Economic troubles have dominated 2009. The Trento Festival of Economics therefore enjoys pole position in the European festival season. Its imaginative programme Identity and Global Crisis addresses questions affecting us all.
Low carbon behaviour needs the selfish gene
What are the most effective strategies to inspire the behaviour change necessary to counter global warming? Less government intervention and more personal freedom might be the answer.
More substance to Nepal than Gurkha sideshow
The fall of Prachanda’s government has no direct connection with the controversial treatment of Gurkha veterans in the UK. But our domestic political dramas should not overshadow the significance of poverty reduction and stability in Nepal.
Sri Lanka forgoes tsunami goodwill
The tragedy of the 2004 tsunami brought peace to Aceh after 30 years of conflict. In very similar circumstances, why did Sri Lanka take the opposite approach and abandon reconciliation?
Scratching the surface of inequality
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.