November 25, 2009

Yet another reason why more needs to be done to combat the global warming problem: Researchers in the U.S. have found that climate is a major factor in armed conflict in Africa. They analyzed temperature databases for sub-Saharan Africa between 1981 and 2002, and looked for correlations between above-average warm temperatures and civil conflict. They found that conflict was about 50% more likely in unusually warm years. Food seems to be the main reason why -- conflict is more common when the food supply is scarce during warmer conditions. The research leader reports, "Studies show that crop yields in the region are really sensitive to small shifts in temperature, even of half a degree (Celsius) or so. If the sub-Saharan climate continues to warm and little is done to help its countries better adapt to high temperatures, the human costs are likely to be staggering." Future warming is likely to increase the number of deaths from conflict. If temperatures rise as the researchers' computer models project, future conflicts could increase by 50% over the next 20 years.
The lead researcher suggested there needs to be greater investment in helping Africa adapt to climate change -- including "developing crop varieties less sensitive to extreme heat and promoting insurance plans to help protect farmers from adverse effects of the hotter climate." A professor of African Studies also suggested a need for improving mechanisms to avoid and resolve conflict in Africa. (Full Story)

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A 62-year-old bank employee in Germany was arrested for helping out poor customers, at the expense of rich ones. Some are referring to her as the Robin Hood Banker. She allowed overdrafts for poorer customers who would not normally qualify for them. She then transferred money from richer costumers' accounts to temporarily disguise the overdraft loans during the bank's monthly audit of overdrafts. She transferred more than $11 million in 117 transfers. She took no money for herself. The bank lost $1.5 million when poor customers were unable to pay back the unauthorized overdrafts. The banker has to pay back the bank for the lost funds -- reportedly the money is coming from her small retirement pension. She could have served four years in prison, but the court suspended the sentence because she took no money for herself and she confessed immediately. They also felt she was punished enough by the fact she lost her job and has to pay back the losses. (Full Story)
Although she did something illegal, I admire this woman. She wasn't benefiting at all; instead, she felt like she should help these poorer customers out out of a sense of duty or justice. The bank should be punished for taking advantage of the poor. The fact that people with more money are the ones that don't face these types of fees is absurd, and a good example of the penalization of the poor.