· September, 2009

Stories about Environment from September, 2009

Czech Republic: Temelín Nuclear Power Plant

  29 September 2009

The Journeys of Captain Oddsocks writes about the Temelín nuclear power plant, which has been in the news recently “because of a controversial and overpriced contract awarded to a shady company whose former director was recently jailed for planning the violent abduction of his replacement.”

Trinidad & Tobago: The Price of Progress is High

  28 September 2009

“As if the stink of the uselessness of the building weren’t enough…here comes talk that toxic fumes from the Performing Arts Academy are making people in the neighbouring buildings fall sick. Yes, this is progress at its best”: Trinidadian Attillah Springer says the whole thing “is a tragic kind of...

Philippines: Helping flood victims through social media

  28 September 2009

A tropical storm hit many parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces in the Philippines last Saturday. Social networking sites were flooded with personal stories, photos and videos of the typhoon's aftermath. The stream of information soon became a “hub” for coordinating rescue and relief efforts for those who had access to the internet

Philippines: Worst Flooding in 40 Years

  27 September 2009

Tropical Storm "Ondoy" hit the Philippines last Saturday triggering the worst flooding in 40 years which left 50 people dead and 280,000 residents displaced. Social media sites were maximized to share updates about the storm and to assist flood victims

Japan: Training for disaster prevention

  27 September 2009

The first week of September in Japan is the Disaster Prevention Week [ja]. During this week schools, organizations, offices and so on come together to organize disaster prevention training.

West Africa : Victims of Floods Call for Help

  26 September 2009

Last weeks’ torrential rains triggered disastrous floodings (Fr), killing 159 people and affecting over 600,000 in a dozen Western Africa countries, unprepared to face seasonal rains growing heavier and heavier. (See map). Afropages (Fr) describes the situation in Conakry, Guinea's capital.

Jamaica: utilities hardship

  25 September 2009

Stunner's Afflictions notes the coincidence that the same day Jamaica's power company raised its rates, the Bank of Jamaica introduced the new JA$5,000 bill, the country's highest denomination banknote. “Now we can cover more bills with less notes. That's the only good way of looking at it.”

Botswana: River flows again since 1988

  24 September 2009

Boronyane River in Botswana flows again since 1988: “Local dignitaries and politicians gather on the banks of the Boronyane River to watch it flow down to the Thamalakane River. Local knowledge says it last flowed in 1988 and 1974 – so this is a big occasion.”

India: Where is the crowd?

  23 September 2009

Is it the heat? Is it the rain? Is it the recession? Sukanya from Kolkata, India wonders why the usual crowds for the Durga Puja festivities are not building up.

Mobile-empowered to serve you better

  22 September 2009

The mobile phone has grown to be a tool that enables, farmers, small traders and service providers to take information-based decisions, thereby leading to their economic empowerment