save the environment, businesses try new public relation campaigns, which may end up hurting the world’s poor. The British supermarket giant Tesco has resorted to putting labels on imported foods that indicate foreign origin and warn consumers that the product contributes to global warming. The company also adopted a "carbon labeling" system which shows the amount of...

The Threat of Global Food Shortages – Part II

Mira Kamdar May 7, 2008
The temptation is great to find a quick fix for the shortages and high prices associated with the global food crisis. Indeed, radical changes are needed in how the world produces and distributes food, otherwise substantial numbers will go hungry later this century. That is the grim conclusion of an international report initiated by the World Bank and the UN Food and Agricultural Organization....

The Threat of Global Food Shortages – Part I

C. Peter Timmer May 5, 2008
Climate change, reduced availability of land for agriculture, growing populations in the poorest parts of the world, increased demand from a growing middle class in China and India, rising fuel costs and development of biofuels are among the reasons cited for food shortages and high prices. This two-part YaleGlobal series explores the phenomenon that has been anticipated by global experts in...

Hurrah! Oil Profits Are Up

Carl Mortished May 2, 2008
Climbing oil prices contribute to higher costs for food and anything else that requires transport. But the higher prices also spark debate over oil dependence and the need for alternative fuels. People who want greater conservation and a cleaner environment should celebrate the high prices, argues Carl Mortished, because those change behavior. It’s no surprise that fossil fuels are a limited...

Climate Change and Tourism’s Winners and Losers

Eric Heymann May 2, 2008
Tourism is a major source of revenue and employment, particularly for the developing nations of the world. Historic monuments, sandy beaches, snow-covered mountains and tropical vegetation attract millions of tourists from rich countries seeking novelty and adventure while bringing in precious revenue. Well, all that may be changing. A major challenge awaiting the growing industry is climate...