Statement: The way in which diamonds are mined vary significantly between the legal regulated trade vs the illegal blood diamond trade.
The blood diamond trade refers to the illegal and unethical practice of mining and trading diamonds that are used to finance armed conflicts, civil wars, and human rights abuses in various parts of the world. The diamonds, often referred to as conflict diamonds, are typically mined in war zones by rebel groups or other non-state actors who then use the profits to fund their activities. The trade exploits vulnerable communities and perpetuates violence, as people are forced into labor, subjected to violence, and deprived of basic human rights.
It also fuels political instability, as the revenue generated from the trade undermines legitimate governments and perpetuates corruption. Efforts have been made to combat the blood diamond trade, including the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme, which aims to ensure that diamonds are mined and traded without funding conflicts. However, challenges in enforcement and the presence of black market networks continue to hinder progress in eradicating this trade.
Summary: Blood diamonds, also known as conflict diamonds, are mined in war zones by rebel groups to finance armed conflicts against governments. These diamonds are often associated with human rights abuses and violence. The trade of blood diamonds has fueled civil wars, perpetuaded instability in these regions, and resulted in the loss of countless lives.
Where are most of these countries located? These counties are located in South and West africa.
What do they have in common.? They are common because of Blood diamonds, also known as conflict diamonds, diamonds that are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against governments. These diamonds are often mined under inhumane conditions, with workers subjected to human rights abuses, including forced labor and violence. Efforts have been made to address the issue of diamonds, including the implementation of the Kimberley Process Certication Scheme, which aims to regulate and certify diamonds to prevent them from financing conflict. However, challenges remain in eliminating the trade completely and ensuring ethical practices throughout the diamond industry.
Who works collecting diamonds?
Who makes all the money?
- An estimated 50 million people were living in modern slavery on any given day in 2021. This is nearly one in every 150 people in the world. Modern slavery is hidden in plain sight and is deeply intertwined with life in every corner of the world.
- An estimated 50 million people were living in modern slavery on any given day in 2021, an increase of 10 million people since 2016.
- ]The Global Slavery Index (GSI) provides national estimates of modern slavery for 160 countries.
- Each year, thousands of people living in and fleeing war zones are subjected to horrific violence and abuse. Forced recruitment and use by armed groups, abductions and kidnapping for ransom, forced marriage, and forced labor are among the daily risks faced.
- K’elafo, Ethiopia, January 2023. Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya have experienced their worst drought in four decades.
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Modern slavery is hidden in plain sight and is deeply intertwined with life in every corner of the world.
- an estimated prevalence of modern slavery along with the number of people in modern slavery, an analysis of factors that make communities vulnerable, and an assessment of government responses to modern slavery.
- These national estimates of the prevalence per thousand people and number of people were calculated using individual and country-level risk factors of modern slavery.
- The analysis draws on thousands of interviews with survivors of modern slavery collected through nationally representative household surveys across 75 countries. `
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Modern slavery takes many forms and is known by many names. Essentially, it refers to situations of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, or deception.
Of the products at-risk of being produced with modern slavery, G20 countries spent the most on:
Electronics US $243.6B
Garments US $147.9B
Palm Oil US $19.7B
Solar Panels US $14.8B
Textiles US $12.7B
We are learning about modern day slavery, and what countries and how many slavery there are.
The most recent data, specific to New Zealand, estimates there are 3,000 people living in modern slavery conditions on any given day.
| Hornby high school
Humanities Sustainability perspectives |
Should natural resources from Antarctica be mined?
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Should natural resources from Antarctica be mined?
Read the following blog posts. They contain a range of ideas and views about whether or not the resources of Antarctica should be mined
Blog post 1
Antarctica is one of the few places on the entire globe where science has been allowed to succeed. Even though several countries have made territorial claims on the continent, no one lives in Antarctica on a permanent basis. There are scientists at research stations that are manned for the entire year. If you make the decision to mine the natural resources, you will be opening the flood gates for various companies.
There was another time that people decided to use Antarctica for its resources. This had devastating effects. Both on the environment and the animal life. Whaling stations were set up in the 19th and 20th centuries. They were profitable for the owners. Profitable to the point that several types of animals were hunted almost to the point of extinction. Is there any reason to think that the mining industry would treat the fragile environment any differently?
Blog post 2
What do we really have to gain from drilling in such remote places? Of course a few people may be able to line their pockets by doing so, hence the push by some to open up places like Antarctica, but how does this help everyone else? What kind of environmental damage will this do and how much will we expect to get from such mining? It seems to me that mining in Antarctica won’t solve our energy problems at all. Most likely it will cause far more problems rather than solve anything. Mining Antarctica and places like it won’t solve the energy issues we face today nor will it give our economy any long term benefits.
Antarctica holds most of the earth’s fresh water reserves and ice – both fresh water and ice are things the human race depends on in order to survive on this planet. Why should anyone believe that our fresh water is safe if drilling and mining is allowed in Antarctica? What about the ice that cools the planet and keeps it from becoming an unliveable hothouse?
Blog post 3
Antarctica is loaded with natural resources and minerals such as iron ore, gold, nickel, copper, chromium, and platinum among others. According to the Antarctic Treaty, mining is prohibited. But that could change as the world demands more and more metals to feed a hungry industry and for technology.
Extreme care would have to be taken if any sort of mining were to take place on this frozen land. The ecosystem is just too fragile there, even though not many living things are native to Antarctica. Penguins come to mind, but they live mainly on the coast and the Weddell Sea. The question is does it make economic sense to invest the time and money to work there?
If proper precautions were to take place, then maybe, just maybe a small trial run of mining could happen.
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Blog post 4
If we have the technology to mine in the Antarctic then that’s exactly where we should be heading. The Antarctic is just one of several places that are inhospitable to most life. We should be taking advantage of the opportunity to develop mining and drilling in areas where the destruction will not have the same effect as it would in more populated areas.
We should be exploring and exploiting the resources of those areas of the world where the impact of our presence would be minimal. It’s a situation of realising that human society depends on these resources to maintain itself. Without taking advantage of natural resources, life as we currently know it, ends.
Until we can find better, cleaner, ways to support our society, we need to keep the damage to a minimum. If that means damaging a mostly barren ecosystem (like glacial Antarctica) to protect viable ecosystems (like the Amazon rainforest) then I am all for it.
TASK 1:
Identify whether or not the views expressed in each of the blogs are FOR or AGAINST the mining of resources in Antartica.
Complete the For and Against Mining column of the chart on page 4 with your choices.
TASK 2:
Which of the following people might have written each of the blogs?
- Scientist
- Oil Company Executive
- Politician
- Environmentalist
Complete the Possible Blog Writer column of the chart on page 4 with your choices.
TASK 3:
Highlight the reasons for the views expressed in each blog.
Write a summary of these reasons in the Reasons for Point of View column of the chart on page 4.
TASK 4:
What do you think about the mining of resources in Antarctica?
In the space provided at the bottom of page 4, write your own blog on this issue and then copy paste your words and blog it on edublogger.
4
Fill this table in from the above information
| Blog | For or Against Mining | Possible Blog Writer | Reasons for Point of View |
| 1 | Against Mining | Scientist | This had devastating effects. Both on the environment and the animal life. Whaling stations were set up in the 19th and 20th centuries. They were profitable for the owners. Profitable to the point that several types of animals were hunted almost to the point of extinction. Is there any reason to think that the mining industry would treat the fragile environment any differently? |
| 2 | Against Mining | Environmentalist | It seems to me that mining in Antarctica won’t solve our energy problems at all. Most likely it will cause far more problems rather than solve anything. Mining Antarctica and places like it won’t solve the energy issues we face today nor will it give our economy any long term benefits. |
| 3 | For – maybe mining | Politician | Extreme care would have to be taken if any sort of mining were to take place on this frozen land. The ecosystem is just too fragile there, even though not many living things are native to Antarctica. Penguins come to mind, but they live mainly on the coast and the Weddell Sea. The question is does it make economic sense to invest the time and money to work there?
If proper precautions were to take place, then maybe, just maybe a small trial run of mining could happen. |
| 4 | For Mining | Oil Company Executive | If we have the technology to mine in the Antarctic then that’s exactly where we should be heading. The Antarctic is just one of several places that are inhospitable to most life
We should be exploring and exploiting the resources of those areas of the world where the impact of our presence would be minimal. It’s a situation of realising that human society depends on these resources to maintain itself. |
Blog post 5 (My Blog)
My perspective is I’m against mining in Antarctica because I think it can cause climate change and it can flood some other countries near it. Like New Zealand, Australia, Chile and Argentina. These are some consequences of mining in Antarctica. So these are my reasons why I’m really against mining in Antarctica.
This is the opinion of the environmentalist for mining in Antarctica:
It seems to me that mining in Antarctica won’t solve our energy problems at all. Most likely it will cause far more problems rather than solve anything. Mining Antarctica and places like it won’t solve the energy issues we face today nor will it give our economy any long term benefits.
This is the opinion of the scientist about mining in Antarctica:
They were profitable for the owners. Profitable to the point that several types of animals were hunted almost to the point of extinction. Is there any reason to think that the mining industry would treat the fragile environment any differently?
Even if mineral deposits or oil reserves were identified in Antarctica, their extraction would be very difficult, dangerous and expensive as the climate is so harsh, the ice is very thick, and Antarctica is very remote from major centres of population. LINK: https://discoveringantarctica.org.uk/ 25/10/23
*Extension
What is Antarctica used for today? Antarctica is primarily used for scientific research and environmental conservation today. It is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, which designates the continent as a place for peaceful scientific cooperation. Researchers from around the world study various fields, such as climate, ecology, and geology. Some countries also operate research stations for this purpose. Tourism is another activity, but it’s subject to strict regulations to minimize environmental impact. Commercial activities like mining are prohibited under the Antarctic Treaty to protect the continent’s fragile ecosystems.
NOTE THIS ANSWER IS FROM CHATGPT!!!
Three “Special Organizations” of the United Nations
Name three of these organizations, write in what they are trying to do for the world, and draw a diagram, picture, or logo that will help you remember it.
| Organization | Aims | Graphic |
UNICEF |
UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations System and its name was shortened from the original United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund but it has continued to be known by the popular acronym based on this old name. Headquartered in New York City, UNICEF provides long-term humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries.
UNICEF relies on contributions from governments and private donors and UNICEF’s total income for 2006 was $2,781,000,000. Governments contribute two thirds of the organization’s resources; private groups and some 6 million individuals contribute the rest through the National Committees. UNICEF’s programs emphasize developing community-level services to promote the health and well-being of children. UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965 and the Prince of Asturias Award of Concord in 2006. |
| Organization | Aims | Graphic |
| WFP | In a world of plenty, where enough food is produced to feed everyone on the planet, hunger should be a thing of the past. However, conflict, climate change, disasters, inequality and – most recently – the COVID-19 pandemic mean one in ten people globally are still going to bed hungry and famine looms for millions.
Powered by the passion, dedication and professionalism of over 23,000 staff worldwide, the World Food Programme (WFP) has a presence in over 120 countries and territories to bring life-saving food to people displaced by conflict and made destitute by disasters, and help individuals and communities find life-changing solutions to the multiple challenges they face in building better futures. We work to enhance nutrition in women and children, support smallholder farmers in improving productivity and reducing losses, help countries and communities prepare for and cope with climate-related shocks, and boost human capital through school feeding programmes. |
| Organization | Aims | Graphic |
| WHO | The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the agency inherited the mandate and resources of its predecessor, the Health Organization, which had been an agency of the League of Nations.
As well as coordinating international efforts to monitor outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as SARS, malaria, swine flu, and AIDS the WHO also sponsors programs to prevent and treat such diseases. The WHO supports the development and distribution of safe and effective vaccines, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and drugs. After over 2 decades of fighting smallpox, the WHO declared in 1980 that the disease had been eradicated – the first disease in history to be eliminated by human effort. The WHO aims to eradicate polio within the next few years. The organization has already endorsed the world’s first official HIV/AIDS Toolkit for Zimbabwe (from 3 October 2006), making it an international standard. |
SIGNS OF DEVELOPMENT
Definition of Gross National Product: the total value of all finished goods and services produced by a country’s citizens in a given financial year, irrespective of their location.
Definition of malnourishment: Supplied with less than the minimum or an unbalanced amount of the nutrients or foods essential for sound health and growth
Definition of Physicians: A health-care professional who has earned a medical degree, is clinically experienced, and is licensed to practice medicine
Definitions of literacy: The ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that lets us communicate effectively and make sense of the world.
Definition of mortality: The quality state of being normal.
Definition of Infant Mortality: The death of an infant before his or her first birthday.
GNP: Two continents which have countries. Whose GNP is under $1 per day are.
Africa.
Asia.
Mortality rate:
What has changed from 1960-2000?
What countries are the worst?
Physicians
- What continents have the lowest number of doctors? Africa
- Compare this map of the life Expectancy map- what relationship is there between the two maps? If you compare these two maps there’s no difference, Africa is still have the lowest doctor
- Are these two connected? Yes because of the lack of education that’s why Africa still has low doctors.
Statement: There are many ways we can tell whether a country is developed or developing.
Explain: two of the ways to determine this is life expectancy and number of physician (doctors)
These tell us
Evidence: This is seen in New Zealand and Australia where the life expectancy is high 75-80 as the number of physicians is very high there is a list with these two.
Sum up: This is how we can tell whether a country is developed or developing.
Research 3 charity Organizations
1.World Health Organization (WHO): Sector: Public Health Description: The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It works to coordinate global health efforts, provide leadership on global health matters, shape health research agendas, set norms and standards, and provide technical assistance to countries.
2.Google: Sector: Technology Description: Google is a multinational technology company that specialises in internet-related services and products. It is known for its search engine, but it also offers a wide range of services and products, including online advertising technologies, cloud computing, software, and hardware. Google has a significant impact on the digital landscape and innovation.
3.Greenpeace: Sector: Environmental Non-profit Description: Greenpeace is a non-governmental environmental organisation that focuses on issues such as climate change, deforestation, overfishing, pollution, and environmental conservation. It engages in direct action, lobbying, and research to promote environmental sustainability and to raise awareness about environmental issues globally.
These organisations represent diverse sectors and have varying missions, illustrating the broad range of entities working on global health, technology, and environmental issues.
Questions:
- What are the organisations in New Zealand that help people who need support?
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB):
Sector: Social Services/Community Support
Description: The Citizens Advice Bureau provides free and confidential advice to help people understand their rights and responsibilities. It covers a wide range of topics, including legal issues, finances, housing, and community services.
Salvation Army New Zealand:
Sector: Social Services/Community Support
Description: The Salvation Army is a charitable organisation that offers various services to support individuals and families in need. This includes food assistance, emergency housing, addiction services, counseling, and community programs.
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand:
Sector: Mental Health
Description: This organisation focuses on promoting mental well-being, providing resources and information on mental health, and advocating for better mental health policies. They offer support for individuals dealing with mental health challenges and work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
- How do these organisations know what help people need in New Zealand? Community Needs Assessments: Organisations often conduct comprehensive needs assessments to understand the specific challenges and requirements of the communities they serve. This may involve surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather information directly from community members.
- What kinds of things do these organisations give to people who need help?
World Health Organisation (WHO):
- Purpose: The WHO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
- Assistance:
- Health Guidelines: WHO provides guidelines and recommendations on various health issues, including disease prevention, treatment, and public health measures.
- Emergency Response: WHO plays a crucial role in responding to global health emergencies, such as pandemics and natural disasters, by coordinating international efforts and providing support to affected countries.
- Research and Data: WHO conducts and supports research to improve global health outcomes and provides data and information on health-related issues.
Greenpeace:
- Purpose: Greenpeace is a non-governmental environmental organisation that focuses on issues such as climate change, deforestation, overfishing, and pollution.
- Assistance:
- Advocacy: Greenpeace engages in environmental advocacy to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable solutions.
- Direct Action: The organisation is known for its non-violent direct action campaigns, such as protests and initiatives to confront environmental threats.
- Research and Education: Greenpeace conducts research to highlight environmental problems and educates the public about sustainable practices.
Google:
- Purpose: Google is a multinational technology company that provides various online services, including search engines, cloud computing, and software development.
- Assistance:
- Information Access: Google provides access to vast amounts of information through its search engine, helping people find answers to a wide range of queries.
- Technological Innovation: Google is involved in developing innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, that have the potential to address various challenges.
- Philanthropy: Through initiatives like Google.org, the company engages in philanthropic efforts to support various social causes, including education, public health, and disaster relief.
- What problems do these organisations face when trying to help people?
World Health Organisation (WHO):
Global Cooperation: The WHO relies on international cooperation, and coordinating efforts among diverse countries with varying resources and priorities can be challenging.
Political Pressures: The organisation may face political pressures and conflicts, hindering its ability to implement health interventions in certain regions.
Resource Constraints: Adequate funding is crucial for effective public health responses, and the WHO may face challenges in securing sufficient resources for its programs.
Greenpeace:
Industry Opposition: Greenpeace often challenges powerful industries, and this can lead to opposition and resistance from those who may be adversely affected by environmental advocacy.
Resource Limitations: Like many non-profit organisations, Greenpeace may face limitations in terms of funding and resources, impacting the scale and reach of its campaigns.
Balancing Activism and Cooperation: Balancing direct action and cooperation with governments and corporations can be a delicate task, as Greenpeace seeks to drive change while also engaging with stakeholders.
Google:
Privacy Concerns: Google’s collection and use of user data raise concerns about privacy, and the company must navigate the delicate balance between providing personalised services and respecting user privacy.
Monopoly and Regulation: Google’s dominance in the tech industry can lead to concerns about monopolistic practices, prompting regulatory scrutiny and potential legal challenges.
Ethical AI and Technology Use: As a technology company, Google faces challenges related to the ethical use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, including issues like bias in algorithms and the potential misuse of advanced technologies.
- Do these organisations work with the government and other groups to help people?
World Health Organisation (WHO)
- Government Collaboration: The WHO collaborates closely with national governments to implement health policies and programs. It provides support, technical expertise, and guidance to countries in areas such as disease prevention, healthcare infrastructure, and emergency response.
- Partnerships: The WHO works with other international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and private sector entities to pool resources, share expertise, and coordinate efforts in global health initiatives.
Greenpeace
- Advocacy and Collaboration: Greenpeace engages with governments and international bodies to advocate for environmental policies and regulations. The organisation often collaborates with scientists, other environmental NGOs, and local communities to address environmental issues.
- Partnerships with Indigenous Communities: Greenpeace works with indigenous communities and local groups to understand and address environmental challenges, recognising the importance of local knowledge and involvement.
- Government Relations: Google engages with governments around the world on issues related to technology, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. This involvement includes discussions on policy development and adherence to local laws.
- Philanthropy and Partnerships: Through Google.org, the company supports various philanthropic initiatives and partners with non-profit organisations, government agencies, and academic institutions to address social and environmental challenges.
- How do these organisations get money to do their work?
World Health Organisation (WHO)
- Member States: The primary source of funding for the WHO comes from its member states, which contribute assessed contributions based on their economic capacities.
- Voluntary Contributions: In addition to assessed contributions, the WHO receives voluntary contributions from member states, other UN agencies, philanthropic foundations, and the private sector.
- Grants and Donations: The WHO also secures funding through grants and donations from governments, non-governmental organisations, and private entities to support specific programs and initiatives.
Greenpeace
- Individual Donations: Greenpeace relies heavily on individual donations from supporters and members. This funding comes from people who share the organisation’s environmental values and want to contribute to its campaigns.
- Grants and Foundations: Greenpeace may receive grants from foundations and non-profit organisations that support environmental causes.
- Merchandise Sales: Greenpeace often sells merchandise such as clothing and accessories with its branding to generate additional revenue.
- Advertising Revenue: Google’s primary source of revenue is advertising. The company makes money through its advertising platforms, such as Google Ads, which businesses use to promote their products and services.
- Cloud Services: Google offers cloud computing services through Google Cloud, generating revenue from businesses that use its infrastructure and services.
- Other Services: Google has various other services, such as the sale of hardware (e.g., smartphones and smart devices) and subscriptions (e.g., Google Workspace), contributing to its overall revenue.
- How can I, as a Year 10 student, help these organisations? I think I can help these organisations by introducing their propaganda and other projects to other people.
- What skills or things can I share to help these organisations? I can help these organisations by introducing their propaganda and other projects to other people.
- Are there things my school can do to help people in our community? I think there are, because sometimes we are giving one dollar each to help other people I think? Like homeless people.
- How can I tell other students and people in our area about these organisations and what they do? I can make a poster or other things of what these organisations can do to help us.