Jobs and social security needed as income inequality widens, UNDP warns
The pace of global development has slowed due to income inequality, fluctuations in food prices, natural disasters and conflict, according to the latest flagship report of the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The report, based on the latest human development index rankings, calls for investment in jobs and social security, and the introduction of laws that offer vulnerable people greater protection. It states that while economic inequality has eased in some countries, the combined wealth of the world’s 85 richest people equals that of the 3.5 billion poorest, or half the Earth’s population. Helen Clark, head of the UNDP said: “unless people’s vulnerability is systematically addressed, progress will not be equitable or sustainable”. A fairer distribution of profits and a greater emphasis on preparedness are listed in the report as long-term goals to bring about sustainable development. “Unless and until vulnerabilities are addressed effectively, and all people enjoy the opportunity to share in human development progress, development advances will be neither equitable nor sustainable,” Clark said. (The Guardian)
Environment
Hovis unveils sugarcane-based bread bag
UK bread brand Hovis has announced that it has rolled out a new plant-based bread bag across its Seed Sensation range in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. This is the first product in Hovis’ range to be re-launched using renewable polyethylene (plant-based polyethylene). According to Hovis, the new packaging has a 75% lower product carbon footprint than traditional bags made with plastic from non-renewable fossil sources. Hovis worked with packaging firm Amcor Flexibles to develop the new bread bags. Hovis marketing manager Richard McQuillan said: “We knew we had a breakthrough proposition with the new renewable PE bread bag and have been able to work closely with Amcor Flexibles to maximise the development”. The carbon footprint of the product has been certified by the Carbon Trust. McQuillan said that Hovis will be communicating about the reduction in carbon footprint “on pack and on our website so that our consumers understand the importance of this change for the environment”. (Edie)
Greenpeace forecasts China’s energy plans to worsen climate change
China’s plans for 50 coal gasification plants will produce an estimated 1.1 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year and contribute significantly to climate change, according to a report released by Greenpeace East Asia. The plants, aimed in part at reducing pollution from coal-fired power plants in China’s largest cities, will shift that pollution to other regions, mostly in the northwest, and generate enormous amounts of carbon dioxide. Many scientists have criticized the process and said its use would be even worse for global climate conditions than burning coal. There would be a net growth of 3.77 million tons per year in carbon dioxide emissions and an increase of 24 million tons in water consumption, the study found. Ma Wen, a Greenpeace researcher on coal-to-gas projects, said: “It doesn’t seem that Beijing is fully aware that western China… [doesn’t] have the environmental or water capacity to accommodate its coal-to-gas initiative, or that by 2030 the projects in total could produce almost 1.1 billion tons of carbon dioxide every year.” (New York Times)
Employment
India announces the planting of two billion trees along its highways, creating jobs for youths
India’s Rural Development Ministry will potentially employ up to 300,000 youths to plant two billion trees along the nation’s motorways. Nitin Jairam Gadkari, the road transport, highways, shipping and rural development minister announced the plans. The scheme “would create jobs for the unemployed on the one hand and protect the environment on the other” he said. According to data collected in 2010 by the World Health Organisation, youth unemployment in India stands at around 10.2 percent – while the country is also home to six of the world’s most polluted cities. The trees could also be an effective agent in tackling pollution and the roadside woods will act as carbon trappers, leading to general improvements in the nation’s health. This initiative supports the new Indian government’s ambitious plans to both develop the sub-continent’s economy while achieving environmental goals. India is currently investing heavily in solar power, with the intention to supply electricity to India’s 4 million households who currently live without it. The minister also stressed the need for water conservation to avoid water scarcity issues. (Blue & Green Tomorrow)
Renewable Energy
Illinois supports start-ups with new Clean Energy Fund
Early state clean energy businesses based in Illinois will soon get a lift from the state’s new revolving equity fund. The Clean Energy Fund will give start-ups $100,000 to $500,000 in areas such as smart grid technology, next-generation transportation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water resource management. Half of the initial $4.6 million seeded to the fund comes from federal funds granted for this purpose to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The other half will be raised from private investors through fundraising efforts of the Clean Energy Trust – an organisation that offers business development assistance to clean energy start-ups that have a clear path to commercialisation. Governor Pat Quinn said: “This initiative will combine state and private sector investments to help clean-energy start-ups create new jobs while leading Illinois toward a more sustainable future.” (Sustainable Business; ChicagoInno)
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