Apple Puts Green Makeover at Risk with CSR Snub | GreenBiz.com

The resolution would require the company to publish a CSR report detailing its approach to greenhouse gas emissions, toxics and recycling by July this year. The report would also require Apple to define "sustainability", and would include a company-wide review of policies contributing to sustainable operations.

As You Sow claimed in the resolution that there were strong commercial reasons for Apple to produce such a report, arguing that over 2,700 companies now produce formal CSR reports, including many direct competitors such as Dell, IBM and HP. "Apple lags behind its global industry peers on sustainability reporting, especially regarding key environmental issues such as climate change, " the resolution said.

However, Apple's board of directors, which includes Nobel Prize-winning climate change campaigner Al Gore, recommended shareholders vote against the resolution. "The board believes that the proposal has been substantially addressed and publication of an additional report would produce little added value while requiring unnecessary time and expense," Apple said in its proxy filing.

Climate change effects to hit Pakistan hard: IPCC chief

“The fact that global warming was unequivocal and there is no scope for scientific questioning, Pakistan faces potential environmental catastrophe,” said Dr Pachauri, who has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (on behalf of the IPCC) along with former US vice-president Al Gore.

Describing the effects of climate change in many parts of the world, Dr Pachauri, discussed the impact such changes were likely to have on a country like Pakistan and on the lives of its people.

He said that health of millions would also be affected with diarrhoeal diseases associated with floods and drought becoming more prevalent.

India: North reels under severe cold, toll crosses 100

North India shivered under the grip of biting chill today, with the death toll due to cold wave in the region crossing 100 and thick fog hitting flight operations as well as rail and road traffic in some areas.

ReliefWeb » Document » Death toll in Indian cold wave rises to 80

India, Jan 13, 2009 - At least 80 people have now died as a result of severe cold temperatures in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh since the first of the year, including four reported dead overnight Tuesday (January 13). Although no details are available, dozens of others have reportedly died in other northern states suffering from severe cold weather, including Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal (Uttarakhand), Delhi and Bihar.