World demand for oil and gas driving corruption in Burma

Can Burma go out of Resource Curse? – Arakan Oil Watch: "According to a report by the Arakan Oil Watch, billions of dollars in revenues from the sale of natural gas have gone unrecorded in the country’s public accounts and been siphoned off by corrupt military rulers, leaving the nation with some of the worst social indicators in the world and embroiled in conflicts over natural resources."

China police budget larger than military -- due in part to #climatechange

Thousands Protest in Flood-Hit Chinese City - ABC News: "The threat of violence has prompted massive outlays for the police and other internal security measures, spending on which now exceeds the defense budget, the world's second largest after that of the U.S.

Photos from Yuyao posted to various Chinese websites showed protesters smashing vehicles and attacking city offices. Some were bleeding from the head after apparently being clubbed by riot police who were shown massed in their hundreds in front of city hall."

'via Blog this'

South Korean city of Suwon goes car free for thirty days

(Source: ICLEI Korea)

RTCC: "As part of the EcoMobility World Festival, the residents of the Haenggung-dong neighbourhood in Suwon decided to adopt a car-free lifestyle for thirty days. During this period, roads were cordoned off, and the only vehicles allowed were those which did not consume fossil fuels."

'via Blog this'

Beijing particulate matter stops traffic