Olympic Hope
Beijing Games Inspire Cuts in Pollution
It’s been a race to clear up Beijing’s pervasive air
pollution in time for this summer’s Olympic Games,
August 8-24. Judging that poor air quality would pose
a threat to athletes’ health, the Chinese government
has enacted stricter curbs on pollutants, including a
summer ban on construction and heavy industry near
the capital. Thirty companies to date have voluntarily
signed on to the ongoing Green Commuter Cam-
paign, developed with the help of Environmental Defense Fund.
The goal is for 100 businesses to join the effort, with their collective carbon
dioxide reductions registered on the China Beijing Equity Exchange. Employees
participate by tracking their personal CO
2
commuter emissions.
China faces a daunting task. “For too long, environmental concerns were
put off for fear that they would compromise the nation’s economic growth,” says
Dr. Daniel Dudek, chief economist for the fund, who has helped initiate several
programs to reduce China’s greenhouse gas emissions. “Now, Beijing sees that
environmental improvements can win economic and political advantages for the
nation.”
E-Transport
Zippy Electric Commuter Bikes
While soaring pump prices raise even mass transit fares, and
Oslo-based Think Global prepares to mass market its $25,000
electric cars—with a range of 110 miles per charge—electric
commuter bikes, good for 10 miles, or up to 25 miles if using
it only for uphill assists, are picking up speed. More good
news is that Currie Technologies’ Mongoose Motorcross and
Razor’s Dirt Rocket models can be found for just $150-$350
(Treehugger.com reports that other e-bikes start at $700). Currie even offers an E-
zip Mountain Trailz edition.
Mongoose users report that the standard battery takes two to three hours to
come to full charge. The battery detaches for convenient recharging at home or
office. A second battery is optional.
Birthing Crisis
First Controversies in Childbirth Conference
“The world of childbirth in the United States is in turmoil, and viable solutions
must be found,” says Alan J. Huber, founder and director of the first “Controver-
sies in Childbirth Conference,” scheduled for March 27-29, 2009, in Fort Worth,
Texas. Already, the forum is attracting requests to speak from doctors of obstetrics,
midwives, doulas, nurses, directors of hospitals, insurance providers and advocacy
groups.
“For the first time, the entire community will be under one roof at one time,”
says Huber. The goal is “to find common ground and also benefit the parents-to-
be, who have found their choices more and more limited.”
The industry continues to experience skyrocketing costs, diminished remu-
neration to providers, hospitals closing maternity wards, and thousands of doc-
tors getting out of the baby business. This year’s American College of Obstetrics
& Gynecology convention showcased numerous other profitable opportunities,
with cosmetic surgery presented as ‘a new and better business alternative.’ Clearly,
observes Huber, the time is here to gather, discuss solutions and take action.
For information visit
BirthConference.org.
August 2008 21
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