good news

On a Mission to Vaccinate

Eritrean child receiving a vaccine. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kioko/3065244324/">daveblume (flickr)</a>
Eritrean child receiving a vaccine. Photo: daveblume (flickr)

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a $10 billion-commitment over ten years to vaccinate children in developing countries on Friday. The nonprofit is calling on world leaders to join in this effort, aimed at drastically reducing the number of deaths of children under 5 years old.

There are economic benefits to reducing child mortality in developing countries as well. Countries with lower child mortality rates tend to be more economically developed, according to the World Health Organization.

Buying Green is Taking Hold Once Again

Catching on to a bright idea. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chealion/3293922425/">Chealion (flickr)</a>
Catching on to a bright idea. Photo: Chealion (flickr)

Reuters reports that despite the recession, American consumer spending on products that are considered "green" has in fact been going up.

U.S. supermarket sales of environmentally sustainable or "ethical" products — from energy-efficient light bulbs to organic produce — will rise about 8.7 percent in 2009 to nearly $38 billion

Reasons behind going green range from personal health to global warming, but Scott Bearse, of the financial consulting group Deloitte, thinks there may be more to it. He tells Reuters, "[t]he financial crisis reminded people of the unintended consequences of collective behavior."

William Kamkwamba: Malawi's Boy Wonder

A photo of what is believed to be William Kamkwamba's first windmill. Photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/whiteafrican/622366993/">whiteafrican (flickr)</a>
A photo of what is believed to be William Kamkwamba's first windmill. Photo: whiteafrican (flickr)

When I was fourteen, I was busy going to drama rehearsals, shopping at the mall and fighting with my brother. But when William Kamkwamba was fourteen, he built a windmill to bring electricity to his rural village in Malawi by studying pictures in a library text book and using whatever materials he could find.

Watch this video, from Yes! Magazine, for his truly inspiring story:


You can follow William's current projects on his blog and and support his work in Malawi by donating here.


Stories We're Watching

As Africa's consumers rise, so does inequality

Yale Global Online - Fri, 02/03/2012 - 10:17
Kenya struggles to spread the wealth from rapid growth.

U.N. says famine in Somalia over, but risks remain

New York Times - Fri, 02/03/2012 - 22:56
A bumper harvest and a surge in emergency food aid have ended a famine in Somalia that killed tens of thousands of people, the United Nations said on Friday.

Looking forward, Fiji turns to its canoeing past

International Herald Tribune - Fri, 02/03/2012 - 23:27
The traditional canoe is at the center of several projects aimed at reducing Fiji’s energy consumption, providing islanders with cheaper transport, keeping local traditions alive, and giving a boost to tourism.

The 6 questions that lead to new innovations

Fast Company's Co.Exist - Fri, 02/03/2012 - 07:00
It is often said that innovation is at the core of sustainability, but turning that abstract idea into action isn’t always easy. How do true innovators actually make the leap from status quo to full-on disruption?

Brazil deepens strategic cooperation with Cuba

Inter Press Service - development - Mon, 02/06/2012 - 12:11
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff's visit to Cuba served to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, leverage the South American giant's investments in the Caribbean island, and deepen political ties.

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