Ensuring fair working conditions in the online talent platform economy
Online talent platform work has experienced rapid growth in recent years and been embraced by individuals and businesses alike. While working via an online platform does not constitute a new
Mental health crisis a threat to the Philippine economy
The coronavirus sent Paul Dalmacio, 40, into a busy intensive care unit in Manila for 10 days. The severity of his case would keep him in the hospital for two months.
Pandemic “doom shopping” is clogging up shipping ports. That means a lot of food destined for export is getting stuck.
Ocean carriers are making it more difficult and costly to ship American food exports. Industry groups want federal regulators to clamp down on “unreasonable, unjust practices.” U.S. exporters are struggling
Europe Reduces Waste by Guaranteeing the Right to Repair
Roman Hottgenroth is surrounded by lamps, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners. Computers, smartphones, and TV receivers are piled high on tin shelves behind him. Some washing machines rattles loudly in test
Soft drinks industry aims for 100% recycled or renewable plastic by 2030
European soft drink makers unveiled their new vision for 2030 on Monday (22 February), announcing plans to reach 100% recycled or renewable materials in plastic bottles by the end of
How new technology is helping to identify human rights abuses in the seafood industry
Every year, the U.S. imports billions of dollars worth of seafood from countries that may be using forced labor on distant water fishing vessels. A growing cadre of tech companies
EU takes step to help ‘gig’ economy workers
The European Commission on Wednesday launched a public consultation to look into the legal employment status and conditions of gig economy workers. It is the bloc’s first step aimed at improving the rights
Worker-Owned Cooperatives Are Creating Their Own Funding Networks
When Princess Robinson takes her son to school at 8 o’clock in the morning, there’s always a line of people waiting to buy their morning tamales and coffee from a
A sky-high tariff on smartphones is keeping people offline in Zimbabwe
Despite experiencing substantial growth in internet users in the last decade, Zimbabwe, a country of 14.7 million, still suffers from underutilized mobile internet capacity and low smartphone penetration, according to the latest annual
Nutri-Gardening Initiative Promises Better Nutrition for Tribal Women Farmers
Khunta, one of the remote blocks of North Odisha’s Mayurbhanj, is yet to overcome malnutrition. For years, rain-fed agriculture and collection of forest produce constituted a major source of livelihood
Seattle Bets on Equitable Development
In most U.S. cities, planning for growth often looks like luxury apartments and corporate incentives, with minimal consideration for how those developments will affect the people already living and working
Côte d’Ivoire’s informal economy has come online and the government’s not happy
Entrepreneurs in Côte d’Ivoire are circumventing high retail rents and government bureaucracy to start businesses online, resulting in a thriving informal digital economy. From baby clothes to handmade jewelry, small
Amsterdam ousts London as Europe’s top share hub, taking trading back to where it all began
Amsterdam has usurped London to become Europe’s biggest hub for trading shares. It is quite a shift for a city that was fifth behind Paris, Frankfurt and Milan only two months ago,
Spending on green economic stimulus is slowly rising, study finds
Huge amounts of post-pandemic stimulus packages are mostly failing to support action to tackle climate change or halt the loss of biodiversity, but the amount of green spending is slowly
IEA: India is on ‘cusp of a solar-powered revolution’
India is entering a “solar-powered revolution” that will see it edge out coal as the nation’s top electricity source, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Solar power currently makes
Why France’s new ‘repairability index’ is a big deal
Our electronic devices take a serious environmental toll, and one of the best ways to mitigate that is to use them for as long as possible before replacing them. But
Rainbow Trout Aquaculture in Nepal: Promise Amid Shocks
The 2015 Gorkha earthquake was a singular natural disaster that has defined Nepal’s economic development in the latter half of the 2010s. Hit particularly hard by the earthquake was the
Returning to the Roots of Community Resilience in Hawai‘i
“There are four things you should know,” says David Fuertes to the youths he mentors. “You should know your origins, because your ancestors have paved the way. You should know
Risk‑Taking Might Be Determined by Our DNA, Finds Study
Some people are more predisposed to gambling large sums, or diving off a cliff, or even starting their own business in a free-falling economy. And that tendency toward risk-taking might
‘Nature is our home’: New UK report urges big economic rethink
Nations will have to rethink economic growth as a measure of success if they want to make good on pledges to halt the destruction of the natural world, according to
‘Starting from zero’: In Greece, women refugees forge new careers
Athens, Greece – In recent years, Greece has become a focal point for refugees into the European Union, but many of the women who have arrived are portrayed by the media
South Korea’s Vision for a More Inclusive Pandemic Recovery
The rapid spread of COVID-19 across the globe has left worsening inequality in its wake. The gap between the “haves” and the “have nots,” which was widening before the pandemic, has further
Circular economy can cut CO2 emissions by 39%: study
Switching to a circular economy could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 39% and ease pressure on virgin materials by 28%, according to the Circularity Gap Report, published on Tuesday (26 January).
Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi are among the world’s worst hit by climate change
Five African countries: Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Sudan, and Niger, are among the world’s top 10 nations to be the worst affected by climate change through disruptions to productivity in
The IMF’s austerity drive comes for the Central Bank of Ecuador
The IMF moves forward with its austerity and deregulation agenda for Ecuador. The next commitment for the South American country is so-called “Central Bank independence,” which is will preventing its
Japan’s Struggling Single Mothers Expose the Flaws of Womenomics
Under Japan’s women’s advancement strategy, dubbed “womenomics,” a record number of women joined the labor force to help fill the country’s chronic labor shortage and resuscitate the sluggish economy. Amid
China’s economy grew in 2020, but only the rich are “revenge spending”
China today reported 2.3% growth in GDP last year, making it the first and probably only major country whose economy expanded in 2020. But a marked decrease in consumer spending,
Facing aggressive pushback, Amazon workers to vote on forming the company’s first American union
For years, Amazon employees have fought for unions and been quashed by their powerful employer. At last, they are poised to succeed. On Friday, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB),
‘Economically feasible’: New study maps how China could shift from coal to green energy in the 2020s
China must electrify as much of its economy as possible and generate almost all its electricity from zero carbon sources to meet its 2060 carbon neutrality goal, according to joint
Cooperation and Chocolate: The Story of One Colombian Village’s Quest for Peace
When it’s time for harvest, Germán Graciano Posso, a 38-year-old Colombian farmer, leaves his village, La Florencita, with a group of co-workers and heads into the hills where the cacao
Inside the US government’s effort to start measuring the space economy
Word came down to the Bureau of Economic Analysis in 2019: We’d like you to measure the American space economy, please. The task fell into the capable hands of Tina
Homemaker’s Work in Landmark Judgment, Awards Additional Rs. 11.2 Lakhs
This week, India’s Supreme Court delivered a crucial judgment that will progressively inform our notions of homemakers’ work, sacrifice, and subsequently the economic value of both. In an insurance dispute
Israel vaccinates 1 million Israelis against coronavirus, and zero Palestinians
Israel has achieved the startling feat of being the fastest country to administer coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccines. But as we would expect, the beneficiaries have been exclusively its own citizens, not the several million Palestinians
UK government won’t block first deep coal mine in three decades
Despite pressure from green groups, the UK Government has said it will not intervene in a county council’s decision to approve a deep coal mine – the first facility of
Returning ‘heroes’: Filipino migrant workers met with a devastated economy
Filipino healthcare workers have found themselves thrust to the frontlines of the pandemic to care for the most vulnerable across the globe. The Philippines is one of the world’s leading
Libya starts using new exchange rate as economy struggles
The Central Bank of Libya on Sunday introduced a new unified exchange rate agreed last month after years of division between rival branches based on opposing sides of the front
African free trade bloc opens for business, but challenges remain
African countries began officially trading under a new continent-wide free trade area on Friday (1 January), after months of delays caused by the global coronavirus pandemic. But experts view the
The Less Equal We Become, the Less We Trust Science
In mid November, South Dakota emergency room nurse Jodi Doering tweeted her experience of caring for dying patients. Many, she said, were denying the existence of COVID-19 until their final breaths. Their last dying
What natural disasters cost the global economy in 2020
Covid-19 is clearly the crisis that defined 2020, but millions of people were forced to grapple with natural disasters alongside the pandemic. A Biblical deluge of record-breaking Atlantic hurricanes, devastating
China to overtake US as largest global economy by 2028: report
The coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout will help China rise past the US to become the world’s largest economy, a new report shows. Beijing is now expected to overtake the
Product design policy will be key to circular economy, EU says
As the European Union seeks to transition to a ‘circular economy’, the policy focus in 2021 will turn to products: how they are designed, and why so many seem to
No trickle-down: Tax cuts for rich fuel inequality, study finds
Tax cuts for rich people breed inequality without providing much of a boon to anyone else, according to a study of the advanced world that could add to the case
A quiet crisis: As the economy fractures, violence soars for Afghan women
Fatima lay in bed at the internal medicine ward at the bustling Mirwais Hospital in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar – a black scarf draped over her head and
IMF austerity is strangling Ecuador – again.
15 December should be a turning point in the IMF’s relationship to the people of Ecuador: a chance for reflection, a fresh start in a new year, an opportunity to
One in ten European workers at risk of poverty, study says
In-work poverty increased over the last decade in most European countries, with around 12% of workers at risk of poverty, according to the latest report by the European Trade Union
Eye-popping wage report charts 40 years of worsening income inequality as the top 1% thrive
Wage inequality is getting worse, according to new data from the Social Security Administration, which shows a steady trickle-up effect in worker income during every period for the last four
UNEP: Net-zero pledges provide an ‘opening’ to close growing emissions ‘gap’
The recent net-zero pledges by major emitting countries and the potential for a “green recovery” from the Covid-19 pandemic “presents the opening” for the world to close the growing “gap”
Fast-food giants gobbled up $1 billion in federal aid for small businesses
Franchisees with hundreds of restaurants flew under the radar, in one case collecting $60 million in PPP loans. Relief grants meant to buoy small businesses at the onset of the
UK plans to slash carbon emissions 68% by 2030 – how banking, building and borrowing can help
For those conscious of the growing climate crisis and the perilous economic situation, the path out of the coronavirus recession looks like a tightrope. On one side, the urgent need
Spain is working on a national shift to a four-day workweek
The four-day week is starting to move from fantasy to the mainstream: Unilever, the massive corporation that owns brands such as Dove and Ben and Jerry’s, is now testing a shorter
Amazon Workers Are Organizing a Global Struggle
In recent weeks, dizzying statistics have circulated on social media about Amazon’s pandemic-era boom and the obscene wealth accrued by its CEO, and Earth’s richest man, Jeff Bezos. The company reported
Eco India: An eco-tourism model that focuses on forest conservation and building the local economy
In one of the India’s privately-owned forest reserves, an effort to use the small patch of forest land to connect forest land to conservation with livelihood.
UK government’s foreign aid cuts put girls’ education at risk
The UK government’s 2020 spending review includes a cut in international aid, from 0.7% of gross national income to 0.5%. My research shows that this will have severe effects on
Grassroots aid grows in middle-income Chile, as COVID-19 drives new needs
Up and down the length of Chile, people are turning to soup kitchens for their hunger needs as the coronavirus pandemic broadens inequality after lockdown measures shuttered the informal economy
Oil-rich Kuwait faces looming debt crisis
When Kuwait emerged from a months-long coronavirus lockdown, hundreds of Kuwaitis flocked to reopened stores, the lines clogging malls, snaking through hallways and spilling onto sidewalks. But unlike much of
India Is the Only G20 Nation on Track to Meet Paris Agreement’s 2°C Goal: Report
India is the only “2°C compatible” country out of all the G20 nations, including the US, Brazil, Australia and several EU countries, a new report has found. The Paris Agreement, which came
Green Flamingo: Portugal hopes to export green hydrogen to EU
Thanks to Portugal’s high sun exposure, the nation has the potential to produce green hydrogen for Europe. The EU-backed Green Flamingo initiative may enable it to ship the green gas
In storm-hit Honduras, a climate crisis drives needs and fuels migration
As Honduras endures its second major hurricane in as many weeks, international aid agencies and local volunteer groups are scrambling the best responses they can to assist people displaced by
Zimbabwe’s odious debts
Civil society organisations have called for an audit of Zimbabwe’s national debt, as inequality and poverty grasp the economy. This comes at a time the World Bank projects further GDP
China to overtake 56 nations by 2025 in per capita income surge
China’s surging economy is set to overtake 56 countries in the world’s per-capita income rankings during the quarter-century through 2025, the International Monetary Fund projects. By that date, China will
Ancient band of shepherds taking on NATO land grab in Montenegro
While all eyes were focused on elections in the US, few noticed that a new government was to be sworn in in Montenegro. Shepherds and villagers of the Sinjajevina-Durmitor mountain
Deutsche Bank says tax remote workers to rebuild COVID economy
The COVID-19 crisis is worsening inequality around the world as people fortunate enough to work remotely continue to earn a pay cheque while millions of others lose their livelihoods or risk their
Government funds five ‘state of the art’ circular economy R&D centres
Innovation centres in London, Loughborough and Exeter secure £22.5m to develop waste-cutting techniques for textiles, metals, electronics, construction and chemicals. Several state-of-the-art circular economy research and innovation centres are to
In Brazil, Women Candidates Find Strength in Numbers
On Nov. 15, Brazilians will head to the polls for the first round of municipal elections. In the city of Rio de Janeiro, voters who choose the candidate identified by
Universal income gains traction on the right
When structural economic change, a global pandemic and “culture wars” collide, the effects are potentially transformative. Leftists and libertarians share an interest in new solutions, but not where they should
Global food system emissions alone threaten warming beyond 1.5°C – but we can act now to stop it
How people grow food and the way we use the land is an important, though often overlooked, contributor to climate change. While most people recognise the role of burning fossil
Unleashing innovation: understanding the UK’s science spending boost
Britain has long considered itself a powerhouse for science and technology. It takes pride in being the place where the structure of DNA was discovered, where the jet engine and
India’s Women Bear the Burden of Unpaid Work – With Costs to Themselves and the Economy
India’s first-ever time use survey finds that women continue to do over one more hour of work every day than men. The report highlights the rampant “time poverty” experienced by women when
As the EU votes to ‘massacre nature’, rainforest communities find a trailblazing way to protect it
The EU parliament came under fire recently for approving a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that critics say will “massacre nature”. But after the EU voted to sign nature’s “death sentence”, rainforest communities
Indian pharma is being squeezed – and it’s bad news for drug access in developing countries
India’s pharmaceutical industry is renowned for selling medicines to the world at reasonable prices, especially developing countries. This has helped Africa in its fight against HIV/Aids, for instance. Such endeavours have earned
Globally, Women’s Workforce Participation Has Not Increased in 25 Years: UN Report
Women’s participation in the workforce globally has remained stagnant for the past 25 years, and the pandemic threatens to set back the world to pre-1995 levels of gender inequality, a
Japan steps up climate ambition with 2050 net zero emissions goal
The Japanese government has said it will cut the country’s carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, in the latest sign of growing momentum on international climate action. Yoshihide Suga,
WEF: Pandemic accelerates dramatic pace of change in global jobs
The ‘future of work’ was already a major topic before the pandemic, with automation and technology rapidly changing the jobs market. That pace of change is now rising fast, according
South Asia Has a New Economic Leader. Will the World Take Note?
Bangladesh — the overcrowded, overpopulated flood-prone state that, founded in 1971, is barely older than the internet — is now one of the richest countries in South Asia. The region
Norway’s Supreme Court set to rule on whether the country can keep searching for new Arctic oil
Almost all of Norway’s electricity comes from hydropower and its domestic emissions are relatively low, meaning the country is often perceived as clean and sustainable. Yet this contrasts with the
Over half Europe’s small firms fear for survival, survey finds
Over half the small and medium-sized companies which together provide jobs for two-thirds of European workers fear for their survival in the coming 12 months, according to a survey released
Glaring skills gap risks undermining green recovery, businesses warn
The UK desperately needs a new low carbon skills strategy that embeds sustainability across the national curriculum, teacher training and, apprenticeships, as the glaring deficit in green skills is threatening…
Ecuador’s new loan program: a tale of two IMFs
In her speech opening this year’s Annual World Meetings, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned of the dangers of an uneven recovery and increasing inequality and talked of the need for
Spain Announces Plan to Close Its Corporate Gender Pay Gap
The Spanish government has passed two decrees on gender equality at the workplace in a bid to address the country’s gender pay gap. “From today, a man and a woman can no longer
Harnessing Food Waste to Empower Communities in Brazil
Take a dozen banana peels, wash them gently with a brush under running water, then chop them into small pieces. Next, blend the peels with five spoons of cacao and
The debt crisis looming for poor countries
A growing number of poor countries, some already in humanitarian crisis, will soon have to choose between servicing their lenders or helping their most vulnerable citizens, as the World Bank
We want green energy jobs, say North Sea oil and gas workers – what they need to make the leap
For the first time in history, the price of US oil turned negative in April 2020. While the oil and gas sector has faced downturns before, the collapse of demand during lockdowns
Unemployment: The biggest risk facing the world, survey shows
Unemployment is seen as the biggest worry over the next 10 years for business executives around the world, closely followed by concern about the spread of infectious diseases, according
Nasdaq’s CEO says bringing more people into capital markets is the way to create ‘inclusive capitalism’
Adena Friedman, CEO of the online stock exchange, argues that creating value for all stakeholders will ultimately create more value for investors. Nasdaq is committed to achieving “inclusive capitalism,”
Higher taxes, fairer society: UK survey shows desire for equality
Authors of new report call for radical change to economy, recognition of unpaid care work, usually done by women. People in the United Kingdom would be happy to pay higher
UN: Most Governments’ Responses To Covid19 Failed To Protect, Support Women
A new UN report tracking government responses to the global pandemic has found that most countries have failed to offer adequate protection and support to women and girls to help
Save Nature or Risk Economic Disaster, Global Leaders Tell Each Other
The international community hasn’t met any of the biodiversity targets it set a decade ago. The mass extinction of species will be catastrophic for economic development, global leaders warned as
Pandemic to create millions of ‘new poor’ in East Asia: World Bank
Up to 38 million people in East Asian and Pacific countries will be pushed into poverty by the coronavirus crisis, the World Bank has said. It will be the region’s
The cost of racial inequality is $16 trillion, new Citi report says
The cost to the U.S. economy of not closing racial gaps on wages, education, housing and investment runs to $16 trillion, according to a new estimate that frames a pivotal
Sri Lanka’s Ceylon tea workers live under a legacy of exploitation
The descendants of Indian Tamil tea plantation workers remain stuck at the bottom of Sri Lankan society. Many of them continue to work under harsh conditions for a meager daily
Richest 1% Of Global Population Causes Double CO2 Emissions As World’s Poorest 50%: Oxfam
Only 1% of the richest of the world’s population was found to be responsible for twice the amount of carbon dioxide emissions as the poorer half of the world between
Cambodia’s Microfinance Industry in Troubled Waters
Cambodia’s Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, amid claims that that overlending to poor borrowers, who can ill-afford to repay, has resulted in land seizures
Coop green investment bill blocked by government
The government’s refusal to support proposals to increase the spending power of cooperatives was a “missed opportunity” for the green recovery, according to the MP who promoted it. Labour MP
Global Community Has Failed to Meet 2020 Conservation Targets For the Second Consecutive Decade: UN Report
According to a UN report, the international community as a whole has failed to meet key conservation targets set for 2020, with individual countries, too, failing to successfully meet any
‘We were shocked’: RAND study uncovers massive income shift to the top 1%
Just how far has the working class been left behind by the winner-take-all economy? A new analysis by the RAND Corporation examines what rising inequality has cost Americans in lost
Flurry of corporate plastic announcements hints at a new normal for the circular economy
In what has been a bumper week for news stories on single-use plastics, edie explores how corporates are forging ahead with new collection and take-back schemes for recyclable packaging that
In the absence of the state, people are leading Beirut’s recovery
Recent events in Lebanon tell a story of interwoven crises, culminating in the explosion in Beirut on 4 August. To overcome the crisis in the long-term, recovery efforts must be
Guilt, Gender, and an Inclusive Recovery: A Lesson from Japan
Japan’s voluntary month-and-a-half shutdown of the economy in April due to COVID-19 has had a higher cost for women than men. A key reason: a “guilt gap” between women and
Study: Cleaner air could net the UK a £1.6bn economic boost
The UK economy could enjoy a clean air dividend of £1.6bn if World Health Organisation (WHO) targets for air quality were met, a major new report has calculated. The research,
How the Lebanese Diaspora Is Mobilizing Against Food Insecurity at Home
Lebanon is facing a major food crisis. Struck by an unprecedented economic meltdown, nationwide protests, and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, more than 3.7 million people in the small Middle Eastern nation, which
In Uganda, rural women entrepreneurs are escaping poverty with teamwork and training
“If you have business and you have your own money you don’t suffer in your life. I can take my children to school, buy medicine when they are sick. I
South Africa healthcare workers protest, threaten strike
South African healthcare workers have protested against poor working conditions and urged the government to end corruption in the procurement of coronavirus personal protective equipment. The protesters gathered in Pretoria
Covid-19 pandemic likely to push 47 mn more women and girls into poverty
The Covid-9 pandemic will push 47 million more women and girls below the poverty line, reversing decades of progress to eradicate extreme poverty, according to new data of UN Women
China among nations likely to miss 2020 deadline for climate plans
Most nations including top emitter China are likely to miss a 2020 deadline to upgrade national plans for fighting global warming, according to the UN’s climate chief. Patricia Espinosa told
South Africa’s COVID relief fund dogged by delays and corruption
The South African government is investigating reports of large-scale “looting” of its $26 billion coronavirus rescue package, launched to cushion the economic impact of the pandemic on struggling households.
Domestic workers are the frontline of exploitation in Turkey
According to the Covid-19 report by IMECE Domestic Workers Union, a significant share of domestic workers have been laid off during the pandemic. Those who kept their jobs were forced
Germany launches first ‘green’ bonds
Germany on Monday (24 August) announced details of its first “green” bond placing, tapping financial markets to fund environmental projects for the first time. The finance ministry said it would
Half of young people want a job in the green economy, survey finds
Published on the eve of so-called Earth Overshoot Day, a survey of 1,000 people aged 18 to 34 found 50% wanted a job in the green economy. Earth Overshoot
Earth was 130 degrees this week. It will be much hotter one day.
As a heat wave roasted the western United States this week, temperatures in California’s Death Valley soared to a blistering 130 degrees Fahrenheit, marking the hottest temperature measured anywhere on Earth
Germany is set to trial a Universal Basic Income scheme
Germany is about to become the latest country to trial a universal basic income, starting a three-year study of how it affects the economy and recipients’ well-being. As part of
Women-led countries handled the coronavirus pandemic ‘systematically and significantly better’ than those run by men, study says
Countries with female leaders have handled the coronavirus pandemic “systematically and significantly better” than those run by men, according to a new research paper. A study of 194 countries by Supriya
Local groups step up to lead Beirut blast response
While attention has focused on promises of international aid from a France-led donor conference and a UN appeal, much of the initial help in the two weeks since a massive explosion
Campaigners Demand Court Shuts Down Ecuador’s Oil Pipelines After Spill
Communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon are calling for an end to “violence against Indigenous peoples and nature” as a trial into a devastating oil spill resumes today. The Kichwa and Shuar
Floating wind, captured mine heat, and net zero transport projects scoop government R&D funding
Latest round of UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI’s) Strength in Places Fund delivers boost to 17 projects across the UK, including pioneering clean tech developments Projects to develop a net
In post-blast Lebanon, farmers struggle as food shortages feared
Without money to plant, Lebanon’s farmers were already in deep trouble before last week’s explosion. Far from being the solution to the country’s food shortages, the agricultural sector that is
Galicia opens the way to a circular economy
Today, the Galician Regional Government informed the public about a new call for proposals directed at small and medium enterprises (SME’s) who want to turn their production processes into a
Nigeria’s female mechanics show how young African women can be empowered
Providing a bright future for young women in a male-dominated engineering sector requires a transformational effort. How can auto mechanics unlock their potential? “My friends and family used to laugh
Corporations Receiving Bailout Billions Have Laid Off Staff and Paid Investors
Companies bailed out with public money have paid shareholders billions of pounds in dividends while cutting tens of thousands of jobs, a VICE News investigation can reveal. Campaigners and commentators
Two-thirds of glacier ice in the Himalayas will be lost by 2100 if climate targets aren’t met
In the world of glaciology, the year 2007 would go down in history. It was the year a seemingly small error in a major international report heralded huge changes in
Coastal flooding will endanger millions
North-west Europe, including the UK, is among the hotspots facing a rising risk of flooding, along with places such as India and the Bay of Bengal, and south east
How wealth inequality is warping the world of philanthropy
1.2 trillion estimated to be sitting in private foundations right now, during the pandemic, is not necessarily going to move to nonprofits. Charitable giving has been on the rise in
Gap between rich and poor university students widest for 12 years
The gap between poor students and their more affluent peers attending university has widened to its largest point for 12 years, according to data published by the Department for
This is how COVID-19 is affecting informal workers
There are more than 2 billion people working informally, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). That’s around 62% of the global workforce. And they’re at the greatest risk from the
“Ebola business” concerns resurface as new Congo outbreak spreads
As an outbreak of Ebola ratchets up in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s densely forested northwestern province of Équateur, warning signs are growing that corruption problems that dogged the last epidemic,
Britain’s COVID lending schemes risk widening regional divides
In the northern English seaside resort of Blackpool, the family-run Elgin Hotel is preparing to reopen in August after four months’ enforced closure. The Elgin had a profitable 2019, but
‘We don’t want to go through this again’: Nature protection critical to preventing pandemics, study finds
Combatting deforestation and wildlife trade could avoid costing the planet trillions of dollars in economic disruption, Conservation International estimates. Funding efforts to combat deforestation, risky wildlife trade and nature protection
How women are helping each other to business success in Ghana
Tourism offers opportunities to women with little capital and few skills, but they need friends and professional groups to support them as well. was working for a tour operating business
Microfinance loans could spell disaster in the time of coronavirus
When the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus in 2006 for his concept of microfinance, it brought what began as a local policy experiment in the
The ‘food prints’ of the world’s major economies illustrate our unsustainable food system
Out of the 20 largest economies in the world, only two—India and Indonesia—have diets that stay within the planetary boundaries for climate, the limits for what the Earth can support.
What fate for the Venezuelan migrants stranded in Peru?
In the fight against COVID-19, Latin America presents a set of important challenges: underfunded healthcare systems, largely informal labor markets, extreme poverty and vulnerability, and a human displacement crisis
Stop Illegal Activity in the Amazon: A Plea From Brazil’s Private Sector
VITÓRIA, BRAZIL – As Brazil struggles with the coronavirus pandemic, the illegal destruction of the Amazon rainforest tragically rages on. Unfortunately, the leniency with which these crimes are being treated
UK coronavirus healthcare worker deaths among highest – Amnesty International
The UK is among the countries to have recorded the highest number of health and social care worker deaths during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis, according to a report by Amnesty
Food bank donations surged during the pandemic – but look closely at the data and there’s trouble ahead
Food banks in the UK reported that demand had tripled in March this year as the coronavirus lockdown threw millions out of work. Many food banks faced an urgent need for money to buy
2008 vs 2020: What to expect for Britons graduating into the Covid-19 recession
Millennials who graduated between 2006 and 2012 were less likely to find full-time jobs, and when they did find them, their employers generally paid and trained them less. They were
How Immigrant Essential Workers Are Finding Support During COVID-19
“This is an emergency,” one woman says in Spanish. “They’re keeping us here without masks, without antibacterial gel.” Another woman holds up a sign: “#No-Antibacterial. #SOS.” Then another in an
Under cover of the pandemic, stealth land grabs are ongoing in India
The outbreak of the coronavirus and the regulations that have been installed by governments worldwide to protect citizens, life and vulnerable groups effect everyone – but not every person or
To ‘build back better’, we must tackle executive pay
This year, for the first time, UK listed companies are required to publish ‘pay ratio’ data in their annual reports. This must show the total earnings of the company’s CEO
ILO: Job Losses Due to Covid19 Have Already Disproportionately Hit Women
In its latest report, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has said that worldwide, an estimated 14% of working hours, equivalent to 400 million full-time jobs, have been lost in the
How Asia’s clothing factories switched to making PPE – but sweatshop problems live on
Personal protective equipment (PPE) has arguably become the most sought-after commodity in the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global shortage of this equipment. This has created an
A year after pledging to go ‘net-zero’, what has the UK achieved?
Last summer, Theresa May signed into law the U.K.’s ground-breaking target of hitting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 against a backdrop of increasingly vocal Extinction Rebellion protests, school climate strikes,
Coronavirus may trigger debt emergency across Africa, new study finds
Many African countries could default on debt payments due to increasing repayment costs, precipitated by weak currencies, a ripple effect of the pandemic. But it may also spark digitalization across
Businesses call for green pledges in trade deals to ‘strengthen UK competitiveness’
Future UK trade deals should include enforceable environmental and climate commitments for all parties, while tariffs should be lowered for low carbon goods and services, in order to “strengthen the
Affluence is killing the planet, warn scientists
Would you like to be rich? Chances are your answer is: “Yes! Who wouldn’t want to be rich?” Clearly, in societies where money can buy almost everything, being rich is
Undocumented Farmworkers Are Refusing COVID Tests for Fear of Losing Their Jobs
As states reopen for business, the coronavirus is exploding among America’s 2.5 million farmworkers, imperiling efforts to contain the spread of the disease and keep food on the shelves just as
A Hub of the Gujarat Economy That Became a Zone of Despair For Migrant Workers
When Deepak and Chandan began working in Hazira, they knew they had to make the best of a bad bargain. But nothing had prepared them for the trauma they suffered
In Europe, climate change brings new crops, new ideas
As Europe’s climate shifts in the coming decades, some regions will find it increasingly difficult to sustain traditional crops. But with new varieties and strategies, some farmers are planting with
Global poverty: coronavirus could drive it up for the first time since the 1990s
As COVID-19 slows in developed countries, the virus’s spread is speeding up in the developing world. Three-quarters of new cases detected each day are now in developing countries. And as
COVID-19 Broke the Economy. What If We Don’t Fix It?
Instead of reopening society for the sake of the economy, what if we continued to work less, buy less, make less—for the sake of the planet? At the end of
Coronavirus recovery: why local markets are key to reviving our locked down town centres
During the early weeks of coronavirus in the UK, there was an obsessive focus on supermarkets and how they were handling the pandemic. It was as if traditional retail markets
Towards urban direct democracy in Bhuj, India
The Bhuj Homes in the City process is an inspiring example of bottom-up, socially and ecologically sensitive democracy, focusing on the right to participate and engage in a dialogue. The
Britain’s Slave Owner Compensation Loan, reparations and tax havenry
It’s hard to believe but it was only in 2015 that, according to the Treasury, British taxpayers finished ‘paying off’ the debt which the British government incurred in order to compensate British
In Argentina, a Push to Make the Economy Work for Women
By now, a significant chunk of Argentina’s population has been confined to their homes for two and a half months. But it would be a mistake to say the economy
Uprisings are driving a surge in mutual aid in Minneapolis and beyond
Mutual aid is flourishing in south Minneapolis, where the police killing of an unarmed Black man and a revolt against state violence has left a community hungry for connection and
As protests rage over George Floyd’s death, climate activists embrace racial justice
This year will see the largest ever drop globally in both investment and consumer spending on energy as the coronavirus pandemic hits every major sector, according to the International Energy
People living on low incomes already see the economy as ‘rigged’ – so what next after coronavirus?
Ahead of the 2019 election, Boris Johnson’s Conservatives made moves to brand themselves as “post-austerity”. Big promises to rejuvenate neglected parts of the country won them votes in unexpected places. And
The pandemic could fix the workplace gender gap (or make it wider)
There have been many conversations around how the coronavirus has provided us with an opportunity for a cultural reset and will change not only the way we work, but the
IEA: Coronavirus ‘accelerating closure’ of ageing fossil-fuelled power plants
This year will see the largest ever drop globally in both investment and consumer spending on energy as the coronavirus pandemic hits every major sector, according to the International Energy
Countries with female leaders suffer six times fewer Covid deaths and will recover sooner from recession
The Covid crisis seems to confirm what policy analysts have argued for some time: female leadership may be more engaged on issues of social equality, sustainability and innovation, making societies
As the coronavirus pandemic strains supplies, Native Americans build food sovereignty
Long before a global pandemic swept across her cloistered corner of the Navajo Nation, Cynthia Wilson knew the pains many families took to secure and store food. The multigenerational home she shares
Coronavirus won’t kill globalisation – but a shakeup is inevitable
The COVID-19 pandemic is now expected to trigger the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Many argue it could unravel globalisation altogether. Globalisation relies on complex links – global value chains (GVCs) – that connect
The Brazilian Town (Quietly) Experimenting with Basic Income
When stay at home orders took hold across Latin America, the army of informal workers that sustains day-to-day life found themselves, overnight, unable to meet their most basic needs. The
New study shows benefits of emergency cash grants for gig workers
When gig workers received no-strings-attached emergency cash grants up to $1,000, they were able to get back to work quicker after an emergency, felt less stressed, and, in some instances,
How coronavirus could usher in a new ‘golden age’ of rail travel
Quietly, outside of the public gaze, a revolution has started on Britain’s railways. On March 23, COVID-19 destroyed the railway industry as it had existed for the past 25 years.
Could The 4-Day Work Week Be the Way to Recover From Coronavirus? New Zealand Thinks So.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern suggested that the country should consider moving to a four day work week in order to encourage domestic tourism as the country looks beyond
EU starts legal action against Luxembourg over tax evasion
The European Commission has launched legal actions against Luxembourg over laws to prevent money laundering and tax avoidance, it said in a statement. New European Union rules to step up
1,000+ Experts From Around the World Call for ‘Degrowth’ After COVID-19 Pandemic
A group of over 1,000 experts and organisations have written an open letter questioning the world’s strategy, and suggesting a transformative change as we move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic that
South Africa’s largest trade union federation tackles climate change and unemployment
COSATU, South Africa’s largest trade union federation, has a plan to simultaneously tackle climate change and unemployment. Until now, a recognition of the link between questions about climate crisis mitigation
Remote work worsens inequality by mostly helping high-income earners
The importance of remote work, also known as telecommuting, is evident during the current COVID-19 crisis. During a period of confinement and physical distancing, telecommuting has enabled some workers to
People in Pacific Island Nations try bartering during pandemic lockdown
A photography session for an old carpet? Or two piglets for a kayak? In Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu, people are attempting barters to combat the precarious economic conditions induced
Finland’s Universal Basic Income experiment points to improved wellbeing and employment
The world’s most robust study of universal basic income has concluded that it boosts recipients’ mental and financial well-being, as well as modestly improving employment. Finland ran a two-year universal basic
How Africa’s public waste management schemes lead the way to a zero waste future
The Covid-19 pandemic affirms the need not just for adequate public health care services, but also the many other services that are essential to keep society running and maintain a
Activist farmers in Brazil feed the hungry and aid the sick during pandemic
For months, President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil has insisted the coronavirus is not a serious threat. Beyond instituting a national lockdown in mid-March, his government has left 209 million Brazilians largely
Urban refugees in Turkey uniquely threatened by coronavirus and economic recession
Much has been published about the severity of the situation regarding Covid-19 transmission in different refugee camps such as Cox Bazaar and Lambasia in Bangladesh, Zaa’tari and Azraq in Jordan, Baddawi in Lebanon, Moria in Greece, and Matamoros in Mexico. All
Hunger drives India’s tea garden employees back to work despite Covid-19 fears
Employers claim to have enforced social distancing norms. Workers point to large gatherings at several points in the production process. While industries across the country remained shut because of the
Rating agencies downgrading emerging market economies during the COVID-19 pandemic
Ten African countries have been downgraded since the COVID-19 pandemic started – Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, South Africa, Mauritius and Zambia. These
Community-supported agriculture is thriving during the pandemic
Small farms are seeing an avalanche of sudden growth, and trying to ramp up to meet it. The CSA (community-supported agriculture) model—where an upfront membership fee gets you a weekly
Coronavirus plastic waste polluting the environment
Over a month into the lockdown and the usually bustling streets of Kalamata, a Greek city southwest of Athens traditionally known for its olives, are largely empty. As in the
‘A threat multiplier’: The hidden factors contributing to New York City’s coronavirus disparities
Earlier this month, the New York City health department released a map showing confirmed COVID-19 cases by zip code. The highest case counts were concentrated in lower-income neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
The green gig economy: precarious workers are on the frontline of climate change fight
Politicians and business people are fond of making promises to plant thousands of trees to slow climate change. But who actually plants those trees, and who tends them as they
Milan’s plan to limit cars after COVID-19 lockdown lauded as an excellent example of #BuildBackBetter
Climate activists from across the globe on Tuesday welcomed an ambitious new plan for Milan that will, according to the Guardian, transform 22 miles of street space currently reserved for cars “with
Schemes to privatize the U.S. Postal Service are being debated amid coronavirus
At this very moment, U.S. Postal Service carriers are delivering masks and respirators to the front lines in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. They are moving test kits to
Mauritius heads into coronavirus storm with strong social welfare buffers
Many African countries are dependent on food and pharmaceutical imports. Some also rely on overseas remittances and tourism for foreign exchange earnings. This means more hardship is yet to come. Mauritius has not been spared from COVID-19. The
Eastern Europeans flown in for ‘vital’ jobs on UK, German farms
Seasonal workers from Romania were flown into the United Kingdom on a special charter flight on Thursday evening to help fill a huge shortage of workers to pick fruits and vegetables on the
Oil, gas, petrochemical financial woes predate pandemic
The oil, gas, and petrochemical industries have taken a massive financial blow from the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report from the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) concludes, but its financial troubles preexisted the emergence
As oil crashes during the pandemic, geothermal energy rises
The coronavirus pandemic has mostly yielded bad news for renewable energy. Disruptions to supply chains and slowdowns in permitting and construction have delayed solar and wind projects, endangering their eligibility for the
Amsterdam adopts doughnut economics to cope with COVID-19
In the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, government leaders would love a crystal ball to help them manage the future of their homes’ economic health. Magic can’t help—but maybe a
Coronavirus: The economic recovery won’t only be U-shaped – it’ll look like a wheelbarrow
The European Union‘s executive arm on Wednesday proposed a wage-subsidy scheme to encourage employers to cut workers’ hours rather than their jobs amid the coronavirus epidemic, a plan that could
Coronavirus: EU fears a rise in hostile takeovers
As the corona pandemic continues to take a severe human and economic toll on nations worldwide, the EU is increasingly worried that it will leave firms vulnerable to hostile takeover
US: Fighting coronavirus-induced debt with two trillion-dollar supercoins?
Nations are going through trying times, and they have to get creative in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. In the United States, Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is among those who
EU suggests cutting workers’ hours instead of their jobs
The European Union‘s executive arm on Wednesday proposed a wage-subsidy scheme to encourage employers to cut workers’ hours rather than their jobs amid the coronavirus epidemic, a plan that could
China’s War on Garbage Faces a Major Coronavirus Setback
China’s lockdown may have reduced air pollution as factories and power plants halted, but the pandemic has had the opposite effect on the nation’s nascent recycling effort. Millions of people
Africa’s web of creditors complicates coronavirus debt relief
Africa is crying out for debt relief to weather a perfect storm of coronavirus, plummeting oil and commodity prices, mounting budget deficits and weaker currencies. But delivering the relief that
New data shows UK poverty had reached a record high before coronavirus hit
Half a million more people including children are living in poverty, as the number of low-income households reaches a record high. Data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimated
Coronavirus redraws battle lines on airline emissions
European airlines crippled by the coronavirus have demanded lasting relief from environmental taxes – in a move that pits their immediate survival against longer-term emissions goals. The looming tax tussle
How COVID-19 is affecting informal workers in Kenya
The informal sector thrives in Kenyan rural and urban centres. According to 2015 estimates there were 11.8 million people employed in the informal economy, against 2.4 million working in the
A Green Stimulus Plan for a Post-Coronavirus Economy
A group of U.S. economists, academics and policymakers say the Covid-19 pandemic is an opportunity to fix the economy — and the planet — for the long term. If we’re
Coronavirus forces EU leaders to weigh nationalisation options
As governments around the world are pulling out all the stops to get the coronavirus crisis under control. Italy has stepped up efforts recently to keep its bankrupt flagship carrier Alitalia
Bogotá expands bike lanes to curb coronavirus spread
The Colombian capital of Bogotá is opening 76km (47 miles) of temporary bike lanes to reduce crowding on public transport and help prevent the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19), as well
Changes brought on by coronavirus may help lower emissions
New projections for economic growth in 2020 suggest the that impact of the coronavirus might significantly curb global emissions. The effect is likely to be less pronounced than during the global
More than 500 citizen-led mutual aid groups mobilise across the UK
Citizen-led mutual aid groups have sprung up across the UK to support those suffering from the effects and threat of the Coronavirus outbreak. To date, 582 groups have been set
The coronavirus fallout may be worse for women than men
Are men and women feeling the effects of the coronavirus differently? Research from China suggests that while COVID-19 is infecting men and women in about equal numbers, women appear less
Zero risk bias: The economics of toilet paper hoarding
The new coronavirus is inspiring panic buying of a variety of household products such as toilet paper in cities across the U.S. and world. While it makes sense to me
Cities fight back against EU rules that prevent progressive public policy
Over recent years there’s been a surge in European cities that, via public tendering, are using their spending power far more pro-actively and strategically to promote social justice and environmental
Top asset managers show disregard for harmful impacts of their investments
38 out of 75 of the world’s largest asset managers, with greater assets under management than the GDP of the US and China combined, are stalling on taking action on
How artists are exploring radical economies
How would you value care work, cheese, and a piece of forest, if not mediated by a market? There are many proposals for radical economies from progressive economists, activists and
The sharing economy helps women find new economic opportunities in Jordan
In Jordan, only 15% of women are engaged in the formal economy. Jordan is near the bottom of global rankings for economic participation and opportunity for women, ranking 145 out
Past decade of climate inertia has shrunk the time left for action by two-thirds
The past decade of political failure on climate change has cost us all dear. It has shrunk the time left for action by two-thirds. In 2010, the world thought it
Coronavirus exposes China’s rich-poor divide and personalized power networks
The coronavirus outbreak in China has come down hard on the country’s poor who cannot afford to be quarantined, have less access to supplies, and do not have the money
Environmental impact of Uber and Lyft is worse than the transportation modes they replace
Uber and Lyft have consumed a vast amount of attention since they arrived a decade ago. But in many ways, we’re just beginning to understand what ride-hailing is doing. A
Investors flee from controversial pandemic bonds
Pandemic bonds sound like a curious financial concept — but they were brought in by the World Bank in 2017 to help developing economies. Against the odds, the coronavirus outbreak
Climate crisis makes the spread of infectious diseases like Coronavirus more common
This novel coronavirus is just one of a whole spate of other pathogens we’ve seen — Ebola in West Africa, where it had never been seen before, Zika in the
Increased inequality following natural disasters exacerbated by recovery funding, study shows
Low-income earners, small-business owners and part-time workers are more likely to lose income following a disaster. Middle and high-income earners, full-time workers and owners of larger businesses are far less
What a Public Bank Can Do for Real People
North Dakota has the only state-owned bank in the nation. Advocates say it’s a model for getting state tax money invested in communities. All of North Dakota’s state tax and
Coronavirus has temporarily reduced China’s CO2 emissions by a quarter
As China battles one of the most serious virus epidemics of the century, the impacts on the country’s energy demand and emissions are only beginning to be felt. Electricity demand
African countries aren’t borrowing too much: they’re paying too much for debt
There is renewed concern about the sustainability of rising debt levels in many African countries. Much of this debt is being incurred through foreign currency denominated Eurobonds issued on international
The government wants to turn the UK to “Cayman on Steroids”, warn tax campaigners
The Tax Justice Network (TJN) has accused the UK government of wanting to use Brexit to cut regulations in order to attract dirty money. After the European Union added the
English councils went on property spending spree to offset cuts
English councils went on a massive £6.6bn commercial property spending spree over the past three years, buying office buildings and shopping centres to offset the impact of government funding cuts,
Collective of homeless mothers brings radical challenge to housing speculation
Just after 5 a.m. on Jan. 14, about 30 deputies from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office arrived at 2928 Magnolia St. in West Oakland. They came armed with rifles and
Officials undermine rooftop solar movement in Puerto Rico in favour of natural gas
In the wake of Hurricane Maria, the power system’s failure was a key factor in the estimated 4,645 deaths associated with the storm. Hospitals and senior homes lost air conditioning
Real pay data show Trump’s ‘blue collar boom’ is more of a bust for US workers
If you thought workers’ hourly pay was finally rising, think again. At first glance, the latest data – which came out on Feb. 7 – look pretty good. They show
Green Share Bill: MP pushes for law to help cooperatives to raise green investment
A new law that would make it easier for cooperatives and community associations to raise investment for environmental projects has been tabled in Parliament. The Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies
Half of refugees find jobs within five years in Germany, study shows
A new study published on Tuesday found that 49% of refugees who have come to Germany since 2013 were able to find steady employment within five years of arriving. “This
Report warns oil industry’s increasingly unsustainable economics could derail global financial system
A government research report produced by Finland warns that the increasingly unsustainable economics of the oil industry could derail the global financial system within the next few years. The report
The community initiative creating sustainable employment, food security and energy out of waste
n the town of Kitale in Kenya, residents set up a successful project which tackles many of the community’s problems with one ingenious solution: waste management. For more than a
Strikes stab at the heart of the Finnish model
Finns regularly vote themselves among the happiest in the world, with a healthy balance between work and home life. But a wave of strikes has exposed a far more complicated
Better Work in the Gig Economy – Doteveryone Report
Ending the app trap: why (and how) we need to reform the gig economy The future of work is happening now and not on some far-off horizon. One in ten
New ‘Arctic paradox’ emerges as economy and ecology seek balance
As the world pushes for stronger climate measures to stop the destruction of the Arctic, many countries are also keen to take advantage of the region’s new opportunities in shipping,
Testing investment advisers on ethics can lead to better behavior
There is a longstanding debate about the effectiveness of ethics training. Advocates for ethics testing argue that financial crises and corporate scandals, from the 2001 Enron scandal to the Great
Time to Care- Oxfam Report
Unpaid and underpaid care work and the global inequality crisis This report outlines how global inequality is shockingly entrenched and vast, with the number of billionaires having doubled in the
Central banks in Japan and Europe explore digital currencies
TOKYO — Central banks in Japan, Europe and Canada are taking a joint look into issuing digital currencies in their home jurisdictions, hoping to offer a convenient and safe alternative
Lending and community building at The Thingery
It turns out, a shipping container can change a community. That’s all Chris Diplock, the co-founder of the Vancouver Tool Library, started with when he created The Thingery, a place for residents of
Mozambique sues in UK to cancel debt in secret loan case
Case brought by the government of Mozambique also seeks damages from Credit Suisse and shipbuilding company Privinvest Credit Suisse given deadline of 21 January to file and serve their defence
The Lebanese Want To Fight Corruption, Not US-Iran Proxy War
BEIRUT, LEBANON — When Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was assassinated in a US Reaper drone strike in Iraq January 3, fear spread throughout the world that Iran might retaliate by
UN’s warning that Gaza will not be a “liveable place” by 2020 has been realised
The primary cause of this ‘unliveable’ environment is a highly restrictive Israeli blockade, now in its 13th year, which has reduced Gaza to the point of ‘systemic collapse’. In 2012,
Emails Reveal U.S. Justice Dept. Working Closely with Oil Industry to Oppose Climate Lawsuits
DOJ attorneys describe working with industry lawyers as a ‘team,’ raising questions about whether government was representing the American people. In early 2018, a few months after the cities
We’ve filed a climate resolution at Barclays – now it’s time for investors to back it
By Wolfgang Kuhn, Director of Financial Sector Strategies, ShareAction Together with over 100 Barclays’ investors, ShareAction has filed the first ever climate-related shareholder resolution at a European bank. This is
Spain’s new government faces immediate test in Catalan national rights
Hopes for fresh negotiations after President Sánchez and President Torra exchange phone call – New PSOE and Podemos government set for fresh negotiations with Catalan counterparts – President Torra prepares
India emerges as Asia’s leader in socially beneficial markets
TOKYO — India is fast overtaking countries like Japan and South Korea in creating ways for socially minded entrepreneurs to raise funds from impact investors. The aim is to get
Iranian Americans Harassed and Detained at US Border
Dozens of people, including American citizens, faced hours of questioning at the Washington entry point. Jamal Abdi of the National Iranian American Council says the reports could indicate a directive
Scale of homelessness crisis this Christmas laid bare, as figures reveal ANOTHER rise under Tories
There’s been a surge in the number of classed as either homeless or threatened with homelessness, according to new government figures. Campaigners have reacted with anger at ‘inaction’ on homelessness and social house
Productivity Does Not Explain Wages
By Blair Fix Does productivity explain income? I asked this question in a previous post. My answer was a bombastic no. In this post, I’ll dig deeper into the reasons that productivity doesn’t
‘Democracy must prevail’: Sturgeon sets out democratic case for second referendum powers
The document unveiled by the First Minister calls on the UK Government to enter discussions about the Scottish Government’s mandate for a second independence referendum First Minister sets out “democratic
Protests Paralyze India After Racist Anti-Muslim Law Passed
Modi’s government using brutal violence against students and workers to stop demonstrations. Professor Sumit Ganguly examines the legal, moral and political significance anti-Muslim laws and the growing movement to oppose
Banksy unveils new Birmingham work to draw attention to homelessness
The iconic street artist’s latest work shows what he believes the biggest issue should be in this week’s general election In the final days before the General Election, art
EXCLUSIVE: Over a thousand election candidates commit to reforming Westminster’s ‘broken’ voting system
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this piece suggested that Jeremy Corbyn had rejected PR in a statement. This was incorrect and we’re happy to put the record straight. Nearly third of
Climate Ambition Alliance: Nations Renew their Push to Upscale Action by 2020 and Achieve Net Zero CO2 Emissions by 2050
Press Release issued on behalf of the Chilean Presidency of COP25 Madrid, 11 December 2019 – In Madrid today, the President COP25, Minister Carolina Schmidt, presented a renewed alliance of countries
World Bank says Indonesia forest fires cost $5.2bn in economic losses
DECEMBER 11, 2019 16:59 JST Smoke covers forest during fires in Kapuas regency near Palangka Raya in Central Kalimantan province, Indonesia, Sept. 30. © Reuters JAKARTA (Reuters) —
Youth Suicides by Firearms on the Rise
A school shooting with multiple fatalities is certain to make the headlines. After all, it’s major news when a kid gets shot and killed, right? Well, not necessarily — because
Climate Justice Groups Protest Use of Carbon Markets for Meeting Paris Goals
Climate justice advocates at the UN climate summit this week are focusing their frustration over global climate inaction into one highly technical debate: What role should carbon markets play in
Governments should put wellbeing of citizens ahead of GDP in budget priorities, Iceland PM urges
Governments should prioritise environmental and social factors in their budgets instead of GDP, Iceland’s prime minister has urged, in a call for “an alternative future based on wellbeing and inclusive growth”. Katrin Jakobsdottir emphasised
Global trade slowdown hits EU the hardest, new figures show
Exports and imports fall across all major European economies, according to OECD data The global trade slowdown is hitting the EU the hardest, according to new OECD data, as uncertainty
Extinction Rebellion Hunger Strike in its 10th Day
Hunger striker Eric Tien says they will not eat until Nancy Pelosi agrees to a one hour public meeting to publicly acknowledge that we are in a climate emergency https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=cLtWUFYRkac&feature=emb_logo
Unions divided as London takes away Uber license
The cabbies’ union welcomed the decision while the Uber drivers union called it a “hammer blow”. Two trade unions have reacted very differently to Transport for London’s decision not to
Leaked US-UK documents show trade talks on ‘Trump’s terms
Labour said the documents show Boris Johnson is “misleading the public” over plans to sell off the NHS US trade talks used to pressure UK Government to opt for a
Protests in the global south: Ecuador and Chile facing an uncertain economic order
Protests in the global south, particularly in Chile and Ecuador, appear to be the result of long range monetarist policies that suit the political class and fail large sections of
Japan’s October exports post biggest fall in 3 years
TOKYO (Reuters) — Japan’s exports tumbled at their quickest pace in three years in October, threatening to tip the trade-reliant economy into recession as weakening demand from United States and
Appalachia’s Strip-Mined Mountains Face a Growing Climate Risk: Flooding
VARNEY, West Virginia — Pigeon Creek flows through a narrow mountain hollow along a string of coal mining communities, its water trickling under the reds and yellows of the changing
The Truth About The UK’s Debt
The UK government’s debt payment burden is low and its ability to borrow at record low interest rates is an opportunity. But that ability to borrow needs to be used
Fear of Mass Shootings Strains America’s Psyche, Survey Finds
Four years ago, “fear of mass shootings” did not even appear on the American Psychological Association’s annual survey of things that stress out Americans. Now, however, it has become the
Sea Level Rise Could Be Three Times Worse Than Previous Estimates
A new study and mapping visualization tool by the organization Climate Central says hundreds of millions more people than previously thought live in coastal flooding risk zones. Click here
Hong Kong’s worst week of violence gives whiff of anarchy
Once well-functioning society now struggles with day-to-day living HONG KONG — Hong Kong this week witnessed the fiercest violence since the anti-government demonstrations began, as university campuses became flash
U.S. Electric Bus Demand Outpaces Production as Cities Add to Their Fleets
Cities are still working through early challenges, but they see health and climate benefits ahead. In Chicago, two buses save the city $24,000 a year in fuel costs. In the
Voters Flip Virginia’s Legislature, Clearing Way for Climate and Clean Energy Policies
Democrats seized control of the Virginia legislature in this week’s election, likely smoothing a path toward full participation in a regional carbon-trading market and giving the state a chance to
Brazilians March Against Bolsonaro and his Ties to Murder of Activist
The anti-Bolsonaro marches come amid extremely concerning revelations, which allegedly tie the president to the murder of the councilwoman and LGBT activist Marielle Franco last year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIRvgTxGYXY
Revealed: Russian donors have stepped up Tory funding
The Conservatives have received significant recent cash injections from a number of Russian donors and their associates, an openDemocracy investigation has discovered. Well-connected Russian oligarchs and companies heavily