The arrival of a Cuban medical mission in Kenya was met by a storm of protest from health professionals who claimed local jobs could be put at risk. But, as Rich Warner points out, these fears are unfounded. The Cuban doctors will be sent to rural, under-served areas where local doctors often refuse to work.
Issues related to greening – whether in cities, refugee camps or reforestation - are tackled from various angles by academics from different capitals. Mathias Disney explains how pockets of urban jungle in London can store as much carbon per hectare as tropical rainforests while Mandy Hughes sets out how gardening provides a safe space to establish identity and rebuild lives in
refugee camps. But, writing from South Africa, Brett M Bennett warns trees
shouldn’t be planted indiscriminately. Proper thought should go into where, what and how to avoid potential harmful effects.
We stated incorrectly in yesterday morning’s newsletter that the next World Cup will be in held in Qatar in 2020. The correct date is 2022.
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Some of the 50 Cuban medical specialists who arrived in Kenya recently to work in under served rural areas.
Supplied
Rich Warner, Anglia Ruskin University
Cuban doctors have specific expertise in dealing with diseases like malaria which remains a major problem in Kenya.
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Green Issues
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Mathias Disney, UCL
It's hard to measure the value of a tree, but scientists equipped with lasers have come one step closer.
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Brett M Bennett, University of Johannesburg
It's important to be wary of planting trees in places where none exist, or where there are significant water constraints.
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Mandy Hughes, Southern Cross University
Gardening not only provides nutritious food, but a reminder of home for refugees.
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Science + Technology
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Stuart Macdonald, Swansea University
Companies, such as Google, Facebook and Microsoft are working together to take down terrorist propaganda.
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Arts + Culture
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Paul Weinberg, University of Cape Town
Photographer David Goldblatt's presence through his photographs will always be with us.
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Politics + Society
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Vicki Squire, University of Warwick
The EU is considering proposals for centres to process peopel before they can cross the Mediterranean.
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