Environment

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 26 jul 2013

According to the latest report released by UN Environment Program (UNEP), corporate and private sector will be adversely impacted by the changes in the environment and it has to work towards a shift to greener economy. The challenges of climate change may also bring opportunities for companies to develop products and services that align with environmental protection. The report analyzed possibility of risks for 10 business intensive sectors - building & construction, chemicals, power, extractives, finance, food & beverage, healthcare, IT, tourism, and transport - and provided recommendations to better adapt to the changing environment and lessen the impact on the global economy. Read on...

The Times of India: Changing environment to impact global business - UN
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 29 jun 2013

Professor Rokhmin Dahuri of Bogor Agricultural University provides a detailed analysis of the various factors leading to climate change and how humans in their efforts for growth and prosperity are depleting the various natural resources. He explains that global warming which is impacting our environment resulting in rising sea levels, extreme weather conditions, floods, outbreak of diseases etc, will reduce earth's sustaining capacity to produce food, energy and various natural resources. According to US National Academy of Sciences (2002) humanity's total demand first exceeded the earth's sustainable capacity in 1980, and in 1999 that capacity further increased by 20%. Prof. Dahuri mentions that world's economic growth is neither inclusive enough nor it is sustainable. To feed the world population (estimated to reach 9 billion by 2050), provide them with optimum employment and to bring 1.5 billion people out of poverty he suggests - stabilize the world's population to 10 billion by 2010; developed countries must act responsibly regarding environmental protection and distribution of welfare; focus on green and inclusive growth; adoption of green technologies; convergence of government policies, market mechanisms and institutional arrangements towards low carbon, resource efficient and sustainable economy. Read on...

The Jakarta Post: Sustainable development in an increasingly warming world
Author: Rokhmin Dahuri

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 28 jun 2013

Climate change, with carbon pollution the main catalyst, is affecting the global environment leading to extreme and unexpected weather conditions throughout the world. The effects are more severe in developing nations due to the lack of proper systems to effectively manage disaster situations. Climate change has an impact on the economy too. According to economists 3.5°F rise in temperature will lead to 1% decrease in global GDP (Loss of 5% for India and 4% for Africa). UN estimates that natural disasters will lead 3 billion people to extreme poverty by 2050. Developed nations have been the main contributor of the carbon dioxide pollution (2/3rd) since the Industrial Revolution. The US senator in the article mentions his concerns for the global environment and urges US and the world to take measures to overcome the effects of climate change. Read on...

Reuters: The price of ignoring climate change
Author: Sheldon Whitehouse

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 29 may 2013

An architectural design firm in Germany has created a 'three dimensional architectural tile' that can be installed on buildings to reduce air pollution and enhance air quality around it. The tile also has aesthetic appeal and decorates the building due to its unique design. Moreover there are various factors related to the surroundings like solar level, wind speed and direction, that are considered for the architectural design of the tile. The company has recently installed the tiles on the outside of a hospital in Mexico City (one of the five most air polluted cities in the world). This is exptected to reduce NOx (nitrogen oxide) from around 86,000 cars driving by the building per day. Another project is on trial where the paint with depolluted coating is applied on the inside surface of a highway tunnel to reduce NOx levels. Also flat paints with depolluted coating can be applied to building surfaces for reduction of NOx from smog impacted urban areas. Read on...

Triple Pundit: New Architectural Design Battles Air Pollution in Mega-Cities
Author: Jan Lee

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 17 may 2013

To ensure food security for the total world population, conventional methods of farming and cattle breeding are insufficient as they have adverse effects on environment and are not sustainable. According to a researcher, the main problem is not with distribution and logistics as generally perceived but it is with the food production itself particularly in regions of the world where it is needed the most. He suggests that ecological intensification of agricultural production should take place in developing countries where small farmers produce about 50% of the world's food production. More research on farming methods and productivity enhancement has to be done. Organic farming has to be encouraged on a large scale. Read on...

Phys.org: Feeding the world population sustainably and efficiently with ecologically intensive agriculture
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 19 mar 2013

Efficient 'Water Management' by consolidated and coordinated efforts by food consumers, producers and policy makers will assist the world to prevent hunger and thirst in future, say experts. Interesting fact about water is that our earth consists of about 70% of water but only .001% is fresh and available for human consumption and out of this 70% is used for agriculture. Some of the efforts would include innovations in water saving technologies, better farming methods and reduction in food wastage. Read on...

Perishable News: Ten Strategies For Wise Water Use Through Food & Agriculture
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 07 mar 2013

Research suggests that 'Biodiversity' is critical for food production. But the current farming practices like continuous use of fertilizers, pesticides, etc sometime work contrary to the conservation principles of biodiversity. The number of wild insect pollinators is continually declining due to climate changes and prevalent agricultural techniques. Scientists and researchers say that if we care for our food security we should take care of these natural pollinators. Read on...

Mother Jones: "Promiscuous" Bees and Vanishing Insects Mean Less Food for Us
Author: Maddie Oatman

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 26 feb 2013

'Future Works'- Jobs that are at high demand now may not be what the future generation would be seeking, say futurologists. So those in the advisory role for kids its worth understanding what the work place of the future would be and what jobs will be in high demand. During the course of history there were many jobs that became obsolete due to the way society grew. We ourselves have seen transformations in the ever evolving work environment due to technological advancements in every field. What worked well then doesn't work well now. This will be more so in the future as the pace of change has really became faster. Futurologists suggest these jobs for the next generation: Digital architect; Home carer; Elderly well being consultant; Body part maker; Nano medic; Vertical farmer; Waste data handler; Climate controller; Avatar manager; Memory augmentation surgeon; Time broker; Personal branding manager; Child designer; Omnipotence delimiter; Personal medical apothecary; Haptic programmer. Some of these might even exist in the informal way in the present time. Be Ready. Read on...

The Telegraph: 10 well paid jobs of the future
Author: NameJessica Winch

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 26 jan 2013

The new approach 'NEXUS Thinking' to overcome the challenge of scarce resources 'water, food, energy' emphasizes to not look solutions to a particular problem in isolation but equal consideration should be given to the other two in the nexus. Will it work? Read on...

Gurdian Sustainable Business: Can 'nexus thinking' alleviate global water, food and energy pressures?
Author: Tim Smedley

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 11 jan 2013

Environmentalist & Nobel laureate Dr. R.K. Pachauri talks about creating a balance between 'Sustainable Development' & 'Environmental Concerns'. He predicts 'Bio-Economic Future' for the world. Read on...

All India Radio: Nobel laureate Dr. Pachauri talks about Bio-Economic Future for the world
Author: NA

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