In The News

America and the World Into a New Era – Part II

Shada Islam September 4, 2008
One of the goals of the Treaty on European Union, signed in 1992, was for the continent “to assert its identity on the international scene, in particular through the implementation of a common foreign and security policy including the eventual framing of a common defence policy, which might in time lead to a common defence.” At the time, many anticipated Europe to continue a strong and enduring...

Power-Sector Emissions of China to Top US

Steven Mufson August 28, 2008
China and India view development and growth as a path to eliminating poverty and raising living standards, and that means more power generation in both nations. This year, China’s carbon emissions will surpass those of the US for the first time, reports the Center for Global Development, a think tank based in the US that examines how policies in developed nations impact the developing world....

Unpopular President

August 26, 2008
Indonesia’s president reduced government subsidies for fuel in May, causing fuel prices to jump and his popularity among voters sank. But the coalition government continues an anti-poverty platform, including subsidized rice for the poor – and that combined with an ample supply could mitigate some economic complaints. Polls suggest that voters favor secular parties over those with Islamic roots...

A Push to Increase Icebreakers in the Arctic

Andrew C. Revkin August 20, 2008
Patrolling the icy Arctic requires large ice-breaking ships, and more countries look to the Arctic as a potential source for minerals and fossil fuels. The head of the US Coast Guard has warned that “whatever mix of natural and human factors is causing the ice retreats, the Arctic is clearly opening to commerce – and potential conflict and hazards – like never before,” reports Andrew Revkin for...

Green Tax on Big Cars in China

Zuo Maohong August 20, 2008
Before and during the Olympics, the foreign press descended on China and complained about pollution. But China’s government has announced plans on a website to increase its vehicle excise tax to 25 percent for cars with capacity between 3 and 4 liters and to 40 percent for cars with capacity greater than 4 liters. Cars with capacity less than 1 liter will enjoy tax breaks. The Chinese government...

Olympic Cloud

Nayan Chanda August 19, 2008
Over the past three decades, China has transformed its economy from drab and close-minded socialism to a creative energy that embraces global integration, notes Nayan Chanda in his column for Businessworld. China’s long history demonstrates that isolationist thinking, fear and rigid conformity do not contribute to a prosperous strong economy, prepared to wrestle with global problems. With...

New Energy Frontiers Expand Global Connections – Part II

Alexis Ringwald August 19, 2008
Necessity is the mother of invention, and that holds true for a global economy that depends on a declining supply of fossil fuels. As a result, innovations in new alternative sources could emerge from fast-growing developing nations that lack fossil fuels and cannot afford the rising prices, suggests this YaleGlobal series. The second article of the series focuses on trends toward renewable...