Is A Steady State Economy Possible?: Gail Tverberg


A Steady State Economy is one that seeks to balance growth with environmental integrity by maintaining stable or mildly fluctuating levels in population and consumption of energy and materials. In our current global scenario – with population and demand for resources rising – what would it take to achieve a steady state economy?

The US & China Must Co-Lead The World In Counter-Terrorism: Dan Steinbock


Neither the U.S., with all of its military muscle and more than 40 percent of annual military expenditures worldwide, nor China, with its rising economic clout and military modernization, can effectively contain globalized terrorism on their own. Yet if they work together, the two countries could rally the international community into effective multi-polar counter-terrorism.

On Monday, April 15, 2013, the crowded finish line of the Boston Marathon turned into a nightmare as bombs exploded, killing three people and injuring more than 280 others.

Why Economies Must Invest In Equal Opportunities For All Children: Jeffrey Sachs


Children are every country’s most vital resource; yet even high national incomes do not guarantee children’s well-being. According to a new UNICEF study, societies that have a strong commitment to equal opportunity for all of their children – and that are prepared to invest public funds on their behalf – tend to end up with the highest economic returns.

IMF, Global Leaders Back World Bank’s Vision To End Extreme Poverty By 2030


At a meeting of the World Bank’s Development Committee on Saturday, global finance officials from around the world, alongside the IMF, endorsed the bank’s goal to end extreme poverty by 2030, calling the initiative a “historic opportunity” to make a difference, reported Reuters.

1 In 4 Children Worldwide “Stunted” From Malnutrition: UNICEF


More than a quarter of children under the age of 5 worldwide are permanently “stunted” due to malnutrition, claimed a report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Monday, noting that the damage done to a child’s body and brain caused by stunting was irreversible.

France & Germany – Building A Path To A Low-Carbon Future: Jeffrey Sachs


The surest bet on the future of energy is the need for low-carbon energy supplies; And while early movers, such as France & Germany, may pay a slightly higher price today for these strategies, they and the world will reap long-term economic and environmental benefits.

NEW YORK – The surest bet on the future of energy is the need for low-carbon energy supplies. Around 80 percent of the world’s primary energy today is carbon based: coal, oil, and gas. We will need to shift to no- or low-carbon energy by mid-century. The big questions are how and when.

Gender Equality: Key To Wealth & Happiness In Nordic Countries


The Nordic nations have gone much further down the road to gender equality than anywhere else in the world. By comparison, some of G8 nations, especially France, Italy and Japan, have a lamentable record. But few countries are emulating the Nordic models.

On June 11, 2013, it will be 100 years since Norway became the first independent country to introduce the vote for women. There will be tremendous celebrations all over Norway, a country which is proud of its egalitarian society.

Bill Gates Offers $1 Million Funding For “Next Generation Condom”


Billionaire Bill Gates will provide up to $1 million to anyone who can develop the “next generation condom”, said his charitable foundation this month, in the hopes of reducing unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases across the world, particularly in developing countries.

Nepal Leading The World In Poverty Reduction: Study


Nepal could eradicate poverty within the next 20 years if its poverty reduction rate continues on its current level of progress, said an Oxford University study published on Monday, citing “social policy investments combined with active civil society engagement” for the Himalayan state’s present success.

US Leaders Urge Congress to Ratify IMF Voting Reforms


The Obama administration has asked U.S. lawmakers to approve an increase in the United States’ contribution to the International Monetary Fund, as well as changes to the voting process within the Fund that will boost the influence of emerging economies like China and Brazil in the global financial institution.

The Treasury Department on Tuesday sought Congressional permission to approve a 2010 International Monetary Fund reform package that would change the distribution of voting power within the organisation.