'Tis the Season

REALLY COOL BREAKDOWN OF AMERICAN CHARITY WORK FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

check it out... www.mint.com/blog/trends/charity-who-cares

Climate Action For The Poor

The climate talks currently going on in Copenhagen will hopefully end in an accord that sets out real plans of action to combat climate change on a global level. These projects will cost trillions of dollars over the next few decades.

Does this mean that only countries economically capable of devoting millions or billions of dollars towards combating climate change will be able to reap the benefits of becoming "Green"? - Hopefully not.

According to the NYT, "the European Union will contribute about $3 billion starting next year to help poorer countries deal with climate change, Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Britain announced on Friday, a move that seeks to improve the chances of reaching an accord next week at climate change talks in Copenhagen".

Specifically these funds would be set aside to help poorer countries to begin planning massive engineering projects like building higher sea walls and converting their electricity systems so they rely on low-carbon sources.

Prime Minister of Britain, Gordon Brown said there were “few moments in history when nations are summoned to common decisions that will reshape the lives of men and women potentially for generations to come.”

No matter what the cost this is an issue that needs to be seriously addressed. I found this quote from a different NYT article about the costs of a Copenhagen Accord to be really moving.

“People often ask about the costs,” said Kevin Parker, the global head of Deutsche Bank Asset Management, who tracks climate policy for the bank. “But the figures people tend to cite don’t take into account conservation and efficiency measures that are easily available. And they don’t look at the cost of inaction, which is the extinction of the human race. Period.”

A different view of the Afghanistan surge

While America debates Obama's plan to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan there is one group that sees hope in his recent decision. The women of Afghanistan.

Here is a link to a moving piece about the plight of Afghani women and their hopes that the troops will bring them greater freedoms.

And a non-profit that helps these women after they are shunned by their families and forced to live in fear.

World AIDS Day

December 1st is World AIDS Day.

It's easy to forget the devastation AIDS has inflicted upon the global community. Here are some facts according to UNAIDS, the joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.

Young people account for around 40% of all new adult (15+) HIV infections worldwide.

Since the beginning of the epidemic, almost 60 million people have been infected with

HIV and 25 million people have died of HIV-related causes.

In 2008, $15.6 billion was estimated to be available from all sources for HIV treatment.

UNAIDS estimates that $25 billion will be needed for HIV services in 2010.

According to USAID almost 5,500 people die every day due to AIDS.

Things you can do..

Shop (Product) RED - A portion of profits from each (PRODUCT) RED product sold goes directly to the Global Fund to invest in African AIDS programs, with a focus on women and children.

There will be an event on campus where a controversial film, House of Numbers will be shown. 7pm Smith 120.

Learn. Here is a Google list of a bunch of options you can take to further the cause of ending the spread of AIDS.