In The News

Adieu, Atlantic Blue Fin Tuna?

Alex David Rogers March 17, 2010
The Atlantic blue fin tuna risks extinction thanks to overfishing and poor global governance, according ocean expert Alex David Rogers. To add insult to injury, recent proposals to ban all international trade in the fish are being rejected by Japan, the largest consumer. Japan’s decision could significantly undermine the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and deal a...

Europe's Green Diplomacy

Sascha Müller-Kraenner and Martin Kremer March 11, 2010
After Copenhagen, Europe learned that leading by example is not enough. Lacking the power of a China or a US in the environment debate, Europe will need to balance shifting alliances in a multipolar world to combat climate change. Such green diplomacy is even more important in an interconnected world where climate change affects not only the environment but also economic growth, energy supply,...

Japan Objects to Proposed Bluefin Ban

Yuka Hayashi March 9, 2010
The global body that sets policy for endangered species is facing a challenge from Japan over a proposal to limit the number of bluefin tuna that can be traded. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is alarmed by declining bluefin stocks and will consider a proposal to ban the export of the fish. But Japan consumes about three-quarters of the world's bluefin...

Recycling Precious Metals

Axel Bojanowski March 3, 2010
Old electronic devices contain a wealth of gold and silver that can often be recovered at a higher rate than most extant mines. But this electronic trash is going to waste. Most developing nations lack the infrastructure to recycle old technology products, while in developed nations most of the precious metals don’t re-enter the production cycle. In the European Union, electronic producers are...

Sands Shifting for Africa's Nomadic Herders

February 12, 2010
A recent study undertaken by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) found that African pastoralists produce goods more efficiently than their peers who practice “modern” farming techniques. For example, while cattle ranchers specialize solely in meat, pastoralists utilize their cattle's milk and blood, and produce manure from their excrement. Moreover,...

After Copenhagen: Climate Action Goes Local

R. Sean Randolph January 29, 2010
A large consensus has formed that developing countries, China and India in particular, hamstrung the Copenhagen Climate Conference. While these countries may have refused to submit to certain emissions targets, this does not mean they are not making vast strides in attempting to avert climate change, according to President & CEO of the Bay Area Council Economics Institute R. Sean Randolph....

Climate Of Politics

Nayan Chanda January 22, 2010
The Copenhagen conference seemed to reveal more about the current global balance of power than to resolve how to mitigate climate change. The US turned its back on Europe to get a chance to measure developing countries’ emission reduction efforts. While Europe’s attempt to mandate a 50 percent emissions cut was blocked principally by China, supported by India, Brazil, and South Africa. The reason...