Development

Did you know that climate change—along with its numerous other sins— poses a threat to food security? For example, changes in rainfall patterns will affect poeple's ability to grow food and feed livestock. There are other connections between climate change and food, too. Some foods require huge amounts of energy and water in their production. Others are exported and travel long distances, leaving big carbon footprints.

On World Food Day (October 16), the Food and Agricultural Association (FAO) and World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts launched the Food Security and Climate Change Challenge Badge. This awesome guide (pdf) is a great way to learn all about climate change and food security issues and is also full of ideas and ways in which you can take action to reduce your footprint and your impact on the environment.

“A resounding success. We have had open, honest, and frank discussions, making this year’s session most fruitful.” So were the words of the President of the World Bank/IMF Group Board of Governors. I picked up a rumor that the Prime Minister will be addressing the plenary session this morning and made my way to the grand hall. It seems I am early but just in time for the closing remarks. The intense elation of a job well done is definitely today’s feeling of the day…at least amongst the Secretariat.

My first day at the Annual Meetings, and it’s a good thing I’m here early. Security is tight and traffic is backed up. Still, delegates can be seen happily chatting away as they wait to pass through the metal detector, the press is photographing the lines, and meetings are being planned for lunch. A thermal camera screens us as we are cleared through.

I’m looking for the civil society rooms. As with any large conference, there may be up to seven or eight meetings being conducted at any one time. This isn’t so much a problem if it weren’t for the fact that no one seems to know where the “civil society people” are. “Civil society? I don’t know…but the plenary is this way.” No thanks. Then I’m security-blocked a few times from going down to the floor where I think I may find this morning’s meeting. It seems “the press are not allowed” into the civil society meetings. I beg to differ. I finally find a free staircase without any security. I run down and realize I am at the right place…and the press are definitely allowed.

The outbreak of the H1N1 virus (otherwise known as "swine flu") has taught the world an important lesson: Strong public health surveillance systems are critical to deal with such situations.

World Bank expert Keith Hansen has said that such surveillance measures would not only help health care systems prepare for emergencies and pandemics, but would also help them deal with regular challenges. For example, following the H1N1 scare, health projects in Brazil and Argentina were set up to get funds quickly to communities with urgent medical needs, as well as to increase preparedness for pandemics. 

“The goal is not to just chase the disease du jour, but to really be prepared for what else may be coming down the pike, and strengthening countries overall in their readiness,” says Hansen.

Got a question about how to strengthen health care systems in devleoping countries? Hansen will be online today, Tuesday, October 6 at 10:30 a.m. EDT to answer questions on this topic. Submit your questions now.