Ingrid Betancourt - Japan
In the Papers
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
By Marian Henbest/ FRANCE 24
The Japan Times
“Nature stifling wind power in Japan”
As the G8 summit in Japan draws to a close, leaders have already pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050. This goal has been criticized by the group of G5 nations who are calling for an 80% reduction. The Japan Times explains that for Japan, which has the world’s 13th largest wind power capacity, developing wind power is fairly difficult. The country is far behind both Europe and the US. According to the newspaper this is partly because Japan has a complex landscape and areas where strong winds blow tend to be on the island’s coasts or in the mountains. As soon as extreme weather conditions hit the country, wind turbines and stations are easily damaged in these exposed areas.
Le Figaro
“L’obésité, le nouveau fléau de la Chine”
“Obesity : the new curse on China”
According to French daily Le Figaro, the average weight in China is increasing faster than anywhere else in world with more than a quarter of the adult population either obese or suffering from weight-related problems. This is according to a study by the journal Health Affairs. Le Figaro goes on to say a change of lifestyle is being blamed for the statistics. As China continues to develop economically, more fast food chains are opening and people are driving to work instead of cycling.
The Australian
“Nature stifling wind power in Japan”
As the G8 summit in Japan draws to a close, leaders have already pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050. This goal has been criticized by the group of G5 nations who are calling for an 80% reduction. The Japan Times explains that for Japan, which has the world’s 13th largest wind power capacity, developing wind power is fairly difficult. The country is far behind both Europe and the US. According to the newspaper this is partly because Japan has a complex landscape and areas where strong winds blow tend to be on the island’s coasts or in the mountains. As soon as extreme weather conditions hit the country, wind turbines and stations are easily damaged in these exposed areas.
Le Figaro
“L’obésité, le nouveau fléau de la Chine”
“Obesity : the new curse on China”
According to French daily Le Figaro, the average weight in China is increasing faster than anywhere else in world with more than a quarter of the adult population either obese or suffering from weight-related problems. This is according to a study by the journal Health Affairs. Le Figaro goes on to say a change of lifestyle is being blamed for the statistics. As China continues to develop economically, more fast food chains are opening and people are driving to work instead of cycling.
The Australian
“Betancourt backlash over media circus”
The Australian suggests the euphoria over Ingrid Betancourt’s release from the jungle has been tainted by an excess of media hype. The paper explains the Franco-Colombian politician has been elevated to saint-like status with some accusing France of overdosing on “Ingridmania”. One of Le Monde’s columnists is quoted as saying “everything else has been forgotten and it suits Sarkozy fine.”
Le Figaro
“Pourquoi les Anglais roulent-ils à gauche (et autres pourquoi)?
"Why do the English drive on the left (and other whys)?”
Le Figaro gives a whole list of answers to questions you might have thought you’d never find the answer to! Among them: why do the English drive on the left? According to the newspaper it all dates back to the Middle Ages when most men were right-handed and carried their sword on their left shoulder. When dueling it was therefore easier to keep their opponents on the right and move around on the left. The reason why the French drive on the right hand side of the road apparently dates back to the time of Napoleon. The leader modified the way the French fought to destabilize the enemy and attack them where they weren’t expecting.
