The Times Online is running a story about Hawking and a team of physicists and mathematicians including two Nobel laureates in physics, David Gross and George Smoot, and Michael Griffin, the head of NASA. Gates, Google and Sun are apparently interested in the project, which would fund centers for excellence in science and mathematics thought the continent. Read the article here.
Thanks to our illustrious Tom Ewert, who writes to take issue with the analysis of the food crisis presented here, and wants to recommend an alternative view: He reading list includes ‘Starved for Science: How biotechnology is being kept out of Africa‘ by Robert Paarlberg - a Professor of Political Science at Wellesley College. Read the press release from Wellesley College here
National Geographic is running Michael Casey’s analysis here on why the recent cyclone was so devastating. It’s an interesting read, and highlights a number of factors including a lack of risk reduction and planning, poor response, possible climate change factors, and plain bad luck.
As part of a larger article on philanthro-capitalism Galés Gabirondo of Global Policy Forum reviews Michael Edwards new book “Just Another Emperor” (you can buy the book, or download it for free here).
It’s a fascinating read - here is Galés’ summary “philanthro-capitalism is the term given to the movement taking hold that “promises to save the world by revolutionizing philanthropy, making non-profit organizations operate like business, and creating new markets for goods and services that benefit society.” This neo-liberal brand of philanthropy distinguishes itself from charity and progressive philanthropy by insisting not only on market-based results, but on business-based procedures for grant giving. Philanthro-capitalists seek business efficiencies and a financial “bottom line” from their “investments” and concentrate on making global markets work better. A logical extension of current of neo-liberal hegemony, philanthro-capitalism sees unregulated markets not only as engines for creating wealth, but as the ultimate drivers of social change. In this view, governments are too bureaucratic and corrupt, and social movements too unruly and inefficient. Only the market can save us from… well, the market.” (read the whole article here).
The International Forum on Globalization went to press with their report The Rise and Predictable Fall of Globalized Industrial Agriculture last year, but the analysis they present is particularly pertinent as we try to understand the current global food crisis.
The surprisingly readable report first unpacks the massive shift in ownership of agricultural processes (from seeds and agricultural imports
to control of markets and food transport systems), and the role of global organizations and structures.
More importantly, it proposes a raft of alternative agricultural approaches that emphasize local production and food sovereignty, biodiversity and sustainable farming practices. It’s both an insightful read on the current issues, and a guide to potential paths out of the situation we’re in.
Gretchen Gordon writes: “Food protests and riots from Italy to Yemen have begun capturing worldwide attention, and policymakers are scrambling to point fingers at a litany of culprits—everything from climate change, high oil prices, a weak dollar and the biofuels boom, to meat eaters in China.” Her analysis of the situation points to unprecedented deregulation and concentration of ownership in the global food markets for the current crisis. As we have eliminated breadth and diversity in the system, we have eliminated its ability to withstand shocks and manipulation.
Read the article here.
