China as a Superpower TV programme on BBC iplayer

Year 13 should definitely watch this programme as it ties in perfectly with the Unit 3 option on Superpower Geographies.

The BBC blurb reads:
Travelling across three continents, Justin Rowlatt investigates the spread of Chinese influence around the planet and asks what the world will be like if China overtakes America as the world's economic superpower. In the first of two films, he embarks on a journey across Southern Africa to chart the extraordinary phenomenon of Chinese migration to Africa, and the huge influence of China on the development of the continent.
While many in the West view Africa as a land of poverty, to the Chinese it is seen as an almost limitless business opportunity. From Angola to Tanzania, Justin meets the fearless Chinese entrepreneurs who have travelled thousands of miles to set up businesses


Click the heading to be taken to the show (it is the first episode in a series)

USA-India talks: Obama calls India a "superpower"

On a visit to Delhi, President Obama said India was a world power, and both countries could work together to promote stability and prosperity. In a speech to parliament later, he said he would address Delhi's bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.

Mr Singh said Washington and Delhi had decided to "accelerate the deepening of ties to work as equal partners in a strategic relationship". He said he and Mr Obama had agreed protectionism was detrimental for both countries, and that India was not in the business of stealing American jobs. Both sides would expand co-operation on space, civil, nuclear and defence matters, he added. President Obama also announced $10bn (£6.2bn) in new trade deals with India.

Click on the post headline to read more and see a clip of President Obama giving a speech.
 
More on the story here

Climate change threatens emerging superpowers

Some of the "big economies of the future" are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, according to a new study published today.

UK consultancy Maplecroft identified Bangladesh and India as the two countries facing the greatest risks to their populations, ecosystems and business environments after ranking 170 countries based on their exposure to climate-related natural disasters and their social, economic and political ability to adapt to a changing climate.
According to Maplecroft, the countries facing the greatest risks are characterised by high levels of poverty, dense populations, exposure to climate-related events and reliance on flood- and drought-prone agricultural land.
Bangladesh ticks most of these boxes and the report warns that rising climate risks could hit foreign investment into the country, undermining the driving force behind economic growth of 88 per cent between 2000 and 2008.
Similarly, the report warned that India's massive population and increasing demand for scarce resources made it particularly sensitive to climate change.

Attention Year 13! Colonialism and Neo-colonialism

Your current topic of Superpower Geographies is constantly in the news. Make sure you keep up to date with the changes in power and relationships that are taking place.

This week Nigeria have been celebrating 50 years of independence from their former colonial power - Britain. But how has the last 50 years been for Nigeria? Have they made advances since gaining their freedom?
The link below is for an article about the independence of Nigeria and is worth a read:
Guardian article on Nigeria's 50th year of independence from Britain

And here's another article, from today (2nd October 2010) about the new form of colonalism - in this case China's growing relationship with Africa. China has now overtaken the USA as Africa's number one trading partner. They are more than happy to deal with some of the countries Western countries frown upon (Zimbabwe for example). Read the article by clicking the link below:
Independent newspaper article on China in Africa

Look at the podcast section and you will see more useful information, in a form that you can listen to.

If you click on the title of this post you will see a blog by someone about China and India's battle for supremacy in China. There are 4 parts to to, follow the links at the end of each article.

Environmental issues in China - Year 13 homework

Use this website on China to help you with your Superpower Geographies homework (due Tuesday 10th November). Have a look at the interactive map, videos and article (it's a bit long at 6 pages, but useful) and make a list of all the environmental problems that China have as a result of their rapid growth and emergence as a superpower.

ps - go down to the "Slideshare" widget on the left hand panel for past exam papers if you need some for the re-takes. Mark schemes are there as well.