India’s environment worst among large developing nations
India has emerged as Asia’s worst environmental performer, ranking 155th out of 178 countries in the 2014 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) by Yale University. The country performed worst among other large emerging economies that make up the BRICS bloc, with China ranking 118th, Brazil 77th, Russia, at 73rd, and South Africa at 72nd. India’s performance lags most notably in the protection of human health from environmental harm. Results showed that India’s air quality is among the worst in the world, tying with China in terms of the proportion of the population exposed to air pollution levels that exceed World Health Organization thresholds. Angel Hsu of the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy said that, “very low GDP per capita coupled with the second highest population in the world means India’s environmental challenge is more formidable than that faced by other emerging economies.” (CleanBiz.Asia)
Procter & Gamble commits to removing phosphates from laundry detergents
Global goods manufacturer, Procter & Gamble has announced that it plans to eliminate phosphates from all of its laundry detergents within two years. The company claims a majority share of the North American laundry detergent market and more than 25 percent of the global market share. P&G has already eliminated phosphates in laundry detergent sold across the US and Europe, meaning that this change will have the greatest impact on developing countries that do not currently have regulations limiting phosphates in detergents. Phosphates are added to laundry detergents to soften water. However, when introduced to lakes or rivers, they can cause environmental damage, including algae blooms, low oxygen levels and fish deaths. Giovanni Ciserani, president of global fabric and home care at P&G, said that, “it’s a win-win when you offer consumers a better product which is also environmentally friendlier.” (Guardian)
International Development
UK shifts African aid focus to economic development
The UK has announced a shake-up of aid programmes in Africa and Southeast Asia, shifting away from traditional aid programmes, and doubling funding for economic development, concentrating on economic growth and creating jobs. The British shift comes after Japan and the US announced their aims to link the aid they provide to poorer countries more closely with business opportunities. Justine Greening, head of the UK’s Department for International Development, announced that “economic development is, without question, the only way countries can leave behind enduring and chronic poverty for good.” Companies such as Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, Tesco and Asda will participate in several new programmes in line with this shift, as non-governmental organisations were encouraged to embrace the private sector. Greening said that “this approach recognises that businesses are crucial to a country’s development. They bring vital investment, taxes and innovation and they provide jobs and economic opportunities for the communities where they operate.” (Guardian, FT*)
Employees
UK banks back charity to help recruit disadvantaged
Thousands of teenagers from low-income backgrounds will be encouraged to consider a career in banking, under a new £2.75 million scheme backed by Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and DeutscheBank. The ‘Pathways to Banking’ programme, run by social mobility charity the Sutton Trust, targets disadvantaged students, guiding them towards relevant exam subjects and degrees for a future career in financial services, while banking professionals will contribute mentoring, work experience and careers advice. Banks have also agreed to review their recruitment practices to help them access a wider pool of high-calibre students. The scheme was prompted by research from Boston Consulting Group showing that more than half of the leaders in financial services were educated at private schools, compared with 7 per cent of the UK’s school population. Lee Elliot Major, a director at the Sutton Trust said that, “we need to change the perception about what’s on offer and the many different types of job that are available.” (FT*)
Energy
Energy myths undermining efficiency efforts
A survey from the Energy Saving Trust concludes that the British public are clinging to a series of “myths” about energy saving that are undermining efforts to cut energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and tackle fuel poverty. The survey found that 30 percent of people believe that computer screensavers deliver energy savings, while 45 percent think that switched-off electrical appliances do not use energy, even when they are plugged in. Half of all UK homeowners mistakenly believe that it is cheaper to leave their heating on all day than it is to turn it on or off. However, the survey revealed that people were right on a number of energy saving issues; three quarters of respondents knew that energy saving bulbs are compatible with standard light fittings and 69 percent knew that solar panels work even in cloudy conditions. The Energy Saving Trust says that the UK could collectively save almost £4.4 billion on energy bills if homeowners took simple energy saving actions. (BusinessGreen)
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