Sacrificing the Rainforest on the Altar of Energy

By Milagros Salazar LIMA, Dec 27, 2010 (IPS/IFEJ) – The construction of five hydroelectric dams in Peru as part of an energy deal with Brazil will do considerable damage to the environment, such as the destruction of nearly 1.5 million hectares of jungle over the next 20 years, according to an independent study.

The Ethanol Industry’s $6 Billion Christmas Gift

OtherWords Evidence is mounting that corn ethanol and other basic biofuels are actually worse for the environment than the fossil fuels they’re supposed to replace. by Marie Brill Who needs $6 billion? I do! Especially during the holiday season when I try to balance my budget and ever-growing Santa wish lists.   I can also [...]

Ocampo names six suspects

Africa Confidential President Mwai Kibaki’s government is in turmoil following the naming of some of its ministers as responsible for the post-election violence in 2008

Continuity, With a Woman’s Face

By Fabiana Frayssinet RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec 22, 2010 (IPS) – In the countdown to her inauguration on Jan. 1, Brazilian President-elect Dilma Rousseff has completed her cabinet, which points to a government of continuity whose most novel aspect will be a greater female presence.

Food Safety Bill Passes: ‘Victory for Food Movement’

San Francisco Chronicle by Andrew Aylward The most significant changes to food safety regulation in 70 years were approved by Congress on Tuesday, giving broad new powers to the Food and Drug Administration to step up inspections aimed at preventing outbreaks of disease in the nation’s food production system.

Kenya MPs vote to leave ICC over poll violence claims

BBC Kenyan MPs have voted overwhelmingly for the country to pull out of the treaty which created the International Criminal Court in The Hague.  The move comes a week after the ICC prosecutor named six Kenyans he accuses of being behind post-election violence.  The prosecutor’s list included senior politicians and civil servants.