Food companies accused of using tobacco’s tricks to protect profits
Global food and drink companies are using techniques pioneered by the tobacco industry to undermine public health policies designed to combat obesity, diabetes and alcohol-related illnesses, a new study, by the Lancet, claims. Multinational firms have distorted research finding, paid large sums to build relationships with health bodies and lobbied governments to block health regulations, according to the paper. The study also found that the 10 largest companies now control more than 15 percent of all food sales – three quarters of which are made up of highly processed foods such as frozen pizzas, burgers, biscuits and fizzy drinks – and calls for greater regulation of the food industry. (Independent)
CEO of Finmeccanica held on corruption charges
The chief executive of the Italian aerospace and defence firm, Finmeccanica, has been arrested on corruption charges. Giuseppe Orsi has been under investigation for embezzlement for several months, with prosecutors alleging that he profited illegally from the sale of 12 helicopters to India. Mr Orsi has always denied any wrongdoing, a position supported by Finmeccanica. It is the latest in a string of corporate scandals to hit Italy – including risky trades at the bank Monti Paschi di Siena and allegations of bribery at the oil services group Saipem. (BBC, Financial Times*)
Environment
Global wind power capacity grows 20 percent
Wind power capacity expanded by almost 20 percent in 2012 to reach a new peak of 282 gigawatts (GW) of total installed capacity, while solar power reached more than 100GW, more than doubling in two years. China and the US lead the way when it comes to growth in wind power, while Germany, India and the UK also showed impressive growth. The statistics, produced by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), also showed that the UK is by far the world leader in offshore wind deployment. (Green Wise)
Energy access as millennium development goal
A sustainable development summit in India has endorsed the idea of making access to energy a new millennium development goal (MDG) after 2015. The Delhi Sustainable Development Summit ended with a promise to report to the UN General Assembly in September. 'The target should be to ensure energy access to all,' said Lise Grande, the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in India. Ms Grande said the goal should include energy efficiency, contribution to growth while avoiding environmental fallouts, affordable technology and getting private and public sectors to work together to promote energy security.(Environmental Expert)
U.S. Environment Agency releases first climate adaptation plan
For the first time, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has publicly released a draft plan on how the department’s programmes will adapt to global warming, in a move that could lay additional groundwork for important new emissions policy from the Agency. The Agency has emerged at the frontlines of Washington’s attempts to push through stricter climate-related regulations while circumventing the U.S. Congress, which remains divided over global warming. Environmental campaigners have welcomed the step. (IPS)
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