Category Archives: International Events

Any event that involves two or more nations.

China Looking for Green Medal at Olympics

Most countries compete for the gold medal, well China’s competing for one extra one that is green. We all know that China is building a green city and now they are trying to build a green olympics. China is implementing new technologies to try to get the coming 2008 Beijing olympics environmentally friendly. From the World Watch Institute:

“In mid-April, Beijing’s National Olympic Stadium signed a 10 million RMB (US$1.25 million) contract with domestic solar company Suntech Power to install a 130-kilowatt photovoltaic system at 12 stadium entrances. The installation will supplement the venue’s conventional power supply and make the stadium—also known as the “Bird’s Nest” because of its appearance—the world’s most environmentally friendly sporting arena. “The Bird’s Nest Stadium solar energy project demonstrates China’s commitment to clean, renewable energy and a green Olympics,” said Zhengrong Shi, Suntech’s chairman and CEO.”

Arab League to Improve Science Literacy

SciDevNet has an article on how ALECSO will go about increasing science literacy. The strategy will encompass television shows, websites, and outreach to schools – and all to ensure people get a better understanding of science.

“The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) has approved its first strategy for promoting science literacy as a tool for development in the 22 Arab states.

The strategy, which took four years to prepare, was approved during the annual meeting of ALECSO’s executive council, which took place in Tunis, Tunisia on 6 – 10 May.”

Naomi Watts Encourages AIDS Awareness

Actress Naomi Watts has recently joined the UN in their UNAIDS campaign to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS. Over 40 million people suffer from the AIDS virus Worldwide and only 1 in 5 people with the disease recieve any form of treatment.

“Given these stark realities, I could no longer stand on the sidelines,” Naomi said in a UN press conference. When asked about the Bush administrations focus on abstinence rather than contraceptives she added “While it (abstinence) is probably the safest way to avoid it, it is impossible for certain people to practice it……So I am a big believer in the use of contraception.”

Though Naomi is a very busy career actress she has vowed to take as much of her free time as is possible to help the cause. As ‘ UNAIDS Special Representative’ she’ll be emphasising the ‘4 for everyone camapaign’ which highlights prevention, treatment, care and support for all individuals affected by the disease.

Fair Trade Purchases Increasing

Europe is seeing a quickly growing market in fair trade goods, which is obviously a good thing. Last year saw a very impressive increase in fair trade purchases.

“In Austria alone, between 2004 and 2005 there was an increase of 63 percent in the sales of “Fair Trade” items, so labelled because they are supposed to come from a production chain that respects the environment, workers’ salaries and labour rights, as part of a process that promotes social development.”

European Cities Pledge to Pass Less Gas

A group of European cities have partnered with indigenous organizations in the rain-forest to combat CO2 emissions. The cities have pledged to cut their 1990 emissions per capita in half. It looks like the cities will concentrate on mainly transportation.

“The Climate Alliance of European Cities with Indigenous Rainforest Peoples is Europe’s largest city network dedicated to climate protection, with more than 1,300 member municipalities located in 17 European countries.

Close to 50 million European citizens live in member cities, which include Barcelona, Berlin, Luxembourg, Munich, The Hague, Venice, Vienna and Zurich. “