In The News

Climate Panel Issues Urgent Warning to Curb Gases

Elisabeth Rosenthal February 2, 2007
Human activities are almost certainly the main cause of global warming since 1950 and immediate action will only blunt some of the damage, reports the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Humans must strive for conservation and slow use of carbon-based fuels, such as oil and gas. Severe weather patterns, deteriorating habitats and species decline are accelerating as a result of climbing...

Democrats Give Bush the Business on Trade

Peter S. Goodman February 1, 2007
To avoid petty special-interest confrontations, the US Congress can extend authority to the president to negotiate trade deals. Congress retains final approval, voting yes or no on deals negotiated by the president. But a Democratic Congress at odds with the Republican president has demanded guarantees on labor and environmental protections in any future negotiations. Otherwise, Congress will...

Elite Ponder Threats to Globalization

D. Ravi Kanth February 1, 2007
World leaders meeting for the World Economic Forum have identified plenty of problems, but few solutions for global challenges. Risks to globalization include global warming, sharp inequality and increasing conflict. Yet the consensus on the list of challenges has failed to push leaders into action. A poll revealed that more than half of chief executive officers for major corporations express...

Beyond Oil: Reappraising the Gulf States

Kito de Boer January 31, 2007
Nations without oil must conserve and seek energy alternatives. Likewise, nations with oil must create jobs that do not rely on the petroleum industry. Rapid population growth in the Gulf nations means less oil revenue spreading throughout the economy for citizens. The wealthy Gulf Cooperation Council nations have high rates of unemployment that could lead to unrest. Inconsistent education...

China's Missile Message

Elizabeth Economy January 26, 2007
China’s success in destroying one of its own satellites demonstrates rising power – but has left many analysts puzzled. Chinese leaders insist their goal is to use such power for peaceful purposes. Yet in truth, the challenges posed by a massive population – intent on devouring natural resources, desperate for clean water, well disposed for a pandemic – presents an unsettling vision for the rest...

Globalism, RIP

Carl Pope January 19, 2007
Trade agreements do not have to ignore social and environmental standards, argues editor Carl Pope in “Sierra Magazine.” Trade agreements, like the Doha Round, will falter as long as negotiators do not prevent the benefits from accumulating among the wealthiest and bypassing the poor, he suggests. In the meantime, protectionist, isolationist and populist movements surge in developing nations....

A Nuclear Power Renaissance

Rüdiger Falksohn January 16, 2007
In an effort to prevent carbon-dioxide emissions and global warming, more nations pursue nuclear power, including some that lack ample water to cool the reactors or remote areas for storing the waste. The world now has 31 countries with 435 atomic reactors generating power, and at least 100 more reactors are planned, reports Rüdiger Falksohn in “Der Spiegel.” Falksohn also offers the reminder...