France rules out Google tax deal, more firms could be targeted
Google, McDonald’s and other multinational firms such as Starbucks are under increasing pressure in Europe from public opinion and governments angry at the way businesses exploit their presence around the world to minimise the tax they pay. French authorities recently raided the Paris headquarters of Google and McDonald’s escalating an investigation on suspicions of tax evasion. France will ‘go all the way’ to ensure that multinationals operating on its soil pay their taxes and more cases could follow, Finance Minister Michel Sapin said. Sapin ruled out negotiating any deal with Google on back taxes, as Britain did in January. Meanwhile, the European Commission is investigating tax deals that Amazon and Apple reached in Luxembourg and Ireland. It has also accused the Netherlands of allowing Starbucks to avoid more than $30 million in taxes. (Washington Post & Reuters)
Human Rights
Human Rights Watch calls for legally binding rules for business
Delegates at the 2016 International Labour Conference should initiate a process to develop a binding, international convention to protect human rights in global supply chains, Human Rights Watch (HRW) says in a new report. The organisation says that many businesses’ insufficient human rights due diligence has allowed abuses to proliferate. “Voluntary standards on human rights and business are not enough,” said Juliane Kippenberg, associate children’s rights director at HRW. “Some companies embrace them, but others don’t care and ignore their human rights responsibilities.” HRW said initiatives such as the Dodd Frank Act in the United States or Britain’s Modern Slavery Act, which require companies to disclose information about their supply chains, have improved supply chain transparency. (Human Rights Watch)
Corporate Reputation
Airbnb targeted by group alleging racism
Airbnb foes are stepping up their attack with a new campaign that claims the room-rental site has a race problem. A 30-second TV spot is narrated by a black Airbnb user who says she is constantly turned down by racist hosts. The campaign is funded by ShareBetter.org, a coalition of politicians, housing advocates and hotel companies. Earlier this month, Airbnb was sued by a black man in Washington federal court, claiming he was rejected by a host because of his race. “We are committed to doing everything we can to create a community that is fair for everyone,” Airbnb said. “We have not seen this ad, but we know the big hotel lobbyists who paid for it will do all they can to mislead people about Airbnb.” Airbnb has previously accused the campaign of being an attempt by the hotel industry to eliminate competition. (NYPost)
Climate Change
Make building standards top priority for tackling climate change, says IEA chief
Buildings currently being constructed in developing countries are locking the world into high greenhouse gas emissions. Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, said that number one priority in tackling climate change must be to ensure those buildings meet higher standards of efficiency and safety. “There are many economic benefits to mandating standards, and this can be done by governments very easily,” said Birol. Better windows, more efficient air conditioning systems, thicker walls and higher quality of materials and design would all result in efficiency savings. Birol also called on governments to provide greater incentives for key emissions-reducing technologies, such as electric vehicles, greater energy efficiency, and renewable power. (Guardian)
Extreme weather increasing level of toxins in food, scientists warn
A new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says that crops are generating more potential toxins as a reaction to protect themselves from extreme weather. These chemical compounds are harmful to people and animals if consumed for a prolonged period of time. Prolonged drought can lead to accumulation of toxic nitrates and hydrogen cyanide in certain crops. Meanwhile, shifting weather patterns as a result of climate change are leading to the spread of moulds that produce harmful aflatoxins. UNEP’s Jacqueline McGlade said about 4.5 billion people in developing countries are exposed to aflatoxins each year. The report proposes a list of eight ideas farmers and agricultural experts can adopt to try to limit damage from more crop toxins, such as mapping contamination hotspots and building better evidence about what is happening now with the toxins in their area. (Eco-business)
Image source: Barley cereal by Unsplash / Public Domain
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