This image shows the density of chlorophyll in the earth’s oceans; the lighter colour the more phytoplankton. The linked article describes how the graphic was created and its implications. It is striking because it shows which parts of the ocean are most productive. This awareness will be important as humanity improves ocean management and even …
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“Living” Companies Perform Better
We are especially drawn to this title being advocates of anthropomorphic business models and biomimicry. This article, Living Companies Perform Better, outlines the approach discussed in the book Profit For Life. While the specifics may differ from other proponents, the systems approach is common to this big picture way of managing complex organisations. It draws …
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Soften the China lobby (and others)
Beijing recently announced an anti-monopoly law which some observers say could work with rules on technology standards, procurement, taxes and patent transfer requirements to give Chinese firms an unfair boost over foreign competitors. It is part of the call by US and other lobbyists for China to open up but at the same time enforce …
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Let innovation be free
The Economist reports on the changing face of innovation, its benefits and how to encourage it. What is clear from the various articles is that openness, open systems, freedom to do business are the characteristics that allow creativity to flourish. The internet is such an environment (you only have to browse YouTube to see that). …
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The only security of all is in a free press
As civil liberties have been constrained in the name of a “war on terror” even the free press has found itself gagged. (And not just traditional media but bloggers too.) The Economist concludes a four part review of civil liberties with a discussion of the rationalisation of controlling free speech even though for national security. …
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Lots of talk about Environmental Disclosure, little action among FTSE All-share
The U.K.’s Environment Agency published “Environmental Disclosures,” its second major review of environmental reporting among FTSE companies. Since the last review, in 2004, significant progress has been made in reporting. Almost every single company, 98%, listed on the FTSE All-Share Index now mentions the environment in their annual reports, unfortunately, for some that’s all they …
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Solar demand outstrips supply and raises valuation concerns
China’s solar technology industry has experienced explosive growth in just a few short years as it becomes the principal supply of solar product. But in early October the challenge of getting enough raw material to satisfy demand has caused valuation concerns over listed Chinese solar businesses. At issue plaguing the global industry is an acute …
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EU environment failing: air pollution, biodiversity loss and poor water quality
The European Environment Agency released its fourth assessment report on the environmental situation in 53 European countries, highlighting significant air pollution, biodiversity loss and poor water quality across the region. The irony of the report is that a principal cause of these problems is growing consumption and the demand for transport neither of which people …
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Conflict wipes out aid in Africa
The cost of conflict on African development was approximately $300 billion between 1990 and 2005, according to new research by Oxfam International, IANSA and Saferworld. This is equal to the amount of money received in international aid during the same period. The study Africa’s Missing Billions is the first time analysts have estimated the overall …
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Nine inconvenient errors …
As Al Gore receives a Nobel for his climate change work, a UK court has ruled that schools may only show his film An Inconvenient Truth accompanied by qualification of a number of inconclusive facts. While the parent who brought the case may feel vindicated, the ruling will have the benefit of demanding more thought …
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