Following the recent publication of the IUCN red list, research compiled by a team of 60 experts is being presented at the International Primatological Society. Almost a third of the world’s primates are in danger of extinction because of destruction of their habitats. The report says many apes, monkeys and other primates are being driven …
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UK government warned off MS deal
The UK computer agency Becta has complained to the Office of Fair Trading and is advising schools not to sign licensing agreements with Microsoft because of alleged anti-competitive practices.Becta says talks with Microsoft have not resolved “fundamental concerns” about academic licensing and about Office 2007 and the Vista operating system which revolve around the tactic …
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Heroes of the Environment
Under the byline of A Sense of Urgency, TIME’s annual celebration of heroes spotlights the most innovative and influential protectors of the planet. Congratulations. You may not agree with all their picks, but its a great roll-call of people who have changed systems to save the planet. See them all here. Examples of those feted …
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US sanctions on Iran – the pot calling the kettle black?
As expected, the US has stepped up its sanctions on Iran for “supporting terrorists” and pursuing nuclear activities – new measures target the finances of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps and three state-owned banks. The US said the moves were part of “a comprehensive policy to confront the threatening behaviour of the Iranians”, while Iran …
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China to invest in Africa’s biggest bank
China’s largest bank, the state-run Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, announced plans to acquire a 20% stake in Africa’s biggest bank, Standard Bank, for US$5.5 billion. If approved by South African regulators and ICBC shareholders, the deal would lead to the creation of a US$1 billion private equity fund that will be established by …
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UK to tighten standards for imported organics
The Soil Association has warned that it will introduce stricter ethical standards to certify organic food flown into the UK from January 2009. The association, which certifies 70% of the UK’s £1.9 billion organic food sector, wants the trade to bring real benefit to developing world farmers so all air-freighted food will have to meet …
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September US new home sales down 23%
Sales of new US homes fell 23% year on year. Commerce Department data shows sales of newly-built US properties totalled 770,000 in the year to September. September sales of existing US homes fell 8% y o y – the biggest year-on-year decline for non-new build properties in 16 years. The September new home sales figure …
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Global Environment Outlook 2007 – getting worse
The fourth Global Environment Outlook launched on 25 October provides a comprehensive and authoritative overview of the state of the environment. GEO-4 addresses the key challenges facing our planet, highlights emerging environmental issues that require policy attention and makes recommendations for decision-makers to act. It is a benchmark reference for challenges humanity faces today. The …
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EIU economic scenarios
The EIU’s recent review of financial market turbulence is a useful analysis of what economic climate we can look forward to over the coming couple of years. Heading For The Rocks analyses the global economy and offers three scenarios for the future. Whether or not you subscribe to their analysis it presents most of the …
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Oil, Asia, Asset Managers
McKinsey released this useful research on the world of money, pertinent to investors, asset managers and strategic planners. The New Power Brokers: How Oil, Asia, Hedge Funds, and Private Equity Are Shaping Global Capital Markets McKinsey reviews petrodollar investors, Asian central banks, hedge funds, and private equity and their increasingly important role in world financial …
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