Planet
Opinion
Bitcoin’s huge energy waste
It’s thanks to “blockchains” that cryptocurrencies can be created without a central supervisory authority. The bitcoin is one of these currencies, but it works based on “miners” who compete in computations. The result is energy consumption that’s both huge and unnecessary, according to Jean-Paul...
Other news
Interview
Philosophy of living beings: Diving into the world of sperm whales
What can we learn about human beings by exploring the ocean floor? François Sarano, an oceanographer and writer, firmly believes that the encounter with wildlife and non-human living beings is an experience that transforms our binary vision which separates “humans” from “animals”.
Opinion
COVID-19 vaccines: Is it worth continuing funding the COVAX flop?
Despite high ambitions, COVAX, the multilateral vaccine delivery mechanism, has not lived up to its promise. What accounts for this failure and what can be done about it?
Analysis
Colombia caught in financial turmoil
Colombia has just lost its investment grade status in the aftermath of the Covid crisis, indicating a loss of confidence from international markets. The likely consequence from such an event is a drop in growth rate and further financial constraints for the Colombian government. This is however...
Analysis
In El Alto, water as a source of life… and of persistent gender inequalities
In this town near La Paz, Bolivia, the management of water in households reveals persistent gender inequalities. As Eva’s story shows, this is the case even when water is finally available from the faucet.
Analysis
Ten years on, Rinderpest eradication highlights the value of vaccines
The global eradication of Rinderpest gives reason to be optimistic when it comes to fighting infectious animal diseases. While the recent Covid-19 pandemic has shown the devastating impact emerging infectious diseases can have, it is also a reminder of the critical role vaccines can play in...
Press Review
Lest we forget HIV
La revue de presse du développement revient sur les temps forts du mois d’avril 2021.revu
Opinion
Carbon market: what will the future border tax look like?
In 2005, the European Union introduced the emissions trading system, more commonly referred to as the “carbon market”. Fifteen years later, it is poised to introduce an adjustment mechanism: a carbon border tax. This is the last column in our series “Fifteen years of the carbon market: what’s the...
Opinion
Climate and the White House: a leaders summit and then what?
After a period of promises, now has come the time for concrete commitments. At the Leaders Summit on Climate, held on April 22nd and organized by Joe Biden, the president has the opportunity to move past rhetoric and take action.
Opinion
Carbon market: hands off my allowances!
In 2005, the European Union introduced the emissions trading system, more commonly referred to as the “carbon market”. Fifteen years later, how can we achieve a fair and effective redistribution of this rent between economic actors? This is the second edition in our series “Fifteen years of the...
Opinion
Carbon market emissions cap: set the limit!
In 2005, the European Union introduced the emissions trading system, more commonly referred to as the “carbon market”. What has it done so far? This is the first edition in our series “Fifteen years of the carbon market: what’s the point?”
Opinion
Public health: we can end obstetric fistula in Africa
The persistence of obstetric fistula in Africa, a preventable disease, has given new regional impetus to alert, treat and reintegrate women who suffer from it.
Press Review
“It’s the climate, stupid !”
This month’s press review highlights striking news from the beginning of 2021.
Opinion
Deterioration of Lake Victoria: the price of inaction
Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the source of the White Nile. This crucial ecosystem for the region is being plagued with frequent fish kills, oxygen depletion of deep waters and poor water quality, which is characterized by blooms of harmful algae and aquatic weeds.
Shared Innovation
In Africa, using apps to expand access to healthcare
Mobile health apps are booming in Africa, which holds real hope for the continent in its quest for fairer and better quality healthcare.
Press Review
The fight against tuberculosis pushed aside by Covid-19
This February’s press review highlights striking news from the beginning of 2021.
Interview
COVID vaccines in Africa: whatever happened to solidarity?
Mamady Traoré, a vaccine and epidemic response coordinator at Médecins Sans Frontières, considers that nationalistic attitudes in the acquisition of vaccines have taken precedence over international solidarity in the fight against the pandemic.
Opinion
How does our perception of animals affect ethics and human health?
Our perceptions of other species are a result of biological and cultural constructs. If humans were to deepen their understanding of these attitudes, it would lead to better treatment of animals, while improving our health and the quality of our environment.
Opinion
Epidemics and the environment: how to put health crises behind us
The number infectious disease outbreaks–linked to global changes–has continued to increase in recent decades. To break this cycle of epidemics, agricultural development must reconcile ecological, social and health resilience goals.
Shared Innovation
How to scale up pilot health projects to reach an entire nation. The Solthis experience
How can an organization increase the impact of its innovative health interventions and make the transition to a nation-wide scale? Solthis is a non-profit organization operating in Africa and shares some insights gained from analysis of its projects.
Press Review
Global Economy: “Push the reset button!”
2020 was challenging on every front. COVID-19 left many more vulnerable than ever while other social and environmental issues are exacerbating, to the point that the World Economic Forum opening this week called for a “great reset”. Are we up to the task?
Shared Innovation
A $1 paper microscope is revolutionizing medicine and science in developing countries
Invented in 2014 by two researchers in the United States, the easy-to-use Foldscope microscope only costs $1 and can be used to detect malaria.
Opinion
Climate change: China sets ambitious goals amid contradictions
China has set very ambitious climate change targets. However, while the world’s largest coal consumer attempts to establish itself as a future leader in renewable energy, there are clear contradictions in its approach.
Interview
Human concern for the climate, an “old story”
According to Fabien Locher, environmental historian and researcher at CNRS, the awareness of human activity affecting the climate is older than we imagine. He has just published a book co-authored with Jean-Baptiste Fressoz entitled Les Révoltes du ciel (Seuil, 2020).
Development news
Disability, a blind spot in sustainable development
According to the WHO, over one billion people are living with a disability worldwide, and half of them do not have access to health care services, further exacerbating the situation. In this article, the links between disability and poverty are explained in more detail.