(August 7, 2008) In a recent story, Óscar Santelices, the director of Chile’s tourism bureau, SERNATUR, expressed concerns that the HidroAysén hydro electric project in Patagonia may hurt the region’s tourism business. He also said that he has expressed these concerns to the developers of the project.
At least in Bangladesh wrongdoers are encouraged to return the money
(August 6, 2008) The president of Bangladesh this month appointed a three-member Truth and Accountability Commission in an effort to claw back ill-gotten gains from corrupt businessmen and politicians who could receive clemency if they confess their wrongdoing and refund money obtained illegally. The country’s military-backed government, which launched a nationwide anti-graft campaign after taking power in January 2007, hopes the commission will help clear a massive backlog of corruption cases, Independent Online reports.
The Hydrolancang cascade: Fact box
(August 1, 2008) Information on eight Hydrolancang dams on the Lancang (upper Mekong) River in Yunnan.
Measuring the Clean Development Mechanism’s Performance and Potential
(August 1, 2008) The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol is the first global attempt to address a global environmental public goods problem with a market-based mechanism.
Green Olympics not so green for some
(August 1, 2008) As Beijing rounds the last turn in the final lap of its preparations for the Olympics, residents in other parts of China are left counting the cost of what the games means for them.
Carbon Offsets: The U.S. Voluntary Market Is Growing, but Quality Assurance Poses Challenges for Market Participants
(August 1, 2008) GAO was asked to examine (1) the scope of the U.S. voluntary carbon offset market, including the role of the federal government; (2) the extent to which mechanisms for ensuring the credibility of offsets are available and used and what, if any, related information is shared with consumers; and (3) trade-offs associated with increased oversight of the U.S. market and including offsets in climate change mitigation policies. This report is based on analysis of literature and data, interviews with stakeholders, and GAO’s purchase of offsets.
Study shows dams unnecessary
(July 31, 2008) This study shows that a national policy based on energy efficiency and non-conventional renewable energy could reduce Chile’s energy demand by up to 4,000 MW, eliminating the need for large hydroelectric projects.
World Bank funds Brazil’s ethanol craze
(July 31, 2008) The World Bank is a leading financier and political promoter of Brazil’s campaign for sugar cane based ethanol. Currently, the Bank’s private sector arm, International Finance Corporation, is lending about US$200 million for three ethanol projects in Sao Paulo state.
World Bank funds Amazon slaughterhouse
(July 31, 2008) The World Bank’s private sector arm, International Finance Corporation, is providing Brazil’s cattle industry with US$9 million to expand their slaughterhouse operations in the southern Amazon, depite an environmental study showing the expansion would lead to the loss of up to 300,000 hectares of forest.
China National Energy Administration commences operation
(July 29, 2008) China’s newly-established National Energy Administration (NEA) has begun operation, according to sources with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
PRESS RELEASE China’s Three Gorges dam resettlement turns violent
(March 30, 2001) Chinese officials are using police force and violent means to force reluctant migrants to make way for the Three Gorges dam, and to punish anyone accusing local officials of wrongdoing.
China dams up dissent of Three Gorges project
He Kechang retired to a village above the Yangtze River hoping to spend his last years with his family working their half-acre of land.
PRESS RELEASE Imminent trial of Three Gorges dam protesters
Two international organizations appealed today for the release of farmers arrested for trying to petition Chinese authorities to end abuses linked to the Three Gorges Dam project.
Three Gorges: resettlement and marginalization
Thesis by Chinese academic and scholar, writes that a lack of adequate compensation is a common feature of dam resettlement schemes the world over, and the Three Gorges resettlement is no exception.
Beijing’s water crisis
(July 26, 2008) Within a generation Beijing may cease to exist, environmentalists warn.
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