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
Microsoft Japan’s four-day working week trial led to productivity improvements
Microsoft’s Japanese division found that reducing its working week to four days throughout the month of August caused an increase in productivity and a decrease in costs. Sales per employee rose
Keystone pipeline spills more than 350,000 gallons of oil in North Dakota
The Keystone pipeline has spilled hundreds of thousands of gallons of crude oil into North Dakota this week, The New York Times reports. The pipeline has leaked roughly 383,000 gallons of
Chile protests escalate as widespread dissatisfaction shakes foundations of country’s economic success story
Chile’s capital city Santiago appears dynamic and bustling, complete with gleaming skyscrapers and a modern metro network. Against the backdrop of the snow-topped Andes mountains, the Costanera Tower – South
Protests tip Hong Kong into official recession as trade war stings
HONG KONG — New data has confirmed that months of anti-government protests have tipped the economy of Hong Kong, already under pressure from China’s slowdown and its trade conflict with
Rex Tillerson Testifies, Denying Exxon Misled Investors About Climate Risk
Former ExxonMobil chief executive Rex Tillerson took the witness stand Wednesday in the company’s climate fraud trial and gave the clearest defense yet for his former employer. Tillerson denied that
Japan’s public offerings in free fall as debt reigns supreme
Amid ultralow interest rates, corporations favor bonds to boost ROE Japanese corporate managers have learned to move away from stocks and embrace debt for fundraising. © Reuters TOKYO
Lebanese Join Growing Protest Wave Against Austerity and Corruption
Anti-austerity protests have swept Sudan, Egypt, Algeria, Iraq, and now Lebanon. As’ad Abukhalil discusses how Lebanon is joining what seems like a second Arab Spring focused on a demand for
Austerity policies slowed growth after recession, report says
Wage increases halved, and working houses in poverty more than doubled. The growth of the GDP and living standards were significantly slower in countries with austerity-driven policies than those without
New Positive Money Report ‘Seeking Legitimacy’ launched in Parliament
After already making breakfast headlines in Reuters, City AM and Bloomberg, Positive Money launched our latest report, ‘Seeking Legitimacy: A new settlement for the Bank of England’, to a packed out audience in Parliament
Nobel Prize in Chemistry Honors 3 Who Enabled a ‘Fossil Fuel-Free World’ — with an Exxon Twist
The winners developed lithium-ion batteries that made electric vehicles and battery storage for solar and wind power possible as climate solutions. When the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the
Ecuador’s Strike is a Class Struggle, Not an Endorsement of Previous Government
On the second week of massive protests in Ecuador, thousands of indigenous protesters paralyzed the country and thousands more arrived in the capital of Quito, where they marched and eventually
Fuel poverty-tackling social housing scoops top UK architecture prize
Goldsmith Street in Norwich has become the first council house project to win RIBA’s Stirling Prize for the UK’s best new building. Judges say they should become “the norm for
The IMF is spending $93 billion bailing out reckless lenders
New research by the Jubilee Debt Campaign indicates a major breach by the IMF of its own policies, with $93 billion of lending to highly indebted countries, without any debt
Greens and Plaid Cymru demand second referendum after Corbyn’s call for ‘unity government’
The Green Party and Plaid Cymru have called on Jeremy Corbyn to back an extension to Article 50 and a second referendum ahead of a general election, after the Labour
China vows to take countermeasures to latest US tariffs
Beijing says Trump broke pledge by threatening to tax $300bn worth of goods BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Reuters) — China on Thursday vowed to counter the latest U.S. tariffs on $300 billion of
Exxon Accused of Pressuring Witnesses in Climate Fraud Case
New York’s attorney general asked a judge to stop the oil giant from subpoenaing documents from investors, saying it would ‘discourage them from testifying’. Prosecutors in New York are accusing
A million more adults living with parents than 10 years ago
More than a quarter of young adults aged 20-34 are still living with their parents as rental costs and house prices soar. New data published by the Office of National
Landmark arms treaty set to implode on Friday as Pentagon eyes building new missiles
The United States will officially leave the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) on Friday, marking what some worry will be the resumption of a new arms race between Russia and
Why Governments Should Prioritize Wellbeing- Nicola Sturgeon Ted Talk
In 2018, Scotland, Iceland and New Zealand established the network of Wellbeing Economy Governments to challenge the acceptance of GDP as the ultimate measure of a country’s success. In
Bank of England Climate Protest: The Sequel
“I’ve been to a few climate protests but this was one of the most effective I’ve seen.” – Lowell, a young Positive Money supporter On Thursday 11th July a group
Food rejected by supermarkets to be used to help end UK hunger
UK farms are throwing away 7% of their annual harvest worth £1.2 billion every year because it does not meet retailers quality standards. Food that is being rejected by supermarkets
Tokyo Olympics budget swells to $12bn a year before games
Security and venue buildout push spending, despite cost-cutting efforts TOKYO — With a year to go until the opening ceremony, the budget for the Tokyo Summer Olympics and Paralympics has
Regulator launches guidelines for lenders to protect vulnerable consumers
It wants firms to make sure staff are trained to manage the needs of vulnerable people and to understand that customers’ circumstances can change The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has released draft
Range of electric and hybrid cars for sale in EU to triple by 2021
European car buyers will have 214 electric and plug-in hybrid models to choose from as carmakers race to capitalise on demand European car buyers will soon have a wealth of
US half-shuts door to financial secrecy, opens new window
The US is the world’s second greatest contributor to global financial secrecy, according to the Tax Justice Network’s Financial Secrecy Index, only faring better than Switzerland in complicity in enabling financial
China scrambles to stem manufacturing exodus as 50 companies leave
To counter tariff blow, government eases restrictions and offers perks. TOKYO/SHANGHAI – China is racing to keep foreign enterprises in-country, dangling special benefits so that the advantages of staying outweigh
New UN Report Says Climate Crisis Driving Increase in Number of People Suffering from Hunger
The number of people around the world going hungry is on the rise, with more than 820 million people not having enough to eat, according to a new UN report, State
SWIFT data can be a global vantage point for tackling global money laundering
While many people are rightfully concerned about the serious risks for money laundering raised by new cryptocurrencies, banks and financial institutions that have been around for decades and centuries –
Higher and Further Education Institutions across the globe declare Climate Emergency
Today, networks representing more than 7,000 higher and further education institutions from 6 continents announced that they are declaring a Climate Emergency, and agreed to undertake a three-point plan to
US Women’s Soccer Team Stands for Equal Pay and Confronting Trump
Historian and ‘Burn it all Down’ Podcast host Amira Rose Davis explores the power of women athletes to change society. Click here to read full story
$4.2 Trillion Can Be Saved by Investing in More Resilient Infrastructure – World Bank
The net benefit on average of investing in more resilient infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries would be $4.2 trillion with $4 in benefit for each $1 invested, according to
Who owns Britain’s £13tn wealth?
Britain is in the middle of a decades-long wealth boom. Total wealth now stands at a record £12.8tn, or almost 13 million millions. But where you live, and when you
U.S. Mayors Pressure Congress on Carbon Pricing, Climate Lawsuits and a Green New Deal
The U.S. Conference of Mayors opposed any limits on suing fossil fuel companies over climate change, which would rule out a carbon tax plan supported by industry. The mayors of
International Labour Organization Warns of Heat-Related Job Losses
GENEVA (ILO News) – An increase in heat stress resulting from global warming is projected to lead to global productivity losses equivalent to 80 million full-time jobs in the year
Homeland Security admits it’s using abhorrent conditions at detention centers to deter migration
It isn’t working and no one wins. Poor conditions including overcrowding, flu outbreaks, and a lack of clean clothes are just par for the course at an El Paso border
First Democratic Debate: A Shift to the Left, Some Shifted More Than Others
Analysts Lester Spence and Kimberly Moffit critique Democratic candidates for president as they took on corporate power, healthcare, immigration, gun control, abortion, and Iran. Some ideas and candidates shined, some
Low income families in Scotland to get £10 extra a week per child
The Scottish Child Payment will be rolled out a year earlier than planned in an attempt to fight rising child poverty The Scottish government is fast-tracking its plans to tackle
Inspiring Examples of Climate Action in the Agri-Food Sector Showcased in Bonn
Off-grid and decentralized energy solutions and efficient water practices in the agri-food chain are crucial to build resilience to the unavoidable impacts of climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas
The IMF In Argentina: Imposing Austerity That Won’t Work, On A Country That Doesn’t Want It
Between June and September of last year, the International Monetary Fund provided an emergency bailout package to the Argentinian government totalling just under $60 billion. The move was prompted by
India’s educated youth suffer as jobless rate hits 45-year high
NEW DELHI — India’s worst labor market in decades is taking an especially heavy toll on younger urbanites, making it imperative for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come up with effective
Trump Awards Kook Art Laffer for Inventing Fake Curve
Last year, famed Republican economist Art Laffer co-authored a hagiographic tribute to President Trump and his agenda. Trump habitually bestows his most slavish supporters with pardons or — in the event they
Government accused of ignoring crisis as rough sleeper numbers surge in London
The number of rough sleepers in the capital has risen by nearly a fifth in the past year, according new Greater London Authority data. 8,855 rough sleepers were recorded by outreach
Mali’s Civil War Fueled by Climate Crisis and Corporate Greed
Baba Aye discusses the failure of French and German peacekeepers in Mali and the real role they play, after almost one hundred people were killed in a Dogon village and
How the NRA Profits From Divisive Politics
An investigation shows how the nonprofit NRA gives lavish gifts and contracts to board members and their families while losing millions of dollars of donor money each year. A deep
Insecure Work – Are we at a Tipping Point?
The UK is facing a quality of work crisis. The growing use of zero-hours contracts has been widely covered, but our new findings from analysis commissioned by the Living Wage
Taking Climate Action Via a Gaming App
UN Climate Change News, 12 June 2019 – W-Foundation, a global relief and conservation organization, is working with the UN’s Climate Neutral Now initiative to promote sustainability and climate action through a
World Bank chief calls for transparency in China’s foreign lending
Malpass says greater openness is crucial to avoid debt traps. FUKUOKA, Japan — The World Bank is “working hard” to ensure China improves transparency in lending to developing countries, the
India’s Taj Mahal of trash is a toxic nightmare
New Delhi’s “rubbish mountain” just keeps growing and growing. The Taj Mahal, the famous 240-foot-high tomb, is India’s best known landmark. But now a different sort of tomb, New Delhi’s Ghazipur landfill
D-Day: How the US Supported Hitler’s Rise to Power
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, opening a second front against German fascism. The largest contingents of fighters were British, American, and Canadian. This
Hive mind! What’s the 8th Way to Think Like a 21st Century Economist?
Back in January, Rethinking Economics and Doughnut Economics launched a competition asking: What’s the 8th way to think like a 21st century economist? We got over 250 responses and our
Major Companies Face USD 1 Trillion in Climate Risks
A group of the world’s biggest companies representing nearly US$17 trillion in market capitalization have valued the climate risks to their businesses at almost US$1 trillion – with many likely to
75+ Business Leaders Lobby Congress for Carbon Pricing. Did Republicans Listen?
Microsoft, Pepsi, Levi’s and others are calling for carbon taxes or fees that could scale up innovation fast enough to combat climate change. An epic quest loomed Wednesday before the
‘It’s getting harder to be young’: Five generations of homelessness
A Centrepoint study exposes the way high housing costs, low security and frozen wages have hit young people over the past 50 years The number of young people pushed into
Striking McDonald’s workers: You have to ‘build your strength in numbers’
“We know that McDonald’s is the head of the snake.” McDonald’s workers went on strike on Thursday in 13 cities for a $15 hourly pay and union rights for all
Investors cast votes for Paris-aligned BP
At BP’s AGM today, investors voted on two motions on the ballot to encourage the company to align its business model with the Paris Agreement. Over 99% of shares were
The power of democracy against the power of finance
This elections year, it is hard to imagine that European citizens will be satisfied with shallow political promises: they are furiously standing up against business as usual. All over Europe,
Half Of 20-Somethings Say Money Pressures Impact Their Mental Health
The joint HuffPost UK-BBC Radio 5 Live poll found 30% of people in their 20s have no savings at all. The majority of young people in their 20s say money
Beyond GDP: New Zealand Finance Minister explains shift to budget based on wellbeing indicators
Finance Minister: “GDP remains an important measure of activity in the economy, but it doesn’t tell us about the quality of that activity” Budget on 30 May is based on a
Pope invites young people to pledge to build a new economy
Pope Francis has invited young economists and entrepreneurs around the world to help create a ‘new and courageous culture’ that finds new ways to do business, promote human dignity and
Investors give Italian bank a wake-up call on climate change
On the day of its AGM, a group of investors are calling on Italian bank, UniCredit, to start taking climate change seriously. In an action coordinated by responsible investment charity,
Toby Jones, Bognor Regis and the coach class comedy prodding British tensions
It’s hard to tell a story about people smuggling through the lens of humour, but if anyone can do it, it’s Toby Jones and his writing sidekick Tim Crouch Click
Extreme Hemispheric Heat Waves Like 2018’s Growing More Common with Climate Change, Study Says
Heat waves are covering wider areas, and people are suffering the consequences. With 2°C of warming, most summers will look like 2018, scientists say. Click here to read full story
Money Worries Cost UK Economy Up To £51bn A Year
UK workers’ poor financial well-being is having a significant impact on productivity Savings as a proportion of income is the lowest it has been for nearly 60 years1 40% (13
Carmakers on course for $2-12bn fines for missing EU CO2 targets: Moody’s
The ratings agency warns of possible credit downgrades, while the UK’s auto lobby says ‘anti-diesel’ agenda has made targets harder to reach Click here to read full story
Fossil Fuel Trade Associations Spent $1.4 Billion on Ads in Past Decade
The American Petroleum Institute spent over half of that total on contracts with the PR giant Edelman, says Kert Davies of Climate Investigations Center. Click here to read full story
Apprenticeships system favours those who already hold skills
This morning the Department for Education (DfE) published figures outlining the number and type of apprenticeships that were started during the first month of 2019. January isn’t a big month
Judge Blocks Trump’s Arctic Offshore Drilling Expansion as Lawyers Ramp Up Legal Challenges
The ruling restores Obama’s orders putting large parts of the Arctic off-limits to offshore drilling and throws Trump’s oil and gas lease sale plans into question. Click here to read
Putin Makes Economics Lessons a Loyalty Test for Young Russians
In the coolly analytical world of economics, how do you quantify patriotic fervor? For the man who launched the careers of generations of young Russian economists, it’s become a theoretical
‘THIS CAN SERVE AS A NORTH STAR’
GREG CARLOCK EXPLAINS WHY THE GREEN NEW DEAL REPRESENTS A NEW ERA OF POLITICS In September, Carlock wrote a draft of a Green New Deal long before most people had
Mass pollution at Texas coal plants poses major threat to human health and the environment
Virtually every coal power plant in Texas is leaking pollution into nearby groundwater, imperiling the environment and the health of neighboring communities, according to new data analysis released this week.
How Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Allies Supplanted the Obama Generation
The Green New Deal, which in the past month has come to define the progressive cause in Washington, exists in its most authoritative form as an eleven-page Google Doc. The
Global Commission Calls for a Food Revolution to Solve World’s Climate & Nutrition Problems
An ambitious report on the global food system from a commission convened by the prestigious medical journal The Lancet calls for a radical change in food production—or, as one of
Ghana to Kick-start Year of Ambition at Africa Climate Summit
UN Climate Change, 15 January 2019 – The provisional program for Africa Climate Week 2019, which is being hosted from 18–22 March in Accra, Ghana, has now been published online
Friends of the Earth in court to continue challenge against unlawful decision to build third runway at Heathrow
Friends of the Earth is taking legal action against the government in a bid to overturn the decision to build a third runway at Heathrow. Tuesday (15th January) sees the
New GEC Barometer launched: Eastern Caribbean
We’re delighted to announce the publication of the latest in our series of Green Economy Barometers – this time covering the Eastern Caribbean region. Click here to read full story
Landlords are boycotting companies that support homelessness charity Shelter
A group of UK landlords have launched a boycott of the likes of B&Q and Marks & Spencer over donating some of their Christmas profits to the housing charity. Click
Greenhouse gas levels in atmosphere reach new record
Governments must make low-carbon future a top priority. Click here to read full story
All aboard the Millennial Express – longer commutes for less pay
The ONS serve to uplift and depress analysts like me in equal measure. And today they served up the latter, with new figures showing that the number of people commuting for more