International Events

Carbon Tracking Software for Cities

- Adam Clare

Not only has Clinton and comrades found $5 billion to spend to help cities green themselves, they have created software that tracks carbon outputs for entire cities!

The new software and Web applications are part of broader set of programs being introduced by the foundation led by former President Bill Clinton, who is speaking at the C40 climate summit this week for the mayors of the world’s largest cities.

The software tools aim to create a standardized way for cities all around world to measure their greenhouse gas emissions. With a common standard, cities would be able track the effectiveness of carbon-reduction programs

Clinton Cities are Green

- Adam Clare

Former US president, Bill Clinton, has managed to get 5 billion dollars to green some of the world’s largest cities. The money comes in the form of loans and will double the world market for energy saving retrofits within 18 months.

Toronto is one of 16 cities which will be part of the project.

The project, organized by the Clinton Foundation, will involve replacing heating, cooling and lighting systems with energy efficient technology.

It will also involve turning roofs white or reflective to deflect heat from the sun, sealing windows to prevent heat from escaping, replacing windows to allow for more light and setting up sensors that will make lighting and air conditioning more efficient.

Thanks, Arvin!

Child soldiers may be reduced in Chad

- sohorobin

This one doesn’t feel like good news but I don’t think I need to say anything here…

Chad’s government has signed a deal with the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) to begin demobilising child soldiers from its national army.

The agreement is a U-turn for the government, which as always denied that it has had under-age fighters.

In a recent Unicef investigation more than 300 child soldiers were discovered in one town alone.

The sound of music is called “makorn” in Afghanistan.

- sohorobin

In Afghanistan, the hills are alive again with the sound of music…

“For three decades, music was an endangered art in Afghanistan. Soviet occupation and civil war disrupted people’s lives. When the Taliban took over in the mid-’90s, music was banned altogether.”

Things are getting better for half of us(women) in Saudi Arabia

- sohorobin

I do hope this one comes true. I am persuaded that things are actually hopeful having read an article about opportunities for women in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi minister of planning and economy, in remarks published recently noted that the eighth five-year development plan (2005-9) aims to improve the situation of Saudi women by providing them with more job opportunities.

He expects the percentage of women in the Saudi work force to increase from a mere 5.4 per cent to 14.2 per cent by the end of the plan’s period.”

Scroll To Top