Thursday, December 9, 2010
Business Week: A Town Torn Apart by Nestle
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_15/b4079042498703.htm
"How a deal for a bottled water plant set off neighbor against neighbor in struggling McCloud, Calif."
"How a deal for a bottled water plant set off neighbor against neighbor in struggling McCloud, Calif."
Denver Post: Nestle plan sets off water wars
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_11974140
From the Denver Post: "In Salida, CO, a plan to suck, truck and bottle Arkansas Valley spring water has residents here crusading against the world's largest food and beverage company."
From the Denver Post: "In Salida, CO, a plan to suck, truck and bottle Arkansas Valley spring water has residents here crusading against the world's largest food and beverage company."
Bottled Water is Money Down the Drain: Researchers
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/health/Bottled-Water-is-Money-Down-the-Drain-Researchers-.html
NBC New York reports: "Consumers know less about the water they pay dearly for in bottles than what they can drink almost for free from the tap because the two are regulated differently, congressional investigators and nonprofit researchers say in new reports".
NBC New York reports: "Consumers know less about the water they pay dearly for in bottles than what they can drink almost for free from the tap because the two are regulated differently, congressional investigators and nonprofit researchers say in new reports".
Forbes: The Water-Industrial Complex
http://www.forbes.com/2008/05/13/water-electricity-industry-biz-energy-cx_bp_0514water.html
From Forbes.Com: "Like oil, water is an essential part of doing business in almost every industry, and unexpected shortages can trigger potentially catastrophic consequences. The trouble for investors: Companies disclose very little if any information about their exposure to water-related risks."
From Forbes.Com: "Like oil, water is an essential part of doing business in almost every industry, and unexpected shortages can trigger potentially catastrophic consequences. The trouble for investors: Companies disclose very little if any information about their exposure to water-related risks."
Water for Farming: Running Dry
http://www.economist.com/node/12260907
From this article published in the Economist: "MOST people may drink only two litres of water a day, but they consume about 3,000 if the water that goes into their food is taken into account. The rich gulp down far more, since they tend to eat more meat, which takes far more water to produce than grains. So as the world’s population grows and incomes rise, farmers will—if they use today’s methods—need a great deal more water to keep everyone fed: 2,000 more cubic kilometres a year by 2030, according to the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a research centre, or over a quarter more than they use today. Yet in many farming regions, water is scarce and likely to get scarcer as global warming worsens. The world is facing not so much a food crisis as a water crisis, argues Colin Chartres, IWMI’s director-general."
From this article published in the Economist: "MOST people may drink only two litres of water a day, but they consume about 3,000 if the water that goes into their food is taken into account. The rich gulp down far more, since they tend to eat more meat, which takes far more water to produce than grains. So as the world’s population grows and incomes rise, farmers will—if they use today’s methods—need a great deal more water to keep everyone fed: 2,000 more cubic kilometres a year by 2030, according to the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a research centre, or over a quarter more than they use today. Yet in many farming regions, water is scarce and likely to get scarcer as global warming worsens. The world is facing not so much a food crisis as a water crisis, argues Colin Chartres, IWMI’s director-general."
NY Times Video: Water Woes in India (Part 1)
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2006/09/28/world/1194817098866/part-1-water-woes-in-india.html
A video from New York Times: "Indians are lacking basic services like water and sewage disposal. The Times's Somini Sengupta tours the noxious Yamuna river and the slums lining its banks."
A video from New York Times: "Indians are lacking basic services like water and sewage disposal. The Times's Somini Sengupta tours the noxious Yamuna river and the slums lining its banks."
Water Privitization in South Africa, Victory and Reversal
http://www.thehealthculture.com/2010/11/water-privatization-in-south-africa-victory-and-reversal/
An article from Jan Henderson's "The Health Culture" that describes the lawsuit five citizens of Johannesburg's Phiri district brought against the city of Johannesburg that "challenged the use of prepaid meters in a lawsuit. They claimed the practice violated South Africa’s basic water policy of a constitutionally guaranteed right to water."
An article from Jan Henderson's "The Health Culture" that describes the lawsuit five citizens of Johannesburg's Phiri district brought against the city of Johannesburg that "challenged the use of prepaid meters in a lawsuit. They claimed the practice violated South Africa’s basic water policy of a constitutionally guaranteed right to water."
Friction Films: Water Is Ours
http://frictionfilms.blip.tv/
From the film's literature: "On September 2 and 3, 2009, the Constitutional Court of South Africa will hear the final appeal in a case brought by five Soweto residents challenging Johannesburg's discriminatory prepaid water meter system. Their six-year legal battle would reaffirm the constitutional right to water for all South Africans. Low-income communities in Johannesburg's townships do not have sufficient water resources and do not receive the same water services as residents in wealthier, often white, suburbs. Yet, the Bill of Rights of South Africa guarantees everyone's right to have access to sufficient water.
Diverse forces have come together in this powerful people's movement -- from community mobilisation to self-organised water services to legal action. Together, they have already won a historic High Court victory and empowered people to remove prepaid water meters and reconnect to free water, despite threats of criminalisation. In this spirit the film above, Amanzi Ngawethu (Water Is Ours), brings together protest songs, photos and video from people and organisations who are working in solidarity to reclaim human dignity and human rights. It was made by Christina Hotz of Friction Films."
From the film's literature: "On September 2 and 3, 2009, the Constitutional Court of South Africa will hear the final appeal in a case brought by five Soweto residents challenging Johannesburg's discriminatory prepaid water meter system. Their six-year legal battle would reaffirm the constitutional right to water for all South Africans. Low-income communities in Johannesburg's townships do not have sufficient water resources and do not receive the same water services as residents in wealthier, often white, suburbs. Yet, the Bill of Rights of South Africa guarantees everyone's right to have access to sufficient water.
Diverse forces have come together in this powerful people's movement -- from community mobilisation to self-organised water services to legal action. Together, they have already won a historic High Court victory and empowered people to remove prepaid water meters and reconnect to free water, despite threats of criminalisation. In this spirit the film above, Amanzi Ngawethu (Water Is Ours), brings together protest songs, photos and video from people and organisations who are working in solidarity to reclaim human dignity and human rights. It was made by Christina Hotz of Friction Films."
Free Doc: Darwins' Nightmare
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9039818938732594749#http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9039818938732594749#
From Wikipedia: "Darwin's Nightmare is a 2004 French-Belgian-Austrian documentary film written and directed by Hubert Sauper, dealing with the environmental and social effects of the fishing industry around Lake Victoria in Tanzania. It premiered at the 2004 Venice Film Festival, and was nominated for the 2006 Academy Award for Documentary Feature at the 78th Academy Awards.The Boston Globe called it "the year's best documentary about the animal world."
From Wikipedia: "Darwin's Nightmare is a 2004 French-Belgian-Austrian documentary film written and directed by Hubert Sauper, dealing with the environmental and social effects of the fishing industry around Lake Victoria in Tanzania. It premiered at the 2004 Venice Film Festival, and was nominated for the 2006 Academy Award for Documentary Feature at the 78th Academy Awards.The Boston Globe called it "the year's best documentary about the animal world."
Photo Essay: Losing Our Lakes!
http://www.newsweek.com/photo/2008/02/13/losing-our-lakes.html
From Newsweek: "Large and small bodies of water from Australia to Chile to China to Kenya to Central Asia to South Carolina are sadly deteriorating because of drought, global warming, chemical pollution, increased water demand, excessive fishing and other factors. A look at some of the lakes most at risk."
From Newsweek: "Large and small bodies of water from Australia to Chile to China to Kenya to Central Asia to South Carolina are sadly deteriorating because of drought, global warming, chemical pollution, increased water demand, excessive fishing and other factors. A look at some of the lakes most at risk."
Nat Geo: Water Crisis Looms in South Africa
http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/news/chiefeditor/2010/11/water-crisis-looms-in-south-africa.html
Part of a special National Geographic report of the world water crisis: "Awareness of the world's mounting freshwater troubles has bubbled to the top of South Africa's political agenda. Briefings by experts on the over-use and abuse of the country's water supplies have so alarmed some labor unions that they are threatening strike action unless the government takes active steps to divert the crisis. The business community is no less concerned. They too have come out of briefings deeply worried that the water situation would undermine the country's development if it continued along the present course."
Part of a special National Geographic report of the world water crisis: "Awareness of the world's mounting freshwater troubles has bubbled to the top of South Africa's political agenda. Briefings by experts on the over-use and abuse of the country's water supplies have so alarmed some labor unions that they are threatening strike action unless the government takes active steps to divert the crisis. The business community is no less concerned. They too have come out of briefings deeply worried that the water situation would undermine the country's development if it continued along the present course."
NatGeo: Alarming Amazon Drought
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/12/photogalleries/101206-freshwater-amazon-drought-pictures/
Beautifully shot photos say a lot more then essays!
From National Geographic: "Hard-hit by a months-long drought, a waterway within the Amazon Basin trickles to a halt in Manaus, Brazil, on November 19. The Negro River, a major tributary of the Amazon River, dropped to a depth of about 46 feet—the lowest point since record-keeping began in 1902. About 60,000 people in the Amazon have gone hungry as falling river levels paralyzed transport and fishing. Millions of dead fish have also contaminated rivers, leading to a shortage of clean drinking water"
Beautifully shot photos say a lot more then essays!
From National Geographic: "Hard-hit by a months-long drought, a waterway within the Amazon Basin trickles to a halt in Manaus, Brazil, on November 19. The Negro River, a major tributary of the Amazon River, dropped to a depth of about 46 feet—the lowest point since record-keeping began in 1902. About 60,000 people in the Amazon have gone hungry as falling river levels paralyzed transport and fishing. Millions of dead fish have also contaminated rivers, leading to a shortage of clean drinking water"
NatGeo: Cocaine, Spice, Hormones Found in Drinking Water
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/11/091112-drinking-water-cocaine/
"Cocaine in my tap water? No way!" Actually yes, says National Geographic: "The water flowing from your tap might be spiked with some unusual ingredients, according to scientists who are investigating what lurks in our freshwater supplies. Around the world, researchers are finding trace amounts of substances—from heroine and cardamon to rocket fuel and birth control—that might be having unintended consequences for humans and wildlife alike." Gross.
"Cocaine in my tap water? No way!" Actually yes, says National Geographic: "The water flowing from your tap might be spiked with some unusual ingredients, according to scientists who are investigating what lurks in our freshwater supplies. Around the world, researchers are finding trace amounts of substances—from heroine and cardamon to rocket fuel and birth control—that might be having unintended consequences for humans and wildlife alike." Gross.
IGRAC Movie: Groundwater without Borders
http://www.youtube.com/user/IGRACmovies#p/a/u/2/zJrj24shS_A
From Groundwater-A borderline case: "Groundwater, like water on the surface, flows and doesn't recognize nation's borders. 145 countries worldwide share aquifers. Without the proper information the necessary management are hard to realize."
From Groundwater-A borderline case: "Groundwater, like water on the surface, flows and doesn't recognize nation's borders. 145 countries worldwide share aquifers. Without the proper information the necessary management are hard to realize."
International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre
http://www.igrac.net/
From the website: "The World's groundwater resources are of key importance to sustainable development. However, making full benefit from the available groundwater resources and controlling effectively the ubiquitous groundwater-related problems are very demanding tasks. Sharing groundwater information and experience on a world-wide scale would be of great help in this respect. This is what IGRAC supports and promotes."
From the website: "The World's groundwater resources are of key importance to sustainable development. However, making full benefit from the available groundwater resources and controlling effectively the ubiquitous groundwater-related problems are very demanding tasks. Sharing groundwater information and experience on a world-wide scale would be of great help in this respect. This is what IGRAC supports and promotes."
Hydro Politics in the Arab World
http://www.worldpress.org/Mideast/3591.cfm
From WorldPress.org: "Concerns about water—a less celebrated resource in the Middle East—have always been latent, lying beneath the surface and quietly shaping geo-political events in the region. In the future, "blue gold" will become so increasingly precious that, much like the black gold of today, water will no longer play a latent role, but will instead be an integral part of the region's political agenda."
From WorldPress.org: "Concerns about water—a less celebrated resource in the Middle East—have always been latent, lying beneath the surface and quietly shaping geo-political events in the region. In the future, "blue gold" will become so increasingly precious that, much like the black gold of today, water will no longer play a latent role, but will instead be an integral part of the region's political agenda."
E360 Video Report: When the Water Ends-Africa's Climate Conflicts
http://e360.yale.edu/feature/when_the_water_ends_africas_climate_conflicts/2331/
Now E360 takes us to the African continent: “When the Water Ends,” a 16-minute video produced by Yale Environment 360 in collaboration with MediaStorm, tells the story of the clashes between Kenyan and Ethiopian pastoralists that represent 'some of the world’s first climate-change conflicts' and the increasingly dire drought conditions facing parts of East Africa."
Now E360 takes us to the African continent: “When the Water Ends,” a 16-minute video produced by Yale Environment 360 in collaboration with MediaStorm, tells the story of the clashes between Kenyan and Ethiopian pastoralists that represent 'some of the world’s first climate-change conflicts' and the increasingly dire drought conditions facing parts of East Africa."
E360: The Damming of the Mekong
http://e360.yale.edu/feature/the_damming_of_the_mekong_major_blow_to_an_epic_river/2162/
Another great Yale Environment 360 essay by Fred Pearce: "The Mekong has long flowed freely, supporting one of the world’s great inland fisheries. But China is now building a series of dams on the 2,800-mile river that will restrict its natural flow and threaten the sustenance of tens of millions of Southeast Asians."
Another great Yale Environment 360 essay by Fred Pearce: "The Mekong has long flowed freely, supporting one of the world’s great inland fisheries. But China is now building a series of dams on the 2,800-mile river that will restrict its natural flow and threaten the sustenance of tens of millions of Southeast Asians."
E360: Does Egypt Own the Nile?
http://e360.yale.edu/content/feature.msp?id=2297
From Yale's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies: "A dispute between Egypt and upstream African nations has brought to the fore a long-standing controversy over who has rights to the waters of the Nile. The outcome could have profound consequences for the ecological health of the river and for one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands."
From Yale's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies: "A dispute between Egypt and upstream African nations has brought to the fore a long-standing controversy over who has rights to the waters of the Nile. The outcome could have profound consequences for the ecological health of the river and for one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands."
Fast Company: Desalinization
http://www.fastcompany.com/1686239/china-water-crisis-south-north-water-transfer-project-three-gorges-dam
The progressive magazine Fast Company posits a realistic desalinization solution to the world's water crisis. Is it feasible? Find out here.
The progressive magazine Fast Company posits a realistic desalinization solution to the world's water crisis. Is it feasible? Find out here.
China Real Time Report: Mixed Grade for Water Diversion Relocation
http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2010/08/26/mixed-grade-for-water-diversion-relocation/
Another mass relocation? From Wall Street Journals' China Real Time Report: "Some 330,000 people are being relocated to expand the Danjiangkou Reservoir in central China’s Hubei province as part of a massive and controversial project to divert water from southern China along three canals to the north. The South-to-North Water Transfer Project is estimated to cost $62 billion — far more than even the Three Gorges Dam."
Another mass relocation? From Wall Street Journals' China Real Time Report: "Some 330,000 people are being relocated to expand the Danjiangkou Reservoir in central China’s Hubei province as part of a massive and controversial project to divert water from southern China along three canals to the north. The South-to-North Water Transfer Project is estimated to cost $62 billion — far more than even the Three Gorges Dam."
National Geographic: Can China save the Yellow—its Mother River?
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/05/china/yellow-river/larmer-text
"The proliferation of factories, farms, and cities—all products of China's spectacular economic boom is sucking the Yellow River dry. What water remains is being poisoned." That's the essence of this National Geographic report, complete with beautifully rendered photographs. Will China inadvertently destroy the Yellow river, on which its agricultural sector so depends? Read and find out!
"The proliferation of factories, farms, and cities—all products of China's spectacular economic boom is sucking the Yellow River dry. What water remains is being poisoned." That's the essence of this National Geographic report, complete with beautifully rendered photographs. Will China inadvertently destroy the Yellow river, on which its agricultural sector so depends? Read and find out!
NY Times: Choking on Growth
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2007/09/28/world/asia/choking_on_growth_2.html
China's exponential growth is putting an enormous strain on its natural resources. This New York Times article outlines the rapid decrease in groundwater as growing cities, agriculture and industry all compete for a limited supply of water and what will happen when that supply runs out. Part of an excellent ten part series on China called "Choking on Growth".
China's exponential growth is putting an enormous strain on its natural resources. This New York Times article outlines the rapid decrease in groundwater as growing cities, agriculture and industry all compete for a limited supply of water and what will happen when that supply runs out. Part of an excellent ten part series on China called "Choking on Growth".
International Rivers: About Dams
http://www.internationalrivers.org/en/node/287
In order to educate the public about dams, structural entities that many people perceive as entirely positive, International Rivers has created this webpage that provides fact sheets and links about the negative consequences of dam building and the reasons why we need to rethink our water infrastructure.
In order to educate the public about dams, structural entities that many people perceive as entirely positive, International Rivers has created this webpage that provides fact sheets and links about the negative consequences of dam building and the reasons why we need to rethink our water infrastructure.
Human Rights Violations Dammed Off at Three Gorges
http://www.internationalrivers.org/en/china/three-gorges-dam/human-rights-dammed-three-gorges
If you liked what you saw on the International Rivers home page, then you'll want to read this in-depth eyewitness report documenting human rights violations and forced migrations associated with the creation of the Three Gorges Dam. Now in PDF form!
If you liked what you saw on the International Rivers home page, then you'll want to read this in-depth eyewitness report documenting human rights violations and forced migrations associated with the creation of the Three Gorges Dam. Now in PDF form!
International Rivers: Three Gorges Dam
http://www.internationalrivers.org/china/three-gorges-dam
Part of the webpage of grassroots organization International Rivers, this overview of the massive human rights catastrophe that is the Three Gorges Dam provides link after link of startling facts and stories, in the form of photos, videos, fact pages, and essays. Find out how dams displace hundreds of thousands and destroy ecosystems!
Part of the webpage of grassroots organization International Rivers, this overview of the massive human rights catastrophe that is the Three Gorges Dam provides link after link of startling facts and stories, in the form of photos, videos, fact pages, and essays. Find out how dams displace hundreds of thousands and destroy ecosystems!
BBC: World Water Crisis Map
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/world/2000/world_water_crisis/default.stm
A great tool for students, this interactive hyperlink map allows you to click on any part of the world and find out what water conflicts are going on there! Being a dilletante in the world of water law and conflict, this map helped me see the big picture (no pun intended). It also divides research time half! So easy!
A great tool for students, this interactive hyperlink map allows you to click on any part of the world and find out what water conflicts are going on there! Being a dilletante in the world of water law and conflict, this map helped me see the big picture (no pun intended). It also divides research time half! So easy!
International Water Law Project
http://www.internationalwaterlaw.org/
An incredibly comprehensive, up to date resource.
PR Blurb: "The mission of the International Water Law Project (IWLP) is to serve as the premier resource on the Internet for international water law and policy issues. Its purpose is to educate and provide relevant resources to the public and to facilitate cooperation over the world’s fresh water resources. As the subject evolves and develops, the IWLP will continue to update its pages and databases."
An incredibly comprehensive, up to date resource.
PR Blurb: "The mission of the International Water Law Project (IWLP) is to serve as the premier resource on the Internet for international water law and policy issues. Its purpose is to educate and provide relevant resources to the public and to facilitate cooperation over the world’s fresh water resources. As the subject evolves and develops, the IWLP will continue to update its pages and databases."
World Water Council
http://www.worldwatercouncil.org/
From the website: "The World Water Council was established in 1996 in response to increasing concern from the global community about world water issues. Its mission is to promote awareness, build political commitment and trigger action on critical water issues at all levels, including the highest decision-making level, to facilitate the efficient management and use of water in all its dimensions and on an environmentally sustainable basis. The WWC has been granted special consultative status by UNESCO and ECOSOC."
From the website: "The World Water Council was established in 1996 in response to increasing concern from the global community about world water issues. Its mission is to promote awareness, build political commitment and trigger action on critical water issues at all levels, including the highest decision-making level, to facilitate the efficient management and use of water in all its dimensions and on an environmentally sustainable basis. The WWC has been granted special consultative status by UNESCO and ECOSOC."
World Water- Pacific Institute
http://www.worldwater.org/
An off-shoot of the Pacific Insitute, "The World's Water" is a webpage "dedicated to providing information and resources to help protect and preserve fresh water around the globe." A great jumping off point for research, also provides lots of information about water conflicts around the globe.
An off-shoot of the Pacific Insitute, "The World's Water" is a webpage "dedicated to providing information and resources to help protect and preserve fresh water around the globe." A great jumping off point for research, also provides lots of information about water conflicts around the globe.
Leasing the Rain, William Finnegan
http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/bolivia/leasing.html
An essay by New Yorker writer William Finnegan "describes the intersection of global freshwater shortages and efforts to privatize utilities in third world countries." Supplemental material from the PBS Frontline report on the Cochabamba, Bolivia water crisis.
An essay by New Yorker writer William Finnegan "describes the intersection of global freshwater shortages and efforts to privatize utilities in third world countries." Supplemental material from the PBS Frontline report on the Cochabamba, Bolivia water crisis.
PBS Frontline: Cochambamba
http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/bolivia/thestory.html
Of the conflicts that have resulted from water privatization, the deadly riots in Cochabamba, Bolivia in 2000 is one of the most highly publicized. This PBS Frontline report follows "New Yorker writer William Finnegan as he travels to Cochabamba to learn about the water war and to see what lessons could be drawn about privatization, globalization and the growing anger in Latin America over economic inequality."
Of the conflicts that have resulted from water privatization, the deadly riots in Cochabamba, Bolivia in 2000 is one of the most highly publicized. This PBS Frontline report follows "New Yorker writer William Finnegan as he travels to Cochabamba to learn about the water war and to see what lessons could be drawn about privatization, globalization and the growing anger in Latin America over economic inequality."
Public Citizen: Pre-paid water meters
http://www.citizen.org/cmep/Water/humanright/meter/
Pre-paid water meters are a highly controversial method of collecting payment for water utilities, since they dispense water based on how much the customer is able to pay for in the instant of their need, not based on the need itself. Water meters are just one of the methods by which the World Bank encourages 3rd world to privatize its public utilities. This article, from Public Citizen, discusses the potential human rights violation that can issue from use of these systems and the impact on 3rd world populations.
Pre-paid water meters are a highly controversial method of collecting payment for water utilities, since they dispense water based on how much the customer is able to pay for in the instant of their need, not based on the need itself. Water meters are just one of the methods by which the World Bank encourages 3rd world to privatize its public utilities. This article, from Public Citizen, discusses the potential human rights violation that can issue from use of these systems and the impact on 3rd world populations.
Henry Mwebe's Masters Thesis at University of Pretoria
www.up.ac.za/dspace/bitstream/2263/1096/1/mwebe_h_1.pdf
The above link may or may not work. If it doesn't Google THE IMPACT OF PRIVATISATION ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC RIGHTS AND SERVICES and Henry Mwebe. You'll find a PDF version you can download.
It may be hard to fathom enjoying reading a masters thesis from six years ago, but after many hours of searching for a comprehensive portrayal of water privatization in South Africa, I was relieved to find Mr. Mwebe's paper online. He artfully lays out the pros and cons of privatization, and then sets the issue in the context of socio-economic ethics, using both realist logic and empathy to guide his critical response. A great resource for anyone attempting to understand the multi-faceted issue of privatization in South Africa.
The above link may or may not work. If it doesn't Google THE IMPACT OF PRIVATISATION ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC RIGHTS AND SERVICES and Henry Mwebe. You'll find a PDF version you can download.
It may be hard to fathom enjoying reading a masters thesis from six years ago, but after many hours of searching for a comprehensive portrayal of water privatization in South Africa, I was relieved to find Mr. Mwebe's paper online. He artfully lays out the pros and cons of privatization, and then sets the issue in the context of socio-economic ethics, using both realist logic and empathy to guide his critical response. A great resource for anyone attempting to understand the multi-faceted issue of privatization in South Africa.
What is The World Bank?
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/03/042303.asp
As a citizen of an increasingly interconnected world and as a person who wants to be aware of the social forces operating on their life, it's important to know who the key players in international economics and development are. At the top of the list: The World Bank. This "Investopedia" article gives straight facts on how the World Bank is set up, how it's run, whose leading it,as well as a brief outline of the pros and cons of its operation.
As a citizen of an increasingly interconnected world and as a person who wants to be aware of the social forces operating on their life, it's important to know who the key players in international economics and development are. At the top of the list: The World Bank. This "Investopedia" article gives straight facts on how the World Bank is set up, how it's run, whose leading it,as well as a brief outline of the pros and cons of its operation.
NPR Radio Report: World Bank, IMF Privatize Water Utilities
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=906163
An edifying NPR Morning Edition radio report that outlines the World Bank and IMF's push for 3rd world recipients of their loans to privatize their respective public utilities. The report doesn't get too in depth, but if you aren't familiar with issue of water privatization then it's a good way to get a basic overview. It also gives a fairly even keel portrayal of the situation, not banking too hard on rhetoric from either platform.
An edifying NPR Morning Edition radio report that outlines the World Bank and IMF's push for 3rd world recipients of their loans to privatize their respective public utilities. The report doesn't get too in depth, but if you aren't familiar with issue of water privatization then it's a good way to get a basic overview. It also gives a fairly even keel portrayal of the situation, not banking too hard on rhetoric from either platform.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Blood:Water Mission
http://www.bloodwatermission.com/
Founded by the Grammy-winning band, Jars of Clay, Blood:Water Mission began because the members of the band were committed to funding a late stage AIDS hospice and through that process realized the link between living with HIV/AIDS and the need for clean water. As a result, Blood:Water Mission launched the 1000 Wells Project in 2005 as a nation-wide effort to raise enough money to provide clean water and sanitation to 1000 communities in sub-Saharan Africa based on the equation that $1 provides one African with clean water for an entire year.
Also their website is a graphic design paradise.
Monday, November 8, 2010
A Strong Arguement from Vandana Shiva
http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/28/two_myths_that_keep_the_world_poor
An article by Dr Vandana Shiva, prominent physicist and environmental activist, in which she discusses the underlying causes of global poverty and why no amount of charity or donations from 1rst world nations or individuals is going to end the cycle of resource theft and destitution.
End Mountaintop Removal
http://www.ilovemountains.org/
Mountaintop removal coal mining, which essentially entails blasting off the top of a moutain with explosives to make the coal easier to reach, not creates one of the most toxic forms of energy, but it also destroys the communities that it occurs near, by poisoning their water, damaging their homes, and occasionally flooding entire valleys with sludge. I Love Mountains wants to spread the word about this destructive and violent practice that is continuously harming the lives of thousands of Americans!
Free Doc: Le Monde Selon Monsanto
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-world-according-to-monsanto/
Everybody loves to watch movies for free! Now you can learn something while you do it! A french documentary released in 2008, "The World According to Monsanto" shows us the how far the chemical corp has the US government in it's pocket and how its quest for profits is ruining ecosystems all over the globe and breaking the souls and bank accounts of farmers everywhere.
Delocator
http://www.delocator.net/index.php
The delocator is a nifty, if not especially consequential, web tool. You type in your zip code, chose a certain kind of retail (Coffee, books, music, etc., and the website will tell you where there is a nearby, non-corporate purveyor of said product. A tool like this could be particularly helpful if you've just moved to a new area and are interested in supported true local business. Unfortunately, it's not the most comprehensive listing ever, so you may or may not get the cream of the local crop.
The delocator is a nifty, if not especially consequential, web tool. You type in your zip code, chose a certain kind of retail (Coffee, books, music, etc., and the website will tell you where there is a nearby, non-corporate purveyor of said product. A tool like this could be particularly helpful if you've just moved to a new area and are interested in supported true local business. Unfortunately, it's not the most comprehensive listing ever, so you may or may not get the cream of the local crop.
Millions Against Monsanto
The chemical corporate giant Monsanto is well known for ruling the agricultural world with an iron fist, through patent law suits aimed at small families and other scare tactics. Millions Against Monsanto is a grassroots organization trying to create awareness about the drastic damaging effects of the company's corporate practices. The website is packed with information that anybody who eats (so everybody) should know!
SourceWatch
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=SourceWatch
I suppose it all depends on your politics, but personally my faith in corporate owned national media only goes so far. There are tons of documented cases of special interest groups and governments intervening in the media. So how is one to know what's true and what's total BS? That's where SourceWatch comes in. Published by the Center for Media and Democracy, SourceWatch is a "collaborative specialized encyclopedia of the corporate front groups, PR teams, "experts," industry-friendly groups, and think tanks trying to influence public opinion on behalf of corporations or government agencies, highlighting key public policies they are trying to affect and providing ways to get involved." They also give you strategies on researching front groups and uncovering propaganda! Thanks!
I suppose it all depends on your politics, but personally my faith in corporate owned national media only goes so far. There are tons of documented cases of special interest groups and governments intervening in the media. So how is one to know what's true and what's total BS? That's where SourceWatch comes in. Published by the Center for Media and Democracy, SourceWatch is a "collaborative specialized encyclopedia of the corporate front groups, PR teams, "experts," industry-friendly groups, and think tanks trying to influence public opinion on behalf of corporations or government agencies, highlighting key public policies they are trying to affect and providing ways to get involved." They also give you strategies on researching front groups and uncovering propaganda! Thanks!
Oceana
http://na.oceana.org/
Founded in 2001, Oceana is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. They have offices in North America, Central America, South America and Europe that house scientists, economists, lawyers and advocates, all collaborating on a set number of achievable initiatives intended to return the ocean to its former abundance. The website is very well laid out and engaging, making their platform and purpose immediately clear. It offers the usual spread of fact sheets, blogs, links, videos, photo galleries, as well as opportunities to participate in or donate to their worldwide projects.
Utne Reader
http://www.utne.com/environment.aspx
Billed as "the best of the alternative press" Utne reader's aim is to create conversation about anything and everything, from environmental news to economics, pop culture and literature. It's the perfect half step between the ignorant drivel that most popular magazines print and a full on topical journal. The website is like that of any other periodical, except you actually want to read the stories.
Grist!
http://www.grist.org/
Since 1999, based out of Seattle, Grist Magazine has been trying to combine humor and environmental news. It seems like an oxymoron, but actually it's great. The stories are all on point and they really are funny! They even have a "Clarity-O-Meter" that draws the real meaning from breaking green stories. Just like any other magazine, their website is divided up into segments, like politics, food, living, and business, except their content is consistently edgy, provocative and relevant!
Since 1999, based out of Seattle, Grist Magazine has been trying to combine humor and environmental news. It seems like an oxymoron, but actually it's great. The stories are all on point and they really are funny! They even have a "Clarity-O-Meter" that draws the real meaning from breaking green stories. Just like any other magazine, their website is divided up into segments, like politics, food, living, and business, except their content is consistently edgy, provocative and relevant!
Sierra Club
The website is http://www.sierraclub.org/
Founded by famous environmentalist John Muir in 1892, the Sierra Club is the oldest grassroots organization in the US. The Sierra Club has hundreds of thousands of members in chapters located throughout the US. The website gives you information about the club's current initiatives and how they are taking action, links you to a number of affiliated blogs, and gives lots of info about nature oriented trips and outings that are available, both locally and internationally.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
NRDC
Here's the link: http://www.nrdc.org/
And here's why you should click it.
"NRDC is the nation's most effective environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of 1.3 million members and online activists with the courtroom clout and expertise of more than 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals."
The NRDC website is a comprehensive resource that offers everything from profiles on pending environmental issues to investigative journalism, advice on how to create a green business model to analyzes of recent climate legislation. It's a good jumping off point for educating your self on all matters environmental, especially that important first step...finding out what the issues actually are.
Monday, October 4, 2010
(A3) Dow and "The Human Element"
Here is a commercial for Dow Chemical:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3byt7xMSCA&feature=player_embedded
From a purely pragmatic standpoint, I have to admit, this is a great commercial. For the first thirty seconds you can barely tell that it's advertising anything. Those beautiful shots! Those smiling faces! This could be the intro to Planet Earth! The copy is clever. The music is soothing. The pace of the editing is slow, which makes it feel like a thought provoking short film. Then right at the end...Dow chemical, a simple logo and then the commercial is over. They don't pitch their services or contributions endlessly. They just leave you with a good taste in your mouth, a taste you associate with Dow. You think Dow, you think conscientious and thoughtful. A job well done.
So how about Dow and the human element in the real world? Here are some facts that tarnish that carefully applied gloss:
-Dow! Creator of Agent Orange!
- "Union Carbide, a Dow subsidiary, was responsible for the world’s worst industrial disaster in Bhopal, India. Dow Chemical has never taken responsibility for or cleaned up the poisonous gas disaster in Bhopal, which killed 8,000 people within two weeks and caused the deaths of an additional 8,000 people in the years since due to gas-related diseases"(http://webecoist.com/2009/03/22/greenwash-worlds-worst-greenwashers/).
- "Dow Chemical refuses to clean up the dioxin contamination in the Tittabawasee and Saginaw Rivers in Michigan, claiming that scientific proof does not exist that dioxins are harmful to humans. Dow has been dumping these chemicals in the rivers for more than a century"(http://webecoist.com/2009/03/22/greenwash-worlds-worst-greenwashers/).
I notice this photo didn't make it into their commercial!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3byt7xMSCA&feature=player_embedded
From a purely pragmatic standpoint, I have to admit, this is a great commercial. For the first thirty seconds you can barely tell that it's advertising anything. Those beautiful shots! Those smiling faces! This could be the intro to Planet Earth! The copy is clever. The music is soothing. The pace of the editing is slow, which makes it feel like a thought provoking short film. Then right at the end...Dow chemical, a simple logo and then the commercial is over. They don't pitch their services or contributions endlessly. They just leave you with a good taste in your mouth, a taste you associate with Dow. You think Dow, you think conscientious and thoughtful. A job well done.
So how about Dow and the human element in the real world? Here are some facts that tarnish that carefully applied gloss:
-Dow! Creator of Agent Orange!
- "Union Carbide, a Dow subsidiary, was responsible for the world’s worst industrial disaster in Bhopal, India. Dow Chemical has never taken responsibility for or cleaned up the poisonous gas disaster in Bhopal, which killed 8,000 people within two weeks and caused the deaths of an additional 8,000 people in the years since due to gas-related diseases"(http://webecoist.com/2009/03/22/greenwash-worlds-worst-greenwashers/).
- "Dow Chemical refuses to clean up the dioxin contamination in the Tittabawasee and Saginaw Rivers in Michigan, claiming that scientific proof does not exist that dioxins are harmful to humans. Dow has been dumping these chemicals in the rivers for more than a century"(http://webecoist.com/2009/03/22/greenwash-worlds-worst-greenwashers/).
I notice this photo didn't make it into their commercial!
(A2) BP covers the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival!
So I don't know if this technically counts as greenwashing, but it is a perfect example of the kind of chicanery that BP churns out, something that will undoubtedly resurface in future entries. So, for your viewing pleasure:
http://bp.concerts.com/gom/louisianashrimpandpetroleumfest_090510.htm
Surely this must be the most ironic festival of all time, especially in the context of the oil spill, which has put the shrimp and petroleum industries at extreme odds in Louisiana and all along the Gulf.
The video is a simply a succession of specious claims strung together in order to make BP look like they have the community's best interests at heart. Images of people riding carousels with babes in their arms and going to mass outdoors are supposed to lull us into believing that all is well on the Gulf coast. We hear lots of sound bites from individuals hand picked and coached to make it appear that BP has been the heart and soul of the rehabilitation efforts, but the video shows no images of community betterment beyond eating kebabs and even the people on camera can barely muster up enough cheer to convince us they believe what they are saying.
Jonathan Burton, captain of Morgan City port, quotes "In the last five years, this area's gone through tremendous upheaval, starting with Hurricane Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and of course the spill is the latest for that, but at the same time, these people are used to bouncing back, they're used to taking things in stride, handling it and moving on," and Lee Delaune, the festival's organizer, tentatively ventures "Morgan City is full of shrimp this weekend!", but of course he fails to mention that all that shrimp for this year's festival is coming from the east coast.
"If something happens wrong, we fix it!" asserts Tom Mhire, BP's community outreach coordinator, at the end of the video. Perhaps Mr. Mhire could be correct if one's definition of "fix" is to spend money desperately needed to clean up the Gulf on a comprehensive whitewashing campaign whose veneer of legitimacy is so thin even the people who made it don't buy it.
(A1) TXU Energy Earth Day!
Here's what Wikipedia has to say about TXU:
"Energy Future Holdings Corporation is an electric utility company headquartered in Energy Plaza in Downtown Dallas, Texas, United States. The company was known as TXU until its $45 billion leveraged buyout by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Texas Pacific Group and Goldman Sachs. That purchase was the largest leveraged buyout in history."
So what to make of this commercial?
http://wn.com/TXU_Energy_Earth_Day_Commercial
On top of that, this coal burning conglomerate is also putting on its second annual Earth Day festival in Houston. The festival, which features a 5k run, as well as number of performances by local cover bands, professes to "focus on the merits of mindful, sustainable living while educating and encouraging Houstonians to preserve, conserve and enhance our city and the Earth". First, on a superficial level, how does a 5k run focus on the merits of sustainable living? Also, I'm curious how much gas and electricity is consumed during a day long concert/expo for 10,000 people and whether or not the festival organizers are going to have to pay for that power? Sure there are compostable cups for the runners and you have a chance to win a hybrid car, but their "farmer's market" is sponsored by Sysco!
Therefore I call green-washing on this shindig. http://www.earthdayhouston.org/event-zones.php
Sunday, August 29, 2010
(A1) LG Eden
In case you can't read the tagline, it says "when we go green, we go all the way". This is an advertisement for LG Eden, a thermosetting acrylic countertop material.
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/09/greenwashing_yo.php
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Criteria
Web Weaving
Who or What are sources of
environmental information that you think
others should be aware of? And Why would
you recommend those sites or references?
These can be sites for organizations,
companies/businesses, government sites,
NGO’s, individuals, important publications,
projects, actions, petitions, etc. at the
local/regional/national/international level.
You should plan on identifying 60 such sites.
Your suggestions may be included in the
development of a web-weaving database
available to future students.
Ad and Product Journal:
With green becoming a critical
theme in business – what new ads do you see regarding
green and sustainability. What are the new environmentally
appropriate products and/or processes in your field? Are they
green or green washing? You need 40 examples in this
journal. And you will need to verify the claims of “being
green.”
Who or What are sources of
environmental information that you think
others should be aware of? And Why would
you recommend those sites or references?
These can be sites for organizations,
companies/businesses, government sites,
NGO’s, individuals, important publications,
projects, actions, petitions, etc. at the
local/regional/national/international level.
You should plan on identifying 60 such sites.
Your suggestions may be included in the
development of a web-weaving database
available to future students.
Ad and Product Journal:
With green becoming a critical
theme in business – what new ads do you see regarding
green and sustainability. What are the new environmentally
appropriate products and/or processes in your field? Are they
green or green washing? You need 40 examples in this
journal. And you will need to verify the claims of “being
green.”
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