This GreenBiz article outlines in a few paragraphs the dimensions of creating a sustainable workplace. A succinct thought-piece on social and environmental considerations internal and external to the workplace.
Vatican’s relationship with China thaws
The rapprochement between China and the Vatican continued in September as the appointment of a bishop by China’s Patriotic Church (catholic) was tacitly approved by the Vatican. Pope Benedict previously initiated reconstruction of the relationship by writing to the Patriotic Church. China severed ties with the Vatican in 1951, angry at the Vatican’s recognition of …
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Tennessee, US, bans execution
Tennessee, made another bid to halt the death penalty in the US by ruling the method of execution inappropriate. This is a step away from recognising that the death penalty itself is inappropriate, though the time until that is recognised at a national, Federal level is uncertain. A Federal judge in Tennessee ruled that the …
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Sub-prime losses estimates rising
Fed Chairman said during testimony to the the House Committee on Financial Services on 20 September that losses from sub-prime mortgages have far exceeded “even the most pessimistic estimates”. This statement is disappointing because it undermines any build-up of confidence that might be encouraged by recent rate cuts and liquidity injections. But worse, his comments …
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Arctic ice shrinkage at new record
The US National Snow and Ice Data Center said the minimum extent of 4.13 million sq km was reached on 16 September. The figure shatters all previous satellite surveys, including the previous record low of 5.32 million sq km measured in 2005. Even the fabled Arctic shipping route from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the …
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Hype over Chinese toys exaggerated
Recent hype about problems with Chinese manufactured goods was used as an excuse by some protectionist politicians and lobbies in the US to push for trade sanctions and even used as a tool to push for revaluation of the Chinese renminbi. The greatest hype surrounded the recall of more than 20 million toys by Mattel. …
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Oil prices rising again
Oil prices are reaching new highs as September draws to a close. They are peaking above $82 a barrel. If winter in north America and Europe comes in hard these prices will add to economic difficulties, though the majors will benefit as usual.
Chinese rates up again, but inflation still an issue
China’s central bank increased rates for the fifth time this year. The one year lending rate is now 7.29% as authorities attempt to ease inflationary pressure. However, the build-up of reserves continues as those that can borrow US$ at under 5%, like multinationals and foreign investors, do. The discrepancy between interest rates net of currency …
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The financial market risk of climate change
We’ve mentioned it before – people are getting together with lawyers to focus on polluters in the same way cigarette makers were targeted. On the same day that US rates were lowered investors and NGOs petitioned the SEC to clarify whether firms had an obligation to disclose how climate change might affect them. It is …
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Mishkin’s band-aid
Will the interest rate cut be seen as prescient salvation or impulsive band-aid in the coming months? The Fed, it seems, were swayed by Frederic Mishkin who, notes The Economist, argued forcefully in a recent speech that central bankers can cushion the impact of falling house prices on the economy, provided they act quickly and …
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