1 December 2015
Globalisation needs global institutions of governance.
In the wake of the 10th meeting of G20 leaders at summit level in Antalya, Turkey on 15–16 November, now is a good time to reflect on the state of global governance.
The roots of globalisation lay in the quest for empire. The combination of church and state meant that some of the early attempts at global governance were through religious institutions, such as the Papacy and the Caliphate.
30 November 2015
For years now, the climate talks have revolved around discussions who should bear the burden of cutting emissions, particularly between developed and developing nations. Much of Paris climate summit will be focused on this notion of equity and how to ensure that each country does its their fair share in the fight against climate change.
30 November 2015
What happens in China is central to the global effort to limit the extent of future climate change. China is already the largest emitter of greenhouse gases by far, even as it continues its process of urbanisation and economic modernisation. Under a traditional model of energy-intensive economic growth fed by fossil fuels, this would thwart the world’s chances of keeping climate change at levels considered relatively safe.
30 November 2015
The US dollar remains firm against most of the major currencies to start what promises to be a critical week for investors. There are two main considerations. The first is the last minute position adjustments ahead the key events that begin with the IMF's SDR decision later today, running through the start-of the month data (especially PMIs), central bank meetings in Australia, Canada, and then the big one, the ECB. The US monthly jobs report and the OPEC meeting cap the weeks. The second consideration is month-end plays, where fund managers adjust position
12 November 2015
One of the predominant news stories over the past few months has been the migrant crisis in Europe.
Driven by civil wars, refugees from the Middle East and beyond are flowing into the European Union. Over the next 18 months, the UN is expecting more than 1.4 million refugees to arrive in the EU.
The swell will have many long-term implications, but governments and citizens are facing a more pressing question: what policies should they adopt toward refugees in the short term? Should they welcome them, reject them or something in between?
12 November 2015
An increase in land supply is the usual solution put forward to solve the housing affordability crisis. What proponents of this argument fail to mention is that you need an industry prepared to deliver housing on that land and any development must be profitable to occur.
The models used by the sector to determine profitability assume both revenue and land value will be maximised. This immediately presents a barrier to delivering housing affordable to those on low to moderate incomes.
10 November 2015
It is hard to overplay the importance of the damning report from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that has presented evidence of widespread and systematic doping – particularly in Russia, which it recommends should be suspended from competition. The investigation has provided world sport with a long-overdue and historically significant moment of truth. The global response to this scandal could indelibly shape the nature of sport.
5 November 2015
Everyone has experienced it. Striding along in a purposeful hurry, your progress thwarted by a slow-moving pedestrian, dawdling along the pavement. Perhaps they are talking into their mobile phone, looking lost or just plain taking their time. It can drive you mad.
The question is, should it?
4 November 2015
We are all aware that a number of controversies surround the concept of climate change. However, if we put the possible causes to one side, there is a general scientific consensus that the climate is changing. A changing climate might, obviously, have a significant impact on us all but in a world of differing environments and, indeed, of inequalities, some societies seem set to be adversely affected more than others do.
3 November 2015
The concept “financial inclusion” in mainstream business and development circles means an all-encompassing term for innovation in financial services for the poor. Financial inclusion is part of an important economic development programme to solve the lack of access to formal financial services for billions of people around the world.