| |  | |  Global population to hit 7 billion The global population is set to hit the 7 billion mark on Oct. 31, just 13 years after passing the 6 billion milestone, according to a United Nations report. Rapid population growth has triggered worries over the availability of natural resources and efforts to achieve development goals related to health, poverty and education. CNN (10/26), The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (10/23)     
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|  | "The Security Council for the next 12 months is now all set. Here it is: Perm Five: USA, Russia, UK, France, China. Everyone Else: Germany, Portugal, Colombia, South Africa, India, Morocco, Togo, Pakistan, Guatemala, Azerbaijan." UN Dispatch | |
- UN Population Fund warns of 15B population by 2100
Global population could top 15 billion by the end of the century if birth patterns are slightly greater than expected, the UN Population Fund projected. The more likely total is 10 billion, up from the current 7 billion, the fund said, with a total of 9.3 billion forecast for midcentury. All the scenarios are problematic for addressing climate change and poverty, the fund noted. Google/Agence France-Presse (10/26) - UN investigators caution Libya on humane detainee treatment
Libya's National Transitional Council must work to ensure their forces do not engage in revenge killings and treat those who fought to defend Moammar Gadhafi humanely, says Philippe Kirsch, head of a United Nations human rights investigation team. Concerns over potential human rights abuses and war crimes have risen after Gadhafi was killed after being captured alive. AlertNet/Reuters (10/25)  | - How defunding the UN would imperil the U.S.
A Palestinian drive to join UNESCO and other United Nations' organizations is likely to succeed and trigger cutbacks on U.S. funding to UN agencies. "I think the implications of this are really dangerous for the United Nations and the United States," said President of the United Nations Foundation Timothy E. Wirth. The UN Foundation has launched an effort to highlight the risks to U.S. interests from the laws that require funding cuts to any UN agency that recognizes Palestine. ForeignPolicy.com/Turtle Bay blog (10/25) - Africa struggles with secondary education
Governments in Africa are struggling to meet demands for secondary education, with girls facing more challenges to securing access than boys, according to a report from UNESCO. Many countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, are unable to successfully provide education services to more than one-third of children. Inter Press Service (10/25) - Culture of bribery may remain despite Arab Spring
The long-standing corruption that has motivated the uprisings across the Middle East as much as the higher-profile ruling figures who have been deposed threatens now to persist despite popular anger. Analysts say that driving out kleptocratic leaders is likely to prove an easier task than ridding societies of the widespread practice of bribery that afflicts the region and harms societies in a number of ways. The National (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) (10/26) - Climate skeptic recants, says warming data is real
A physicist who cited faulty data in questioning climate change scenarios has backtracked after reviewing the evidence. Richard Muller launched the Berkeley Earth Surface Temperature project last year to have another look at basic temperature data with partial backing from the climate skeptical Charles G. Koch Foundation. The result as revealed in a House hearing, however, confirmed the work of many climate researchers, showing a "warming trend that is very similar to that previously reported by the other groups," Muller said. The Washington Post/Wonkblog (10/20) - Survey assesses city, country climate risks
Megacities in Africa and Asia are the urban areas most at risk from the effects of climate change, according to an assessment survey by Maplecroft. The Bangladeshi capital Dhaka is the city most at risk, while Haiti was named as the country most at risk from floods, rising sea levels and other climate change effects. AlertNet/Reuters (10/26) - China warns microbloggers controls will increase
Chinese authorities will increase efforts to manage the flow of information through social media networks and instant messaging, warns a Communist party communique. Chinese netizens have increasingly used microblogging platforms to discuss politically sensitive issues and criticize the government's handling of crises such as the Wenzhou train crash this summer. The Guardian (London)/Reuters (10/26) - DR Congo election could intensify conflict
Persistent claims of fraud and violent clashes that are accompanying political campaigning for the Democratic Republic of Congo's upcoming Nov. 28 election are raising fears the conflict-ravaged country could soon see a return to full-fledged war. Security forces have repeatedly disrupted opposition rallies, and the electoral commission is behind schedule on preparations necessary for a smooth electoral process. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (10/25) - 7 billion reasons for mHealth
With the birth of the world's 7 billionth child this month, and more than 5 billion mobile phone subscriptions, the mHealth Alliance highlights critical questions about the role of mobile technology in improving health outcomes, including those related to population growth. Mobile health (mHealth) solutions have the potential to assist in providing access to healthcare, improving public health, and promoting critical health behaviors -- helping ensure that the 7 billionth child will live in a safe, healthy and sustainable world. Click here to read more from the UN Foundation.
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