In The News

Japan Poised to Be the Global Green Leader

Nathan Gardels June 26, 2008
Japan is not waiting for other counties to reduce carbon emissions or reliance on fossil fuels – and that firm commitment on environmental protection positions the country to take the lead at the G-8 summit in July. Japan has moved in many directions, developing many technologies to conserve energy. For instance, Japan’s companies design and manufacture the world’s most popular hybrid cars, and...

On the Campaign Trail

June 24, 2008
Whatever the result of November’s election, most observers expect the next US president to be more science-friendly than George W. Bush. Both Barack Obama and John McCain are expected to repeal Bush’s curbs on stem-cell research and step up the fight against climate change. Of course, the two men differ on some details of science-related issues. The most important test of the candidates is not a...

In Nigeria, Oil Wealth Delivers Grief

Salil Tripathi June 10, 2008
Overdependence on oil is dangerous for both customers and producers: The soaring price of oil derivatives and transportation brings home the danger to the customer; but some producers are not immune either, as corruption, neglect and resulting conflict take their toll. Nigeria, fifth largest producer with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, is a case in point, explains analyst...

Grubs Up! Scientists Keen to Get Us Eating Bugs

Geoffrey Lean June 6, 2008
As food shortages emerge in some nations and prices climb, scientists offer a solution – eating insects, plentiful and diverse. Insects, with ample protein and nutrients, are on the menu for more than 100 countries of the world, reports Geoffrey Lean for the Independent. With their vegetarian diets, insects are a healthy choice for humans; bountiful in nature, insects are also healthy for the...

In Spain, Water Is a New Battleground

Elisabeth Rosenthal June 6, 2008
The southern region of Spain looks lush and green, with farms and golf courses, but that could be temporary as the country runs short of fresh water. “Swaths of southeast Spain are steadily turning into desert, a process spurred on by global warming and poorly planned development,” writes Elisabeth Rosenthal for the New York Times. Regional success and a building boom have put pressure on water...

To Cope With Oil Shock, Emulate Japan

Dilip Hiro June 3, 2008
The world has become too dependent on oil for security and comfort. Conflicts leading to disruptions in oil supply were behind past price shocks, but the most recent shock has been largely spurred by tightening supply and rising demand from emerging economies, explains historian and journalist Dilip Hiro. Plenty of buyers, armed with cash, eye diminishing natural resources. With no short-term...

How to Do Guilt-Free Business With Beijing

Michael Skapinker June 2, 2008
China’s push to develop its economy and improve the standard of living for its billion-plus population has not been without problems, including pollution, corruption, human-rights violations, and cover-ups through media censorship. Hosting the Olympics has invited attention on both economic success and the problems – not just for China but also for the many companies that do business there....