GEOG 2200 (Summer 2013)

GEOG 2200 (Summer 2013) Related News Stories:

July 26th, 2013 - "Melting Arctic ice called an economic time bomb" reads the headline. This is frightening folks. The implications of climate change extend far into the economic realm. A new study has calculated that climate change could cost us all $60 trillion over the next decade. Read the news story here.

July 24th, 2013 - We've been following the Edward Snowden case. As the map below demonstrates, there are many 'nodes' in this global news story - from the places where Snowden has travelled, to those where he has sought asylum, to the diplomatic row began when the President of Bolivia's plane was forced to land in Austria because it was believed (incorrectly) that Snowden was on board. Most recently, Snowden has sought asylum in Russia. Here's a news video about the story.

July 17th, 2013 - A high profile drug lord from Mexico was caught today. Check out the news article here. As we discussed in class, there are all kinds of hidden global connections in this story. Just follow the money in a typical cocaine value chain (see image below).

July 10th, 2013 - Authorities in the U.S. and Canada are discussing the possibility of installing new underground sensor cables to help monitor movements across the border. This article discusses the technology, but when reading it note also how the proposal is discussed as a merging of new technologies, the promotion of business and the securitization of the border. As we will ask in class, what is being allowed 'through' the border, and what is being stopped? The following video offers an historical take on the quirks of the U.S. - Canada border and its formation:

July 8th, 2013 - It's Ramadan. As we discussed briefly in class, this holy month is a poignant example of some of the 'immaterial' things (ideas, cultures, religions) which have traversed the world and crossed international borders. This image gallery shows images of Muslims celebrating Ramadan around the world. The following map shows the per capita concentration of Muslims by country: 

July 3rd, 2013 - Here's a story that links political leaders in Washington, air transportation authorities in France and Portugal, the transit area at an airport in Russia, the Bolivian president, and an American formerly in Hong Kong! Talk about global connections!