Special Focus

Fall/Winter 2014, Vol. XXVI No.3-4

Table of Contents SPECIAL FOCUS: 1 SPECIAL FOCUS Family Planning Policy: a case study of FAMILY PLANNING POLICY: China and India A CASE STUDY OF CHINA AND INDIA 5 HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT The Implementation of Incineration for Waste Reduction Environmental Links to Breast Cancer Tackling the Fresh Water Crisis: a shared responsibility 12 FOOD FOR THOUGHT Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns 14 MORE FOOD FOR THOUGHT Implementing Renewable Sources of Energy in Developing Countries 16 DID YOU KNOW? Carbon Emissions: how the world’s worst offenders are making a change Granite Walls of Grand Central Station 17 GOOD NEWS Increase of Tiger Population in Nepal Approved Leukemia Drug: makes waves in cancer research KWIBUKA 20: remember. reunite. renew. Children are Finally Eating their: fruits and vegetables Panthera Programme Makes Strides to: save indigenous lives in ghana SOURCE: www.Census.Gov, 2012 19 MORE DID YOU KNOW? World Food Supply at Risk CHINA AND INDIA POPULATION GROWTH 19 VOICES 2026: CHINA GROWTH PEAKS AND INDIA OVERTAKES AS 23rd International Conference on LARGEST POPULATION IN THE WORLD Health and Enviroment: GLOBAL PARTNERS FOR GOBAL SOLUTIONS UN DPI/NGO Conference The linkages between contraception, climate change and human popula- UN General Assembly 69th Session tion with the environment are increasingly surfacing. From an era when such UN Climate Change Summit 2014 NY Climate Week discussions were disregarded during negotiations, they are now being met NERC Worshops in Environmental Science at Oxford University with interest. Finding evidence in reports, speeches and articles, synergies Nelson Mandela International Day 2014 between human health, population growth and the environment is gradually 22 POINT OF VIEW: approaching the status of a political priority. This article presents a compara- Investing in Internships: paid vs. unpaid tive analysis on the family planning policies adopted by the two most densely populated countries in the world - India and China. Offering policy recom-

Education brings choices. mendations and highlighting the key role family planning plays in resource Choices bring power. management, the article critically investigates the ‘One-Child’ policy of China

World Ecology Report and the National Population Program adopted by India. is printed on recycled paper. POPULATION POLICY ANALYSIS India: National Population Policy China: Successive five-year plans in India have provided the frame- Family Planning Policy work and funding for the development of the national Introduced in 1979 to alleviate social, economic and envi- healthcare system. In 1951, India was the first country in the ronmental problems in the People’s Republic of China, the world to introduce a family planning program. Subsequent- Family Planning Policy -- colloquially known as the ‘one child ly, the second and third five-year plans placed emphasis on policy’ -- is responsible for averting 200 million births be- establishing rural birth-control clinics, making birth control tween 1979-2009 . China, under the leadership of Chairman methods (apart from ‘the pill’) and sterilization available, Mao Zedong, witnessed a population growth of 400 mil- and promoting the use of IUDs and condoms. Despite all lion between the years 1949-76. Such escalation stemmed these efforts the population growth rate stood at 2.2% . from Mao’s belief that a large population empowered the country, thus discouraging family planning programs. In 1979, the pace of population growth proved overwhelm- ing, straining the nation’s natural resources and compelling Chinese leaders to mandate a nationwide policy on family planning. The policy dictates families to conceive only a single child per couple. However, the rule is subject to many exceptions and its implementation varies according to the different locations and regions of the country. In most rural areas, families are allowed to apply for a second child if only their first-born is female or suffers from physical disabilities, mental illness, or intellectual disability. Any additional children result in heavy fines; monetary penalties and the par- ents are often denied bonuses at their workplace .

Furthermore as of 2011, families in which either parent is a single sibling are allowed to have a second child. Foreigners and residents of the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau are exempt from the policy. In 2007, approximately 35.9% of China’s population was subject to the ‘one-child’ restriction. While there has been concern about the policy’s human rights violations and its indirect encour- agement of forced abortions, an imbalanced sex ratio and female infanticide, the Pew Research Centre reported that SOURCE: http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/indiaatglance.html Provisional population totals at a glance. Census of India 2011, Ministry 76% of the Chinese population supported the policy. of Home Affairs, Government of India Thereafter, the fourth five-year plan, espousing one of the most coercive sterilization programs ever, was initiated by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In 1976, the state of Rajasthan made sterilizations compulsory for men with more than two children. However, despite such efforts the population growth rate increased to only 2.37%. In 1990, major reforms were introduced where method-specific con- traceptive targets were abolished and emphasis shifted to decentralization of planning at the district level and implementation of programs to fulfil unmet needs. In 2000, the National Population Policy (NPP) articulated the new broad- based approach towards population stabilization and set out long-term policy goals. A National Population Commis- SOURCE: https://notevenpast.org/violating-the-rights-of-humans-one- sion was set up under the chairmanship of the Prime Minis- child-policy-in-china-1979/ Government sign in Tangshan Township: "For a prosperous, pow- ter to review, monitor and direct the implementation of the erful nation and a happy family, please practice family planning." NPP and to promote inter-sectorial coordination.

World InformationTransfer 2 World Ecology Report Fall-Winter 2014 The National Population Policy of India attempts to incor- protecting resources for future generations. While fam- porate accessible reproductive health care, increased out- ily planning programs have proven to aid development lay for and outreach of education, basic amenities such as in a country by limiting the over-exhaustion of its natural sanitation and clean water, empowerment of women and resources, such policies often encounter a social backlash provision for transport and communication for stabilizing and, therefore, remain relatively marginalized from political populations . China offers a more effective stance in fam- priorities. ily planning in comparison to the current state of affairs in India. However, while both countries adopt varying strate- POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS gies to curb population growth, one can observe a common mission: effective and adequate resource management. China: Alternative Methods IMPACT OF FAMILY PLANNING ON Critics who acknowledge challenges stemming from Chi- ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT na’s population policies suggest alternative, less intrusive methods. They uphold the notion that delayed and spaced Environmental Resource Management: births over an extended period of time would achieve simi- Environmental Resource Management is broadly defined as lar results. the protection of ecosystem services (services that directly benefit mankind). Contrary to popular misbelief that Envi- Principle and Practice ronmental Resource Management is the management of The ‘one-child’ policy has been the subject of much interna- the environment itself, it is rather the interaction and im- tional concern for being in violation of the Universal Dec- pact of human societies on the environment . Through anal- laration of Human Rights. As of 2011, the policy has been ysis of the economic and scientific variables, Environmental relaxed and many exceptions to the rule exist. Non-Han Citi- Resource Management strives to maintain the integrity of zens (minority groups) are permitted to conceive two chil- ecosystems and tries to identify the factors that bridge the dren as also couples who are, themselves, single siblings. gap between the demand for natural resources and their However, the rule is enforced primarily among the rural protection. populations as compared to their urban counterparts.

Family Planning and Environmental Resource Management Sex-based birth rate disparity The current international and political discourse on Climate The National Population and Family Planning Commission Change and Sustainable Development highlights the many estimates that there will be 30 million more men than wom- linkages between human settlement and growth on the en- en in 2020 that may lead to social instability and courtship- vironment. ‘Population’ is, indeed, related to but not identi- motivated emigration. The United Nations Fund for Popula- cal with family planning. Family planning is a basic health- tion activities strongly promotes the equality of males and care service aimed at improving the health and welfare of females in the country. women, children, families and communities. Population policies, on the other hand, aim to balance the country’s population size with economic and social development and the availability of natural resources. At the Family Plan- ning Summit of July 2012 a renewed commitment to meet the contraception needs of 120 million women worldwide was announced. Highlighting this trend is the growing momentum around family planning as a multi-benefit development strategy.

Environmental Resource Management in China and India All factors above indicate the importance of initiating family planning given its direct bearing on the environment. Currently, China supports 20% of the world’s population with 6% of the world’s freshwater resources and 9% of ar- able land . India, on the other hand, supports 17.5% of the world’s population on 2.4% of the world’s surface area of 1.35 million sq. Statistics such as these raise a conflict between meeting the needs of growing populations and SOURCE: United Nations Development Programme

World InformationTransfer World Ecology Report 3 Fall-Winter 2014 India: Outreach Fifth Session of Open Ended It is necessary for the government to develop partnerships Working Group on Ageing with environmental and family planning groups to access remote areas. Furthermore, communities should be encour- aged to be receptive to both family planning and natural resource management interventions.

Target Populations The availability and accessibility of Family Planning services for different age groups and genders should be addressed through dialogue with different departments. Various platforms such as education, workplace, home and communities should be utilized as entry-points. Furthermore, targeting the existing social caste system, especially the Un- touchables who remain deprived of education and access to resources, remains a pivotal step.

Social Welfare Legislation There is a need to enact social welfare legislation. The proposed legislation should encourage, facilitate and reward people that adopt small families. In particular, it should raise the marriage age for girls to 18 and require married SOURCE: www.uk.news.yahoo.com partners to attend a short course of 2-3 days on responsible The fifth session of the Open Ended Working Group on Age- parenthood. ing (OEWGA) commenced on July 30th in order to strengthen the protection and rights of older people. Representatives CONCLUSION discussed issues including elderly care, existing abuse against older individuals, and strategies for ‘end of life’ care. China and India present two different approaches to family planning and environmental resource management. Ageing is one of the greatest social and economic challenges st Population policies only address the total population index in the 21 century. The Representative of the European Union along with socio-economic development needs, while fam- stated that more than 20% of Europeans will be 65 years old or older by 2050. The EU adopted a report in June that underlines ily planning policies target the healthcare system and the the importance of social investment in long-term care. It is well-being of the community, which has a direct bearing on necessary to provide an adequate social protection connected the environment. China uses “population” as a basis for its to the risks of long-term care. family planning policy; India, on the other hand, structures its national population policy on family planning. Despite Furthermore, the Representative of the United States high- the different approaches undertaken by these two coun- lighted that it is necessary to focus on developing practi- tries in addressing their rapid population growth, the com- cal measures to address the rights of older persons. In 2010, mon ground is that both policies address effective environ- President Obama signed into law the Elder Justice Act, which mental resource management. is dedicated to the prevention, detection, treatment, interven- SOURCES: tion and prosecution of elderly abuse, neglect and exploita- Rocha da Silva, Pascal (2006). La politique de l’enfant unique en République- tion. The issue of human rights of older persons has been pre- populaire de Chine. University of Geneva. pp. 22–28. sent in Japan for a long time, as it is home to the most rapidly “Status of Population and Family Planning Program in China by Province”. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. 30 March 2012 aging population in the world. Currently 25.1% of the popula- Sinha, Shubhaang. “Family Planning And Sustainable Development: Lessons tion is aged 65 years old or older, but this number will reach Learnt From India’s Social Policy Plans.” OIDA International Journal Of Sus- 40% by 2060. Rapid ageing is caused by the improvement of tainable Development 7.3 (2014): 11-18 Report Of The Working Group On Population Stabilization For The Eleventh living conditions, food quality, and advancement in medical Five-Year Plan (2007-2012), Government Of India Planning Commission treatment and the decline in birth rate. Japan is currently pro- Pahl-Wost, C. (May 2007).”The implications of complexity for integrated re- moting cooperation with ASEAN for Active Ageing where they source management”.Environmental Modelling and Software 22 (5): 561–9. Central Intelligence Agency, World Factbook, China [online] Accessed on: 15 can exchange views with various countries and civil societies July 2014 to tackle this global issue. Central Intelligence Agency, World Factbook, India [online] Accessed on: 17 SOURCE: July 2014 UN OWGA 2014

World InformationTransfer 4 World Ecology Report Fall-Winter 2014 Health and Environment THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INCINERATION FOR WASTE REDUCTION

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE BACKGROUND OF INCINERATION

It is undeniable that waste generation and management have Incineration is a combustion process that uses an excess of become alarming environmental issues. Solid waste genera- oxygen and/or air to burn solid waste, while maintaining tion is directly linked to the degree of industrialization and gas emission levels below current standards. It is a thermal economic development. Urbanization increases with the treatment technology used to reduce the volume of waste growth of a country’s economic wealth. As people’s income requiring final disposal and can typically reduce the waste and standard of living enhance, so does their consumption volume by over 90%. Incineration is one of the most widely of goods and services, leading to a corresponding increase in used technologies for treating municipal solid waste prior waste generation. to disposal at landfills.

As per statistical evidence, while the low-income and mid- WASTE HIERARCHY dle-income groups generate an average of 0.6-1.0 kg/cap/ day and 0.8-1.5 kg/cap/day respectively, the high-income Although many waste collection practices have been implemented in various countries, the amount of waste generation group generates 1.1-4.5 kg/cap/day / Based on the latest sta- keeps increasing. An integrated solid waste management is tistics from What A Waste Report published by the World Bank needed in order to reduce the continuous increase in waste (2012), it is estimated that the current global Municipal Solid generation rates. The “4Rs,” reduce, reuse, recycle and recover, Waste (MSW) generation level is about 1.3 billion tonnes per are the only ways to dilute and disperse waste. However, the year (1.2 kg per capita per day). 4Rs alone cannot reduce the volume of waste. Incineration can help toreduce the volume of disposed waste by up to 90%.

SOURCE: World Bank 2012

WASTE GENERATION BY REGION

It is projected that the waste generation will double by 2050. The pie chart above shows that the OECD countries have the highest percentage, 44% with 32% paper waste, and cover almost half of the world’s waste generation. Af- rica and South Asia, however, produce the least waste SOURCE:http://www.zerowasteeurope.eu/wp-content/up- at 5%, with 57% and 50% organic waste respectively. loads/2013/04/ZW-Hierarchy.gif World InformationTransfer World Ecology Report 5 Fall-Winter 2014 BENEFITS OF USING INCINERATION TO TREAT WASTE In the boiler, the contained water is heated to form saturated steam and dry steam. The steam then drives the turbine, 1. Reduction of Waste Volume which is coupled with the electricity generator. The com- Incineration thermally treats bulky solids or wastes while bustion process in the furnace produces bottom ash, and simultaneously reducing their volume by a factor of 10 or the air-pollution control device produces fly ash and other more. This can effectively save land that would be used for materials. Fly ash is stabilized and solidified by reagents, landfill, and greatly improve the ecological environment of then disposed off at a dedicated landfill. Mass-burn incin- the city. eration mostly produces ash residue amounting to 5 – 10% by volume of the incoming Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). 2. Harmless Treatment of Waste During incineration, the waste undergoes detoxification. CASE STUDY I: SWEDEN This process eliminates hazardous properties of combustible carcinogens, pathologically contaminated materials, MSW Disposal Rate: 4200 thousand tonnes per year toxic organic compounds and biologically active materi- Sweden is chosen as a reference because of its worldwide als. Besides that, incineration destroys gaseous and liquid recognition for MSW management strategy. The UN had waste streams, leaving very little residue. The combustion published a document entailing how other countries can process in incineration also dilutes the concentration of re- learn from the experience of Sweden and improve MSW sidual and nondestructive radioactive isotopes in low-level treatment strategies in their respective countries. In 2001, radioactive wastes. Furthermore, it sterilizes and destroys about 22% of MSW were treated in the landfills. However, putrescible matter, effectively destroying all pathogenic or- the landfill tax, which was enacted on January 1st, 2000, ganisms. played a vital role in the diversion of MSW from landfill to recycling and incineration. Consecutive increases in taxa- 3. Recovery of Energy (Waste-to-Energy Plant) tion level in 2002, 2003 and 2006 instigated a continuous When large quantities of waste are incinerated, the thermal increase in material recycling of MSW. The landfill ban on energy generated can be used to produce electricity. The sorted combustible waste in 2002 and the landfill ban on annual electricity production of an incinerator could afford organic waste in 2005 were catalysts for the diversion of the electricity consumption for large number of families, MSW from landfills. Almost 49% of waste is treated by incin- depending on the capacity of the incinerator. eration, the rest is by recycling.

4. Mitigation of Environmental Impact Incineration can mitigate the environmental impact of organic materials that drain out of landfills and of the CO2 “greenhouse gas” generated by waste management. Ac- cording to an analysis by Harvard School of Public Health in

Boston, Massachusetts, the CO2 generated by incineration is substantially less than that produced in land filling opera- tions. Destruction of waste organic matter in incineration eliminates the problem of biodegradation in landfills, which in turn prevents subsidence and gas formation.

PRINCIPLE OF INCINERATION

Incineration consists of the following processes: tipping area, combustion chamber, boiler and ash residues han- SOURCE: http://www.webholism.com/blog/sam-michael- dling. First, solid waste collection and transfer vehicles gregory/swedens-talking-trash-is-the-rest-of-europe-lis- proceed to a tipping area. Here, waste is continuously dis- tening/Inceration plant in Sweden charged into refuse feed hoppers. The refuse is metered out into the combustion chamber by gravity. Waste is combust- CASE STUDY II: TOKYO ed in the specially designed furnace at a high temperature (>850°C) with a sufficient supply of air in order to ensure MSW Disposal Rate: 53 million tonnes per year complete burning and prevent formation of dioxins and Tokyo has the highest number of incinerators in the world. carbon monoxide. During combustion, fuel gases are heat- In 2000, the Government implemented a system of decen- ed to 982°C. tralising local government services for waste. Waste in World InformationTransfer 6 World Ecology Report Fall-Winter 2014 Tokyo is collected from street containers, then loaded into CONCLUSION carts and taken to the incineration plants for further treatment. Almost 74% of the waste is treated by incineration. While taking into consideration the sustainable model and The largest incineration plant is in Shinkoto and has a ca- the perspectives of all stakeholders, building several incin- pacity of 1800 tonnes per day (tpd). In contrast, the smallest erators in various sizes and placing them in different cities incinerator can handle 200 tpd. would be the best option to reduce waste. First, it is estimated that one mega incinerator costs much more than a small- RECOMMENDATIONS er incinerator. Three small incinerators can fulfill the capacity of a mega incinerator at a lower capital cost. Moreover, Given the escalating levels of waste generation, it has be- incinerators usually have a life span of 40 years. Assuming come crucial to build an incinerator to relieve the pressing that the operation and electricity costs of mega incinera- needs of landfills. Two solutions have been proposed to tors and smaller incinerators are similar, the smaller incin- minimize waste generation. erators would have higher return on investment because of the lower capital cost. In the long term, smaller incinerators First Solution: One Incinerator in One City also have economic advantages, since it is comparatively easier and cheaper to shut One solution to MSW down one of the plants to problems is to build cope with the decreasing a mega-incinerator in demand as more waste will every city. It is estimated be recycled. It is also more that one mega incinera- logistically viable because tor can cost up to 2 bil- of the decentralized trans- lion USD, including the portation network. This cost for reclamation. It transportation network can process over 3,000 can be designed with a tonnes of waste per day heuristic approach so that and possesses the less an optimum cost plan can operational complexity be achieved. Second, by than multiple, smaller achieving a viable business incinerators. It can also model for the incineration recover energy, gener- facilities, the government ate electricity, and im- partly addresses the con- prove water quality. cerns of other stakeholders. Building separate in- Second Solution: cineration facilities avoids Several Small the risk of investing in one Incinerators in big project, and is thus more appealing to the tax Different Cities SOURCE: Japan Waste Report 23, 2014 Location of incinerators in Tokyo payers. A decentralized logistic network fo- Another method to achieve the goal of cuses more on the efficiency of management waste reduction is to build smaller incinerators, each of and therefore, appeals to the lawmakers. In addition, peo- which would have one-third the capacity of a mega incin- ple will complain about the significant visual discomfort erator, and to place them in different parts of every city. This and psychological pressure of having huge waste manage- would distribute the amount of waste that must be trans- ment facilities near their residential areas. This new industry ported to and incinerated in the each sites. Each incinera- will also open new avenues of employment opportunities tor costs roughly 260 million USD. This alternative deserves for the inhabitants of the city. Overall, the solution to glob- consideration as it can offer a much simpler transportation al solid waste management should be a holistic approach plan and waste management system. Building smaller in- with the involvement of both government and citizens. SOURCES: cinerators requires cheaper capital and operating costs. It World Bank 2012 also causes less environmental impact on the areas sur- H. K. Environmental Protection Department Incineration Technologies rounding the plant and reduces the visual impact, which is Harvard School of Public Health more acceptable to the residents as a “part of city develop- KleanIndustries: E. E. Agency ment.” Elsevier Inc: T. G. A. D. G. A. Division Waste Report 2014 World InformationTransfer World Ecology Report 7 Fall-Winter 2014 ENVIRONMENTAL LINKS TO BREAST CANCER INTRODUCTION TOXIC CHEMICALS ALL AROUND US

This article will explore the environmental links to breast Our bodies are exposed to thousands of different kinds of cancer in light of recent research findings showing a con- chemicals from our surroundings, both natural and synthet- nection between environmental factors and increases in ic chemical. While some of these chemicals may be useful to risk of developing breast cancer. Toxic chemicals found in us and are in fact essential to bodily functions, a lot of them our surroundings, including food and household products, are harmful to us in the long run. Such chemicals enter our will be studied, followed by an analysis of the prevalence bodies through the polluted air we inhale, the food we eat of breast cancer in developed and developing countries or through our skin. Certain toxic substances are stored in to establish a relationship between environmental factors animal fat and they become further concentrated as they and breast cancer. Drawing conclusion on the evident link pass up the food chain and finally into our body systems. between environmental factors and breast cancer, this article aims to provide preventive policy solutions for breast cancer through research funding and greater emphasis on public awareness.

RESEARCH FINDINGS

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, both in the developed and developing countries of the world. As per statistical data, submitted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 1.7 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. A sharp rise of 20% in breast cancer incidences since 2008 has called for an urgent need to prior- itize the prevention and control of breast cancer worldwide. Evidence based on recent research suggests that there is a clear connection between environmental factors and breast cancer. The report submitted by the Integrated Breast Can- cer and Environmental Research Coordinating Committee (IBCERCC), acknowledges that family history of breast cancer is a significant factor in the occurrence of this disease. SOURCE: http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-endocrine-disruptors The above table shows the different types of endocrine disrupt- “non-industrialized countries have a lower incidence ing chemicals found in our environment. of breast cancer when compared to Chemicals found in cosmetics, plastics, pesticides and industrialized countries” other household products, include bisphenol A, DDT, vinyl chloride, dioxin, phthalates and styrene, some of which are recognized human carcinogens. Exposure to these chemicals can increase the risk of breast cancer by However, it also draws attention to the fact that most cases disrupting the normal growth, development and hor- of breast cancer occur in people who have no family history. monal balance of the body. Such chemicals are known Furthermore, non-industrialized countries have a lower in- as endocrine-disrupting substances. Laboratory tests cidence of breast cancer when compared to industrialized conducted on animals have shown the association of countries. Therefore, the contribution of known factors to- bisphenol A with the development of mammary gland wards the etiology of breast cancer clearly indicates the ma- tumors in animals. Endocrine-disrupting substances are jor role played by environmental factors in causing breast also found in the food we eat. Chemicals in food enter our cancer. The toxic chemicals found in our environment, in- body through the pesticides sprayed on crops, growth cluding air, water, household products, cosmetics and food, hormones injected in animals and medications given to play a major role in altering the biological processes within poultry. “Diet is thought to be partly responsible for 30% our bodies, thereby increasing the risk of developing breast to 40% of all cancers”. cancer. World InformationTransfer 8 World Ecology Report Fall-Winter 2014 SOURCE: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/five-maps-that-put-cancers-global-spread-into-focus/article16679285/ Report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the arm of the World Health Organization that tracks cancer’s spread and re- leases fresh figures on the disease every five years.

Research has shown that breast cancer rates are lower in The social and economic structures embedded in the in- countries where the typical diet is primarily vegetarian and dustrialized environment play a key role in affecting breast low in polyunsaturated and saturated fat. The correlation of cancer rates. As discussed earlier, diet plays an important dietary fat intake and breast cancer is evident in research role in causing breast cancer and therefore, the increase in findings in the United States, where girls engaged in high- breast cancer risk in industrialized countries can be as a re- fat dietary intake during puberty were seen to be more sus- sult of the nutritional content of diet, which largely includes ceptible to developing breast cancer later in life. food additives. Furthermore, the high level of pollution in industrialized areas is also responsible for increasing risks. BREAST CANCER IN THE DEVELOPING AND DEVELOPED WORLD

The rates of breast cancer are not the same all over the world. While breast cancer rates are the highest in North America, Northern Europe and Australia, they are much lower in African and Asian countries such as China and India. No scientific evidence has yet been able to clearly establish a correlation between geography and breast cancer rates. However, the variation of breast cancer rates in different regions can be attributed to the differences inenvironmental and lifestyle factors. The differences in environmental factors are largely a result of the levels of industrialization in the developed and developing countries.

Research on the relationship between breast cancer risk and industrialization has shown that when women migrated from regions of lower breast cancer rates to industrialized countries, they soon developed a higher risk for cancer. This was evident in the population of women who migrated to the United States from Asian countries, resulting in an increase of 80% in risk. The risk was further aggravated as it SOURCE:http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2011/10/pink-rib- carried on to subsequent generations. bon-breast-cancer-air-pollution-photo.jpg

World InformationTransfer World Ecology Report 9 Fall-Winter 2014 CONCLUSION TACKLING THE FRESH WATERCRISIS: As posited by the Breast Cancer Fund, breast cancer pre- A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY vention should be made a public health priority. Given the No form of life can survive without water. This basic fact clear link of environmental factors to the etiology of breast provides reason enough for us to be wary of the current cancer, governments should invest in intensive research change in the freshwater landscape. 97% of the water on and focus on eliminating the exposure to environmental Earth is not drinkable, leaving only 3% to provide us with causes that increase the risk. The Integrated Breast Cancer our everyday needs. But of this 3% , only 0.5% is easily ac- and Environmental Research Coordinating Committee (IB- cessible, while 2.5% of it remains frozen in the Arctic Ocean, CERCC) has made a number of recommendations which Antarctica and glaciers. In essence, only 0.007% of the plan- can change the future of breast cancer research and con- et’s water is available for consuming energy and sustaining tribute towards eliminating cancer risk. First, breast cancer our basic needs. prevention should be provided with adequate funding to facilitate the research and development of efficient public PRESENT GLOBAL SITUATION health programs. It is imperative upon the governments to invest in research, as it will open new avenues for environ- According to UN Water, agriculture accounts for around mentally induced breast cancer risk management. Second, 70% of global freshwater withdrawal, and even up to 90% the current research methods need to undergo transforma- in some fast-growing economies that rely on intense crop tion in order to allow for a more integrated approach. Not production as a result of overpopulation. Meanwhile, indus- only do they require the integration of other disciplines, try and domestic use account for 20% and 10% global fresh- research programs intensify studies on the relationship water withdrawals respectively. between physical and chemical factors increasing the risk of breast cancer. For instance, the environmental effect on Water is not distributed evenly around the world. For ex- animal mammary glands requires further research in order ample, Canada houses around 20% of the world’s freshwa- to establish a definite causation of the disease in humans. ter resources, but less than 1% of the global population. To Third, the public including the population, which is directly make matters worse, developed countries have the most affected by breast cancer, have the right to participate in access to water resources, using 10 times more water than research planning and implementation. Broadening stake- the developing countries, with an average daily consump- holder engagement will benefit research by providing tion of 500 liters. wide-ranging public opinion and expertise. Finally, the dis- semination of research findings and effective implementa- THE FRESHWATER CRISIS tion of public health policies are crucial to eliminating the risks. It is the responsibility of the governments to ensure Frequent floods and droughts that occur in water-stressed that their public is aware of the research findings and health arid areas of the world have been compounded by cli- policies, and their implications. Without a sound knowledge mate change. In addition, global warming causes greater of the environmental links to breast cancer and the relevant freshwater loss through evaporation. According to UNEP’s policies, one cannot hope to achieve success in eliminating Global Environmental Outlook 5, “about 80% of the world’s the factors increasing the risk of breast cancer. population lives in areas with high levels of threat to water SOURCES: WHO- Breast Cancer Prevention and Control. security.” It was estimated by FAO that 1800 million people WHO-GLOBOCAN 2012: Estimated Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence will be living in absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of Worldwide. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences - Prioritizing prevention. the world population will endure water-stressed conditions Cornell University Program on Breast Cancer - Environmental Chemicals and by 2025. Breast Cancer Risk. May 2002. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences - Prioritizing prevention. Precise Nutrition - All about endocrine disruptors. Uneven water distribution has raised the issues of inequal- Breast Cancer Fund - Endocrine disrupting compounds. The Center for Public In- ity and injustice. Currently, around one billion people have tegrity - U.S report urges deeper look into breast cancer’s environmental links.12 no access to clean drinking water. It remains a huge chal- February 2013. Breast Cancer Fund - Chemicals in food. lenge to share freshwater resources equally among the The Scientific Consulting Group Breast cancer and the environment research cent- world’s population. Agriculture must be at the center of our ers progress report. IA for Research on Cancer: Estimated Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence response to the challenge of water scarcity, since it con- Cornell University Program on Breast Cancer. Environmental Chemicals and Breast sumes the largest amount water and, most importantly, it is Cancer Risk. May 2002. fundamental to our survival and long-term resilience. Breast Cancer Fund. State of the evidence. 2010. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Breast Cancer and Environ- ment – Prioritizing prevention. Accessed on: 19 July 2014. World InformationTransfer 10 World Ecology Report Fall-Winter 2014 SOURCE: UNEP - Vital Water Graphics, 2008, http://www.unep.org/dewa/vitalwater/article43.html graph showing global water stress and scarcity. RECLAIMED WATER water crises such as water shortages and floods, and con- Reclaimed water reduces the amount of polluted water serve natural resources while fostering social and economic returning to the sea. While reclaimed water is essentially growth. wastewater, it becomes odorless through certain treatments, which is why it is widely considered an alternative DRIP IRRIGATION source of water for agriculture, industry and urban use. Po- tential applications include fire-fighting, cleaning parks and streets, toilet flushing, industry process systems cooling, and making artificial and “enhanced” natural wetlands.

DESALINATION OF SEAWATER

Although seawater is almost unlimited, freshwater is lim- ited, which is why desalination is important. Desalination is one of the emerging technologies preventing exhaustion of freshwater resources. In 2014, there were more than 21,000 operating desalination plants worldwide. 53% are situated in the Middle East and 17% are in North America. However, SOURCE: The Hindu Business Line high costs hinder its wide application. In Singapore and Farmers practicing drip irrigation in Tamil Nadu, India California, more than 1 billion USD were used to build these Over 60% of water used in agriculture is wasted during ir- plants. rigation. Drip irrigation, on the other hand, optimizes water use, which has been adopted across the globe. During the INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS drip irrigation process, water is released directly through pipes to the roots of plants, drip by drip. This avoids land Water targets were recognized and featured in the Post- field flooding and maximizes water use at approximately 2015 Development Agenda, with the hope of stimulating re- 90%, compared to between 60% and 85% for surface water sponsible water resource development. Water in the green irrigation and 70% to 90% for sprinkler irrigation. Drip irri- economy was discussed at the Rio+20 Summit in 2011. The gation also raises yields because it offers a constant, care- main objective is to sustain economic growth while recog- fully controlled supply of water. SOURCES: nizing the critical role of water in food, energy and climate www.fao.org/nr/water/docs/FAO_recycling_society_web.pdf change, as well as in issues of health, agriculture, industry www.unwater.org/downloads/04_Water.pdf and material production. Sustainable water management is www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/green_economy_2011/pdf/water- greenconf_chap2_challenges_opport nities.pdf a way to conserve freshwater ecosystems, reduce the risk of UN World Water Development Report 2014

World InformationTransfer World Ecology Report 11 Fall-Winter 2014 Food For Thought: SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION PATTERNS One remarkable feature of the Sustainable Development development due to the “pressures their societies place on Goals (SDGs) is the merging of the three pillars of sustainable the global environment and the technologies and financial development – economic, environmental and social sustain- resources they command.” In short, CBDR is a well-grounded ability. Paramount to achieving such unity of the three pillars concept with historical roots. It is not the concept of CBDR is to ensure that the promotion of Sustainable Consump- itself that is wrong in the discussion of the SDGs, but the tion and Production patterns (SCP) is incorporated as part inappropriate application of such a concept. Two argu- of the development agenda. However, with some countries ments explain the inaptness of such an application. First, proposing changes to the SCP goals and targets under the as noted above in the target on food waste, both the de- banner of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities veloped and developing countries may exert pressure on (CBRD), the strength of the final SCP goals and targets may the environment in similar fashions. Second, the claim calls well be watered downed from their original formulation. For for the differentiation of duties to pursue sustainable de- instance, in the discussion of goal 12.6 of the original Zero velopment on the grouds that developed countries have Draft in the 12th Session of the Open Working Group on more advaced technologies and resources. However, they Sustainable Development Goals, some delegates argued that should have to tone down the wording of the targets. In- stead, ambitious targets should be matched with a relevant there should be differentiation in the efforts of developed means of implementation to ensure that both developed and developing countries in halving food waste per capita. and developing countries alike can achieve the goals. However, others argued that food waste is prevalent in both developed and developing countries, which effectively rebutted the call for differentiated treatment. Such dis- “Delegates argued that there should be differentiation in cussion might cause member states to think that devel- the efforts of developed and developing countries oping countries might be using CBDR to abdicate their in halving per capita food waste.” responsibility to conserve the environment.

While it is true that the SDGs must be realistic and achiev- able, their ambitious nature will be curtailed by the myopic action of weakening the wording of the goals. For the sake of achieving global sustainability, transfer of knowledge and resources from developed to developing countries is necessary. If achievement of sustainable development is truly a public good to be shared by all nations, then developed countries should have the courage and incentive to shoul- SOURCE: www.IISD.org der the burden of implementation. It is notable that the The Plenary of the 13th Session of the Opening Working Group means of implementation for some goals are still missing in on Sustainable Development Goals the outcome document of the SDGs, contrary to the wishes This, however, does not deny the role of CBDR in shaping of some countries, including the G77 and China. While there international agreements on sustainable development. In- is a lack of goal-by-goal means of implementation, the dis- deed, concepts similar to CBDR dates back to the time of the cussion of the nuances of resource provisions and financing Treaty of Versailles before sustainable development was con- is just beginning. The Intergovernmental Committee of Ex- ceived. It recognizes the states’ common stewardship of the en- perts on Sustainable Development Financing is scheduled vironment while taking into ccount the varying historical con- to meet in August 2014. By then, we will know whether tribution to environmental degradation of different countries. the developed countries have the willpower to match their Specifically, principle 7 of the Rio Declaration on En- words with their deeds. Nevertheless, the same political vironment and Development, which is cited in the willpower is required from both developing and developed chapeau of the Open Working Group final outcome docu- countries alike in ensuring that the goals and targets on SCP ment and by countries calling for CBDR, recognizes devel- are implemented. Much of the robustness of the SCP goals oped countries’ special responsibility to pursue sustainable has been diluted in the final Open Working Group Outcome World InformationTransfer 12 World Ecology Report Fall-Winter 2014 For instance, instead of pledging to decoupling economic Sustainable Development Goal 12 Document when compared with the original Zero Draft. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns growth from environmental degradation, target 8.4 of the final goal only requires member states to “endeavor to” do The eight targets of SDG 12 as described in the Zero Draft docu- so, as some delegates found the original target overtly am- ment cooridanated by the Co-Chairs of the Open Working Group bitious. The final target 12.6 on mandating companies to re- on Sustainable Development Goals - Ambassador Csaba Kőrösi of Hungary and Ambassador Macharia Kamau of Kenya. port corporate social and environmental responsibility was also reduced in scope of influence, with reference to public- 12.1 implement the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on sus- listed companies and small and medium enterprises delet- tainable consumption and production (10YFP), all countries tak- ed. Amendments to these targets were made after contin- ing action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into ued calls for CBDR treatment in the 12th Session of the Open account the development and capabilities of developing coun- Working Group on the SDGs. If such a trend is to persist in tries the run up to the Heads of States and Governments sum- 12.2 by 2030 achieve sustainable management and efficient use mit in 2015, it can be anticipated that the strength of these of natural resources targets may not remain intact in the final draft of the goal. If we truly are to take steps forward from the Millennium De- 12.3 by 2030 halve per capita global food waste at the retail and velopment Goals, the new SDGs will have to be visionary in consumer level, and reduce food losses along production and nature. A set of robust and progressive SCP goals and tar- supply chains including post-harvest losses gets is a prerequisite to this developmental framework. The 12.4 by 2020 achieve environmentally sound management of union of the three pillars of sustainable development is un- chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle in accordance paralleled in other proposed areas such as tackling climate with agreed international frameworks and significantly reduce change or protecting sustainable marine resources. Not only their release to air, water and soil to minimize their adverse im- is the SCP goal essential for achieving sustainable develop- pacts on human health and the environment ment, but its mere inclusion in the SDGs sends a strong mes- 12.5 by 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through pre- sage to people around the world that creating a sustainable vention, reduction, recycling, and reuse world is not only within the purview of scientists and tree- huggers. It is a task to be born by all of us who consume. This 12.6 encourage companies, especially large and trans-national is why we cannot afford to have the strength of the SCP goal companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sus- compromised, whether it is in the name of CBDR or not. tainability information into their reporting cycle SOURCE: See Goal 12.6 in V. Caballero et al., “Summary of the Twelth session 12.7 promote public procurement practices that are sustainable of the UN General Assembly Open Working Grou pon Sustainable in accordance with national policies and priorities Development Goals”, Earth Negotiations Bulletin [Online serial] 32(12), 2014, Available at HTTP: www.iisd.ca/vol32/enb3212e.html 12.8 by 2030 ensure that people everywhere have the relevant C. Stone, “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities in Inter- national Law”, American Society of International Law, vol 98, no.2 information and awareness for sustainable development and life- (April) p. 278. styles in harmony with nature “The Principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities: Ori- gins and Scope,” Centre for International Sustainable Development 12.a support developing countries to strengthen their scientific Law, McGill University Faculty of Law, [Online Document] [26 Au- and technological capacities to move towards more sustainable gust 2002], Available at HTTP: http://cisdl.org/public/docs/news/ brief_common.pdf patterns of consumption and production Ibid., p. 286. “Statement On Behalf Of The Group Of 77 And China By H.E. Mr. 12.b develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable devel- Rene Orellana, Special Ambassador On Environment And Sustain- opment impacts for sustainable tourism which creates jobs, pro- able Issues Of The Plurinational State Of Bolivia To The United Na- motes local culture and products tions, At The 12th Session Of The Open Working Group On Sustain- able Development Goals (SDGs) On Means Of Implementation And Global Partnership,” G77 and China, [Online document] [20 June 12.c rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage 2014], Available at HTTP: www.g77.org/statement/getstatement. wasteful consumption by removing market distortions, in accord- php?id=140620 ance with national circumstances, including by restructuring tax- See note 1 at Goal 12.3. ation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, where they exist, “Zero Draft - Rev 1,” Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform, [Online document], Available at HTTP: http://sustainabledevelop- to reflect their environmental impacts, taking fully into account ment.un.org/focussdgs.html the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and See note 1 at Goal 12.7. minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their development See note 1 under the heading of “Balance between Universality and in a manner that protects the poor and the affected communities. Differentiation”. SOURCE: UNDESA 2014 World InformationTransfer World Ecology Report 13 Fall-Winter 2014 More Food For Thought: IMPLEMENTING NEW SOURCES OF ENERGY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES Access to energy is one of the most vitally important com- the global energy supply. More investment in renewable ponents to achieving high levels of development. However, sources of energy is needed, and some countries are at the many remote areas of developing countries still do not have forefront of this critical development initiative. access to energy or electricity. In order for developing countries to eradicate extreme poverty, achieve higher stand- For example, Brazil is a developing country that is taking the ards of living, and develop their economies, energy access lead on implementing renewable forms of energy to pro- is gravely needed. vide clean electricity for its people. Starting originally with hydroelectric power, Brazil has now turned to constructing Most developed countries today have achieved high levels wind turbines to provide energy access. In the next decade, of development on the backbone of oil, coal, and fossil fu- Brazil must increase its energy output by 50% To keep up els. However, this type of energy production is not sustain- with population growth,. This soaring demand can only be able, as depicted by the high levels of CO2 emissions and sustainably met with renewable forms of energy. the threat of climate change. Nevertheless, developing countries have a right to development as well. The differ- ence is that today, instead of developing countries investing in coal, oil, fossil fuels, and other harmful, nonrenewable sources of energy for their development, they can bypass this “traditional” source of energy implementation with the new technologies available. Investment in renewable sources of energy like wind, solar, hydro-electric, geothermal, etc. will provide for environmentally friendly growth.

Providing remote communities with energy access from re- SOURCE: http://sppiblog.org/tag/clean-energy newable sources will allow these areas in developing coun- The High Wilderness Wind Complex run by Renova Energia, tries to develop and grow in a way that will not harm the plans to build more than 400 new wind turbines across Bra- environment. Furthermore, investing in renewable forms zil. By 2021, Brazil plans on utilizing wind turbines for up to of energy in developing countries will lessen pollution, 10% of its energy consumption. With 140 wind farms across increase economic development with new jobs in the re- the country, 4 million Brazilian households can be powered newable energy sector, increase healthcare capabilities and by wind energy. Providing electricity and energy access educational opportunities, and improve the overall quality from wind power to communities who previously did not of life. have it will contribute to economic growth in these areas without leading to environmental degradation.

“Investment in renewable sources of energy like wind, Furthermore, hydroelectric projects in Nepal have provided solar, hydro-electric, geothermal, etc. will provide electricity to thousands of rural households, who previ- for environmentally friendly growth. “ ously did not have any energy access. Across remote areas of Nepal, Micro-hydro projects have been developed to Investment in renewables has already begun, and is on provide clean electricity from hydroelectric power. These the rise in certain developing countries. The biggest Micro-hydro projects are cheaper and faster to build than regional surge in renewable energy investment has oc- large hydroelectric dams, and across the country they have curred in the Middle East and Africa, where spending provided electricity to 27 million people. Electricity has grew to 12 billion USD in 2012, a 228% increase. Fur- brought a complete change to the way of life in rural vil- thermore, of the 138 nations that have clean-energy tar- lages in Nepal. With electricity, more economic opportuni- gets, two thirds are in the developing world. However, ties arise, as women do not have to spend as much time according to the International Energy Agency, energy fetching firewood for light and heat. Now, women can use this increased free time for income generating activities like from renewable sources only accounts for 13.1% of farming vegetables, or painting pictures to sell.

World InformationTransfer 14 World Ecology Report Fall-Winter 2014 The water used for generating electricity also allows vil- maintenance/replacement of the solar panels. This further lagers to more easily irrigate their farms. In the village of contributes toeconomic development by encouraging the Pinthali in Kavre District, farmers used to struggle with sub- use of a local workforce. sistence farming. However, with easily accessible water for irrigation, crop yields have increased to over 100,000 USD Renewable forms of energy provide a clean and sustain- per year. Electricity access has reduced poverty and in- able way to provide electricity to developing countries. In creased living standards. many remote areas, energy infrastructure does not yet exist. The most sustainable and environmentally responsible way Electricity has brought better sanitation and health to com- to provide energy for development is for these countries munities, as well as better educational opportunities. Be- to invest in renewable forms of energy, and steer clear of cause of electricity, children can do school work at night, providing energy from coal, oil, or fossil fuels. The technolo- which has led to a decrease in school drop out rates. Nepal’s gies exist, and are cheap alternative solutions. Both large- investment in renewable energy resources is having a dis- scale national projects, as well as small-scale local projects cernable impact on poor people, and more investment is are needed, as demonstrated by the different approaches needed to further this progress. The United Nations Devel- taken in Brazil, Nepal, and Mali. opment Programme (UNDP) has partnered with the Govern- ment of Nepal’s Alternative Energy Promotion Center, and since 1996, this partnership has given 90,000 households electricity from renewable sources. More partnerships like this one, focused on providing renewable energy access in developing countries, are needed.

Solar power in Mali has provided thousands of people with electricity access, and has produced an economic boom in rural communities. In Mali, less than 1% of rural communes have access to electricity. In 2003, the Malian National Pro- gramme for Renewable Energy for the Advancement of Women (PENRAF) began a project funded by the Malian government to provide energy access from solar panels to more than 30,000 people in 55 villages. UNDP has provided SOURCE: www.Science. Howstuffworks.com financial support, and manages contributions given to the Hoover Dam on the Nevada/Arizona border project. However, this does not mean that developed countries are off the hook. They too have as much or more of a responsibility to invest in renewable forms of energy, as well as to provide aid and support to developing countries that are investing in renewable energy resources. Partnerships between developed and developing countries, private sector investment, and support from IGOs and NGOs are all needed to meet the goal of sustainable energy access for all. The technological capacities are there, but where is the investment? As shown by the examples of Brazil, Nepal, and Mali, renewable sources of energy have great potential, and are starting to bring millions of people out of poverty in an SOURCE: Energy Co-operatives February 2012 environmentally sustainable way. Now all that is missing is Since its inception, PENRAF has provided clean energy to effective financing and implementation. thousands of people without harming the environment. So- SOURCES: lar power has eliminated the need for other forms of ener- http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-12/renewable-energy-investments- gy, such as charcoal or kerosene for household chores. Fur- shift-to-developing-nations.html http://www.iea.org/aboutus/faqs/renewableenergy/ thermore, solar power has made communes self-sustaining, http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/in-brazil-the-wind-is-blowing-in- independent, and productive. In Sirakorola, the Women and a-new-era-of-renewable-energy/2013/10/30/8111b7e8-2ae0-11e3-b141- Youth Association manages the upkeep of the solar panels. 298f46539716_story.html http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/environmentandener- 30% of the income generated is kept, and the remaining gy/successstories/nepal--expanding-access-to-renewable-energy/ 70% is given to the mayor’s office for the maintenance/re- http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/environmentandener- gy/successstories/nepal--expanding-access-to-renewable-energy/ World InformationTransfer World Ecology Report 15 Fall-Winter 2014 in recent months that could change negative stigma often associated with the course of the planet’s current path China’s air quality. In February, China’s of unsustainable usage. While slightly Minister of Finance announced that behind China in total emissions, the China will now tax carbon emissions, U.S. still accounts for 19% of the world’s a move that policy experts have long total carbon output. In an attempt to championed as the most effective way change this, the federal government is to control carbon emissions. This tax, considering what could potentially be which would be collected by local au- the most significant steps ever taken to thorities, would commence in 2015 at tackle climate change. In June, the En- $1.60 per ton of carbon. However, by vironmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2020, the tax would rise to a steep $8.00 proposed a regulation that would cut per ton, giving industries a few years carbon dioxide emissions from cur- to decrease carbon output. Despite rent coal plants by up to 30% by 2030. all these efforts, China’s battle against Carbon Emissions: The single largest source of green- greenhouse gases hasn’t stopped here. how the world’s worst offenders house gas emissions is in energy sup- In June, reports surfaced that China are making a change ply, more specifically the use of coal, plans to set a limit on its greenhouse natural gas, and oil. Dropping carbon gas emissions for the first time in its his- emissions from coal plants by such tory. A move of this magnitude would a large percentage would set a prec- be a major advancement in the global edent for other countries to follow. To battle against climate change. accomplish this cut, four different tech- niques would be employed with the EPA allowing different plants to choose which manner would most effectively curb the emissions. These plants can take the more simplistic approach and choose to upgrade or increase efficiency in their production. However, they can also be more drastic and pioneer SOURCE: www.epa.gov/climatechange the shift to natural gas or focus their ef- 2008 Global CO2 Emissions from fossil fuel forts on renewable energies. Whichev- SOURCE: www.Sino-US.com The United States and China are home er technique they choose, the change Poor air quality in China has proven to be to the world’s two largest economies. will undeniably change the global per- a major health risk, leading many citizens While this is a blessing in many fac- ception of air quality legislation. to take their own precautionary measures. ets, the high level of industrialization, For many years, both China and the US necessary to sustain these economies, have stubbornly refused to sign any in- has destructive impacts. Carbon emis- ternational treaties regarding air qual- sions from industries, as well as the ity control. In 1997, the United States transportation of their ever-growing used the failure to involve China in populations, damage the environ- the Kyoto Protocol as a justification for ment in ways few can imagine. The not ratifying the international treaty environmental, economic, and health to reduce carbon emissions. However, impacts will undoubtedly affect all of a Chinese cap would significantly in- the world’s people in the decades to crease international pressure for great- come. The US and China accounted for SOURCE: Huffington Post, 2014 Developed countries like the US and China er action from the entire world, and 42% of worldwide emissions in 2008, struggle to keep carbon emissions at accept- most importantly the United States. drastically more than any other two able levels due to increased industrialization. China’s recent change of position lends countries. Thus, any impactful change At 23%, China is the world’s largest of itself to the increased likelihood that on a truly global scale has to be initi- fender of carbon emissions. Neverthe- a legally binding global agreement ated and championed by these two less, similar to what has been done in on climate change can be reached as countries. Fortunately, the two super the US, recent legislative efforts have soon as year 2015, at the UN climate powers have made legislative strides shown an ambition to change the change summit in Paris. Doug Parr,

World InformationTransfer 16 World Ecology Report Fall-Winter 2014 Greenpeace’s chief scientist, said that Approved Lukemia Drug- if China is successful with the cap, it Makes: waves in “should unblock the standoff between cancer research the US and China in the global climate An FDA approved drug that has tradi- change negotiations,” paving way for tionally been used to treat leukemia free flowing dialogue that could save has recently shown the possibility to the environment once and for all. have a much broader impact, poten- SOURCES: www.PositiveNews.com, 2014 tially changing the entire future of www.GreatNewsNetwork.com, 2014 cancer treatment.The drug was discov- www.Environment Protection Agency.com, ered in 1997 by Professor Bart Vanhae- 2014 sebroeck at the UCL Cancer Institute. However, a recent study co-led by Granite Walls of Grand Increase of Tiger the same Professor has revealed that Central Station Population in Nepal these drugs have the “potential to of- At the 2010 Global Tiger Summit in fer effective immunity to many types Russia, leaders from thirteen different of cancer by unleashing the body’s tiger range countries across Asia out- own immune response.” The increased lined a plan to potentially double the immune response allows the body to dwindling number of wild tigers by naturally destroy tumor cells that may the year 2022. This goal became much be cancerous. More importantly, Pro- more realistic when recent reports fessor Nic Jones, Cancer Research UK’s in Nepal indicated that the popula- chief scientist and director of the Man- tion of wild tigers in the Nepalese re- chester Cancer Research Centre, high- gion has increased by 63% since 2009. lighted that this finding “offers the These “milestone” findings provide a potential to develop more treatments glimmer of hope that the global tiger that can do this in many more cancers, population can, in fact, rebound from including ones that have a real need years of poaching and habitat destruc- for more effective treatments such as tion. Mr. Megh Bahadur Pandey, the pancreatic cancer.” SOURCE: www.commons.wikimedia.org Director-General of Nepal’s Depart- SOURCES: ment of National Parks and Wildlife https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/ap- Grand Central Station in Manhattan, proved-leukemia-drug-found-stimulate-immu- New York, is used by 700,000 people Conservation, boosted confidence in nity-many-cancer-types/ daily. Known for its aesthetically pleas- this tiger comeback further by promis- ing Nepal’s commitment to “ensuring ing design, the terminal is famous these magnificent wild cats have the Kwibuka 20: for its granite construction. However, prey, protection and space to thrive.” remember. reunite. renew. granite contains both potassium and SOURCE: The 1994 genocide in Rwanda remains uranium, radioactive substances that “Nepal Tiger Population Rises by 63%.” BBC one of the most atrocious conflicts the make Grand Central a surprising emit- world has ever witnessed. The small ter of radiation. The mass amount of East African nation saw a genocide granite used to build the terminal that took the lives of nearly 1 million produces high levels of radiation that Rwandans in 100 days. Today, Rwanda actually emit more radiation than a nu- is an economically, socially and politi- clear power plant. Some people have cally stable country. According to the raised concerns about the terminal’s World Bank, Rwanda has dramatically safety, but this is more of a testament improved economically since the 1994 genocide. For instance, poverty has to the strict regulations of nuclear dropped from 78% to 45%. In the first power plants than the radioactive dan- decade of the 2000s, Rwanda’s real gers of Grand Central Station. SOURCE: GDP growth was an average of 8.1% http://www.theboredninja.com/fun_facts/ per annum. Most importantly, Rwanda grand-central-terminal-is-more-radioactive- SOURCE: www.voanews.com has 99% primary school education en- than-a-nuclear-power-plant/ Great News Network BBC WORLD rollment. Furthermore, UNICEF reports

World InformationTransfer World Ecology Report 17 Fall-Winter 2014 that Rwanda is one of the few African tional Center for Health and Statistic’s countries on track to achieve seven of 24-hour dietary recall interview, the the eight MDGs. Rwanda is developing CDC found that the daily consumption an esteem of a good governance re- for both fruits and vegetables from cord, zero tolerance for corruption and 2009 to 2010 declined with age, stat- promotion of gender equality. Rwan- ing that “91.7% of children aged 2–5 da also has the highest proportion of years, 82.0% of children aged 6–11 female representatives in the world. years, and 66.3% of adolescents aged In fact, 56% of all parliamentarians are 12–19 years consumed any fruit on a women. Moreover, due to Rwanda’s given day.” Although fruit consump- significant economic and social tion statistics from the 24-hour dietary

SOURCE: www.hdwallpapersfree1080.com area with virtually no ecological connection. In addition, the website, Pan- thera.org, elucidates that the lion pop- SOURCE: www.trcc-kwibuka20.com ulations are generally declining. The progress since the genocide, the World Panthera Program exists to prevent Bank Group’s (WBG) Board of Execu- SOURCE: www.glenisk.com the endangerment of not only the lion th tive Directors announced on June 5 , recall interview show a 25.4% decline species, but also other species as well. 2014 that they have endorsed a new in fruit consumption from ages 2–5 to As of today, the presence of lion in Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for ages 12–19, vegetable consumption Ghana has heavily decreased, if not Rwanda. The CPS will assemble WBG’s only saw a 3.3% decline from lowest financing and knowledge behind to the highest youth age groups. For three priorities that will have an im- example, 93.3% of children ages 2–5, “The time will come when men pact on Rwanda’s future development 93.7% of children ages 6–11 and 90% such as I will look upon the murder goals. The priorities are: 1) Accelerat- of children ages 12-19 eat vegetables of animals as they now look on the ing private sector-driven growth to on a given day. It is important to note murder of men” – Leonardo da Vinci, create jobs 2) Improving productivity that the Dietary Guidelines for Ameri- painter, engineer, musician, and and raising poor peoples’ incomes and cans (DGA) recommends all Americans scientist – (1452-1519) 3) Support transparent and account- to “eat a variety of vegetables, espe- able governance. cially dark-green and red and orange SOURCES: vegetables.” www.UNICEF.org/ countryby info/ Rwanda; SOURCE: 2014 National Center for Health and Statistics 2009- eradicated, in Mole National Park WorldBank.org-new Press-release No. 2010 (MNP) in Ghana’s Northern Territory. 2015/042/AFR The aim of this article is to highlight Panthera Programme Makes the lion species’ continued presence Children are Finally Eating Strides to: save indigenous in MNP, an area that must continue to Their: fruits and vegetables lives in ghana be considered for species conserva- Children across America are finally eat- In West Africa, the Panthera Leo, cur- tion. According to Panthera.org, MNP ing their fruits and vegetables. Accord- rently characterized as a small lion will be closely examined and studied, ing to the CDC’s National Health and population, is an endangered species. in order to provide a safe environ- Nutrition Examination Survey 2009- The lions are fragmented and often ment for the endangered species. 2010, 77.1% of youth from ages 2 to 19 isolated from one another, preventing SOURCES: consume fruits daily and 92% consume www.Panthera.org 2014 vegetables. Using data from the Na the population from increasing. The www.fc.ghana.org 2014 Panthera Leo species resides in the World InformationTransfer 18 World Ecology Report Fall-Winter 2014 More Did You Know? World Food Supply at Risk

23rd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE on HEALTH and ENVIRONMENT: GLOBAL PARTNERS FOR GLOBAL SOLUTIONS will be held at the United Nations Headquarters on December 1st, 2014 on the THEME “Our Children’s World” Co-sponsored by the Government of Ukraine for inquiry:

E-mal: [email protected] SOURCE: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jun/24/insecticides-world-food-supplies-risk Tel: 212-686-1996 Damian Carrington reported in the UK which revealed the indiscriminate elimi- based newspaper, The Guardian, that, nation of birds and insects by the use of “Insecticides put world food supplies DDT and other harmful pesticides. The UN DPI/NGO CONFERENCE From August 27-29th 2014, the UN will at risk.” In his report, he elucidates that study concluded that “overall, evidence host the 65th UN DPI/NGO Conference an international team of researchers or- has accumulated that clearly demon- entitled “2015 and Beyond: Our Action chestrated a four-year analysis and con- strates that the wide-scale use of these Agenda”, at the United Nations Hea- cluded that, “the world’s most widely persistent, water-soluble chemicals is used insecticides have contaminated having widespread, chronic impacts quater in New York. the environment across the planet so upon global biodiversity and is likely to pervasively that global food production be having major negative effects on eco- UN General Assembly is at risk.” They studied the systematic system services such as pollination that 69th Session use of neonicotinoids, a class of insecti- are vital to food security.” The report will The 69th session of the United Nations cides that farmers spent $2.6 billion on be published in the peer-reviewed jour- General Assembly will convene on yearly, without generating significant nal, “Environmental Science and Pollution Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 at the profits. Neonicotinoids were found to Research.” In response, President Obama United Nations Headquarters in New endanger the global food supplies by ordered an immediate investigation on York. Heads of State and government harming bees and other pollinators, the effect of neonicotinoids on bees and representatives from all 193 member which are responsible for fertilizing the EU ordered a temporary three-year states will come together to discuss is- 75% of the world’s crops and the organ- ban on the use of some neonicotinoids, sues concerning their nations and out isms that create healthy soils. Further, without the British government’s support. line challenges for the 69th UN GA. On the scientist compared these results SOURCE: June 11th, 2014, the Minister of Foreign with those of Rachel Carson’s 1962 envi Carrington, Damian. “Insecticides Put World Food Sup- plies at Risk, Say Scientists.” The Guardian. Guard- Affairs in Uganda, H.E. Sam Kahamba ronmental science book, Silent Spring, ian News and Media, 24 June 2014. Web. 26 Aug. Kutesa, was officially elected as the 2014 69th President of the General Assembly World InformationTransfer World Ecology Report 19 Fall-Winter 2014 World Information Transfer Interns with the Director General of the WHO

SOURCE: www.climateweeknyc.org Formerly scheduled for Tuesday, Sep- Nelson Mandela tember 23rd, the GA General Debate International Day 2014 will start on Wednesday, September th 24 . This change was made to accom- WIT Interns Lau Wai Ying (Tracy), Har- modate the Climate Change Summit. rison Chung and Kong Wing Man SOURCE: Samantha with Dr. Margaret Chan, WWW.UNCSD.ORG.IISD.ORG/EVENTS/69TH- Director-General of the World Health SESSION-OF-THE-UN-GENERAL-ASSEMBLY. Organization at the follow-up to the outcome of the “Millennium Summit: UN Climate Change Summit High-level meeting of the General 2014 and NY Climate Week Assembly on the comprehensive re- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has view and assessment of the progress invited Heads of States, Government achieved in the Prevention and Con- leaders, business leaders and civil soci- trol of Non-Communicable Diseases.” ety organizations to the 2014 Climate SOURCE: Change Summit at the United Nations UN Daily Journal, VOL. No. 2014/132 headquarters in New York. Concurrent- ly, the city of New York will be hosting NERC Workshops in Climate Week NYC, and more than 350 Environmental Sciences at organizations are expected to attend the University of Oxford both events. Moreover, the Secretary The University of Oxford’s Natural General has asked the invited stake- Environment Research Council is holders to “bring bold announcements SOURCE: www.epa.gov funding skills training at the doc- and actions to the Summit to raise the On Friday, July 18th, 2014, the United toral level in environmental science level of ambition through new and Nations General Assembly held a spe- and management. Eligible UK-based more robust action on climate change.” cial meeting to commemorate Nelson delegates are offered attendance to The summit’s main purpose is to cata- Mandela International Day. Collective- workshops without cost, including lyze action and to increase the level of full-board accommodation in Ox- ambition and political momentum to- ly, the President of the General Assem- ford. NERC-funded doctoral students ward the climate agreement at the 2015 bly, H.E. John Ashe, the UN Secretary will be given prime consideration COP 21 in Paris. The Secretary General General, H.E. Ban Ki Moon, the Speaker has been very active in engaging multi- of the National Assembly of South Af- on a first come first serve basis. The stakeholders through special envoys. rica, H.E. Baleka Mbete, Reverend Jesse priority booking deadline is on Oc- He selected former Irish President Mary Jackson and Gay McDougall all spoke tober, 30th 2014. After that, available Robinson as his special envoy for cli- of Mandela’s dedication to making the space will be given to other doctoral mate change and former mayor of New world a better place for all, regardless students, professionals and ECRs in York Michael Bloomberg as his special of race, gender and/or socio-economic the environmental sciences field. For envoy to cities and climate change. The condition. After the meeting, H.E. Ban more information on how to register President of the United States, Barack Ki-moon and UN Staff nurtured newly and which supporting documenta- Obama, and the President of China, planted trees in front of the UN Head- tion you will need to provide, contact Xi Jinping, have both announced that quarters in partnership with Million- the University of Oxford’s depart- they will attend the summit. TreesNYC. ment of Continuing education. SOURCE: SOURCE: SOURCE: www.UN.org/climatechange/summit www.nelsonmandela.org www.NERC.ak.uk/funding World InformationTransfer 20 World Ecology Report Fall-Winter 2014 World Information Transfer World Information Transfer World Ecology Report is a Non-Profit, World Information Transfer, Inc. Non-Governmental (ISSN #1080-3092) 475 Park Avenue South, 22nd Floor Organization in General World Information Transfer, Inc., (WIT) is a not-for-profit, non-govern- New York, NY 10016 Consultative Status mental organization in General Consultative Status with the United Na- TELEPHONE: (212) 686-1996 tions, promoting environmental health and literacy. In 1987, inspired by FAX (212)686-2172 with the United Nations, the Chornobyl (Ukrainian spelling) nuclear tragedy, in Ukraine, WIT was E-MAIL: [email protected] formed in recognition of the pressing need to provide accurate actionable ELECTRONIC EDITION AVAILABLE ON: Promoting Health and http://www.worldinfo. org information about our deteriorating global environment and its effect on FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Environmental Literacy. human health. WIT exercises its mandate through: Dr. Christine K. Durbak • World Ecology Report (WER). Published since 1989, the World Ecology Report MANAGING EDITOR - ENGLISH ISSUE: is a quarterly digest of critical issues in health and environment, produced Dr. Claudia Strauss Board of Directors in three languages and distributed to thousands of citizens throughout the ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR: Dr. Christine K. Durbak, developing and developed world. Modou Cham • Health and environment conferences: Since 1992, WIT has convened CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: CHAIR & CEO annual conferences, held at United Nations headquarters on the grow- English version Roland DeSilva ing clinical evidence supporting the link between environmental deg- Zachary Halliday, Apurv Gupta, Marli Kasdan, EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIR radation and its effect on human health. The Conferences have been Suzy Hallak, Nusrat Laskar, Aslesha Dhillon, Leslie Anokye, Sophia Griffiths-Marks, Shan Dr. Claudia Strauss co-sponsored by UN member states and its organizations and has been Cheema, VICE CHAIR convened as a parallel event to the annual meetings of the Commission Chinese version Carolyn T. Comitta on Sustainable Development. The scientific papers from the Conferenc- Harrison Chung, Kong Wing Man Samantha, Lau es are available on our website. Wai Ying (Tracy) SECRETARY • Health and Development CD ROM Library. This project consists of a li- TRANSLATIONS: Margarita Pappas brary of CDs each of which focuses on a subject within the overall topic of Chinese: , Harrison Chung, Kong Wing Man TREASURER Development and Health information. The CD ROM library, developed Samantha, Lau Wai Ying (Tracy) Dr. Bernard D.Goldstein with our partner HumanInfoNGO offers one bridge across the “digital Spanish: Patricia Munoz Tavira divide” for developed and developing countries. The project is continu- Ukrainian/Russian: Stefan Heryliv, Cary Granat Oleh Harasevych, Taras Boychuk ous with future topics being developed. Ambassador Valeriy Kuchinsky • Health and Development CD ROM Library for Ukraine. WIT devel- Dr. Philip J. Landrigan oped a country specific library disk for distribution in schools and cent- REGIONAL DIRECTORS Nicolai Maxymiv ers in Ukraine. The CDRom was distributed with the assistance of UNDP Dr. Patricia Myskowski and our Regional Directors. CANADA: Dr. Maria Pavlova • Humanitarian Aid. In conjunction with the K.Kovshevych Foundation, Taras Boychuk WIT provides humanitarian aid to schools, and orphanages in areas dev- 440 Rathbutn Rd. Apt. 501 Dr. Scott Ratzan astated by environmental degradation. Toronto, ON M9C 3S7 Prof. Mark Robson • Internship. World Information Transfer (WIT) offers internships in Tel: (647)781-3807 E-mail: [email protected] Dr. William N. Rom New York City. Our goal is to encourage future leaders of health and environment issues. Our interns spend the majority of their time at the CHINA: United Nations Headquarters. There are 3 sessions, fall, spring and sum- Josephine Au, William Cho mer - all require applications. 3 Hop Yat Road 4th Floor, • Scholarship Program. With the support of the K. Kovshevych Foundation, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China WIT offers scholarships to intellectually gifted university students in need of financial assistance to continue their studies in areas related to health and EASTERN EUROPE: environment. Prof. Mykola Prytula, • www.worldinfo.org WIT provides through its web site science based in- Prof. Stefan Heryliv, Prof. Anna Kapustian formation on the relationship between human health and the natural K. Levychkoho11a, #15, Lviv, Ukraine environment, including the papers from the WIT’s annual conferences, Tel/Fax: (380) 322 76-40-39 & 76-68-18 the archived World Ecology Reports, and our new Ecology Enquirer, an E-Mails: [email protected], e-newsletter written by our Interns targeted to young people. [email protected], [email protected]

EUROPEAN UNION: Tanya Kuzyk via Caio Lelio, 15, Roma, 00175 Italia [email protected] Dr. Michel Loots Oosterveldlaan 196 B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium Tel: 32-3-448-05-54; Fax: 32-3-449-75-74 E-Mail: [email protected]

LATIN AMERICA: Prof. Patricia Munoz Tavira Willemsstraat 14/0306 1210 Brussels, Belgium Tel: 32 (0) 48 66 79006 E-mail: [email protected]

USA: Dr. Claudia Strauss 475 Park Ave. S. 22nd fl.. New York, NY 10016 Tel: 212-686-1996 Fax: 212-686-2172 [email protected]

World InformationTransfer World Ecology Report 21 Fall-Winter 2014 POINT OF VIEW: investing in internships: paid vs. unpaid

Source: www.debatingeurope.eu These days, college is all about finding that perfect internship to usually have the capital to pay their interns. However, they do in launch a long-term career in a certain field. In fact, a study con- fact offer experiences, which are most definitely worthwhile for ducted by ProPublica found that 50 percent of college seniors those who are interested in the organization’s area of practice. have participated in an internship program during their college For example, World Information Transfer (NGO) accepts students years alone. In order to achieve this opportunity, students study into the organization’s Fall, Spring and Summer Internship Pro- long hours, join extracurricular organizations and work part-time grams. WIT interns summarize conferences at the United Nations jobs. Is all of this hard work truly beneficial? How much value do in New York City, contribute to the organization’s environmental students gain in return for their investments of time, energy and and health-related publications, and meet knowledgeable lead- money? Internship benefits differ between paid and unpaid -in ers from all over the world. The WIT internship program offers ternships. For example, interns at a financial planning firm are interns once-in-a-lifetime networking opportunities, their very usually, but not always, paid an hourly wage. Private organiza- own publications and exposure to United Nations endeavors. tions have the ability to make profits, which are mainly allocated Whether an intern is interested in medicine, international re- to their employee salaries. In order to maintain a strong employee lations or business, this unique program serves as a resume base, businesses should really invest heavily in their interns, es- builder, career starter and skill developer. It is simply a priceless pecially potential hires. As an incentive for interns to continue in- experience. Congressional offices offer unpaid internships as terning and accept a full-time offer, private organizations should well, also restricting their candidate pool due to financial rea- pay them. However, this is not always the case. It was found that sons. Although the work and experience is extremely beneficial, “between 500,000 and 1 million people intern for free every year” many students are unable to finance their internship. Such large and there are many private businesses and universities that of- organizations may want to start supplying forms of compensa- fer unpaid internships (ProPublica). Such programs actually deny tion in order to give students from different socioeconomic lev- interns of their workers’ rights, because they are not “considered els an equal opportunity to participate. Internships are learning ‘employees’ under the Civil Rights Act, and laws enforced by the opportunities which cannot be duplicated inside a classroom U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission do not apply setting. Interns are also at an advantage over other candidates to them” (ProPublica). Although some places have accounted for applying for fulltime jobs because most interviewers prefer hir- this “legal loophole,” most areas have not. In the meantime, busi- ing individuals who have internships on their resumes. An in- nesses and other private organizations should really pay their internship program is definitely worth the investment, if you have terns because they are contributing to the overall success of the the time, money and work ethic to participate in one. company. On the other hand, nonprofit organizations dedicate SOURCE: Blair. “What We Learned Investigating Unpaid Internships.” their funds and actions toward certain causes. Thus, they do not Top Stories RSS. Propublica, n.d. Web. 27 July 2014.

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World InformationTransfer 22 World Ecology Report Fall-Winter 2014