16 Oct

India: Crackdown on Air Pollution

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India
Crackdown on Air Pollution
The state government of the Punjab region of India is preparing to crack down on farmers burning their fields this autumn as India approaches its worst time of the year for smog. While illegal, many farmers in the Northern Punjab region practice stubble burning, an act of burning the residual crops to clear fields for the next planting season. Cities in Northern India, such as New Delhi, already struggle with air pollution from traffic and industry year round; this smog intensifies as northwest winds carry down smoke from stubble burns. The government is working to promote alternatives to the crop burning such as straw management systems which allow residual crops to be shredded and turned into mulch.This map depicts the added air pollution in northern India due to crop burning. Click on the map to learn more.

Graphic Source: Reuters
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United States
Lead-Paint Makers Liable for $400-million Cleanup
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected appeals to limit ‘public nuisance’ suits from Shermin-Williams Co. and Conagra Brands Inc.. The decision left intact a California state court ruling requiring the paint companies to pay over $400 million for lead-paint abatement in California homes built before 1951. Lead paint is most likely to be found in old houses and houses in low-income areas. Courts previously ruled in favor of ten cities and counties in California that argued these two companies knowingly endangered public health by advertising and selling lead paint. The companies argued the ruling violates their constitutional rights, and that lead paint was lawful at the time. The ruling does not impact Ohio, which restricted product liability lawsuits in 2007.
This interactive map depicts lead paint hazard risks in the U.S., and lead grant awards from HUD. Click on the map to learn more.

Graphic Source: Government Accountability Office
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Philippines
Boracay Reopens
After 6 months of being closed to tourism due to poor sewage infrastructure, the Philippine island, Boracay, will reopen its doors to tourism for a 10-day trial run. A small group of local tourists will test the islands improved sewage infrastructure and on October 26th the island will reopen to all nationalities. Boracay was closed for infrastructural improvements after Philippine President, Rodrigo Duterte, referred to the island as a “cesspool.” To maintain the island’s cleanliness, all beach parties, plastic bags, water sports and beach-side henna tattoos will be banned.  On White Beach, drinking and smoking will also be prohibited. This map depicts the location of Boracay Island in the Philippines. Click on the map to learn more.

Graphic Source: New York Times

Yesterday’s Answer

Q: What is the only country where the extinct Dodo bird once lived?

A: Mauritius
The dodo bird inhabited the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, where it lived undisturbed for so long that it lost its need and ability to fly. The last dodo bird was killed in 1681.

Source 

Today’s Question

 

Q: The origin of wine can be traced to which Eastern European country?

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