Haiti Earthquake

The news today has been dominated by the story of a devastating earthquake that has struck the Caribbean island of Haiti. Initial reports suggest that the magnitude 7.0 earthquake has killed over 100,000 people, with up to 3 million people affected.

A number of nations, including the US, UK and Venezuela, are gearing up to send aid. Key buildings such as hospitals, the presidential palace, peoples homes and the prison have all collapsed in the earthquake.

Already one of the poorest nations in the world, Haiti now has to face up to the aftermath of another natural disaster. Four hurricanes and storms killed hundreds of people in 2008.

Year 13 should follow this story closely over the coming days to support your work on tectonics.

Read more about this tragedy at the websites below

• BBC News
• The Guardian
• The Times
• The Independent

For those of you who use the social network Twitter. Search ‘Port-au-Prince’ to read real-time tweets about the disaster

Calling all 16-19 year old’s – You me and the climate!

 

Have you got an interest in climate change? Are you interested in making a difference in our local community? Would you like to stand out above other candidates when it comes to university of job applications?

If the answer is yes, then applying to become a National Trust Climateer maybe for you! You, me and the climate is a program run by the National Trust that is looking for 16-19 year olds to lead on climate change projects in the community. This community could be where you live, or within the school community. Being a part of such a program would make your CV stand out against other people of your age, whilst also allowing you to make an impact on your school.

The deadline for applications is Monday 2nd February.

Go directly to the You, me and the climate website for more details and information on how to apply. If you would like any help with your application then please come and see me (Mr Barlow) and I will do all I can to help.

Growing slums ‘face water crisis’

A report by WaterAid on the BBC website stating that rapid urbanisation in developing nations could trigger a water and sanitation crisis in quickly expanding slums.

Earth on course for ‘eco crunch’

The BBC is running with a story this morning that the earth is head for an ecological ‘credit crunch’! Conservation groups contend that three quarters of the world’s population lives in countries where consumption levels are outstripping environmental renewal. The story pays particular attention to ecological footprints, which Year 13 need to be aware of for the module ‘Urban-Rural Interrelationships’.

Pakistan Earthquake

At least 160 people have been killed after an earthquake of 6.4 magnitude hit Balochistan province in south-western Pakistan. The tremor struck 70km (45 miles) north of Quetta at 0409 (2309GMT Tuesday) at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles), the US Geological Survey said.

BBC news follows the story this morning. The Times currently reports the death toll at 135. The Telegraph has further information. The Guardian also runs with a death toll of 135 and 15,000 made homeless.

We will follow this story over the next few days to see whether these figures change and to identify the short-term and long-term effects and responses.

The world’s major urban areas

PowerPoint from this week’s lessons. urbanisation PowerPoint available to download.

The Mega-Cities Project

Useful website for A2 students, investigating the growth of mega-cities. Some useful images under the ‘city profiles’ page.

Ecological Footprints

Useful video below for Year 13 explaining the theory behind ecological footprints. The link that you need to consider is the impact of urban populations on rural environments. If our ecological footprints continue to grow then resources from rural environments will continue to be depleated.

Wikipedia page about ecological footprints. Approach with a bit of caution, as with any Wikipedia page, anybody can edit these pages. Calculate your own ecological footprint here.  Further information on ecological footprints from the WWF here. Ecological footprints overview from Global Footprint Network here. BBC news article about the world entering an ecological debt.

 

 

Global Food Crisis

A couple of weblinks that maybe usefu for Year 13? After looking at the globalisation of food supply. The first link is to the BBC website and looks at the rising cost of food around the world. The second article is from the Guardian website and investigates threats to global security due to the rising price of food.