China set to elevate environment over economy in new law
Smog-hit China is set to pass a new law that would give Beijing more powers to shut polluting factories and punish officials, and even place protected regions off-limits to industrial development, scholars with knowledge of the situation said. Long-awaited amendments to China’s 1989 Environmental Protection Law are expected to be finalised later this year, giving the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) greater authority to take on polluters. While some details of the fourth draft are still under discussion, it has been agreed that the principle of prioritising the environment above the economy will be enshrined in law, according to scholars who have been involved in the process. The fourth draft is due to be completed within weeks. “(Upholding) environmental protection as the fundamental principle is a huge change, and emphasises that the environment is a priority,” said Cao Mingde, a law professor at the China University of Political Science and Law, who was involved in the drafting process. (Reuters)
Supply Chain
Women make more rigorous supply chain auditors, study says
Researchers have analysed data from nearly 17,000 private sector supply chain audits to determine the effect that individual auditors have on factory assessments in developing countries. Private sector social auditors have been under increasing scrutiny in recent years, following a number of disasters at factories in Bangladesh and Pakistan which occurred despite auditors approving working conditions. The researchers, from Harvard Business School and UC Hastings College of Law, found that the results of audits varied considerably depending on factors such as whether even a single member of the audit team had participated in an earlier audit of the same facility, and how experienced auditors were. The study also found that auditing teams with at least one woman cited significantly more violations overall. The researchers cite sociological studies which say that women are more likely to “go by the book” than men, and that gender diversity improves team performance. They also quote anecdotal evidence that female workers are more willing to talk openly with women auditors, making it more likely they will share information about poor working conditions. (The Guardian)
Human Rights
Environmental activists being killed in increasing numbers
A survey released this week by the NGO Global Witness says that the murders of activists protecting land rights and the environment have soared dramatically in recent years. The report – the first comprehensive one of its kind – says that only 10 killers of 908 environmental activists slain around the world over the past decade have been convicted, while noting that the actual toll of victims around the world is probably far higher since field investigations in a number of African and Asian nations are difficult or impossible. The rising deaths, along with non-lethal violence, are attributed to intensifying competition for shrinking resources in a global economy, abetted by authorities and security forces in some countries connected to powerful individuals, companies and others behind the killings. “Many of those facing threats are ordinary people opposing land grabs, mining operations and the industrial timber trade, often forced from their homes and severely threatened by environmental devastation,” the report said. (CBS News)
Responsible Investment
Campaigners call for clarity in Green Bond Principles
A coalition of campaigners has called for further clarification in the recently-launched Green Bond Principles. The Green Bond Principles were unveiled in January and signed by 13 investment banks, including Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs and HSBC. The principles serve as voluntary guidelines on the recommended process for the development and insurance of green bonds, which are used to fund environmental projects such as renewable energy and habitat restoration. According to figures from the Climate Bonds Initiative, the market for green bonds, reached a record $10 billion in 2013. But NGO network BankTrack has published a letter – which is co-signed by Friends of the Earth US, the Rainforest Action Network, International Rivers, Global Witness and others – calling on the banks supporting the initiative to ensure high standards are upheld. BankTrack argues those using the principles should reference clear definitions of what can and cannot be considered ‘green’, and projects should be subject to third-party verification. (Blue & Green Tomorrow)
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