Breaking the grass ceiling: On U.S. farms, women are taking the reins
I am still in Barcelona for a conference, but wanted to share this inspiring article about great women farmers! Have a great weekend and I will be back on Monday!
Month: June 2013
IF … Policymakers Would Listen to Civil Society?
This weekend, David Cameron hosted the G8 “Hunger Summit” in Northern Ireland, resulting in promises, pledges, praise – and a lot of backlash from African civil society, who this summit was supposed to help. What was the problem? [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-E3iPJZ6_g] (the IF campaign actually had a really good promotion video.) Prior to the summit, Cameron announced … Continue reading IF … Policymakers Would Listen to Civil Society?
Floods in Central Europe – Caused by Human Activities?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ-iWUkg4t0] These past days, dramatic scenes have unfolded all over Germany and Central Europe in general: after unrelenting rainfalls had overburdened the natural absorption capacity of soils and riverbeds, massive floods spread throughout Central European lowlands and threatened the lives and livelihoods of thousands of persons. People had to be evacuated, some even died, and … Continue reading Floods in Central Europe – Caused by Human Activities?
The History of How Food Shaped Cities
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CLWRclarri0#!] Have you ever wondered how cities today, and in the past, are provided with the immense amounts of food they need to feed their inhabitants? Carolyn Steel gives a fascinating overview on the interrelations of food and urbanity and the possibility of creating a proper ‘sitopia‘, a food place. I particularly like the last … Continue reading The History of How Food Shaped Cities
What's for Lunch? Sustainable Dining Hall Practices
Yesterday, I participated in a townhall-style event called “KlimaEssen” here at my university in Bonn (which can be loosely translated as ClimateEats) in which we discussed various ways in which we can all eat in a more sustainable fashion. One great aspect of the event was that it was in part organized by the university’s … Continue reading What's for Lunch? Sustainable Dining Hall Practices
GMO Labeling Laws: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
This morning, I found an exciting piece of news in my inbox: “Connecticut Passes Nation’s First GMO Labeling Law“! That should be a cause of celebration, especially after the industry-financed defeat of a similar law in the California polls. However, wait until you hear all the stipulations attached to the bill. The main big catch: … Continue reading GMO Labeling Laws: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
Monsanto Retreats from Europe?!
One week after a global day of protest brought out thousands of citizens that rallied against the biotech company Monsanto, its spokespeople have confirmed reports that it is planning to roll back its operations in Europe due to the low demand of farmers and the continuous public opposition. In the TAZ, a German daily, Brandon … Continue reading Monsanto Retreats from Europe?!
All You Need To Know About Soil Compaction
When I was visiting my grandparents a couple of weeks ago, I told them that I was going to go on a field trip with my program and we would visit a tractor company. To which my grandma – who grew up on a farm – responded: “make sure to ask them about soil compaction!” … Continue reading All You Need To Know About Soil Compaction