overpopulation at Brave New Films

"Mr. Condom" on Birth Control Promotion in Thailand

2008-12-08T16:27:32Z

Complete video at: fora.tv

AIDS activist Mechai "Mr. Condom" Viravaidya discusses creative methods for birth control promotion in his native Thailand, developed in order to deal with a 1970s overpopulation crisis.

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Mechai Viravaidya, politician and founder of the Population and Community Development Association in Thailand, discusses his innovative techniques for promoting birth control in the face of overpopulation and the AIDS epidemic.

He also talks about his efforts to build economies in rural villages in order to promote health and education. - Chautauqua Institution

Mechai Viravaidya, popularly known as "Mr. Condom" in his native Thailand, was recently awarded the 2007 Gates Award for Global Health on behalf of The Population and Community Development Association (PDA), the organization he founded in 1974. For over 30 years, PDA has helped improve lives and strengthen communities in Thailand through HIV prevention and family planning programs that have become international models. A health economist by training, Viravaidya is best known for his use of humor and unorthodox methods in focusing the public's attention on public health.The programs developed by Viravaidya and PDA led to a dramatic reduction in new HIV infections in Thailand, from 143,000 in 1991 to 21,000 in 2003.

Using a nationwide network of village-based volunteers, PDA empowers women to plan their pregnancies, giving both mothers and children the opportunity to live healthier lives. PDA's comprehensive approach to poverty reduction also addresses income generation, water resource development, sanitation projects, environmental conservation, and promotion of gender equality and democracy.

Today, PDA's 600 employees and more than 12,000 volunteers work in 18 regional development centers and branch offices throughout Thailand. Through its international training program, PDA has trained 2,900 people from 50 countries in innovative approaches to HIV prevention, family planning, adolescent reproductive health and other issues.

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Brazil and Overpopulation

2009-01-07T22:20:03Z

Brazil and Overpopulation

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Bill McKibben on Eating Locally for the Winter

2008-10-14T15:29:45Z

In this clip, environmentalist and author Bill McKibben discusses the ease with which he and his family ate only locally-grown food over the winter, and the unexpected enjoyment of the experience.

For more from this interview, please visit www.linktv.org

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Bill McKibben asks "Are Americans Happy"

2008-10-23T15:29:59Z

In this clip, environmentalist and author Bill McKibben critiques the ability of a hyper individualistic and consumerist society to make its citizens happy.

for more from this interview please visit www.linktv.org

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Bill McKibben on Clean Coal

2008-10-15T21:29:33Z

Environmentalist and author Bill McKibben argues that there is no such thing as "clean coal," despite advertisements created by the coal industry to promote otherwise.

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Alex Steffen on How Cities Help the Environment

2008-10-15T21:29:35Z

Writer and environmentalist Alex Steffen says that well-designed cities can help, rather than hurt, the environment. In developing countries, access to education, legal services, and medical care empowers women and lowers the overall birthrate. He also says that the density and convenience of cities causes energy to be used more efficiently.

For more from this interview, please visit www.linktv.org

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Alex Steffen on Innovative Approaches to Environmentalism

2008-10-16T03:30:21Z

In this clip, writer and environmentalist Alex Steffen talks about interesting new ways of helping the environment with smart design, such as landmine-detecting flowers that change color in the presence of mines, as well as more conventional initiatives, such as the car-sharing programs that are blossoming in many metropolitan areas.

For more from this interview please visit www.linktv.org

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Alex Steffen on What You Can Do for the Environment

2008-10-16T21:31:06Z

In addition to doing all the little things you can do to help the environment, writer and environmentalist Alex Steffen suggests that you eat less meat, as meat production has a significant impact on the environment, and move closer to your place of work in order expend less energy commuting.

For more from this interview, please visit www.linktv.org

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The stork is the bird of war

2008-10-20T03:29:50Z

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Roots

2008-10-21T15:29:53Z

The Resident knows how to solve all the world's problems, for real!

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Bun in the Oven

2008-10-21T15:29:59Z

The up- and down-sides of procreating in the 21st Century. Visit www.theresident.net for more info on the show.

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