KLD Research & Analytics, Inc. have launched a new Iran Compliance product that helps US institutional investors and money managers comply with engagement and divestment mandates of publicly trading companies conducting business in Iran. KLD’s Iran Compliance product meets all U.S. state legislative requirements mandating Iran divestment. KLD Iran Compliance Product press release
The ozone hole seems under control, after 20 years of regulation
The ozone hole peaks in September. While it was not the largest it has been it remains above average. The linked article discusses the science behind the destruction of this protective layer of earth’s upper atmosphere. Scientists don’t expect the hole to significantly shrink for about another decade because of the long lifetimes (40-100 years) …
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Is Microsoft controlled by the US government?
Last month the EU confirmed its decision to fine Microsoft for anti-competitive behaviour. Computer users know that MS Windows is on most (over 80%) computers. Why would the US government, which pioneered anti-competition law, allow the company to continue to operate as a monopolist? Is it because some US spy agency is data-mining without users …
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The US’s poor example of nuclear weapon management
From The Economist: Concerns were raised about the handling of America’s clear weaponry apparatus. Around 70 air force personnel, including four officers, were disciplined for an incident in August when six cruise missiles armed with nuclear warheads were mistakenly flown on the wing of a B-52 from North Dakota to Louisiana, a serious breach of …
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This is not the EU constitution
The world’s biggest economy, the EU, passed a slightly rephrased constitution calling it a “reform treaty” so that a referendum would not be needed. Whether or not the constitution is good is irrelevant to teh fact that the process by which the reform treaty was passed goes against the raison d’etre of the EU. The …
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Drought where it shouldn’t be
It’s not just California that is feeling the heat. The US south east is experiencing extreme lack of rain that normally occurs once or twice a century. During October, adding to calls for limiting water use, Georgia’s governor sued to stop teh Army draining water for use in Alabama and Florida. If the drought continues, …
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Riding along a precipice
That’s what it feels like watching the markets. The Economist offered a suitably scary briefing for Halloween: Spooking Investors – Financial markets remain on edge because the credit crunch has not been solved. While we know there are credit problems throughout the banking system, we don’t know how big or where they are. And stock …
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Quitting smoking makes business sense
Many US businesses are seeking to reduce their medical bills by paying for programs to help employees stop smoking. Recent surveys show that one-third of companies with at least 200 workers now offer smoking cessation as part of their employee benefits package. Among the US’s biggest companies, the number may be nearly two-thirds of employers. …
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Money wins over humanity, by a wide margin
Humanity’s interest in raising the poor and destitute from the threshold of survival is insignificant. But our interest money, even the virtual money crated by trading opinions in the stockmarket, remains supreme. Whether Boston or Bombay, money, that metaphysical asset, seems to feed our souls. It took minutes for the top guns to swing into …
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Awareness to Action: Sustainable Finance for today’s global markets
UNEP FI Global Roundtable, Awareness to Action: Sustainable Finance for today’s global markets, took place on 24-25 October. The website now offers presentations, summaries etc online.