Governments are responding to public disgust at financial greed by increasing taxes for high earners. But it’s a reminder that becoming a little less rich does not address extreme global inequalities.
Car scrappage may upset climate negotiations
Subsidies for scrapping old cars are all the rage in Europe. But will these handouts put developing countries in a positive frame of mind to make concessions for a new Kyoto agreement?
Climate adaptation or recycled development?
Climate change adaptation plans in developing countries often appear very similar to conventional development programmes. Could this become a source of confusion for donors?
Climate activists should look beyond Copenhagen
The outcome of the G20 reinforced fears that the US and China will not reach agreement on climate change this year. Maybe it’s time for campaigners to downgrade the Copenhagen summit, however unpalatable.
G20 summit: excluded African voices
The G20 London summit is unrepresentative of the poorest countries who will be most affected by decisions about the world economy. Here’s a selection of what African leaders have to say.
How can poor countries fight the credit crunch?
Anger is brewing amongst African governments as their economies are undermined by a crisis for which they are not responsible. They lack the monetary tools available to countries attending the G20 London Summit.
Tanzania: success story in development?
Tanzania is often described as a development success story in Africa. It doesn’t look that way if you study the facts of life for the poor.
Gandhian values in the economic crisis
Our sense of values continues to rotate in the spin-dryer. On the same day that Gandhi’s spectacles sell for millions, the Bank of England decides that money is worthless.
Data collection problems in developing countries
William the Conqueror was a thousand years ahead of his time. As the lack of accurate data undermines the Millennium Development Goals, we can see how the Domesday Book was a model for development planning in its day.
The decadence of chewing gum removal
In Costa Rica, municipal authorities compete with each other to plant the most trees. UK cities seem to be more concerned about removal of chewing gum from the pavements. Does this reflect cultural diversity or just muddled priorities?