Blogs at Worldwatch
Each blog features regular contributions from Worldwatch researchers and outside experts on the global issues that the Institute tracks, from climate change negotiations to how to feed a growing population. We invite you to engage our bloggers in dialogue on the latest news and developments in their respective research areas.
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Food Fasting for a Cause: Ash WednesdayBy Ronica Lu According to a study by the United Nations World Food Program, over one third of the food produced for human consumption is wasted, mostly in developed countries. The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA) is leading an Ash Wednesday food fast campaign to end the cycle of food waste. They are inviting all to [...] |
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Looking for Borlaug Field Award NominationsThe World Food Prize is currently looking for nominations for its first annual Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application. The World Food Prize is currently looking for nominations for its first annual Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application. (Photo credit: World Food Prize) This award aims to recognize exceptional, science-based achievement [...] |
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Five Agricultural Innovations to Improve BiodiversityBy Graham Salinger According to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, a quarter of the world’s known plant species—some 60,000 to 100,000 species—are threatened with extinction. And even though plants may not receive as much attention as endangered animals, they are essential. Among their many attributes, plants are a vital source of food, they can help stabilize the [...] |
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Soursop: Many Names, Many FlavorsBy Joseph Zaleski In the English-speaking world, Annona muricata is called soursop. If that name is a turnoff, Spanish-speakers call it guanábana, French-speakers call it corossol or cachiman épineux, and the Thai know it as thu-rian-khack. These are just a few of the many ways to identify this distinctive-looking tropical fruit. Soursop can be eaten [...] |
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Weighing Options for Haiti’s Energy Future: Is Centralized Power Generation Really the Only Way Forward?A World Bank report concludes that liquified natural gas is the least-cost option for powering Haiti by 2028, but notes that renewable energy sources may also be cost effective. |
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Innovation of the Week: Connecting Components of Renewable EnergyBy Philip Newell |
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An Uncertain Road Ahead for Haiti’s Cooking Fuel SectorThe Haitian government has identified energy as a key priority for the country’s future, providing direction for the Secretary of State for Energy to weigh various energy options. Previous posts have examined Haiti’s... |
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Small-Scale Renewable Energy and the Informal EconomyTwo men install a photovoltaic system in Sri Lanka. (Source: MPRNews) |
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Food Fasting for a Cause: Ash WednesdayBy Ronica Lu According to a study by the United Nations World Food Program, over one third of the food produced for human consumption is wasted, mostly in developed countries. The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA) is leading an Ash Wednesday food fast campaign to end the cycle of food waste. They are inviting all to participate in its “... |
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Looking for Borlaug Field Award NominationsThe World Food Prize is currently looking for nominations for its first annual Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application.The World Food Prize is currently looking for nominations for its first annual Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application. (Photo credit: World Food Prize)This award... |
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Five Agricultural Innovations to Improve BiodiversityBy Graham SalingerAccording to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, a quarter of the world’s known plant species—some 60,000 to 100,000 species—are threatened with extinction. And even though plants may not receive as much attention as endangered animals, they are essential. Among their many attributes, plants are a vital source of food, they can help stabilize the climate, and they also provide... |
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Soursop: Many Names, Many FlavorsBy Joseph ZaleskiIn the English-speaking world, Annona muricata is called soursop. If that name is a turnoff, Spanish-speakers call it guanábana, French-speakers call it corossol or cachiman épineux, and the Thai know it as thu-rian-khack. These are just a few of the... |
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The Visible Hand, Hard at WorkVisible hands, beautiful output Credit: Tamaki |
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Rail Series: China’s Rise to Global Rail LeaderOn January 5, the Financial Times* reported that China was considering merging its two large state-owned rail manufacturing companies: the China North Locomotive and Rolling Stock Corp (CNR) and the China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Corp (CSR). The combined company would control more than 90 percent of the Chinese rail equipment market. For this... |
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Rail Series: Spain’s Audacious Rail Investment StrategySpain committed to heavy rail investments beginning in the late 1980s. The country now has the largest high-speed rail construction program in Europe, and its network recently surpassed France’s in length. Its track length rose from just 470 kilometers in 2002 to about 2,000 kilometers at present. Government plans call for 10,000 kilometers by... |
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Offering Gratitude To Get Some Extra ZZZsRecent studies find that expressing gratitude leads to fewer aches and more restful slumber. With tonight’s sleep in mind, let me offer many thanks to those who’ve helped the Transforming Cultures Project over 2011!! |
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Uncle Sam Says Garden…and Eat Vitamin DonutsEat Vitamin Donuts, Save Sugar, Garden More, Eat More Fish. These are just a few of the recommendations of the U.S. government over the past century. One they forgot: don’t take money from food companies. |
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What’s In Your Go Bag?What would you take if you had to retreat from a raging fire or impending flood? A change of clothes? Water purification tablets? A flashlight? Or a bottle of wine and block of cheese? |
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Did the Suburbs Eat My Community?Has community in the suburbs become shorthand for clusters of houses with people inside them not talking to each other, as philosopher Mark Kingwell wonders? And if so, how do we reclaim community? Musings from John Mulrow about living in the suburban community of Japantown, San Jose. |
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