BOOKS / RESEARCH / NEWS

B1

Title:International Political Economy of the Environment: Critical Perspectives

Authors: Dimitris Stevis , Valerie J. Assetto (ED)

Published By: Lynne Rienner Publications,

Year: January 2001

 

B2

Title: Linkage Methods for Environment and Health Analysis: Technical Guidelines

Author: Cedlia Corvalan, M. Nurminen, H. Pastides

Publisher: world Health Organisation,

Year :January 1997

 

Abstract:

A practical guide to the many existing tools and methods that can be used to monitor exposure to environmental pollutants and quantify their effects on human health. Nothing that decisions concerning environmental protection have far reaching and costly consequences, the book responds to the urgent need to base on reliable data about real health hazards and the most appropriate measures for their correction or prevention. The book also  aims to encourage closer collaboration between environmental appropriate measures for their correction or prevention. The book offers abundant advice on how to obtain information that is reliable, consistent, focused on issues of real concern, quickly available and issued in an understandable and useful form. The book has six chapters. Background information is provided in the first, which discusses the magnitude of health problems linked to environmental pollution and introduces the many methodological problems that can complicate the quantification of health impacts, compromise the validity of data and undermine their utility in the decision-making process. The second chapter explains how carefully selected environmental health indicators can provide vital support to the decision-making process. Specific methods of assessment are then discussed in separate chapters concerned with exposure assessment and the assessment of health effects. The need to link exposure and health data forms the focus of chapter five, which offers particularly useful advice on the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to linkage analysis, including the ecological method, time series analysis quantitative risk assessment and geographical information systems. The authors also demonstrate the solid guidance possible when these tools, and the routine established data they rely on, are put to appropriate use. the concluding chapter elaborates a basic framework for decision-making based on valid, scientific data.

 

B3

Title:World Agriculture and Environment: A Commodity-By- Commodity Guide to Impacts and Practices.

Author :Jason Clay

Publisher: Island Press, March, 2004.

 

World Agriculture and the Environment presents a unique assessment of agricultural commodity production and the environmental problems it causes, along with prescriptions for increasing efficiency and reducing damage to natural systems. The author examines twenty of the world's major crops, including beef, coffee, corn, rice, rubber, shrimp, sorghum, tea, and tobacco. For each crop, he offers comparative information including:

                      • a “fast facts” overview section that summarizes key data for the crop

                      • main producing and consuming countries

                      • main types of production

                      • market trend information and market chain analyses

                      • major environmental impacts

                      • management strategies and best practices

                      • key contacts and references with maps of major commodity production areas worldwide, the book represents the first truly global portrait of agricultural production patterns and environmental impacts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B4

Title: Population, Environment and Development: The Concise Report

Author: United Nations

Published: United Nations, October, 2001

 

This publication analyses and looks at trends, government views and policies, and the effects of migration, health, mortality and fertility.

 

Research

R1

Environmental research at the East-West Center focuses on critical interactions and interdependencies between environment and society. Individual projects respond to current issues of regional significance, illuminate critical gaps in scientific understanding, and explore innovative approaches to establishing more effective partnerships within the Asia-Pacific community that will sustain both people and the environment.

 

Further information on projects, under the following thematic areas also available

 

Thematic Areas

Environmental Economics Population, Environment, and Health Land-Use and Land-Cover Patterns Air Quality Climate Variability and Change Community-led Resource Management

to view the above thematic areas visit http://www.eastwestcentre.org

 

Picture: Land erosion by water stream will reduce soil strength necessary water bounds are required.

 

News

N1

 

National Wildlife Federation’s (NWF) Population & Environment Program: Two programs for college women.

 

The first is a new fellowship opportunity offered through NWF’s Campus Ecology program for students particulary interested in international issues, sustainable development, women’s empowerment and other population and environment related issues. This initiative gives students the opportunity to create environmental change on their campus and in their community while receiving valuable experience and money. Students can review grant guidelines and apply online at: www.nwf.org/

The second concerns our capacity building initiative, Women for Sustainable Development, which will consist of a workshop held in January of 2003 in Washington DC. The two day conference will offer skills building workshops as well as trainings in population and environment linkages. Applications for participation in the workshop will be sent out late August and campus recruitment visits will be made during the fall. Visit our website: www.nwf.org/population to learn more about the Population & Environment Program and sign up for our Fast Action Network (email listserv)