What is the future for tourism in Antarctica?

Following some well publicised problems associated with tourism in Antarctica, in April 2009, the signatories to the Antarctic Treaty are proposing to limit tourist numbers:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8005467.stm

Can the precious desert woodlands of Peru be preserved?

A plan to replant fragile woodlands in Peru is underway (2009). The plan is to rejuvenate areas of desert forest which have been decimated by human use for things such as firewood.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7934406.stm

Could broadband bring prosperity to Africa’s poorest?

In April 2009, a new broadband connection was opened up to East Africa, improving connections for fledgling businesses in countries such as Kenya. The hope is that it will help tham compete on a more level playing field with othe rbusinesses elsewhere in the world:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7987812.stm#map

How are ice wedges formed?

This animation talks you through the process of ice wedge formation:

http://www.wiley.com/college/strahler/0471480533/animations/ch15_animations/animation2.html

How has the EU grown and how might it grow in the future?

This article discusses how the European Union has grown and how it might grow further. There are serious differences of opinion over who should or shouldn’t be allowed to join and there will need to be a lot of diplomacy before deals are sealed:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7529707.stm

Will Burundi’s “Peace Villages” help heal the wounds of genocide?

The long civil war between Hutus and Tutsis in Burundi is over, but mistrust is widespread. Now, refugees from both communities are being rehomed side by side to try to heal the rifts and create a new society, but will it work?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7946227.stm

Where can I track the Swine Flu Outbreak?

An understanding of geography can help us map the outbreak and progress of pandemic diseases and have a realistic understanding of their danger. The BBC have done that for the current outbreak:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8021547.stm

Are we running out of water?

Everyone needs water to live and it’s in increasing demand for industrial processes, recreation and agriculture. The World’s increasing population and the variation in the distribution of water that is occurring due to climate change are additional factors which must be managed.

This map shows where water stress is expected to occur:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7821082.stm

Some experts expect there to be a “scramble for water” as sources dry up in some areas:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7790711.stm

Many people think that there needs to be a global discussion about how water resources can be allocated more fairly:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7773298.stm

How does carbon capture work?

Ideas to trap the harmful gasses produced by burning fossil fuels in power stations are not new, but the technology to trap greenhouse gases is relatively young. If it works, it would allow for relatively cheap and available sources of energy, such as coal to be used without the fear of adding to global warming. This would buy the world time to develop other alternatives before the fossil fuels run out.

An explanation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) can be found here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8015676.stm

Do cancelled timber contracts mean a better future for the forests of DR Congo?

An attempt to root out corruption from the logging industry in DR Congo means that there should be more control over which areas are logged and which are protected. Can a sustainable future for these important forests be found?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7838659.stm