Is Dowry a Cause or an Effect ??

Hi all,

As a continuation to the update on formation of AID NCR Women Rights e-group, we are looking forward for inputs from AID volunteers, regarding their perception on the issues surrounding women rights, ranging from Dowry, Female Foeticide, Neglect of girl child, Subjugation of women in Indian society, etc.

This is an important step for us, before going forward, as we need to be in the same boat for understanding the gravity of the issues, and consequently the actions required henceforth.

Publish Post

Apart from discussing different issues in isolation, whether Dowry or Female Foeticide, we also need to reflect over, as in what are the root causes behind it.

Is Dowry a Cause or an Effect of the suppression of women in Indian society??

Do Female Foeticides happen in India only because of fear of dowry or also because it is assumed that men are more fit to carry forward the "family names" in the next generation in an existing male dominated society??

A study shows that India aborts 500,000 female foetuses a year, and since 1976 up to 10 million female foetuses have been selectively aborted in India. (Source: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2006/01/09/indiababies060109.html ).

As mentioned in a news article in The Hindu, the author says, " No right is more basic than the right to be born rather than be killed because you are going to be a female. The rapid growth of female foeticide tells us how far away India has moved from its Constitution’s vision of gender equality.

In a collection of research studies on female foeticide edited by Tulsi Patel, eminent demographer Ashish Bose has called the phenomenon a signifier of ‘civilisational collapse.’ The most depressing aspect of Tulsi Patel’s volume is the evidence it provides us to appreciate that the growth of female foeticide is linked to rising literacy, prosperity and modernisation, not poverty and backwardness." (Source: http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/09/stories/2008090956041000.htm )

We need to realize that many of the gender issues, which we may shrug off, saying that it is mainly prevalent in rural and backward areas, may be present in much more heinous forms among the urban and educated families.

As quoted from another news article "The census figures illustrate that it is some of the richer states of the country where the problem is most acute (of declining sex ratios) such as Punjab, which has only 798 girls, Haryana 819, Delhi 868 and Gujarat 883 girls per 1,000 boys." ( Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1161618 )

Kindly let us know your views surrounding gender issues and the probable root causes behind it. Once we have reached some consensus on it; we can plan further action steps to be taken.


P.S.: Please join the e-group for AID NCR Women Rights at http://groups.google.com/group/aid-ncr-women-rights for being part of the further discussions.

SAPNEY - AID Gurgaon Calendar Drive - Book your copy now!!

 

About the Calendar Drive
AID Gurgaon is running a awareness and fund collection drive through the distribution of its Calendars with the theme SAPNEY - Dreams of a brighter tomorrow. Through SAPNEY, we have tried to capture the zillion dreams that our children carry in their hearts:

Aaakhon mein hain sapne hazaar,
Anek rango se hain meri duniya sarobar,
Aasha ke pahiyon pe main hoon savaar,
Kya honge mere sapney sakaar...

Check out the calendar online

http://gurgaon.aidindia.org/sapney (Book you calendar by filling the online form at the end of this webpage)

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/photo.php?pid=3435533&id=655617099 (Leave your comments; post album to your profile)


How can you contribute
1. Take a calendar: For yourself and gift it to your loved ones too
2. Spread the word: Share the calendar with your teammates and tell them about it
3. Become our ambassador: Consult/convince your HR department and/or your CSR cell to make a bulk order. Alternatively ask for permission to put up a stall in your company.

Contact points for orders or for any queries
Munish Duvedi: munishdvd@gmail.com 9999623000
Bani Kukreja: bani.kukreja@gmail.com 9818647997
Anshul Sachdev: anshul.sach@gmail.com 9873469546

 

Why are we raising this money
More than raising funds, this is an opportunity to showcase the dreams of our children, to spread a word of goodness around, and to see the dream come true in front of our very own eyes.....

Lets spread a 1000 hopes, lets spwan a 1000 dreams, lets awake a 1000 individuals to the wonderful world that we can have and that our children deserve.......

Look forward to hearing from you all......

Cheers!!

Anshul
9873469546


P.S. Bulk orders: For bulk orders, please call 9873469546. We can get company logos printed on the Calendar on a minimum bulk order of 200 copies, and thereby customize the calendar to your company.

 

AID-Delhi Environment Cell Electronic Newsletter 15

 

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AID-Delhi Environment Cell Electronic Newsletter 15  
CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS
  
Posted On: December 1,2009
  
Compiled By : AID-Delhi Environment Cell
  
Note : This compilation contains news items about Global Warming &
Climate change published in the media.
  
************************************************************
  
============================================================
1.  Al Gore crusades against global warming

 

November 11, 2009

 

• The solution to climate change includes windmills, along with solar and geothermal energy, Gore told The Chronicle in an interview.
• "There is a common thread running through the climate crisis, the economic crisis and the national security crisis," said Gore, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. "The common thread that runs through all three of these crises is our ridiculous overdependence on carbon-based fuels. So if you pull that thread, all three of these crises unravel and you hold the answer in your hand."
• Gore urged the remaining skeptics of man-caused global warming to at least support the effort to build the economy, create new jobs and reduce dependence on foreign oil by installing solar, wind and geothermal power and build an electrical grid to support the new technology.

Summary from : http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/10/BAFP1AI2FB.DTL&tsp=1

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2.  Global warming eroding Goa beaches: Governor

 

November 23, 2009

• Goa Governor S.S. Sidhu Monday warned that the ill-effects of global warming were fast knocking at the state's doors and eroding its beaches. 
• Sidhu's statement comes in wake of nearly 10% of Goa beaches such as Calangute, Candolim and Baga being eroded by the rising sea.
• According to a recent report compiled by the state Water Resources Department (WRD), the residence of Goa governor, Cabo Raj on a hillside which overlooks the sea, is under threat of erosion.

Summary from : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/global-warming/Global-warming-eroding-Goa-beaches-Governor/articleshow/5261239.cms

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3.  Dalai Lama urges world to act on climate change

November 30,2009

 

• The world's leaders must prioritize the issue of global warming above all else, the Dalai Lama said Monday, adding that he feels encouraged by next month's climate change summit in Copenhagen.

·         The Dalai Lama plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his Nobel Peace Prize in Australia on Dec. 10. He will present seeds he has blessed to attendees of his talks as a symbol of individuals' responsibility to act on climate change.

·         Australia is one of the world's worst carbon dioxide polluters per capita because of its heavy reliance on its abundant coal reserves. As the driest continent after Antarctica, it is also considered one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change.

·         The government plan would institute a tax on industries' carbon emissions starting in 2011 and limit Australia's overall pollution. The government wants to slash Australia's emissions by up to 25 percent below 2000 levels by 2020 if the U.N. can agree on tough global targets at Copenhagen.

Summary from : http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jBBp45g1p01J3NMKvil6IShSX0YwD9C9LLH80

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Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in the above articles are those of the

respective newspapers/sources, not those of AID-Delhi Environment Cell

Updates- AID Aashayein

 

Aashayein

(Updates for September & October)

 

“And now when things seem dark and hard and difficult to face

 

The memory of that little boy helps me in my race

 

For all of life is like that race with ups and downs and all

 

And all you have to do to win, Is rise each time you fall

 

“Quit! Give up! You’re beaten!” they all shout in my face

 

But another voice within me says; “GET UP AND WIN THE RACE”

 

 

 

That's exactly what we did at Aashayein.Each time we fell, we re-affirmed ourselves to our aims and rose again.

 

 

Month of September and October had been really eventful and full of bustling activities. Some of the major developments were:

 

 

1. Initiation of regular academic classes for kids. A qualified teacher has been appointed  who takes classes from Monday to Friday.

 

2.  A Core Team of Aashayein has been set up responsible for taking major decisions in the project. Volunteers to be recruited in this team were selected based on their availability and commitment.

 

 The core team comprises of:

I)   Project coordinator & account manager:          Prachi Aggarwal

II) Volunteer coordinator:                                     Prachi&Swastik

III) Event coordinator:                                             Anandita

IV) Publication coordinator:                                        Zulaikha

V)  Skill building session coordinator:                  Deboshree & Vipra

 

 

3. Three volunteers have been appointed to keep a track of the kid's progress as well as of the teacher.

 

4. Skill building classes have been going on with great fervor and would be continued in a similar manner. Another step is the introduction of Music and Art classes.

 

5. English classes have been started every Sunday to improve the reading and writing skills of children. Along with that a session of GK is being done regularly.

 

6. Volunteer meet has been happening regularly at second Sunday of every month along with the collection of Meal a Month.

 

7.  Self evaluation and Introspection of the volunteers through the means of a questionnaire with the intentions to improve the quality of work and to increase their contribution to the project.

 

 

Some major events that happened in last 2 months were:

 

University Awareness Drive:

-Light to lighten-

http://picasaweb.google.com/aid.delhi/UniversityAwarenessDrive2009#

 

Our aim was to create awareness among the students about the kind of work we at AID Aashayein are involved in and various other pertinent social issues.

 

The Awareness drive was initiated in Kirori Mal College where the screening of AID Aashayein movie was followed by a brief talk about the project. To spread awareness about AID and Aashayein, raise funds for the children, a stall was put up to sell hand painted shirts worth 200/- each. Along with that we also distributed pamphlets of AID and Aashayein among the interested students.

 

This was followed by an awareness drive in Indraprastha College for Women which took place on 5th of September. While the movie Poison on the Platter based on Genetically Modified Foods was screened in the Seminar Room of the college by the Women's Development Centre, the Aashayein stall was put up alongside. Mr.Selva Ganapathy gave a talk on GM foods and its potential threats to us and why it should be avoided. This was followed by the screening of the Aashayein video after which Anandita and Deboshree gave a brief introduction of Aashayein, its present activities and its future aims to all the students present.

 

As a part of fund raising, T-shirts with the AID logo and the slogan of BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD were sold in various colours (blue,red and white) along with hand made bags. Fortunately, our initiative was met with a lot of enthusiasm by the college students who poured in with names to volunteer.

 

 

Diwali stall in Corporates

-Another successful venture of Aashayein-

http://www.facebook.com/delhi.aidindia#/album.php?aid=155443&id=107287737145

 

To create awareness and raise funds for Aashayein, a novel idea of putting up Diwali stalls was initiated. This was done in collaboration with Jagriti. The hard work put in by the volunteers to make beautiful diyas and candles along with chocolates and envelopes was met by an enthusiastic response.

 

The employees at ST Microelectronics and Evalueserve were astonished by the plethora of multi-coloured items on display at our Diwali stalls. The Diwali stall catering to the employees of the company was set up by Prachi, Deboshree, Zulaikha, Swastik, and Anchit. It was a grand success for the team, which was overwhelmed by the response for their products. With a theme of Diwali essentials, the Aashayein stall was crowded with impressed buyers who bought things in bulk.

 

Whilst the employees of the corporate left with exciting artefacts to flaunt this Diwali, the team of Aashayein and Jaagriti walked back with smiles and a sense of satisfaction for bringing the cause closer to its vision

 

 

Diwali celebrations at Aashayein

-Fun and frolic all the way-

http://www.facebook.com/delhi.aidindia#/album.php?aid=156136&id=107287737145

http://www.facebook.com/delhi.aidindia#/album.php?aid=156327&id=107287737145

 

The Diwali celebrations at Aashayein encompassed two days.The main theme of the programme was having a great time with the kids.

On Saturday,10^th August,2009:The children sang the song-"Itni shakti hume dena" followed by various dance performances. They performed various dance styles which ranged from GIDDA to JAZZ to BOLLYWOOD and it was plain to see that they were having a wonderful time. After a little more of dancing with the children, snacks were distributed amongst them after which we called it a day.

 

Volunteers Present:

Prachi, Vipra, Harpreet, Srishti, Nikita, Deboshree, Renuka, Niharika, Zulaikha, Anandita

 

Diwali festivities are never complete without a few colors. Thus the celebrations continued on Sunday 11^th August,2009  and the kids were in joyous mood to compete for the Rangoli competition.

Kids grouped themselves in pairs and started making the drawings with chalks and filling beautiful colors in them. With the rangoli designs so vibrant and volunteers decided to declare all of them as winners. Thus Aashayein team celebrated Diwali in a style!!! Volunteers present: Vipra, Mohit, Tavleen, Anisha, Prachi

 

Team Aashayein

New volunteers who joined us this month:

 

Mohit, Renuka didi, Anisha, Tavleen, Niharika

 

Regular Volunteers:

 

Srishti, Nikita, Deboshree, Vipra, Harpreet, Neelu, Swastik, Prachi, Anandita

 

 

 

To know more and  receive regular updates about Aashayein:

 

Aashayein blog:  http://aidaashayein.blogspot.com/

Picasa:http://picasaweb.google.com/aid.delhi

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dUaGt9EnEg&feature=player_embedded

 

 

 

For Volunteering opportunities, please contact prachiaggarwal85@gmail.com

 

Regards

 

Prachi Aggarwal

 

Project Coordinator, Aashayein 

 

Childrens' day Celebrations at AID Gurgaon Schools - Come and be part of the fun!!

 

 

As announced earlier,find below is the Agenda for Children's Day Celebration in Disha
 
10.00am-10.05am: Introduction
10.00am-10.20am: Skit & Storytelling
10.20am-10.30am: Distribution of Drawing Kits
10.30am-12.00pm: Painting Contest
12.00pm-12.20pm: Distribution of Food
12.20pm-12.30pm: Results & Prize Distribution

 

Contact Assem for any details - 98184 84657

Similar Agenda will be followed at Unnati and for the details Contact Anshul @ 98734 69546

 

So of you would would also like to join us to Kick start the new Project at 11: 00 AM ,near to

Sector 14 .So contact Manish for any details @ 9910 88 9769.

 

Its  a good feeling to all of us that now we are having a wider choice to volunteer in AID - Gurgaon  !

Also i am delighted to inform you all  that Gurgaon team is working hard to bring more opportunities to volunteer - Request you to Keep following !

 

Please join us along with friends and be the part of change,u always wish to see around you .

 

Happy Voluntering !

______________________________________________________

Best Regards

 

Munish Duvedi

On Behalf of AID- Gurgaon Team

Mob : +91 9999 623 000

_________________________________________________________

 

Compassion where there is suffering
Conviction that the compassion is strong enough to eliminate suffering…
Courage to make this conviction a reality…

This is AID

www.aidindia.org

www.gurgaon.aidindia.org

____________________________________________________________

 

 

Dear All,

You are invited this Saturday Nov 14, to the Childrens' Day Celebrations at Unnati and Disha, the two centres run by AID Gurgaon.

Come and be part of the fun.

For directions to the schools and fun pics, please go to the link below:

http://gurgaon.aidindia.org/Unnati

Cheers!!

Anshul
9873469546
(On behalf of the AID Gurgaon team)

--
Volunteer Responsibility Code : http://www.aidindia.org/resources/AIDVolunteerResponsibilities.pdf
 

3rd AID NCR Operational Review Meeting (ORM) at IIT Delhi

Dear All,

Time has come for us to have the 3rd ORM of AID NCR this year, first one was held in March 2009 and second in July 2009. 

 

And with lot of activities and developments happening both at AID Delhi and individual projects levels, it's necessary for all the volunteers to come together and share their experience, brainstorm and learn from each other.

Date: 15th November 2009 (Sunday)

Venue: II LT II, IIT Delhi

Timings: 9:45 AM to 2 PM

Agenda:

1. Orientation session about AID NCR, for new volunteers at different projects.
2. Updates on activities/happenings at all projects of AID NCR in Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida (including our partner NGOs)
3. Future plans at all projects
4. Brainstorming on AID NCR Structure and various challenges being faced at AID Delhi in general and at individual projects, in particular.
5. Updates on the AID India Conference
6. Fund status at AID NCR

- All project coordinators are requested to make sure that all volunteers at their projects, attend the ORM.
See you all at the ORM.

Thanks and Regards
Anchit Goel
On behalf of AID NCR Working Group
Mobile: +91-9818115226

AID-Delhi Environment Cell Electronic Newsletter 14

AID-Delhi Environment Cell Electronic Newsletter 14   

CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS

   

Posted On: November 7,2009

   

Compiled By : AID-Delhi Environment Cell

   

Note : This compilation contains news items about Global Warming & Climate change published in the media.

   

************************************************************

   

============================================================

1.  India: Climate deal can't sacrifice poor nations
By RAVI NESSMAN (AP)  Oct 22, 2009

 

• The issue of how to share the burden of fighting global warming has divided the developing and industrialized worlds as they prepare to negotiate a replacement to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol at a December summit in Copenhagen.
  
  "Developing countries cannot and will not compromise on development," Singh told an international conference on technology and climate change.
  
  However, even poorer countries need to "do our bit to keep our emissions footprint within levels that are sustainable and equitable," he said.
• Developing countries want financial aid for their climate change efforts, and Singh said wealthy nations have an obligation to ensure they get access to new, clean technology that will cut emissions and increase energy efficiency.
  
  
• Even a 3.6-degree-Fahrenheit (2-degree-Celsius) temperature rise could subject up to 2 billion people to water shortages by 2050, according to a 2007 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a U.N. network of 2,000 scientists.

Summary from : http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jTiP6DEuUe7oDmmFc1DQI2jyCUoAD9BG4TDG0

 
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2.  Climate change bigger challenge than terrorism: Nasheed

Oct 23, 2009

 

·         With global warming threatening to render an estimated 300,000 people refugees every year, climate change is a far bigger challenge than international terrorism, Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed said today.

·         "Climate change is going to affect a large number of people through flash floods, diseases and massive human displacement due to sea (level) rise, besides creating food scarcity," he said at a talk on 'Environment and Conflict Resolution' here.

• "It is important to defend the Maldives which is on the front line of climate change. If it can happen today to our nation, tomorrow it can happen with you as well," he said appealing for immediate flow of funds for mitigation measures.

Summary from :

http://www.ptinews.com/news/344415_Climate-change-bigger-challenge-than-terrorism--Nasheed#
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3. Global warming labels put on food products

October 24,2009 

 

• When it comes to reducing emissions of climate-changing greenhouse gases, Swedes are downright serious. The New York Times reported on Friday that Sweden is testing the idea of labelling food to help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
• Among the recommendations of the nation's new food guidelines are to eat carrots rather than cucumbers and tomatoes (which are grown in heated greenhouses there, which consume energy) and to substitute beans or chicken for red meat because of the emissions associated with raising cattle.
  
  Sweden's largest farming group, Lantmannen, began labeling categories of food, such as chicken, oatmeal, barley and pasta, in grocery stories recently to show consumers the environmental impact and to guide them toward more climate-friendly food options.
  
  
• "If the new food guidelines were religiously heeded, some experts say, Sweden could cut its emissions from food production by 20 to 50 percent. An estimated 25 percent of the emissions produced by people in industrialized nations can be traced to the food they eat," according to the article

Summary from : http://www.examiner.com/x-12720-DC-Environmental-Policy-Examiner~y2009m10d24-Global-warming-labels-put-on-food-items
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Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in the above articles are those of the respective newspapers/sources, not those of AID-Delhi Environment Cell

AID on the top #1 Position in America's Giving Challenge

 

 

From: aid_delcore@yahoogroups.com [mailto:aid_delcore@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 10:00 AM
To: AID NCR; AID Prayas; aidgurgaon; aashayeinwired; jaagriti-india@googlegroups.com
Cc: AID India Volunteers
Subject: [Volunteer] AID on the top #1 Position in America's Giving Challenge

 

 

 

Dear Friends,

 

Hope you all are doing well and enjoying. I just wanted to take a few minutes to remind you all about the on going America's Giving Challenge on Facebook. As some of you might already be following it; so far we have been holding the top most position for the past one week and we are on track to win $50,000.  It is really nice to see AID on the top.

 

While doing this, we have already realized over $17,000 to support our flood relief work in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. In addition to this we also reached out to over 2,100 new people to join our Cause. Some noted individuals like Katha Politt have supported our work by donating several times in the last one week. She even made a personal appeal to her friends to support us. She is not even an AID volunteer like yourself and me.

 

In addition to this, we also received a couple of congratulation+appreciation emails from Facebook/Cause folks. All of this clearly demonstrates the  underlying strength we have in small group like ours.

 

To keep up our winning position we are targeting to win the daily challenge tomorrow.  

 

Now to continue all of this good stuff we would highly appreciate if you can help us drive this cause to the finish line. This can be done in the following ways:

 

1. Each volunteer gets 3 people to donate of $10 each (=3 tall ). Please keep in mind that all donations shall be made before 3pm tomorrow(Tuesday). 

 

Facebook users can join the Cause by going to  

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/368576/36612166?m=edf54734&ref=nf

 

Non Facebook users can directly donate on Causes page at 

http://www.causes.com/donations/select_donation_method?cause_id=368576&recruiter_id=36612166

 

Also note, we are really not expecting anyone to donate even a dollar more than $10- Thats what matter and thats we are asking for.

 

2.  Invite at least 10 or more friend to join the Cause on face book.

 

A few chapters have assign coordinators to make sure this is done on a given day like tomorrow. It will be great if your chapters can do the same. Will be great if one volunteer can take this up for the next 2-3 weeks and make sure your chapter volunteers have done their bit to help AID win this challenge. Please let me know who can help and don't forget to wish us good luck..:) Feel free to call/email us if you have any question/concerns about this campaign.

 

Thanks,

Dushyant

312-402-0615 

 

AID-Delhi Environment Cell Electronic Newsletter 13

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AID-Delhi Environment Cell Electronic Newsletter 13   

CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS

   

Posted On: October 1,2009

   

Compiled By : AID-Delhi Environment Cell

   

Note : This compilation contains news items about Global Warming &

Climate change published in the media.

   

************************************************************

   

============================================================

  

1.  Global warming may bring tsunami and quakes-scientists

Wednesday 16th Sep, 2009

 

·         Quakes, volcanic eruptions, giant landslides and tsunamis may become more frequent as global warming changes the earth's crust, scientists said on Wednesday.

"Climate change doesn't just affect the atmosphere and the oceans but the earth's crust as well. The whole earth is an interactive system," Professor Bill McGuire of University College London told Reuters, at the first major conference of scientists researching the changing climate's effects on geological hazards.

·         "When the ice is lost, the earth's crust bounces back up again and that triggers earthquakes, which trigger submarine landslides, which cause tsunamis," said McGuire, who organised the three-day conference.. 

• David Pyle of Oxford University said small changes in the mass of the earth's surface seems to affect volcanic activity in general, not just in places where ice receded after a cold spell. Weather patterns also seem to affect volcanic activity - not just the other way round, he told the conference.
• Speakers were careful to point out that many findings still amounted only to hypotheses, but said evidence appeared to be mounting that the world could be in for shocks on a vast scale.

Summary from :

http://www.reuters.com/article/americasCrisis/idUSLG240630
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2. Warming ocean melts Greenland glaciers
By KARL RITTER (AP) – Sep 23, 2009

 

• Curry and her colleagues from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts zigzagged between majestic icebergs in the Sermilik fjord last month in search of proof that waters from warmer latitudes, or subtropical waters, are flushing through this remote and frigid region. They found it — all the way up to the base of the outlet glaciers that spill into the ocean like tongues of ice from Greenland's massive ice sheet.
• The findings confirm the outcome of an undersea battle below the dark surface of the North Atlantic: Arctic waters that usually dominate this region have yielded to an influx of subtropical water carried north by westward branches of the current commonly called the Gulf Stream.Scientists say it's a natural process — in one period the cold waters will have the upper hand, and in the next it's the other way round. But the rapidly increasing temperatures of the subtropical oceans suggest that the balance could be tilted beyond natural variability, Curry says.
• In the June-August period, the world's ocean surface temperature was the warmest on record since 1880, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The surface temperature was 62.5 F (17 Celsius), 1 degree F (0.6 degrees C) above the 20th century average. Meteorologists say the reason was El Nino weather patterns combined with manmade global warming.

Summary from : http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hs3-F2BGrFq8_Bf1dzV7PStwNFrwD9AT1C8G0 

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3. Climate change is an effect of global warming

 

(An article)

• One of the most common mistakes made by people is assuming that global warming and climate change is the same thing. While both have too much to do with each other, they are however, two separate things that are related to the similar cause that is carbon dioxide and other harmful refrigerants that are released into the earth’s atmosphere by human activities. Global warming is actually the rise in the average overall temperature.
• This rise in temperature may ultimately cause the change in climate that can be seen around the world. It may not seem like a great deal, but it is something that people should be concerned about. Global warming has been greatly proven to be caused by the greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide that is let into the air through the daily human activities. Such emissions are generally caused by airplanes, factories, cars, burning of fossil fuels etc. 
• While there are many other greenhouse gases that are emitted into the air, carbon compounds are one of the largest contributors that come from human activities. Global warming is what is causing the earth to warm-up and as mentioned earlier; it causes change in the climate. Severe hurricanes, floods, odd weathers such as abnormally warm or cold winters etc are the results of global warming.
• The refrigerants used in air conditioning units are also responsible for global warming and ozone depletion. The refrigerants such as R-22 used in air conditioning units are generally made from chlorine and other compounds. When chlorine is emitted in the environment, it reaches the ozone layer, reacts with the ozone gas and causes the ozone layer depletion. Thus, you need to make sure that you make the minimum use of air conditioning units and service them on a regular basis.
• Article from : http://www.aircondition.co.uk/articles/climate-change-is-an-effect-of-global-warming-974.html

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Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in the above articles are those of the
respective newspapers/sources, not those of AID-Delhi Environment Cell

Petition for Peace Process in Chhattisgarh

 

Dear Friends!,

Please read through the petitions supported by 54 different organizations who support human rights.... This can happen to us tomorrow!!!.. Lets join hands to bring peace to our fellow citizens!.

Association for India's Development, in partnership with many other groups, is hosting events across the US and India to raise awareness about the crisis in Chhattisgarh

One of the central themes for these events is a traveling exhibition of Javed Iqbal's photos. Javed is a photo-journalist who has toured extensively in southern districts, and brought back powerful depictions of the conflict zone. He has played an important role in uncovering the truth behind some of the "encounters", for example those in Basaguda and Badepalli. To know more about Javed and his work, visit:

Here is the link to the photo album for the Chhattisgarh photo exhibit.


Some of the other events planned include panel discussions, movie/documentary screenings, petition signings, RTI drives, etc.
It will be good if we can get more people taking this up across India, and also the US.

Please consider signing the online petition to support the peace processes in Chhattisgarh:


Here is the text of the statement of the petition along with the list of the 54 organizations who endorsed it:

We, an international coalition of concerned individuals and over 54 Human Rights, Community, Student, Development and Peace & Justice organizations strongly support the right of displaced Adivasis (indigenous peoples) to return safely to their homes and lives in the state of Chhattisgarh, and are alarmed by the recent surge in violence in Bijapur and Dantewada districts of Chhattisgarh which is threatening to cause a major setback to the ongoing rehabilitation.
 
Since the promulgation of the Salwa Judum (a militia armed by the state of Chhattisgarh) in 2005, violence from both the Salwa Judum and Maoist Rebels has escalated, and hundreds of thousands of Adivasis have fled their homes in Dantewada and Bijapur districts out of fear for their lives. Over the last 12 months, we were encouraged to see that with the support of civil society groups such as Action AID, Vanvasi Chetna Ashram (VCA) and Agriculture and Social Development Society (ASDS), some families have gradually begun to return to their villages and are resuming agriculture and other forms of livelihood. However, recent threats, arson and murder in the vicinity of the rehabilitated villages has spurred further displacement, and deterred those who were planning to return to their homes. We sympathize sincerely with the families of the victims of such violence. 
 
Given the widespread displacement of Adivasis from their land as a result of this violence, we as informed citizens, pledge to support efforts that aim to rebuild confidence amongst Adivasis, and help them return to their lands and resume their lives with a sense of dignity. 

We appeal to the government of Chhattisgarh to facilitate the process of rehabilitation of displaced communities as per the Directives of the Supreme Court, as well as the recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission, by doing the following:

 

• Make immediate arrangements for food, water, seeds, and implements to enable ploughing so that the villagers may sow in this critical period of the farming season
• Provide rations and employment through NREGA (National Rural Empolyment Guarantee Act) which will make food and daily wages available to the villagers until their crops come to harvest Provide compensation with which to rebuild and sustain their livelihoods
• We appeal to the government of Chhattisgarh to take firm steps to end the vicious cycle of violence in the region through de-militarization, clearing security forces off schools and hospitals, and withdrawal of the Salwa Judum. 

 

We also appeal to all parties - the Maoist Rebels, the Government and the Salwa Judum - to refrain from any activity that adversely affects the return and stay of the rehabilitated Adivasis in the villages of Chhattisgarh.

 

List of Endorsing Organizations

 

Alliance for a Secular and Democratic South Asia, MIT 
Alliance of South Asians Taking Action, San Francisco  
Amnesty International, USA
ANSWER
Asian Law Alliance 
Association for India’s Development  
Association of South Asian Political Activists, Berkeley
Birmingham Anti-SEZ Campaign, UK 
Boston Coalition for Justice in Bhopal 
Boston Mobilization
Cambridge Free Binayak Sen Group
Campaign against Forced Displacement, UK  
Campaign to Stop Funding Hate
CMC Vellore Alumni Association-U.K. Branch
DEEP - Defenders of the Environment and Ecology of Panjab, UK 
Dharma Megha, East Lansing, Michigan 
Friends of South Asia
Gadar Heritage Foundation, Fremont
Hillingdon Asian Women's Communication Service, UK 
India Foundation, East Lansing, Michigan 
ICJB- International Coalition for Justice in Bhopal
Indian Muslim Council, USA  
Indian Progressive Study Group-L.A. 
India Relief and Education Fund, Fremont
Indian Workers Association (GB) 
International Accountability Project
International League of People's Struggles, UK
International Service Society, Okemos, Michigan 
International South Asia Forum: INSAF, NYC
Massachusetts Global Action
Matahari: Eye of the Day 
National Lawyers' Guild  
Our Developing World 
Peace and Human Rights Trust: UK 
Peninsula Peace & Justice Center 
Peoples Health Movement, USA 
SAMAR
San Jose Peace & Justice Center 
Sanhati  
SANSAD (South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy) Canada
SAPAC: South Asian Progressive Action Collective, Chicago
SACC- Scotland Against Criminalising Communities 
Seva International, Okemos, Michigan 
Sikh American Heritage Organization 
South Asian Alliance, UK 
South Asia Solidarity Group, UK
South Asia Solidarity Initiative 
SAPA, Harvard  (formerly SASS)
Students for Bhopal
The 1857 Committee, U.K.
Vaishnava Center for Enlightenment, Okemos, Michigan 
Vedanta Society of East Lansing, Michigan 
Western States Legal Foundation
WILPF-San Jose

--
www.otherindia.org

AID-NCR Environment Cell Electronic Newsletter 12

CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS
   
Posted On: September 2,2009
   
Compiled By : AID-Delhi Environment Cell
   
Note : This compilation contains news items about Global Warming &
Climate change published in the media.
   
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============================================================
  
1.  Global warming melting glaciers: US Geological Survey
 
Submitted by Justin Sorkin on Sun, 08/09/2009
 
• The US Geological Survey has unveiled an alarming fact that global warming
has melted glaciers in North America at an accelerating rate since 1958.
• Melting of glaciers at an accelerating rate would definitely result into
drought risks and rising sea levels.
•  The survey shows that both, the Wolverine and Gulkana glaciers have lost
approximately 15 percent of their mass since 1958. While, the South Cascade
Glacier has lost almost a quarter of its mass.
• Scientists say that thinning glaciers are clearly the outcome of global
warming.
Summary from :
http://topnews.us/content/26475-global-warming-melting-glaciers-us-geologica
l-survey

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2. A global climate deal must be simpler, fairer, and more flexible than
Kyoto
Caus Leggewie , Monday 24 August 2009
• Limiting global warming to 2C above preindustrial levels is absolutely
crucial, says the G8 and most of the world's best climatologists. If this is
to be more than lip service, the consequences will be radical.
• Rich nations cannot continue as before, emerging industrial countries must
leave the old industrial-based path to prosperity, and the rest of the world
may not even embark upon it. Yet the negotiations on emissions limits with
each of the 192 signatory countries in the run-up to the UN climate change
summit in Copenhagen in December 2009 have so far given no indication of so
radical a change. 
• A global climate deal must be simpler, fairer, and more flexible than is
today's Kyoto Protocol. To achieve this, the Global Change Council of
Germany (WGBU) suggests that a budget formula be adopted.
• A responsible global climate policy thus entails a fundamental change of
international relations, and making the necessary institutional innovations
in global governance requires courage.
Summary from :
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/cif-green/2009/aug/24/climate-summit-d
eal-copenhagen
 
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3. Climate change hits millions in Nepal
 
PTI 28 August 2009 
• Millions of people in Nepal face severe food shortage as changing weather
patterns hit crop production in the country,an international agency warned
on  Friday.
• According to the report, "Even the Himalayas Have Stopped Smiling: Climate
Change, Poverty and Adaptation in Nepal", more than 3.4 million people in
Nepal are estimated to require food assistance, due to a combination of
natural disasters, including last year's winter drought -- one of the worst
in the country's history.
• Among recent changes in weather patterns in Nepal are an increase in
temperature extremes, more intense rainfall and increased unpredictability
in weather patterns, including drier winters and delays in the summer
monsoons.

Summary from :
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/Environment/Global-Warming/Climate-c
hange-hits-millions-in-Nepal-/articleshow/4945989.cms
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Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in the above articles are those of the
respective newspapers/sources, not those of AID-NCR Environment Cell