OurWorld 2.0

New operating system for post-peak oil age

Brendan Barrett — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:30:01 +0000

Imagine that it is day one in a post-peak oil world. We have neglected the oil scarcity issue and failed to make all necessary preparations, especially at the international level. We face the urgent need to re-orient our global institutions in order to respond effectively to the challenges of a world where oil supplies are limited.

Who put the COP15 in Copenhagen?

Carol Smith — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:30:40 +0000

To most, the words COP15 and Copenhagen are sounding quite familiar these days. In millions of minds all over the world these terms are linked to the fact that we need to replace the Kyoto Protocol. Which is why there is much global anticipation that a brand new, more ambitious treaty will become a reality [...]

Japan to suffer huge climate costs

Brendan Barrett — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:30:03 +0000

There is a pervasive belief amongst Japanese leaders and decision-makers that climate change will not have a big impact on Japan in the future. They are wrong.

Wilder typhoons may mean bigger yen losses

Miguel Esteban — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:30:49 +0000

Climate change is set to cause some of the 21st century’s chief challenges. Among these are fears that rising sea temperatures will provoke an increase in the frequency and intensity of weather events, such as tropical cyclones.

How-to guide for environmental refugees

Ursula Rakova — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:30:26 +0000

For some time now, Carteret Islanders have made eye-catching headlines: “Going, going… Papua New Guinea atoll sinking fast”. Academics have dubbed us amongst the world’s first “environmental refugees” and journalists put us on the “frontline of climate change.” So perhaps you have heard how we build sea walls and plant mangroves, only to see our land [...]

“Plenty of fish in the sea”

Mark Notaras — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:30:49 +0000

Most old sayings are still true today. This one is not.

2,000 watt society

Kalle Huebner — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:30:01 +0000

Scientists in Switzerland, a country that imports 80% of its energy, have come up with a cohesive strategy to tackle today’s persistent energy squandering — the “2,000 Watt Society”. A watt is a unit of power that indicates the rate at which we are using energy. At present, the average European uses around 6,000 watts, compared [...]

Tourism meltdown

Luis Patron — Mon, 25 May 2009 23:30:23 +0000

Every spring and summer huge masses of Arctic ice are detaching and falling into the sea, as shown on countless news reports worldwide. The melting, scientists tell us, is a result of human-made global warming. It has gotten to the point where presently, a passage through the Arctic Ocean that was frozen solid for ages [...]

Flipside of banking

Mark Notaras — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:30:14 +0000

Whether you spend or save your money, banking is one of life’s unavoidable pleasures. Be it from a small savings account or a large long-term investment, banks invest your money throughout a multi-layered, intricate web of financial and tangible assets. But where is your money really going and how can you ensure your investments take [...]

The world’s next breath

Carol Smith — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:30:49 +0000

“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day I can hear her breathing.” Not everyone fully appreciates the meaning of this Arundhati Roy quote. But Rob Hopkins’ does and uses it in his talks. The dynamic Brit is at the centre of Transition, a movement that has been dubbed [...]