Paper copy vs internet version

One might think that reading the internet version of a newspaper would be more environmentally friendly than buying the paper copy - but there you're wrong. What you loose you on the swings you gain on the merry-go-round (min egen översättning av ett svenskt talessätt). The amount of CO2 released is equal for both! The paper version releases CO2 during production and transport and the e-version during the use of the computer.

Global climate change: The sceptics vs. The consensus

The information is beautiful has a visualization that in 1 page summarizes the sceptics views vs. the scientists views on the matter of climate change. Have a look at this http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/climate-change-deniers-vs-the-consensus/ and get a better understanding on what differs and why!

Information is beautiful...

...has got to be the best website out there. The way that they visualize information is really an eye-opener. The founders point out the importance of getting things into their right perspective, especially when newsmedia juggles billions spent here and billions spent there. It's impossible to grasp if you don't it put into perspective. Check this diagram out "The Billion dollar Gram". http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/the-billion-dollar-gram/For instance, check out the comparison between the cost of the Iraq/Afghanistan and the amount spent on international aid.

Land grab - good or bad?

One should be very careful before jumping into conclusion. The other night a watched a documentary on land grabbing from Dokument Utifrån, and yet again changed my view on the matter. When discussing the term land grab it goes without saying that it is biased against the action of foreign governments and companies the lease or buy land in Africa. But the consequences seems to be very difficult to assess at this stage. However there's a lot of hush-hush going on and that usually makes the alarm bells go off!
Supporters of the land grab say that it is bringing prosperity and much needed technological and infrastructural development, while the opponents say that it is neo-colonialism and depriving people of land. Judge for yourself http://svtplay.se/v/2320523/dokument_utifran/land_till_salu

"Two cheers for sweatshops"

This article http://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/24/magazine/two-cheers-for-sweatshops.html?ref=sherylwudunn&pagewanted=1 by Sheryl WuDunn in a very good way describes the advantages of sweatshops in Asia. She concludes that boycotting goods produced in sweatshops is "stjälping" instead of "helping" impoverished people across the Asian continent.

For IB students this article is good in many ways. It addresses trade as a measure of alleviating poverty and bridging the gap between the rich in the poor. She is not ignorant to the fact that horrendous working conditions exists in sweatshop, but in order to have economic growth there seems to be a necessity to endure some hardship first. She refers to a Chinese proverb in her text: ''First comes the bitterness, then there is sweetness and wealth and honor for 10,000 years.''

All about the threats to biodiversity...

...can be found here! http://www.globalissues.org/article/171/loss-of-biodiversity-and-extinctions#MassiveExtinctionsFromHumanActivity

Biodiversity means the variety of life on Earth (i.e. its biological diversity) and it is threatened due to human (in-)action. The loss of biodiversity is extremely costly in many ways, economical and other values, and is of course at greater danger due to global warming. Quite depressing, but important reading!

Wealth disparities in Stockholm

When studying the Geography of disparities in income and poverty it is all too simple to focus on Ethiopia or South Africa. In real life we do not have to go as far - there is an ever increasing wealth gap in Sweden in general and Stockholm in particular. This is happening at a pace that is even worrying "Moderaterna" ruling Stockholm, an integrated city is benefiting everyone. Many scientists believe that integration brings multiplier effects in education and income. Stockholm is becoming a polarized city to an extent never previously experienced. A very interesting article on the subject can be found on http://www.dn.se/sthlm/inkomstklyftorna-okar-i-stockholm

Least likeable cities in the US

This link http://www.e24.se/entreprenor/usas-mest-miserabla-stader_2592999.e24?service=slideshow&imgID=0 (originally from Forbes) describes the crappiest cities in the US and why they stink. Topping the list is the quite unknown Californian city Stockton (picture). However there are some cities on that list that I wouldn't mind visiting. Have a look for yourself!

Have a good weekend!

Puts in perspective...

Check this website out (BBC), it puts major hazards and other disastrous events in a Geographical perspective sizewise. http://howbigreally.com/