Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Modern Prefab Housing, Modern Architecture, & Green Housing — Prefab Dweller
Modern Prefab Housing, Modern Architecture, & Green Housing — Prefab Dweller: "Prefab Dweller
Modern Prefab Housing, Modern Architecture, & Green Housing"
Modern Prefab Housing, Modern Architecture, & Green Housing"
USGBC: About USGBC
USGBC: "The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization committed to expanding sustainable building practices. USGBC is composed of more than 13,500 organizations from across the building industry that are working to advance structures that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. Members includes building owners and end-users, real estate developers, facility managers, architects, designers, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, product and building system manufacturers, government agencies, and nonprofits."
Planning Portal - Code for Sustainable Homes
Planning Portal - Code for Sustainable Homes: "On 13 December 2006, the Code for Sustainable Homes - a new national standard for sustainable design and construction of new homes was launched. Since April 2007 the developer of any new home in England can choose to be assessed against the Code.On 13 December 2006, the Code for Sustainable Homes - a new national standard for sustainable design and construction of new homes was launched. Since April 2007 the developer of any new home in England can choose to be assessed against the Code."
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Home - Private Infrastructure Projects - The World Bank & PPIAF
Private Infrastructure Projects - The World Bank & PPIAF: "The Private Participation in Infrastructure (PPI) Project Database has data on more than 3,800 projects in 150 low- and middle-income countries. The database is the leading source of PPI trends in the developing world, covering projects in the energy, telecommunications, transport, and water and sewerage sectors. The Private Participation in Infrastructure (PPI) Project Database has data on more than 3,800 projects in 150 low- and middle-income countries. The database is the leading source of PPI trends in the developing world, covering projects in the energy, telecommunications, transport, and water and sewerage sectors."
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
General Motors announces partnership with Coskata to make ethanol from garbage -- chicagotribune.com
General Motors announces partnership with Coskata to make ethanol from garbage -- chicagotribune.com: "General Motors announces partnership with Coskata to make ethanol from garbage
Warrenville firm says it can make more efficient, less costly fuel; hopes to produce 100 million gallons a year by 2010
By Rick Popely Tribune staff reporter
January 14, 2008
Article tools
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Digg Del.icio.us Facebook Fark Google Newsvine Reddit Yahoo Print Reprints Post comment Text size: Bags of garbage and bald tires that go to landfills today could wind up in your gas tank in a few years, along with wood chips, crop residue and plastic pop bottles.
That's what Coskata Inc., a biofuels start-up in west suburban Warrenville and auto industry giant General Motors Corp. said Sunday at the Detroit Auto Show in announcing a partnership to produce ethanol from just about any carbon-containing material by 2011.
This would produce pump prices that are 50 cents to $1 less per gallon than gasoline -- even before federal ethanol subsidies -- and would reduce greenhouse gases. An Argonne National Laboratory study has concluded that cellulosic ethanol produces 85 percent to 90 percent less greenhouse gas than gasoline, compared to 20 percent to 30 percent less from corn-based ethanol."
Warrenville firm says it can make more efficient, less costly fuel; hopes to produce 100 million gallons a year by 2010
By Rick Popely Tribune staff reporter
January 14, 2008
Article tools
E-mail Share
Digg Del.icio.us Facebook Fark Google Newsvine Reddit Yahoo Print Reprints Post comment Text size: Bags of garbage and bald tires that go to landfills today could wind up in your gas tank in a few years, along with wood chips, crop residue and plastic pop bottles.
That's what Coskata Inc., a biofuels start-up in west suburban Warrenville and auto industry giant General Motors Corp. said Sunday at the Detroit Auto Show in announcing a partnership to produce ethanol from just about any carbon-containing material by 2011.
This would produce pump prices that are 50 cents to $1 less per gallon than gasoline -- even before federal ethanol subsidies -- and would reduce greenhouse gases. An Argonne National Laboratory study has concluded that cellulosic ethanol produces 85 percent to 90 percent less greenhouse gas than gasoline, compared to 20 percent to 30 percent less from corn-based ethanol."
Coskata
Coskata: "Coskata is commercializing a proprietary process and related technologies for the conversion of a wide variety of input materials into ethanol. Coskata has an efficient, affordable, and flexible three-step conversion process:
Incoming material converted to synthesis gas (gasification)
Fermentation of synthesis gas into ethanol (bio-fermentation)
Separation and recovery of ethanol (separations)
Ethanol can be manufactured using this cutting edge technology at a variable cost of under US$1.00 per gallon - the lowest cost of manufacture in the industry."
Incoming material converted to synthesis gas (gasification)
Fermentation of synthesis gas into ethanol (bio-fermentation)
Separation and recovery of ethanol (separations)
Ethanol can be manufactured using this cutting edge technology at a variable cost of under US$1.00 per gallon - the lowest cost of manufacture in the industry."
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
EarthBox - Home
EarthBox - Home: "Welcome to EarthBox® The World's Most Revolutionary Gardening System! The patented EarthBox was developed by commercial farmers and proven in the lab and on the farm. Our maintenance-free, award-winning, high-tech growing system controls soil conditions, eliminates guesswork and more than doubles the yield of a conventional garden-with less fertilizer, less water and virtually no effort."
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Philippine Stock Exchange
Philippine Stock Exchange:
Securities Lending Program
Background
Securities borrowing and lending (SBL) has been an important element of securities trading and capital development among emerging markets. It is a vital facility behind the efficient trading settlements and the growth of derivative markets. Although no hard statistics is available, it is estimated that SBL is a trillion dollar business, generates billions dollar revenues and has a significant impact to financial service industry globally. SBL exists for both equities and debt instruments and has been an established practice in developed countries like the United States, Canada, UK, Japan and Australia since at least 1970s. Most of the countries in Southeast Asia have allowed SBL for both international and local markets. Securities lending involve not only the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. but also other institutions like the Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Being the regulatory body of stockbrokers and as the venue for the buying and selling of securities, the Exchange plays a critical role in the implementation of SBL. The objective is to establish a system for borrowing and lending that would ensure the protection of the interest of all stakeholders through monitoring and strict compliance with the rules."
Securities Lending Program
Background
Securities borrowing and lending (SBL) has been an important element of securities trading and capital development among emerging markets. It is a vital facility behind the efficient trading settlements and the growth of derivative markets. Although no hard statistics is available, it is estimated that SBL is a trillion dollar business, generates billions dollar revenues and has a significant impact to financial service industry globally. SBL exists for both equities and debt instruments and has been an established practice in developed countries like the United States, Canada, UK, Japan and Australia since at least 1970s. Most of the countries in Southeast Asia have allowed SBL for both international and local markets. Securities lending involve not only the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. but also other institutions like the Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Being the regulatory body of stockbrokers and as the venue for the buying and selling of securities, the Exchange plays a critical role in the implementation of SBL. The objective is to establish a system for borrowing and lending that would ensure the protection of the interest of all stakeholders through monitoring and strict compliance with the rules."
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Interfax: Soaring oil prices on global markets will not affect Russian gas prices – Dmitry Medvedev
Interfax: Soaring oil prices on global markets will not affect Russian gas prices – Dmitry Medvedev: "Soaring oil prices on global markets will not affect Russian gas prices – Dmitry Medvedev Russian First Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Board at Gazprom Dmitry Medvedev gave an exclusive interview to Interfax. Soaring oil prices on world markets will not lead to unexpected gas and energy prices on Russia's domestic market, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Board at Gazprom Dmitry Medvedev has said."
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Oil Above $96 on Drop in US Supplies - AOL Money & Finance
Oil Above $96 on Drop in US Supplies - AOL Money & Finance: "By GILLIAN WONG,AP Posted: 2007-11-01 04:28:33 SINGAPORE (AP) - The price of oil rose to a new record above $96 a barrel Thursday after a surprise drop in U.S. crude stockpiles raised concerns about supplies for coming winter demand. Other energy futures also gained. It was the second week in a row the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a sharp and unexpected drop in oil inventories. 'The decline in U.S. crude oil inventories has been a key driver of oil prices,' said David Moore, commodity strategist at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia in Sydney. Light, sweet crude for December delivery rose as high as $96.24 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange by midafternoon in Singapore before dropping back to $95.59 a barrel. Crude prices have reached inflation-adjusted highs set in early 1980. Depending on the how the adjustment is calculated, $38 a barrel then would be worth $96 to $101 or more today. 'We are stepping into an unknown area. Nobody wants to sell (given the fear of a) further rise,' broker Ken Hasegawa of Fimat Japan told Dow Jones Newswires. "
Dollar falls, gold rises in Europe
AP
Posted: 2007-10-31 15:54:10
LONDON (AP) - The U.S. dollar hit another new low against the euro and the pound Wednesday and was mixed against other major currencies in European trading. Gold rose. The euro traded at $1.4454, up from $1.4434 late Tuesday in New York. Earlier the euro rose to $1.4466, its fourth new high in four trading days. Later, in midday trading in New York, the euro fetched 1.4457. Other dollar rates in Europe, compared with late Tuesday, included 115.37 Japanese yen, up from 114.77; 1.1599 Swiss francs, down from 1.1600; and 0.9500 Canadian dollars, down from 0.9535. The British pound was quoted at $2.0734, up from $2.0619. In midday New York trading, the dollar bought 115.22 yen and 1.1599 Swiss francs, while the pound was worth $2.0774, a 26-year high. Gold traded in London at $790.20 per troy ounce, up from $784.00 late Tuesday. In Zurich, gold traded at $789.35 bid per troy ounce, up from $782.00. Silver traded in London at $14.42, up from $14.25.
AP
Posted: 2007-10-31 15:54:10
LONDON (AP) - The U.S. dollar hit another new low against the euro and the pound Wednesday and was mixed against other major currencies in European trading. Gold rose. The euro traded at $1.4454, up from $1.4434 late Tuesday in New York. Earlier the euro rose to $1.4466, its fourth new high in four trading days. Later, in midday trading in New York, the euro fetched 1.4457. Other dollar rates in Europe, compared with late Tuesday, included 115.37 Japanese yen, up from 114.77; 1.1599 Swiss francs, down from 1.1600; and 0.9500 Canadian dollars, down from 0.9535. The British pound was quoted at $2.0734, up from $2.0619. In midday New York trading, the dollar bought 115.22 yen and 1.1599 Swiss francs, while the pound was worth $2.0774, a 26-year high. Gold traded in London at $790.20 per troy ounce, up from $784.00 late Tuesday. In Zurich, gold traded at $789.35 bid per troy ounce, up from $782.00. Silver traded in London at $14.42, up from $14.25.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Business - Land Bank to issue $200M in bonds - INQUIRER.net
Business - Land Bank to issue $200M in bonds - INQUIRER.net
Land Bank to issue $200M in bonds
InquirerLast updated 05:05am (Mla time) 08/16/2007
Government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines plans to raise as much as $200 million from a foreign bond issue to boost its capital.
The bank will seek regulatory approval to offer a combination of hybrid or perpetual bonds that shall qualify as tier 1 or core capital and 10-year subordinated notes to boost its tier 2 or supplementary capital.
The bank will also sell P2.5 billion in peso-denominated tier 2 notes in the domestic market.
In a news briefing Tuesday night, Land Bank president Gilda Pico said that the proceeds of the bond offer will hike its capital adequacy ratio (CAR) to as much as 23 percent from 15 percent to comply with the stiffer global capital adequacy requirements under Basel 2.
Land Bank vice president Alex Macapagal said the bank had recently invited over a dozen investment banks to submit proposals for the fundraising.
“We’d like to get the process going so that when the market is favorable, we can just go ahead and issue,” Macapagal said.
He added that Land bank would not necessarily issue the hybrid and tier 2 notes in one tranche.
Once a proposed foreign borrowing is approved by the central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board, the applicant is usually given 12 months to pursue the plan, he said.
Hybrid capital instruments have equity-like features that have made them acceptable as Tier 1 or core capital.
Meanwhile, Land Bank also plans to sell at least P3 billion worth of real and other properties acquired using the Special Purpose Vehicle framework and a series of property auctions, to complement continuing efforts to reduce its bad assets and comply with the Basel 2 standards.
About P1.4 billion worth of property assets would be bid out using the SPV mode while another P1.6 billion shall be sold through auctions to be held across the country in September and November with the help of property consultant CB Richard Ellis.
“The proceeds of these sales will be used to meet the expanding demands for loans by our priority sectors, including the small farmers and fisherfolk, small and medium enterprises and microenterprises,” Pico said. Doris C. Dumlao
Land Bank to issue $200M in bonds
InquirerLast updated 05:05am (Mla time) 08/16/2007
Government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines plans to raise as much as $200 million from a foreign bond issue to boost its capital.
The bank will seek regulatory approval to offer a combination of hybrid or perpetual bonds that shall qualify as tier 1 or core capital and 10-year subordinated notes to boost its tier 2 or supplementary capital.
The bank will also sell P2.5 billion in peso-denominated tier 2 notes in the domestic market.
In a news briefing Tuesday night, Land Bank president Gilda Pico said that the proceeds of the bond offer will hike its capital adequacy ratio (CAR) to as much as 23 percent from 15 percent to comply with the stiffer global capital adequacy requirements under Basel 2.
Land Bank vice president Alex Macapagal said the bank had recently invited over a dozen investment banks to submit proposals for the fundraising.
“We’d like to get the process going so that when the market is favorable, we can just go ahead and issue,” Macapagal said.
He added that Land bank would not necessarily issue the hybrid and tier 2 notes in one tranche.
Once a proposed foreign borrowing is approved by the central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board, the applicant is usually given 12 months to pursue the plan, he said.
Hybrid capital instruments have equity-like features that have made them acceptable as Tier 1 or core capital.
Meanwhile, Land Bank also plans to sell at least P3 billion worth of real and other properties acquired using the Special Purpose Vehicle framework and a series of property auctions, to complement continuing efforts to reduce its bad assets and comply with the Basel 2 standards.
About P1.4 billion worth of property assets would be bid out using the SPV mode while another P1.6 billion shall be sold through auctions to be held across the country in September and November with the help of property consultant CB Richard Ellis.
“The proceeds of these sales will be used to meet the expanding demands for loans by our priority sectors, including the small farmers and fisherfolk, small and medium enterprises and microenterprises,” Pico said. Doris C. Dumlao
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Committee on the Global Financial System: mandate
As approved by the Governors of the G10 central banks on 8 February 1999
The Committee on the Global Financial System is a central bank forum for the monitoring and examination of broad issues relating to financial markets and systems with a view to elaborating appropriate policy recommendations to support the central banks in the fulfilment of their responsibilities for monetary and financial stability. In carrying out this task, the Committee will place particular emphasis on assisting the Governors in recognising, analysing and responding to threats to the stability of financial markets and the global financial system. More specifically, the Committee's primary objectives will be the following:
To seek to identify and assess potential sources of stress in the global financial environment through a regular and systematic monitoring of developments in financial markets and systems, including through an evaluation of macroeconomic developments;
To further the understanding of the functioning and underpinnings of financial markets and systems through a close monitoring of their evolution and in-depth analyses, with particular reference to the implications for central bank operations and broader responsibilities for monetary and financial stability;
To promote the development of well-functioning and stable financial markets and systems through an examination of alternative policy responses and the elaboration of corresponding policy recommendations.
In its analysis, the Committee should pay particular attention to the nexus between monetary and financial stability, to the linkages between institutions, infrastructures and markets, to the actual and potential changes in financial intermediation and to the incentive structures built into markets and systems. The Committee should seek to increase the transparency of financial markets and systems by promoting the design, production and publication of statistics and other information by central banks - including through the BIS - and by recommending the adoption of appropriate disclosure standards by both the official and private sectors. Where relevant, the Committee should also contribute to the development of an international consensus on sound principles and norms.
The Committee is encouraged to co-operate with other national, supranational and international institutions with responsibilities for pursuing related objectives. In particular, it shall co-ordinate its activities with other Basel-based committees, such as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the Committee on Payment and Settlement Systems, in order to strengthen the overall effectiveness of the process.
As approved by the Governors of the G10 central banks on 8 February 1999
The Committee on the Global Financial System is a central bank forum for the monitoring and examination of broad issues relating to financial markets and systems with a view to elaborating appropriate policy recommendations to support the central banks in the fulfilment of their responsibilities for monetary and financial stability. In carrying out this task, the Committee will place particular emphasis on assisting the Governors in recognising, analysing and responding to threats to the stability of financial markets and the global financial system. More specifically, the Committee's primary objectives will be the following:
To seek to identify and assess potential sources of stress in the global financial environment through a regular and systematic monitoring of developments in financial markets and systems, including through an evaluation of macroeconomic developments;
To further the understanding of the functioning and underpinnings of financial markets and systems through a close monitoring of their evolution and in-depth analyses, with particular reference to the implications for central bank operations and broader responsibilities for monetary and financial stability;
To promote the development of well-functioning and stable financial markets and systems through an examination of alternative policy responses and the elaboration of corresponding policy recommendations.
In its analysis, the Committee should pay particular attention to the nexus between monetary and financial stability, to the linkages between institutions, infrastructures and markets, to the actual and potential changes in financial intermediation and to the incentive structures built into markets and systems. The Committee should seek to increase the transparency of financial markets and systems by promoting the design, production and publication of statistics and other information by central banks - including through the BIS - and by recommending the adoption of appropriate disclosure standards by both the official and private sectors. Where relevant, the Committee should also contribute to the development of an international consensus on sound principles and norms.
The Committee is encouraged to co-operate with other national, supranational and international institutions with responsibilities for pursuing related objectives. In particular, it shall co-ordinate its activities with other Basel-based committees, such as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the Committee on Payment and Settlement Systems, in order to strengthen the overall effectiveness of the process.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Let the games begin - The Boston Globe
Let the games begin - The Boston Globe:
"Let the games begin
One Laptop Per Child to hold software jam for the XO
By Hiawatha Bray, Globe Staff June 9, 2007
What will millions of poor children do with cheap laptop computers? Play games, of course. But not just any games."
"Let the games begin
One Laptop Per Child to hold software jam for the XO
By Hiawatha Bray, Globe Staff June 9, 2007
What will millions of poor children do with cheap laptop computers? Play games, of course. But not just any games."
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
March 2007 eNewsletter | Grameen Foundation
March 2007 eNewsletter Grameen Foundation: "Record of innovation also supports the broader microfinance industry
Grameen Foundation is pleased to announce that we now reach more than 3 million clients through our global network. This milestone arrives on the heels of a number of key successes across our network of microfinance institution (MFI) partners."
Grameen Foundation is pleased to announce that we now reach more than 3 million clients through our global network. This milestone arrives on the heels of a number of key successes across our network of microfinance institution (MFI) partners."
Emissions trading The carbon game
Emissions trading The carbon game:
Companies are already swapping money for the right to emit more pollution, and cashing in on projects designed to suck up greenhouse gases. As this market booms, will it actually help to cut down on emissions? Michael Hopkin reports.
This summer, a group of power companies in Japan and Canada developed an unusual interest in pig manure. The porcine waste was at the heart of a landmark multimillion-dollar deal between Chile's largest pork producer and the power companies, allowing the latter to emit more pollution. The pig farm promised to recycle its animals' emissions of methane — a potent greenhouse gas — by covering the manure, capturing the gas, and burning it as sustainable energy. In return, the power companies bought the right to emit more carbon dioxide from their stations, half a world away from the oblivious pigs."
Companies are already swapping money for the right to emit more pollution, and cashing in on projects designed to suck up greenhouse gases. As this market booms, will it actually help to cut down on emissions? Michael Hopkin reports.
This summer, a group of power companies in Japan and Canada developed an unusual interest in pig manure. The porcine waste was at the heart of a landmark multimillion-dollar deal between Chile's largest pork producer and the power companies, allowing the latter to emit more pollution. The pig farm promised to recycle its animals' emissions of methane — a potent greenhouse gas — by covering the manure, capturing the gas, and burning it as sustainable energy. In return, the power companies bought the right to emit more carbon dioxide from their stations, half a world away from the oblivious pigs."
Emissions trading - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Emissions trading - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
"Emissions trading (or cap and trade) is an administrative approach used to control pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants.
In such a plan, a central authority (usually a government agency) sets a limit or cap on the amount of a pollutant that can be emitted. Companies or other groups that emit the pollutant are given credits or allowances which represent the right to emit a specific amount. The total amount of credits cannot exceed the cap, limiting total emissions to that level. Companies that pollute beyond their allowances must buy credits from those who pollute less than their allowances or face heavy penalties. This transfer is referred to as a trade. In effect, the buyer is being fined for polluting, while the seller is being rewarded for having reduced emissions. Thus companies that can easily reduce emissions will do so and those for which it is harder will buy credits which reduces greenhouse gasses at the lowest possible cost to society."
"Emissions trading (or cap and trade) is an administrative approach used to control pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants.
In such a plan, a central authority (usually a government agency) sets a limit or cap on the amount of a pollutant that can be emitted. Companies or other groups that emit the pollutant are given credits or allowances which represent the right to emit a specific amount. The total amount of credits cannot exceed the cap, limiting total emissions to that level. Companies that pollute beyond their allowances must buy credits from those who pollute less than their allowances or face heavy penalties. This transfer is referred to as a trade. In effect, the buyer is being fined for polluting, while the seller is being rewarded for having reduced emissions. Thus companies that can easily reduce emissions will do so and those for which it is harder will buy credits which reduces greenhouse gasses at the lowest possible cost to society."
Climate Top 50 - How does it work
Climate Top 50 - How does it work:
If you agree with the Rules then fill in your data, including a link to your own banner (maximum size 400 x 44 pixels) that will be included in the Climate Top 50 listing and that will be downloaded from your own WWW site.
After filling in the above mentioned data you will receive an e-mail with html code that you have to include in your index or home page (otherwise the counter can not work!).
The html code registers the amount of visitors to your WWW site and also refers to the Climate Top 50 banner that will be downloaded from the Climate Top 50 WWW site. The Climate Top 50 banner needs to be displayed at a well visible place on your index or home page. You may not change the size of the Climate Top 50 banner.
You are now ready to be included in the Climate Top 50!
Each time a visitor comes on your WWW site’s index page the counter of Climate Top 50 is increased.. The Climate Top 50 only counts unique visitors to your WWW site, that means each IP number can only be counted once a day.
You will receive your ID-Number per e-mail. Together with the password you have received you can change your data profile. Please keep the ID-Number and Password in a safe place! "
If you agree with the Rules then fill in your data, including a link to your own banner (maximum size 400 x 44 pixels) that will be included in the Climate Top 50 listing and that will be downloaded from your own WWW site.
After filling in the above mentioned data you will receive an e-mail with html code that you have to include in your index or home page (otherwise the counter can not work!).
The html code registers the amount of visitors to your WWW site and also refers to the Climate Top 50 banner that will be downloaded from the Climate Top 50 WWW site. The Climate Top 50 banner needs to be displayed at a well visible place on your index or home page. You may not change the size of the Climate Top 50 banner.
You are now ready to be included in the Climate Top 50!
Each time a visitor comes on your WWW site’s index page the counter of Climate Top 50 is increased.. The Climate Top 50 only counts unique visitors to your WWW site, that means each IP number can only be counted once a day.
You will receive your ID-Number per e-mail. Together with the password you have received you can change your data profile. Please keep the ID-Number and Password in a safe place! "
The case against carbon trading | Rising Tide UK
The case against carbon trading Rising Tide UK: "The case against carbon trading
CARBON TRADING IS CONTRARY TO SOCIAL JUSTICE
THE LARGEST RESOURCE GRAB IN HISTORY
You can't trade in something unless you own it. When governments and companies 'trade' in carbon, they establish de facto property rights over the atmosphere; a commonly held global commons. At no point have these atmospheric property rights been discussed or negotiated - their ownership is established by stealth with every carbon trade.
THE CARBON TRADE WILL STRENGTHEN EXISTING INEQUALITIES
Market shares in the new carbon market will be allocated on the basis of who is already the largest polluter and who is fastest to exploit the market. The new 'carbocrats' will therefore be the global oil, chemical, and car corporations, and the richest nations; the very groups that created the problem of climate change in the first place. What is more, with the current absence of 'supplementarity', the richest nations and corporations will be able to further increase their global share of emissions by outbidding poorer interests for carbon credits."
CARBON TRADING IS CONTRARY TO SOCIAL JUSTICE
THE LARGEST RESOURCE GRAB IN HISTORY
You can't trade in something unless you own it. When governments and companies 'trade' in carbon, they establish de facto property rights over the atmosphere; a commonly held global commons. At no point have these atmospheric property rights been discussed or negotiated - their ownership is established by stealth with every carbon trade.
THE CARBON TRADE WILL STRENGTHEN EXISTING INEQUALITIES
Market shares in the new carbon market will be allocated on the basis of who is already the largest polluter and who is fastest to exploit the market. The new 'carbocrats' will therefore be the global oil, chemical, and car corporations, and the richest nations; the very groups that created the problem of climate change in the first place. What is more, with the current absence of 'supplementarity', the richest nations and corporations will be able to further increase their global share of emissions by outbidding poorer interests for carbon credits."
Carbon credit - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Carbon credit - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Carbon credits are a tradable permit scheme. They provide a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by giving them a monetary value. A credit gives the owner the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide.
International treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol set quotas on the amount of greenhouse gases countries can produce. Countries, in turn, set quotas on the emissions of businesses. Businesses that are over their quotas must buy carbon credits for their excess emissions, while businesses that are below their quotas can sell their remaining credits. By allowing credits to be bought and sold, a business for which reducing its emissions would be expensive or prohibitive can pay another business to make the reduction for it. This minimizes the quota's impact on the business, while still reaching the quota."
International treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol set quotas on the amount of greenhouse gases countries can produce. Countries, in turn, set quotas on the emissions of businesses. Businesses that are over their quotas must buy carbon credits for their excess emissions, while businesses that are below their quotas can sell their remaining credits. By allowing credits to be bought and sold, a business for which reducing its emissions would be expensive or prohibitive can pay another business to make the reduction for it. This minimizes the quota's impact on the business, while still reaching the quota."
The Great Global Warming Swindle from Channel4.com
The Great Global Warming Swindle from Channel4.com: "Channel 4, Thursday 8 March, 9pm
Are you green? How many flights have you taken in the last year? Feeling guilty about all those unnecessary car journeys? Well, maybe there's no need to feel bad.
According to a group of scientists brought together by documentary-maker Martin Durkin, if the planet is heating up, it isn't your fault and there's nothing you can do about it.
We've almost begun to take it for granted that climate change is a man-made phenomenon. But just as the environmental lobby think they've got our attention, a group of naysayers have emerged to slay the whole premise of global warming."
Are you green? How many flights have you taken in the last year? Feeling guilty about all those unnecessary car journeys? Well, maybe there's no need to feel bad.
According to a group of scientists brought together by documentary-maker Martin Durkin, if the planet is heating up, it isn't your fault and there's nothing you can do about it.
We've almost begun to take it for granted that climate change is a man-made phenomenon. But just as the environmental lobby think they've got our attention, a group of naysayers have emerged to slay the whole premise of global warming."
Count Down Your Carbon
Count Down Your Carbon:
"WELCOME TO COUNT DOWN YOUR CARBON!
This is not a game. Unfortunately, climate change is deadly serious.
We have created a way for people to join together and register the impact of their many individual actions in a public and meaningful way. You are not powerless and you are not alone. Together we can make a difference. "
"WELCOME TO COUNT DOWN YOUR CARBON!
This is not a game. Unfortunately, climate change is deadly serious.
We have created a way for people to join together and register the impact of their many individual actions in a public and meaningful way. You are not powerless and you are not alone. Together we can make a difference. "
Saturday, March 03, 2007
LPG News - Gatwick Airport Goes Green with New LPG Bus Fleet
LPG News - Gatwick Airport Goes Green with New LPG Bus Fleet: "Airline passengers flying from Gatwick will have a cleaner, greener start to their journey following the award of a new coach contract.
BAA, owner of Gatwick airport recently awarded its airport coach contract to AirLinks, who purchased 13 new coaches powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), supplied by Calor Autogas, the UK’s leading supplier of vehicle LPG.
The new LPG buses are used to ferry passengers, airline crews and airport staff from car parks at Gatwick airport. The new fleet, which represents the largest single order of LPG buses in the UK to date, will be fuelled at a newly installed on-site Calor Autogas bulk storage facility. Consisting of two 12 tonne tanks, the site is the biggest back to base facility installed by Calor in the UK and will provide a central fuelling point to keep the fleet operational 24 hours a day. "
BAA, owner of Gatwick airport recently awarded its airport coach contract to AirLinks, who purchased 13 new coaches powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), supplied by Calor Autogas, the UK’s leading supplier of vehicle LPG.
The new LPG buses are used to ferry passengers, airline crews and airport staff from car parks at Gatwick airport. The new fleet, which represents the largest single order of LPG buses in the UK to date, will be fuelled at a newly installed on-site Calor Autogas bulk storage facility. Consisting of two 12 tonne tanks, the site is the biggest back to base facility installed by Calor in the UK and will provide a central fuelling point to keep the fleet operational 24 hours a day. "
Total eclipse will turn Moon red-News-UK-Science-TimesOnline
Total eclipse will turn Moon red-News-UK-Science-TimesOnline: "Millions of people have the chance to see the most spectacular lunar eclipse in years tonight when the Moon will turn bright orange or red.
Lunar eclipses are when the Earth’s shadow from the Sun falls directly on the Moon and a change in the weather forecast means it is likely to be visible almost everywhere in the country. The colour of the Moon will change from silvery white to coppery red or orange as light is deflected by the Earth’s atmosphere and bounces back off the “blood moon”. "
Lunar eclipses are when the Earth’s shadow from the Sun falls directly on the Moon and a change in the weather forecast means it is likely to be visible almost everywhere in the country. The colour of the Moon will change from silvery white to coppery red or orange as light is deflected by the Earth’s atmosphere and bounces back off the “blood moon”. "
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas - Financial Markets
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas - Financial Markets PHILPASS (RTGS - REAL TIME GROSS SETTLEMENT)
Saturday, February 17, 2007
GeoHive: Global Statistics
GeoHive: Global Statistics: "GeoHive: Global Statistics
Welcome to GeoHive, a site with geopolitical data, statistics on the human population, Earth and more. The main kind of data you can find here is population statistics of regions, countries, provinces and cities. Next to that there are some statistics on economic factors like wealth, infrastructure; statistics on natural phenomena; ....... and yet, even more."
Welcome to GeoHive, a site with geopolitical data, statistics on the human population, Earth and more. The main kind of data you can find here is population statistics of regions, countries, provinces and cities. Next to that there are some statistics on economic factors like wealth, infrastructure; statistics on natural phenomena; ....... and yet, even more."
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Hinesberg Journal
Hinesberg Journal: "New mollusk species found in Philippines
2007/2
Tue Feb 6, 7:38 PM ET
MANILA, Philippines - A French-led marine expedition team believes it has discovered thousands of new species of mollusks and crustaceans around a Philippine island, officials and scientists said Monday. "
2007/2
Tue Feb 6, 7:38 PM ET
MANILA, Philippines - A French-led marine expedition team believes it has discovered thousands of new species of mollusks and crustaceans around a Philippine island, officials and scientists said Monday. "
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
The Hindu News Update Service
The Hindu News Update Service: "Yunus hits out at banking system for not lending to poor
Mumbai, Feb 3. (PTI): Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, founder of the micro-credit pioneer Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, on Friday hit out at banks for not providing loans to the poor and disadvantaged.
'Only one-third of the population has access to credit, while the rest are not creditworthy for the system. We have left two-thirds of the world poor, disadvantageous and without a starting point,' he said.
Yunus said credit, an important tool to eradicate poverty, was a human right. "
Mumbai, Feb 3. (PTI): Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, founder of the micro-credit pioneer Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, on Friday hit out at banks for not providing loans to the poor and disadvantaged.
'Only one-third of the population has access to credit, while the rest are not creditworthy for the system. We have left two-thirds of the world poor, disadvantageous and without a starting point,' he said.
Yunus said credit, an important tool to eradicate poverty, was a human right. "
Friday, January 19, 2007
"For houses, it's hip to be green"
As the cost-effectiveness of geothermal, wind and solar power goes up, so does the cachet. A number of companies are cashing in on the trend.
By Aili McConnon, BusinessWeek
More than 1 million U.S. households now warm their homes in the winter with heat from the earth instead of using furnaces or fuel lines. Elton John, Virgin Airlines chief Richard Branson and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen use ground-source energy in their homes.
Even George W. Bush has a geothermal system in his vacation home in Crawford, Texas. Designed by architect David Heymann, Prairie Chapel Ranch captures solar energy and has a cistern that gathers rainwater and wastewater, purifies it and then uses it to irrigate the greenery around the presidential vacation home.
Upscale your conscience
Reducing the size of your carbon footprint and increasing the number of renewable energy systems you use is becoming something to brag about. From geothermal systems to wind turbines to solar panels, going green is starting to get glamorous, as well as being politically correct and simply forward-thinking. As renewable and conservationist technologies become economically competitive with traditional fuels, several alternative-energy companies saw demand skyrocket in 2006.
'The green-energy movement"
As the cost-effectiveness of geothermal, wind and solar power goes up, so does the cachet. A number of companies are cashing in on the trend.
By Aili McConnon, BusinessWeek
More than 1 million U.S. households now warm their homes in the winter with heat from the earth instead of using furnaces or fuel lines. Elton John, Virgin Airlines chief Richard Branson and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen use ground-source energy in their homes.
Even George W. Bush has a geothermal system in his vacation home in Crawford, Texas. Designed by architect David Heymann, Prairie Chapel Ranch captures solar energy and has a cistern that gathers rainwater and wastewater, purifies it and then uses it to irrigate the greenery around the presidential vacation home.
Upscale your conscience
Reducing the size of your carbon footprint and increasing the number of renewable energy systems you use is becoming something to brag about. From geothermal systems to wind turbines to solar panels, going green is starting to get glamorous, as well as being politically correct and simply forward-thinking. As renewable and conservationist technologies become economically competitive with traditional fuels, several alternative-energy companies saw demand skyrocket in 2006.
'The green-energy movement"
Monday, January 15, 2007
One Laptop per Child
One Laptop per Child: "Introducing the children's laptop from One Laptop per Child—a potent learning tool created expressly for the world's poorest children living in its most remote environments. The laptop was designed collaboratively by experts from both academia and industry, bringing to bear both extraordinary talent and many decades of collective field experience in every aspect of this non-profit humanitarian project. The result is a unique harmony of form and function; a flexible, ultra low-cost, power-efficient, responsive, and durable machine with which nations of the emerging world can leapfrog decades of development—immediately transforming the content and quality of their children's learning. "
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
BBC NEWS | Technology | $100 laptop project launches 2007
BBC NEWS Technology $100 laptop project launches 2007: "$100 laptop project launches 2007
The laptop could one day cost as little as $100
The first batch of computers built for the One Laptop Per Child project could reach users by July this year.
The scheme is hoping to put low-cost computers into the hands of people in developing countries.
Ultimately the project's backers hope the machines could sell for as little as $100 (£55).
The first countries to sign up to buying the machine include Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Nigeria, Libya, Pakistan and Thailand.
The so-called XO machine is being pioneered by Nicholas Negroponte, who launched the project at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab in 2004.
Test machines are expected to reach children in February as the project builds towards a more formal launch.
Wireless networking
Mr Negroponte told the Associated Press news agency that three more African countries might sign on in the next two weeks.
The laptop is powered by a 366-megahertz processor from Advanced Micro Devices and has built-in wireless networking.
HAVE YOUR SAY
I'm 62 years old. I've seen massive changes in people's lives through technology over the years.
Ian Thompson, Spain
Send us your comments
It has no hard disk drive and instead uses 512 MB of flash memory, and has two USB ports to which more storage could be attached.
'I have to laugh when people refer to XO as a weak or crippled machine and how kids should get a 'real' one',' Mr Negroponte told AP.
'Trust me, I will give up my real one very soon and use only XO. It will be far better, in many new and important ways.'
The computer runs on a cut-down version of the open source Linux operating system and has been designe"
The laptop could one day cost as little as $100
The first batch of computers built for the One Laptop Per Child project could reach users by July this year.
The scheme is hoping to put low-cost computers into the hands of people in developing countries.
Ultimately the project's backers hope the machines could sell for as little as $100 (£55).
The first countries to sign up to buying the machine include Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Nigeria, Libya, Pakistan and Thailand.
The so-called XO machine is being pioneered by Nicholas Negroponte, who launched the project at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab in 2004.
Test machines are expected to reach children in February as the project builds towards a more formal launch.
Wireless networking
Mr Negroponte told the Associated Press news agency that three more African countries might sign on in the next two weeks.
The laptop is powered by a 366-megahertz processor from Advanced Micro Devices and has built-in wireless networking.
HAVE YOUR SAY
I'm 62 years old. I've seen massive changes in people's lives through technology over the years.
Ian Thompson, Spain
Send us your comments
It has no hard disk drive and instead uses 512 MB of flash memory, and has two USB ports to which more storage could be attached.
'I have to laugh when people refer to XO as a weak or crippled machine and how kids should get a 'real' one',' Mr Negroponte told AP.
'Trust me, I will give up my real one very soon and use only XO. It will be far better, in many new and important ways.'
The computer runs on a cut-down version of the open source Linux operating system and has been designe"
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Boracay Hotels and Spa Resorts - Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa
Boracay Hotels and Spa Resorts - Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa: "
(Opening in 2008)
Location
The Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa is located in a secure, beachfront position overlooking two breathtaking white sandy bays on the picturesque island of Boracay. The resort is just one hour's flight south of Manila, with a transfer time between the airport and resort of approximately 30 minutes.
Accommodation
The resort offers 217 rooms, including 43 villas and suites, of which 31 have a private plunge pool or Jacuzzi. All guest rooms offer spacious floor plans and ocean views from a private balcony or terrace. Villas also include a pergola for alfresco dining and a day bed for relaxation or massage."
(Opening in 2008)
Location
The Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa is located in a secure, beachfront position overlooking two breathtaking white sandy bays on the picturesque island of Boracay. The resort is just one hour's flight south of Manila, with a transfer time between the airport and resort of approximately 30 minutes.
Accommodation
The resort offers 217 rooms, including 43 villas and suites, of which 31 have a private plunge pool or Jacuzzi. All guest rooms offer spacious floor plans and ocean views from a private balcony or terrace. Villas also include a pergola for alfresco dining and a day bed for relaxation or massage."
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Building Government Monitoring and Evaluation Systems | Independent Evaluation Group
Building Government Monitoring and Evaluation Systems Independent Evaluation Group: "Government officials, development managers and civil society are increasingly aware of the value of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of development activities. M&E provides a better means of learning from past experience, improving service delivery, planning and allocating resources, and demonstrating results as part of accountability to key stakeholders. Yet there is often confusion about what M&E entails. This booklet therefore presents a sample of M&E tools, methods and approaches, including several data collection methods, analytical frameworks, and types of evaluation and review. For each of these, a summary is provided of the following: their purpose and use; advantages and disadvantages; costs, skills, and time required; and key references. The booklet discusses:
Performance indicators
The logical framework (logframe) approach
Theory-based evaluation
Formal surveys
Rapid appraisal methods
Participatory methods
Public expenditure tracking surveys
Impact evaluation
Cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysisGovernment officials, development managers and civil society are increasingly aware of the value of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of development activities. M&E provides a better means of learning from past experience, improving service delivery, planning and allocating resources, and demonstrating results as part of accountability to key stakeholders. Yet there is often confusion about what M&E entails. This booklet therefore presents a sample of M&E tools, methods and approaches, including several data collection methods, analytical frameworks, and types of evaluation and review. For each of these, a summary is provided of the following: their purpose and use; a"
Performance indicators
The logical framework (logframe) approach
Theory-based evaluation
Formal surveys
Rapid appraisal methods
Participatory methods
Public expenditure tracking surveys
Impact evaluation
Cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysisGovernment officials, development managers and civil society are increasingly aware of the value of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of development activities. M&E provides a better means of learning from past experience, improving service delivery, planning and allocating resources, and demonstrating results as part of accountability to key stakeholders. Yet there is often confusion about what M&E entails. This booklet therefore presents a sample of M&E tools, methods and approaches, including several data collection methods, analytical frameworks, and types of evaluation and review. For each of these, a summary is provided of the following: their purpose and use; a"
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
UN Humanitarian Support Team
UN Humanitarian Support Team: "Education
Source: Zimbabwe Inter-Agency Consolidated Appeal July 2003-June 2004
Sector Analysis
Education and the school environment is key to helping children in several ways including formal education, developing life skills, HIV/AIDS awareness raising, providing a protective environment and acting as a hub for delivering humanitarian assistance such as food and vaccines. However, the education system has been undermined by the serious under funding and the loss of qualified teaching and management staff to HIV/AIDS and emigration such that the quality and delivery of education is very poor in many schools. The general decline is particularly severe in areas receiving influxes of vulnerable people who are forced to migrate because of food insecurity or are adversely affected the land reform process. The education system has been unable to respond to increased demand in these areas, meaning that education as a basic right is not accessible to significant number of children."
Source: Zimbabwe Inter-Agency Consolidated Appeal July 2003-June 2004
Sector Analysis
Education and the school environment is key to helping children in several ways including formal education, developing life skills, HIV/AIDS awareness raising, providing a protective environment and acting as a hub for delivering humanitarian assistance such as food and vaccines. However, the education system has been undermined by the serious under funding and the loss of qualified teaching and management staff to HIV/AIDS and emigration such that the quality and delivery of education is very poor in many schools. The general decline is particularly severe in areas receiving influxes of vulnerable people who are forced to migrate because of food insecurity or are adversely affected the land reform process. The education system has been unable to respond to increased demand in these areas, meaning that education as a basic right is not accessible to significant number of children."
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
ADB Institute e-newsline
ADB Institute e-newsline: "Today's e-newsline Search Past Editions Print
Perspectives News Sources
POVERTY SPOTLIGHT 2006
INDONESIA: Tsunami parents forced to give up children
PRC: Harsh life of female peasants in North Jiangsu
INDIA: Child maids resigned to life of servitude
ASIA: Unsafe water imperils lives of almost half of humanity
INDIA: Turning a blind eye to bonded slavery
TIMOR LESTE: Terrible smell hangs over a nation divided
INDONESIA: Fire, disease, layoffs threaten transient poor
PRC: Cured lepers still live in colonies
TIMOR LESTE: Left to flounder in poverty and unemployment
INDIA: Midday meal scheme helps bring children to school
CAMBODIA: Land-mine victims living on the margin
KYRGYZ REP: Salvagers risk lives for a few scraps of silicon
INDIA: Child marriages persist in rural areas
INDIA: All work, no play for army of toiling kids
PAKISTAN: Villagers fall prey to kidney trade
TIMOR LESTE: Children face malnutrition and harsh conditions
MALAYSIA: Stateless children in limbo
ASIA: Improving adolescent nutrition
INDIA: Malnutrition is roadblock to development
PHILIPPINES: Sale of babies, organs highlights worsening poverty situation
CAMBODIA: Children at risk in brick factories
PRC: Escalating battle against crime in Guangzhou
INDIA: Forgotten farmers await monsoon
PHILIPPINES: Widespread worm infestation in children
INDIA: Mumbai street children fall prey to drugs
NEPAL: Awareness campaign forces traffickers to employ new tricks
INDIA: Malnutrition stunts economic growth ambitions
FIJI: Unlicensed loan sharks thriving
INDIA: Farmers opt for suicide after sowing tons of debt
NEPAL: Drought brings suffering to rural west
Perspectives News Sources
POVERTY SPOTLIGHT 2006
INDONESIA: Tsunami parents forced to give up children
PRC: Harsh life of female peasants in North Jiangsu
INDIA: Child maids resigned to life of servitude
ASIA: Unsafe water imperils lives of almost half of humanity
INDIA: Turning a blind eye to bonded slavery
TIMOR LESTE: Terrible smell hangs over a nation divided
INDONESIA: Fire, disease, layoffs threaten transient poor
PRC: Cured lepers still live in colonies
TIMOR LESTE: Left to flounder in poverty and unemployment
INDIA: Midday meal scheme helps bring children to school
CAMBODIA: Land-mine victims living on the margin
KYRGYZ REP: Salvagers risk lives for a few scraps of silicon
INDIA: Child marriages persist in rural areas
INDIA: All work, no play for army of toiling kids
PAKISTAN: Villagers fall prey to kidney trade
TIMOR LESTE: Children face malnutrition and harsh conditions
MALAYSIA: Stateless children in limbo
ASIA: Improving adolescent nutrition
INDIA: Malnutrition is roadblock to development
PHILIPPINES: Sale of babies, organs highlights worsening poverty situation
CAMBODIA: Children at risk in brick factories
PRC: Escalating battle against crime in Guangzhou
INDIA: Forgotten farmers await monsoon
PHILIPPINES: Widespread worm infestation in children
INDIA: Mumbai street children fall prey to drugs
NEPAL: Awareness campaign forces traffickers to employ new tricks
INDIA: Malnutrition stunts economic growth ambitions
FIJI: Unlicensed loan sharks thriving
INDIA: Farmers opt for suicide after sowing tons of debt
NEPAL: Drought brings suffering to rural west
ADB Institute e-newsline
ADB Institute e-newsline: "THE BOTTOM LINE: Return of the mega projects
20 June 2006
Around the same time the recently-completed Three Gorges Dam began taming the Yangtze River, the World Bank was busy changing the course of an equally potent force -- it's own development philosophy. After a two-year review, the bank decided to re-focus on infrastructure projects. Lending for basic services -- roads, power, water, sanitation and telecommunications -- will be ramped up by around $1 billion a year. Stressing the need for public sector involvement, World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz says the only way for least developed countries to shake off poverty is to stop hauling buckets. (Africans lose 40 billion productive working hours each year to carrying water.)
The Asian Development Bank is passing out the hard hats too. It is telling countries in Asia that unless they team up to improve 'physical connectivity,' the region risks losing its competitive edge in trade. The Group of Eight (G8) nations, meanwhile, warn that a lack of access to modern energy services is fast putting the Millennium Development Goals out of reach. The latest meeting of G8 finance ministers concluded with a call for more aid to help poor countries overcome 'energy poverty.'
Governments, donors and academics -- a growing chorus, all chanting the infrastructure mantra.Is this a good thing? How will it affect the pledges by the multilateral development banks (MDB) to eradicate poverty? After all, the big lenders backed off PRC's mega-dam precisely because of the potential for negative environmental impact and social costs. Should we be urging developing countries to spend billions of dollars to sink pylons and lay cable just as sustainability and pro-poor growth gets traction with policymakers? Are we about to see a rash of concrete boondoggles bligh"
20 June 2006
Around the same time the recently-completed Three Gorges Dam began taming the Yangtze River, the World Bank was busy changing the course of an equally potent force -- it's own development philosophy. After a two-year review, the bank decided to re-focus on infrastructure projects. Lending for basic services -- roads, power, water, sanitation and telecommunications -- will be ramped up by around $1 billion a year. Stressing the need for public sector involvement, World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz says the only way for least developed countries to shake off poverty is to stop hauling buckets. (Africans lose 40 billion productive working hours each year to carrying water.)
The Asian Development Bank is passing out the hard hats too. It is telling countries in Asia that unless they team up to improve 'physical connectivity,' the region risks losing its competitive edge in trade. The Group of Eight (G8) nations, meanwhile, warn that a lack of access to modern energy services is fast putting the Millennium Development Goals out of reach. The latest meeting of G8 finance ministers concluded with a call for more aid to help poor countries overcome 'energy poverty.'
Governments, donors and academics -- a growing chorus, all chanting the infrastructure mantra.Is this a good thing? How will it affect the pledges by the multilateral development banks (MDB) to eradicate poverty? After all, the big lenders backed off PRC's mega-dam precisely because of the potential for negative environmental impact and social costs. Should we be urging developing countries to spend billions of dollars to sink pylons and lay cable just as sustainability and pro-poor growth gets traction with policymakers? Are we about to see a rash of concrete boondoggles bligh"
ADB Institute e-newsline
ADB Institute e-newsline: "THE BOTTOM LINE: What can we learn from the philanthrocapitalists?
19 July 2006
Call it Philanthropy 0.2. Bill Gates is trying to take altruism out of the mansion garage and put it on a corporate footing. Thanks to a generous contribution by investment guru Warren Buffet in June, the Microsoft chairman is now overseeing a charitable foundation worth more than $60 billion. More important than its bankroll, however, is the global ambition: the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has dedicated itself to eradicating disease and poverty in developing countries using business strategies straight from Silicon Valley.
In fact, Gates and Buffet are at the vanguard of a new generation of U.S. business philanthropists supplanting the older-money foundations begun by Ford, Rockefeller, and Carnegie. True, private donations by the world's richest men are still dwarfed by the billions that move through official ODA channels every year. But it would be a mistake for the aid community to dismiss June's mega charity merger as media hype; governments listen to tycoons, and Gates says he wants to shape public policy.
So, how is philanthrocapitalism going to benefit the 'customers' -- the 1 billion people living in extreme poverty?
According to the Gates Foundation website, passion will be a big factor: 'We take risks, make big bets, and move with urgency.' Interestingly, many of the foundation's '15 guiding principles' would look at home in a corporate mission statement. The emphasis is on making the first move, innovation and focus. Not surprisingly, the role of science and technology gets heavy play, as does the need to show results.The software pioneer wants to shake up bureaucratic inertia in the aid community, relying on 'partnerships' rather than costly administration.
After six y"
19 July 2006
Call it Philanthropy 0.2. Bill Gates is trying to take altruism out of the mansion garage and put it on a corporate footing. Thanks to a generous contribution by investment guru Warren Buffet in June, the Microsoft chairman is now overseeing a charitable foundation worth more than $60 billion. More important than its bankroll, however, is the global ambition: the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has dedicated itself to eradicating disease and poverty in developing countries using business strategies straight from Silicon Valley.
In fact, Gates and Buffet are at the vanguard of a new generation of U.S. business philanthropists supplanting the older-money foundations begun by Ford, Rockefeller, and Carnegie. True, private donations by the world's richest men are still dwarfed by the billions that move through official ODA channels every year. But it would be a mistake for the aid community to dismiss June's mega charity merger as media hype; governments listen to tycoons, and Gates says he wants to shape public policy.
So, how is philanthrocapitalism going to benefit the 'customers' -- the 1 billion people living in extreme poverty?
According to the Gates Foundation website, passion will be a big factor: 'We take risks, make big bets, and move with urgency.' Interestingly, many of the foundation's '15 guiding principles' would look at home in a corporate mission statement. The emphasis is on making the first move, innovation and focus. Not surprisingly, the role of science and technology gets heavy play, as does the need to show results.The software pioneer wants to shake up bureaucratic inertia in the aid community, relying on 'partnerships' rather than costly administration.
After six y"
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Finding Shelter in the Philippines
Finding Shelter in the Philippines - CANADA INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Search Results - Developing Country Transactions - The World Bank Group
PRIVATIZATION DATABASE (PHILIPPINES) Search Results - Developing Country Transactions - The World Bank Group
Friday, November 24, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
MERCAPESCA.NET - News
MERCAPESCA.NET - News: "Philippines Install FAD’s To Boost Coastal Community Fisheries
FADs could prevent the fish stocks from multiplying since even small fish are at risk of being caught by fishermen
The Provincial Board of Sarangani recently approved the guidelines that will govern the implementation of a fishing method to attract tuna and other fish varieties across Sarangani Bay. It came over a year after the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Sarangani government headed by Sarangani governor Miguel Rene Dominguez signed a contract establishing a fish shelter project at the bay worth P5 million.
Source: Editorial Staff
17/11/2006
Send news
Printer-friendly version"
FADs could prevent the fish stocks from multiplying since even small fish are at risk of being caught by fishermen
The Provincial Board of Sarangani recently approved the guidelines that will govern the implementation of a fishing method to attract tuna and other fish varieties across Sarangani Bay. It came over a year after the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Sarangani government headed by Sarangani governor Miguel Rene Dominguez signed a contract establishing a fish shelter project at the bay worth P5 million.
Source: Editorial Staff
17/11/2006
Send news
Printer-friendly version"
About FinCEN : Overview
About FinCEN : Overview: "As reflected in its name, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is a network, a means of bringing people and information together to fight the complex problem of money laundering. Since its creation in 1990, FinCEN has worked to maximize information sharing among law enforcement agencies and its other partners in the regulatory and financial communities. Working together is critical in succeeding against today's criminals. No organization, no agency, no financial institution can do it alone. Through cooperation and partnerships, FinCEN's network approach encourages cost-effective and efficient measures to combat money laundering domestically and internationally.
Mission
Organization
About the Director
Strategic Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Careers
Financial Institutions Hotline "
Mission
Organization
About the Director
Strategic Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Careers
Financial Institutions Hotline "
Friday, November 17, 2006
Documents & Reports - Search Results
Documents & Reports - Search Results - PHILIPPINES / WORLD BANK
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Friday, June 16, 2006
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
: "
Biotech
Broadband
B2B?Internet
Europe 2001
Internet
Internet?
Architecture
Internet?
Infrastructure
Market?2000+
Oil Services
Pharmaceutical
Regional?Bank
Retail
Semiconductor
Software
Telecom
Utilities
Wireless
HOLDRS can offer real value to investors of all kinds: to fans of indexing, to tax-conscious investors, to cost-sensitive investors, to sector investors and to active stock pickers. Use HOLDRS to achieve your financial objectives more effectively:
HOLDRS as an inexpensive way to own a basket of stocks. Financial and Internet technologies are dramatically lowering the cost of trading and owning stocks. HOLDRS are at the forefront of this revolution. You buy HOLDRS just like a stock. With each HOLDR, you get ownership in 20 or more stocks, but you pay only a single commission. And the annual fees on HOLDRS are inexpensive�only eight cents per HOLDR. Assuming you bought 100 shares of a HOLDR with a market price of $100, the annual fee on your $10,000 investment would be $8 (or 0.08%, expressed as a percentage). And it can get even better: The annual fee is waived to the extent that dividends and cash distributions on the underlying stocks are not enough to cover the fee.
HOLDRS as an alternative to index funds. Are you serious about having low taxes and low fees on your investments? For good reason, indexing has been your traditional answer. But even index funds need to trade their portfolios in order to meet investor redemptions, satisfy fund concentration limits or match changes to an index. This trading frequently increases costs and could impose tax liabilities on investors"
Biotech
Broadband
B2B?Internet
Europe 2001
Internet
Internet?
Architecture
Internet?
Infrastructure
Market?2000+
Oil Services
Pharmaceutical
Regional?Bank
Retail
Semiconductor
Software
Telecom
Utilities
Wireless
HOLDRS can offer real value to investors of all kinds: to fans of indexing, to tax-conscious investors, to cost-sensitive investors, to sector investors and to active stock pickers. Use HOLDRS to achieve your financial objectives more effectively:
HOLDRS as an inexpensive way to own a basket of stocks. Financial and Internet technologies are dramatically lowering the cost of trading and owning stocks. HOLDRS are at the forefront of this revolution. You buy HOLDRS just like a stock. With each HOLDR, you get ownership in 20 or more stocks, but you pay only a single commission. And the annual fees on HOLDRS are inexpensive�only eight cents per HOLDR. Assuming you bought 100 shares of a HOLDR with a market price of $100, the annual fee on your $10,000 investment would be $8 (or 0.08%, expressed as a percentage). And it can get even better: The annual fee is waived to the extent that dividends and cash distributions on the underlying stocks are not enough to cover the fee.
HOLDRS as an alternative to index funds. Are you serious about having low taxes and low fees on your investments? For good reason, indexing has been your traditional answer. But even index funds need to trade their portfolios in order to meet investor redemptions, satisfy fund concentration limits or match changes to an index. This trading frequently increases costs and could impose tax liabilities on investors"
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