Despite promises by G8 leaders to prioritise food security, the World Food Programme is in trouble with its budget for 2009. Cuts in school feeding programmes highlight the contrast with school meals provided in richer countries.
Tag: global divide
Wimbledon roof snubs index insurance
The new sliding roof over the Wimbledon Centre Court represents an extreme and expensive example of adapting to climate uncertainties. Low cost index insurance is a valuable tool for poor farmers but can it work if climate becomes even less predictable?
UK climate projections betray Copenhagen agenda
The new UK climate projections published by the Met Office Hadley Centre are a valuable risk management tool for policymakers. But they also speak volumes about the global failure to protect poor countries from climate change.
Children’s rights mirror the global divide
Laws to protect children from sexual abuse in the UK are advanced and actively implemented. The absence of such laws in many developing countries is a major concern to human rights campaigners.
Scratching the surface of inequality
Governments are responding to public disgust at financial greed by increasing taxes for high earners. But it’s a reminder that becoming a little less rich does not address extreme global inequalities.
G20 summit: excluded African voices
The G20 London summit is unrepresentative of the poorest countries who will be most affected by decisions about the world economy. Here’s a selection of what African leaders have to say.
How can poor countries fight the credit crunch?
Anger is brewing amongst African governments as their economies are undermined by a crisis for which they are not responsible. They lack the monetary tools available to countries attending the G20 London Summit.
The decadence of chewing gum removal
In Costa Rica, municipal authorities compete with each other to plant the most trees. UK cities seem to be more concerned about removal of chewing gum from the pavements. Does this reflect cultural diversity or just muddled priorities?