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
Union membership is rising again – but will it last?
In 2018 the Trades Union Congress (TUC) celebrated its 150th birthday. Yesterday the government delivered a somewhat belated birthday present to the union movement in the form of new statistics
Rising Seas Could Generate 187 Million Climate Refugees by 2100
A new study by leading scientists has concluded that by 2100, sea levels could rise to a far greater level than previously estimated. Sea level rise of such a magnitude
Five reasons “green growth” won’t save the planet
“Green growth” has many champions at government and institutional level, but the idea that perpetual economic growth can be decoupled from environmental impact is certainly controversial. Cambridge PhD researchers Oliver
The UN poverty report shows that we need to fight for the right to food
Dr Philip Alston and Human Rights Watch’s UK findings show that the current system must go beyond merely feeding people – it must have a holistic understanding of the importance
China Gears Up to Weaponize Rare Earths Dominance in Trade War
Beijing is gearing up to use its dominance of rare earths to hit back in its deepening trade war with Washington. A flurry of Chinese media reports on Wednesday, including
Falling Renewable Power Costs Open Door to Greater Climate Ambition
Renewable power is the cheapest source of electricity in many parts of the world already today, the latest report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) shows. The report contributes
UK by far the world’s greatest enabler of corporate tax avoidance, says report
A report has found that the UK is most to blame for a global system of tax avoidance which deprives governments of funds, a report has found. According to the
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
75 Business Leaders Lobbied Congress for Carbon Pricing. Did Republicans Listen?
An epic quest loomed Wednesday before the largest gathering of business leaders in a decade to advocate for climate action on Capitol Hill. Could they find a single Republican in
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
Unite works with Mexican unions fighting exploitation
Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his left wing government has begun to enact much-needed changes to the country’s labour laws. Previously, these laws had allowed companies to sign
Climate crisis: flooding threat ‘may force UK towns to be abandoned’
Environment Agency calls for urgent action to protect country from river and coastal floods Entire communities might need to be moved away from coasts and rivers as the UK takes
How a Facebook group is using the Wetherspoons app to feed homeless people
Wetherspoons has an app that allows customers to skip queuing at the bar to order food and drink. It also means you can play pranks, sending orders of peas or
Mark Carney: Put your money where your mouth is! Unleash green investment now!
On Thursday 2nd May, Positive Money staff, supporters and members of the grassroots divestment group Fossil Free London, gathered outside the Bank of England to get our voices heard on
CTRLShift 2 – “An Emergency Summit for Change”, kicking off in Stoke-on-Trent this week
Part of our commitment in A/UK is be involved in “networking the networks” – making many connections with like-minded groups and individuals, either convening ourselves or strengthening the convening of
Why ‘Net Zero Emissions by 2050’ needs a Green New Deal
I remember the days when months would go by without anything much happening about climate change at all. Thinkers and doers called for stuff, politicians occasionally did a few things,
Universal Credit roll-out needs to be stopped and poverty addressed, say MPs
MPs have demanded the Universal Credit roll-out is frozen until the government addresses the poverty they say it has fueled. Currently, there are just under 64,000 households receiving Universal Credit
UK parliament becomes first in the world to pass motion declaring a ‘climate emergency’
The UK parliament has become the first in the world to pass a motion declaring an “environment and climate emergency”, as pressure on the government to adopt a net zero
Until politicians take radical steps to level the playing field, social mobility will keep getting worse
According to the Social Mobility Commission’s ‘State of the Nation’ report, inequality is now entrenched in Britain. It requires urgent government action to tackle one of the great ‘burning injustices’,
Cash machine charges will hit poor hardest
Responding to research by Which? showing that 1,700 ATMs switched to charging in the first three months of 2019, David Clarke, head of policy at Positive Money said: “The shocking
Debating infrastructure in the Peruvian Amazon
In Peru, an ambitious project to improve river transport and infrastructure between the Huallaga, Marañon, Ucayali and Amazon rivers has sparked a fierce debate, pitting state institutions, local governments, conservation
Universal basic income: New study finds little evidence that it can live up to its promises
Making regular cash payments to every individual in a country can help to solve problems of poverty, precarity, automation and inadequate social security systems – or so it is argued
Study: As Climate Crisis Has Worsened, So Has Global Economic Inequality
In a new study out by Stanford researchers reviewing half a century of data, researchers found that as rich countries get richer, they also have more temperate climates and face
Nicola Sturgeon launches ‘biggest campaign on the economics of independence’ in SNP history
Nicola Sturgeon used her conference speech to fire the starting gun on the second independence referendum campaign, telling SNP activists “it’s time to get your jackets on” and take the
Reforesting can help us remove carbon. But should it cover the land? Or could it go vertically in a city?
Reforesting, or the planting of millions (and billions) of trees, seems to be the go-to climate crisis policy for governments everywhere (we have covered foresting and trees extensively on this
Prem Sikka: Billionaires are a threat to democracy
Taxation revenues are the basis of the modern state. Without them, it cannot perform its administrative and redistributive functions. The revenues are also used to subsidise industries, bailout banks and
Extinction Rebellion targets financial sector ahead of ‘closing ceremony’
Ahead of this evening’s closure of its London camps, Extinction Rebellion (XR) this morning launched a final wave of protests across the capital’s financial sector. Members of the Christian Climate
Foodbank charity Trussell Trust gave out a record 1.6m parcels in a year
The Trussell Trust foodbank network gave out a record 1.6 million parcels between April 2018 and March this year – up almost a fifth on the charity’s last count. More
Alarming Rate of Forest Loss Threatens a Crucial Climate Solution
The world’s forests continue to disappear at an alarming rate, threatening a resource that scientists say is a crucial “natural solution” for controlling climate change on an urgently short timescale.
How could a 4 day week boost the economy?
Alfie Stirling talks to Toby Tarrant for the Chris Moyles show on Radio X about why every week should be a 4-day week. Click here to read full story
A quiet drinking water crisis is going unaddressed in Iowa
Private wells used for drinking water in Iowa face widespread contamination due to agricultural practices, according to a new report out Wednesday, highlighting the latest in a series of major
Alternative Editorial: This Is Waking Up
Something is occurring in London. Following months of front-page headlines covering the spectacle of party-political breakdown in Westminster, suddenly the news is of a Rising Up. Extinction Rebellion has established
Faked Emissions May Send Volkswagen CEO to Prison
Bill Black examines the corrupt corporate worlds of Germany and the U.S. and how Trump ignores corporate malfeasance Click here to read full story
Major Breakthroughs on Central Banks and Climate Change
If we’re going to stop irreversible climate change, we need to decarbonise our financial system, which channels billions of pounds into fossil fuels every year. As institutions at the heart
The arts overtake agriculture as a UK economic power – but cuts continue
Theatres, libraries and museums are adding £10.8bn to the UK economy, overtaking farming as an “essential” economic contributor. Arts and culture are about as beneficial to the economy as cities
How campaigners ended revenge evictions
Today marks a huge victory for housing campaigners. The Government has announced they will scrap section 21, ending ‘no fault’ evictions in England which have caused misery and hardship for
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
State legislatures shore up Obamacare with 2020 prospects uncertain
While the Democratic Party determines where it wants to go next on health care — whether it’s Medicare for All, Medicare for America, or any one of the other 2020
Krishna Bharadwaj, the Torchbearer of Economics
During her long career she illuminated many of the shortcomings of neoclassicism, and offered alternative paths. Krishna Bharadwaj, following upon the work and insights of Piero Sraffa, made substantial contributions
Plastic’s hidden journey to Indonesia
Friends of the Earth’s Emma Priestland recently travelled to Indonesia to research plastic pollution. She was horrified at what she found. Surabaya on East Java is Indonesia’s second city. It’s
A Look at REDD+ on International Day of Forests
UN Climate Change News, 21 March 2019 – Forests and their sustainable management play a key role in the global carbon cycle and in in tackling climate change. Today is
Does new economics need wellbeing?
A few weeks back I was invited onto NEF’s Weekly Economics Podcast to talk about mental health. We discussed why we continue to focus policy on economic growth instead of
Taking stock of skills and education in Brexit Britain
The skills and qualifications held by the British workforce have come under increased scrutiny lately, tied as they are to the Brexit-related migration debate. Some have argued that ‘turning off
Not Trusting FEMA’s Flood Maps, More Hurricane-Hit Cities Set Their Own Rules
In flood-prone regions of the country, a growing number of cities have lost confidence in the ability of the federal government’s flood maps to recognize the increasing risks that come
New documentary “2040” uses digital special effects to show a better, more climate-balanced world
We’re intrigued by this coming documentary from Australia – a country that’s completely on the front-line of environmental crisis. Their website is here, their trailer is above, their blurb is
School Strike for Climate: What Today’s Kids Face If World Leaders Delay Action
Scientists were warning about the risks of climate change and the burning of fossil fuels when today’s world leaders were Greta Thunberg’s age. The Swedish 16-year-old, frustrated with the pace
Oil companies calling for methane regulations are part of lobbying group that opposes them
Several of the world’s biggest oil companies are voicing their support for federal regulations on methane emissions, even as the trade association lobbying on their behalf continues to back the
Britain needs a Green New Deal to revive its economy after Brexit
Britain needs a new economy that works for everyone and to move beyond the old, broken systems and status quo that left many people behind. A green new deal for
Homeless NHS patients released to streets is ‘the system failing people’
Thousands of homeless patients are being discharged right back onto the street, sparking fears that they are left to recover from major operations while rough sleeping. The data, obtained by
If you’re going to be a consultancy, then do it to help companies & organisations reduce their working week
Along with universal basic income, we have consistently supported the idea of a unilateral shortening of the working week (see archive). What is fascinating is the way that the case
Spanish Top-Tier Soccer Team Aims to Become Climate Neutral
UN Climate Change News, 13 March 2019. In an unprecedented move for a “La Liga” soccer club, Sevilla-based Real Betis Balompié has officially joined the Climate Neutral Now initiative of
Spring Statement: Chancellor fiddles while planet burns
Reacting to measures outlined in today’s Spring Statement to help combat climate change, Friends of the Earth’s head of political affairs, Dave Timms said: “Instead of putting climate change at the
“Grown in London, Portsmouth, Bristol, Doncaster….” How food plans for cities could reconnect us
If we need to reconnect to nature, in order to value it once more, then why not begin in the most de-natured places in our lives – our major cities?
Diversity and Excellence: Not A Zero Sum Game
The lack of pluralism of economic theories and methodologies has been a problem for a long time, but it became particularly obvious in the wake of the global financial crisis.
To beat a No-Deal Brexit the government and Bank of England must work together
This week marks 10 years since the Bank of England introduced its quantitative easing (QE) programme, setting in motion the creation of hundreds of billions of pounds of new public
St Mungo’s builds strategy for homeless women on International Women’s Day
Homelessness charity St Mungo’s is creating more women-only shelter spaces and improving its services for female domestic abuse victims. On International Women’s Day, the charity is launching its three-year women’s
International women’s Day 2019: What could a zero-carbon economy mean for women?
Climate change is sometimes talked about as if it were a great leveller, where the wealthy and poor, powerful and oppressed alike will suffer together. But climate chaos does not
Tackling gender inequality through investment in social infrastructure
The UK government’s response to the financial crisis brought disastrous economic consequences and unnecessary hardship. Austerity policies have hit women, BAME people and the poorest the hardest, while failing the
Economic Consequences of the U.S. Convict Labor System
US counties with prison labor often have lower wage and employment growth. While labor coercion in agricultural and preindustrial economies is well-studied, few papers address the effects of coercive institutions
Launch of our report- Triple Whammy: the impact of local government cuts on women
Cuts to funding for local government have created a crisis, which has hit women the hardest. Central government funding for local government fell by nearly 50% between 2010/11 and 2017/18
Microplastics found in every British river we tested
It’s been widely reported that tiny bits of plastic, invisible to the human eye, have been escaping into the environment. But we wanted to know just how widespread the problem
Carbon Tax Plans: How They Compare and Why Oil Giants Support One of Them
Not long ago, a carbon tax was the untouchable third rail of climate politics. “We have done extensive polling on carbon tax. It all sucks,” John Podesta, Hillary Clinton’s campaign
Economic update: Fighting the system
This week: Updates on the economics of immigration; France’s yellow vests join union-called general strike; demonstrations against Sackler family’s profiting from oxycontin; and New York City Council considers giving priority
Wonga has left 10,000 customers out of pocket from ‘beyond the grave’
Treasury Committee chair Nick Morgan has warned that the government may need to step in after more than 10,000 former Wonga customers were left out of pocket by the firm
Mozambique files case against Credit Suisse in the UK
Jubilee Debt Campaign has learnt that the government of Mozambique, represented by the Attorney General, has filed a case in the UK High Court against Credit Suisse International. Commenting on
Green Economy Coalition – Convenor’s Update, Feb 2019
There is a shift underway. Last year, both plastic waste and oceans broke through as iconic environmental issues. There is a growing movement in the US around the Sunrise Movement,
Record Registrations Set to Usher in Era of Ambition at Africa Climate Week
Plans for the high-level segment at Africa Climate Week in Accra’s International Convention Center are now taking shape. On the morning of Wednesday, 20 March, the week will be formally
The UK’s post-Brexit immigration regime will help business exploit migrant workers
It is true that globalisation has created benefits for consumers, businesses and suppliers. It is propelled, however, by global supply chains, or the dominant practice of sourcing goods and services
Nearly two thousand locations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland breaching air pollution limits
High levels of NO2 can cause a flare up of asthma or symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing. A leading cause of NO2 pollution is emissions from road traffic.
Union fight back: Skewering the rotten heart of Neoliberalism
Over the past few decades, outsourcing has increasingly defined the public sector’s relationship to workers, and has played a major part in widening the gap between the richest and the
The Black Woman Economist Who Pioneered a Federal Jobs Guarantee
The topic of government job guarantees has generated increased discussion since the 2016 presidential campaign. More recently, a number of policymakers—especially 2020 election hopefuls Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, Kamala Harris,
Austerity is subduing UK economy by £3,600 per household this year
‘Fixing’ the public sector finances has suppressed the economy by almost £100bn, around £1,500 for every woman, man and child this year alone. Today’s public sector finance release shows we’re
A Stirling cinema is asking customers to only pay what they can afford
More people can look forward to an affordable night at the cinema thanks to the Macrobert Arts Centre at the University of Stirling, which will introduce a pay-what-you-can pricing structure
‘Woeful lack of democracy’ as Liam Fox launches US trade negotiations
MPs are set to debate four post-Brexit trade deals on Thursday, in a move likely to launch formal trade negotiations with the USA and Britain’s application to join the Trans-Pacific
Economic Update: Economics of Conflicted Mothers
This week: Updates on the government shutdown’s very important lessons; U.S. teachers oppose a declining capitalism imposing its costs on the people; and firing the big banksters leaves our big
What if public insurance covered abortion? That’s the question activists are asking now.
What if public health insurance paid for abortion? More and more people are beginning to ask that question. With support for Roe v. Wade stronger than ever before, reproductive rights
Can big agribusiness adapt to a green economy?
In the last two decades the agriculture sector – particularly in the US – has become increasingly recognised as a leading driver of environmental destruction, including climate change, biodiversity loss,
Arctic Bogs Hold Another Global Warming Risk That Could Spiral Out of Control
As warming brings earlier spring rains in the Arctic, more permafrost thaws, releasing more methane in a difficult-to-stop feedback loop, research shows. Increasing spring rains in the Arctic could double
A report from the #SchoolStrike: First in our new AlterNatives strand – personal stories of making change
We’re happy to announce a new strand on the Daily Alternative – AlterNatives. We’re sharing the personal testimony and stories of those who are committed to alternative ways of being,
Science and Subterfuge in Economics
Mainstream economics has a tendency to decide on some “established” conclusions, and then hold to them, notwithstanding all evidence to the contrary. This is bad enough, but what may be
Top of the Charts: At last! The key to happiness is…
Afternoon all, Career advice time. Want to feel perky? Get the right job, not just the right salary. Florists, priests…. and politicians are near the top of the well-being curve
RBS 2018 results: Positive Money Comment
Responding to RBS’ 2018 results, which show profits doubling to £1.62bn, and a £977 dividend payment to the government, Fran Boait executive director of Positive Money said: “Another dividend payout
Is the Opioid Overdose Crisis a Story of Supply or Demand? Depends Where You Look
Economic distress in rural areas and opioid exposure in cities are key indicators of overdose deaths. Over the past two decades deaths from opioids and other drugs have grown to
A Green New Deal opportunity for America’s farmers
This month, a group of Democratic lawmakers called for an ambitious plan for the United States to reach net-zero carbon pollution in 10 years. While experts debate whether the proposal
Almost all local authorities plan to increase council tax, claims new study
Almost all councils in England will raise their council tax this year, according to a new study, after the government’s local authority spending review paved the way for rises. With
New poll: Only 9% support RBS sell-off plans
Today we’re releasing poll results which show that only a fraction of people support the Government’s plans to sell off RBS in the near future. (You can read the Guardian’s
Peru’s green infrastructure challenge
Peru faces the challenge of meeting growing demand for infrastructure in the country in order to support regions that continue to be excluded economically. Development of infrastructure is a key
Financial Regulation in Cyber Space
Rebuilding Macroeconomics’ Finance Hub held its second workshop to discuss the interdisciplinary approaches to financial resilience and stability. We focused on digital currencies and their impact on regulation and central
Green New Deal: The UK edition
Amid the drear of the Brexit endgame, as I trawl through my newsfeed my spirits have been lifted by the incredible goings-on over the pond. A quick recap: the unstoppable
What is “distributed leadership”? And can it turn “a trickle of human energy into a river”?
There’s another way to come at the possibility of viable alternatives to the toxic, frozen status-quo – and that’s through thinking about how we work, who we work with, what
Campaigners condemn Boris-backed call to slash aid budget and scrap DFID
Campaigners from Global Justice Now have condemned a new report by Conservative MP Bob Seely, released today, for proposing to “effectively abolish” Britain’s international development programme. The report, ‘Global Britain:
Blood for Oil in Venezuela?
Vijay Prashad discusses the extent to which US interest in Venezuelan oil and other natural resources is driving Trump’s policy of seeking regime change. The link is not that straight-forward,
Pret A Manger is offering homeless people a home and a job
Many a sandwich and a cup of tea has been bought from one of their stores to give to rough sleepers but now Pret A Manger is offering more to
Cryptocurrency Firm Loses Codes and Gets Hacked, Millions Lost
Recent developments in the cryptocurrency world highlight the dangers of trading in this type of “coin.” But how important is cryptocurrency to the financial world and why should we care?
Green New Deal’s path forward could lie in infrastructure legislation, experts say
Experts on issues ranging from climate change and government to labor weighed in on Thursday in response to a resolution charting the path forward for a Green New Deal. Many
#DrasticOnPlastic Timer Challenge: Can you avoid single-use plastic for a day?
Single-use plastic is still too often an unavoidable part of our everyday lives, despite huge public concern over the impact of plastic on our wildlife, and moves to ditch items
Financial regulators finally act on climate change but must go further, faster
The UK’s financial regulators are finally taking action to address the profound risks that climate change poses to the firms they supervise, and the system they oversee. But in our
WMO Confirms Past 4 Years Were Warmest on Record
In a clear sign of continuing long-term climate change associated with record atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 have been confirmed as the four warmest years
Overheard at Davos 2019
In January 2019, the Green Economy Coalition headed to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to convene an interactive panel of environmental economists and thought-leaders to present their visions
NHS spends nearly £500m on cancer drugs developed with public funding
3 of 5 most expensive cancer drugs to NHS come from publicly-funded research. World Cancer Day call for public to stop paying twice for medicines. Health campaigners have called for
Business needs a radical overhaul, say British Academy Fellows touring UK
Two Fellows of the British Academy are touring the country to make the case for a radical overhaul of business. Sir Paul Collier and Colin Mayer argue that we must
A shorter working week is in reach
Working time is set to become one of the major battlegrounds of our generation – and the new report published today by Autonomy and the 4 Day Week Campaign is
The Big Issue responds to government figures showing drop in rough sleeping
The number of people sleeping rough in England fell for the first time in eight years between 2017-18 – but experts across the homelessness sector, including The Big Issue, have
Bondholders must start playing hardball with climate offenders
There is little appetite for forceful engagement with high-carbon companies among large bondholders, despite widespread awareness of the risks of rising temperatures, new research finds. ShareAction’s new report, titled “Sleeping Giants –
My experience meeting the governor of the Bank of England
2019 got off to an exciting start at Positive Money, with our first ever meeting with Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England – one of the most
Campaigners condemn aid minister’s plan to slash the aid budget
Call for a development secretary ‘who actually believes in department’s mission’ Responding to press briefings this morning that Penny Mordaunt believes Britain’s aid budget to be ‘unsustainable’ and is proposing
Sign on the dotted line? A new rental contract: Final report
The private rented sector has grown substantially over the past two decades. It is now home to 20 per cent of households (4.7 million). Many more people now expect to
The Natural Rate of Interest Is Anything But
In contrast to Keynes’s emphasis on the monetary nature of interest rates, the modern theory of central banking focuses on a benchmark rate for monetary policy that reflect “fundamental forces”
Globalisation and Labour Share
According to the Karabarbounis and Neiman (2014) the global labour share of output fell from 65% in 1980 to 59% in 2012. Over the same period, US labour productivity has
Walking in the footsteps of giants
Every once in a generation an iconic leader emerges, someone who embodies the principles and the spirit of the times, overcoming adversity and showing how to navigate forward against seemingly
The post-levy Apprenticeship regime is finally taking shape
Another year, another round of worries about the impact of the Apprenticeship Levy. Are the number of starts continuing to fall; are they all being converted to MBA-level courses; and
The UN agreed a Declaration on the Rights of Peasants/Workers in Rural Areas to have “seed sovereignty”
“Sovereignty” is a febrile word at the moment. It’s invoked by national communities of all sizes – whether large one trying to free themselves from old ties, or smaller ones
Sadiq Khan launches ‘rent control’ strategy to tackle London’s rent crisis
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will develop new rent control proposals for the capital to tackle spiraling private rent costs. Labour MP for Westminster North Karen Buck is to
New York passes DREAM Act, becomes 4th-largest state with financial aid for undocumented immigrants
New York became the fourth-largest state to pass the DREAM Act on Wednesday. The bill, which will provide college financial aid for undocumented immigrants, was passed by both chambers of
Brexit and the future of tax havens
This week the Tax Justice Network’s John Christensen spoke at this event at the European Parliament organised by the European Free Alliance of the Greens on Brexit and the future
We asked Davos – what is wealth?
For decades, we’ve been getting wealth all wrong – and now our societies and our planet are paying the price. This January, the Green Economy Coalition headed to the World
There Still Is Time to Limit Global Temperature Rise To 1.5 °C
The Paris climate agreement includes the aim to pursue efforts to limit global mean temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. However, we are now so close to
The Unreal Basis of Neoclassical Economics
Ten years after the financial crisis, we still find mainstream economists engaging in overly simplistic analysis that does not accurately capture the dynamics of the real world. People studying economics
Tight labour market breaks new ground on jobs
The UK labour market continues to confound. It seemed as though the seven year spurt in employment that began in late 2012 had come to an end in 2018. The
Bank of Canada research finds digital cash could improve social welfare
A Staff Working Paper published by Canada’s central bank last week concluded that a central bank digital currency (CBDC) could address the issues arising from the digitisation of our money
How ethnic minorities are still discriminated against in the UK job market
Britain was one of the first European countries to pass legislation prohibiting racial discrimination. There has been a series of Acts in 1965, 1968, 1976, 2000, 2006 and 2010 which
Circular Economy Crucial for Paris Climate Goals
UN Climate Change News, 22 January 2019 – The world can maximise chances of avoiding dangerous climate change by moving to a circular economy, thereby allowing societies to meet the
No-deal Brexit: environmental impact
Some people say that breaking away from Europe will be good for our environment, deal or no deal. They say we can make our own laws – after all, didn’t
Brexit is driving the housing market to a record low
The housing market is set to see its worst three-month period in two decades as forecasts suggest it will be driven down by Brexit uncertainty. This follows calls from homelessness
Escaping growth dependency, one step at a time
Positive Money’s report Escaping Growth Dependency, published in early 2018, drew a link between the current debt-based monetary system and the escalating ecological crisis. The report also offered reforms and
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
Taxing for ‘true equality’: EU adopts tax and gender proposals
“Gender equality can and should be promoted at all levels, including fiscal policy. This report is an important step towards the promotion of a more equitable distribution of income, wealth,
Demanding a ‘right to repair’
Two weeks ago Apple slashed its sales forecast, citing falling demand in China alongside other reasons. But there is a more positive explanation too: people are using their Apple products,
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
BlackRock urged to close gap between rhetoric and real climate action
Investors and shareholder advocacy groups have called on BlackRock to vastly improve its climate engagements, in anticipation of its CEO’s yearly letter to companies reminding them of their need to
We’re asking Davos – what is wealth?
For decades, we’ve been getting wealth all wrong – and now our societies and our planet are paying the price. This January, the Green Economy Coalition is heading to the
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
The one million missing homes?
The relationship between housing supply and demand is always going to be of interest to those (like us) who care about living standards and housing costs. The ONS household figures
How poverty in modern Britain echoes the past
Four million British workers are now living in poverty, according to a report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), a figure that has risen by over half a million compared
How Big Data can prevent homelessness
Professor Vania Sena believes the swathes of data that councils already hold on us could be used to prevent homelessness. The University of Essex researcher is working with Suffolk and
Should credit be guided
In academic and policy circles there is deep mistrust of public sector involvement in credit allocation, much more than in the credit allocation decisions made by commercial banks. This mistrust
World’s Oceans Are Warming Faster, Studies Show, Fueling Storms and Sea Rise
A new study published Thursday strengthens the consensus that the warming of the world’s oceans is accelerating. It’s a trend that climate models have long predicted, but it had been
China Leads the Way in Eradicating Extreme Poverty
We’re watching intense struggles taking place between the United States and China. There’s a lot under that we’re not seeing. And we see the Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou, arrested in
A fight for our future: youth, climate justice and environmentally displaced people
The New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants states that “migration should be a choice, not a necessity”. However, there are countless groups of forced and involuntary migrants, including refugees,
Skyrocketing household debt
The TUC is right to highlight the problem of skyrocketing levels of personal debt. Driven by a decade of wage stagnation, austerity and profiteering by banks and finance companies, more
How we can best prepare for job automation – and for the strengthening of our communities too
…And we’re back! We hope you had a restful and rejuvenating holiday season. Now, returning to the unbreaking of politics… Here’s a very concise answer to a question we often
A 1970 U.S.-Mexico treaty shows why Trump’s border wall is absurd
Much of the government has been shut down for more than 16 days because President Donald Trump insists that Congress fund a border wall that is both a terrible idea
British Academy chief executive calls for government historical adviser
The chief executive of the British Academy, Alun Evans, has called for the government to draw more on historical advice from experts. Calling for a more systematic approach to historical
How wealth taxes can raise billions more without scaring any horses
Raising taxes is never easy. Raising taxes with the government’s slim parliamentary majority is harder still. Raising taxes on wealth in those circumstances, given our diverging senses of fairness is…
A Surge of Climate Lawsuits Targets Human Rights, Damage from Fossil Fuels
A climate denier is in the White House, pushing policies that will boost emissions. Congress is doing nothing to stop him. So citizens and local governments who are facing the
Fat Cat Friday 2019: Only Six FTSE CEOs are Women and they Earn 54% of the Salaries of Male Counterparts
Only Six FTSE CEOs are Women and they Earn 54% of the Salaries of Male Counterparts. Analysis from The Equality Trust shows that the six women CEOs [1] in the
Post-Brexit trade deals could undermine NHS, warn experts
Trade deals with countries like the USA could do irreparable damage to health in post-Brexit Britain a new briefing from campaign groups and health experts warned today. Campaigners including Health
Former Credit Suisse bankers arrested in London over $2bn loans to Mozambique
Reacting to the news that three former Credit Suisse bankers have been arrested in London, as part of a US investigation into $2 billion of loans to Mozambique, Tim Jones,
Sour Response from Food Company on Sweet Treat Crisis
Last month I turned up to the annual general meeting (AGM) of Associated British Foods, armed with my shares and a well-crafted question, to challenge the board on the impact
Developing country borrowing costs increase 7 times more than US in past year
Interest rates on new developing country borrowing increased by an average of 2.2 percentage points over the course of 2018. Yields on low- and lower-middle income country debt, calculated by
It’s Time to Reset the Sails on Corporate Practice and Put Good Quality Jobs at the Helm
68 CEOs in the FTSE 100 earn more than 100 times the average UK worker’s salary, while almost four million (1 in 8) workers in the UK are living in
Britain needs to look outwards to survive 2019, says Peter Frankopan
Peter Frankopan’s book The Silk Roads changed our perception of history with a shift from the default Euro-centric perspective. Now, as other parts of the world power ahead, he’s urging
Medicare for All is a Fight to Democratize the Economy
Kelly Coogan-Gehr of National Nurses United tells Paul Jay that healthcare represents one-fifth of the US economy, and to bring that fully into the public sector would be an important
ICIJ’s 10 most-shared stories in 2018
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists began the year investigating how West Africa’s wealthy and well-connected siphoned billions out of the region, and ended it with the largest-ever collaborative health
How 12 Communities Are Fighting Climate Change and What’s Standing in Their Way
As the risks of climate grow increasingly clear and the damage rises, communities around the country are fighting back in their own ways. 2018 Year in Review Tiny Imperial Beach
Government shutdown takes heavy toll on federal food stamps office
Staffing for the nation’s food stamps office has been almost completely scaled back during the ongoing partial government shutdown, a reduction that could hurt low-income families and individuals reliant upon
Changemakers: Jessica Ryan-Ndegwa is adding style to disability aids
Each week in The Big Issue we bring you a celebration of the thinkers, the creators, the agitators. We’re looking at somebody who has come up with an invention or
Robo-laywers, “deepfake” incidents, superbugs & city brains. Some predictions for 2019, from Nesta & others
One of the highlights of 2018 for A/UK was our hosting of sessions at Nesta’s FutureFest event. So we’re delighted to highlight this year’s “Predictions for 2019” from the Nesta
Philip Alston Discusses His Investigation into UK Poverty
Philip Alston, UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, says one of the reasons he wanted to investigate UK poverty is because of implications for the RoW given
Sikkim’s eco-tourism evolution
Sikkim, India’s first organic state, lies in the north-east region of the country. Almost half the state is under forest cover, supporting many rare and indigenous species of flora and
The first official homeless deaths count finds 597 people died in 2017
The England and Wales figures have increased by a quarter in five years, according to the Office for National Statistics. The first official count of homeless deaths has revealed that
Good environmental news – 10 wins in 2018
Dose up on some feel-good environmental news. Friends of the Earth present 10 ways you’ve helped them nail it in 2018. Click here to read full story
Greening the banks: The Bank of England is taking climate change seriously
The structure of our financial sector is fundamentally misaligned with the challenges and risks posed by climate change, and the Bank of England knows it. In an unprecedented move by
These popular health care provisions will vanish if Texas judge’s anti-Obamacare ruling stands
A Texas lawsuit trying to declare the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unconstitutional won’t go over well with the public if it prevails. While it took a while for folks to
Deregulation: Why the drugs don’t work?
The development of penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic, in the 1920s is perhaps one of the most important developments in the history of medical science. Along with the development of
Sierra Leone: Ebola debt to IMF contributes to big cuts in public spending
In November the IMF agreed a new $172 million loan programme with Sierra Leone, spread over the next 3 and a half years, until mid-2022. At the same time, the
Draft Environment Bill not a blueprint for greener post-Brexit Britain
Reacting to the government’s draft environment bill, published today, Friends of the Earth’s chief executive Craig Bennett said: “While it’s good to finally get a draft Environment Bill, it falls
New Era of Global Climate Action To Begin Under Paris Climate Change Agreement
UN Climate Change News, Katowice, 15 December – Governments have adopted a robust set of guidelines for implementing the landmark 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement. The implementation of the agreement
Unbelievable! The Ethical Failure at the Heart of Corporate Tax Avoidance
In this year-end guest blog, Tristan Shirley explores the belief system that underpins tax avoidance by multinational corporations and reflects on the ethical failures revealed by their unbelievable behaviour. Almost
New Bank of England research adds to the case against loanable funds
Understanding banks hasn’t always caused such difficulty for economists. In the first half of the twentieth century, theorists like Joseph Schumpeter outlined the role of banks in creating and allocating
This is the shocking reality of foodbanks in 2018
“Today I visited [insert supermarket name here] to donate to the local foodbank.” A variation of this generic message was tweeted by a series of Conservative MPs at the start
How Inequality Harms Children
On the evening of 29th November, Professor Kate Pickett gave the second Annual Richard Wilkinson Lecture at UCL in central London. Her topic was Failing The Future: Childhood in an
South Africa’s natural capital challenge
South Africa is one of the world’s most biodiverse nations, home to untold ecological riches and a dizzying array of flora and fauna. But under pressure from development and population
UN Climate Change and WTTC Highlight Role of Travel and Tourism in Attaining a Carbon Neutral World by 2050
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and UN Climate Change today showcased how the travel and tourism sector can take steps towards carbon neutrality by 2050. In April, WTTC,
Largest earthquake in Lancashire since fracking started
A 1.5 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Blackpool, Lancashire today. Reacting to news of the largest earthquake to take place in Lancashire since fracking started, Tony Bosworth, Friends of the
Who’s pulling the strings? Uncovering a tale of deregulation in the EU
To thrive we all need things like clean air, a safe environment, and decent working conditions. A woven network of regulations has been assembled over time to protect these basic
Good tidings from the UK labour market
Earlier this year, in a fit of optimism, the ONS moved its monthly labour market stats release from Wednesday to Tuesday morning so that the data would have proper scrutiny
Net-Zero Energy Homes Pay Off Faster Than You Think—Even in Chilly Midwest
As solar and heat pump prices fall, these highly energy-efficient homes are paying for themselves faster. Here’s how they work and why they’re spreading northward. LAMBERTVILLE, Mich.—On a drive down
Toxic Philanthropy? The Spirit of Giving While Taking
America’s new “philanthrocapitalists” are enabling social problems rather than solving them. A new breed of wealthy do-gooders armed with apps and PowerPoints claim they want to change the world. But
Vulture funds and governments seek profit from Sudan debt relief
Today the Financial Times has reported that a group of vulture funds have hired lawyer Lee Buchheit to argue for debt relief for Sudan. They hope that if the North
The British Academy brings ten world-leading scholars to the UK with new Global Professorships
Studying the history of ancient theatre to 300BC, examining how public-private partnerships spur economic growth, and measuring the impact of digital technologies in education; the British Academy has awarded Global
Climate agreements after Paris: countries, payments, and the climate emergency
A report reviewing climate commitments under the Paris Agreement by country has been released during the UN climate conference in Poland. “After Paris: inequality, fair shares, and the climate emergency”