Health, Politics, Mar 15th, 2012,
The wealthy countries of the West are exporting processed, unhealthy foods to the developing world – and with dire consequences. The shift towards unhealthy diets – heavy in processed foods, fat, sugar and salt – is not simply a result of an increase in wealth among growing middle classes in the developing world, but a concerted effort by large international corporations to inundate markets with unhealthy, non-locally sourced food. A UN report authored by Olivier de Schutter reveals how this spells economic death for local farmers. The real culprit is globalization, facilitated by international trade agreements. Schutter also cites the…
Tags: developing world, disease, food, globalization, healthy, junk food, Mexico, obesity, rich
Climate Change, Politics, Dec 16th, 2009,
The European Union has pledged ₤6.5 billion (€7.2 billion or $10.5 billion U.S.) in aid to the developing world in order to deal with climate change. The aid is considered ‘fast track’ and will be delivered to poor countries over the next 3 years. The largest contribution will come from the U.K., with Prime Minister Gordon Brown promising ₤1.5 billion, followed by France and Germany, who pledged ₤1.2 billion each. Though the multi-billion euro climate fund is welcome, such ‘fast track’ money should not be seen as a long-term solution, according to some activists: “Short term funding is necessary but…
Tags: Brown, Climate change, climate fund, developing world, George Soros, Gordon Brown, Independent, Soros
