The International Monetary Foundation cut its forecast for the global economy as Europe slips into a recession and growth cools in China and India. The world economy will expand 3.3% this year and 3.9% in 2013, compared with September forecasts of 4% and 4.5%, the IMF said. The euro area may enter a “mild recession” this year and contract 0.5% compared with a previous estimate of a 1.1% expansion. The United States outlook was held at 1.8% growth. “The near-term outlook has noticeably deteriorated,” the IMF said in an update of its World Economic Outlook report. “The global recovery is threatened by intensifying strains in the euro area and fragilities elsewhere.”
New report forecasts advances in the green technologies industry
Global Industry Analysts has released a new global outlook on the Green Technologies Industry. The report focuses on how “economic activity that violates the laws of sustainability is driving the acceptance and adoption of green technologies worldwide.” The report predicts that renewable chemicals, clean energy technologies (such as wind, solar and hydro), hybrid automotive power train technology, and green IT practices, among others, are expected to see the strongest growth.
Youth participating in community program show improvements
New data from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the largest youth mentoring organisation in America, substantiate that the national mentoring programme has positive academic, socio-emotional and behavioural outcomes for youth who face adversity. The first Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Outcomes Report shows statistically significant improvements for youth during the first year of enrolment in the organisation’s nationwide mentoring programme in three targeted outcome areas – educational success, avoidance of risky behaviours, and socio-emotional competency.
Sustainability takes centre stage as new reporting guidance is launched
Event organisers can now report on key sustainability issues thanks to new guidance published by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The new Event Organizers Sector Supplement (EOSS) aims to make reporting more relevant for event organisers by defining how to provide qualitative and quantitative information on sustainability issues. The guidance helps event organisers report on more specific issues including attendee travel, legacy of the event, and initiatives taken at the event to promote sustainability and transparency.
RBC announces CAD $20 million in commitments to new social and environmental initiative
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) today announced a CAD $20 million commitment to a new social and environmental initiative aimed at facilitating solutions to social and environmental problems. “Impact finance” describes a range of financial vehicles and services that use private capital to finance solutions to social and environmental challenges while generating financial return, it is expected to help drive the next wave of innovation and productivity growth in the global economy.
Vodacom has unveiled the completed Vodafone Site Solutions Innovation Centre, the first ever 6-star Green Star SA rated building in South Africa, at its head office in Midrand. The Green Building Council of South Africa rating the centre as the greenest building in Africa. The Centre is a carbon neutral building that will house a team of 12 experts who will look at technological ways to reduce the company’s carbon footprint across the globe as well as reduce the cost of rolling out and maintaining cellular networks.
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