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From the highways of Los Angeles to the Citarum River of Bandung, Indonesia, earth's most polluted city of Linfen, China to the streets of London, the world is laden with man-made pollution. Chemical, air, water and oil pollution ruin the environment, cause premature deaths, spoil the world's resources and worsen climate change.
As the world's population soars to nearly 7 billion, we here at HuffPost Green thought that it time to investigate some of the world's most polluted places. Check out our slideshow of nine of the most polluted places in the world. Find out which city's death rate surpasses its birth rate by 260 percent. Or which city has 50,000 people die prematurely each year due to man-made air pollution. As always, we want to hear from you. Tell us what you think in the comments.
Provided by the Business Insider:
Every U.S. state experienced job losses during the recent downturn, but thanks to the right mix of industries, natural resources, and skilled workers, some states have a far lower unemployment rate than the 9.5% national average.
Want to crack the jobs problem? Let's start by studying these sources of American strength...
First, a broad look at America's situation
Unemployment Rate: 9.5%
The economy: Agriculture (1.2% of GDP), Industry (21.9% of GDP), Services (76.9% of GDP)
Education: 27.5% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher.
Now, the Top 10 States For Jobs
1. North Dakota: Powered by agriculture and commodities
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 5.9%
Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Agriculture, petroleum, food processing, and tourism dominate the nation's most job-friendly state.
Education: 25.7% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Lower than average)
2. South Dakota: Gets a big boost from government, but also has services and agriculture
Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 5.1%
Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: The service sector (especially retail, health, and finance firms) dominates South Dakota's economy, although government-related enterprises also form a large chunk of the GDP. Ellsworth Air Force Base is the second-largest single employer here. Agriculture also contributes heavily to the economy, but its influence is waning.
Education: 25.0% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Lower than average)
3. Nebraska: An agricultural and transport hub, with some diversity as well
Unemployment Rate: 4.7%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 4.8%
Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Another state reliant on its agricultural sector, Nebraska also specializes in freight transport, telecommunications, manufacturing, information technology, and transportation. And, not to mention, it has the nation's third-wealthiest person amidst its GDP rank.
Education: 27.5% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Average)
4. New Hampshire: Powered by agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and a highly educated population
Unemployment Rate: 5.8%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 3.7%
Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Another agricultural heavyweight (dairy products, cattle, and apples dominate on the list of products), New Hampshire also produces machinery, electric equipment, rubber, and plastic products. Due to its famous ski slopes, the state is also a tourist hub come winter. New Hampshire also doesn't have a state income or sales tax and boasts one of the nation's highest median salaries.
Education: 32.5% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Higher than average)
5. Vermont: Driven by agriculture and industries utilizing the state's highly educated population
Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 3.5%
Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Farming (especially dairy production and logging) is the bread and butter of Vermont's economy, although manufacturing, insurance, tourism, and quarrying are also major players. Vermont's housing is also quite affordable, as the state ranks 17th in mortgage affordability nationwide.
Education: 33.6% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Higher than average)
6. Hawaii: A tourism magnet with a large population of affluent Americans
Unemployment Rate: 6.3%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 3.2%
Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Tourism dominates this tax-heavy state while food and apparel exports play more minor roles (given the distance of the islands from all other land source). Also, rich folks apparently love to camp out in Hawaii as much as they might like Florida (the state had the highest percentage of millionaires in the general population).
Education: 29.2% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Higher than average)
7. Kansas: Powered by agriculture, energy, and aerospace
Unemployment Rate: 6.5%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 3.0%
Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Kansas isn't the land of Dorothy anymore, although it is still a major grain producer and retains its agricultural roots. These days, the state is also a major oil and natural gas producer and is also a hub of the aerospace industry.
% of adult population with a Bachelor's degree or more: 28.8% (Higher than average)
8. Wyoming: Riding commodities, tourism, and perhaps its tax policies. Doing well despite low levels of education.
Unemployment Rate: 6.7%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 2.8%
Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Mineral extraction, agriculture, and tourism drive Wyoming's largely rural economy. The tourism industry alone accounts for over $2 billion of the state's annual revenue. The state is also known for its unusual tax policies -- no individual or corporate income tax and only a 4% sales tax on select items.
Education: 23.4% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Lower than average)
9. Minnesota: A state with manufacturing, raw materials, and high education
Unemployment Rate: 6.8%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 2.7%
Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: Again, the theme here is diversity. Minnesota's economy is home to a variety of firms in the finished products, services, and raw materials sectors and 33 of the nation's top 1000 publicly-traded firms have headquarters in the state.
Education: 31.0% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Higher than average)
10. Iowa: Outperforming with a diverse economy plus agriculture
Unemployment Rate: 6.8%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 2.7%
Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: While commonly perceived as an agricultural hub, Iowa actually boasts a surprisingly diverse economy with jobs in the manufacturing, biotech, finance, insurance, and government services -- all of which contribute to a strong hiring market. The S&P gave the state a Triple-A rating in 2009 (only one of nine to hold the position then).
Education: 24.3% of the adult population has a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Lower than average)
Five (5) lessons about the way we treat people
1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:
"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name?
I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.
"Absolutely, " said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant.. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello."
I've never forgotten that lesson.. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride.
Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab.
It read:
"Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's' bedside just before he passed away... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."
Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole.
3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.
"How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress.
The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.
"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired.
By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.
The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said.
The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left..
When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies..
You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock.
Some of the king's' wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.
Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.
The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister.
I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her."
As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away".
Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.
love like you've never been hurt,
SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE SAVE YOUR RELATIONSHIP
1. Appreciation, Not Apathy
Vowing “'til death do us part” doesn't mean throwing in the towel when it comes to appreciating your spouse. That kind of complacency invites an apathy that slowly takes your bond for granted — and being taken for granted often leads to seeking value elsewhere. One of the smartest things a couple can do is to recognize that their relationship could end at any time. Internalizing this perspective cultivates an active gratitude, one that inspires a healthy urgency to show our loved one just how much we care. To help change your perspective, try asking yourself each morning: “Why do I value my spouse, and what one thing can I do today to show him?” It could be as simple as a spoken compliment, a short email to let him know he's in your thoughts or an impromptu dinner date for just the two of you. If you feel underappreciated, ask your husband to do the same. Don't go a single day without asserting your value to each other in some small way, and see what results.
2. It's Never Just About the Sex
The media portrays men as slaves to their libido, but most affairs are born out of a man's desire for emotional intimacy, not physical sensation. That said, the two have an interesting link for guys. “Some men do not develop a deep emotional connection [when it comes to sex],” says Ronald Levant, Ed.D., a gender researcher. “So a guy's only connection to intimacy may remain physical.” This is why when men crave more intimacy, they may turn to sex to fulfill that craving. How can you turn a man fearful of true intimacy into one who seeks it? It sounds simplistic, but try initiating sex. Being physically intimate with a man can serve to open him up emotionally.
3. Have an Empathetic Ear
While you may be used to saying whatever comes to mind with your best girl friend, men may feel more vulnerable sharing deeply personal thoughts and feelings. Women can cultivate what Andrew Irwin-Smiler, a psychologist studying masculinity, calls “camaraderie.” A masculine variation on intimacy, camaraderie assures a man that his masculinity will not be compromised if he is emotional. If you sense your partner wants to open up, but fears he may be judged for having these types of feelings, try imitating the masculine by stating you'd like to listen to him without bias. Then, really do that, no matter how tempting it is to react or give advice. Instead, ask follow-up questions. You might be surprised at the resulting closeness.
4. The Friendship Factor
Along those lines, another essential relationship for men that can reduce the temptation of infidelity is the male friendship. “We don't talk to boys about relationships, so guys have a smaller vocabulary for those connections,” says Irwin-Smiler. But they do speak the same language. Women can protect their relationships by supporting their husband's friendships with other guys. It expands the vocabulary men have for the important bonds in their lives and fills the vacuum of intimacy that is often compensated for with inappropriate romances.
5. Grow (Up) Together
Just because you've been with each other since your early 20s doesn't mean you've both developed together — or at the same pace. In many cases of infidelity, couples “have not helped each other grow up,” says psychologist Sylvia Lafair. One easy way to mature with your partner is to make (and meet!) goals together. For example, if you've lived in the same house for decades and you're both tired of doing housework every weekend, start a discussion about moving to a new place — you never know, he may be feeling the same way. And advocating for his aspirations will make him feel seen in a different way, something an affair often promises.
6. No Subject Should Be Out-of-Bounds
A chief temptation for men is the confidante. Someone who really “gets” him. (Granted, this can be a delusion, since the one who truly gets him is probably at home.) But the novelty of being able to discuss topics that cause marital tension is hard to resist. Avoid having off-limit subjects in your relationship — and don't be afraid to call his bluff by asking the tough questions: How do you feel about our sex life? What would you like in our marriage that you don't already have? A relationship immune to tension is impossible, but tensions from topics that have become off-limits can be detrimental. Putting things back on the table goes a long way toward keeping you as his confidante.
7. Talk Is Good, but Action Can Be Better
Women have a tendency to want to talk things out. This is wise in principle, except for when it becomes all you do. For men, relief from that cycle can be found in a person who replaces analysis with joyful activity. Women should not censor themselves to maintain a relationship, but substituting talk with an activity you both love is a powerful reminder of unity, one that can reignite the reasons you chose each other. Change things up a little; instead of talking about how you feel like the two of you aren't connecting lately, make a connection happen! If you both love food, try registering for a couple's cooking class with a type of cuisine neither one of you knows anything about. You'll both start at the same level and have to look to each other for guidance and support, which is a new way of connecting for both of you.
8. Reimagine Masculinity
Many of us — both men and women alike — grew up with an idea of what maleness is: often characterized with terms like aggressive, unemotional, dominant, fearless. But just as women's roles in society have changed over the last 50 or so years, it's important to recognize that men's have as well. If you're constantly knocking or teasing a guy for doing something “un-guylike,” he may search out someone who lets him be himself. Try rethinking what makes a man masculine and encouraging his unconventional qualities, such as a passion for poetry, gardening or interior decorating. Such encouragement may eventually make him more unconventional in terms of intimacy, too.
9. Do Not Fear Your Dark Sides
Pioneering psychiatrist Carl Jung believed delving into one's shadow side — not fleeing from it, as we typically do — held great potential in helping people reach wholeness. This same idea can be applied to relationships. The shadow sides of a partnership (i.e. the areas we avoid going to in order to stay in our “happy” place) are often what will push a spouse to seek a corrective outside it. Ask yourself where you and your spouse are most at odds. Next, identify those qualities that define the polarization, noting the ones that cause you the most resentment. (Often, these are the same qualities we need to cultivate in ourselves.) In addressing those, you begin to balance yourself, freeing your partner from doing so and eliminating the dependencies that hinder a marriage's wholeness.
10. Absence Does Make the Heart Grow Fonder
Diamonds, delicious nonfat ice cream, a quality chick flick ... women like what's rare in this world. Yet, they rarely appreciate scarcity in their relationships. Sometimes, the best strategy to ward off a wandering eye is to give your partner the opportunity to miss you. So, go ahead — take that yoga class or volunteer, even if it means he's by himself a couple of nights a week. Just like women need to sample the occasional rarity to make life valuable, men better understand value when sampling a little competition — even if it's just in terms of the time they get to spend with you.
Huffington Post | Barbara Fenig First Posted: 08-31-10 08:26 AM | Updated: 08-31-10 10:21 AM