Commentaries

Feeding More for Less in Niger

The famine unfolding today in Niger has too many familiar characteristics. One of the poorest countries in the world is in a deadly crisis. It does not have to be this way. Swift and smart reforms to outdated American food-aid programs can move us toward preventing such crises rather than cleaning up after them.

President Soft-pedals on Mercury Reform

Widespread mercury pollution is contaminating our water and our fish as well as poisoning our children. The environmental and health damages caused by mercury have been fairly well documented. In this article the financial costs of children and adults exposed to mercury are considered.  

U.S. Not Doing Enough to Fight Mad Cow

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has been under fire for its handling of the discovery of mad cow disease on a Washington farm last year, and the agency's ensuing efforts to improve regulations to prevent the disease. One giant problem is that the testing program is voluntary, allowing producers to choose which cattle the USDA will see and test.

Making Fish Healthier to Eat: EPA Proposal Raises Hurdles

Widespread pollution in Minnesota, as in other states, has prompted statewide fish consumption advisories based on mercury. Government agencies acknowledge exposure threatens child development, their response is largely limited to reducing exposure - warning women to watch how much fish they eat - putting the burden on the individual to tackle the problem.