News

The world must adopt a low-carbon model for growth as it rebuilds from the global economic crisis, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, said at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

To help finance this shift in the global economy, the IMF is working on a set of proposals to create a multi-billion dollar "Green Fund" that would provide the huge sums — which could climb to $100 billion a year in a few years — needed for countries to confront the challenges posed by climate change.

During a panel discussion on the future of the world economy, Strauss-Kahn said it was obvious that developing countries don’t have the cash to finance the measures needed to tackle climate change while developed countries were saddled with enormous debts from combating the global economic crisis.

PARIS - The United Nations' General Assembly is the world's only body in which all countries vote, with majority rule prevailing. There is no unanimity requirement or veto in the General Assembly, which might well be why it has not been called upon in the effort to fight climate change. Yet the General Assembly is the only place where obstruction by major countries - for example, by China and the United States at December's global climate talks in Copenhagen - can be bypassed.

“Global Meltdown” - What is really happening with our climate? a lecture by UK explorer, BBC presenter and public speaker Paul Rose will be held at the British Council at 4.30 p.m today.

Paul Rose will discuss how people could develop sustainability while protecting the environment and its bio-diversity, British Council spokesperson Thushara Gunasekera said.

Rose will also lead a panel discussion on ‘Communicating Science on a warming planet’. The other panelists include, University Grants Commission Vice Chairman Prof. M. T. M. Jiffry, Open University Senior Lecturer Dr. Jayantha Wattevidanage and the discussion will be facilitated by Science Writer Broadcaster Nalaka Gunawardene. Paul will also share his experience as a BBC news presenter, she said.

After assuming duties as the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, more often than not, I was compelled to be confined to a traditional office of the Ministry at Battaramulla. It is a fully air conditioned office with hanging curtains from ceiling to carpet and in the absence of natural lighting it is illuminated by fluorescent lights. Also, for reasons of security and to keep the air conditioning effective its windows are eternally kept closed. However, when I visited India recently, I saw my counterpart occupying an office with glazed partitions and see through doors, symbolizing his transparency.