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The disastrous aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in Burma is a severe reminder of the overwhelming destruction environmental catastrophes cause in poor communities, writes a development researcher, calling for resolute action against climate change.

South Africa will host the World Cup in 2010 so construction – and corruption – is booming. But almost none of the building or the money can be accessed by the poor who live in shantytowns without proper water, sanitation or electricity. These inequalities could be a major issue in the 2009 presidential election, says Philippe Rivière.

Unwanted childbearing contributes more to population growth than the desire for large families, writes Robert Engelman in his new book More: Population, Nature, and What Women Want.

A study by the world's leading experts has revealed that airlines are pumping 20 per cent more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than estimates suggest.
From: The Independent

President Bush asked last week that the United States give $770 million in emergency food aid to afflicted regions, but this only amounts to an imperfect first step to confront the global food crisis, says economist Arvind Subramanian.